Weekly Newsletter June 3rd - June 9th

Current Events: Worried investors are anxiously awaiting the performance of the financial markets this week in response to last week's downslide. After Friday's huge sell-off across all major U.S. indexes, fear and doubt is likely to ensue. Many are suggesting that Friday's close will trigger an avalanche of sell signals Monday and throughout the week. The lofty gains experienced in the U.S. markets earlier this year have been almost completely erased in all major indexes.

What to Look for This Week

All eyes will be on any and all developments out of Europe, as well as any reactions from the U.S. Federal Reserve after the large dip last week, which has given already nervous investors to many more reasons to worry. Certainly the anxiety deepens over the euro-zone and U.S. economies as investors seek tangible answers. While it is unlikely, some hints of possible answers may come on Thursday as Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke testifies before Congress.

News Affecting the Markets

The surprisingly weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs data plummeted the U.S. markets on Friday. However, this devastating news did not impact the U.S. alone. The disappointing jobs data has created fresh doubt about the global economy as well, causing the financial markets throughout the entire world to tumble. Many are now anticipating that the U.S. Federal Reserve will go ahead with a counter to the recent poor economic performance with a QE3 stimulus plan.

Smart Investing

Manage the Hidden Fees in Your Life: Unwanted fees have a way of taking their toll on budgets. They appear every month, neatly hidden among the lines of legitimate charges from banks, credit card issuers, brokerages, etc. Each one separately may not amount to much, but add them all together and the costs become significant. To be sure, some fees are unwanted but not unwarranted. Count late fees on mortgages and overdraft fees on checking accounts among that number; they're certainly pesky, but they are the result of untidy financial management. More than one a year should spark consumers to take a closer look at the way they handle money. Some hidden fees, however, can be trimmed in a few simple steps. Hidden fees you should consider reducing/eliminating include maintenance fees, fiduciary fees, cramming fees, garbage fees, ATM fees, and credit card annual fees. While these types of fees may not seem like much individually, collectively they reduce your disposable income. As a result, the amount you have readily available to invest decreases, hindering to some degree the amount you can spend elsewhere, such as towards your investments.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: Dollar General Corp (DG) {After the close}

Tuesday: FuelCell Energy Inc (FCEL) {After the close}, JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd (JASO) {After the close}, Ulta Salon Cosmetics and Fragrance Inc (ULTA) {After the close}

Wednesday: Hovnanian Enterprises Inc (HOV), Men's Wearhouse Inc (MW) {After the close}, Pall Corp (PLL) {After the close}, Rosetta Genomics Ltd (ROSG)

Thursday: Altera Corp (ALTR) {After the close}, J. M. Smucker Co (SJM), Navistar International Corp (NAV), Pep Boys-Manny Moe & Jack (PBY), Quiksilver Inc (ZQK)

Friday: Oracle Corp (ORCL)

* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

Economic Data this Week

Monday
Factory Orders @ 10:00 AM for April (Est. = -0.3% to 0.1%, Prior = -1.9%)

Tuesday
ISM Services @ 10:00 AM for May (Est. = 52.0 to 53.0, Prior = 53.5)

Wednesday
MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 06/02 (Est. = n/a, Prior = -1.3%)

Crude Oil Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 06/02 (Est. = n/a, Prior = 2.213M)

Fed Beige Book @ 2:00 PM for May (Est. = n/a, Prior = n/a)

Thursday
Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 06/02 (Est. = 375K, Prior = 383K)

Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 05/26 (Est. = 3,250K, Prior = 3,242K)

Consumer Credit @ 2:00 PM for April (Est. = $10.0B to $12.7B, Prior = $21.4B)

Friday
Wholesale Inventories @ 10:00 AM for April (Est. = 0.2% to 0.5%, Prior = 0.3%)

Weekly Newsletter May 27th - June 2nd

Current Events: The old adage, "sell in May, and go away" has proven to be true once again as the U.S. markets attempt to limp away with only relatively minor losses for the month. The announcement of the unemployment rate on Friday will kick start the month of June and will certainly catch the eyes of many investors looking to determine if the selling onslaught witnessed in May will spill over into June.

What to Look for This Week

With Greek polls signaling a commitment to the euro currency, the chances of more global stimulus in Greece increases. Political polls in Greece show that the conservative New Democracy party is ahead of the anti-bailout, left-wing Syriza. Answers will undoubtedly soon come on whether Greece will stay committed to austerity measures and remain in the euro zone, as the debt-laden nation will hold an election June 17.

News Affecting the Markets

Spain nationalized Bankia (its third-largest bank) will have to find a new path to recapitalize after European Central Bank rejects a proposal to use government debt. Under a proposal, Spain planned sink billions of euros in its bonds into the ailing bank with an eye to swapping them out for cash at the European Central Bank’s three-month refinancing window. Such a plan would have allowed the country to sidestep having to raise the money in the bond markets.

Smart Investing

Look Deeper than a P/E Ratio: Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratios are a very handy snapshot to gauge whether a stock is cheap or expensive. But they do not tell the whole story, and on occasion can be misleading. If you take a few more steps, you can truly assess a stock's value relative to the profits being generated. This would be free cash flow. Understanding this concept can help you avoid bad investments and target good ones. The P/E ratio came into fashion in the late 1920s as investors had no idea how to value the stocks they were buying. We've come a long way since then, yet the EPS and the P/E ratio still dominate the headlines. Take the extra step and calculate the free cash flow ratio and the free cash flow yield. Stocks that look attractive by these measures will help your portfolio to hold its own in bear markets and appreciate in bull markets.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: No major earnings announcements.

Tuesday: DryShips Inc (DRYS) {After the close}, Perfect World Co Ltd (PWRD) {After the close}

Wednesday: Cosan Limited (CZZ) {After the close}, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp (LGF) {After the close}, Quiksilver Inc (ZQK), TiVo Inc (TIVO) {After the close}

Thursday: Ciena Corp (CIEN), Joy Global Inc (JOY), Vera Bradley Inc (VRA) {After the close}

Friday: Charming Shoppes Inc (CHRS)

* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

Economic Data this Week

Monday
No announcements scheduled.

Tuesday
Consumer Confidence @ 10:00 AM for May (Actual = 64.9)

Wednesday
MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 05/26 (Est. = N/A, Prior = 3.8%)
Pending Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for April (Est. = 0.6% to 2.0%, Prior = 4.1%)

Thursday
Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 05/26 (Est. = 365K to 368K, Prior = 370K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 05/19 (Est. = 3,250K, Prior = 3,260K)
Chicago PMI @ 9:45 AM for April (Est. = 55.0 to 57.0, Prior = 56.2)
Crude Oil Inventories @ 11:00 AM for 05/26 (Est. = N/A, Prior = 0.883M)

Friday
Unemployment Rate @ 9:55 AM for May (Est. = 8.0% to 8.1%, Prior = 8.1%)
ISM Index @ 9:55 AM for May (Est. = 53.0 to 54.0, Prior = 54.8)
Construction Spending @ 9:55 AM for May (Est. = 0.0% to 0.5%, Prior = 0.1%)
Auto Sales @ 2:00 PM for May (Prior = 5.0M)
Truck Sales @ 2:00 PM for May (Prior = 6.0M)

Weekly Newsletter May 20th - May 26th

Current Events: The U.S. financial markets struggled the entire week, ultimately incurring hefty losses for the week across all major indexes. The uncertainty about Greece's debt crisis continues to plague the financial markets throughout the world, and was the main contributor to the U.S. stocks worst week of the year. Investors will undoubtedly watch closely as new attempts to resolve euro zone debt crisis in Greece. A favorable resolution to the difficulties experienced in Europe must occur for the U.S. economy to a chance to continue its path to recovery.

What to Look for This Week

While a slew of retailers are set to announce earnings this week, most investors will be focused on the progress of the world-recognized social networking giant Facebook, Inc. as it starts its first full week of trading after going public with its IPO on Friday. The company sold an impressive 421.2 million shares in its IPO, with trading volume at the end of the session reaching about 567 million. The scattered release of housing data throughout the week will also captivate worried investors attempting to gauge the health of the U.S. economy.

News Affecting the Markets

On Friday Federal regulators shut down the Alabama Trust Bank in Sylacauga, Alabama. For the U.S., this marks the 24th bank failure of the year in which it has suffered. The FDIC stated late Friday that the Southern States Bank has agreed to buy the bank's $51.6 million in assets and $45.1 million in deposits. The FDIC estimates the cost to its deposit-insurance fund at $8.9 million. While the effects of the failure experienced on Friday are isolated and contained, the rising number of U.S. bank failures further contributes to the uncertainty most investors are feeling. Such a lingering feeling can prove to be dangerous if combined with a major catalyst, like a severing of EU ties to Greece.

Smart Investing

Hedge Fund Type of Investing for the Small Investor: Hedge funds provide critical strategies to hedge against market risks that could benefit every portfolio; everyone could use a little protection against a market meltdown. Aside from minimal regulation and the high minimum investment, hedge funds are similar to mutual funds. It is the strategies they employ that are the main difference. Hedge fund managers have greater flexibility over their funds' investments. A typical mutual fund manager will be limited by set asset allocations (say, 70% stocks and 30% bonds). A hedge fund's investments, on the other hand, are up to the sole discretion of the manager. In recent years many mutual funds have emerged that use similar strategies as that of hedge fund managers. Look out for them and invest cautiously. No more than 10% of your portfolio should invest in any of these off-market strategies, but they are structured to provide stable returns even in a declining market.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: Campbell Soup Co (CPB), Chimera Investment Corp (CIM), Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc (KKD), Lowe's Companies Inc (LOW), Tidewater Inc (TDW), Urban Outfitters Inc (URBN) {After the close}

Tuesday: Analog Devices Inc (ADI) {After the close}, Autozone Inc (AZO), Avago Technologies Ltd (AVGO) {After the close}, Best Buy Co Inc (BBY), Collective Brands Inc (PSS) {After the close}, Compuware Corp (CPWR), Dell Inc (DELL), Express Inc (EXPR), GUESS? Inc (GES), Medtronic Inc (MDT), Ralph Lauren Corp (RL), Take-Two Interactive Software Inc (TTWO) {After the close}, Williams Sonoma Inc (WSM)

Wednesday: American Eagle Outfitters Inc (AEO), Big Lots Inc (BIG), Eaton Vance Corp (EV), EverBank Financial Corp (EVER) {After the close}, Hewlett-Packard Co (HPQ), Hormel Foods Corp (HRL), NetApp Inc (NTAP) {After the close}, Pandora Media Inc (P), PVH Corp (PVH) {After the close}, Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd (STP), Toll Brothers Inc (TOL), Trina Solar Ltd (TSL)

Thursday: Costco Wholesale Corp (COST), H.J. Heinz Co (HNZ), Signet Jewelers Ltd (SIG), Tiffany & Co (TIF), VeriFone Systems Inc (PAY) {After the close}

Friday: Mentor Graphics Corp (MENT)

* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

Economic Data this Week

Monday
No announcements scheduled.

Tuesday

Existing Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for April (Est. = 4.65M to 4.80M, Prior = 4.48M)

Wednesday
MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 05/19 (Est. = N/A, Prior = 1.7%)
New Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for April (Est. = 340K, Prior = 328K)
FHFA Housing Price Index @ 10:00 AM for March (Est. = N/A, Prior = 0.3%)
Crude Oil Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 05/19 (Est. = N/A, Prior = 2.128M)

Thursday
Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 05/19 (Est. = 365K, Prior = 367K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 05/12 (Est. = 3,250K, Prior = 3,229K)
Durable Hours @ 8:30 AM for April (Est. = -1.5% to 0.3%, Prior = -3.9%)

Friday
Michigan Sentiment @ 9:55 AM for May (Est. = 77.0 to 77.5, Prior = 77.8)

Weekly Newsletter May 13th - May 19th

Current Events: For the eighth session out of nine, the U.S. stock markets close down for the day. The current slide has the U.S. markets at more than three-month lows as feared investors worry about Greece’s potential exit from the euro zone. Those investors who remain bullish are eagerly looking towards the plethora of retail earnings scheduled for release this week to give the U.S. markets the surge needed to break out of the current downtrend.

What to Look for This Week

The Stoxx Europe 600 index fell about 2% Monday as fears grow that Greece could soon be ousted from the euro zone. The failure of Greek party leaders to reach an agreement to form a unity government stirred fresh carnage across financial markets as euro-zone finance ministers meet in Brussels. The likely confrontation Greece faces with its international creditors has investors watching every move. The chances for a last-minute deal for a coalition government look increasingly remote. With investors aggressively discarding their possession of banking and resource shares the financial markets around the world experienced the aftermath. This could mark just the beginning if confirmation of an ousting is announced.

News Affecting the Markets

The J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. chief investment officer, Ina Drew has decided to retire after working more than 30 years with the bank. The resignation comes after the world-renowned bank incurred a trading loss of more than $2 billion. She has become the first high-ranking casualty involved in the scandal that has dented the bank’s reputation and prompted fresh calls for tighter financial regulation. CEO Jamie Dimon now looks to convince shareholders and the world that the company was duped by a rogue and reckless team, and the overly-aggressive acts of those involved do not represent the common practice of the blue chip. Thus far, investors appear timid and have shied away from the banking stock as dipped each day since the catastrophic, yet captivating financial news was released.

Smart Investing

Manage Your Broker: It is no surprise that the investment industry is plagued with awkward and seemingly unsolvable conflicts of interest. But what brings in the most money for the broker is not always what is best for investors - or what they really want. The temptation is to sell risky products because they are more lucrative than the low-risk alternatives. Everybody has to make a living, brokers and investment advisors included, and everyone knows that; however, deliberate attempts to confuse or miss-sell in any way are not only unethical, they may come back to trouble the broker in the form of soured relationships or even claims for damages. There are evident things a broker should avoid: lying, misrepresenting and hard-sell tactics; however, some unethical behavior is more subtle, but no more acceptable. All entail some combination of poor or inadequate communication, a tendency to mislead investors or simply not bothering to do a good job. Much has to do with taking advantage of the informational asymmetry between buyer and seller. Even though you have a professional managing your portfolio, you should make sure to manage the professional. Equity Scholar can help educate and inform you of what to look for to ensure best practices are being followed by those involved with your financial future.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: Agilent Technologies Inc (A) {After the close}, Millennial Media Inc (MM) {After the close}

Tuesday: Dick's Sporting Goods Inc (DKS), Home Depot Inc (HD), J C Penney Company Inc (JCP) {After the close}, Saks Inc (SKS), TJX Companies Inc (TJX), VimpelCom Ltd (VIP)

Wednesday: Abercrombie & Fitch Co (ANF), Deere & Co (DE), Limited Brands Inc (LTD) {After the close}, Target Corp (TGT)

Thursday: Advance Auto Parts Inc (AAP), Aeropostale Inc (ARO) {After the close}, Applied Materials Inc (AMAT), Autodesk Inc (ADSK), Brocade Communications Systems Inc (BCRD) {After the close}, Computer Sciences Corp (CSC), GameStop Corp (GME), Gap Inc (GPS) {After the close}, Intuit Inc (INTU) {After the close}, Marvell Technology Group Ltd (MRVL), Ross Stores Inc (ROST), Salesforce.com Inc (CRM) {After the close}, Sears Holdings Corp (SHLD), Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT), Youku Inc (YOKU) {After the close}

Friday: ANN INC (ANN), Chimera Investment Corp (CIM), Foot Locker Inc (FL), Progressive Corp (PGR)
* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

Economic Data this Week

Monday
No announcements scheduled
.
Tuesday
Retail Sales @ 8:30 AM for April (Est. = 0.2%, Prior = 0.8%)
CPI @ 8:30 AM for April (Est. = 0.0%, Prior = 0.3%)
Empire Manufacturing @ 8:30 AM for May (Est. = 8.0 to 8.4, Prior = 6.6)
Business Inventories @ 10:00 AM for March (Est. = 0.3%, Prior = 0.6%)
NHAB Housing Market Index @ 10:00 AM for May (Est. = 26, Prior = 25)

Wednesday
MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 05/12 (Est. = N/A, Prior = 1.7%)
Housing Starts @ 8:30 AM for April (Est. = 675K to 680K, Prior = 654K)
Building Permits @ 8:30 AM for April (Est. = 725K to 730K, Prior = 747K)
Industrial Production @ 9:15 AM for April (Est. = 0.4% to 0.5%, Prior = 0.0%)
Capacity Utilization @ 9:15 AM for April (Est. = 78.9% to 79.0%, Prior = 78.6%)
Crude Oil Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 05/12 (Est. = N/A, Prior = 3.652M)
FOMC Minutes @ 2:00 PM for 04/25

Thursday
Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 05/12 (Est. = 365K, Prior = 367K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 05/05 (Est. = 3,250K, Prior = 3,229K)
Philadelphia Fed @ 10:00 AM for May (Est. = 8.8 to 10.0, Prior = 8.5)
Leading Indicators @ 10:00 AM for April (Est. = 0.1% to 0.2%, Prior = 0.3%)

Friday
No announcements scheduled.

Weekly Newsletter May 6th - May 12th

Current Events: Friday's tumble following weak jobs data caused all major U.S. markets to surrender to a negative week. Many investors were caught by surprise as earlier in the week many indexes, such as the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq, broke through major resistance levels and technically seemed strong. However, that soon changed once the Friday reports were released.

What to Look for This Week

With crude oil falling nearly 10% last week, many investors will eagerly seek opportunities over the coming days due to the volatility the commodity has seen recently. Friday's big slide caused the commodity to drop to the lowest price it has been per barrel in over three months.

News Affecting the Markets

After poor jobs data was released Friday morning, new concerns about the health of the U.S. economy spread quickly across not only the U.S., but the world. To add to the current uncertainty, European elections were held over the weekend.

Smart Investing

Invest Now, Even Small Amounts Add up over Time: Regardless of your age you are or even your level of employment or economic position, it may be a good idea to start preparing now, even in a paltry way, for eventual financial security. Some people feel they need every dollar they make to get by from one paycheck to the next. While this may be true for some, there are others who squander significant sums on insignificant things. They could be socking that money away into an investment account that, over time, could lead to huge savings and a comfortable retirement. It isn't hard to get started. All you need is $100 to $500 to open an account, and anywhere from $20 to $100 monthly to continue building your stock or mutual fund portfolio. In fact, a young person aged 20 could deposit $2,500 and then not another dime. In forty years he or she might have tens of thousands of dollars. Every little bit that you can stash away for your investments will make your retirement that much stronger. Give yourself the peace of mind of knowing you are preparing for the future.

Earnings for the Week

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday: Avis Budget Group Inc (CAR), Chimera Investment Corp (CIM), Clean Energy Fuels Corp (CLNE) {After the close}, Coeur d'Alene Mines Corp (CDE), Dendreon Corp (DNDB) {After the close}, DISH Network Corp (DISH), Electronic Arts Inc (EA) {After the close}, Frontier Communications Corp (FTR), Goodrich Petroleum Corp (GDP) {After the close}, Louisiana Pacific Corp (LPX), Mindray Medical International Ltd (MR) {After the close}, Northern Oil and Gas Inc (NOG), Oasis Petroleum Inc (OAS) {After the close}, Rackspace Hosting Inc (RAX), Sysco Corp (SYY), Tyson Foods Inc (TSN), Vornado Realty Trust (VNO), WYNN Resorts Ltd (WYNN) {After the close}

Tuesday: Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc. (CRZO), DIRECTV (DTV), Energy Transfer Equity LP (ETE) {After the close}, Energy Transfer Partners LP (ETP) {After the close}, Hecla Mining Co (HL), Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc (IVR), Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc (JAZZ), Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp (MRX) {After the close}, Molson Coors Brewing Co (TAP), OfficeMax Inc (OMX), Patriot Coal Corp (PCX), Quicksilver Resources Inc (KWK), Scotts Miracle-Gro Co (SMG), Tenet Healthcare Corp (THC), Walt Disney Co (DIS) {After the close}, Weingarten Realty Investors (WRI) {After the close}, XL Group PLC (XL) {After the close}, Youku Inc (YOKU)

Wednesday: Activision Blizzard Inc (ATVI) {After the close}, AOL Inc (AOL), BMC Software Inc (BMC), CenturyLink Inc (CTL) {After the close}, Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO) {After the close}, Dean Foods Co (DF), Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc (DTG) {After the close}, EOG Resources Inc (EOG), Flotek Industries Inc (FTK) {After the close}, Kronos Worldwide Inc (KRO), Macy's Inc (M), Mannkind Corp (MNKD) {After the close}, MEMC Electronic Materials Inc (WFR), Priceline.com Inc (PCLN) {After the close}, Sodastream International Ltd (SODA), Westar Energy Inc (WR) {After the close}

Thursday: ACCO Brands Corp (ACCO), Assured Guaranty Ltd (AGO) {After the close}, BPZ Resources Inc (BPZ), CA Inc (CA) {After the close}, Career Education Corp (CECO) {After the close}, Kohl's Corp (KSS), MBIA Inc (MBI) {After the close}, McDermott International Inc (MDR) {After the close}, Medical Properties Trust Inc (MPW), Molycorp Inc (MCP) {After the close}, Newcastle Investment Corp (NCT), Nordstrom Inc (JWN) {After the close}, Nuance Communications Inc (NUAN) {After the close}, Sotheby's (BID) {After the close}, Windstream Corp (WIN)

Friday: NVIDIA Corp (NVDA), Progressive Corp (PGR), Rentech Inc (RTK)

* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

Economic Data this Week

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday
Consumer Credit @ 3:00 PM for March (Est. = $10.0B to $11.0B, Prior = $8.7B)

Tuesday
No announcements schedules.

Wednesday
MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 05/05 (Est. = N/A, Prior = 0.9%)

Wholesale Inventories @ 10:00 AM for March (Est. = 0.6%, Prior = 0.9%)

Crude Oil Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 05/05 (Est. = N/A, Prior = 2.840M)

Thursday
Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 05/05 (Est. = 365K, Prior = 365K)

Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 04/28 (Est. = 3,288K to 3,300K, Prior = 3,276K)

Trade Balance @ 8:30 AM for March (Est. = -$49.5B to -$49.9B, Prior = -$46.0B)

Treasury Budget @ 2:00 PM for April (Est. = N/A, Prior = -$40.4B)

Friday
PPI @ 8:30 AM for April (Est. = 0.0% to 0.1%, Prior = 0.0%)

Michigan Sentiment @ 9:55 AM for May (Est. = 75.0 to 76.2, Prior = 76.4)

Weekly Newsletter April 29th - May 5th

Current Events: The U.S. stock indexes had a very strong week, successfully breaking out of a small downtrend which had been forming over the past few weeks. This aggressive move higher has all three major indexes challenging highs for the year.

What to Look for This Week

The employment report for April scheduled for release Friday morning certainly takes lead this week, though other key economic reports include consumer spending and the ISM manufacturing gauge.

News Affecting the Markets

After an impressive run to a record high near $1,900 an ounce in August of last year gold has tapered off quite a bit, but such a move could come around again should the U.S. Federal Reserve decide to change directions yet again.

Smart Investing

An Alternative Investment:  An alternative investment that most never even stop to consider is wine. Wine has certainly proved a fine investment over the last two decades with consistent improvement and rising value almost up to 19% per year. It is also a relatively low risk market to get into. Even when economies slump as we have witnessed in recent times, wine held its value more firmly than traditional investments that are known to swing wildly. Generally finer wines have been purchased frequently by the markets in America and much of Europe. Recently however there has been a sharp increase and rising demand from the rapidly growing economy of China. This trend will no doubt continue to increase over the long term and brings with it a fantastic opportunity for investors. Investing in wine means that you are buying an asset that emerges from a limited production base but at the same time needs to supply an ever growing demand. Where there is an increasing demand you know that prices are also increasing. Not only that, the value of wine also tends to rise as global consumption depletes existing stocks and this causes prices to rise even further. Wine is also a physical asset, which is generally exempt from duties and taxes, thus making it more than just a delightful beverage for savvy investors.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: Anadarko Petroleum Corp (APC) {After the close}, CapitalSource Inc (CSE) {After the close}, CBL & Associates Properties Inc (CBL) {After the close}, Cloud Peak Energy Inc (CLD) {After the close}, Comstock Resources Inc (CRK) {After the close}, Extra Space Storage Inc (EXR) {After the close}, Forest Oil Corp (FST) {After the close}, Herbalife Ltd (HFL) {After the close}, Humana Inc (HUM), Jacobs Engineering Group Inc (JEC) {After the close}, LDK Solar Co Ltd (LDK), Loews Corp (L), LyondellBasell Industries NV (LYB), Masco Corp (MAS) {After the close}, McKesson Corp (MCK) {After the close}, Mercury General Corp (MCY), NYSE Euronext (NYX), Partnerre Ltd (PRE) {After the close}, Patriot Coal Corp (PCX), Plum Creek Timber Company Inc (PCL) {After the close}, PMC-Sierra Inc (PMCS) {After the close}, Senior Housing Properties Trust (SNH), Shutterfly Inc (SFLY), Sohu.com Inc (SOHU), Southern Copper Corp (SCCO), Standard Pacific Corp (SPF) {After the close}, Tenneco Inc (TEN), UDR Inc (UDR), Veeco Instruments Inc (VECO) {After the close}, Waddell & Reed Financial Inc (WDR), Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc (WPI)

Tuesday: Agco Corp (AGCO), Arch Coal Inc (ACI), Archer Daniels Midland co (ADM), Automatic Data Processing Inc (ADP), Avon Products Inc (AVP), Becton Dickinson and Co (BDX), Boston Properties Inc (BXP) {After the close}, Broadcom Corp (BRCM) {After the close}, Cabot Corp (CBT) {After the close}, CBS Corp (CBS) {After the close}, Chesapeake Energy Corp (CHK) {After the close}, Con-way Inc (CNW) {After the close}, Cummins Inc (CMI), DaVita Inc (DVA) {After the close}, DDR Corp (DDR) {After the close}, Domino's Pizza Inc (DPZ), Ecolab Inc (ECL), Emerson Electric Co (EMR), EXCO Resources Inc (XCO) {After the close}, Genworth Financial Inc (GNW) {After the close}, Hospira Inc (HSP), Huntsman Corp (HUN, Jones Lang LaSalle Inc (JLL) {After the close}, Legg Mason Inc (LM), Marathon Petroleum Corp (MPC), Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc (MMC), Office Depot Inc (ODP), OpenTable Inc (OPEN) {After the close}, Pfizer Inc (PFE), Regal Entertainment Group (RGC) {After the close}, Sirius XM Radio Inc (SIR), Strategic Hotels and Resorts Inc (BEE) {After the close}, TECO Energy Inc (TE) {After the close}, TRW Automotive Holdings Corp (TRW), Unum Group (UNM) {After the close}, Valero Energy Corp (VLO)

Wednesday: Acme Packet Inc (APKT) {After the close}, Allergan Inc (AGN), Allstate Corp (ALL) {After the close}, Beazer Homes USA Inc (BZH) , Continental Resources Inc (CLR) {After the close}, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co (CTB), Corrections Corp Of America (CXW) {After the close}, CVS Caremark Corp (CVS), Devon Energy Corp (DVN), Edison International (EIX), Enterprise Products Partners LP (EPD), Franklin Resources Inc (BEN), Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTX) {After the close}, IntercontinentalExchange Inc (ICE), Intrepid Potash Inc (IPI) {After the close}, Ion Geophysical Corp (IO), Jds Uniphase Corp (JDSU) {After the close}, Kimco Realty Corp (KIM) {After the close}, Lincoln National Corp (LNC) {After the close}, Marathon Oil Corp (MRO), MasterCard Inc (MA), Murphy Oil Corp (MUR), Parker Drilling Co (PKD), PG&E Corp (PCG), Pioneer Natural Resources Co (PXD) {After the close}, Plains Exploration & Production Co (PXP) {After the close}, Prudential Financial Inc (PRU) {After the close}, Public Service Enterprise Group Inc (PEG), Rowan Companies Inc (RDC), Sunoco Inc (SUN) {After the close}, Tesoro Corp (TSO) {After the close}, The Clorox Co (CLX), The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc (HIG) {After the close}, Time Warner Inc (TWX), Two Harbors Investment Corp (TWO) {After the close}, Visa Inc (V) {After the close}, Walter Energy Inc (WLT) {After the close}, Weight Watchers International Inc {After the close}, Wellcare Health Plans Inc (WCG), Whole Foods Market Inc (WFM) {After the close}, Yelp Inc (YELP) {After the close}, Youku Inc (YOKU)

 Thursday: Alpha Natural Resources Inc (ANR), American International Group Inc (AIG) {After the close}, American Tower Corp (AMT), Apache Corp (APA), Apartment Investment and Management Co (AIV), Bill Barrett Corp (BBG), Boise Inc (BZ), Cablevision Systems Corp (CVC), Cardinal Health Inc (CAH), CareFusion Corp (CFN) {After the close}, CenterPoint Energy Inc (CNP), CF Industries Holdings Inc (CF) {After the close}, Cigna Corp (CI), Cimarex Energy Co (XEC), Corinthian Colleges Inc (COCO), Denbury Resources Inc (DNR), El Paso Corp (EP), Ensco PLC (ESV), Fluor Corp (FLR) {After the close}, General Motors Co (GM), Great Plains Energy Inc (GXP) {After the close}, HCA Holdings Inc (HCA), Health Net Inc (HNT), Kodiak Oil & Gas Corp (KOG) {After the close}, Kraft Foods Inc (KRT) {After the close}, Lear Corp (LEA), Lender Processing Services Inc (LPS), Manitowoc Co Inc (MTW) {After the close}, MDC Holdings Inc (MDC), MGM Resorts International (MGM), NRG Energy Inc (NRG), SandRidge Energy Inc (SD) {After the close}, Sealed Air Corp (SEE), Sempra Energy (SRE), Southwestern Energy Co (SWN) {After the close}, SunPower Corp (SPWR) {After the close}, Teradata Corp (TDC), Ultra Petroleum Corp (UPL)

Friday: AES Corp (AES), Ameren Corp (AEE), Aon PLC (AON), Duke Energy Corp (DUK), Estee Lauder Companies Inc (EL), Exelis Inc (XLS), Exelon Corp (EXC), ITT Corp (ITT), PPL Corp (PPL), Progressive Corp (PGR), Spectra Energy Corp (SE)

* Earnings dates and times are subject to change

Economic Data this Week

Monday

Personal Income @ 8:30 AM for March (Est. = 0.2% to 0.8%, Prior = 0.2%)

Personal Spending @ 8:30 AM for March (Est. = 0.5% to 0.8%, Prior = 0.8%)

PCE Prices @ 8:30 AM for March (Est. = 0.2%, Prior = 0.1%)

Chicago PMI @ 9:45 AM for April (Est. = 62.0, Prior = 62.2)

Tuesday

ISM Index @ 10:00 AM for April (Est. = 52.5 to 53.0, Prior = 53.4)

Construction Spending @ 10:00 AM for March (Est. = 0.5% to 0.8%, Prior = -1.1%)

Auto Sales @ 2:00 PM for April (Est. = 5.4M, Prior = 5.1M)

Truck Sales @ 2:00 PM for  April (Est. = 5.7M, Prior = 5.7M)

Wednesday

MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 04/28 (Est. = N/A, Prior = -3.8%)

ADP Employment Change @ 8:15 AM for April (Est. = 170K, Prior = 209K)

Factory Orders @ 10:00 AM for March (Est. = -1.8% to -2.5%, Prior = 1.3%)

Crude Oil Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 4/28 (Est. = N/A, Prior = 3.978M)

Thursday

Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 04/28 (Est. = 375K, Prior = 388K)

Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 04/21 (Est. = 3,300K, Prior = 3,315K)

ISM Services @ 10:00 AM for April (Est. = 55.5 to 56.5, Prior = 56.0)

Friday

Nonfarm Payroll @ 8:30 AM for April (Est. = 140K to 162K, Prior = 120K)

Unemployment Rate @ 8:30 AM for April (Est. = 8.2%, Prior = 8.2%)

Hourly Earnings @ 8:30 AM for April (Est. = 0.1% to 0.2%, Prior = 0.2%)

Weekly Newsletter April 22nd – April 28th

Current Events: The U.S. stock indexes witnessed a handsome surge Tuesday, which was enough of to keep both the Dow Jones and S&P 500 up for the week, something which the Nasdaq was unable to also accomplish.

What to Look for This Week

While warm weather likely contributed to the boost seen in car sales and other components of the first-quarter GDP, other reports being released this week may actually show U.S. economic growth slowing.

News Affecting the Markets

Nicolas Sarkozy’s fading hopes for re-election ahead of Sunday’s first-round presidential vote have investors fretting over the potential triumph of Socialist challenger François Hollande and the thought of further turmoil in the euro zone.

Smart Investing

Whether You Are Trading Or Investing:  Discipline is the most important quality needed to make money trading or investing. While there are many things which differentiate a trading style versus that of an investing one. Discipline is a critical element involved in both. A trader must use discipline to develop and back-test a unique strategy that has proven to profit in the past, strictly follow the strategy, and make sure that downside risk is minimized in each trade. An investor must be disciplined to carry out all due diligence in the research and valuation of the company, equally minimizing their downside risk. Thus, a steady dose of discipline when participating in the markets as a trader or an investor is a must.

Earnings for the Week

Monday: Align Technology Inc (ALGN) {After the close}, Allison Transmission Holdings Inc (ALSN), Ameriprise Financial Inc (AMP), BancorpSouth Inc (BXS) {After the close}, BE Aerospace Inc (BEAV), Brinker International Inc (EAT), Check Point Software Technologies Ltd (CHKP), ConocoPhillips (COP), DR Horton Inc (DHI), Eaton Corp (ETN), F.N.B. Corp (FNB) {After the close}, Hasbro Inc (HAS), Health Management Associates Inc (HMA) {After the close}, Hexcel Corp (HXL) {After the close}, Illumina Inc (ILMN) {After the close}, MGIC Investment Corp (MTG), Netflix Inc (NFLX) {After the close}, Rent-A-Center Inc (RCII) {After the close}, Roper Industries Inc (ROP), Sonic Automotive Inc (SAH), SunTrust Banks Inc (STI), Texas Instruments Inc (TXN) {After the close}, Thomas & Betts Corp (TNB), W. R. Berkley Corp (WRB) {After the close}, Xerox Corp (XRX), Zions Bancorporation (ZION) {After the close}
Tuesday: 3M Co (MMM), ACE Ltd (ACE) {After the close}, Aflac Inc (AFL) {After the close}, Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD), AK Steel Holding Corp (AKS), American Campus Communities Inc (ACC) {After the close}, Amgen Inc (AMGN) {After the close}, Apple Inc (AAPL), Ashland Inc (ASH), AT&T Inc (T), Baidu Inc (BIDU) {After the close}, Baker Hughes Inc (BHI), Boyd Gaming Corp (BYD), Buffalo Wild Wings Inc (BWLD), C R Bard Inc (BCR) {After the close}, C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc (CHRW) {After the close}, CBRE Group Inc (CBG) {After the close}, Celanese Corp (CE), Centene Corp (CNC), Century Aluminum Co (CENX) {After the close}, Chicago Bridge and Iron Company NV (CBI), CIT Group Inc (CIT), Coach Inc (COH), Delphi Automotive PLC (DLPH), DeVry Inc (DV), Edwards Lifesciences Corp (EW) {After the close}, Entropic Communications Inc (ENTR) {After the close}, First Commonwealth Financial Corp (FCF), Firstmerit Corp (FMER), FMC Technologies Inc (FTI), Fortinet Inc (FTNT), Hawaiian Holdings Inc (HA) {After the close}, Human Genome Sciences Inc (HGSI) {After the close}, Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW), International Game Technology (IGT), iRobot Corp (IRBT) {After the close}, Janus Capital Group Inc (JNS), Juniper Networks Inc (JNPR) {After the close}, Kansas City Southern (KSU) {After the close}, Lexmark International Inc (LXK), Liberty Property Trust (LRY), Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc (LIFE) {After the close}, McGraw-Hill Companies Inc (MHP), Nabors Industries Ltd (NBR) {After the close}, Norfolk Southern Corp (NSC) {After the close}, PACCAR Inc (PCAR), Panera Bread Co (PNRA) {After the close}, Parker Hannifin Corp (PH), Pentair Inc (PNR), Questar Corp (sTR) {After the close}, Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc (QCOR) {After the close}, RadioShack Corp (RSH), Rayonier Inc (RYN), Regions Financial Corp (RF), Robert Half International Inc (RH) {After the close}, Ryder System Inc (R), Sigma-Aldrich Corp (SIAL), Solutia Inc (SOA), Synovus Financial Corp (SNV), T. Rowe Price Group Inc (TROW), Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc (SKT) {After the close}, The Hershey Co (HSY), Torchmark Corp (TMK) {After the close}, Total System Services Inc (TSS) {After the close}, Unisys Corp (UIS) {After the close}, United States Steel Corp (X), United Technologies Corp (UTX), Waters Corp (WAT), Western Union Co (WU)
Wednesday: Akamai Technologies Inc (AKAM) {After the close}, Allegheny Technologies Inc (ATI), Ancestry.Com Inc (ACOM) {After the close}, Arch Capital Group Ltd (ACGL) {After the close}, ARRIS Group Inc (ARRS) {After the close}, Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc (AHT) {After the close}, Assurant Inc (AIZ) {After the close}, AutoNation Inc (AN), AvalonBay Communities Inc (AVB) {After the close}, Avery Dennison Corp (AVY), Boeing Co (BA), Brandywine Realty Trust (BDN) {After the close}, Cabot Oil & Gas Corp (COG), Cadence Design Systems Inc (CDNS), Capstead Mortgage Corp (CMO), Caterpillar Inc (CAT), Chimera Investment Corp (CIM), Cirrus Logic Inc (CRUS) {After the close}, Citrix Systems Inc (CTXS) {After the close}, Cliffs Natural Resources Inc (CLF) {After the close}, Corelogic Inc (CLGX) {After the close}, Corning Inc (GLW) {After the close}, Crocs Inc (CROX) {After the close}, Crown Castle International Corp (CCI) {After the close}, Dana Holding Corp (DAN), Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL), Diebold Inc (DBD), Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc (DPS), Duke Realty Corp (DRE), DuPont Fabros Technology Inc (DFT) {After the close}, Eli Lilly and Co (LLY), Emulex Corp (ELX) {After the close}, Energen Corp (EGN), Equifax Inc (EFX) {After the close}, Equinix Inc (EQIX) {After the close}, Equity Residential (EQR) {After the close}, Fidelity National Financial Inc (FNF) {After the close}, General Dynamics Corp (GD), Glimcher Realty Trust (GRT) {After the close}, GNC Holdings Inc (GNC), Harley-Davidson Inc (HOG), Hatteras Financial Corp (HTS), Hess Corp (HES)M Host Hotels and Resorts Inc (HST), Hudson City Bancorp Inc (HCBK), Iconix Brand Group Inc (ICON), Infinera Corp (INFN) {After the close}, InterDigital Inc (IDCC) {After the close}, Intersil Corp (ISIL) {After the close}, Jarden Corp (JAH) {After the close}, KBR Inc (KBR) {After the close}, KKR Financial Holdings LLC (KFN), Knight Transportation Inc (KNX) {After the close}, Las Vegas Sands Corp (LVS), Leap Wireless International Inc (LEAP) {After the close}, Lorillard Inc (LO), LSI Corp (LSI), Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc (LL) {After the close}, MeadWestvaco Corp (MWV), Molex Inc (MOLX), Motorola Solutions Inc (MSI), NASDAQ OMX Group Inc (NDAQ), National Oilwell Varco Inc (NOV), Newfield Exploration Co (NFX), NextEra Energy Inc (NEE), Nielsen Holdings NV (NLSN), Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC), Oceaneering International Inc (OII) {After the close}, OReilly Automotive Stores Inc (ORLY) {After the close}, Owens Corning (OC), Owens-Illinois Inc (OI) {After the close}, Parametric Technology Corp (PMTC) {After the close}, Praxair Inc (PX), Qiagen NV (QGEN) {After the close}, R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co (RRD), Range Resources Corp (RRC) {After the close}, Rock-Tenn Co (RKT) {After the close}, Rockwell Automation Inc (ROK), Rockwood Holdings Inc (ROC), RPC Inc (RES), Ryland Group Inc (RYL) {After the close}, Sensata Technologies Holding NV (ST), Service Corporation International (SCI) {After the close}, Skechers USA Inc (SKX), SL Green Realty Corp (SLG) {After the close}, Southern Co (SO), Sprint Nextel Corp (S), Susquehanna Bancshares Inc (SUSQ) {After the close}, TE Connectivity Ltd (TEL), Teradyne Inc (TER) {After the close}, Terex Corp (TEX) {After the close}, Ternium SA (TEX), The Cheesecake Factory Inc (CAKE) {After the close}, The Jones Group Inc (JNY), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc (TMO), Timken Co (TKR), Titan International Inc (TWI) {After the close}, Tractor Supply Co (TSCO) {After the close}, Trinity Industries Inc (TRN) {After the close}, TriQuint Semiconductor Inc (TQNT) {After the close}, Tupperware Brands Corp (TUP), Us Airways Group Inc (LLC), Varian Medical Systems Inc (VAR) {After the close}, Virgin Media Inc (VMED), W. R. Grace & Co (GRA), Waste Connections Inc (WCN) {After the close}, WellPoint Inc (WLP), Whiting Petroleum Corp (WLL) {After the close}, Williams Companies Inc (WMB) {After the close}, Williams Partners LP (WPZ) {After the close}, Wyndham Worldwide Corp (WYN), Xilinx Inc (XLNX) {After the close}

Thursday: 3D Systems Corp (DDD), Aetna Inc (AET), Altria Group Inc (MO), Amazon.Com Inc (AMZN), AmerisourceBergen Corp (ABC), Ametek Inc (AME), Amkor Technology Inc (AMKR) {After the close}, Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc (AMLN), Applied Micro Circuits Corp (AMCC), Asiainfo Linkage Inc (ASIA), Avnet Inc (AVT), Axis Capital Holdings Ltd (AXS) {After the close}, Ball Corp (BLL), Bemis Company Inc (BMS), Berry Petroleum Co (BRY), Biomarin Pharmaceutical Inc (BRMN), BorgWarner Inc (BWA), BrightPoint Inc (CELL) {After the close}, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co (BMY), Brunswick Corp (BC), Bunge Ltd (BG), Cabela's Inc (CAB), Camden Property Trust (CPT) {After the close}, Cameron International Corp (CAM) {After the close}, Carbo Ceramics Inc (CRR) {After the close}, Celgene Corp (CELG), Cerner Corp (CERN) {After the close}, Chart Industries Inc (GTLS), Cincinnati Financial Corp (CINF) {After the close}, Clearwire Corp (CLWR) {After the close}, CME Group Inc (CME), CMS Energy Corp (CMS), Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc (CCE), Coinstar Inc (CSTR) {After the close}, Colgate-Palmolive Co (CL), Colonial Properties Trust (CLP), Community Health Systems Inc (CYH) {After the close}, CONSOL Energy Inc (CNX), Corporate Office Properties Trust (OFC), Deckers Outdoor Corp (DECK), Digital Realty Trust Inc (DLR), Dominion Resources Inc (D), Dow Chemical Co (DOW), EarthLink Inc (ELNK), Eastman Chemical Co (EMN) {After the close}, Education Realty Trust Inc (EDR) {After the close}, Entergy Corp (ETR), EQT Corp (EQT), Expedia Inc (EXPE) {After the close}, Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM), Federated Investors Inc (FII) {After the close}, Ferro Corp (FOE), Fidelity National Information Services Inc (FIS) {After the close}, First American Financial Corp (FAF), First Industrial Realty Trust Inc (FR) {After the close}, Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc (FBHS) {After the close}, Fusion-io Inc (FIO) {After the close}, Gilead Sciences Inc (GLID) {After the close}, Goodrich Corp (GR), GrafTech International Ltd (GTI), Graphic Packaging Holding Co (GPK), Hancock Holding Co (HBHC) {After the close}, Healthsouth Corp (HLS) {After the close}, Helmerich & Payne Inc (HP), Hercules Offshore Inc (HERO), Incyte Corp (INCY), Informatica Corp (INFA) {After the close}, Ingram Micro Inc (IM) {After the close}, InterMune Inc (ITMN) {After the close}, Interpublic Group of Companies Inc (IPG), Invesco Ltd (IVZ), Iron Mountain Inc (IRM), JetBlue Airways Corp (JBLU), Kellogg Co (K), Kennametal Inc (KMT), Key Energy Services Inc (KEG) {After the close}, KLA-Tencor Corp (KLAC), L-3 Communications Holdings Inc (LLL), Leggett & Platt Inc (LEG), Linn Energy LLC (LINE), Liz Claiborne Inc (LIZ), Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT), Mack-Cali Realty Corp (CLI), Maxim Integrated Products Inc (MXIM) {After the close}, Mead Johnson Nutrition Co (MJN), Meritage Homes Corp (MTH), MetroPCS Communications Inc (PCS), MIPS Technologies Inc (MIPS), Monster Worldwide Inc (MWW), Moodys Corp (MCO), Mylan Inc (MYL), Newpark Resources Inc (NR) {After the close}, NII Holdings Inc (NIHD), Noble Energy Inc (NBL), NU Skin Enterprises Inc (NUS), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI) {After the close}, Occidental Petroleum Corp (OXY) {After the close}, Oil States International Inc (OIS) {After the close}, Old Republic International Corp (ORI), Olin Corp (OLN) {After the close}, Omnicare Inc (OCR), Oshkosh Corp (OSK), Patterson-UTI Energy Inc (PTEN), PepsiCo Inc (PEP), PerkinElmer Inc (PKI) {After the close}, Principal Financial Group Inc (PFG) {After the close}, Progressive Corp (PGR), PulteGroup Inc (PHM), Qlik Technologies Inc (QLIK), Raytheon Co (RTN), Realty Income Corp (O), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (REGN), Reliance Steel and Aluminum Co (RS), Republic Services Inc (RSG), ResMed Inc (RMD), Revlon Inc (REV), Safeguard Scientifics Inc (SFE), Safeway Inc (SWY), Silicon Motion Technology Corp (SIMO) {After the close}, Skyworks Solutions Inc (SWKS) {After the close}, SolarWinds Inc (SWI), Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc (SPPI), Starbucks Corp (SBUX) {After the close}, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc (HOT), Stillwater Mining Co (SWC), Superior Energy Services Inc (SPN) {After the close}, Taubman Centers Inc (TCO) {After the close}, Tellabs Inc (TLAB), Theravance Inc (THRX) {After the close}, Tim Participacoes SA (TSU) {After the close}, Time Warner Cable Inc (TWC), Tyco International Ltd (TYC), UGI Corp (UGI), United Continental Holdings Inc (UAL), United Parcel Service Inc (UPS), United Therapeutics Corp (UTHR), Universal Health Services Inc (UHS) {After the close}, Valassis Communications Inc (VCI), Validus Holdings Ltd (VR) {After the close}, VCA Antech Inc (WOOF) {After the close}, Verisign Inc (VRSN) {After the close}, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX) {After the close}, Vulcan Materials Co (VMC), WABCO Holdings Inc (WBC), Waste Management Inc (WM), Western Digital Corp (WDC) {After the close}, Whirlpool Corp (WHR), Willis Group Holdings PLC (WSH), Xcel Energy Inc (XEL), Yandex NV (YNDX), Zimmer Holdings Inc (ZMH), Zynga Inc (ZNGA) {After the close}
Friday: Aaron's Inc (AAN), American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc (AXL), Autoliv Inc (ALV), Calpine Corp (CPN), Chevron Corp (CVX), Coventry Health Care Inc (CVH), Covidien PLC (COV), DTE Energy Co (DTE), Exelis Inc (XLS), Ford Motor Co (F), HMS Holdings Corp (HMSY), ImmunoGen Inc (IMGN), International Paper Co (IP), iStar Financial Inc (SFI), KKR & Co. L.P. (KKR), Merck & Co Inc (MRK), Newell Rubbermaid Inc (NWL), Newmont Mining Corp (NEM), Pilgrims Pride Corp (PPC), Procter & Gamble Co (PG), Simon Property Group Inc (SPG), The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co (GT), Ventas Inc (VTR), VF Corp (VFC), Weyerhaeuser Co (WY)
* Earnings dates and times are subject to change.
Economic Data this Week

Monday
No announcements scheduled.
Tuesday
Case-Shiller 20-city Index @ 9:00 AM for February (Est. =  -3.4%, Prior = -3.8%)
Consumer Confidence @ 10:00 AM for April (Est. = 69.5 to 71.0, Prior = 70.2)
New Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for March (Est. = 320K, Prior = 313K)
FHFA Housing Price Index @ 10:00 AM for  February (Est. = N/A, Prior = 0.0%)
Wednesday
MBA Mortgage Index @ 7:00 AM for 04/21 (Est. = N/A, Prior = 6.9%)
Durable Orders @ 8:30 AM for March (Est. = -1.9% to -2.5%, Prior = 2.4%)
Crude Oil Inventories @ 10:30 AM for 4/21 (Est. = N/A, Prior = 3.856M)
FOMC Rate Decision @ 12:30 PM for April (Est. = 0.25%, Prior = 0.25%)
Thursday
Initial Claims @ 8:30 AM for 04/21 (Est. = 365K to 373K, Prior = 386K)
Continuing Claims @ 8:30 AM for 04/14 (Est. = 3,300K, Prior = 3,297K)
Pending Home Sales @ 10:00 AM for March (Est. = 0.5% to 1.0%, Prior = -0.5%)
Friday
Michigan Sentiment @ 9.55 AM for April (Est. = 75.7 to 76.0, Prior = 75.7)

Investment Opportunities in Africa

With news of so many companies seeking bailout from the government and the stock markets collapsing continually, the investor’s world-over can get skeptical about their decision to invest in a particular economy or in a particular market. With so many markets failing, investors have been looking on to those untouched and unexplored markets with high potential. In such a situation, Africa has highlighted itself as the next big market that promises unprecedented growth in the near future, where stock markets have been booming and investors have been focusing on sub-Saharan Africa in the recent times. Surprisingly, Africa has a market capitalization of over and above $100 billion and its stock markets are considerably larger when compared to what Russia and Central Europe were when they were opened to foreign investors in 1990s.Africa is favorably positioned to become the 2nd fastest growing region in the world, and according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), economic growth across the 54 countries of the continent will hover around 6% in 2012.

Sub-Saharan Africa consists of nearly 48 countries with population of well over 800 million people; and this region does not include Middle East or Northern Africa. This population is nearly three times the population of United States and this is a great factor to make it a big market. However, South Africa is considered the most developed economy in this region, and accounts for nearly one-third of GDP of Sub-Saharan area. Number of stock markets in this area has multiplied with new stock markets in Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, Swaziland, Malawi, etc. Just to let you know the potential and growth of this area, the market capitalization of stock markets in Africa jumped from $113 billion to $245 billion from 1992 to 2002, which can be considered as outstanding by any standards. The region is experiencing tremendous growth in terms of penetration of mobile phones and development of banking systems. Furthermore, the region has noticed increased foreign investment along with loan disbursement in the last decade. In addition to all this, countries like Ghana, Botswana, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Zambia, and Uganda were ranked as "Emerging Markets" by International Monetary Fund.

Africa is ripe for a green revolution the continent is currently home to 60% of the world’s total uncultivated, arable land. There’s your opportunity. As the world’s population increases rapidly, global agricultural production must rise to feed these growing numbers. Much of that increased agricultural production will come from Africa. While the traditional obstacles to boosting agricultural output in Africa have been well documented, several African governments are making substantial and successful efforts in surmounting these shortcomings. As these barriers are overcome and agricultural output is increased, there’ll be a business opportunity for the manufacture and marketing of products such as fertilizers, pesticides and seeds as well as a demand for food processing services such as grain refining. Already, a growing number of private equity funds are springing up to finance agricultural production in Africa.

Several African countries have vast deposits of mineral resources that have been left largely unexploited, due to the financial incapacity to embark on capital-intensive mining projects. Africa has an array of mineral resources which include iron ore, coal, bauxite, gold, tin, lead and zinc which have been neglected because of the continents preoccupation with its massive oil deposits. Investing in infrastructure is also critical to Africa’s growth. While there have been significant improvements in the development and quality of infrastructure across the continent, there is still a clear-cut deficit. Needless to say, this shortfall has its consequences, including bottlenecks in the smooth running of trade and export activities; there are opportunities for private investors to partner with African governments in the development of under-performing infrastructures, such as investing in reliable power supply, water resources, roads and railway systems. Africa’s fast moving consumer goods sector shows potential. There is a huge and ever-growing opportunity for manufacturers and retailers of FMCGs like food, beverages, home care and personal care products. But speed is critical. Investors who can quickly step in and get a grip on the market will be the dominant players in the years to come.

Goals For beginner Traders

With all the information out there it can be hard to filter through and decide where to start. Setting goals can help, but often novice traders set the wrong type of goals when they decide to start trading. With this is in mind, as a novice trader your initial goals should help you to eventually make money, but making money should not be your goal. Instead, opt to make your initial goals about process and emulating traits of professional traders. By plunging into the market and expecting to make a certain amount of money, the goal becomes almost impossible to reach over the long-term. These types of goals require that the trader actually know the capabilities of the trading plan they are employing.

One must know the potential and pitfalls of the strategy they are employing. Based on the method being used, it may be impossible to reach a dollar or percentage goal, but it still could be valid and provide a good return; therefore, the trader must either abandon the strategy or deviate from it in an attempt to find more yields. For many traders this becomes an endless cycle of abandoning strategy after strategy or never being able to adhere to a plan. Greenhorn traders must not only become knowledgeable about the markets, but also about themselves. Focus on the process and attempt to perfect that, and results happen on their own. Attempting to achieve results without perfecting the process the markets will likely continually take your money.

Most businesses take quite a bit of time before profits come, and many, many more businesses fail completely. Trading is no different. Results will not come instantly, and if they do it is likely due to luck. Without understanding how the markets truly work and developing a winning process, the results are based on chance, not skill. In order to build a winning process for trading the markets, try using these three goals. Focus on mastering these areas from the very beginning, and positive results are more likely to ensue.

Have a Plan

The plan should include how trades will be entered, exited (profits and losses) and how money will be managed. The plan should be very detailed, outlining the markets that will be traded, risk parameters, if filters will be used on trade signals, what constitutes a trade and exit signal, position size and what market environments will be traded. Therefore, the goal here is to create a complete plan for trading the markets before making another trade.

What not to Trade

Beginners will push to achieve that goal even when opportunities are not present. The market does not present statistically probable trading opportunities at all times. In the markets this can erode profits that came during good trading times. When, and when not, to trade should be covered in detail in the trading plan. Make one of your goals to be as disciplined as possible, only making trades that are outlined in the plan.

Keep it Simple

A complex strategy can be very appealing. Many people believe that because something is complex it is more likely to work than something that is simple. Avoid getting too complicated with your analysis and trading strategies. Avoid the desire to make a winning trading plan more complex, usually this only results in destroying the profitability. If you like the stock market, stick with trading stocks. If you like commodities, then trade Futures. Focus on only one market and a couple of simple strategies when starting out. The goal here is to avoid constant tinkering in order to improve performance, or continually switching markets, strategies or analysis methods. Stick to the plan. If it occasionally needs to be reworked a bit that is fine, but keep the revisions simple.

Common Stocks for Income

The vast majority of these offerings trade on major exchanges and may include features that render them even more advantageous than plain vanilla bonds.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are companies that own and operate income-producing properties such as shopping centers, offices and apartments. They pay nearly all of their taxable income to shareholders and consequently offer regular, high-yielding payouts to investors. However, investors should be aware that dividends paid by REITS do not qualify for the reduced tax on dividends.

Master limited partnerships (MLP) are typically resource-related companies in which the advantage resides in the companies' pass-through financial status. All income, gains, losses and taxable events pass through to the unit holder. These shares are not eligible for regular dividend tax treatment.

A business development company (BDC) is essentially a mutual fund that invests exclusively in private companies rather than publicly-traded ones. Investors can therefore participate in the world of private equity without being "accredited" investors, and still enjoy the liquidity of a traditional mutual or closed-end fund.

Closed-end funds are mutual funds with a fixed number of units that trade on the stock market. Many of these are invested in income producing securities like municipal bonds or preferred shares. Investors should be aware that the price at which a closed-end fund trades may be above or below its net asset value (NAV). Tax treatment will vary depending upon the fund's holdings.

Index exchange-traded funds are instruments that seek to mirror the performance of a single market index. Therefore, these ETFs allow an investor to buy or sell shares in a widely quoted government or corporate bond index. There are also ETFs that mirror several municipal bond and junk bond indexes. Fees are generally very low on ETFs, and annual taxable capital gains are minimal.

Preferred stocks are traditionally structured as perpetual preferreds, which means that they have no stated maturity date. However, companies have started issuing redeemable preferred shares that have a specific lifespan. Most preferred dividends receive favorable tax treatment, except those issued by REITs, and are senior to the company's common shares.

Exchange-traded debt securities (ETDS) are "bonds" that trade like preferred shares, meaning that they have all the features of bonds, but are available for purchase on the major exchanges. They usually have par values of $25 instead of $1000, and pay interest, not dividends. ETDSs are therefore not eligible for favorable dividend tax treatment. Investors should be aware that most are callable after five years.

Convertible preferreds are unique, as they are convertible into the issuer's underlying common stock. They have the advantage of a higher dividend payout and the potential for capital gains should the underlying common shares appreciate. The higher yields also cushion any downside in the common shares. Dividends from most convertible preferreds are eligible for the lower tax rate.

Mandatory convertibles are like convertible preferreds, except that they have a fixed conversion date and are convertible into the issuer's common stock at variable rates - depending upon where the common shares trade at the time of conversion. Mandatory’s generally compensate better than regular preferreds, but are not eligible for favorable dividend tax treatment.

Trust preferred securities are an ingenious way for companies to raise funds under more favorable tax terms. They are essentially debentures with proceeds that are paid out to investors in the form of preferred share dividends. Investors should be aware that debentures are usually at the low end of the credit spectrum, and payouts may be deferred until the redemption date of the security. Third party trust preferreds (TPTP) are repackaged preferred share and debt issues which are distributed by Wall Street's major brokerages. Distributions are usually paid semi-annually. Investors should be aware that these securities are usually callable after five years, and are not eligible for the 15% dividend tax rate.

For income investors who require safe, fixed distributions for a predetermined period, the above investments offer an alternative to bonds. As these trusts trade on major exchanges, they also offer transparent and stable pricing.