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Service-Sector Job Growth in April Slowest in 9 Months

Fri, 03 May 2013 06:21:00 -0400

DailyFinance.com: By Leah Schnurr NEW YORK -- The pace of growth in the vast U.S. service sector slowed in April to its weakest pace in nine months, an industry report showed Friday. The Institute for Supply Management said its services index fell to 53.1 last month ... Read more

Fed Stimulus Stays Strong

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:21:06 -0400

After the end of a two day meeting, the Federal Reserve reaffirmed its plans for continued stimulus. But it has finally indicated this will change if necessary...

Service Firms Grew at a Slower Pace in March, Survey Finds

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 08:30:00 -0400

DailyFinance.com: Bruce Schreiner/AP By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER U.S. service companies expanded in March at a slower pace, dragged down by less growth in new orders and weaker hiring. The Institute for Supply Management said Wednesday that its index of ... Read more

ISM Non-Manufacturing Report on Business: January 2013

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:45:00 -0500

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Non-Manufacturing Report on Business indicating that service related business activity continued to expand in January but assessments were slightly lower than last month with the business activity component declining and the overall non-manufacturing index edging down slightly to 55.2 from 55.7.

At 56.4 the business activity index declined a notable 7.24% since December falling 5.21% below the level seen a year earlier.

This month, service industry respondents are sounding mixed reporting some cautious optimism as well as "soft" assessments of conditions:

"Sales are up slightly compared to this same period last year. This is offset by slight increases in costs for personnel benefits, fuel and other operating costs." (Public Administration)

"Business is good, but we find ourselves in a very competitive environment." (Construction)

"No change in business levels since prior month, but optimism growing that commercial and industrial construction will experience growth in 2013." (Real Estate, Rental & Leasing)

"Healthcare reform causing continued slowdown and less investment." (Health Care & Social Assistance)

"Seeing increasing prices on services and goods — some not substantiated. Business outlook continues to show small signs of improvement in parts of our business, but other parts are lagging behind." (Professional, Scientific & Technical Services)

"There seems to be some stabilization in recent months. Business seems a little more confident, and consumers are participating once again." (Retail Trade)

"Business is slightly softer than this time last year, but there are a lot of projects on the horizon which gives us confidence." (Wholesale Trade)

ISM Non-Manufacturing Report on Business: October 2012

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:16:00 -0500

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Non-Manufacturing Report on Business indicating that service related business activity was slowed in October with the business activity component weakening and the overall non-manufacturing index declining to 54.2 from 55.1 in September.

At 55.4 the business activity index declined a notable 7.51% since September but remained 3.94% above the level seen a year earlier.

This month, service industry respondents are sounding mixed reporting "sluggish" conditions but steady activity:

"Business with markets and customers we serve remains strong." (Management of Companies & Support Services)

"Business is steady, with good fourth quarter expected." (Information)

"The sluggish pace of economic recovery coupled with rapid increases in gas prices on the West Coast continue to drag down customer traffic and discretionary spending. Levels remain well below last year." (Arts, Entertainment & Recreation)

"Ongoing concerns about healthcare reform; reluctance to expand or hire." (Health Care & Social Assistance)

"Outlook is positive yet still guarded. Clients have some pent-up demand that they are acting on with short-term contracts." (Professional, Scientific & Technical Services)

"More companies seeking relief from fuel increases." (Public Administration)

U.S. Manufacturers Report Third Straight Month of Contraction for July 2012

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 03:15:43 -0400

SUGAR LAND--September 6, 2012--Written by John Egan for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--If three data points make a trend, U.S. manufacturers are in a negative trend, with scant reason for optimism in the near term. Manufacturing has been one of the few sectors of the economy that has grown meaningfully since the Great Recession officially ended in June 2009. But the latest monthly report from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) (Tempe, Arizona) shows a contracting manufacturing sector as purchasing managers respond to a still anemic U.S. economy and a slowdown of overseas demand.

Draghi Dampens Rally in the Stock Market Today

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:42:06 -0400

After a nice three-day run going back to last Friday's session, the stock market today is down following dreary statements from Mario Draghi, President of the European Central Bank.

Speaking at a press conference Thursday morning, Draghi commented that the Eurozone would recover gradually and offered little optimism for the region.

"The risks surrounding the economic outlook for the euro area continue to be on the downside,"Draghi said at the news conference. "We see now weakening spots of growth in the whole of euro area including countries that had not experienced that before."

The ECB lowered its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage point to 0.75% and lowered its deposit rate to zero. The People's Bank of China also cut several key interest rates for the second time in less than a month, bringing its lending rate down by 0.31 percentage point to 6%.

The Bank of England decided to enact stimulus measures through quantitative easing, increasing asset purchases by 50 billion euros ($78.1 billion).

Domestically better-than-expected job reports were released, showing the fewest layoffs in 13 months and fewer initial unemployment claims filed than in the previous week.

For the week ended June 30, about 374,000 initial jobless claims were filed, down 14,000 from the previous week. ADP employment numbers showed that 176,000 private jobs were added last week.

This number is a preview to unemployment numbers to be released tomorrow by the Labor Department. Economists expect jobs to be added in the range of 80,000 - 100,000, factoring in government layoffs.

These positive labor numbers follow very weak manufacturing reports issued earlier this week and a poor reading from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) on U.S. non-manufacturing businesses. The ISM services index fell to 52.1 in June from the prior month's 53.7.

These numbers keep the volatile trend of the markets going as investors go back and forth from hope to worry over European and domestic concerns.

Some notable headline-makers in the stock market today include Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL).

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Stock Market Today: M&A Activity Rules the Day

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 12:52:35 -0400

The stock market today has been relatively mild following Friday's buyer-friendly session.

Friday's momentum was halted as poor reports from around the globe surfaced today.

Unemployment in the Eurozone has reached a record high of 11.1%, the highest since the inception of the euro in 1999. In total the level of unemployment for the 27 countries in the European Union stayed at its May level of 10.3%.

On Sunday Spain dominated the final of the European Championship soccer tournament, beating Italy 4-0 - but that will do little to comfort the fact that Spain has the highest unemployment in the EU at 24.6%.

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ISM Surprise Gives Stocks a Jolt; Financials Rising

Tue, 01 May 2012 10:58:21 -0400

The ISM manufacturing index grew with surprising vigor in April, to 54.8% from 53.4% in March. It was the fastest growth in 10 months, and caused major equity indexes to spike after its 10 a.m. release. The manufacturing index was expected to stay about flat or drop slightly. A reading above 50% indicates that the [...]

ISM Gives Market a Reason to Rebound

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:05:15 -0400

The ISM manufacturing and employment indexes showed decent growth in March, and the improving numbers are helping the market perk up this morning. The manufacturing index rose to 53.4 from 52.4, a larger increase than expected. And the employment index jumped to 56.1 from 53.2. John Ryding and Conrad DeQuadros of RDQ Economics said the [...]

ISM Manufacturing Report on Business: February 2012

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:04:00 -0500

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Report on Business for the manufacturing sector indicating that manufacturing activity pulled back in February with assessments of most measures cooled.

At 52.4 the purchasing manager’s composite index (PMI) declined a notable 3.14% since January remaining 14.66% below the level seen a year earlier.

Respondents indicated that while there is still some concern over the strength of the recovery and rising commodity prices, outlook was overall positive going forward:

"Business is holding steady. Concern over commodity prices ongoing." (Chemical Products)

"Still somewhat cautious about recovery. Expecting a good year, but not seeing orders yet." (Machinery)

"Demand remains consistent to strong on all levels." (Paper Products)

"Demand from auto makers is getting stronger." (Fabricated Metal Products)

"Manufacturing is busy. Spending money on new equipment to accommodate customer demands. Material prices are staying in check." (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products)

"There seems to be a much more positive outlook for the economy. Customers are ordering material for stock rather than just working hand-to-mouth." (Fabricated Metal Products)

"Global GDP softening and beginning to impact the demand chain." (Computer & Electronic Products)

"Production is busy — several new large projects." (Primary Metals)

"Customers [are] lowering inventory levels, anticipating price decrease due to third-party published reports on materials." (Plastics & Metal Products)

"We are optimistic about the U.S. market this year, a little hesitant about what may happen in Europe and unsure about China." (Transportation Equipment)

"Shipments are increasing over last year. Waiting to see if the trend continues." (Wood Products)

ISM Manufacturing Report on Business: November 2011

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:23:00 -0500

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Report on Business for the manufacturing sector indicating that manufacturing activity improved in November with assessments of many measures increasing.

At 52.7 the purchasing manager’s composite index (PMI) increased 3.74% since October but remained 9.45% below the level seen a year earlier.

Some respondents indicated that business in improving but orders remain weak:

"Business still holding its own. Some growth in margin now that some of the raw materials prices have abated. Oil is pushing $100 so that has not been favorable." (Chemical Products)

"Orders for the remaining two months have increased after an extended 'summer dip' in sales overall. We expect to finish the year approximately 10 percent above 2010." (Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components)

"Seeing a slight slowdown in orders; could be related to the holidays." (Primary Metals)

"Oil exploration seems to be really picking up. Government is permitting again, so business is the busiest we've ever seen." (Computer & Electronic Products)

"The EPS ruling about higher fees for coal-generated electricity can have a huge, negative impact on our business if implemented in January 2012. We are at the peak of our seasonal demand push." (Plastics & Rubber Products)

Payrolls/ISM

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:23:14 -0400

Karim writes: Pretty bad payroll number that is likely to be enough to swing the Fed into action-at least Operation Twist, if not QE3 Payrolls unch for August, though Verizon strike impact was 45k Net revisions -58k Unemployment rate unch at 9.1% on account of 331k gain in household survey (prior 2mths total -483k) and 366k gain in labor [...]

ISM/Consumer Credit

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:32:02 -0400

Karim writes: Similar to Manufacturing ISM, Non-Mfg activity largely stabilized in June. Most components also stable One notable feature of most PMIs is the collapse of input prices over the last 3mths. Although not a feature of this report, output prices have held largely steady in most surveys-suggesting margins are expanding. Interesting mix of data and anecdotals in article [...]

Week-long Rally Shows Bull Market Still Has Some Kick Left

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 06:00:02 -0400

U.S. stocks ripped higher every day of the past week following positive news on U.S. manufacturing, Greek sovereign debt and an absolutely epic amount of short-covering.

The past week's rally has shown at least that the spirit of the bull market still lives. It rarely pays to be bearish for more than a few weeks at a time, and even then only very selectively. So long-term investors need to keep their eyes on the on the horizon until sellers can prove their moxie.

Right now the set-up is more than likely a stutter-step rally back toward the highs for the major indexes until the second or third week of earning season -- around July 18 -- and then the picture changes.

While second quarter earnings were probably decent for large companies due to overseas sales, low employee expenses and low interest rates, forward guidance is going to be a challenge. Already we're seeing more companies than normal cutting guidance, and now we'll have to see if investors are willing to overlook that -- or whether it will begin to matter.

Last week's baby bull market rally gave the markets a nice little pop. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 5.4%, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index rose 5.6%, the Nasdaq rose 6.1% and the Russell 2000 small caps rose 5.3%. Breadth was very good, at 4-to-1 in favor of advancers, as new highs surged to 414 compared to 50 new lows.

It was very curious the market rose in such spectacular fashion just as the second round of quantitative easing, or QE2, ended, because it looked exactly like the start of QE2. I'm not saying that the Federal Reserve helps engineer these rallies to make itself look good, but I will say it's an amazing coincidence. And I don't believe in coincidences.

Another notable element of the rally was that it came on virtually no company news. Got to like that surprise attack by the bulls. About the most interesting corporate action of the week was the revelation of a new stake in specialty truck maker Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) by activist Carl Icahn. Since that's actually not particularly exciting, it just goes to show what a slow news week it was.

The only stocks that look fantastic are the defensives such asCignaCorporation (NYSE: CI) andMcDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) - or the kinds of stocks that do best in the weakest conditions.
Some financial companies have shown signs of stirring following some good news on the international and domestic regulatory front.American Express Company(NYSE: AXP) is almost back to a new high, andWells Fargo & Company(NYSE: WFC) is showing a pulse, and some energy services stocks, like Core Laboratories N.V. (NYSE: CLB) are still making new highs.

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ISM Manufacturing Report on Business: June 2011

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:05:00 -0400

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Report on Business for the manufacturing sector indicating that economic activity continued to expand in June and at a faster pace than in May while most other measures strengthened.

At 55.3 the purchasing manager’s composite index (PMI) declined a whopping 11.42% since April and increased 3.36% above the level seen a year earlier.

Some respondents indicated increasing pressure on prices as higher energy prices stocked inflationary forces as well as weak economic trends and Japan earthquake related disruptions:

"We continue to see inflation, though at a reduced rate [compared] to earlier months." (Chemical Products)

"Slight slowdown in overall business in both domestic and international markets, although still above 2010 at the same time." (Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components)

"The earthquake and related issues in Japan have caused shortages of some automotive equipment, negatively impacting global automotive production." (Fabricated Metal Products)

"Sales continue to be stronger than expected across both retail and industrial channels. Material costs are definitely rising and will force increases to end-use customers." (Paper Products)

"High commodity prices continue to be worrisome." (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products)

"Business is still up and down, with no real upside potential for us until the housing market rebounds." (Furniture & Related Products)

"Customers are still being cautious with their buying. Certain plastics and metal prices continue to rise." (Machinery)

TastyBytes Boston – Location-Based Services: Not Just For Mayors

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:45:04 -0400

Yesterday, after a brief hiatus, Compete’s TastyBytes series made a comeback in a big way. Held at Towne Stove and Spirits in the heart of Boston, we had an engaging crew of panelists and an awesome group of about 50 attendees from the marketing industry, agencies, and brands to discuss the location-based services space, how [...]

ISM Non-Manufacturing Report on Business: March 2011

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:33:00 -0400

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Non-Manufacturing Report on Business indicating that service related economic activity pulled back notably throughout March.

At 59.7 the business activity index weakened dropping 10.76% since February but still remaining 2.75% above the level seen a year earlier.

Stocks Plunge as Oil Nears $100 a Barrel and Gold Hits Record High

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:20:00 -0500

The first trading day of the month is usually good to equities, but after a two-day respite, stocks went back back to broad-based declines. The sharp rise in oil prices overshadowed some encouraging corporate and economic news.

Continue reading Stocks Plunge as Oil Nears $100 a Barrel and Gold Hits Record High

Stocks Plunge as Oil Nears $100 a Barrel and Gold Hits Record High originally appeared on DailyFinance on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:20:00.

Filed Under: Energy, Economy, Investing, Ford Motor Co, General Motors, Market News

ISM Employment Highest Since 1973

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:33:39 -0500

The Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) manufacturing index rose to 61.4 in February from 60.8 in January. This was also a positive surprise as the consensus had been looking for the index to dip slightly to 60.5. The overall index last matched this level in May of 2004, and the last time that it was [...]

Inside the Numbers: ISM Reports and the Great Margin Squeeze

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 01:42:44 -0500

Richard Fisher, head of the Dallas Fed, flagged the risk of monetizing government debt and bashed the government for out of control spending. He felt the Fed was now “an accomplice to Congress’ fiscal malfeasance” and came out against further Quantitative Easing (QE). He further said he would back Fed tightening at the earliest signs [...]

Comments on Non-Mfg ISM

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:00:39 -0500

Looks from the chart we’re getting close to the post Bush tax cut, coming out of that recession highs, so we’re on track for our 3-5% read gdp growth guestimates. And the high productivity reported today reinforces our thoughts on unemployment coming down only slowly as well. Last time around the expansion phase of what [...]

ISM- Obama boom!

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:23:27 -0500

Karim writes: Across the board strength. More evidence that the inventory drag in Q4 was involuntary (demand running well ahead of production). While some of these figures may cool, the order backlog and supplier delivery indices (lead times) suggest very strong data for the next few quarters. Overall index: Highest since May 2004 New orders: Highest since Dec [...]

January ISM Factory Index Accelerates to 60.8

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:15:49 -0500

U.S. manufacturing unexpectedly accelerated in January at the fastest pace since May 2004. The Institute for Supply Management’s factory index increased to 60.8, up from 58.5% in December. The consensus was for a reading of 57.9%. From the ISM: January 2011 Manufacturing ISM Report: The report was issued today by Norbert J. Ore, CPSM, C.P.M., [...]

Week in Preview: January Employment Data, UPS Earnings and More

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 10:30:00 -0500

One of the biggest obstacles to the economic recovery remains the stubbornly high unemployment rate. We'll find out whether there has been any movement on that front when the January employment reports come out this week. Also worth watching for -- a host of earnings reports.

Continue reading Week in Preview: January Employment Data, UPS Earnings and More

Week in Preview: January Employment Data, UPS Earnings and More originally appeared on DailyFinance on Sun, 30 Jan 2011 10:30:00.

Filed Under: Company News, Economy, Investing, Earnings, UPS, Stocks in the News

2011 Manufacturing Outlook: Slow, but Steady Growth Could Win Profits for Investors

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 05:00:34 -0500

It's often said that a little bit goes a long way, and that will certainly be the case for U.S. manufacturing growth in 2011. Although most projections still call for slower improvement in the sector than in 2010, the estimates have been characterized as "less bad" than originally expected -and that could translate into increased profit prospects for investors.

The market gave evidence of that just last Tuesday (Jan. 4) when the major indexes shrugged off other concerns and moved nicely higher in response to a larger-than-expected 0.7% rise in November factory orders, which had been forecast to fall by 0.1% according to a Thomson-Reuters survey of economists. Orders excluding the volatile transportation sector also posted their biggest gain in eight months.

Analysts characterized the numbers as "pointing to underlying strength in manufacturing." That bodes well for the greater economy, since U.S. manufacturers employ nearly 12 million people, or 9% of America's work force, and add $1.6 trillion annually to the U.S. economy, roughly 11% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Stocks Rally to Ring in the First Session of 2011

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 16:15:00 -0500

Wall Street started the new year with a robust jump, helped by encouraging corporate and economic news that pushed the broad market to a 28-month high. The S&P 500 has now reclaimed nearly 90% of its losses from the bear-market bottom of March 2009.

Continue reading Stocks Rally to Ring in the First Session of 2011

Stocks Rally to Ring in the First Session of 2011 originally appeared on DailyFinance on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 16:15:00.

Filed Under: Company News, Economy, Investing, Stocks in the News, Market News

December ISM Prints at 57.0

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:39:58 -0500

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew for a 17th straight month in December, according to report released on Monday by The Institute for Supply Management. The ISM said its index of national factory activity rose to 57.0 last month from 56.6 in November. The consensus was for an increase to 57.2%. ISM prices paid [...]

Q+A-Indonesia to keep luring emerging market investors

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 04:32:17 -0500

JAKARTA, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Indonesia's stock market rallied to a record high this month, while net foreign ownership of the country's government debt is also at a record, as investors are attracted by strong growth and political stability.

Service Sector Picks Up Speed, Growing at Fastest Pace Since May

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:10:00 -0500

The U.S. services sector, like its sister sector manufacturing, continues to hold up its part of the recovery bargain, as the sector expanded at the fastest pace in six months. The U.S. economy is still growing well below its potential, but investors, business executives, and job seekers alike can head in to 2011 knowing that the services sector will continue to add to GDP growth and jobs as the new year begins.

Continue reading Service Sector Picks Up Speed, Growing at Fastest Pace Since May

Service Sector Picks Up Speed, Growing at Fastest Pace Since May originally appeared on DailyFinance on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:10:00.

Filed Under: Economy

Non-Mfg ISM

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 10:55:20 -0500

Karim writes: Details firm-especially new orders and employment (highest level since Oct 2007) Nov Oct Composite 55.0 54.3 Prices Paid 63.2 68.3 New Orders 57.7 56.7 Employment 52.7 50.9 Export orders 59.5 55.5 Imports 54.5 54.0 “Business remains steady; outlook for fourth quarter is good.” (Information) “Trending favorable — see more activity toward additional staff and capital expenditures for 2011.” (Finance & Insurance) “Business is stable. Customers are exerting a [...]

Emini Futures / Markets Higher On New Strain Of Hintavirus

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 01:08:58 -0500

QQQQ)(DIA)(SPY)(GLD)($SPX) from the trading desk of CFRN... Wow! What a difference a day makes...We started out fairly quiet, but with a fairly good trend line up. The...

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U.S. Manufacturing Grew a Bit Slower in November

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:30:00 -0500

A key U.S. manufacturing index unexpectedly dipped slightly in November, but it remained at a level that indicates that the industrial expansion continues. Led by export demand, the factory sector expanded for the 16th consecutive month.

Continue reading U.S. Manufacturing Grew a Bit Slower in November

U.S. Manufacturing Grew a Bit Slower in November originally appeared on DailyFinance on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:30:00.

Filed Under: Economy

U.S. Manufacturing Expands in November ; PMI at 56.6%

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 10:42:37 -0500

The Institute for Supply Management said its index of national factory activity expanded for a 16th consecutive month in November to 56.6 from 56.9 in October. A reading above 50 percent indicates expansion, below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.

Week in Preview: Unemployment Rate, Fed's Beige Book, Canadian Banks

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 07:30:00 -0500

Black Friday has come and gone and the holiday shopping season is off and running. In addition to keeping on eye on how retailers are doing, there will be plenty of economic data for analysts and investors to peruse on this week. Highlights include new numbers on manufacturing, employment and new vehicle sales.

Continue reading Week in Preview: Unemployment Rate, Fed's Beige Book, Canadian Banks

Week in Preview: Unemployment Rate, Fed's Beige Book, Canadian Banks originally appeared on DailyFinance on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 07:30:00.

Filed Under: Economy, Earnings, Market News

Inspiration Mining Acquires Additional Shares of Ursa Major Minerals Incorporated

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:13:26 -0500

Inspiration Announces Planned Work Program at Its 600 Acre Dry Fork, Utah Gold and Copper Property

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:30:00 -0500

Service Sector Expands at Fastest Pace in Three Months

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 12:10:00 -0400

The U.S. service sector unexpectedly grew at a faster pace in October -- and if conditions in the giant sector continue to improve, that would likely lead to increased service sector hiring, as companies increase production to meet rising demand.

Continue reading Service Sector Expands at Fastest Pace in Three Months

Service Sector Expands at Fastest Pace in Three Months originally appeared on DailyFinance on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 12:10:00.

Filed Under: Economy

Oct. Non-Manufacturing Activity Increases to 54.3%

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 10:58:31 -0400

Activity in the service sectors of the U.S. economy grew at a faster pace in October, the Institute for Supply Management reported Wednesday. The ISM non-manufacturing index rose to 54.3% from 53.2% in September. The increase was larger than the 53.5% economists expected. – MW

Turnaround in U.S. ISM Contradicts Analysts’ Best Guess

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:33:56 -0400

Fixed income trading got off to a blistering start in a week where news events are likely to determine the fortunes for bond prices for the remainder of 2010. The first in a series of critical surveys showed the Chinese manufacturing expansion continued and is likely to be followed by more of the same around [...]

ISM Manufacturing Index Hits Five-Month High

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:39:58 -0400

The Institute for Supply Management’s factory index rose to 56.9 last month, the highest since May, from 54.4, the Tempe, Arizona-based group said today. Readings greater than 50 signal that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding.

Week in Preview: Elections, Jobs Data, the Fed and More Earnings

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 08:00:00 -0400

Calling all investors: You'll want to pay close attention in the days ahead. The mid-term elections, FOMC meeting, retail sales figures, an update on the labor market and more earnings from Toyota, Starbucks and more could set the stage for quite an interesting week on Wall Street.

Continue reading Week in Preview: Elections, Jobs Data, the Fed and More Earnings

Week in Preview: Elections, Jobs Data, the Fed and More Earnings originally appeared on DailyFinance on Sun, 31 Oct 2010 08:00:00.

Filed Under: Company News, Economy, Investing, Earnings, Starbucks, Toyota, Stocks in the News, Market News

Stocks Soar on Services Growth and Japan's Rate Cut

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:20:00 -0400

The Dow surged nearly 200 points, while inflation fears propelled gold to another record close. The Institute for Supply Management said its services index rose to 53.2 last month from 51.5 in August. Economists had expected the measure to rise to 52.

Continue reading Stocks Soar on Services Growth and Japan's Rate Cut

Stocks Soar on Services Growth and Japan's Rate Cut originally appeared on DailyFinance on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:20:00.

Filed Under: Economy, Investing, Earnings, Market News

ISM Non-Manufacturing Report on Business: September 2010

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:42:00 -0400

Today, the Institute for Supply Management released their latest Non-Manufacturing Report on Business indicating that service related economic activity continued to expand but at a somewhat slower pace in September.

At 52.80 the business activity index weakened for the fourth consecutive month declining 2.94% since August and sliding 0.75% below the level seen a year earlier, the first year-over-year decline in 14 consecutive months.

It’s important to note though that only 3 of the 11 indicators cited in the report showed slowing growth since August while the "inventories" and “backlog of order” components actually contracted.

U.S. Services Sector Continues to Expand

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:25:00 -0400

The U.S. services sector -- like its sister sector, manufacturing -- continues to confirm an ongoing economic recovery, according to the Institute for Supply Management's services index, which unexpectedly rose 1.7 points in September to 53.2.

ISM services index readings above 50 signal an expansion; below 50, a contraction. A Bloomberg survey had expected the index to rise to 52.0 in September...

Continue reading U.S. Services Sector Continues to Expand

U.S. Services Sector Continues to Expand originally appeared on DailyFinance on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:25:00.

Filed Under: Economy

Non-Mfg ISM

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:39:24 -0400

With a federal budget deficit still as large as it is, not all that much of a surprise. Karim writes: Nice upside surprise: Orders and employment both up on the month; export orders up sharply (but not seasonally adjusted) Sept Aug Composite 53.2 51.5 Activity 52.8 54.4 Prices Paid 60.1 60.3 New Orders 54.9 52.4 Employment 50.2 48.2 Export orders 58.0 46.5 Imports 53.0 50.5 “General state of the business has not changed [...]

ISM Index Falls to 54.4 from 56.3 – Analyst Blog

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 01:19:59 -0400

The Institute For Supply Management’s (ISM) manufacturing index fell to 54.4 in September from 56.3 in August. In July it was at 55.5. This was a minor negative surprise as the consensus had been looking for the index to fall to 54.8. This is a “magic 50 index” where any reading over 50 indicates that [...]

ISM Index Falls to 54.4 from 56.3 – Analyst Blog

U.S. Data/Dudley

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:18:15 -0400

Karim writes: Data: General impression is manufacturing is slowing but ‘building blocks’ for consumer getting better (sorry for delay) Consumer Personal income up 0.5% in Aug and now running 3.3% y/y This is a very significant positive. With personal income rising at this rate the chances of negative growth are slim and none. Savings rate back up to 5.8% from [...]

Factory Orders Rose in July, But Not as Much as Expected

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:00:00 -0400

Factory orders rose just 0.1% in July, the U.S. Commerce Department announced Thursday in a report that further clarified that the manufacturing sector's expansion slowed down this summer. While the statistic did indicate tepid growth, it was less than the 0.3% gain economists had predicted.

Continue reading Factory Orders Rose in July, But Not as Much as Expected

Factory Orders Rose in July, But Not as Much as Expected originally appeared on DailyFinance on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:00:00.

Filed Under: Economy

Wall Street Greets September With a Rally

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:25:00 -0400

Stocks kicked off a traditionally tough month for the market with sharp gains Wednesday after a key report on U.S. manufacturing came in much better than expected.

Continue reading Wall Street Greets September With a Rally

Wall Street Greets September With a Rally originally appeared on DailyFinance on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:25:00.

Filed Under: Economy, Investing