Money Manager

Let The Free Markets Work!

michaelfarr — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:30:21 +0000

Toyota’s recent problems with “unintended acceleration” and faulty brakes could prove to be a valuable lesson for those who believe that protectionism is the answer to all our problems. Earlier this week, Senator Mike Johanns of Nebraska questioned whether the US should impose restrictions on Toyota vehicle imports in response to the safety concerns. He pointed out that Japan had banned imports of US beef in December, 2003, when fears about Mad Cow Disease were widespread. The beef ban remained in place until 2006, causing much harm to the US cattle industry. Up until the ban, Japan had been the industry’s largest export market. Needless to say, Japan’s actions caused much anger and led to calls for retaliatory trade restrictions on Japanese imports. The fears of a trade war were very real.

The implication from Senator Johanns’ comments is obvious: the Japanese have stricter safety standards for their own consumer market than for their export markets. While Johanns has a point, it is also clear that both the beef and auto disputes were safety issues, and not trade issues. Toyota should undoubtedly be subject to the scrutiny of regulatory bodies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) so that all measures are taken to ensure the safety of their vehicles. In this respect, Toyota should be treated no differently from any other automaker, domestic or foreign, operating in the US market. And if it is found that Toyota had knowingly sold vehicles with faulty accelerators into the US market, heads will obviously roll in the form of lawsuits, fines, and the potential criminal prosecution of management. However, the issues at Toyota are by no means the result of any failed trade policies in the US or Japan.

… [visit site to read more]

The Markets

michaelschwartz — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:33:20 +0000

The U.S. stock market has had several “mini corrections” since the March 9, 2009 low and last week’s strong performance has some analysts saying the recent 9% drop in the S&P 500 from its mid-January high may have run its course, according to the Associated Press.

Stocks rose for the second consecutive week and have now recouped about two-thirds of the 9% drop that occurred between January 19 and February 8. Jitters about sovereign debt problems in Europe, central governments “taking away the punch bowl” of easy money, and a surprise rise in the discount rate last week have started to give way to the good news that corporate earnings are still moving up smartly, the manufacturing sector is on the rise, and inflation is subdued, according to Bloomberg.
… [visit site to read more]

The Markets

michaelschwartz — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:10:18 +0000

The Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment preliminary index for February that was reported last week declined slightly from the late January number and it was lower than expected as consumers continued to fret over unemployment. The index is now down 24% from January 2007, according to data from the St. Louis Federal Reserve. Ironically, when consumers are glum, that could be good news for the financial markets.

… [visit site to read more]

Do you Know the Difference between an Investment Advisor and a Broker?

tomtomaj — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:06:58 +0000

As a fee-only investment advisor I come across clients from all walks of life. Lately I have noticed something in common with many of these investors. Many do not know the difference between an investment advisor and a broker who manages and/or makes securities recommendations for their clients’ investment portfolios. With the almost unprecedented volatility in the securities markets, you cannot afford to dig your head in the sand when it comes to whom is managing your assets. … [visit site to read more]

Change Your Investment Plan Now!

michaelfarr — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:42:38 +0000

Timing is important. When the old Medicine Man was asked if rain dances really work, he answered that they most certainly do but a lot depends on timing. “How are your investments doing?” may be one of the most complicated of all investment questions. There are a number of considerations: relative to what benchmark; over what specific time period; for what risk level? Measuring the twelve months ended March, 2009 would have resulted in horribly negative returns (S&P 500 was down -39.7%, excluding dividends) using most any long strategy. Measuring the twelve months ended September, 2009 was only modestly negative (-9.4%), while returns for the year ended December, 2009 were strongly positive (+23.5%).

Moreover, a portfolio that fared relatively well during the downturn (ie, declined less than the overall market) may not have fared as well for the rally. In fact, a defensive portfolio would be expected to produce results inferior to the overall market in strong years such as 2009. Conversely, an aggressive portfolio would be expected to suffer much more than the overall market in declining markets while rebounding more quickly than the overall market as the markets rebound.

… [visit site to read more]

Why the Sell-off?

michaelfarr — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:43:18 +0000

The S&P 500 has now declined over 7% from the recent peak on January 19th. This drop has come despite a round of corporate earnings that were largely ahead of expectations. So what gives? We thought we’d take a stab at what’s driving the correction. The following is our list of factors that we believe are concerning investors. These factors reflect the tenuous nature of the “recovery”, and they reinforce the notion that we have a long road ahead of us.

Most people are pointing to the sovereign debt “crisis” in Europe as the primary factor for the recent sell-off. While the main focus has been on Greece, there are several other European countries running huge deficits that may pose a problem in the near term. These so-called PIGS (Portugal, Ireland, Greece, and Spain) have seen their borrowing costs rise as investors have become more nervous about their ability to fund their deficits. While it appears the EU and other institutions may be rallying in support of Greece for now, this issue will likely affect the markets for a while. Incidentally, we would note that the US deficits as a percentage of GDP are trending dangerously high as well, and they are expected to remain so for the next couple of years (see last week’s market commentary). In the best case scenario, we are going to needavery painful round of belt-tightening across the globe in order to shore up confidence in these debt markets.
… [visit site to read more]

The Markets

michaelschwartz — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:41:17 +0000

Volatility in the financial markets has risen noticeably in the past few weeks as investors remain on edge about a multitude of issues.

A mixed employment report for January, continued budget deficit issues in Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain, monetary tightening in China, and a growing sense that the worldwide economy might be running on government stimulus fumes instead of stable gas all contributed to worldwide jitters, according to the Associated Press. In the U.S., the S&P 500 index dropped for the fourth week in a row and it is now down 7.3% from its January 15 recovery high, according to data from Yahoo! Finance. Foreign stocks, commodities, and gold are also down for the year as shown in the chart below.
… [visit site to read more]

Obama Buck$: Start the Presses

michaelfarr — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:00:28 +0000

On Monday, President Obama submitted his 2011 budget proposal to Congress. The long-range budget projections, included within the administration’s proposal, sent shivers down the spines of deficit hawks. By all accounts, our current course is unsustainable, and something must be done. Put bluntly, Americans simply require more out of their government than they are willing to pay in taxes. Absent drastic action to reverse the deteriorating outlook, we should all expect lower living standards for ourselves, our children and our children’s children. But alas, election years are not known for the implementation of painful decisions. We fully expect another year of unheeded warnings, deferral of tough decisions, and unchecked spending. All the while, however, the voices at Tea Party rallies grow steadily louder. Are we nearing the day of reckoning, or can we afford to defer fundamental reform indefinitely. Only time will tell.
… [visit site to read more]

The Markets

michaelschwartz — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:14:06 +0000

Let’s recap some of the good news last week:

The Commerce Department said the economy grew in the fourth quarter at its fastest pace in more than six years;

The Institute for Supply Management-Chicago said its index of Midwest business activity rose more than expected in January;

Consumer sentiment in January as measured by The Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers hit its highest level in two years; and

Of the 220 companies in the S&P 500 index that have reported fourth quarter earnings, 78% of them exceeded analysts’ expectations, according to Thomson Reuters. In a typical quarter, only 61% of companies beat Wall Street targets.

Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? So, how does the stock market respond?
… [visit site to read more]

What to do with Bank Stocks?

michaelfarr — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:39:16 +0000

Most of the larger banks have reported fourth quarter earnings already, and we must admit the results were better than we had anticipated. In general, the growth in problem loans declined, capital and reserve ratios strengthened, low-cost deposits continued to grow at a robust pace, and earnings largely surpassed estimates. Absent the bucket of cold water that President Obama threw on the sector when he announced new regulatory initiatives late last week, the 4Q results may have actually strengthened the resolve of those that believe we are nearing a peak in credit losses for this painful cycle. So while we at Farr, Miller & Washington remain non-believers for now (which we will explain further below), let’s examine some of the factors that have many people believing that the days of outsized loan write-offs at the banks are nearly over. … [visit site to read more]

Top 10 for 2010

michaelfarr — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:51:30 +0000

For the past 7 years we have published our Top Ten Stocks for the coming year. The results have been very gratifying, but we need to be mindful that concentrated positions also concentrate risk. Some institutional accounts have expressed interest in more concentrated portfolios like this. I buy this list personally for one of my personal accounts on the first trading day of the year and sell it completely on the last trading day of the year. … [visit site to read more]

The Markets

michaelschwartz — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:30:50 +0000

So far, so good.

The S&P 500 index rose every day last week and finished with a 2.7% gain. This gain came despite a disappointing jobs report, which showed another 85,000 jobs were lost in December. A survey from MarketWatch expected a gain of 15,000 jobs. On the bright side, temporary-help jobs rose by 46,500. This is often a precursor to growth in full-time jobs.
… [visit site to read more]

Stretch Out Your IRA Assets For Future Generations

tadmajerek — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:30:12 +0000

Like most people, you’ve probably spent years building your retirement savings in an IRA by saving in a disciplined manner and investing to help it grow. If you’d like your children and grandchildren to benefit from your retirement savings, consider the benefits of a “stretch-out” IRA. … [visit site to read more]

Generate Income During Markets Ups and Downs

tadmajerek — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:30:52 +0000

If you are like many investors, you most probably have been noticing and keeping up with the recent market fluctuations. During these times, you may be looking for opportunities to help protect your investments and possibly generate some income from your portfolio. The good news is there are several strategies investors can use to help increase the income generated from their investments and help protect your portfolio during turbulent markets. Let’s take a look at some of these strategies: … [visit site to read more]

Stocks Look to Start on High Note

leesiler — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:18:29 +0000

Stocks are indicating a strong opening on the first trading day of the New Year. The question on everybody’s mind is whether or not stocks can perform anywhere close to 09’s performance? As intelligent investors, we know that at some point this year the Fed will start cutting stimulus to the economy and in fact, they already have to some degree. Considering we’re at historically low interest rates there’s only one direction they can go. Obviously, Wall Street is listening to every word the Fed says to try and get a clue when the tightening trend will begin. The fact of the matter is that rates have started going up; it’s just the Fed Funds rate is still holding still. … [visit site to read more]

Three Advantages of a Roth IRA

hamptonscurlock — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:30:29 +0000

Many may not understand what a Roth IRA is, and what some of the benefits of a Roth IRA are. But there are three advantages that a Roth IRA can offer if your estate value is under the Applicable Exclusion Amount ($1.5 million in 2005, and $2 million in years 2006 & 2007) and if one of your planning goals is to leave as much money as possible to your heirs. … [visit site to read more]

Retirement Plans

tadmajerek — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:30:17 +0000

Is it possible to put more away in your retirement plan.

Yes, with the Cash Balance Plan. The CBP is a hybrid of a traditional defined benefit plan and a 401(k) plan. This combination is often a good fit for professional service organizations, such as doctors groups, law firms, consultants and high net worth business owners of closely held companies which have demonstrated a consistent profit pattern and will continue to do so for several more years. The Cash Balance Plan offers an enhanced retirement vehicle which allows for accelerated retirement savings, while taking advantage of potentially tremendous tax benefits. Depending on the situation as much as $200,000 per individual.
… [visit site to read more]

Asset Allocation: A Key to Portfolio Success

hamptonscurlock — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:30:31 +0000

For many investors, investing typically begins with one stock or mutual fund. Over time, other selections are added because many people understand it may not be prudent to invest everything in a single security, even if it has a “blue chip” reputation. However, just “spreading money around” in a haphazard way may create only an illusion of diversification. … [visit site to read more]

The Price of Gold

michaelschwartz — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:30:10 +0000

Take your pick – gold surging past $1,100 an ounce, the jobless rate hitting double digits, Warren Buffett’s, “all-in wager on the economic future of the United States,” a 3.2% rise in the S&P 500 index – there was something for everyone last week in the economy and the financial markets. … [visit site to read more]

Treasury to Hold on to Citi

leesiler — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:01:55 +0000

Stocks took a big hit yesterday on a stronger dollar and Citigroup news. The demand for the Citigroup secondary offering was much less than the company thought. Citi was trying to get around $3.35 a share for the $20+ billion offering. The company ended up pricing the offering at $3.15. At this price the Treasury department decided not to sell our tax payers shares at this time. The Treasury said they would hold off for 90 days and after that would sell within the next 12 months. … [visit site to read more]

Asset Allocation: A Key to Portfolio Success

carensgarlato — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:30:39 +0000

Exxon/Mobil Goes X-Mas Shopping

leesiler — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:05:55 +0000

Big news this morning has Exxon/Mobil buying Natural Gas player XTO energy for $31 billion in stock. Exxon/Mobil will be issuing .7098 shares of their stock for each share of XTO. The deal helps XOM gain control of a huge portion of the natural gas market…The deal is valued at a 25% premium from Friday’s close. … [visit site to read more]

Three Advantages of a Roth IRA

carensgarlato — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:30:15 +0000

November Markets

michaelschwartz — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:30:42 +0000

Could November go down in history as a major turning point in the U.S. economy?

The shocking (in a positive way) unemployment report released last Friday by the Labor Department showed the economy lost only 11,000 jobs in November. The markets were bracing for a number well in excess of 100,000, according to CNBC. On top of that, revisions to the previous two months showed 159,000 fewer jobs were lost than initially reported. And, to complete the trifecta, the unemployment rate dropped to 10.0% in November, down from 10.2% in October. On the surface, this is extremely good news for the economy as it suggests the economy is healing nicely. … [visit site to read more]

Dollar Rallys

leesiler — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:19:31 +0000

For the week, stocks moved slightly higher despite the dollar showing some strength. Last week, we saw a paradigm change as the weak dollar trade subsided and was now trading in concert with stocks. It had been a long time since we’ve seen stocks and the dollar trade in the same direction. Well Friday’s surprising employment data got the dollar moving. The fact that unemployment dropped to 10% from 10.2% was a huge surprise. Wall Street applauded the news. However, I’m not sure that this is the start of a trend. I still think unemployment is a major issue and will likely jump back up to over 10.2% over the next few months. … [visit site to read more]

2009 Year-End Tax & Financial Planning Memo

michaelschwartz — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:30:03 +0000

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

As a general rule, you may deduct the full amount of monetary donations made to qualified charitable organizations. If you donate appreciated property held for more than one year, you can generally deduct the fair-market value of the property.

… [visit site to read more]

Financial Markets

michaelschwartz — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:30:39 +0000

Two steps forward, one step back might be an appropriate description of the financial markets these days. … [visit site to read more]

Dubai Rocks World Markets

leesiler — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:45:08 +0000

News that government owned Dubai World is in a financial crisis rocked stock markets worldwide. While our markets dropped more than 1.5% on a holiday shortened trading day, markets abroad took the bigger hit. After the dust settled, it appears that the U.S. has limited exposure in Dubai. However, the news is not as good in Europe. The talk is that the United Kingdom has the biggest exposure to this troubled state. Although Dubai World is owned by the country of Dubai, it is not guaranteed by the government. This should not be a surprise. All of the debt accumulated by Dubai World was accumulated with the understanding that it was not backed by the government. The good news is that the oil rich country and neighbor of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, said it would make sure the banks are solvent and lend some financial assistance. … [visit site to read more]

Ethical Wills: Preserving a Legacy of Values for Your Family and Community

michaelschwartz — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:00:33 +0000

What is an Ethical Will?

Most people are familiar with the concept of a “last will and testament.” It is the means of distributing our accumulated assets to our loved ones and favorite charities, and to effect other important decisions at the time of our death … [visit site to read more]

Gurus and 15 Minutes of Fame

michaelschwartz — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:30:50 +0000

Every decade spawns market gurus who make a few correct calls, get massive media attention, then fizzle out. In the 1960s, we had Gerry Tsai, Fred Carr, and other mutual fund gunslingers. In the 1970s, we had Joe Granville and Henry Kaufmann. In the 1980s, it was Robert Prechter and Elaine Garzarelli. The 1990s brought us the high-flying internet stock managers. Today, Nouriel Roubini and Meredith Whitney are all the rage. But, eventually, they all return to earth. … [visit site to read more]

Do You Need Long Term Care Insurance?

michaelschwartz — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:30:07 +0000

You don’t want to think about the day you may need help getting dressed or bathing, but according to America’s Health Insurance Plans about 19% of Americans 65 years of age and older presently deal with some degree of chronic physical impairment. Among those aged 85 and older, 55% could benefit from long term care. By the year 2020, its projected some 12 million older Americans will need long term care. … [visit site to read more]

Dell Has a Rough Quarter

leesiler — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:59:08 +0000

Stocks continued their slide yesterday, as the dollar is starting to show some strength. This recent move in the dollar is likely an oversold bounce. Most experts do not see a significant dollar rally, especially since the Fed has stated that they will not raise rates for an extended period. Raising rates is the best tool the Fed has to prop up the dollar… … [visit site to read more]

Avoiding the Money Pit: Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

michaelschwartz — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:30:30 +0000

Remember the movie The Money Pit where a young couple struggles to repair a hopelessly dilapidated house that literally falls in around them? That 1980s slapstick comedy may not be funny for many first-time homebuyers dealing with unexpected bills that squelch the joys of home ownership. To avoid surprises that could move you from your dream house into the poor house, follow these suggestions: … [visit site to read more]

New Home Starts Tank

leesiler — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:01:27 +0000

A significant drop in new housing starts has taken stock futures from a mildly higher opening to a slightly lower opening…Wall Street was expecting October new housing starts to improve by 1.7%, but instead saw a deep decline of 10.6%. The Commerce Department said that the seasonally adjusted annual rate of 529,000 units is the lowest since April and the percentage drop is the worst since January. Although single family home starts slowed by 6.8%, the biggest hit was from the multi-family starts which tumbled 34.6%. … [visit site to read more]

Lowes Sees Improvement

leesiler — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:02:10 +0000

Stocks look to build on last week’s gains, as this week will be packed with economic data. This morning, retail sales came in a little better than expected. The Commerce Department reported that retail sales increased by 1.4% during the month of October. However, if you strip auto and auto parts sales, the number came in less than expected. Ex-auto’s, economists had been expecting a jump by 0.4%, but actually came in about half of that number at 0.2%. … [visit site to read more]

Are You Prepared for the Unthinkable?

michaelschwartz — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:30:21 +0000

I think it’s safe to say that most of us can’t imagine the pain and burden that is placed on a surviving spouse in the event of the untimely death of their mate. Not only do people not think that far in advance, but because it’s such an unpleasant thought, most people try to avoid addressing the issue at all cost – until, of course, it is forced upon them. But, imagine for a moment –what would happen if the death of your spouse ended a monthly income that you had come to depend upon? … [visit site to read more]

Wal-Mart Disappoints

leesiler — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:34:04 +0000

The nation’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart reported earnings that beat Wall Street’s expectations. But the stock is indicating a lower opening, as their same-store-sales came in less than analysts had predicted. And although they did raise their 4th quarter outlook, their sales figures will be less than robust. Wal-Mart is expecting 4th quarter same-store-sales to range from down one percent to up one percent. These numbers are adding to the head winds in the market this morning. Obviously, Wal-Mart is the premier retail bellwether and if they’re going to struggle, it’s safe to assume the entire industry will be having a hard time during the holiday season… … [visit site to read more]

Keeping Positive in Challenging Times

shauneddy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:00:37 +0000

The economy and the investment markets have historically had great successes and great hardships. The year 2008 represented a very challenging economic and investment environment. During these times it is important to reflect on the positives. We have much to be thankful for in this country. It is also a time to reinforce the value of living within our means and putting aside money for emergencies. … [visit site to read more]

Dollar Hitting New Lows

leesiler — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:44:21 +0000

The market ended the day mixed on moderate trade. Considering the major averages rallied two of the three previous days, I would chalk yesterday up as a victory. It’s been a while since the Dow Jones gained more than 200 points two of three days… … [visit site to read more]

Keeping Your Financial Plan Alive

shauneddy — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Too often financial plans are put on the shelf to collect dust and become obsolete. Financial planning is an in depth process that reviews every aspect of your financial life and provides recommendations on how to achieve your goals. … [visit site to read more]

Unemployment Highest in 16 Years

leesiler — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:38:35 +0000

The nation’s unemployment rate jumped to over 10% for the first time since October 1983. The consensus estimate was 9.9%, but the continued lay-offs being handed out by corporate America made the number jump to 10.2%. The news has sent stock futures plunging from earlier levels. … [visit site to read more]

6 Steps to Financial Security

Teri Tornroos — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:34:23 +0000

1. Spend less than you make – it sounds almost too simple, but not enough of us do it! Make sure you are not making any unnecessary purchases and building up any debt. … [visit site to read more]

Buffet Takes a Ride on Burlington

leesiler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:12:57 +0000

Stocks basically treaded water yesterday, as Wall Street awaits the Fed’s comments at the conclusion of their meeting today. … [visit site to read more]

Market Trends

eugenevwehrheimjr — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:30:58 +0000

This has indeed been quite a year. A year ago at this time our world was beginning to spin in spiral that had most of us on the edge of our seats. The recent recovery we’ve had in the equity markets has taken some of the tension off, but each downturn we get, no matter how small, the bears come out and start feasting on whatever problem they can find. … [visit site to read more]

Goldman Makes Wrong Call

leesiler — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:45:07 +0000

Stocks continued to trade lower on economic growth concerns and the stronger dollar. Obviously, the weaker dollar has benefited the large cap multinational companies with regards to earnings for this past quarter. When the dollar is weak, like it has been for quite some time now, companies that depend on exports for a large part of their business have a huge advantage. And we’ve seen it in this quarter’s earnings reports. A large majority of the S&P 500, which are the 500 largest companies, have beat analysts’ expectations. Keep in mind earnings are still down from a year ago, but that was expected. … [visit site to read more]

The Concept of Money

eugenevwehrheimjr — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:44:31 +0000

As an investment person I get involved in many discussions about the markets, the economy, and world events. Many people want to discuss their views of the world and can be extremely vociferous in defending their particular logic and analysis of the world and the United States economy. … [visit site to read more]

Stocks Drop Despite Earnings

leesiler — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:00:40 +0000

Stocks took a hit yesterday despite a slew of positive earnings news. It appears that the recent run up in stocks prices was in anticipation of a better than expected third quarter with regards to profits. It is ominous that the market can’t seem to chug higher in the midst of terrific quarterly reports. With about 25% of the S&P 500 reporting earnings, approximately 79% of companies have beat analysts’ expectations. That is itself is much better than average. … [visit site to read more]

Value of Daily Valuation

malcolmbutler — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:00:14 +0000

Recent economic data suggests that the worst of the recession is behind us. The stock market has been moving higher in anticipation of a recovery in the business community. While the economic future is still uncertain, we will
likely see increased economic activity over the coming months. … [visit site to read more]

On Deck Apple

leesiler — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:15:05 +0000

This will be a huge week for earnings with about 25% of the S&P 500 reporting. So far the majority of corporate earnings have come in better than expected with about 70% of companies beating estimates. … [visit site to read more]

Intel Hit a Homerun

leesiler — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:18:34 +0000

This week, it’s all about earnings and some of the biggest companies in the world are giving Wall Street a reason to stand up and cheer. Last night Intel beat expectations in every way. Not only did they beat with their earnings and revenue, but also beat on profit margin, while raising their revenue guidance. That was the tri-fecta of earnings reports. That said the stock is trading up pre-market and taking the rest of the market with it. … [visit site to read more]