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Debt, Earnings & The Euro
18 May 10 10:46 AM | Brian Dightman

Stock markets have come under pressure recently as concerns over debt levels of governments around the world take center stage. Policy makers are at a difficult juncture. They must support global economic growth or risk losing much-needed tax revenue...

Filed under: World Economy, S&P 500 Earnings, IMF, Credit Crisis, Cyclical Markets

Interest Rates Jump On Weak Treasury Auction
24 March 10 01:46 PM | Brian Dightman

A sharp jump in interest rates took place today amid concerns over sovereign debt in Europe and a weak auction for U.S. Treasuries. Markets may be signaling concern over swelling government deficits, a problem that could get worse if the current economic...

Filed under: Inflation Data, Credit Markets, Credit Crisis, income investing, risk management

Earnings & The Economy
05 May 09 11:18 AM | Brian Dightman

We are well into Q1 earnings season; overall earnings are down about 35% but many firms are beating lowered targets. We are also starting to see forward guidance improve, a signal to some the worst may be behind us. So far it appears cost cutting has...

Filed under: S&P 500 Earnings, Investors Business Daily, Global Banks, bear market, Credit Crisis, leading economic indicators, stock leadership

Partial Profits and Toxic Debt
24 March 09 04:06 PM | Brian Dightman

Markets made the most of the details released Monday on how the government plans to deal with toxic debt at banks. The new information helped continue the rally started March 9th. The action overall, however, is suspect. Consider the following: The rally...

Filed under: Inflation Data, World Economy, Credit Markets, Global Banks, Credit Crisis, leading economic indicators, U.S. Real Estate, risk management

Fiscal Stimulus, Stocks, & Interest Rates
19 January 09 01:52 PM | Brian Dightman

Many market commentators are hoping for a stock market rally as the Obama Administration takes the helm of our great country. And for good reason, a roughly $850 billion dollar fiscal stimulus could be just the shot in the arm the U.S. economy needs....

Filed under: TED SPREAD, S&P 500 Earnings, Energy, Global Banks, metals and mining, developed markets, Credit Crisis, leading economic indicators

Important Week Ahead
30 November 08 05:24 PM | Brian Dightman

As the month of November came to a close stocks rallied and in the process gain 19% in the last 5 trading days to close down only 7.5% for the month. November 21st kicked the rally off but the day ended with Nasdaq volume falling 4%, generally not the...

Filed under: Inflation Data, World Economy, bear market, Credit Crisis, leading economic indicators, U.S. Real Estate, stock leadership

President Elect Obama & Investors
06 November 08 08:58 AM | Brian Dightman

With the elections over we can now turn our attention to how President Elect Obama is going to potentially affect our investments. Given the magnitude of the economic challenges his administration will face, it will be interesting to see how President...

Filed under: World Economy, S&P 500 Earnings, Energy, Crude Oil, Credit Markets, Global Banks, alternative energy, clean energy, emerging market stocks, Credit Crisis, income investing, dividends, Taxes

Time To Buy?
18 October 08 12:34 PM | Brian Dightman

Many investors are wondering if we have found a market bottom. With Warren Buffett out buying stocks, shouldn’t all investors be doing the same? The risk of entering the stock market at this point has declined. However, the major bias is still down. During...

Filed under: TED SPREAD, Inflation Data, Energy, bear market, Credit Crisis, income investing, leading economic indicators, U.S. Real Estate, dividends, stock leadership, risk management, gifting

Failures at Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac
13 October 08 12:30 PM | Brian Dightman

In the midst of our current economic crisis it is natural for many people to lay the blame at the feet of the most convenient targets; perhaps as an emotionally driven response to an emotion filled situation, but as Americans we would be better served...

Filed under: IBD, Investors Business Daily, Credit Markets, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Credit Crisis