2nd Quarter Comes to a Close

Stocks ended the second quarter with a broad decline. However, the U.S. stock market's gains since March were so strong that the S&P 500 finished with its biggest gain since the 4th quarter of 1998. Fannie Mae and the dollar is to blame for today's fall. Fannie reported a big increase in mortgage delinquencies. We can also blame a rising dollar for pushing commodity prices. Even with this close, the Dow ended the second quarter up 11%--its best quarterly gain since 2003!! Just some other tidbits of information...Madoff has officially been sentenced to 150 years. Also, Starbucks release that they were fixing to start offering much healthier options. They aim to change current recipes to include more fruit and remove additives. DJIA -82.38 S&P 500 -7.91 NASDAQ -9.02

Terrific Thursday

Today, Warren Buffett tried his abilities at fortune-telling. He is predicting that the economy outlook is gloomy. He claims that we have not even seen the worst yet. However, in the forecast today was a sunny, beautiful day. Stocks surged to day as retail, industrials, and commodities shares made great gains! In fact, the S&P retail index was up 4% today. Also adding to the market's cheer was lower interest rates after a better-than-expected results from at $27 billion auction of 7-year Treasury notes. So, today's forecast looked good!! DJIA +172.54 S&P 500 +19.32 NASDAQ +37.20

Wednesday's Look

Today, the Dow Jones Industrial Average stumbled while other benchmarks rose. The unexpected rise in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq was the result of the Federal Reserve holding its ground on interest rates and Treasury-purchase plans. The Dow stumble was caused by several reasons. Released today was news about new home sales in May being down, and Boeing has delayed again the release of their new jet. DJIA -23.05 S&P 500 +5.84 NASDAQ +27.42

Fabulous Friday

Today we saw some interesting things happen today in the economy. For instance, many states are seeing increased unemployment rates. Also, Nestle Toll House is recalling cookie dough, which is a personal favorite. The House unveils their health care plans. And, for the sportsman, the U.S. Open is under way. We shall see who will win the U. S. Open. Have a great weekend! DJIA -15.87 NASDAQ 2.86 S&P 500 19.75

Terrific Thursay

Today has been a very active day in our office and our economy! If you come by to visit us, you will notice we have done a little bit of remodelling. And I must say, it looks fantastic. Our national economy is undergoing som remodelling, as well. The health care sector is still waiting to see the changes, while people are questioning the budget deficit and government intervention in the economy. While that has been going on, JP Morgan has snatched up a long term banker for Merrill Lynch, William Rifkin, to be the vice chairman of mergers and acquisitions. We all know Research in Motion as the maker of the Blackberry. Today, they posted some phenomenal earnings. Looks like SOMEONE is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! DJIA -58.42 NASDAQ +7.66 S&P 500 -.34

Wednesday's Spotlight

Markets were flat today after a few down days. What is calming the waters? President Obama's new regulations for financial markets is one positive. These offer increased consumer protection, toughened oversight of companies, and more regulations for those strange financial instruments called derivatives. Also, we are hearing that inflation threats are remaining subdued. While everyone seems to be crying "inflation," there is no sign of the dreaded beast on the horizon. DJIA -7.5 NASDAQ -11.9 S&P 500 -1.3