The U.S. economy experienced a greater recovery than expected in the second quarter as a result of domestic demand, but not so much of increased hiring.
Financial Futures
U.S. economy weak is some areas, strong in others
The U.S. economy is showing a stronger labor market, but weakness in consumer spending.
Banks may stop using Libor due to new fees
Some banks have considered no longer using Libor as a benchmark for interest rates on loans.
Oil, food and metal – all getting more expensive
The prices of a tank of gasoline, a loaf of bread and a gold coin are likely to rise in the coming weeks. Commodity futures of every type are gaining as the rising level of global conflict makes investors aware of the risks in an increasingly unstable world. The trend really began last year when… Read more.
Gold, silver and oil prove unrest is good for commodities business
The Middle East is more volatile than usual lately – and that's been good news for both the news industry and commodity futures brokers. Risk-linked assets like precious metals futures and crude oil futures have surged as civil unrest spread from Tunisia to Egypt, Bahrain, Libya and Yemen. Brent crude oil futures surged over 5… Read more.
Jim Rogers calls the next two decades for commodities
Despite the recent rally in commodities – Reuters/Jefferies CRB index just hit its highest point since October 2008 – Jim Rogers, the investor and economist who made his name calling for a multi-year bull market in commodities, believes that the trade in real, tangible goods remains the way of the future. Reuters reported on his words… Read more.
Commodity prices fluctuate as investors begin closing 2010
Prices for wheat, corn and soybeans declined on Thursday after having rallied on Wednesday as investors began preparing to wrap up the past year's investments and prepare for 2011, Bloomberg reports. After scaling nearly eight percent on Wednesday, wheat for March delivery dropped one percent to $7.325 per bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade.… Read more.
Bullish commodities push up Deere sales
John Deere & Company tractor sales are expected to increase as commodities perform strongly, Bloomberg reports. Since late July, the Thomson Reuters/Jeffries CRB Index of 19 raw materials indicates commodities prices are higher. But, on top of that, agricultural products have been leading the largest rally since 1972 as cotton prices have skyrocketed 76 percent… Read more.
China rate speculation spooks commodity futures
The Federal Reserve giveth, and the People's Bank of China taketh away. For a while, it seemed that commodity futures prices had nowhere to go but up. Then speculation that the Chinese central bank would cut back on loose money by raising its interest rates sent commodity futures brokers and traders fleeing for the exits,… Read more.
Municipal bonds could become a riskier proposition
For people who trade financial futures, municipal bonds have often been considered a stable investment option. However, the recession and rising budget costs have produced shortfalls in a growing number of cities around the country, pushing some closer to the risk of bankruptcy and defaulting on their bonds. One recent high-profile example has been Harrisburg,… Read more.