Weekly Commentary -September 12, 2011

Ten Years Later

For most of us, 9/11 feels like yesterday. For a younger generation, Sunday’s services etched a memory of that day onto minds too young to recall it. Three-thousand-six-hundred and fifty-two days have since passed, but as New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg so poignantly stated, “We can never un-see what happened here.” While most Americans wish they never had to witness the events of that defining day, they are equally determined never to forget them.

The 10^th anniversary closed a decade that witnessed two wars, massive changes in national security, the Great Recession, and most recently, the death of the elusive terrorist who masterminded the attack. And no longer is ground zero merely a reminder of what was, but a symbol of rebirth. With the breathtaking National September 11 Memorial now open and the yet-to-be-finished Freedom Tower rising 961 feet above the street where 2,983 lost their lives, history remembers the resilience of the human spirit.

The financial world also stands changed by the events of September 11. Once the physical financial center of the country, the area near ground zero has become largely an upscale residential neighborhood. Pre 9/11, tourists could visit the New York Stock Exchange and stand in a galley to watch the trading, but not anymore. Even though the building itself sustained no damage when the Twin Towers fell, the exchange has since been considered a target and the visitor center remains closed. On the floor of the exchange, traders must now go through security barriers and x-ray machines under the watch of armed officers – something those who have flown on a commercial airliner since 9/11 can relate to.

While Sunday marked a day of reflection and tears for many of us, and while both the tragedy and heroism of 9/11 will long be remembered, Americans will move forward this week. Concerns surrounding Europe’s debt crisis will rear their ugly heads again, and headlines about stock market volatility will doubtless be featured in the news. And when they are, we would all do well to keep things in perspective and be thankful for the life we enjoy, even if it has been altered by the events of September 11^th, 2001.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Tuesday – Import and Export Prices, Treasury Budget
Wednesday –Producer Price Index, Retail Sales, Business Inventories, EIA Petroleum Status Report
Thursday – Consumer Price Index, Empire State Mfg Survey, Jobless Claims, Industrial Production, Philadelphia Fed Survey
Friday – Treasury International Capital, Consumer Sentiment                                                          

Data as of 09/09/2011	1-Week	YTD	1-Year	5-Year	10-Year
Standard & Poor’s 500	-1.68	-8.22	4.53	-2.23	0.63
Dow	-2.21	-5.06	5.54	-0.70	1.44
NASDAQ	-0.50	-6.97	10.4	2.79	4.62
MSCI EAFE	-5.76	-14.6	-4.71	-3.20	34.5
10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only)	2.00	N/A	2.76	4.77	2.09

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. N/A means not available.

HEADLINES:

Moments of silence were observed in New York City Sunday on the 10^th anniversary of the terror attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center and killed nearly 3,000 people. “Ten years have passed since a perfect blue sky morning turned into the blackest of nights. Since then, we have lived in sunshine, and in shadow,” said New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.[i]

China’s record imports and a rebound in lending signaled strength that offers a bright spot in a global economy contending with Europe’s debt crisis and weakening U.S. job gains. Government reports in the past two days showed that shipments from abroad jumped 30% and new local-currency loans were a more-than-forecast 548.5 billion yuan ($86 billion).[ii]

The average price for regular gasoline at U.S. filling stations rose 5.76 cents to $3.6669 a gallon last week.[iii]

Bank of America Corp. is preparing to slash 40,000 or more jobs and close 10% of its branches nationwide. The details of the plan were not officially announced, but the information was disclosed by three Bank of America executives who have been briefed on the plan but were not authorized to speak publicly.[iv]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.” – C.C. Scott
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Roasted Asparagus with Garlic-Lemon Sauce

From: Eating Well

Ingredients:

2 bunches asparagus, (about 2 pounds), trimmed

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise

2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons water

2 anchovy fillets, minced

1 small clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 chopped hard-boiled eggs (optional)

 

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

2) Toss asparagus with oil and salt in a large bowl. Spread on a baking sheet and roast, stirring once halfway through, until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

3) Combine mayonnaise, Parmesan, water, anchovies, garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl. To serve, drizzle the asparagus with the sauce and top with hard-boiled egg (if using).

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

Practice your Putting at Home

Believe it or not, 40% or more of the strokes you make take place on the putting green. And yet, so often, the club responsible for so many strokes receives the least amount of quality practice time.

You can even practice your putting while at home. Here’s an old Arnold Palmer tip: On a smooth floor (cement, wood, linoleum, etc.) throw down a nickel and putt it around the room without scuffing the floor or missing the nickel. If you can execute this drill consistently, you will see your putting improve. Plus, it’s fun. One note: Be careful not to scratch your floors.

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK:

Vitamin D and Sunshine

Most Americans are Vitamin-D deficient which can lead to health risks like osteoporosis, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The main sources of Vitamin D are sunlight, foods, and supplements. The National Institute of Health recommends that adults get 15 mcg per day. While sunlight is the most efficient way to get the full daily dose of Vitamin D, be careful not to indulge more than 15 minutes at a time, a few times a week. And always wear sun protection if you plan to spend extended periods of time in the sunshine.

 

GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK:

Water Conscious Watering

Americans waste millions of gallons of water in gardens and lawns each year. Regularly check your sprinkler system and adjust sprinklers so that only your lawn is watered, not sidewalks or driveways.

 

Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!

If you would like to opt-out of future emails, please reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
Investment advisory service offered through Calandra Wealth Management, LLC – A Georgia Registered Investment Advisor.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

 

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

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[i] http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/09/11/national/main20104450.shtml

[ii] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-11/china-strength-defies-hard-landing-scenario.html

[iii] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-11/u-s-gasoline-rises-5-76-cents-to-3-69-a-gallon-survey-shows.html

[iv] http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-bank-america-jobs-20110910,0,4275951.story

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Weekly Market Commentary – July 25, 2011

THE MARKETS: 

less than two weeks until the August 2 deadline for raising the debt ceiling, investor focus has been glued to the debate. Lawmakers have been negotiating ways to cut spending and raise the nation’s borrowing limit for months, but there is still no articulated path forward. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union, “We’re almost out of runway. We’re not nowhere, but we’re almost out of runway.” In the days ahead, markets around the world will be looking for reassurance that the U.S. political system can compromise on solutions for the greater good.

Helping to balance uncertainty in Washington, last week was one of surprisingly positive earnings reports that lifted major indexes to weekly gains. The Dow rose more than 1% and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq more than 2%. Analysts also cited relative progress on both the U.S. debt ceiling issue and the ongoing European debt crisis as partial reasons for the positive results.[1]

This week promises to be a busy one both for stocks and economic reports.180 companies in the S&P 500 are scheduled to report quarterly financial results; the August 2 deadline for raising the debt ceiling is rapidly approaching; and Friday will bring the first official report on second-quarter economic growth.[2]

With everything featured in the headlines right now, we understand that you may have some concerns about how your investments could be affected. Please rest assured that we are closely monitoring all relevant activity and will keep you informed about any steps that need to be taken. At the same time, we would like to reiterate that we do not believe now is the time for drastic action. If you have questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact us. We are always here to lend a hand.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:                                                                                                                             

Tuesday – S&P Case-Shiller HPI, Consumer Confidence, New Home Sales

Wednesday –Durable Goods Orders EIA Petroleum Status Report, Beige Book

Thursday – Jobless Claims, Pending Home Sales Index

Friday – Employment Cost Index, GDP, Chicago PMI, Consumer Sentiment

Data as of 07/22/2011	1-Week	YTD	1-Year	5-Year	10-Year
Standard & Poor’s 500	2.19	6.95	23.0	1.69	1.11
Dow	1.61	9.53	22.9	3.34	1.99
NASDAQ	2.47	7.76	27.3	8.30	4.09
MSCI EAFE	3.44	5.38	21.5	1.95	3.49
10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only)	2.91	NA	2.93	5.05	5.11

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.

HEADLINES:

The dollar fell as U.S. lawmakers failed to agree on raising the nation’s $14.3 trillion debt ceiling. America’s currency weakened against the Swiss franc, yen and euro.[3]

Investors outside the U.S. own $4.51 trillion in U.S. Treasuries, or about 50% of the marketable government debt outstanding, according to the Treasury Department.[4]

Last week marked the first anniversary of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Dodd-Frank’s crucial innovation was to identify sources of systemic risk in the banking system, and to provide regulatory tools to lessen the problem. A year after the bill became law, it still has many critics and champions.[5]

Two coordinated terror attacks in Norway have left at least 92 dead. Flags are flying at half-staff and the Army is patrolling the streets in a city that just endured its worst peacetime attack in history. Our thoughts are with them.[6]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“Cheerfulness is the best promoter of health and is as friendly to the mind as to the body. “ – Joseph Addison
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

From: Better Homes and Gardens
These bite-size appetizers bring festive summer colors to your table.

Ingredients:

30 cherry tomatoes (1-inch diameter)

1 cup firmly packed fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup firmly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

1 large clove garlic, quartered

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (1 cup)

Fresh basil leaves (optional)

 

Directions:

1) Slice off the very top of each tomato. Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each tomato so they stand level. Scoop out tomatoes from the top using a very small, narrow spoon. Turn upside down on paper towels to drain.

2) For pesto, in a blender container or food processor bowl combine 1 cup basil, the parsley, nuts, garlic, and pepper. Cover and blend or process with several on/off turns until a paste forms, stopping machine several times and scraping the sides. With the machine running slowly, gradually add oil and blend or process to the consistency of soft butter. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the goat cheese.

3) Spoon pesto mixture into a small self-sealing plastic bag. Snip a very small hole in one corner of the bag. Seal bag. Squeeze pesto into the tomato shells. Place filled tomatoes on a serving plate. If desired, garnish with small basil leaves. Makes 30 tomatoes.

 

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

When and How to Practice

The best time to practice is right after you’ve played, while your body is still warm and the problems you experienced are fresh in your mind.

Even if you only want to go to the range for a workout, it’s a good idea to break down your typical round of golf to see which shots you need to practice the most instead of hitting over and over again with your favorite club. For example, in a regulation round of golf, a scratch player would hit approximately fourteen drives, four fairway woods, four long irons (2, 3, 4), eight medium irons (5, 6, 7), six short irons (8, 9, PW), four chip shots, two bunker shots, and 30 putts for 72.

Based on these numbers, he or she should spend almost half their practice time on the putting green, about a fourth of the time hitting tee shots, and the rest of the time divided among all the others.

Break down your own rounds in a similar way, and you’ll know how to practice effectively.

 

 

Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues.  If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!

If you would like to opt-out of future emails, please reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Investment advisory services offered by Calandra Wealth Management, LLC – A Georgia Registered Investment Advisor.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

 

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

 

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[1] http://money.cnn.com/2011/07/24/markets/stocks_lookahead/index.htm?iid=HP_LN

[2] http://www.marketwatch.com/story/investor-hopes-hinge-on-debt-plan-earnings-2011-07-24

[3] http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-07-24/dollar-falls-as-talks-on-raising-u-s-debt-ceiling-break-down.html

[4] http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-07-24/dollar-falls-as-talks-on-raising-u-s-debt-ceiling-break-down.html

[5] http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/7412416c-b610-11e0-8bed-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1T4G9AWIc

[6] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-24/norway-killing-suspect-may-explain-motives.html

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Weekly Commentary – June 20, 2011

THE MARKETS:

Though our economic growth is being challenged by some strong headwinds, including high food prices, high gas prices, and a soft housing market, good news came at the right time last week. The Conference Board reported on Friday that its index of leading economic indicators grew by 0.8% in May.[i] This represents the largest increase since February and is a strong improvement over the initial forecast. Some of the things that helped lift the index were:

• Federal Reserve policies designed to help financial markets.
• An increase in building permits, which signal future construction.
• A boost in consumer confidence as gas prices fell.
• Fewer people applying for unemployment benefits. [ii]

This report reaffirms what many economists have already been saying – while we are clearly facing some obstacles, the overall picture is improving. According to Moody’s analytics, economists are anticipating second-quarter growth between 2% and 2.5%. “Consumers are not panicking. We should begin to emerge from the soft patch in the second half of the year; a lot of the drags on the recovery are fading,” said Ryan Sweet, a senior economist there.[iii]

In related news, the Dow rose for the first time since April and the S&P 500 broke a six-week losing streak by climbing 0.3%. In addition, suppliers are finally able to predict full rebounds from the March Japanese earthquake, with Honda projecting a return to normal production in August[iv] and Toyota following suit in September.[v]  While the economic recovery will likely continue to ebb and flow, these are some of the signs that we are still headed in the right direction.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:

 Tuesday – Existing Home Sales

Wednesday – EIA Petroleum Status Report, FOMC Meeting

Thursday – Jobless Claims, New Home Sales

Friday – Durable Goods Orders, GDP

Data as of 06/17/2011	1-Week	YTD	1-Year	5-Year	10-Year
Standard & Poor’s 500	0.04	1.10	13.9	0.32	0.47
Dow	0.44	3.69	15.0	1.80	1.30
NASDAQ	-1.03	-1.37	13.4	4.57	2.90
MSCI EAFE	-0.79	0.76	19.1	1.32	2.58
10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only)	2.97	NA	3.19	5.13	5.26

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.

HEADLINES:

The Senate voted Thursday to cut the $5 billion-a-year subsidy given to oil refiners for blending ethanol into gasoline. Provided in the form of tax credits, the subsidy gives 45 cents a gallon to refiners who use ethanol, a renewable fuel additive that comes mainly from corn in the U.S..[vi] 

Ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team will be determined by a one-day divorce trial. The outcome will decide whether Frank McCourt is the sole owner, or if the team should be considered community property, which could likely lead to a sale of the team.[vii]

Microsoft won antitrust approval to complete the purchase of Skype, an internet phone service. Its largest acquisition to date, the company will buy Skype for $8.5 billion.[viii]

In the United States, 176 million people watched online videos last month, much of it on YouTube, according to the latest survey by comScore. Each person watched 15.9 hours on average.[ix]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” – Albert Camus
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Red, White, and Blue Parfaits

From: Better Homes and Gardens
This sweet tart mousse takes only 20 minutes to make and provides a light, airy dessert option.

Servings: 6 servings

Total: 15 minutes

Ingredients:                                                                                                                                  

1 8-ounce carton vanilla low-fat yogurt

1 /4 teaspoon almond extract or 1/ 2 teaspoon vanilla

1 /2 of an 8 ounce container frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed

3 cups fresh raspberries and/or cut-up fresh strawberries

3 cups fresh blueberriesfind more recipes with this ingredient

Store Brand Lemons 2 for $1.00
Medium
thru 2011-06-14

Albertson’s

Store Brand Lemons 2 for $5.00
Large
Loyalty Card Required, 2 Lb.
thru 2011-06-14

Winn-Dixie

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, stir together yogurt and almond extract or vanilla. Fold in whipped topping.

2. To serve, in six 12-ounce glasses or dessert dishes, alternate layers of the berries with layers of the yogurt mixture.

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

Defective Putter?

If your putts are always crooked and you can’t figure out why, it may not be your fault. Even with expensive putters, it has become relatively common for grips to be assembled improperly. If you haven’t already, it is a good idea to check the grip on your putter to ensure it is not crooked. If you don’t own a vice, you may need a friend to help you out. Here’s how to perform the check:

Wrap a rag around the shaft of your putter and clamp it horizontally in a vice (gently, just enough to hold it). Make sure the putting face is turned upward so you can place a level on it. Once you level the putting face, place the level across the flat of the putter grip. If the bubble is not centered, your grip is crooked. Even a couple degrees will severely affect your putts, and it gets worse when the putt is long.

 

Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues.  If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!

If you would like to opt-out of future emails, please reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Investment advisory services offered through Calandra Wealth Management, LL – A Georgia Registered Investment Advisor.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

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[i] http://www.conference-board.org/data/bcicountry.cfm?cid=1

[ii] http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2011-06-17-slow-economic-growth_n.htm

[iii] http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110614/bs_nm/us_usa_economy_retail

[iv] http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20110617/FREE/110619944/-1/INDaily01&dailycount=4&issuedate=20110617

[v] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43430410/ns/business-autos/

[vi] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43431407/ns/politics/

[vii] http://www.marketwatch.com/story/mccourt-may-keep-dodgers-after-divorce-deal-2011-06-17

[viii] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43446983/ns/business-us_business/

[ix] http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/techchron/detail?entry_id=91317#ixzz1Phkkl74B

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Weekly Commentary – May 16, 2011

SPECIAL EDITION: Annual Report on the financial health of Medicare and Social Security

Each year the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds report on the current and projected financial status of the two programs. This year’s report was released on Friday, and we thought you might like to know about the key findings.

According to government predictions, Medicare’s largest trust fund will run out of money in 2024, five years earlier than projected last year. The program’s faulty finances are, in part, a symptom of the sluggish economy. Higher projected health-care costs and lower payroll taxes are being blamed for the shortfall. Pressure will doubtless intensify in Washington as a bipartisan effort is made to shore up the 46-year-old healthcare plan that covers more than 47 million elderly and disabled Americans.

Regarding Social Security, the report showed that expenditures exceeded the program’s non-interest income in 2010 for the first time since 1983, and that the program faces a $46 billion deficit for 2011. The projected point at which the combined Trust Funds will be exhausted comes in 2036 – one year sooner than projected last year. At that time, there will be sufficient income to pay only 77% of scheduled benefits.

The report concluded by saying that, “projected long-run program costs for both Medicare and Social Security are not sustainable under currently scheduled financing, and will require legislative corrections if disruptive consequences for beneficiaries and taxpayers are to be avoided. The financial challenges facing Social Security and Medicare should be addressed soon. If action is taken sooner rather than later, more options and more time will be available to phase in changes so that those affected can adequately prepare.”[1]

While it is impossible for us to address all the nuances of Medicare and Social Security in this brief communication, let alone all the proposed solutions, we wish to draw your attention to the two italicized words at the end of the previous paragraph: adequately prepare. Of all the information we found in the eye-crossing 244 page report (you can read it here: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/TR/2011/tr2011.pdf), these two words strike us as most significant.

No one can predict with certainty what the future of Medicare and Social Security will be. Most people agree that reforms are needed and that changes will be made, but what those changes will be and how they will affect beneficiaries, remains to be seen. What we do know, is that we must adequately prepare in every way possible.

Adequate preparation requires a number of things. It involves taking your life expectancy into consideration when deciding what withdrawal rates are sustainable in your portfolio. It includes choosing an asset allocation that is likely to keep pace with inflating healthcare costs. It means considering whether long-term-care or other insurance coverage is right for you. It dictates determining the best time to start collecting benefits.  Many important decisions must be made when preparing for the future and it is unwise to rely too heavily on government programs for support. Although making the right decisions can be challenging, we are here to guide you through the process.

If you have questions about how anything in this report could affect you or your loved ones, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to serve you.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Monday – Empire State Manufacturing Survey, Treasury International Capital, Housing Market Index
Tuesday – Housing Starts, Redbook, Industrial Production
Wednesday – FOMC Minutes
Thursday – Jobless Claims, Existing Home Sales, Philadelphia Fed Survey, Leading Indicators
                                                                                                                    

Data as of 05/13/2011	1-Week	YTD	1-Year	5-Year	10-Year
Standard & Poor’s 500	-0.18	6.37	15.6	0.72	0.74
Dow	-0.34	8.79	16.8	2.13	1.64
NASDAQ	0.03	6.62	18.1	5.21	3.42
MSCI EAFE	-1.61	4.11	18.9	-0.55	2.37
10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only)	3.16	NA	3.56	5.19	5.48

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.

HEADLINES:

The average 401(k) balance rose to $74,900 at the end of March, Fidelity said, the highest since the firm began tracking the data in 1998 and a 12% jump from a year ago. Nearly 10% of participants raised their contribution rate during the first quarter, also a record.[2]

Consumers continued to feel the pinch at grocery stores and gasoline stations in April as higher prices pushed up a widely used index of inflation to the fastest 12-month pace since the later part of 2008, according to government figures released Friday. The Labor Department said the consumer price index, the most widely used measure of inflation, was up 0.4 percent in April from March, and up 3.2 % from a year earlier.[3]

US oil drilling activity slipped this week, down by 6 rotary rigs compared with a year ago, Baker Hughes Inc., an oilfield services company, reported. Land operations had the biggest loss, down 7 units, and inland waters activity decreased by 2 rigs. In what has become an unusual situation, offshore drilling registered the only increases, up by 3 rigs to a total of 33 rigs drilling in US waters.[4]

The euro fell against all but two of its 16 most-traded counterparts, reaching a six-week low against the dollar, on concern Greece may have to restructure its debt and the nation’s problems may spread in the region.[5]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun. – Napoleon Hill

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Garden Risotto

From: Better Homes and Gardens
Slow cooking, with stirring and watching, ensures success in producing the creamy results for this classic Italian side dish.

 

Servings: 4 side-dish servings

Total Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

1 cup arborio rice or medium-grain white rice

2 tablespoons olive or cooking oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

3-1/4 to 3-1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth

1 cup shredded carrot

1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion

¼ to ½ cup shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese

2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil

Thin carrot curls (optional)

Basil leaves (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan cook and stir uncooked rice in hot oil over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute more.

2. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring broth to boiling; reduce heat and simmer.

3. Slowly add 1 cup of the broth to rice mixture (be careful of spattering, because broth will steam up when it hits the hot pan); stir constantly. Cook and stir over medium heat until broth is absorbed (about 5 minutes).

4. Add 2 more cups of broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until broth is absorbed. Stir in remaining broth, shredded carrot, and green onion. Cook and stir until rice is creamy and just tender. Stir in cheese and snipped basil.

5. If desired, garnish with the carrot curls and basil leaves. Makes 4 side-dish servings.

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

Keep Your Emotions in Check

To get yourself back on track after a poor shot, ask yourself these four questions:

1)    How was my tempo or rhythm?

2)    Was I fully committed to the club, target, and type of shot?

3)    How well did I visualize the shot in advance?

4)    How did that shot “feel”?

By running through this checklist to determine the reason behind a bad shot, you’ll keep your tension level low and your emotions in check.

 

Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues.  If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!

Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

---

[1]All information in this commentary is taken from: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/TR/2011/tr2011.pdf

[2] http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703730804576313682030967852.html

[3] http://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm

[4] http://www.ogj.com/index/article-display/6817829475/articles/oil-gas-journal/drilling-production-2/drilling-operations/20100/may-2011/us-drilling_decreases.html

[5] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-14/euro-drops-to-six-week-low-versus-dollar-before-ministers-meet-on-greece.html

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Weekly Commentary – May 2, 2011

THE MARKETS:  

Stocks finished sharply higher last week, leading major indexes to their best month so far this year.[i] A strong earnings season coupled with increases in personal spending, personal income, and gradual improvement in the nation’s job picture helped the Dow finish 4.3% higher for the month.[ii]

Also last week, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke held his first-ever press conference to answer reporters’ questions in a televised setting. A clear effort was made to reassure a skeptical public that the central bank is doing everything it can to control inflation and expand the recovery. “It is very hard to blame the American public for being impatient,” the Fed Chairman told about 60 reporters at Wednesday’s news conference. Citing high unemployment and rising gas prices, Bernanke acknowledged that, “Conditions are far from where we would like them to be.”[iii]

Commenting on the Fed’s commitment to help curb excessive inflation, the Fed Chairman added, “If inflation persists or inflation expectations begin to move, then there is no substitution for action. We would have to respond… I think every central banker understands that keeping inflation low and stable is absolutely essential to a successful economy. And we will do what is necessary to ensure that that happens.”[iv] At a time when food and gas prices are on the rise, these words were comforting for many Americans to hear. And while stating that the recovery has been merely “moderate”, Bernanke also stressed the Fed’s belief that it is “sustainable”.

In spite of Mr. Bernanke’s constructive tone, we must reasonably acknowledge that the economic picture is not entirely rosy. Government data released Thursday showed that U.S. GDP slowed in the first quarter to 1.8% from 3.1% in the previous quarter, reflecting a spike in gasoline, higher overall inflation, and continued weakness in the housing market.[v]

Much like a ship captain monitors his navigational instruments, we will continue to monitor both the policy makers and the economic indicators that help us navigate the vast sea of investment options. Commentaries like this are our way keeping you informed of the course we are charting.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Tuesday – Redbook, New Home Sales
Wednesday – Durable Goods Orders
Thursday – GDP, Jobless Claims , Corporate Profits
Friday – Personal Income and Outlays, Consumer Sentiment

 

Data as of 04/29/2011	1-Week	YTD	1-Year	5-Year	10-Year
Standard & Poor’s 500	1.96	8.43	13.0	0.81	0.88
Dow	2.44	10.7	14.7	2.54	1.85
NASDAQ	1.89	8.32	14.4	4.74	3.84
MSCI EAFE	2.24	9.00	16.3	0.58	2.76
10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only)	3.40	N/A	3.73	5.07	5.31

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.

HEADLINES:

The death toll from this week’s storms rose to 343 Saturday, according to an NBC News count, making the tornado outbreak the second deadliest in U.S. history. Catastrophe risk modeling company EQECAT said that with initial reports of nearly 10,000 destroyed buildings, property insurance losses were expected to range from $2 to $5 Billion.[vi]

President Barack Obama used his weekly address to the nation to reiterate his call on Congress to stop granting tax subsidies to oil and gas companies. Despite recent signs of economic recovery, families across the country are experiencing “real pain” from soaring gas prices, Obama said.[vii]

Prince William and Kate Middleton have been pronounced husband and wife at Westminster Abbey in London. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as they will now be known, made their vows in front of 1,900 guests and the eyes of the world.[viii]

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is preparing an investigation of Google Inc.’s dominance of the Internet search industry by alerting high-tech companies to gather information for the probe, three people familiar with the matter said. The probe is examining whether Google discriminated against other services in search results and stopped websites from accepting rival ads.[ix]

Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, a mastermind of the largest terrorist attack in American history, was killed Sunday in Pakistan in a military operation after the U.S. learned of his location.[x]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present. – Jim Rohn

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Dip

From: Betty Crocker
Roasted red peppers add color to a one-dish dip requiring 10 minutes of prep time.

Ingredients:

1 jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained (6 to 7 ounces)

½ cup drained roasted red bell peppers (from 7-ounce jar)

1 package cream cheese, softened (3 ounces) find more recipes with this ingredient Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spread with Blueberry Fruit Spread 2 for $3.00
Cream Cheese Spread with Blueberry Fruit Spread
Assorted Varieties, 8-oz pkg. SAVE UP TO $1.58 ON 2
thru 2011-04-2

Publix

½ cup sour cream

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Assorted crackers or veggie crisps

Directions:

1. In food processor, place artichoke hearts and bell peppers. Cover and process until coarsely chopped. Add cream cheese, sour cream and parsley. Cover and process just until blended.

2. Garnish dip with additional chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crackers.

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

What’s In Your Bag?

What is the best set makeup for an average player? Assuming that you’re going to adhere to the 14-club limit, you’ll want to assemble a set with which you use all the clubs and have no distance gaps. To show how to pick the set that suits you best, here is an average list of clubs and yardages. These yardages may not apply to your game, but you should be able to apply the same principle.

Woods:
Driver – 200 yards
3-Wood – 190 yards
5-Wood -180 yards
7-Wood – 170 yards
9-Wood – 160 yards
11-Wood – 150 yards
13-Wood – 140 yards
15-Wood – 130 yards

Irons:
2-Iron – 190 yards
3-Iron – 180 yards
4-Iron – 170 yards
5-Iron – 160 yards
6-Iron – 150 yards
7-Iron – 140 yards
8-Iron – 130 yards
9-iron – 120 yards
P. W. – 110 yards
S. W. – 90 yards

The idea is to pick a set that gives you a consistent distance spread from club to club. If you do not hit your 3 and 4 irons well, then take them out of your bag and replace them with a 5 and 7 wood. This will at least close any distance gaps created because of the unused clubs. As you can see, there is an overlap between the woods and irons all the way from 130 to 190 yards. If you’re not comfortable hitting a certain iron, simply replace it with the corresponding wood, and vice versa.

 

Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues.  If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!

Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

---

[i] http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/29/markets/markets_newyork/index.htm

[ii] http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/29/markets/markets_newyork/index.htm

[iii] http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1104/27/qmb.01.html

[iv] http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1104/27/qmb.01.html

[v] http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/28/news/economy/1q_gdp_report/index.htm?iid=EL

[vi] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42834400/ns/weather/

[vii] http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0411/53977.html

[viii] http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/apr/29/royal-wedding-newlyweds-afternoon-celebration?intcmp=239

[ix] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-29/google-said-to-be-subject-of-ftc-probe-into-web-search-industry-dominance.html

[x] http://blogs.wsj.com/wsjam/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-is-dead/

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Weekly Market Commentary – April 18, 2011

Weekly Market Update
Week of April 18, 2011

THE MARKETS:

In spite of a rocky start to earnings season, promising economic news helped reassure investors this week. Stocks even managed to post modest gains on Friday in response to the hopeful signs.

Aside from food and gas prices, the Labor Department reported that consumer prices rose just 0.1% in March, lower than the predicted 0.2%.[i] With prices inflating slower than expected, Americans got a break. And in today’s economy, consumers need every break they can get. When prices are lower, people tend to feel better and spend more – good news since consumer spending accounts for about 70% of the total U.S. economy.[ii]

Signs show that Americans are also feeling more optimistic. The U.S. consumer sentiment index rose from 67.5 in March to 69.6 in April, beating expectations.[iii] This increase could be partially attributed to the addition of jobs for six straight months and an unemployment rate sitting at a two-year low.[iv] These positive numbers indicate job gains are helping Americans manage rising fuel costs and maintain a positive outlook.[v]

Industrial production increased for the ninth straight month in a row, rising 0.8% in March, and factory production increased 9.1% in the first quarter.[vi] Total industrial production was 5.9% above its year-earlier level.[vii] These numbers are all higher than forecast last month, and are a good sign that factories will keep driving the U.S. economy.[viii]

These indicators show that prices are down, optimism is up, and factories are producing at higher levels than last year; all signs that our economy is still making progress. Earnings season will kick into high gear this week as Wall Street gets quarterly results from 110 members of the S&P 500, giving us a broad view of how Corporate America is doing.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:                                                                                                Monday – Housing Market Index                                                                                                         Tuesday – Housing Starts, Redbook                                                                                  Wednesday – Existing Home Sales, EIA Petroleum Status Report
Thursday – Jobless Claims, Philadelphia Fed Survey, Leading Indicators                                          Friday – U.S. Market Holiday: Good Friday Observed       

Data as of 04/15/2011	1-Week	YTD	1-Year	5-Year	10-Year
Standard & Poor’s 500	-0.36	4.93	10.7	0.19	0.66
Dow	-0.32	6.60	12.0	1.90	1.63
NASDAQ	-0.25	4.21	11.4	3.47	3.30
MSCI EAFE	-0.34	4.69	8.47	0.12	2.65
10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only)	3.57	N/A	3.77	4.97	5.12

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.

HEADLINES:

Congress sent President Barack Obama legislation cutting a record $38 billion from federal spending on Thursday.  This measure will finance the government through the September 30^th end of the budget year.[ix]

Bank of America’s first-quarter income fell 39% on higher costs related to its mortgage business and litigation. The bank also settled a claim over faulty mortgage investments and set aside less money to cover bad loans. The earnings fell short of the 28 cents a share estimated by analysts surveyed by FactSet and revenue fell to $26.9 billion from $32 billion in the same period last year.[x]

The first settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could be reached as soon as next week.  The securities regulator is in talks with major Wall Street banks to settle fraud allegations relating to the sale of toxic mortgage bonds to various investors that helped unleash the financial crisis.[xi]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed. – Theodore Roosevelt

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Goat Cheese Pastry Rounds

From: Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients:

1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package frozen puff pastry (1 sheet), thawed

Tomato preserves or favorite fruit preserves* (about 3 tablespoons)

3 2- to 2-1/2-inch diameter rounds goat cheese (3 to 4 oz. each)

1 egg, beaten

Fresh figs or grapes (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degree F. Line a baking sheet with foil; grease foil. Set aside.

2. Unfold pastry on a lightly floured surface; roll into a 12-inch square. Cut pastry into four 6-inch squares. Place 1 tablespoon preserves in center of 3 of the pastry squares. Place goat cheese atop preserves. Bring edges of pastry up and over cheese rounds, pleating and pinching edges to cover. Sea; trim excess pastry. Invert and place on prepared baking sheet, smooth side up. Brush pastry with egg. Cut small slits in pastry for steam to escape. Cut remaining pastry square into decorative leaves; place atop brushed pastry and brush with additional egg.

3. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until pastry is golden brown. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes before serving. If desired, serve with fresh figs. Makes 12 servings.

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

What the Perfect Swing Looks Like
By Michael Lopuszynski

The Problem:
You’re hitting too many slices and your swing just never feels right. 

The Solution:
Most of us are taught to swing down the target line, which actually causes your arms to fly away from your body. The result is inconsistent contact and a swing you can’t repeat. The only time your clubface should point down the target line is when you contact the ball. The swing path should start inside and intersect the target line only just before impact and then start back inside right after impact. This circular swing keeps your body and arms connected, which helps you strike the ball with power.

Try This:
On the range, stop your arms at impact and allow your body rotation to bring the club back inside on your follow-through. This will ingrain the proper clubhead path after impact.

 

Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues.  If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!

Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

---

[i] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42605261/ns/business-eye_on_the_economy/

[ii] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-15/consumer-sentiment-in-u-s-rises-more-than-forecast-in-third-monthly-gain.html

[iii] http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/15/markets/markets_newyork/index.htm

[iv] http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/15/markets/markets_newyork/index.htm

[v] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-15/consumer-sentiment-in-u-s-rises-more-than-forecast-in-third-monthly-gain.html

[vi] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42605261/ns/business-eye_on_the_economy/

[vii] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-15/u-s-march-industrial-production-and-capacity-report-text-.html

[viii] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-15/u-s-industrial-production-increased-0-8-in-march-fed-says.html

[ix] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42587459/ns/politics-capitol_hill/

[x] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42607719/ns/business-eye_on_the_economy/

[xi] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42605827/ns/business-eye_on_the_economy/

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Weekly Market Commentary – March 7, 2011

Weekly Market Update
Week of March 07, 2011

THE MARKETS:

As of late, the big question on everyone’s mind has been: Will the recovery stick? And while the talking heads have been debating their positions on the issue, the chief talking head himself – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke – appeared before the House Financial Services Committee and a Senate panel last week to offer his semiannual report on the state of the economy.   What was the word?  Bernanke said the economy is gaining traction and stressed that the Fed is prepared to act if higher commodity prices start to have a negative effect on U.S. growth.[i]  His comments also offered a brighter outlook on the status of rising energy costs, inflation risk, and job creation. Good news indeed!

While acknowledging that a prolonged rise in oil prices could pose a danger to the economic recovery, the Fed chief countered that other risks to the economy, including rising commodity prices, were more likely to affect consumer spending.  At the same time, Bernanke reiterated his commitment to keeping inflation low, and added: “I recognize that the increases in gas prices are very troubling… but they are not inflation per se. Inflation is an increase in the overall price level, which is very low. The inflation rate right now is 1.2% for all goods and services”.[ii]

As for jobs, Bernanke expressed confidence that growth would increase this year.[iii]  Supporting his view, the Labor Department announced on Friday that the nation’s unemployment rate fell to 8.9% in February, the lowest level in two years.  The report suggests that companies are gaining confidence in the economy and their own financial prospects.  It also strengthens hopes that businesses will shift into a more aggressive hiring mode to heighten momentum for the ongoing recovery.[iv]

Against the backdrop of geopolitical turmoil that has packed the headlines in recent weeks, the Fed chairman’s testimony offered a positive perspective on the improving state of the American recovery.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Monday – Consumer Credit                                                                                 Tuesday – ICSC-Goldman Store Sales, Redbook                                                  Wednesday – EIA Petroleum Status Report  
Thursday – BOE Announcement, International Trade, Jobless Claims, Treasury Budget           Friday – Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment, Business Inventories

Data as of 03/04/2011	1-Week	YTD	1-Year	5-Year	10-Year
Standard & Poor’s 500	0.10	5.05	17.6	0.53	0.70
Dow	0.33	5.12	16.5	2.08	1.63
NASDAQ	0.13	4.97	21.5	4.19	3.15
MSCI EAFE	0.38	5.27	14.3	-0.26	2.46
10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only)	3.42	3.31	3.61	4.68	4.94

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.
HEADLINES:

On Tuesday, Apple Chief Steve Jobs introduced the world to the iPad2, a sleeker, faster follow-up to the original. The market sent shares of Research in Motion down 0.3%, and Motorola was down by over 4%.  The new iPad2 sports front and back facing cameras, more memory, and a faster processor, but despite the upgrades, the iPad2 starts at $499, while Xoom tablets will run between $599 and $799.[v]

President Barack Obama said Saturday that he is willing to offer deeper spending cuts if it means Republicans and Democrats can work out their differences and reach an agreement on the federal budget.  The standoff over government spending intensified this past week as Republicans ripped the White House’s offer to make $6.5 billion in budget cuts this fiscal year, and the threat of a government shutdown lay over the horizon.  Government operations are now running on a stopgap funding measure that expires on March 19.[vi]

U.S. manufacturers expanded at the fastest pace in nearly seven years last month, but a sudden rise in the price of raw materials could threaten their profits.  The Institute for Supply Management said its index of manufacturing activity rose to 61.4 in February, the highest reading since May 2004.  But prices paid for steel, plastics, rubber and other raw materials rose for a third straight month, a sign that increasing production costs could spark higher inflation.[vii]

National Football League owners and players agreed Friday to a seven-day extension to contract talks in an effort to resolve the league’s labor dispute.  The agreement means the CBA will remain in force until the night of March 11 and averts the threat of a lockout by the owners or a lawsuit by the players for at least a week.   The owners were due to earn about $4 billion in TV money this coming season, even in the event of a lockout.[viii]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestioned ability of a man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.”  – Henry David Thoreau
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Baked Brie

From: Better Homes and Gardens

The topping of tomato preserves or mango chutney over a round of baked Brie keeps this buffet table favorite lightweight and fresh flavored.

Servings: Makes 8 servings.

Prep: 25 mins

Total: 35 mins

Ingredients:

1 small onion, cut into thin wedges

2 teaspoons butter or margarine

1/3 cup tomato preserves or mango chutney

1/2 teaspoon snipped fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 8-ounce round Brie cheese (about 4 inches in diameter)

Breadsticks, assorted crackers, or French bread slices

Directions:

1. For caramelized onions, cook onion in hot butter or margarine in a small saucepan, covered, over low heat about 15 minutes or until tender and golden, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, stir together tomato preserves or mango chutney (cut up any large pieces of chutney), rosemary, and crushed red pepper in a small bowl.

2. Cut off a thin slice from the top of the Brie to remove the rind; discard. Place the Brie in an ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Top with tomato or chutney mixture, then with caramelized onions.

3. Bake, uncovered, in a 325 degree F oven about 10 to 12 minutes or until Brie is softened and warmed but not runny. Serve with breadsticks, crackers, or bread slices. Makes 8 servings.

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

Logo Lineup

One of the most common errors in putting is poor alignment.  Specific sources of trouble can be posture, head position, or ball position.  Many golfers have not trained their eyes to see the line correctly and are aiming their putter to the right or left of the hole without being aware of it.

The next time you head out to play or practice, try experimenting with lining up the logo or marked line.  Start by practicing 2 or 3 footers to ensure that your aim is true. If you have aligned properly, you will see the logo turning straight over the top of the ball as it falls into the hole. Once you are comfortable with these short putts, begin to practice from longer distances.

Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues.  If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!
Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site

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[i] http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110302-709100.html

[ii] http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/02/us-usa-fed-bernanke-highlights-idUSTRE7214KG20110302?pageNumber=1

[iii] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41845694/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

[iv] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41903404/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

[v] http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/119238/20110306/apple-ipad-2-ipad2-motorola-xoom-rim-playbook-touchpad.htm

[vi] http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-budget-showdown-intensifies-2011-03-05

[vii] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41848045/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

[viii] http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nfl-labor-talks-reach-critical-stage-2011-03-04

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Weekly Market Commentary – February 28, 2010

Weekly Market Update
Week of February 28, 2011 – SPECIAL EDITION

Oil and Gas on Higher Ground 

As turmoil in the Middle East continues to roil the markets, it is no coincidence that “oil” is at the root of economic concerns.  From an investment perspective, analyzing oil’s relationship to the markets is crucial, but the reality is that nearly everyone (investors and non-investors alike) are affected by oil prices.  So what exactly is affecting the rise in oil costs? And, more importantly, do oil prices have the potential to derail America’s economic recovery? 

After the fall of dictatorial governments in Tunisia and Egypt, unrest has spread throughout the Middle East, with Libya dominating the spotlight this week.  The International Energy Agency reported late Friday that Libya is probably producing about 850,000 barrels of oil daily, down from its normal capacity of 1.6 million barrels, which represents just under 2% of the world’s oil supply.  While the sudden oil shortage hits European refiners the hardest,[i] oil fears still caused the stock market to suffer its first weekly loss in a month. For the week, the S&P 500 slid 1.7%; the Dow dropped 2.1%, and the Nasdaq fell 1.9%.[ii]  Happily, fears were eased somewhat on Friday when Saudi Arabia reported it has increased its crude oil production to 9 million barrels a day to make up for supplies lost in Libya.[iii]

What we’re seeing right now is a tug of war between worry and economic fundamentals. While most U.S. economic data looks good, investors are focused on the potential implications of interruptions in oil production. For the moment, this issue will dominate the headlines regardless of how attractive other data looks.
*Graph courtesy of http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/25/markets/oil/index.htm

U.S. drivers have already been feeling the pinch at the pump, with gas prices spiking 6 cents on Friday, the biggest one-day jump in two years.  The national average price for a gallon of regular gas rose to $3.29, according to AAA, marking the fourth day in a row that prices have risen and bringing the national average to the highest level since October 2008.  In general, every $1 increase in the price of oil costs consumers $1 billion over the course of a year.[iv]  Higher oil prices also weigh on the U.S. economy by increasing the costs of moving goods,[v] thus transferring  rising costs to manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and eventually the American public.
*Graph courtesy of http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/25/news/economy/gas_price_spike/index.htm

If gas prices continue to rise as some analysts predict, how will this affect the economic recovery?  Put simply, there is no way to know for sure. Granted, when gas prices go up, Americans have less to spend on everything else.  And since consumer spending makes up over 70% of the U.S. economy[vi], a drop in spending could slow the recovery down.  At the same time though, modest increases in fuel prices do not inevitably cause economic slowdowns. What they more often do is cause alarm, thus affecting consumers’ perceptions about what they can afford and causing them to react by tightening their belts.

So while the natural reaction may be to retreat to conservative investments and cut-off all spending on nonessentials, it is important to avoid overreacting. The coming week promises to shed more light on the true status of our domestic economy as various data related to jobs, payrolls, and manufacturing are released.[vii] 

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Monday – Personal Income and Outlays, Chicago PMI, Pending Home Sales
Tuesday – Redbook, Construction Spending
Wednesday – ADP Employment Report, EIA Petroleum Status Report, Beige Book
Thursday – ECB Announcement, Jobless Claims, Productivity and Costs, ISM Non-Mfg Index                                                                                                                                               Friday – Employment Situation, Factory Orders

Data as of 02/25/2011	1-Week	YTD	1-Year	5-Year	10-Year
Standard & Poor’s 500	-1.72	4.95	19.7	0.47	0.59
Dow	-2.10	4.78	17.5	1.93	1.62
NASDAQ	-1.87	4.83	24.5	4.32	2.29
MSCI EAFE	-1.49	4.77	17.7	1.44	2.40
10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only)	3.59	N/A	3.64	4.57	5.08

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.”– Thucydides

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Lemon Verbena Cookies

From: Better Homes and Gardens

Lemon verbena adds pleasant tang to these simple sugar cookies.

Servings: 36 cookies

Prep: 20 mins

Total: 28 mins

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons dried lemon verbena leaves, crushed

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened

1-1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1.Combine flour, lemon verbena leaves, baking powder, and salt; set aside. Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until well combined. Add half of the flour mixture. Beat until combined. Stir in remaining flour mixture with a wooden spoon until combined.

2. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks and cool. Makes 36.

 

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

Maintain Your Balance

Maintaining your balance is important in all sports. In golf, better balance throughout your swing insures a solid shot. Here are two ways to improve your balance, which in turn will improve your ball contact and control, thus leading to lower scores.

1) Limit the amount of force you use when hitting the ball. Too many golfers think they need to use all their strength to hit the ball and this causes severe control problems. The majority of golf professionals will tell you they only use about 75% of their strength when hitting and/or swinging at the ball.

In order to practice this, simply go to the driving range and try to develop the feeling you are only hitting and/or swinging at the ball with 75% of your power by:

A. Hitting balls with a 3/4 back swing
B. Hitting balls shorter distances, say 25% shorter.

2) Wear the slickest soled regular street shoes or boots possible whenever you practice (NOT spikes or golf shoes). It’s amazing how fast you learn to swing within yourself, keep in balance and maintain control when NOT doing so could cause you to lose your balance.

Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues.  If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!
Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.

*Stock investing involves market risk including loss of principal.  The fast price swings of commodities will result in significant volatility in an investor’s holdings.  Government bonds and Treasury Bills are guaranteed by the US Government as to the timely payment of principal and interest and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and fixed principal value.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

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[i]http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hYoyif7KWMVcuNnmsT9eJ7tcTxtw?docId=09faacc3557c4a43999d1d9e7f84a960

[ii] http://www.cnbc.com/id/41789345

[iii] http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=201102270952dowjonesdjonline000207&title=saudi-arabia-producing-9-million-b/d-officials

[iv] http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/26/news/economy/gas_prices/index.htm

[v] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41777313/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

[vi] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-31/consumer-spending-in-u-s-advances-more-than-estimated-as-incomes-increase.html

[vii] http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-stock-market-looks-to-data-diversion-2011-02-26

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Atlanta Financial Advisor

WiserAdvisor Press Release

 

02/17/2011

WiserAdvisor announces that Phil Calandra RFC® of Calandra Financial Group, LLC has been awarded admittance as a member of its directory of financial advisors.

Financial advisors are granted admission into WiserAdvisor (www.wiseradvisor.com) based on their credentials and qualifications. All members offer their services to investors with a fee rather than solely with commissions, allowing them to assist investors with a variety of different investment options. All members are also properly registered with the SEC, FINRA or other regulatory organizations.

Since 2003, WiserAdvisor has focused on taking much of the guesswork out of finding a qualified financial advisor or financial planner. This is done both through the stringent admittance guidelines, as well as through the information provided to investors about each member advisor. All members must complete an extensive profile outlining their services, qualifications and credentials, including their education background.

Because of the strict standards that a financial professional must meet in order to become a member, WiserAdvisor only admits a select few high-quality financial advisors and financial planners. More than 600,000 professionals can provide insurance and financial advice. Less than 1% have been granted membership into WiserAdvisor.

Thousands of investors use WiserAdvisor each year to find local financial advisors and planners, and trust that WiserAdvisor will help them find the right professionals to meet their unique needs.

About WiserAdvisor.com

WiserAdvisor is an online service that connects investors to local financial advisors and financial planners. It is an independent and free service provided to investors, allowing them to find local professionals who can help them build their portfolios, plan for retirement, manage their estates, or to help them with other investment issues. More information about WiserAdvisor and its services can be found atwww.wiseradvisor.com

About Calandra Financial Group, LLC

Phil Calandra RFC® is a financial advisor located in Atlanta, GA. Phil has over 15 years experience working with local businesses and investors.
More information about Phil can be found at http://www.wiseradvisor.com/advisor_profile_state~id~1857213.asp and at http://www.calandrafinancialgroup.com

 

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