Costco Takes On Water In June
Costco’s (NASDAQ: COST) results for June showed that one of the most successful retailers in the United States stumbled. Costco tends to cater to high-end shoppers, so its same-store sales could indicate that the…
All Work
Douglas A. McIntyre
What’s Important in the Financial World (7/5/2012)
Costco’s (NASDAQ: COST) results for June showed that one of the most successful retailers in the United States stumbled. Costco tends to cater to high-end shoppers, so its same-store sales could indicate that the well-to-do have…
As Rentals Rise, Another Blow to Housing
Flickr, Images of MoneyReal estate research firm Reis reports that the average U.S. vacancy rate of 4.7% for rental properties is the lowest since the fourth quarter of 2001. The data cover the first quarter…
Porsche Takeover Exposes VW to Troubled Markets
Aside from the partial buyout of Chrysler by Fiat, the current auto market should dissuade big manufacturers from moving further into the business. That did not stop Volkswagen from taking over of Porsche, a deal…
Contradictory Data on Employment
Most information about the employment situation in the United States shows that a rise in joblessness already has begun. GDP growth has fallen. Uncertainly about taxes in 2013 has made it unlikely that employers…
Media Digest (7/5/2012) Reuters, WSJ, NYT, FT, Bloomberg
The European Central Bank probably will cut rates due to weaknesses in EU economies. (Reuters) Some states push mediation as a way to keep people in their homes. (Reuters) US Airways (NYSE: LCC) says…
Germany Data Signals Economy Slowdown
Economic research firm Markit issued its June data for the services sector and business outlook. The title of the document tells most of the story: Service sector output stagnates in June, while business outlook…
How is the Keystone XL Pipeline Progressing?
Four and a half years of studies and five failed votes in the House later, exactly where are we with the Keystone XL pipeline? Stuck on the US-Canadian border where it is likely to…
China’s Lastest PMI Signals More Trouble
The HSBC China Services Purchasing Managers’ Index dropped to a three-month low as the June figure came in at 50.6 down from 51.9 in May. A number under 50 shows contraction in the manufacturing sector.…
Ten Surprising Products Still Made In America
Try taking your everyday shopping trip to your nearest department or grocery store and buy only American. A little difficult? Employment in America’s manufacturing sector has experienced a precipitous decline in recent years. The…
GM June Sales Up 16%
Following on the heels of strong results from Ford (NYSE: F) and Chrysler, GM (NYSE: GM) posted impressive sales for June, up 16% over the same month last year to 248,750. GM said the month…
Ford June Sales Rocket Higher
Ford (NYSE: F) put on an impressive show in June, at least based on U.S. sales. The numbers will not offset worries about revenue from Europe, but do show Ford’s strength in its home…
Today’s Best Market Rumors (7/3/2012) Universal Problems With EMI
Updated throughout the day on the 24/7 Wall St. Wire A freight dispute between Sinopec and shipper National Iranian Tanker could slow delivery of Iranian oil to China (Reuters) The EC may try to block some…
More Unpaid Greek Debt
Greece has an additional financial obligation: the government owes suppliers six billion euros. Actually, the situation has existed for some time, but it has only recently become critical. “The first step (in improving access…
Boeing Sales Forecast Flies Higher
Boeing (NYSE: BA) revised its forecast for commercial aircraft sales over the next 20 years to 34,000 planes. The value of the entire inventory should be $4.5 trillion, as carriers worldwide combine to double…
Gas Prices Flat
Gasoline prices in the United States have leveled for now, perhaps due to an increase in demand for the 4th of July week, which is nine days long due to the actual holiday landing…
What’s Important in the Financial World (7/3/2012)
Gasoline prices in the United States have leveled for now, perhaps due to an increase in demand for the 4th of July week, which is nine days long due to the actual holiday landing…
For Samsung in U.S., One Win and One Loss
Samsung’s new Galaxy S III has had such runaway sales success as it launches in the United States that it has threatens the Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone 4S as the premier smartphone in the market.…
Another Sign of Home Price Recovery
Although news about the housing market has been mixed over the past month, new data has started to be more positive than negative. Perhaps, for once in the past year, the signs of a…
Why Car Sales Are No Sign of Recovery
Cars sales may best represent the recovery of the consumer economy. People who can spend $20,000, $30,000 or even $40,000 must have confidence in their prospects. Otherwise, why take on such a large burden…