U.S. Stock Futures Push Higher on Improving Jobs Numbers
U.S. stock futures are higher with the government reporting that weekly jobless claims edged downward last week, suggesting that employers may accelerate hiring this month.
MarketOutlook
Recession in Spain Breeds Pessimism in Global Markets
Markets dipped Monday after official data confirmed that Spain is back in its second recession in three years. Investors had initially bid up stocks on hopes that the Fed would provide more stimulus to the U.S. economy.
The S&P 500's 10 Best Performers of 2012 (So Far)
The S&P 500 gained 4.4% in January, the biggest increase for that month in 15 years. But the 10 best performers in the index had share gains for the month from 27% to a whopping 77%. Which are these rising stars -- and which might have more room to rise? Read on:
Feng Shui's Fiscal Predictions for the Dragon Year Ahead
Sure, you could make your investment decisions based on boring methods like research and analysis. Or you could take a more exciting approach: Leading Asian brokerage CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets has released its "feng shui index" for year of the black water dragon.
Dow Rises Despite Europe's Woes
On Friday, it looked like this week would be ugly. Standard & Poor's had just downgraded the credit ratings of France and several other E.U. countries, the latest domino to fall in Europe's slow-motion economic train wreck. But at least in the U.S., the stock market has shrugged off that news.
Bonds Beat Stocks in 2011, But Don't Bet on a Repeat
For the first time in several decades, the 30-year annualized returns of Treasury bonds surpassed the dividend adjusted gains of the S&P 500 in 2011. Take a picture if you want -- because this won't last.
Stocks in 2012: Up, Up, But Not Away
The stock market's stomach-churning roller coaster will keep running, but unlike last year's flat finish, Wall Street experts anticipate stocks will end 2012 on a high note, with the S&P 500 up by 7%.
As Markets Near 52-Week Low, How Far Can They Fall?
The S&P 500 is precariously close its 52-week low. If it breaks below that number, how much further might it fall? Recent history suggests the possibility of a long drop.
All Eyes Remain on Oil Prices and Mideast Instability
Last week, oil's ascent trumped a raft of healthy U.S. economic reports. With a relatively light slate of economic data scheduled this week, oil prices and political turmoil in the Middle East could play an even larger role in the trading sessions ahead. [Video]
This Week's Market:
'Time to Be a Little Careful'
The market suffered its biggest swoon since August last week as chaos swept Libya and oil prices hit multiyear highs. With the geopolitical landscape uncertain for the foreseeable future, don't be surprised if stocks come under further selling pressure in the days ahead. [Video]