“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” - John F. Kennedy
THE MARKETS:
More than any other time of year, this week is one when people strive to focus on the positive things in life. In truth, being appreciative for what we have leads to a better, happier life. Charles Dickens wrote that it is wise to “reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some.” This is sensible advice indeed; especially in light of the challenges we face at times.
During 2008 and 2009, nearly every corner of the globe was affected by the financial crisis in some way. Even now, with the recovery well under way, we still feel the effects of high unemployment, a weak housing market, debt issues in the eurozone, and a vacillating stock market. To make matters worse, the media has a tendency to lead with what sells – sensationalism and bad news.
So is there any good news out there? Absolutely! And we’re using this week’s update to share some of it with you. Here is some recent positive news to be thankful for:
- The Standard and Poor’s 500 index is up 14% since August 31st of this year. (1)
- Retailers have been bullish in their expectations for holiday sales, and bullish sentiment surrounding consumer spending is a catalyst for the cyclical bull market to resume. (2)
- In a sign American’s are spending again, retail sales jumped 1.2% in October, the largest increase since March, and the fourth straight monthly gain. (3)
- Nonfarm payrolls rose by 151,000 in October, the first gain since May, and more than double economists' expectations. (4)
- The Institute for Supply Management said its index of national factory activity rose to 56.9 in October from 54.4 in September. That was the highest since May and well above the 54.0 median forecast of 77 economists surveyed by Reuters. A figure above 50 denotes expansion; a reading below 50 indicates contraction. (5)
- Ireland appears likely to receive a loan from the European Union to bolster its troubled banks, helping take the edge off recent fears about the resurgence of Europe's debt woes. (6)
- Americans are living longer. The 33rd annual report on the health status of the nation – prepared by the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for the president and Congress – says American men could expect to live 3.5 years longer and women 1.6 years longer than they did in 1990. U.S. life expectancy is 79.9 years, about six years shorter than that of Japan, which has the highest life expectancy. (7)
ECONOMIC CALENDAR: (8)
Tuesday – GDP, Existing Home Sales
Wednesday – Durable Goods Orders, Personal Income and Outlays, Jobless Claims, Consumer Sentiment, New Home Sales
Thursday – U.S. Holiday: Thanksgiving Day
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.
These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, not necessarily those of J.L. Davis or Multi Financial Securities Corporation, and should not be construed as investment advice (neither of whom 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.
(1) http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1922770220101119
(2) http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1922770220101119
(4) http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1519104820101105
(5) http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6A00U420101101
(6) http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9JJADG80.htm
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