Financial Stocks – November 20, 2012 Update Concerning Poor “Price Action”

On June 29, 2011 I wrote a blog post titled “Financial Stocks – Notable Price Action.”  This post is the latest update of that message. Although financial stocks have increased in price in 2012, I continue to believe that the longer-term “price action” of various financial stocks is disconcerting.  I view the poor performance of …

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Financial Stocks – Relative Price To Overall Stock Market – November 19, 2012 Update

In the June 29, 2011 post (“Financial Stocks – Notable Price Action”) I wrote the following: I think that the relatively poor “price action” of various financial stocks is notable.  It is one of many current indications that overall stock market health is not as strong as a casual glance at the major indices would …

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St. Louis Financial Stress Index – November 15, 2012 Update

On March 28, 2011 I wrote a post (“The STLFSI“) about the  STLFSI (St. Louis Fed’s Financial Stress Index) which is supposed to measure stress in the financial system.  For reference purposes, the most recent chart is seen below.  This chart was last updated on November 15, incorporating data from December 31,1993 to November 9, …

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Markets During Periods Of Federal Reserve Intervention – November 15, 2012 Update

In the August 9, 2011 post (“QE3 – Various Thoughts“) I posted a chart that depicted the movements of the S&P500, 10-Year Treasury Yield and the Fed Funds rate spanning the periods of various Federal Reserve interventions since 2007. For reference purposes, here is an updated chart from Doug Short’s blog post of November 15 …

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Walmart’s Q3 2013 Results – Comments

I found various notable items in Walmart’s Q3 2013 earnings call transcript (pdf) dated November 15, 2012.  I view Walmart’s results and comments as particularly noteworthy given their retail prominence and focus on low prices.  I have previously commented on their quarterly conference call comments; these previous posts are found under the “paycheck to paycheck” tag. Here are various excerpts …

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Standard & Poor’s S&P500 Earnings Estimates For 2012 & 2013 – As Of November 8, 2012

As many are aware, Standard & Poor’s publishes earnings estimates for the S&P500.  (My posts concerning their estimates can be found under the S&P500 Earnings tag) For reference purposes, the most current estimates are reflected below, and are as of November 8, 2012: Year 2012 estimates add to the following: -From a “bottom up” perspective, operating earnings of $100.03/share …

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The November 2012 Wall Street Journal Economic Forecast Survey

The November Wall Street Journal Economic Forecast Survey was published on November 9, 2012.  The headline is “Storm Expected to Trim Growth, not Spending.” An excerpt: On average, the economists see a small chance of recession over the next 12 months—at about 1-in-5, basically unchanged over the past five months. But most respondents still think …

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Philadelphia Fed – 4th Quarter 2012 Survey Of Professional Forecasters

The Philadelphia Fed Fourth Quarter 2012 Survey of Professional Forecasters was released on November 9.  This survey is somewhat unique in various regards, such as it incorporates a longer time frame for various measures. The survey shows, among many measures, the following expectations: Real GDP: (annual average level) full-year 2012 : 2.2% full-year 2013 : 2.0% full-year 2014 …

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Consumer Confidence Surveys – As Of November 11, 2012

Doug Short had a blog post of November 9 (“Michigan Consumer Sentiment:  Highest Level Since July 2007“) in which he presents the Conference Board Consumer Confidence and Thomson/Reuters University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index charts.  They are presented below: (click on charts to enlarge images) – – There are a few aspects of the above charts …

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