Monday, 1-9-12
Last Week:
- The U.S. financial markets moved upward last week on hopes U.S. markets will de-couple themselves from European markets.
- The unemployment rate dropped from 8.6% to 8.5% on Friday. December non-farm payrolls grew by +200,000 jobs. November’s number was lowered from +120,000 jobs to +100,000 jobs.
- Europe watch: Italy’s 10-year bond yield went over 7%. The euro currency dropped below $1.28.
- Fall of the Mighty: American icon Eastman Kodak filed for bankruptcy protection.
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This Week:
- With concern remaining regarding the European debt crisis, many will be watching the debt auctions for Italy and Spain on Thursday.
- The New Hampshire Republican primary is Tuesday.
- The Fed issues its first Beige Book for 2012 on Wednesday.
- Earnings season begins this week. Companies reporting: Alcoa, and JPMorgan.
- Indicators this week: November consumer credit (Mon); November wholesale inventories (Tue); December retail sales, November business inventories (Thu); December import prices, November international trade, January Michigan sentiment (Fri).
- #7 ranked Ohio State (15-2) travels to Illinois on Tuesday, before hosting #12 Indiana on Sunday. Go Bucks!
- FYI, there will be no Blog next week. It will return on Monday, January 23rd.
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Best,
Chris
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