Monthly Archives: February 2012

Stocks, commodities retreat as Bernanke speaks

Posted on February 29, 2012 by

Stock prices hit another key benchmark early Wednesday but ended the day with losses.

Posted in Economy, Europe, Federal Reserve

Dow finally gets 13000 out of the way

Posted on February 28, 2012 by

After several near-misses, the Dow Jones Industrial Average managed to close over 13000 on Tuesday.

Posted in Consumer Confidence, Europe, Stocks

Dow 13000 proves elusive once again

Posted on February 27, 2012 by

Above 13000 for most of the day, the Dow Jones Industrial Average failed once again to close above that level.

Posted in Bonds, Europe, Housing

Stocks end the week near four-year highs

Posted on February 24, 2012 by

Stock prices generally closed higher Friday, with the market averages ending the week at or near multiyear highs.

Posted in Consumer Confidence, Housing

Flirting with Dow 13000

Posted on February 23, 2012 by

The Dow Jones Industrials flirted with 13000 again today, looking for a while as if it might make a late-session rush at that milestone last hit in May 2008 but never quite completing its move – but finishing the day … Continue reading →

Posted in Stocks, The U.S. Dollar

Soft economic data out of Europe, skepticism on Greek deal send stocks lower

Posted on February 22, 2012 by

U.S. stocks closed with moderate losses Wednesday as investors were surprised by a dip in Euro-zone purchasing managers’ survey results and the “sudden” realization that the Greek debt deal may not be a permanent fix to Europe’s debt crisis. 

Posted in Europe, Housing, Stocks

Blue chips end mostly higher but fail to break through milestones

Posted on February 21, 2012 by

The Dow Jones Industrials and the S&P 500 were marginally higher Tuesday, each touching a milestone of sorts before retreating to modest 0.1% gains on the day.

Posted in Bonds, Europe, Stocks

Stocks end mostly higher on a quiet Friday

Posted on February 17, 2012 by

The markets ended the week on a quiet but mostly upbeat note, as investors seemed to believe – at least for the day – that the Greek bailout package may be agreed upon as early as next week.

Posted in Europe, Inflation, Leading Indicators, The U.S. Dollar

Strong economic data power stocks to 2012 highs

Posted on February 16, 2012 by

Generally positive economic news and indications that the Greece bailout is approaching approval (Where have we heard that before?) sent U.S. stock prices to their highest levels of the year on Thursday.

Posted in Economy, Europe, Stocks

Stocks close lower as hopes for quick Greece deal are dashed

Posted on February 15, 2012 by

U.S. stocks opened higher but then trended lower as early optimism about a Greek bailout deal faded when it appeared that – surprise, surprise – the process would be delayed once again.

Posted in Europe, Federal Reserve, Stocks