US economy better than expected in second quarter

September 30, 2009 | Comments Off

Many American consumers and businesses have been closely watching for verifiable signs that the US economy is, in fact, returning from recession. Many top economists, including Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke have been saying for weeks that that is the case, but after a very dismal period for many homeowners and employees, proof is helpful. Read more

Posted by livewire admin | Filed Under LiveWire Features and Articles 

August retail sales up 2.7 per cent

September 16, 2009 | Comments Off

While many top economists have suggested that housing and credit sectors have bottomed, most have still been watching and waiting for retail sales and consumer spending to give more legs to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s comments that the recession is over. Perhaps Tuesday (September 15) morning’s August retail sales report is just the medicine investors and consumers are looking for. Read more

Posted by livewire admin | Filed Under LiveWire Features and Articles 

Penury, self-imposed or inflicted, the new normal?

September 15, 2009 | Comments Off

In August, 30% of the states in our survey met or exceeded their forecasted sales tax collections. This is a big jump from July’s 12%, and the best showing since August 2008’s 50%. The percentage of states reporting growth over the year was just 1.43%, down from July’s 1.59%, so basically flat and zero, and the intensity index (over the year percentage change weighted by state population) rose to -7.0% from July’s -8.3%. Read more

Posted by livewire admin | Filed Under LiveWire Features and Articles 

Gold & Silver Technical Trading Charts

September 8, 2009 | Comments Off

Gold is once again the hot commodity, as the price rises to the $1000 per ounce level. This $1000 - $1033 is a technical pivot point for gold. One of two things is going to take place in the coming weeks. Read more

Posted by livewire admin | Filed Under LiveWire Features and Articles 

Gold spikes to near-term high near $1,000

September 4, 2009 | Comments Off

Apparently all it took for gold to push through near-term resistance levels was a 2-day pullback in equities and concern over the pending data on non-farm payrolls due out Friday (September 4) morning. Read more

Posted by livewire admin | Filed Under LiveWire Features and Articles 

Oil stalls again above $70

September 2, 2009 | Comments Off

Oil continues to find a ceiling above the $70 per barrel price point as there has proven to be no major catalyst to push the price of the commodity above $75 in the near term. Benchmark crude oil was actually up about 60 cents Wednesday (September 1) morning after reports on inventory levels showed a drop in reserves, suggesting a possible increase in demand. Read more

Posted by livewire admin | Filed Under LiveWire Features and Articles