LiveWire Economics Blog
LiveWire Economics Blog - August 26, 2009 14:29
Gold remains in narrow trading range
The price of an ounce of gold has remained fairly steady, in the $900 range, since May. The current spot gold rate in early New York trade is $947.80 per ounce, a gain of $2.90 so far on the day.
Oil reaches 2009 high helping stocks push higher
Existing home sales data and a speech in Kansas City by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke are among the hot items people are paying close attention to Friday (August 21). Based on speculators driving oil to a new 2009 high above $74, it appears investors are operating with the assumption that the news should be [...]
Mortgage rates likely to continue to increase
New data Wednesday (August 12) showed that mortgage applications fell last week as mortgage interest rates are currently at the highest level they have been since June. The current national average for a 30-year fixed interest rate mortgage is 5.5 per cent according to Bankrate.com, which compiles rates from a broad range of lenders.
Pound makes break for $1.70
After pressuring the $1.65 level for weeks, the British Pound has finally managed to push through that level and has quickly made a move toward $1.70. July 30th, one Pound was worth just below $1.64. July 31st, it pushed against $1.65, before making a sharp break above $1.67.
Tech stocks show signs of life
Two technology stalwarts boosted hopes of investors on Tuesday (July 21) with positive earnings reports. Yahoo said it was able to generate an eight per cent profit gain for its second quarter even in the midst of a sluggish ad sales environment. Meanwhile, Apple followed iPhone and laptops to a 15 per cent profit rise.
Euro and pound gaining legs
After taking brief dips against the dollar, the major European currencies have surged again in the last week. The Euro has bounced firmly after dropping to just below $1.40 on July 15th. One Euro is currently (July 20th) worth $1.4207, after trading near $1.425 earlier in Monday trade. The British Pound now fetches $1.6504 after [...]
Bank struggles over?
It might be a stretch say that the finance and credit sectors are completely out of the troubled economic woods at this point, but two strong earnings reports Wednesday morning surprised the market. Citigroup and Bank of America both impressed – Citi with the fact that it earned a profit, and BoA because of the [...]
Swiss-Bank Gold Vaults “Room Out of Room”
THE PRICE OF GOLD slipped 0.7% early in New York on Thursday, repeating an earlier drop to $935 after gaining $30 an ounce so far this week.
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