US economy better than expected in second quarter - September 30, 2009 15:10

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.

August retail sales up 2.7 per cent - September 16, 2009 19:32

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 […]

Penury, self-imposed or inflicted, the new normal? - September 15, 2009 13:25

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 […]

Gold & Silver Technical Trading Charts - September 8, 2009 9:33

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.

Gold spikes to near-term high near $1,000 - September 4, 2009 14:37

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.

Oil stalls again above $70 - September 2, 2009 15:17

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 […]

Gold remains in narrow trading range - August 26, 2009 14:29

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 - August 21, 2009 15:14

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 - August 13, 2009 10:40

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.