Oil prices at eight month high - June 12, 2009 10:46

July crude oil traded up $1.35 on Thursday (June 11) to settle at $72.68 per barrel, after reaching as high as $73.23 during the New York trading day. The leading catalyst for the jump was the latest jobless claims report that shows that first time jobless claims dropped, a sign that perhaps the worst of […]

Mortgages not so cheap anymore - June 10, 2009 8:52

Late last year, when mortgage rates dipped to the low five per cent level, it seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity for buyers to get in on a great home loan discount. Today’s (June 9) 5.56% national average interest rate on a 30-year fixed loan (according to bankrate.com) is likely disappointing to people […]

Bank stocks in wait-and-see mode - June 5, 2009 14:15

Financial company stocks have traded in a very narrow range over the last several weeks. Following the massive sell-off that drove many stocks to all-time low prices, shares of financials led the way for the two month stock rally that began after the Dow dropped to nearly 6,500.

Housing market on the rise - June 3, 2009 5:26

Pending home sales climbed 6.7 per cent in April, which is the highest single monthly jump in about eight years. Pending sales are deals made by a buyer to close on a previously owned home.

Oil closes above $65 - May 29, 2009 11:47

Crude oil reached a new high price point for 2009 after clearing $65 per barrel. A combination of news that OPEC was maintaining production levels and data suggesting more hope for the US economy helped spark a $1.63 gain as trade on the New York Mercantile settled at $65.08.

Fading dollar loses steam against Yen - May 27, 2009 7:47

The dollar has become so weak again that it has begun to fade even against the lowly Yen. The greenback and the Japanese currency seem to be effectively fighting for the label of least desirable currency at the moment. One dollar is currently (May 26) netting 95.40 Yen.

Euro closes in on $1.40 - May 22, 2009 10:09

So much for the sub-$1.00 Euro that some forecasters were calling for at the start of 2009. One Euro is now back to the level it started at as the New Year kicked off, with a value of $1.3933 currently (May 21).

Gold quietly moving toward $1,000 again - May 20, 2009 14:01

As the dollar has faltered recently, gold speculators have been among the winners of this financial trend. Along with several major currencies, including the Pound and Euro, gold rates have trended higher since mid-to-late April as the Fed maintains a zero per cent funds rate, and the economy remains sluggish.

Wal-mart struggles sign of economic recovery? - May 15, 2009 7:38

This week has been known as the retail earnings reports week on Wall Street as many top retailers have reported earnings already this week. With a mixed bag of earnings and compiled data still showing struggles in retail sales, it is tough to figure out what direction retailers are providing for the economy and investors.