LiveWire Economics Blog
LiveWire Economics Blog - October 21, 2009 15:36
Mortgage rates remain affordable
While most banks aren’t currently offering rates at the historically low levels seen earlier this year, overall, mortgage rates are still very affordable. According to bankrate.com, the national average cost for a 30-year fixed rate loan Wednesday (October 21) is 5.23 per cent, compared to 4.99% one week ago.
Euro and Pound rebound on weak dollar
The same weak dollar that has helped oil break out from a trading range to sit near $77, and gold surge to historic highs well over $1,000, has helped contribute to renewed interest in leveraging other foreign currencies against the greenback.
Oil finally pierces $75 level
As gold continues to establish new record levels almost daily (currently above $1,070), oil has finally managed to cruise above the $75 mark thanks in large part to the beaten down dollar. Oil reached as high as $75.15 in midday European electronic trade on the New York Mercantile Exchange, and currently sits at $75, a […]
Oil refuses to give up on $70
Regardless of what many economists and analysts have said about the supply and demand reality of oil, the price of a barrel continues to hover around and just over the $70 mark. In noon time European trade on the New York Mercantile Exchange Wednesday (October 7th), benchmark crude for November delivery trades at $71.20, after […]
Jobs report dampens optimism of positive economic outlook
Just two days after the second quarter gross domestic product report excited analysts and investors, the new jobs report released Friday (October 2nd) has softened hopes that all is rosy on the economic front.
US economy better than expected in second quarter
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
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?
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
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
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.
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