http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/images/fxstreet-provider-logo1-en.gif7http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-07-02.html- Stocks opened on a positive note this morning helped by strength in the European bourses and a slight pullback in oil prices. The pullback in energy was short lived as crude has risen back above $142 following weekly DOE inventory data and a high ranking Pentagon official reiterated the US stance that Iran is still on the path to nuclear weapons. The ADP jobs report certainly has not helped the overall feel after showing the largest a loss of nearly 80K jobs with the service sector isWed, 02 Jul 2008 15:55:24 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-07-02.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-07-01.v02.html- The third quarter got off to a difficult start this morning as the DJIA opened down more than 100 points below yesterday's close (this after finishing H1 down 15%) and the NASDAQ opened down 1.0%. Both indices made it back into positive territory by mid-morning before heading south again. The morning's June ISM manufacturing reading helped markets along, as the reading crossed into positive territory for the first time since January. The May construction number was slightly less negativeTue, 01 Jul 2008 16:13:52 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-07-01.v02.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-07-01.htmlDOW +54 S&P +7.5 Nasdaq +2.75 Oil remains an anxiety among traders as the short 4th of July trading week gets under way and indices struggle to stay in positive territory in choppy trading. Press reports circulated over the weekend that US covert operatives may already be in Iran paving the way for an attack on the country's nuclear weapons program; A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander commented that Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz if it were attacked. Later, Qatar notedTue, 01 Jul 2008 10:50:08 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-07-01.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-30.html- Oil remains an anxiety among traders as the short 4th of July trading week gets under way and indices struggle to stay in positive territory in choppy trading. Press reports circulated over the weekend that US covert operatives may already be in Iran paving the way for an attack on the country's nuclear weapons program; A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander commented that Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz if it were attacked. Later, Qatar noted that oil supplies would not beMon, 30 Jun 2008 15:52:57 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-30.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-27.html- Markets are slipping lower again as oil makes new highs and investors digest yesterday's declines and this morning's economic data. Crude spiked above the $142 handle earlier this morning before retrenching slightly while the USD strengthened against the EUR slightly overnight. Data showed personal income and spending increased in May, with income marking the largest m/m gain since 2005. The PCE data came in largely in-line with expectations, leading some commentators to suggest thatFri, 27 Jun 2008 16:00:03 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-27.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-26.html- Indices are tumbling this morning, with the Dow moving below its 2008 intra-day low to levels not seen since late 2006. Crude jumped above $139/bbl at the open of NYC floor trading after Libya threatened to reduce output and OPEC President Khelil said prices could hit $150-170/bbl over the summer, which comes against the backdrop of a declining USD. Goldman set the tone for stocks with another disconcerting call in the financials, downgrading the US brokers to neutral and warning that C-6%Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:03:04 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-26.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-25.html- Stocks are rising in early trading as oil falls on higher weekly inventories and investors await this afternoon's FOMC rate decision. The Fed is expected to keep the fed funds rate unchanged at 2%; markets are waiting for commentary in the FOMC statement that could indicate whether the Fed will raise rates in coming months or not. MA+5.5% is moving higher after settling a lawsuit with AXP-1% for an estimated $1B. American Express's CEO expressed satisfaction with the settlement, while alsoWed, 25 Jun 2008 15:48:40 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-25.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-24.html- Markets started the day by sliding lower in the wake of further negative housing and consumer confidence data, and a profit warning out of UPS, but have been rallying in mid-morning trading. Financials have helped spark the turnaround after opening lower once again as many of the major US banks and broker/dealers have rallied 2% or more from opening levels helping the Dow and S&P go green. The S&P/Case-Shiller home-price index dropped 15.3% y/y, although this drop was less thanTue, 24 Jun 2008 15:43:33 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-24.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-20.v02.html- It's Groundhog Day on Wall Street this morning: higher crude and weakening financials weighed on the indices at the open. Crude is being roiled by reports that Israel held a large military exercise earlier this month that analysts see as a prelude to unilateral action against the Iranian nuclear program. In financials, rumors circulated overnight that a large institution was in trouble, forcing finance names lower in the pre-market. The negative chatter in the group included speculation thatFri, 20 Jun 2008 15:52:13 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-20.v02.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-20.htmlDow -27 S&P -4.2 NASDAQ +3.5 - Markets this morning are focusing on what else but oil and financials. Goldman Sachs raised oil services companies to attractive from neutral, helping the OIH and its various components to early gains. Crude prices were pushing back towards all time highs heading into the Nymex open after RDS.A said it shut its Nigerian Bonga oil field (225K bpd) following fresh attacks by rebels. The energy complex sold off sharply on the NY equity open after China said itFri, 20 Jun 2008 08:11:23 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-20.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-18.v02.html- Indices are continuing to take on water, on the heels of FedEx's disappointing earnings report and more weakness among the financials. FDX-3.5% after missing EPS estimates and slashing guidance for the coming quarter and FY09, although the company noted on their conference call that 2008 and 2009 would be anomalies. Although MS-3.5% beat analysts' earnings estimates in their quarterly report before the open, the bank noted that earnings were down dramatically both q/q and y/y; Credit SuisseWed, 18 Jun 2008 16:06:33 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-18.v02.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-18.htmlDow -75 S&P -4.5 NASDAQ -6.8 - Indices seemed to have played out a buy the rumor sell the news scenario this morning, thanks to earnings from Goldman Sachs: equity futures lifted to overnight highs in the pre-market but consistently moved lower after the open led by selling in the financials. Both the Dow and NASDAQ struggled to climb back in positive territory in mid morning trading and are making news lows on the session. GS has slipped into negative territory despite beating estimates,Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:50:37 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-18.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-17.html- Indices seem to play out a buy the rumor sell the news scenario this morning, thanks to earnings from Goldman Sachs: equity futures lifted to overnight highs in the pre-market but consistently moved lower after the open, led by selling in the financials. Both the Dow and NASDAQ struggled to climb back in positive territory in mid morning trading and are making news lows on the session. GS has slipped into negative territory despite beating estimates, reporting a $2.1B profit and displayingTue, 17 Jun 2008 16:19:31 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-17.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-16.html- Equity markets have begun the week in under some pressure, weighed down by another new all time high in WTI crude and the fourth negative Empire Manufacturing reading in the last five months. The Dow is struggling to break above Friday's close, hurt by several downgrades, while the NASDAQ is being buoyed by gains in tech. Bellwethers such as AAPL, RIMM, GOOG, EBAY and various semiconductor names are all posting early gains. Dow components GE-2%, T-2.5% and VZ-2.6% were downgraded to neutralMon, 16 Jun 2008 16:09:03 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-16.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-13.html- Stocks are rallying in early trading, spurred on by a stronger USD and falling crude prices. Indices seemed to be ignoring the gloomy CPI data out this morning that showed inflation responding to the rising price of oil and other commodities. After five trading days of declines, LCC+16% was soaring after reporting yesterday that it would cut capacity by up to 8%, let 1,700 employees go and charge $15 for the first checked bag; falling crude and an upgrade at Merrill Lynch also helped. Oil isFri, 13 Jun 2008 16:05:46 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-13.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-12.html- Equity markets are recovering a good portion of yesterday's losses, propped up by the InBev/Anheuser-Busch deal and impressive May retail sales. After months of media speculation, CNBC yesterday reported that InBev would make an unsolicited offer for BUD+6%; this morning InBev confirmed that it offered BUD's board a heady $46B deal for the brewing giant, at $65/shr, representing a 35% premium to the company's 30-day average share price. InBev's shares were trading up nearly 7% in Brussels,Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:10:48 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-12.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-11.htmlWed, 11 Jun 2008 16:10:02 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-11.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-10.html- Markets are digesting more gains in crude oil and hawkish commentary from Fed Chairman Bernanke this morning. While LEH-6% has fallen below the offering price of $28 per share of its capital raise announced yesterday, other financial names are modestly rebounding in early trading, led by C+4% where CEO Pandit noted that liquidity at financial services firms was returning to "normalized levels." WM+10% is positively thriving in the face of varied headwinds, including a price target cut atTue, 10 Jun 2008 15:58:04 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-10.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-09.html- The DJIA and S&P have managed to recoup a small portion of Friday's losses, but the Nasdaq remains in the red after volatile trading in early action. Tech seems to have relinquished its leadership role for today as the group weighs on the NASDAQ. AAPL is down more than $3 ahead of the much hyped development forum where the company is expected to present a first look at a 3G iPhone. Lehman preannounced its second quarter results before the bell, reporting a $2.8B loss and confirmingMon, 09 Jun 2008 15:42:41 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-09.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-06.html- Equity markets are being smacked around this morning by dismal unemployment numbers and the continued surging momentum for oil. The Labor Department reported May US unemployment rate at its highest level since October 2004, marking the largest jump in the metric in 22 years and the fifth straight month of payrolls contraction. While some commentators feel the unemployment number was further evidence of a deepening economic slowdown, many others have been quick to note that the number mayFri, 06 Jun 2008 16:16:38 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-06.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-05.html- U.S. stock markets are exhibiting some strength today, supported by robust same store sales reports and lower-than-expected initial and continuing jobless claims for the week. Same store sales were largely positive, rising 3.3% in aggregate in May, although department stores and certain other retailers were seen taking a sales hit from the economic slowdown. WMT+3.6% and COST3.4% are big winners this morning after both big-box retailers beat expectations by wide margins. APP+4% reported aThu, 05 Jun 2008 16:22:41 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-05.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-04.html- Indices are making some headway in late morning trade, recovering quickly from pre-open weakness related to continued jitters in the financials. Equity futures found some footing after positive job growth news out before the opening bell and the extended pressure on energy prices following the weekly inventory data. The Wall Street Journal commented on LEH+4% capital position for a second morning in a row, stating it may need to sell a stake to another financial firm. A Merrill Lynch analystWed, 04 Jun 2008 18:02:34 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-04.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-03.html- Markets are volatile this morning in the wake of multiple cross currents that include continued chatter regarding Lehman Brothers, commentary from Fed Chairman Bernanke, significant GM production guidance and positive April factory orders data. The Wall Street Journal reported overnight that Lehman may be raising new capital, further deepening fears of a return of the credit crunch. "The exact amount of the capital hike isn't known but analysts and Wall Street executives said it is likely toTue, 03 Jun 2008 16:07:54 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-03.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-02.html- Stocks fell in pre-market trading and continued lower after the bell as turbulence at a UK bank deepened fears that round two of the credit crisis may have arrived. UK mortgage bank Bradford and Bingley noted on Sunday evening that it expected to release a "stunning" profit warning this week and announce the resignation of its CEO. The bank scaled back a planned rights issue on the news. WB was under serious pressure after ousting CEO Kennedy Thompson, blaming the former executive for lossesMon, 02 Jun 2008 15:54:37 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-06-02.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-30.html- Markets opened higher this morning, seeming to recover slightly from yesterday's late sell-off after the Commerce Department reported April inflation was in-line with estimates. Prices Paid data from Chicago PMI was in the higher range, yet markets shrugged off PMI in the aggregate. Crude futures fell below $125 in early trading, providing further good news for equities. In the late morning crude recovered about $127.50 pushing equities lower in tandem. Tech names helped lead marketsFri, 30 May 2008 15:31:55 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-30.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-29.html- Markets made moderate gains this morning after the Commerce Department revised its Q1 GDP reading upwards this morning, matching estimates. Solar stocks ESLR-7%, FSLR-4.4% and SPWR-5.7% fell in pre-market trading after downgrades at Merrill Lynch on news of potential cuts in German solar power subsidies. Financials were making modest gains this morning on several pieces of positive news out before the open: the SEC cleared Bank of America's registration to take over CFC+10%, BSC'sThu, 29 May 2008 15:57:38 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-29.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-28.html- Markets were in a volatile mood this morning, opening well above yesterday's close on an upbeat durable goods report and declining oil prices, then erasing much of the day's gains by mid-morning. The Commerce Department reported that orders for durable goods (ex transport) rose 2.5% in April, surprising analysts who had forecasted a 0.5% decline and providing ammunition for a less pessimistic outlook on the US economy. With cars and aircraft in the mix, durable order fell by 0.5%, an entireWed, 28 May 2008 16:01:56 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-28.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-27.html- Markets opened slightly higher and gained ground in early trading but were falling back towards unchanged as we head toward the second half of the session. Some of the dark clouds over the US economy remain in focus after the S&P/Case-Shiller home price report showed the largest decline in the history of the index and the May consumer confidence reading sunk to a 16-year low while seeing inflation expectations rise markedly. April new homes sales slightly beat estimates, whileTue, 27 May 2008 17:35:18 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-27.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-23.html- Indices opened and moved lower this morning as oil resumed its upward march, topping $133/bbl overnight. The climbing cost of crude is seen hitting various industries, as RCL-5% was cut overnight at Morgan Stanley. F-4% was still sinking after lowering its outlook yesterday; last night, Ford's CEO declined to say when or whether the company will set a revised profit target. Meanwhile, the US Department of Transportation reported this morning that vehicle miles traveled in March fell 4.3%Fri, 23 May 2008 15:36:09 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-23.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-22.html- Soaring oil prices continued to dominate markets and headlines this morning, although unlike the previous two sessions indices have been gaining ground since the open. Traders appear to be using the heavy losses of the last two days as a buying opportunity, with confidence further bolstered by the better than expected weekly jobless claims data out before the open. Front-month oil hit a new high of $135.09 a barrel before pulling back to trade at $133.05 this morning; OPEC Secretary GeneralThu, 22 May 2008 15:45:21 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-22.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-21.html- Markets were trading in the red for a second day in a row this morning as oil continues its long march north, passing the $130/bbl mark before the New York open and hitting $132/bbl in mid-morning trading following weekly inventory data. Airline names are feeling the pain of soaring fuel costs and fresh analyst downgrades, while AMR took the opportunity this morning to say it would make significant capacity reductions in its 2008 domestic schedule and speed up retiring planes. CAL -10% DALWed, 21 May 2008 15:33:37 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-21.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-20.html- Markets opened broadly lower, selling off in the wake of gloomy PPI data and yet another leg higher in commodity prices. Core prices were seen climbing at twice the expected rate in April, while up 3% on a y/y basis, which was the biggest gain since the early 1990s. Retailers HD-4% and SKS-5.5% were off after reporting earnings this morning. HD came in above estimates but still saw profits for the quarter down 66% y/y and SSS -6.5%. The CFO noted that "all departments had negative salesTue, 20 May 2008 16:15:08 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-20.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-19.html- Markets started the week slightly lower, but have traded up across the board by mid-morning. Lowe's and Cambell Soup have been under some pressure right from the open after reporting results. PEIX+35% bested analyst estimates thanks to a 63% rise in sales y/y and its successful efforts to offset the rising costs of corn feedstock. Solar names were being led higher by SOLF+14.5% as options trading in the name reached a record level on speculation the solar-panel maker will beat profitMon, 19 May 2008 15:58:41 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-19.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-16.html- Markets fell from the open this morning on new highs in the price of oil and darkening consumer confidence. Generic crude oil futures rose more than $3 in morning trading; Goldman Sachs raised its price forecast for oil in the second half of 2008 to $141/bbl from $107/bbl. Homebuilders showed strength at the open on April housing starts, which climbed more than 8% m/m, but were still seen at a 17-year low. Homebuilders TOL, KBH and PHM opened higher but were all seen losing ground inFri, 16 May 2008 16:14:12 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-16.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-15.html- Equity markets opened flat to lower this morning following generally soft economic data - Empire Manufacturing and industrial production numbers came in below estimates - though indices were back in positive territory and trending higher in mid-morning trading. CBS said it would acquire internet media firm CNET in a $1.8B deal, giving the old-media titan control of one of the top ten most popular internet sites. CNET was up almost 50% on the news, while CBS was slipping. Billionaire investorThu, 15 May 2008 15:42:06 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-15.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-14.html- Markets are posting gains this morning in the wake of better-than-expected April inflation data and good news at Freddie Mac. FRE was up sharply in morning trade after reporting a much smaller loss than analysts had expected and after news that the OFHEO would lower the GSE's capital requirements. Freddie's CFO noted that while the US housing market hasn't hit bottom quite yet, the firm has a "strong and sound" capital position and maintained the current dividend. Macy's was another winnerWed, 14 May 2008 16:37:00 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-14.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-13.html- Indices opened at or near session highs as better-than-expected April retail sales figures helped futures go higher. WMT -1.68% was trading down this morning after beating top line estimates handily. The company did provide some earnings guidance for the next quarter that was slightly below consensus expectations, which the CFO called "appropriately conservative." TJX is off 4% after meeting estimates but is guiding slightly lower for the coming quarter. JPM C BAC and especially STT wereTue, 13 May 2008 16:03:18 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-13.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-12.html- Resilient remains the word that best describes equity markets as we begin the week, after selected names shook off a fresh batch of distressing news and kept heading north. FDX guided lower on Friday after the close, citing higher energy costs and weak domestic demand; the name was seen recovering after opening down more than $2 in just the latest sign the markets are looking past $125 oil. MBI posted a sizable 13.03/shr loss in its first quarter this morning and saw its share price riseMon, 12 May 2008 17:52:13 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-12.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-09.html- US markets opened lower this morning, pressured by another disappointing earnings report from a major financial institution. AIG reported another large loss and took roughly $15B in new writedowns, while coincidently overseas the DAX was under some pressure after Allianz reported results below expectations and indicated further writedowns could not be ruled out. AIG also said they would be raising another $12.5B in an equity offering. The WSJ noted that well the credit crunch may be easingFri, 09 May 2008 17:07:06 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-09.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-08.html- The majority of retail names opened higher following generally better-than-expected April SSS figures, but sellers quickly entered the market after the NY open. The RTH -0.5% has spent much of the morning in the red, while Wal-Mart bucked the trend and remains higher by more than 1%. DRS Technologies has surged more than 13% after a WSJ report suggested the company has received a bid from an Italian company. The NASDAQ has exhibited some relative strength throughout the session led by broadThu, 08 May 2008 15:54:27 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/jessica@tradethenews.com (TradeTheNews.com)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/us-market-update/2008-05-08.html