http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/images/fxstreet-provider-logo1-en.gif7http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-23.htmlWe must learn to walk before we can run Never before equity markets gained so much so fast and despite occasional bumps along the way, stocks continue to edge higher. Still, some sort of rational thinking returned to the markets last week after disappointing economic data releases prompted investors to re-think their rosy outlook. As such equity markets finished the week lower but the downward momentum is unlikely to continue this week. This week is likely to be characterised by thin volumesMon, 23 Nov 2009 09:20:30 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-23.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-16.htmlDespite lacklustre economic data, the rally in stocks continued last week as investors piled on the sideline money back into the markets, which as a result prompted somewhat irrational market behaviour. Still, an overwhelming impression is that markets are now overpriced and are due for a healthy correction. However a combination of light volumes and new money from money managers who have missed out on the rally is likely to drive this asset class higher for some time. This week there areMon, 16 Nov 2009 09:18:18 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-16.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-09.htmlAre green shoots about to turn brown? It is universally acknowledged that the recession is over and that a recovery has began. Even though many remain bullish, the debate whether the fundamentals actually support the staggering recovery of equity markets seems to be on the mind of many economists. Still, a growing number of analysts are calling for over 4% US GDP growth in 2010. However, given excessive doses of medication the economy has received raises questions concerning the sustainabilityMon, 09 Nov 2009 09:25:41 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-09.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-02.htmlFalse dawn… The prayers of the “bears” have finally been answered and the seven month rally in the S&P 500 index is at last over. Investors are getting nervous that monetary and fiscal stimulus measures may be ended too soon. Fears are that the economy may again come to a standstill once the stimulus program devised by the Fed and Obama’s administration expire. Also, declines in consumer confidence and concerns on the health of financial institutions raised doubt about the durability ofMon, 02 Nov 2009 09:08:50 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-02.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-10-26.htmlThe end is nigh… The latest set of earnings results had little impact on the equity markets last week which raised questions whether the gravity defying rally in equity markets from March lows is finally petering out. More than 80% of companies have either met or surpassed Wall Street estimates and this in theory should promote bullish sentiment across the board. However the “bears” were quick to point out that earnings forecasts were slashed earlier this year when the idea of doom and gloomMon, 26 Oct 2009 09:36:51 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-10-26.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-10-19.htmlPlease feed the “bears”…  The rally in stocks continued last week, albeit at slower pace, after earnings from financial heavyweights both surprised and disappointed, however pitiable report from GE on Friday toppled investor confidence and prompted broad based profit taking. As such, the economic reports are likely to take backstage this week and instead the focus will turn to earnings. This week will see around 30% of S&P 500 conglomerates update investors on their tradingMon, 19 Oct 2009 07:49:30 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-10-19.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-10-12.htmlThe sceptics out there continue to repeat the message that stocks are overbought, market have gone up “too far, too fast” and so forth. However, not only the long-awaited pullback remains elusive, there are reasons to believe the rally is set to carry on in the near term. The earnings season got off to an encouraging start last week after Alcoa reported better than expected bottom and top-line results. This saw the “bulls” on Wall Street wake up from their hiatus and in turn push the DJI toMon, 12 Oct 2009 08:24:52 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-10-12.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-10-05.htmlThe final quarter of 2009 got off to a bumpy start last week and rightly so, after a number of economic data reports missed the street estimates, which in turn undermined investor confidence. Whether the pullback last week will mark the beginning of the new trend will likely depend in part on the economic data releases this week. However, the bulls out there could view the latest dip in stock prices as a fresh buying opportunity and jump right back in. The stage is set for a choppy trade….Mon, 05 Oct 2009 07:35:48 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-10-05.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-09-28.htmlAre “bulls” running out of gas? This week will mark the end of September, which is traditionally characterised as the worst month for equity markets in terms of returns it delivers, however the “bears” were nowhere to be seen which meant that the “bulls” kept the rally going. Also, the week will see the end of the quarter, which could lead to some volatile price action. Nevertheless, equity markets have finally hit resistance last week after weak economic data and disappointing earningsMon, 28 Sep 2009 12:18:24 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-09-28.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-09-21.htmlThe bears hailed the month of September as the “pullback period”, however not only is such move is yet to occur, it seems that the growing optimism surrounding the economic recovery will see the ‘Bull Run’ carry on for some time. The assumption that financial markets face doom and gloom seems to be absent altogether now, which means that excessive risk taking is back in fashion. However the debate whether the fundamentals actually support the staggering recovery in equity markets seems to beMon, 21 Sep 2009 07:53:17 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-09-21.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-09-14.htmlHope remains for markets… At least for now, the bearish mood that was supposed to overwhelm the Wall Street and send stocks crashing for an overdue pullback has been avoided. The month of September, which historically marks lowest returns for investors, now also marks the demise of Lehman Brothers. The collapse of the giant sent earthquake like ripples across the globe and in turn prompted the governments around the world to take unprecedented steps to keep the global banking system afloat.Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:50:38 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-09-14.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-09-07.htmlRollercoaster ride is set to continue The transition from summer into September was certainly a bumpy one last week as investors around the globe fretted over growing uncertainty surrounding the strength of the global economy. The cautious sentiment prevailed for most of the week, which saw spot Gold prices advance and trade in close proximity to USD 1,000. Nevertheless, equity market have largely shrugged off a spike in unemployment and instead focused on the diminishing non-farm payrollMon, 07 Sep 2009 09:23:45 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-09-07.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-08-31.htmlInvestors head back to school… Investors are faced with yet another week of slow-moving markets, with many preferring to head to the beach rather than to their trading desks as the summer holiday season nears its end. Nevertheless, historically, September is seen as market’s worst month which may add to volatility, allied to light trading volumes which are expected to continue for much of next week. The events of last September, which saw Lehman Brothers collapse, are still relatively fresh inMon, 31 Aug 2009 11:03:37 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-08-31.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-08-24.htmlSeeking rational investors Equity markets endured a bit of a rollercoaster ride last week, however this time it was Chinese stocks that dominated the forefront after the Shanghai Composite Index swung between heavy gains and losses. The volatile price action was driven in part by fears that the Chinese authorities will tighten lending facilities as well as growing concerns that rally in the global equity market is long overdue for a correction. Investors pondered whether the slump in Asia willMon, 24 Aug 2009 07:36:20 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-08-24.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-08-17.htmlNOW MAY BE THE TIME TO TAKE PROFITS ON THE STOCK MARKET RALLY U.S. stocks could extend last week's retreat after a four-week advance as the earnings season winds down and investors search for signs that consumer spending will help sustain an economic recovery. For last week, the DJI ended down 0.5%, the S&P 500 ended down 0.6% and the Nasdaq finished off 0.7%. The S&P is still up about 48% from its 12-year lows in early March. The recent evidence suggests consumers have not been aMon, 17 Aug 2009 08:02:14 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-08-17.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-08-10.htmlWall Street's rally could persist this week as investors' conviction grows that the U.S. economy is on track for a recovery. But retailers' results, CPI and other consumer data could cast a pall if shoppers fail to show signs of life. The focus will also be on the Federal Reserve, which will release a statement on Wednesday afternoon at the end of its two-day interest rate-setting meeting. The U.S. central bank is expected to hold rates near zero, so investors will look for signals of an exitMon, 10 Aug 2009 07:28:18 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-08-10.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-08-03.htmlS&P eyes 1,000 but may fail to make it this time. Wall Street may have momentum on its side this week as the S&P 500 tries to puncture the 1,000 level, but the rally's staying power will depend on whether U.S. data and corporate earnings provide more signs of economic stabilization. The broad Standard & Poor's 500 index recorded its best five-month streak since 1938 on Friday with July's gains as more corporate earnings beat expectations and data suggested the worst of the economicMon, 03 Aug 2009 08:25:01 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-08-03.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-07-27.htmlThe majority of earnings released last week beat analyst expectations and this week sees approximately a quarter of S&P 500 companies report. The market will be eager to see if the upward momentum can be maintained, which has seen the Dow finish above 9,000 and the FTSE 100 post 10 consecutive sessions of gains. Overnight, the Nikkei 225 index rose 1.5% which marked its ninth day of positive trade and the longest streak of gains since 1988. Where as last week the focus in the US was on theMon, 27 Jul 2009 08:23:05 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-07-27.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-07-20.htmlEarnings season got off to a good start last week, with banking giants and some bell weather stocks reporting strong numbers for the Q2 period. However, many are beginning to question whether that trend can be sustained. Therefore, with around 155 S&P500 companies reporting over the next 5 days, markets will be keen to see whether company earnings are beginning to show signs of recovery after the worst downturn in decades. There will be an array of key stocks reporting, including the likesMon, 20 Jul 2009 07:20:12 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-07-20.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-07-13.htmlInvestors are about to get some of the economic data they've been craving -- from USA Inc. Hundreds of earnings reports from the April-June quarter will begin flowing in this week, helping investors answer questions about how soon the economy will start growing. With the economy not gaining momentum after some early signs of recovery, investors are worried that they bet too soon on a rebound during the market's spring rally. The early part of the rally came as data showed the pace of theMon, 13 Jul 2009 07:50:28 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-07-13.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-07-06.htmlInvestors' focus shifts to Q2 earnings reports Wall Street's focus this week shifts from economic reports to corporate earnings announcements and forecasts for the rest of the year. After investors were rattled last week by the latest consumer and employment data, there is growing uncertainty in the market about how strong the second half of the year will be. Aluminum maker Alcoa Inc., the first of the 30 companies that make up the Dow Jones industrials to report Q2 results, opens earningsMon, 06 Jul 2009 07:42:23 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-07-06.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-06-29.htmlInvestors await earnings as 2Q comes to a close Relative calm at the end of the 2nd quarter as investors turn their focus to earnings reports Stocks entered a period of relative calm in recent weeks as a powerful spring rally born of optimism about the economy's revival began to sputter. With the second quarter wrapping up Tuesday and earnings reports looming next month, there appears to be little coming up in this US holiday-shortened week that could exert a strong pull on the market one wayMon, 29 Jun 2009 08:36:10 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-06-29.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-06-23.htmlWhat are investors waiting for? This week, investors look for signs of a strong consumer before jumping back into stocks Americans may have poured money back into stocks this year, but market watchers worry that they aren't spending enough on other things -- like clothes, cars and computers. This week, the average U.S. consumer returns to the spotlight. The Commerce Department reports on May personal spending and incomes on Friday, the same day that the University of Michigan reports on JuneTue, 23 Jun 2009 13:36:32 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-06-23.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-06-16.htmlEARLY SUMMER FOR WALL STREET The stock market has been drifting, stalling a three-month rally, and analysts say investors need to see more concrete signs of economic growth before they'll take stocks higher. But with trading entering a traditionally slow period, stocks' moves will likely be more sedate this week, especially in the absence of any economic reports. Analysts have warned that the market may have rallied more than economic fundamentals warranted this spring, and that a significantTue, 16 Jun 2009 10:02:05 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-06-16.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-06-08.htmlCAN THE RALLY CONTINUE? During a rally that has added 2,220 points the DJI is now within a dozen points of being flat for the year. But it is still down 5,400 points from its high of 14,164.53 in October 2007. "Buy" signals began popping up on stock screens three months ago this week as traders determined that the economy was likely to sidestep a ruinous fall marked by the Great Depression and instead muddle through the worst recession in decades. But some analysts contend that investors areMon, 08 Jun 2009 10:19:07 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-06-08.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-06-01.htmlSTOCK GAINS GETTING HARDER Stocks have been unable to put together a significant advance in the last few weeks. After a quick bounce off 12-year lows in early March, Wall Street is having a harder time carving advances as investors await definitive signs of a break in the recession. The S&P 500 index rose 5.3% in May, but that was almost half its 9.4% surge in April. Traders have been buying stocks on kernels of economic data and corporate earnings reports that indicate the economy's slideMon, 01 Jun 2009 09:20:46 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-06-01.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-05-25.htmlUS stocks dipped towards the end of last week after S&P lowered its outlook on the UK and fueled speculation the US's AAA rating might also be under threat. Some of this negative sentiment is likely to spill over in to this week as investors look to economic data to deliver more clues on the pace of recovery. The USD will be followed closely after posting its worst week since December in spite of equities finishing the week virtually unchanged. Given the extent of the recent decline in theMon, 25 May 2009 09:50:21 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-05-25.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-05-19.htmlAfter a two-month surge that saw the DJI soar 31% and the S&P 500 rally 37% investors gave up some of those gains last week. As the new week begins, there doesn't seem to be any catalysts that could restart the rally. The market moved higher as investors realized that worst-case scenarios in the banking industry weren't going to happen. Indications that the recession was slowing also gave investors reason to buy at a pace not seen in decades. In the near term, analysts are saying it'sTue, 19 May 2009 14:16:28 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-05-19.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-05-11.htmlEUR - ALL EYES ON EURO ZONE INFLATION LATER THIS WEEK An impressive rally in global risky asset classes led EUR to its highest finish against USD in over a month, and overall momentum suggests further EURUSD gains are likely. The single currency withstood pressure from a fairly lackluster stream of economic data, breaking a key 200-day Simple Moving Average and closing the week almost exactly at its highs. Indeed, another European Central Bank interest rate cut and announcements of noteworthyMon, 11 May 2009 14:28:57 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-05-11.html