Will Bernanke Save The Bull? Monster corporate earnings are pouring in from most sectors of the U.S. economy;_ 75% of the S&P 500 companies have beat analysts estimates so far this year._ There are 180 more companies in the index reporting earnings this week, including Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) and Express Scripts (Nasdaq: ESRX) today. _If the past is any indication, the stock price earnings momentum should continue in full force. However, the Fed may put a damper on the bullish enthusiasm. A very unusual FOMC announcement is taking place on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. EST._ What makes this interest rate announcement different is that, for the first time, there is a press conference scheduled at 2:15 p.m. so that Bernanke can explain the announcement to the public._ This raises the spectra of increased interest rates coming soon._ If the Fed starts raising rates, it will put a quick end to the earnings driven bullish momentum and may trigger a complete change in long -term bullish trend turning it bearish._ If this is the case, Bernanke will likely start to warn the market during the press conference so that when the actual interest rate hike occurs it doesnât result in panic.__ However, most analysts believe that interest rates will remain unchanged for the rest of the year._ Then why the unprecedented step of hosting a press conference after the announcement?_ Well, several other things could happen at the announcement._ Letâs take a closer look at what else could occur on Wednesday. Bernanke could announce the ending of the quantitative easing program._ This would be very bullish for the U.S. dollar but bearish for stocks._ If the program is ended, but the funds are reinvested from maturing payments it will have the least affect on stocks._ However, if the easing program is ended as well as the reinvestment plan, expect the market to react in an extremely negative manner. It seems odd that a press conference would be scheduled if it was positive news coming from the Fed._ However, stranger things have happened._ The fate of the bull market is in Bernankeâs hands, letâs hope he does the right thing on Wednesday!
SURF ALERT Long 100 contracts Trump for President @5 via intrade. This is an almost a guaranteed double plus??? Surf
That stupid TA... More than halfway there. That pattern's math went like this: 1295+95 Although there is a slight disambiguity about which top I should count from, there is a chance that the lower 1st top is in play, in that case the 3rd top is about 14 pts lower, 1376, or 1372ish ES....
The questions from my pre publication chat with Freakonomics. With answers redacted.... If anyone can locate this article, the web was whitewashed for unknown reason, I would be grateful Surf This is Dave executive producer of ._[/url] Today, I am priveleged to be joined by world renowned economist and author, Steven Levitt._ Steven is professor of economics at the University of Chicago and author of the critically acclaimed book, Freakonomics._ This book turns conventional wisdom on its head by asking the questions that most people are afraid to even think about._ It explores hidden relationships and statistically valid, yet bizzare causes of the most pressing issues of our time. Although this tome is not directly related to finance or trading, it will revolutionary the way you view the financial markets and the world in general. Let's see what we can learn! _ Dave: It's a privelege to speak with you, Thank you for joining me._ Let's start out by talking about the underpinnings of Freakonomics._ What first triggered your thinking in this unique direction? _ Steven: _ Dave: I know you apply the tools of economics to commonly held beliefs to test their validity._ What specifically are the tools and how are they used in this unique fashion? _ Steven: _ Dave: You talk about incentives being the cornerstone of modern life._ What do you mean by this? _ Steven: _ Dave: Kinda like the old "follow the money" adage, is this what you mean? _ Steven: _ Dave: Your studies have discovered that conventional wisdom is often wrong, this is very applicable to my readers as traders in viewing the market.__ Why is conventional wisdom often wrong? _ Steven: _ Dave: Your view on "experts" is also very enlightening and applicable to market players. Can you elaborate on your thoughts concerning "experts" in any field. _ Steven: _ Dave: We spoke about incentives as the driving force earlier, however incentives also have a dark side which is cheating._ What is the root cause of cheating? _ Steven: _ Dave: Does everyone cheat in one way or another? _ Steven: _ Dave: Does society benefit in anyway from cheating? _ Steven: _ Dave: Is there a practical/clever way to determine if someone is cheating? For instance your example on discovering a cheating teacher. _ Steven: _ Dave: Your bagel shop example indicating how the weather influences cheating is fascinating._ Can you tell my readers about how weather influences cheating. _ Steven: _ Dave: Let's move onto your ideas about drug dealers._ You put forth the proposition that most drug dealers are low income and actually live at home with their mothers._ This idea flies in the face of traditional ideas._ For instance, MTV glorifies gangster life as one of bling bling, gold, mercedes and furs._ Why would someone take the risk of dealing drugs when in fact, as you state, many are remain low income workers. _ Steven: _ Dave: A correlation to the above question, why should an average, middle class person care what a drug dealer earns? _ Steven: _ Dave: While we are talking about drugs._ You draw a wild correlation between crack cocaine and nylon stockings._ Please tell me what you found out about these seemingly unrelated commodities. _ Steven: _ Dave: Crime appears to have dropped dramatically in most American cities recently. Did this really happen, or is it simply a manipulation of statistics for political purposes? _ Steven: _ Dave: Speaking of crime, this question may really rise the hackles on some of my readers backs, but it needs to be addressed. You found that abortion actually may have reduced the crime rate._ Roe v Wade has an unintended positive influence on society._ What do you mean by this ascertation? _ Steven: _ Dave: Being the parent of two little boys, I found your views on the perfect parent very interesting.__ What are several factors that make the perfect parent? _ Steven: _ Dave: Does watching TV adversely effect test scores of children? _ Steven: _ Dave: On the flip side, does reading daily to a child improve their performance in school? _ Steven: _ Dave: What is the number one factor that influences a childs performance in school? _ Steven: _ Dave: Since we are talking about children, you devout a chapter to children's names. What does a name tell one about a person? _ Steven: _ Dave: Are there any names that would positively effect a child's future? _ Steven: _ Dave: What names may easily negatively effect one's future _ Steven: _ _ _ Steven: