Economics
This Week’s Data
The International Council of Shopping Centers reported weekly sales of major retailers were up 0.5% versus the prior week and up 4.5% versus the comparable period a year ago;
Redbook Research reported month to date retail chain store sales up 0.8% versus the similar timeframe last month and up 4.1% on a year over year basis.
February wholesale inventories rose 0.9% versus expectations of an increase of 0.5%; more important wholesale sales jumped 1.2%.
Weekly mortgage applications fell 2.4% while purchase applications dropped 0.5%.
Other
ASA staffing index continues to climb (short):
http://mjperry.blogspot.com/2012/04/temporary-employment-is-improving.html
Is the Treasury about to launch ‘floating rate notes? And what that means (medium/long):
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/if-1951-accord-any-indication-treasurys-imminent-launch-floaters-will-be-signal-get-out-dodge
The recent readings in the Economic Output Composite Index and the NFIB Small Business Confidence Index are pointing to slower economic growth (medium):
http://advisorperspectives.com/dshort/guest/Lance-Roberts-120410-Return-Of-Economic-Weakness.php
Politics
Domestic
Obama on Paul Ryan’s ‘social Darwinism’ (medium):
http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/295621/social-darwinist-smear-rich-lowry
Mortgage settlement lies (medium):
http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2012/04/more-proof-of-obama-mortgage-settlement-lies-woefully-underresourced-investigation-not-fully-staffed-yet.html
Steve Cook received his education in investments from Harvard, where he earned an MBA, New York University, where he did post graduate work in economics and financial analysis and the CFA Institute, where he earned the Chartered Financial Analysts designation in 1973. His 40 years of investment experience includes institutional portfolio management at Scudder, Stevens and Clark and Bear Stearns. Steve's goal at Strategic Stock Investments is to help other investors build wealth and benefit from the investing lessons he learned the hard way.
