BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ray of Light: IMF Ups 2010 Global Growth Forecast to 3.9%]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/26/ray-of-light-imf-ups-2010-global-growth-forecast-to-3-9/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/26/ray-of-light-imf-ups-2010-global-growth-forecast-to-3-9/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/26/ray-of-light-imf-ups-2010-global-growth-forecast-to-3-9/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tuesday's upbeat data point: the International Monetary Fund is now forecasting that the global economy will grow 3.9% in 2010, up from the earlier forecast of 3.1% growth in October 2009.

The global economy grew a scant 1.3% in 2009, equivalent to a global recession -- the world's first since the end of World War II. The IMF also expects the global economy to growth 4.3% in 2011.

What's more, the IMF also raised its 2010 GDP growth forecast for the United States to 2.7%, up from the earlier 2.6% estimate. The U.S. economy contracted 0.3% in 2009, using the IMF's methodology and data. Meanwhile, the developed world is expected to growth 2.1%, in 2010, after an -0.7% contraction in 2009.

China's economy is expected to grow 10.0% in 2010, leading a 6.0% emerging market rebound. The IMF sees India growing 7.7%; Russia, 3.6%; Brazil, 4.7%; Mexico, 4.0%.

Continue reading Ray of Light: IMF Ups 2010 Global Growth Forecast to 3.9%

Ray of Light: IMF Ups 2010 Global Growth Forecast to 3.9% originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emerging marketsEmergingMarketseurozoneglobal growthGlobalGrowthgrowthIMFrecessionTue, 26 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Oil falls to $107 despite drop in weekly U.S. inventories]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/04/oil-falls-to-107-despite-drop-in-weekly-u-s-inventories/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/04/oil-falls-to-107-despite-drop-in-weekly-u-s-inventories/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/04/oil-falls-to-107-despite-drop-in-weekly-u-s-inventories/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Oil fell $2.24 to $107.11 per barrel Thursday at mid-day despite the fact the U.S. Energy Information Administration announced that weekly crude oil inventories unexpectedly fell by 1.9 million barrels.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected crude oil inventories to increase by 450,000 barrels last week.

Gasoline supplies fell by 400,000 barrels to 194.4 million barrels. Meanwhile, refinery capacity rose to 88.7%, compared to 87.3% a week earlier, and 85.7% two weeks ago.

'It's all about slowing global growth'

Energy Trader Jim Dietz said the fact that oil fell despite the unexpected decline in weekly oil inventories underscores "a really troubling oil demand picture."

"Right now, it's all about slowing global growth. The oil market is definitely in sell mode now. The market senses global oil consumption growth will slow in Asia and when you add that to lower oil consumption in the U.S., we could see building inventories, which means oil is headed lower," Dietz said. "We still have to watch [Hurricane] Ike in the Atlantic because it may track toward the Gulf of Mexico but right now lower demand dominates [the market]."

Dietz added that he was currently short unleaded gasoline and oil, with monthly contracts.

Continue reading Oil falls to $107 despite drop in weekly U.S. inventories

Oil falls to $107 despite drop in weekly U.S. inventories originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Asiaemerging marketsgasoline pricesgdpglobal growthglobalizationinthenewsoil pricesoil shockOPECU.S. Energy Information AdministrationThu, 04 Sep 2008 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Is inflation peaking in many parts of the world?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/18/is-inflation-peaking-in-many-parts-of-the-world/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/18/is-inflation-peaking-in-many-parts-of-the-world/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/18/is-inflation-peaking-in-many-parts-of-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The reduction in global economic growth and growth expectations is leading to one benefit: a sharp decline in commodity prices, creating hope inflation may be peaking in many parts of the world, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday (subscription required).

Rice and palm oil, two commodities critical for the developing world, are both down about 40% since May, while the world's most vital commodity, crude oil, is down abut 23%, The Journal reported.

An end to surging commodity prices?

Economist Glen Langan told BloggingStocks Monday that while the commodity price-lower trend is still young, continued commodity price declines would be a welcomed sight, provided they don't drop too much.

"The pullback is welcome because many commodities had reached prohibitive levels, hindering commerce and really hurting the modest budgets of the poor/working poor in developing countries," Langan said. "However, too much of a price slide in commodities would be a sign of a pronounced global economic slowdown, which is something we don't want."

Further, Langan said that while regulators in various nations probe 'speculator' activity and alleged price manipulation in commodity markets, he argues that many of the price rises are consistent with historical price booms in other asset classes / sectors.

Continue reading Is inflation peaking in many parts of the world?

Is inflation peaking in many parts of the world? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacommodity pricesemerging marketsfood pricesgdpglobal growthglobalizationinflationinstitutional investorsinthenewsoil pricesspeculatorsMon, 18 Aug 2008 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Unwinding of carry trade seen as bearish signal for markets, economy]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/16/unwinding-of-carry-trade-seen-as-bearish-signal-for-markets-eco/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/16/unwinding-of-carry-trade-seen-as-bearish-signal-for-markets-eco/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/16/unwinding-of-carry-trade-seen-as-bearish-signal-for-markets-eco/#commentsFiled under: ,

Some market signals are well-known and easily understood. Others are arcane and more-complex, but just as telling.

There's mounting evidence that the "carry trade" is ending, or that at least institutional investors are decreasing their use of it as an investment tactic.

In a carry trade, investors, especially institutional investors, borrow funds in a country with a low interest rate (or borrowing cost) and buy assets in a country where returns are higher. The investment can take many forms, including stocks, bonds, funds, or even the higher-interest currency itself.

Carry trade: A growth confidence indicator

Now, investors/readers may legitimately ask, Why is it important to know what's happening to the carry trade?

Economist Peter Dawson told BloggingStocks that it's important to monitor carry trade flows and data because it's one indicator of investor confidence in a market's ability to produce a return on equity, and by extension, in its economy to grow.

In other words, the carry trade abounds when investors are confident; it wanes when they're not, he said.

Continue reading Unwinding of carry trade seen as bearish signal for markets, economy

Unwinding of carry trade seen as bearish signal for markets, economy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 16 Aug 2008 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Australian dollarBritish poundcarry tradecurrenciesdollarEUeuroeuro zoneEuropean Unionforeign exchangeforexFrancegdpGermanyglobal economyglobal growthhedge fundsinstitutional investorsinterest ratesNew Zealand dollarU.S. economyUnited KingdomyenSat, 16 Aug 2008 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[OPEC again lowers 2008 global oil demand forecast]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/16/opec-again-lowers-2008-global-oil-demand-forecast/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/16/opec-again-lowers-2008-global-oil-demand-forecast/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/16/opec-again-lowers-2008-global-oil-demand-forecast/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

OPEC again lowered its forecast for 2008 global oil demand growth, adding that the economic slowdown affecting the United States and other industrialized nations is likely to lower demand growth in 2009 as well, the group announced (pdf).

OPEC lowered its 2008 forecast to 1.20% global oil demand growth, down from 1.28%. It was OPEC's fourth downward revision for oil demand this year. The new price structure and slower global economy "have helped dampen oil demand growth in many regions," the cartel said in its July report.

OPEC, which accounts for about 40% of the global oil supply, now expects 2008 demand to rise by 1.03 million barrels per day, or 70,000 barrels per day less than the group's previous forecast.

On Tuesday, oil plunged $6.44 to $138.74 per barrel -- its biggest decline, in percentage terms, since March 2008 -- following Tuesday morning testimony by U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, during which the Fed chair said credit market write-downs were likely to slow the already anemic U.S. economy even more, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday. Economist Glen Langan told BloggingStocks OPEC's revised forecast is likely to represent another data point the oil bears will like.

Oil price key: Emerging markets

Continue reading OPEC again lowers 2008 global oil demand forecast

OPEC again lowers 2008 global oil demand forecast originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bernankeemerging marketsEUEuropean Uniongasoline pricesgdpglobal growthinthenewsoil pricesoil shockOPECU.S. economyWed, 16 Jul 2008 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[World Bank cuts 2008 global GDP growth forecast due to oil, food prices]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/10/world-bank-cuts-2008-global-gdp-growth-forecast-due-to-oil-food/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/10/world-bank-cuts-2008-global-gdp-growth-forecast-due-to-oil-food/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/10/world-bank-cuts-2008-global-gdp-growth-forecast-due-to-oil-food/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The World Bank cut its 2008 global growth forecast to 2.7%, citing rising food and oil prices, the bank announced Tuesday.

In January 2008, the bank predicted that global growth would total 3.3% for the year. The global economy grew 3.7% in 2007. Further, the bank now sees 2008 emerging market GDP growth totaling 6.5%, down from its earlier 7.8% forecast.

The bank called high energy and food prices "a major worry" and added that they "are the dominant force behind increased inflation across developing countries."

Also, the World Bank expects the U.S. economy to grow 1.1% in 2008, a downward revision from the bank's earlier 1.9% forecast. Meanwhile, the bank expects Europe's 15-nation euro zone to grow 1.7%, down from the earlier estimate of 2.8%. Japan's economy is expected to grow 1.4%, down from the earlier estimate of 2%.

Further, the World Bank also sees a considerable slowdown in China's economy in 2008, but GDP growth is still expected to remain very strong. The bank now sees China's GDP increasing 9.4%, down from the earlier 11.9% estimate.

Continue reading World Bank cuts 2008 global GDP growth forecast due to oil, food prices

World Bank cuts 2008 global GDP growth forecast due to oil, food prices originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Asiaemerging marketseuro zoneEuropefood pricesgdpglobal economyglobal growthinthenewsJapanLatin Americaoil pricesoil shockTue, 10 Jun 2008 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[OECD again cuts U.S. & global growth forecasts]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/04/oecd-again-cuts-u-s-and-global-growth-forecasts/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/04/oecd-again-cuts-u-s-and-global-growth-forecasts/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/04/oecd-again-cuts-u-s-and-global-growth-forecasts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development again cut its forecast for 2008 growth in its 30-nation membership -- this time to 1.8% from "less than 2%" -- saying that while the worst of the credit market stress is over, its impact on the global economy is not. [pdf] The OECD now sees 2009 GDP growth in the 30-nation region totaling 1.7%

Both yearly forecasts were weighed down by a lower GDP growth forecast for the U.S. economy, with the OECD now seeing the world's largest economy growing by a scant 1.2% in 2008 and 1.1% in 2009, down from earlier forecasts of 2.3% and 2.4%, respectively. The United States economy is now confronting strong headwinds -- a housing slump, a credit squeeze and inflation, the latter of which is eroding workers' disposable income, the OECD said.

The OECD expects Europe's euro-zone region to grow 1.7% in 2008 and 1.4% in 2009. Japan's economy is expected to grow 1.7% and 1.5% during the same periods.

Emerging market boom seen continuing

Meanwhile, growth in most emerging market nations is expected to remain strong, led by China, India and what appears to be a new economic rising star, Brazil.

Continue reading OECD again cuts U.S. & global growth forecasts

OECD again cuts U.S. & global growth forecasts originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emerging marketsEuropegdpglobal growthinthenewsJapanOECDOrganization for Economic Cooperation and DevelopmentU.S. economyWed, 04 Jun 2008 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[IMF urges global leaders to cooperate on financial market concerns]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/14/imf-urges-global-leaders-to-cooperate-on-financial-market-concer/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/14/imf-urges-global-leaders-to-cooperate-on-financial-market-concer/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/14/imf-urges-global-leaders-to-cooperate-on-financial-market-concer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

An International Monetary Fund steering committee is urging global leaders to cooperate to deal with the current financial crisis, which the IMF concludes is global in scope.

In its communiqué following its spring meeting, the IMF said it was meeting at a time of "unusual uncertainty regarding global economic and financial market prospects." The IMF added that the challenges facing the world economy are of a global nature, requiring strong action and close cooperation among the membership.

Cites financial instability, credit crunch

The IMF said global financial instability has increased since its last meeting. Further, global economic growth has slowed and growth prospects for 2008 and 2009 have deteriorated, adding that risks to the outlook come from the still unfolding events in financial markets and from the potential worsening of the housing and credit cycles. (Earlier this year the IMF cut its 2008 global GDP growth forecast to 3.7% from 4.2%)

Meanwhile, for developed economies, the IMF said monetary policy should continue to aim at medium-term price stability, while responding flexibly to signs of a more pronounced and prolonged economic downturn. The IMF also endorsed fiscal stimulus, at least temporarily, as an appropriate engine of growth and as a stimulus tool, saying fiscal policy can also play a useful, counter-cyclical role. In the United States, "temporary fiscal easing will help to counter downside risks to growth," the IMF said.


Continue reading IMF urges global leaders to cooperate on financial market concerns

IMF urges global leaders to cooperate on financial market concerns originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>credit crunchcurrent accountemerging marketsexportsfinancial crisisfiscal policyGDPglobal growthIMFimportsInternational Monetary Fundinthenewsmonetary policytradeMon, 14 Apr 2008 13:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Bank of England cuts key, short-term interest rate to 5%]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/10/bank-of-england-cuts-key-short-term-interest-rate-to-5/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/10/bank-of-england-cuts-key-short-term-interest-rate-to-5/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/10/bank-of-england-cuts-key-short-term-interest-rate-to-5/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Bank of England cut its key, short-term interest by a quarter-point to 5% Thursday, according to a new release.

It was the BOE's third interest rate cut since December 2007, as the central bank attempts to counteract the impact of tighter credit and the nation's worst housing slump in more than 10 years.

The BOE said credit conditions have tightened and the availability of credit appears to be getting worse. Further, while the recent depreciation in sterling will support net exports, the bank said, the prospects for output growth abroad have deteriorated, while domestic growth has started to moderate, necessitating the additional rate cut.

Concerning inflation, the BOE said inflation rose at a 2.5% annualized rate in February 2008, above the 2% target rate. However, the bank said whether inflation will remain above or below the bank's 2% target for 2008 will depend on financial market conditions, spare capacity in the U.K. economy, and the direction of commodity prices, among other factors.

Continue reading Bank of England cuts key, short-term interest rate to 5%

Bank of England cuts key, short-term interest rate to 5% originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bank of EnglandBOEcredit crisisEuropeGDPglobal growthhousinginflationinterest ratesinthenewsmonetary policyThu, 10 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IMF again cuts 2008 global growth forecast on credit crunch ripples]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/02/imf-again-cuts-2008-global-growth-forecast-on-credit-crunch-ripp/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/02/imf-again-cuts-2008-global-growth-forecast-on-credit-crunch-ripp/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/02/imf-again-cuts-2008-global-growth-forecast-on-credit-crunch-ripp/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For the second time in four months, the International Monetary Fund has cut its 2008 global growth forecast, citing the worst financial crisis in the United States since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

IMF now expects the global economy to grow 3.7% in 2008, down from its earlier forecast of 4.1% growth, Bloomberg News reported, citing an IMF document it obtained at the meeting of Southeast Asian deputy finance ministers and central bankers in Vietnam. The IMF also said there's a 25% chance global growth will drop below 3% in 2008 and 2009.

In January 2008, the IMF lowered its forecast for global economic growth this year to 4.1%, the lowest since 2003, from 4.4% predicted in October 2007. At that time the IMF said last year's increase in credit costs resulting from defaults on mortgages aimed at borrowers with poor credit histories was hurting the rest of the economy.

Continue reading IMF again cuts 2008 global growth forecast on credit crunch ripples

IMF again cuts 2008 global growth forecast on credit crunch ripples originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>credit crunchdecouplingGDPglobal economyglobal growthGreat DepressionGreatDepressionIMFInternational Monetary Fundinthenewssubprimesubprime mortgagesWed, 02 Apr 2008 15:18:00 EST<![CDATA[ECB maintains hawkish stance on inflation, interest rates]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/26/ecb-maintains-hawkish-stance-on-inflation-interest-rates/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/26/ecb-maintains-hawkish-stance-on-inflation-interest-rates/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/26/ecb-maintains-hawkish-stance-on-inflation-interest-rates/#commentsFiled under: ,

Regional central bank cooperation regarding actions and facilities aimed at maintaining financial system liquidity, yes. Regional central bank cooperation regarding interest rates, stay tuned.

The European Central Bank maintained its restrictive monetary policy stance regarding interest rates Wednesday when President Jean-Claude Trichet underscored that the bank is no hurry to lower key, short-term interest rates, Reuters reported.

The euro moved higher versus the dollar Wednesday at mid-day on the news, rising about one cent to $1.5744.

Trichet said price stability remained the ECB's number one concern and that the bank's current interest rate stance would help keep euro-zone inflation under control, Reuters reported. The ECB has kept its key refinance rate at 4.0% for nine months, while its transatlantic counterpart, the U.S. Federal Reserve, has lowered benchmark, short-term interest rates by 300 basis points since September 2007, in an effort to jump-start a U.S. economy stalled by the nation's worst housing slump in more than 20 years.

Further, Trichet turned aside notions that the ECB would soften its definition of price stability, the ceiling for which the bank places at "below but close to the 2% level." The euro-zone posted a 3.3% inflation rate in 2007, a rate Trichet has repeatedly said is too high.

Continue reading ECB maintains hawkish stance on inflation, interest rates

ECB maintains hawkish stance on inflation, interest rates originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CPIcredit crunchECBEuropean Central BankFedGDPglobal growthinflationinterest ratesinthenewsliquiditymonetary policyTrichetU.S. Federal ReserveWed, 26 Mar 2008 13:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Oil surges over $107 as analysts raise price forecasts; $110 is next hurdle]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/10/oil-surges-over-107-as-analysts-raise-price-forecasts-110-is/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/10/oil-surges-over-107-as-analysts-raise-price-forecasts-110-is/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/10/oil-surges-over-107-as-analysts-raise-price-forecasts-110-is/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Crude oil jumped $1.85 in early trading Monday morning to touch a record $107 per barrel as investors continued to pour funds into oil futures, Bloomberg News reported Monday.

Oil traded at the record price before pulling back slightly to $106.31 by midday Monday. Heating oil gained 1 cent to $2.96 per gallon, unleaded gasoline was unchanged at $2.69 per gallon.

With U.S. stocks expected to underperform historical averages due to sluggish U.S. economic growth, and with global oil demand still strong, investors are increasing positions in oil, calculating that the world's most vital commodity will outperform other asset classes in 2008. Oil is up about 75% during the past 12 months, and has traded above $90 per barrel for most of 2008.

Further, the weak and falling U.S. dollar is also boosting oil prices. Because oil is priced in dollars, if the dollar falls, oil producers will try to increase the price of the product to maintain their purchasing power. A lower dollar also implies higher U.S. inflation, prompting some investors to buy oil as an inflation hedge, further boosting the commodity's price.

Continue reading Oil surges over $107 as analysts raise price forecasts; $110 is next hurdle

Oil surges over $107 as analysts raise price forecasts; $110 is next hurdle originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commoditiesdollarfeaturedgasolinegasoline pricesglobal economyglobal growthhedge fundsinflationinvestment fundsoiloil pricesU.S. economyMon, 10 Mar 2008 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Is $100 oil here to stay?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/07/is-100-oil-here-to-stay/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/07/is-100-oil-here-to-stay/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/07/is-100-oil-here-to-stay/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Traders who favor technical analysis -- a highly specialized cadre in Wall Street's Concrete Canyon -- are quick to point out the mirror aspects to key price levels, in this case a psychological level, the $100 oil price.

The oil market's recent, consecutive closes above $100 per barrel are a show of strength from a technical standpoint. That fact, combined with the mirror aspect -- or what was once psychological resistance at $100, is now psychological support at $100 -- means that oil may remain above $100 for a long time.

A $100 oil floor?

Further, traders are now talking about a "$100 floor" for the price of oil. You heard right -- $100 as a floor for oil's price, and it's not a comforting thought. Still, as technical analysts will note, it's a possibility that executives, economists and policy makers alike, not to mention typical citizens, will have to consider as a potential economic reality, moving forward.

Continue reading Is $100 oil here to stay?

Is $100 oil here to stay? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Asiaemerging marketsfeaturedgasolinegasoline pricesglobal growthheating oilinthenewsoiloil pricesOPECFri, 07 Mar 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[ECB, Bank of England keep key, short-term interest rates the same]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/06/ecb-bank-of-england-keep-key-short-term-interest-rates-the-sam/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/06/ecb-bank-of-england-keep-key-short-term-interest-rates-the-sam/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/06/ecb-bank-of-england-keep-key-short-term-interest-rates-the-sam/#commentsFiled under: ,

The European Central Bank and the Bank of England kept benchmark, short-term interest rates the same Thursday, the banks announced in separate statements (ECB) (BOE).

The ECB kept its benchmark interest rate, the refinance rate, at 4%, and the BOE maintained its benchmark rate at 5.25%. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had expected no change from either central bank (ECB) (BOE).

The foreign exchange responded swiftly and decisively to the announcements. The dollar fell against the world's major currencies. It fell about one-cent against the euro to $1.5307 and about 1 cent against the British pound to $2.0021. The dollar also fell about 0.50 yen against Japan's yen.

Status quo monetary policies

In February 2008, the Bank of England had lowered its key interest rate by 50 basis points from 5.75% as the U.K. began to feel the consequences of the U.S. housing correction and economic slowdown. However, after an uptick in inflation, many economists had expected the BOE to pause and evaluate U.K.'s economic conditions -- including the slowdown in its housing sector -- in Q1 2008, before acting further regarding possible additional monetary stimulus.

Continue reading ECB, Bank of England keep key, short-term interest rates the same

ECB, Bank of England keep key, short-term interest rates the same originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BOEBritish poundcredit crunchdollarECBeuroGDPglobal growthhousinginflationinthenewsmonetary policyU.S. Federal ReserveyenThu, 06 Mar 2008 09:44:00 EST<![CDATA[With all resistance removed, sky is now the limit for oil]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/04/with-all-resistance-removed-sky-is-now-the-limit-for-oil/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/04/with-all-resistance-removed-sky-is-now-the-limit-for-oil/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/04/with-all-resistance-removed-sky-is-now-the-limit-for-oil/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

First oil traded through and closed above the penultimate psychological resistance -- the incomparable, the dreaded $100 per barrel resistance level.

Now oil has traded above its final resistance -- the all-time nominal high of $103.76 set back in April 1980. Oil traded at $103.95 Monday to break the record, and flirted with it for awhile early Tuesday, before profit-taking sent the world's most vital commodity down $3.25 for the day to close at $99.20. per barrel.

There have been many firsts in the Bush Administration-led United States. And now the administration can add another, but it may not be one they'd like to brag about. In the industrial, modern and now postmodern eras, oil has never cost more than it has in 2008. Oil has no more resistance above it, psychologically or technically: as they say in the trading pits, from here on, the sky's the limit for oil.

Continue reading With all resistance removed, sky is now the limit for oil

With all resistance removed, sky is now the limit for oil originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gasolinegasoline pricesglobal economyglobal growthinflationoiloil pricesOPECU.S. economyTue, 04 Mar 2008 17:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Russia to invest in Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac bonds]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/21/russia-to-invest-in-fannie-mae-freddie-mac-bonds/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/21/russia-to-invest-in-fannie-mae-freddie-mac-bonds/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/21/russia-to-invest-in-fannie-mae-freddie-mac-bonds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In a development likely to be warmly-received by international finance and stock markets, Russia announced Thursday it will buy Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bonds through its sovereign wealth funds, Russia's Finance Ministry said and Bloomberg News reported.

Russia will invest money from its Reserve Fund and National Wellbeing Fund into 15 government bond funds in Europe and the United States, including those in Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM) and Freddie Mac (NYSE: FRE). Russia will also purchase government bonds in the U.K., Germany, France, Austria, Canada, and the Netherlands, Bloomberg News reported.

Both Fannie, down 56 cents $29.27, and Freddie, down 80 cents to $27.94, moved lower Thursday afternoon; however it should be noted that the declines occurred during a broad market sell-off, with the Dow down 159 points to 12,267.

Continue reading Russia to invest in Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac bonds

Russia to invest in Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac bonds originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bond marketChinacredit crunchcredit marketsE.U.EuropeFannie MaeFNMFREFreddie Macglobal economyglobal growthMiddle Eastmortgage backed securitiesoilpetrodollarsPutinsovereign wealth fundssubprime defaultssubprime mortgageThu, 21 Feb 2008 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Pricey Wheaties: Grain prices surging on emerging market demand]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/14/pricey-wheaties-grain-prices-surging-on-emerging-market-demand/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/14/pricey-wheaties-grain-prices-surging-on-emerging-market-demand/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/14/pricey-wheaties-grain-prices-surging-on-emerging-market-demand/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

First oil. Then copper, then lumber, and coal. And now grain.

The solid economic growth in the world's emerging markets that's caused oil / coal and commodities prices to surge is now fully hitting the grain market.

So much so, that some food producers are calling on the U.S. government to restrict exports due to soaring prices for grains they use to make cereal and other foods. Meanwhile, some farmers are asking the U.S. Government to ease restrictions to enable farmers to plant more acres, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday [Subscription required].

For food producers, the issue involves limiting a major operating cost. During the past year, spring wheat has risen to an astounding $17.63 per bushel, up from about $4.90 a year ago. Flour, which used to cost about $15 per 100 pounds, now sells for about $45-48 per 100 pounds. Food producers say prices are increasing so fast, they can't pass along price increases quick enough to keep up.

Continue reading Pricey Wheaties: Grain prices surging on emerging market demand

Pricey Wheaties: Grain prices surging on emerging market demand originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AsiabreadbreakfastceralCheeriosChinacoppercornCorn FlakesCPIemerging marketsfeaturedGeneral MillsGISglobal economyglobal growthinflationKKellogglumberoilSara LeeSLEsoy beanswheatWheatiesThu, 14 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global economic confidence drops for third straight month]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/13/global-economic-confidence-drops-for-third-straight-month/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/13/global-economic-confidence-drops-for-third-straight-month/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/13/global-economic-confidence-drops-for-third-straight-month/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Confidence in the global economy fell for the third straight month in February 2008, as North Americans became more pessimistic about the slowing U.S. economy and its impact on global growth, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday.

The Bloomberg Professional Global Confidence Index fell to 14.3 in February 2008 from 21.0 in January 2008, Bloomberg News reported. Further, although North America respondents were the most pessimistic about economic conditions in their region, Asia respondents were the most pessimistic about the global economy.

Global equity markets have lost more than $6 trillion this year as investors fled financial and cyclical stocks on fears mortgage and mortgage-asset defaults will continue to slow both U.S. economic growth and also restrict access to credit that corporations need to conduct business and expand operations.

Continue reading Global economic confidence drops for third straight month

Global economic confidence drops for third straight month originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ABKAmbacAsiabond insurersbond marketbondscredit marketsemerging marketsEuropeGDPglobal economyglobal growthinthenewsLatin AmericanMBIMBIAMiddle EastU.S. economyWed, 13 Feb 2008 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[IEA cuts 2008 world oil demand forecast on slower global growth]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/13/iea-cuts-2008-world-oil-demand-forecast-on-slower-global-growth/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/13/iea-cuts-2008-world-oil-demand-forecast-on-slower-global-growth/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/13/iea-cuts-2008-world-oil-demand-forecast-on-slower-global-growth/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Global oil demand in 2008 will total 87.6 million barrels per day, about 200,000 barrels less than an initial 2008 estimate, due to slowing global economic growth, the International Energy Agency announced Wednesday.

The IEA said demand for transportation fuels in the eastern U.S. and other developed nations is slowing. However, the IEA added that projections for robust economic growth in China and the Middle East will continue to help support oil prices in 2008.

Oil fell 42 cents to $92.36 per barrel in mid-day Wednesday trading.

"Weaker projections for global economic growth are offset by low stocks, forecast cold weather in the U.S. and parts of Asia, supply disruptions (Nigeria/North Sea) and concern about Venezuelan supplies. Products have underperformed crude, leading to weak refining margins," the IEA stated.

Continue reading IEA cuts 2008 world oil demand forecast on slower global growth

IEA cuts 2008 world oil demand forecast on slower global growth originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Asiaemergng marketsEuropefeaturedglobal growthglobal oil demandglobal oil supplyGlobalOilDemandGlobalOilSupplyInternational Energy AgencyMiddle EastoilOPECU.S. economyWed, 13 Feb 2008 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[IMF says 2008 global GDP growth to slow to 4.1% on U.S. downturn]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/29/imf-says-2008-global-gdp-growth-to-slow-to-4-1-on-u-s-downturn/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/29/imf-says-2008-global-gdp-growth-to-slow-to-4-1-on-u-s-downturn/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/29/imf-says-2008-global-gdp-growth-to-slow-to-4-1-on-u-s-downturn/#commentsFiled under: ,

Global GDP growth has slowed and will continue to slow to 4.1% in 2008, dragged lower by the slow-growth U.S. economy, the International Monetary Fund announced Tuesday in its revised World Economic Outlook. The IMF's previous global GDP growth estimate for 2008 was 4.9%.

[Note: In its report, the IMF said it has revised the model it uses to measure growth, a qualitative change that reduced GDP growth forecasts in 2005-2008 by 0.5%, or by one-half percentage point. ]

In lowering its 2008 growth estimate, the IMF said there was a risk that the ongoing turmoil in financial markets would further reduce domestic demand in advanced economies with more significant spillovers into emerging market and developing countries.

"Growth in emerging market countries that are heavily dependent on capital inflows could be particularly affected, while the strong momentum of domestic demand in some emerging market countries provides upside potential," the IMF said.

Economic growth in the United States "appears to have slowed notably in the fourth quarter of 2007, with recent indicators showing weakening of manufacturing and housing sector activity, employment, and consumption."

Continue reading IMF says 2008 global GDP growth to slow to 4.1% on U.S. downturn

IMF says 2008 global GDP growth to slow to 4.1% on U.S. downturn originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chinaemerging marketsGDPglobal growthIMFInternationalMonetaryFundinthenewsJapanLatin AmericaMiddle EastU.S. economyTue, 29 Jan 2008 15:06:00 EST