All 3 Majors Down for The Day; The NASDAQ Lost Ground in July

The 3 major indices declined today; the NASDAQ Composite Index also lost ground for the month of July. 1,616,212,110 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.

For the month, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) gained 0.3%, the NASDAQ Composite Index fell by 3.7%, and the S&P 500 Index gained 0.5%.


Shares of DJIA component Boeing (BA) fell by $1.49 (-1.89%) to close @ $77.42; the stock then recovered $0.37 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) fell by $1.73 (-2.71%) to close @ $62.19. NYSE Group owns the New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Scottish Re Group Ltd. (SCT) fell by $12.01 (-75.06%) to close @ $3.99.


Shares of Nam Tai Electronics Inc. (NTE) fell by $2.89 (-14.45%) to close @ $17.11.


Shares of VistaPrint Ltd. (VPRT) fell by $2.72 (-10.95%) to close @ $22.12.


Shares of Itron Inc. (ITRI) fell by $5.04 (-9.77%) to close @ $46.54.


Shares of Jones Lang Lasalle Inc. (JLL) fell by $4.92 (-5.68%) to close @ $81.70.


Shares of NVE Corp. (NVEC) gained $4.48 (+26.23%) to close @ $21.56.


Shares of M Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. (FLSH) gained $4.21 (+13.24%) to close @ $36.00.


Shares of Gehl Co. (GEHL) gained $3.43 (+14.18%) to close @ $27.62.


Shares of Optelecom-NKF Inc. (OPTC) gained $1.95 (+18.29%) to close @ $12.61.


Shares of CPI Corporation (CPY) gained $3.25 (+11.27%) to close @ $32.10.


Shares of Arch Coal Inc. (ACI) gained $3.24 (+9.34%) to close @ $37.94.


Shares of Core Laboratories NV (CLB) gained $5.69 (+8.45%) to close @ $73.00.


Shares of W-H Energy Services Inc. (WHQ) gained $3.52 (+6.83%) to close @ $55.02.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

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DJIA: Closed @ 11,185.68 (-34.02)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,091.47 (-2.67)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,276.66 (-1.89)

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NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $74.45/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $633.80/ounce (-$1.50)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7844 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2749 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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The 3 Majors Enjoyed Strong Gains Today, On Cheaper Crude and Interest Rate Hopes

The 3 major indices finished the day with strong gains, as investors got bullish on cheaper crude oil and second-quarter GDP numbers that may prompt the Fed to forgo another interest rate increase on August 8^TH. 1,689,293,470 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.

For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) gained 3.2%, the NASDAQ Composite Index gained by 3.7%, and the S&P 500 Index gained 3.1%.


Shares of DJIA component Citigroup (C) gained $1.02 (+2.16%) to close @ $48.33.

Shares of DJIA component Wal-Mart (WMT) gained $0.93 (+2.14%) to close @ $44.46 on news that the company will sell all of its stores in Germany to Metro AG. A couple of months ago, Wal-Mart let the world know that they are pulling out of South Korea.


Shares of NBTY Inc. (NTY) gained $4.32 (+17.36%) to close @ $29.20.


Shares of Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK) gained $6.17 (+16.61%) to close @ $43.31.


Shares of IDEXX Laboratories Inc. (IDXX) gained $11.71 (+15.59%) to close @ $86.81; the stock then gained an additional $0.16 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of FormFactor Inc. (FORM) gained $6.85 (+19.35%) to close @ $42.25; the stock then gained an additional $0.23 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (XMSR) gained $1.78 (+16.35%) to close @ $12.67; the stock then lost $0.12 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Nidec Corporation (NJ) gained $2.69 (+17.18%) to close @ $18.35.


Shares of Titanium Metals Corporation (TIE) gained $3.06 (+11.81%) to close @ $28.98.


Shares of Global Payments Inc. (GPN) gained $4.64 (+11.55%) to close @ $44.80.


Shares of Teleflex Inc. (TFX) gained $5.30 (+10.18%) to close @ $57.34.


Shares of Kaydon Corporation (KDN) gained $3.25 (+9.71%) to close @ $36.72.


Shares of Universal Health Services Inc. (UHS) gained $4.49 (+8.67%) to close @ $56.29.


Shares of Genitope Corporation (GTOP) fell by $2.71 (-48.57%) to close @ $2.87.


Shares of Rackable Systems Inc. (RACK) fell by $13.68 (-39.19%) to close @ $21.23.


Shares of Volcom Inc (VLCM) fell by $8.36 (-29.44%) to close @ $20.04; the stock then recovered $0.41 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Sierra Wireless Inc. (SWIR) fell by $3.55 (-21.85%) to close @ $12.70; the stock then lost an additional $0.15 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of United Surgical Partners International Inc. (USPI) fell by $5.05 (-17.18%) to close @ $24.34; the stock then recovered $0.24 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Massey Energy Co. (MEE) fell by $4.06 (-13.95%) to close @ $25.05.


Shares of Nelnet Inc. (NNI) fell by $5.16 (-13.91%) to close @ $31.93.


Shares of PerkinElmer Inc. (PKI) fell by $2.12 (-10.54%) to close @ $18.00.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

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DJIA: Closed @ 11,219.70 (+119.27)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,094.14 (+39.67)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,278.55 (+15.35)

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NYMEX Crude Oil Future closed @ $73.36/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $635.30/ounce (+$1.90)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7837 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.276 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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Gross Domestic Product (GDP) "Advance" Released Today for Q2, 2006

U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) numbers for the second-quarter of 2006 were released this morning by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis:

Consensus: 3.2%
Actual: 2.5%

The above percentages represent the quarter-to-quarter change in the Gross Domestic Product for the United States. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

The GDP is a very broad measure of economic activity for the entire United States, covering all sectors of the economy.

The "advance" estimates are based on data that are incomplete or subject to future revision. Next month, the Commerce Department will release "preliminary" data for the above referenced quarter, which will be a more accurate report. A "final" GDP report will be released later this year, which will contain the most authoritative data on the above-referenced quarter.

Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF).

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Consumer Sentiment for July, 2006

The Consumer Sentiment numbers for July, 2006 were released this morning:

Consensus: 82.5
Actual: 84.7

The Consumer Sentiment Index is compiled on a monthly basis by the University of Michigan; 500 U.S. households are queried about their own financial circumstances and about the economy in general. 200 questions are asked, e.g. "Do you think that right now is a good time to purchase a major household item, like a new microwave oven, TV set, or a new sofa?"

The Consumer Sentiment Index uses a 1966 baseline, i.e. for 1966, the Consumer Sentiment Index = 100. So any number that is below the 1966 baseline of 100 means that the folks who were polled recently aren't as optimistic about the U.S. economy as the sample that was polled back in 1966.

The Consumer Sentiment Index is similar to the Consumer Confidence Index in that they both measure consumer attitudes and offer insight into consumer spending.

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

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All 3 Majors Declined Again Today

Markets closed with all 3 major indices losing ground for the second day in a row. 1,819,668,390 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) component Boeing (BA) fell by $1.19 (-1.49%) to close @ $78.71; the stock then recovered $0.17 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) gained $2.66 (+4.30%) to close @ $64.50; the stock then lost $1.50 in after-hours action this evening. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Akamai Technologies (AKAM) gained $6.83 (+22.77%) to close @ $36.83.


Shares of K-Swiss Inc. (KSWS) gained $3.80 (+15.87%) to close @ $27.74; the stock then lost $0.13 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Psychiatric Solutions Inc. (PSYS) gained $4.04 (+15.62%) to close @ $29.90.


Shares of NeuroMetrix Inc. (NURO) gained $3.94 (+13.99%) to close @ $32.11; the stock then lost $0.10 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Core Laboratories NV (CLB) gained $9.07 (+14.87%) to close @ $70.06.


Shares of Harris Corporation (HRS) gained $4.45 (+11.50%) to close @ $43.14.


Shares of Iron Mountain Inc. (IRM) gained $3.84 (+10.74%) to close @ $39.61.


Shares of Harsco Corporation (HSC) gained $6.84 (+9.61%) to close @ $78.05.


Shares of Questar Corporation (STR) gained $5.83 (+7.14%) to close @ $87.52.


Shares of Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, Inc. (POT) gained $5.74 (+6.55%) to close @ $93.34.


Shares of Aldila Inc. (ALDA) fell by $11.80 (-45.88%) to close @ $13.92.


Shares of Plexus Corporation (PLXS) fell by $10.71 (-31.87%) to close @ $22.89; the stock then recovered $0.31 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of NAVTEQ Corporation (NVT) fell by $8.51 (-24.48%) to close @ $26.25; the stock then recovered $0.25 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Baidu.com, Inc. (BIDU) fell by $19.19 (-20.87%) to close @ $72.78; the stock then lost an additional $0.78 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of SonoSite Inc. (SONO) fell by $6.97 (-18.48%) to close @ $30.75; the stock then lost an additional $0.15 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Kendle International Inc. (KNDL) fell by $8.54 (-23.99%) to close @ $27.06.


Shares of ICOS Vision Systems Corporation NV (IVIS) fell by $8.55 (-21.06%) to close @ $32.05.


Shares of StanCorp Financial Group Inc. (SFG) fell by $8.09 (-16.06%) to close @ $42.27.


Shares of Carbo Ceramics Inc. (CRR) fell by $8.31 (-18.02%) to close @ $37.81.


Shares of Monarch Casino & Resort Inc. (MCRI) fell by $3.33 (-14.73%) to close @ $19.28.


Shares of Haemonetics Corporation (HAE) fell by $5.46 (-11.73%) to close @ $41.09.


Shares of Petroleum Geo Services ASA (PGS) fell by $6.45 (-11.01%) to close @ $52.15.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

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DJIA: Closed @ 11,100.43 (-2.08)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,054.47 (-15.99)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,263.20 (-5.20)

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NYMEX Crude Oil Future closed @ $74.72/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $633.40/ounce (+$11.60)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7885 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2682 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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New Home Sales for June, 2006

The June, 2006 New Home Sales report was released this morning:

New Home Sales for June: 1,131,000

June New Home Sales: Average Price: $290,600

June New Home Sales: Median Price: $231,300

May, 2006 New Home Sales (Revised): 1,166,000


Compiled jointly by the U.S. Commerce Department and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the monthly New Home Sales report measures the number of newly-built homes with committed buyers for a given month.

The New Home Sales report is watched by economists and investors because it offers insight into the state of the U.S. housing market, and also provides data that can be used to predict sales of large household furniture and appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners and cooking ranges.

Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF).

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New Unemployment Insurance Claims for The Week of July 22, 2006

The U.S. Department of Labor this morning released the New Unemployment Insurance Claims report for the week that ended on July 22, 2006:

Consensus: 310,000
Actual: 298,000

The above figures represent the number of new claims for unemployment benefits for the entire United States. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

Click here to view the full Labor Department report.

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Durable Goods Orders Report for June, 2006 Released Today

The Durable Goods Orders report for June, 2006 was released this morning:

Consensus: +1.9%
Actual: +3.1%

The above percentages represent the month-to-month change in orders for durable or hard goods for immediate or future delivery from U.S. manufacturers. Examples of durable goods: cars, washing machines, computers--items that are built to last 3+ years.

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure. The U.S. Durable Goods Orders report is produced by the U.S. Commerce Department.

Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF).

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All 3 Majors Lost Some Ground Today

All 3 major indices lost some ground today. 1,813,155,320 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of DJIA component General Motors (GM) gained $1.34 (+4.37%) to close @ $32.00.

Shares of DJIA component Boeing (BA) fell by $3.85 (-4.60%) to close @ $79.90; the stock then recovered $0.40 in after-hours action this evening.

Shares of DJIA component Wal-Mart (WMT) fell by $1.00 (-2.24%) to close @ $43.67.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

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DJIA: Closed @ 11,102.51 (-1.20)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,070.46 (-3.44)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,268.40 (-0.48)

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NYMEX Crude Oil Future closed @ $73.85/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $621.80/ounce (+$4.60)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7862 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2719 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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Crude Oil Inventories Report for Week of July 21, 2006

The U.S. Crude Oil Inventories report for the week that ended on July 21, 2006 was released this morning:

Weekly Change: No Change!

Yearly Change: +17,700,000 Barrels

Current U.S. Crude Oil Stocks: 335,500,000 Barrels

Diminishing crude oil inventories can often translate to higher crude oil prices (and vice versa), but not always.

The report is produced by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Click here for a more detailed summary of The Week in Petroleum.

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Consumer Confidence and Cheaper Crude Oil Helped All 3 Majors Advance Today

Cheaper crude oil and an unexpected rise in Consumer Confidence helped the 3 major indices gain ground today. 1,746,638,070 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of DJIA component Boeing (BA) gained $2.31 (+2.84%) to close @ $83.75.

Shares of DJIA component AT&T (T) gained $1.17 (+4.21%) to close @ $28.95; the stock then gained an additional $0.26 in after-hours action this evening. The company announced strong Q2 earnings thanks in part to job cuts and an increased number of Cingular wireless subscribers (Cingular is the U.S. #1 wireless company; AT&T owns a 60% stake in Cingular.)

Shares of DJIA component 3M (MMM) fell by $3.58 (-4.99%) to close @ $68.11; the stock then recovered $0.14 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of DXP Enterprises Inc. (DXPE) gained $7.03 (+28.58%) to close @ $31.63.


Shares of Momenta Pharmaceuticals Inc. (MNTA) gained $4.97 (+38.08%) to close @ $18.02.


Shares of Agere Systems Inc. (AGR) gained $2.90 (+24.17%) to close @ $14.90.


Shares of Ryan's Restaurant Group Inc. (RYAN) gained $4.48 (+39.93%) to close @ $15.70.


Shares of Rent-A-Center Inc. (RCII) gained $4.24 (+18.43%) to close @ $27.25.


Shares of Myogen Inc. (MYOG) gained $3.76 (+13.30%) to close @ $32.03.


Shares of Alcon Inc. (ACL) gained $12.86 (+13.69%) to close @ $106.79.


Shares of Precision Castparts Corporation (PCP) gained $6.94 (+12.69%) to close @ $61.62.


Shares of Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO) gained $3.31 (+11.85%) to close @ $31.25.


Shares of Energizer Holdings Inc. (ENR) gained $5.02 (+9.03%) to close @ $60.60.


Shares of Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (JEC) gained $6.55 (+9.14%) to close @ $78.25.


Shares of Anixter International Inc. (AXE) gained $4.15 (+8.91%) to close @ $50.75.


Shares of Eagle Materials Inc. (EXP) gained $2.66 (+7.16%) to close @ $39.82; the stock then lost $0.32 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of NutriSystem Inc. (NTRI) fell by $13.38 (-19.73%) to close @ $54.42; the stock then lost an additional $0.92 in after-hours trading this evening. Investors reacted negatively to the resignation of company president and Chief Operating Officer George Jankovic.


Shares of Legg Mason Inc. (LM) fell by $8.01 (-8.49%) to close @ $86.32; the stock then lost an additional $0.51 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of LCA-Vision Inc. (LCAV) fell by $6.22 (-13.45%) to close @ $40.02; the stock then lost an additional $0.47 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (WAB) fell by $7.00 (-21.57%) to close @ $25.45; the stock then recovered $0.53 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Zoran Corporation (ZRAN) fell by $5.56 (-28.18%) to close @ $14.17; the stock then recovered $0.26 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of United Parcel Service (UPS) fell by $8.20 (-10.25%) to close @ $71.80; the stock then recovered $0.20 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Netflix (NFLX) fell by $4.98 (-20.96) to close @ $18.78; the stock then recovered $0.12 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Forward Air Corporation (FWRD) fell by $5.21 (-13.48) to close @ $33.44.


Shares of Altus Pharmaceuticals (ALTU) fell by $4.58 (-26.37) to close @ $12.79.

Shares of Encysive Pharmaceuticals (ENCY) fell by $2.49 (-40.29) to close @ $3.69.


Shares of Champion Enterprises Inc. (CHB) fell by $1.98 (-23.02) to close @ $6.62.


Shares of Thomas & Betts Corporation (TNB) fell by $4.45 (-9.08) to close @ $44.54.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

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DJIA: Closed @ 11,103.71 (+52.66)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,073.90 (+12.06)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,268.88 (+7.97)

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NYMEX Crude Oil Future closed @ $73.70/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $617.20/ounce (+$4.30)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.795 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2579 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for July, 2006

The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for this month (July, 2006) was released by The Conference Board this morning:

Consensus: 104.0
Actual: 106.5

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

Every month, The Conference Board sends a questionnaire to 5,000 U.S. households. Survey participants are polled about their feeling regarding the current U.S. economy, the future of the U.S. economy, and about their own fiscal circumstances. On average, 3,500 participants complete and return the 5-question survey.

The baseline "100" score for the CCI is pegged to 1985 survey data.

When consumers feel good about the economy, they tend to do more spending, and vice versa.

Based in New York City, The Conference Board is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to, "create and disseminate knowledge about management and the marketplace to help businesses strengthen their performance and better serve society."

The CCI is always released on the last Tuesday of the month.

Last month, the CCI was 105.7.

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Existing Home Sales for June, 2006

The Existing Home Sales report for June, 2006 was released by The National Association of Realtors this morning:

Consensus: 6,600,000
Actual: 6,620,000

The U.S. Existing Home Sales report is a sales count of existing homes, co-ops and condominiums for a given month. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

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Redbook Numbers for The Week of July 22, 2006

The Redbook numbers for the week that ended on July 22, 2006 were released this morning:

Actual: +2.1%

The Redbook measures the weekly sales at chain stores, discount stores, and department stores--about 9,000 stores in total--and is therefore an important gauge of current consumer spending in the U.S. The above figure represents the year-to-year change in the Redbook sales figures, so sales are up by 2.1% when compared to sales during the corresponding week back in July of 2005.

The weekly Johnson Redbook Index report is produced by Redbook Research.

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Buyouts and Earnings Reports Helped All 3 Majors Advance Today

News of company buyouts contributed to many stocks advancing today, as investors got bullish on the potential for further acquisition activity for 2006. All 3 major indices enjoyed healthy gains today; 1,578,998,640 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of DJIA component Merck (MRK) gained $1.59 (+4.26%) to close @ $38.95 on news of strong sales of pharmaceuticals like the cholesterol drugs Vytorin® and Zetia®.

Shares of DJIA component United Technologies (UTX) gained $1.49 (+2.48%) to close @ $61.45.

Shares of DJIA component Boeing (BA) gained $2.36 (+2.98%) to close @ $81.44.


Shares of DJIA component Caterpillar (CAT) gained $2.17 (+3.17%) to close @ $70.52; the stock then lost $0.87 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) gained $3.00 (+5.00%) to close @ $62.96. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO) gained $1.05 (+4.06%) to close @ $26.94.


Shares of HCA Inc. (HCA) gained $1.61 (+3.36%) to close @ $49.48; the stock then lost $0.24 in after-hours trading this evening. A group of investors that includes HCA's current management team and co-founder Thomas F. Frist Jr. will purchase the U.S. #1 hospital chain along with the company's debt in deal that worth about $33 billion.


Shares of Canadian chipmaker ATI Technologies (ATYT) gained $3.11 (+18.78%) to close @ $19.67 on news that Advanced Micro Devices will purchase the company in a deal that's worth about $5.4 billion.


Shares of Cardiome Pharma Corporation (CRME) gained $3.24 (+36.36%) to close @ $12.15; the stock then gained an additional $0.14 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Silicon Laboratories Inc. (SLAB) gained $6.20 (+21.02%) to close @ $35.70; the stock then gained an additional $0.55 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of T-3 Energy Services Inc. (TTES) gained $2.69 (+15.01%) to close @ $20.61; the stock then gained an additional $0.11 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of EXCO Resources Inc. (XCO) gained $1.85 (+18.05%) to close @ $12.10.


Shares of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL) gained $7.50 (+15.66%) to close @ $55.40.


Shares of ICICI Bank Ltd. (IBN) gained $3.06 (+13.75%) to close @ $25.31.


Shares of Gerber Scientific Inc. (GRB) gained $1.38 (+10.27%) to close @ $14.82.


Shares of National Interstate Corp. (NATL) gained $2.58 (+11.09%) to close @ $25.85.


Shares of JSC Tatneft (TNT) gained $7.72 (+8.41%) to close @ $99.50.


Shares of HDFC Bank Ltd. (HDB) gained $3.83 (+7.91%) to close @ $52.23.


Shares of China BAK Battery, Inc. (CBAK) fell by $2.12 (-31.22%) to close @ $4.67.


Shares of Boston Communications Group Inc. (BCGI) fell by $1.22 (-30.42%) to close @ $2.79.


Shares of Astec Industries Inc. (ASTE) fell by $5.94 (-21.49%) to close @ $21.70.


Shares of HIGHLAND CRED STRTGY (HCF) fell by $1.18 (-5.62%) to close @ $19.82.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

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DJIA: Closed @ 11,051.05 (+182.67)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,061.84 (+41.45)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,260.91 (+20.62)

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NYMEX Crude Oil Future closed @ $74.57/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $612.90/ounce (-$6.80)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7925 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2618 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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All 3 Major Indexes Retreated On the Day; The NASDAQ Declines On the Week

All 3 major indices lost ground today; the NASDAQ was the only major to lose ground on the week. 1,921,507,050 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.

For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) gained 1.2%, the NASDAQ Composite Index fell by 0.8%, and the S&P 500 Index gained 0.3%.


Shares of DJIA component Microsoft (MSFT) gained $1.02 (+4.46%) to close @ $23.87.

Shares of DJIA component Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) fell by $1.28 (-4.03%) to close @ $30.52.

Shares of DJIA component Boeing (BA) fell by $1.61 (-2.00%) to close @ $79.08.


Shares of Laureate Education Inc. (LAUR) gained $7.89 (+19.27%) to close @ $48.83.


Shares of Petroleum Development Corp. (PETD) gained $5.79 (+17.38%) to close @ $39.11.


Shares of Cerner Corp. (CERN) gained $4.73 (+13.80%) to close @ $39.00.


Shares of Aspreva Pharmaceuticals Corporation (ASPV) gained $1.91 (+9.37%) to close @ $22.30.


Shares of Boston Communications Group (BCGI) gained $2.09 (+108.85%) to close @ $4.01; the stock then lost $0.56 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) gained $6.35 (+8.91%) to close @ $77.65.


Shares of Choicepoint Inc. (CPS) gained $2.62 (+8.59%) to close @ $33.12.


Shares of Landstar System Inc. (LSTR) gained $3.68 (+9.20%) to close @ $43.68.


Shares of Reynolds & Reynolds Co. (REY) gained $2.48 (+8.44%) to close @ $31.85.


Shares of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc. (GAP) gained $1.47 (+6.50%) to close @ $24.10.


Shares of Dow Jones & Co. Inc. (DJ) gained $1.37 (+4.02%) to close @ $35.41.


Shares of W.W. Grainger Inc. (GWW) gained $1.98 (+3.27%) to close @ $62.60.


Shares of Satyam Computer Services Ltd. (SAY) gained $1.17 (+3.80%) to close @ $32.00.


Shares of BTU International Inc. (BTUI) fell by $3.94 (-28.06%) to close @ $10.10.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) fell by $1.28 (-2.09%) to close @ $59.96. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Molecular Devices Corp. (MDCC) fell by $6.73 (-23.17%) to close @ $22.31.


Shares of Packeteer Inc. (PKTR) fell by $2.22 (-21.92%) to close @ $7.91.


Shares of PMC-Sierra Inc. (PMCS) fell by $1.84 (-26.36%) to close @ $5.14.


Shares of PDF Solutions Inc. (PDFS) fell by $2.27 (-19.29%) to close @ $9.50.


Shares of MEMC Electronic Materials Inc. (WFR) fell by $4.28 (-13.59%) to close @ $27.21.


Shares of Thornburg Mortgage Inc. (TMA) fell by $3.61 (-12.73%) to close @ $24.75; the stock then recovered $0.15 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Broadcom Corp. (BRCM) fell by $3.24 (-12.30%) to close @ $23.11.


Shares of Amcol International Corp. (ACO) fell by $2.75 (-11.79%) to close @ $20.57.


Shares of Flagstar Bancorp Inc. (FBC) fell by $1.86 (-11.72%) to close @ $14.01.


Shares of Capital One Financial Corp. (COF) fell by $8.47 (-9.83%) to close @ $77.70.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 10,868.38 (-59.72)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,020.39 (-19.03)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,240.29 (-8.84)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future closed @ $74.57/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $619.70/ounce (-$11.70)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7878 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2694 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

>  SITEMAP  <

The 3 Major Indices Lost Ground Today

All 3 major indexes lost ground today. 1,694,746,580 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of HCA Inc. (HCA) gained $4.53 (+10.37%) to close @ $48.20; the stock then gained an additional $0.30 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Apple Computer (AAPL) gained $6.40 (+11.83%) to close @ $60.50; the stock then gained an additional $0.22 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Rediff.com India Ltd. (REDF) gained $2.23 (+17.77%) to close @ $14.78; the stock then gained an additional $0.42 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Rimage Corp. (RIMG) gained $3.08 (+16.40%) to close @ $21.83.


Shares of Avici Systems Inc. (AVCI) gained $1.88 (+34.00%) to close @ $7.41.


Shares of CHICOPEE BANCORP (CBNK) gained $4.46 (+44.60%) to close @ $14.46.


Shares of Amdocs Ltd. (DOX) gained $3.35 (+10.01%) to close @ $36.80.


Shares of Logitech International SA (LOGI) gained $1.82 (+10.14%) to close @ $19.77.


Shares of Safeway Inc. (SWY) gained $2.25 (+8.77%) to close @ $27.92; the stock then lost $0.22 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Benchmark Electronics (BHE) gained $1.98 (+8.62%) to close @ $24.95.


Shares of Brookdale Senior Living (BKD) gained $3.25 (+8.17%) to close @ $43.05.


Shares of Radian Group Inc. (RDN) gained $3.32 (+5.43%) to close @ $64.45.


Shares of CBOT Holdings Inc. (BOT) gained $5.61 (+4.86%) to close @ $121.12.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) fell by $1.62 (-2.58%) to close @ $61.24. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of MGI Pharma Inc. (MOGN) fell by $6.89 (-32.15%) to close @ $14.54; the stock then recovered $0.19 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Taleo Corporation (TLEO) fell by $3.21 (-28.71%) to close @ $7.97.


Shares of Choicepoint Inc. (CPS) fell by $5.50 (-15.28%) to close @ $30.50; the stock then recovered $0.59 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Citrix Systems, Inc. (CTXS) fell by $4.80 (-13.81%) to close @ $29.97; the stock then recovered $0.33 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) fell by $9.97 (-12.27%) to close @ $71.30; the stock then recovered $0.34 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of LAM Research Corp. (LRCX) fell by $5.60 (-12.46%) to close @ $39.34; the stock then recovered $0.56 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Air Methods Corp. (AIRM) fell by $5.01 (-21.51%) to close @ $18.28; the stock then recovered $0.47 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of WESCO International Inc. (WCC) fell by $6.37 (-9.66%) to close @ $59.60; the stock then recovered $0.15 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Labor Ready Inc. (LRW) fell by $4.39 (-21.56%) to close @ $15.97.


Shares of Watsco Inc. (WSO) fell by $7.89 (-14.55%) to close @ $46.35.


Shares of CR Bard Inc. (BCR) fell by $6.18 (-8.24%) to close @ $68.79.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 10,928.10 (-83.32)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,039.42 (-41.29)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,249.13 (-10.68)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $73.99/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $631.40/ounce (-$10.40)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7919 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2628 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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Leading Economic Indicators for June, 2006

The Conference Board report on the nation's Leading Economic Indicators for June, 2006 was released this morning:

Consensus: +0.2 %
Actual: +0.1 %

The above numbers represent the month-to-month change for the nation's leading economic indicators. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

The Leading Economic Indicators Index is a composite of 10 of the nation's economic data releases that's put together by The Conference Board. Statistically, the components listed below have shown a significant increase or decrease before national economic upturns or downturns, respectively:

1. The Money Supply (M2)
   
   
2. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index
   
   
3. The interest rate spread between 10-year Treasury Bonds and Fed Funds Target Rate
   
   
4. Manufacturer's new orders for consumer goods or materials
   
   
5. Manufacturer's new orders for non-defense capital goods
   
   
6. Average weekly claims for unemployment insurance
   
   
7. Average weekly manufacturing hours
   
   
8. The Index of Consumer Expectations
   
   
9. Vendor performance
   
   
10. Building permits for new private housing

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New Unemployment Insurance Claims for The Week of July 15, 2006

The U.S. Department of Labor this morning released the New Unemployment Insurance Claims report for the week that ended on July 15, 2006:

Consensus: 325,000
Actual: 304,000

The above figures represent the number of new claims for unemployment benefits for the entire United States. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

Click here to view the full Labor Department report.

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The 3 Majors Enjoyed Healthy Gains On Bernanke Comments and Cheaper Crude Oil

All 3 major indices enjoyed healthy gains today as Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke made encouraging remarks about inflation before the Senate Banking Committee, which may portend an end to interest rate hikes after August 8^TH. 1,868,600,190 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) component Boeing (BA) gained $3.12 (+3.94%) to close @ $82.29; the stock then gained an additional $0.66 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of DJIA component JP Morgan Chase (JPM) gained $2.34 (+5.75%) to close @ $43.05.


Shares of DJIA component United Technologies (UTX) gained $2.19 (+3.72%) to close @ $61.07; the stock then gained an additional $0.70 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of DJIA component Caterpillar (CAT) gained $1.65 (+2.38%) to close @ $71.12.


Shares of DJIA component Procter & Gamble (PG) gained $1.14 (+2.05%) to close @ $56.64.


Shares of DJIA component International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) gained $1.81 (+2.44%) to close @ $76.07; the stock then gained an additional $0.13 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of DJIA component Home Depot (HD) gained $1.22 (+3.68%) to close @ $34.35.


Shares of DJIA component Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) gained $1.30 (+4.20%) to close @ $32.25.


Shares of DJIA component American Express (AXP) gained $1.15 (+2.26%) to close @ $52.10.


Shares of DJIA component Wal-Mart (WMT) gained $1.03 (+2.39%) to close @ $44.20; the stock then gained an additional $0.30 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Westbank Corp. (WBKC) gained $4.25 (+23.61%) to close @ $22.25.


Shares of Valmont Industries (VMI) gained $7.50 (+17.38%) to close @ $50.65.


Shares of Illumina Inc. (ILMN) gained $8.24 (+28.55%) to close @ $37.10; the stock then lost $0.15 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Keane Inc. (KEA) gained $1.71 (+15.25%) to close @ $12.92.


Shares of Nuveen Investments (JNC) gained $4.29 (+10.34%) to close @ $45.77.


Shares of Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) gained $1.99 (+9.47%) to close @ $23.00.


Shares of Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) gained $1.30 (+8.16%) to close @ $17.24.


Shares of JSC Tatneft (TNT) gained $7.07 (+8.39%) to close @ $91.35.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) gained $2.86 (+4.77%) to close @ $62.86; the stock then gained an additional $0.11 in after-hours trading this evening. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Yahoo! (YHOO) fell by $7.04 (-21.84%) to close @ $25.20; the stock then recovered $0.20 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of PLX Technology (PLXT) fell by $2.50 (-21.24%) to close @ $9.27.


Shares of China Yuchai International (CYD) fell by $1.06 (-16.77%) to close @ $5.26.


Shares of ADC Telecommunications (ADCT) fell by $1.84 (-12.81%) to close @ $12.52.


Shares of Rambus Inc. (RMBS) fell by $2.83 (-14.44%) to close @ $16.77; the stock then recovered $0.23 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of JAKKS Pacific (JAKK) fell by $1.76 (-9.41%) to close @ $16.95.


Shares of CIT Group (CIT) fell by $4.12 (-8.02%) to close @ $47.28.


Shares of Briggs & Stratton (BGG) fell by $1.52 (-5.32%) to close @ $27.07.


Shares of Con-Way, Inc. (CNW) fell by $1.21 (-2.28%) to close @ $51.77.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 11,011.42 (+212.19)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,080.71 (+37.49)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,259.81 (+22.95)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $73.03/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $641.80/ounce (-$14.20)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.794 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2594 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

>  SITEMAP  <

Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June, 2006

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers for June, 2006 were released by The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics this morning:

Consensus: +0.2%
Actual: +0.2%

Here are the numbers when food and energy are subtracted from the equation:

Consensus: +0.2%
Actual: +0.3%

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

The above numbers represent the month-to-month change in prices for a specific group of goods and services that consumers buy, and is, therefore, a very important part of the overall inflation picture for the country.

General categories are:

• Healthcare
• Housing
• Clothing
• Communications
• Education
• Transportation
• Food & Beverages
• Recreation
• Miscellaneous Goods & Services (grooming expenses, etc.)

Click here to view the full Labor Department report.

>  SITEMAP  <

Housing Starts in June, 2006

The U.S. Commerce Department this morning released the Housing Starts report for June, 2006:

Housing Starts:
Consensus: 1,890,000
Actual: 1,850,000

Building Permits:
Actual: 1,862,000

The above is a measure of initial construction of single and multi-family residential units in The United States for last month. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

If you're wondering about the demand for new homes in the United States, or about the American construction industry in general, then you should pay attention to the monthly Housing Starts report. The monthly Housing Starts report also offers insight into specific types of consumer spending: when housing starts are up, demand for the stuff that a consumer would purchase for a new home (large appliances, consumer electronics, furniture, etc.) tends to also rise--and vice versa.

Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF).

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Crude Oil Inventories Report for Week of July 14, 2006

The U.S. Crude Oil Inventories report for the week that ended on July 14, 2006 was released this morning:

Weekly Change: +200,000 Barrels

Yearly Change: +15,400,000 Barrels

Current U.S. Crude Oil Stocks: 335,500,000 Barrels

Diminishing crude oil inventories can often translate to higher crude oil prices (and vice versa), but not always.

The report is produced by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Click here for a more detailed summary of The Week in Petroleum.

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All 3 Major Indices Advanced On Cheaper Crude, Cheaper Gold and A Stronger Dollar

The 3 major indexes advanced today as both crude oil for future delivery and New York Spot Gold got cheaper; the dollar advanced against the euro. 1,724,150,890 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Centene (CNC) fell by $7.44 (-35.36%) to close @ $13.60.


Shares of Koss Corp. (KOSS) fell by $4.31 (-17.90%) to close @ $19.78.


Shares of BlackRock, Inc. (BLK) fell by $7.11 (-5.26%) to close @ $127.97.


Shares of Molina Healthcare (MOH) fell by $5.05 (-13.72%) to close @ $31.75.


Shares of Nextest Systems (NEXT) fell by $2.34 (-15.24%) to close @ $13.01.


Shares of AMERIGROUP Corp. (AGP) fell by $2.55 (-8.08%) to close @ $29.00.


Shares of Cryptologic Inc. (CRYP) fell by $3.19 (-14.61%) to close @ $18.64.


Shares of China Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology (CNTF) fell by $1.77 (-14.03%) to close @ $10.85.


Shares of Green Plains Renewable Energy (GPRE) fell by $3.61 (-10.74%) to close @ $30.00.


Shares of Enterra Energy Trust (ENT) fell by $1.31 (-9.66%) to close @ $12.25.


Shares of MGIC Investment Corp. (MTG) fell by $3.51 (-5.65%) to close @ $58.56.


Shares of Aeropostale Inc. (ARO) fell by $1.57 (-5.22%) to close @ $28.52.


Shares of Piper Jaffray Companies (PJC) fell by $2.56 (-4.78%) to close @ $51.00.


Shares of Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) fell by $2.56 (-4.78%) to close @ $50.95.


Shares of Wellcare Health Plans (WCG) fell by $4.10 (-7.54%) to close @ $50.25.


Shares of Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG (PV) fell by $3.76 (-5.87%) to close @ $60.24.


Shares of Google (GOOG) fell by $4.84 (-1.19%) to close @ $403.05; the stock then lost an additional $11.20 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) fell by $1.85 (-2.99%) to close @ $60.00. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Yahoo! (YHOO) gained $0.40 (+1.26%) to close @ $32.24; the stock then lost $4.41 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Geo Group Inc. (GGI) gained $6.19 (+18.73%) to close @ $39.24.


Shares of LaserCard Corp. (LCRD) gained $1.81 (+17.57%) to close @ $12.11.


Shares of Thomas Group Inc. (TGIS) gained $1.47 (+13.65%) to close @ $12.24.


Shares of Encore Wire Corp. (WIRE) gained $3.07 (+10.07%) to close @ $33.57; the stock then lost $0.37 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Coca-Cola FEMSA SA de CV (KOF) gained $1.53 (+5.36%) to close @ $30.06.


Shares of Crown Holdings (CCK) gained $1.33 (+8.78%) to close @ $16.48.


Shares of ITT Industries Inc. (ITT) gained $2.19 (+4.81%) to close @ $47.69.


Shares of American Greetings Corp. (AM) gained $1.36 (+6.54%) to close @ $22.14.


Shares of WMS Industries Inc. (WMS) gained $1.41 (+5.70%) to close @ $26.14.


Shares of Stepan Co. (SCL) gained $1.59 (+5.16%) to close @ $32.39.


Shares of Covance Inc. (CVD) gained $3.28 (+5.54%) to close @ $62.49.


Shares of Timken Co. (TKR) gained $1.74 (+5.86%) to close @ $31.44.


Shares of EnerSys (ENS) gained $1.98 (+11.86%) to close @ $18.68.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 10,799.23 (+51.87)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,043.22 (+5.50)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,236.86 (+2.37)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $73.88/barrel

NY Spot Gold closed @ $627.60/ounce (-$22.70)

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.8006 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.249 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

>  SITEMAP  <

Producer Price Index (PPI) for June, 2006

The Producer Price Index (PPI) numbers for June, 2006 were released this morning:

Consensus: +0.2%
Actual: +0.5%

Here are the numbers when food and energy are subtracted from the equation:

Consensus: +0.2%
Actual: +0.2%

The above numbers represent the month-to-month change in prices for a specific group of goods and capital equipment that producers buy in order to produce finished goods for consumers. The PPI is an important part of the overall inflation picture for the country because when costs go up for producers, producers will often pass those increased costs on to consumers.

The PPI is released by the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

The PPI is a family or amalgamation of indexes, including The:

• All Commodities Index
• Crude Energy Materials Index
• Crude Foodstuffs & Feedstuffs Index
• Crude Materials for Further Processing Index
• Finished Goods Index
  
• Finished Consumer Foods Index
• Finished Consumer Goods Index
• Finished Consumer Goods Excluding Foods Index
• Finished Energy Goods Index
• Finished Goods: Capital Equipment Index
• Finished Goods Excluding Foods Index
• Finished Goods Less Energy Index
• Finished Goods Less Food & Energy Index
• Fuels & Related Products & Power Index
• Industrial Commodities Index
• Intermediate Energy Goods Index
• Intermediate Foods & Feeds Index
  
• Intermediate Materials: Supplies & Components Index
  

Click here to view the full Labor Department report.

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Redbook Numbers for The Week of July 15, 2006

The Redbook numbers for the week that ended on July 15, 2006 were released this morning:

Actual: +2.4%

The Redbook measures the weekly sales at chain stores, discount stores, and department stores--about 9,000 stores in total--and is therefore an important gauge of current consumer spending in the U.S. The above figure represents the year-to-year change in the Redbook sales figures, so sales are up by 2.4% when compared to sales during the corresponding week back in July of 2005.

The weekly Johnson Redbook Index report is produced by Redbook Research.

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Modest Gains for The Dow and NASDAQ; S&P 500 Declines

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and the NASDAQ Composite ended the day with modest gains, but the S&P 500 lost almost 2 points. Spot Gold fell by $16.00 in New York. 1,478,501,500 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.

Shares of DJIA component Citigroup (C) fell by $1.18 (-2.48) to close @ $46.40.

Shares of DJIA component McDonald's (MCD) gained $1.68 (+5.08) to close @ $34.72; the stock then gained an additional $0.21 in after-hours action this evening. McDonald's reported strong Q2 sales and profits, thanks in part to menu expansion and marketing in Europe aimed at the World Cup audience.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) gained $1.65 (+2.74%) to close @ $61.85. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of U.S. #2 satellite TV provider EchoStar Communications (DISH) added $1.89 to close @ $32.52 on news that the DirecTV Group may offer to buy the company.


Shares of Apple Computer (AAPL) gained $1.70 (3.36%) to close @ $52.37; the stock then gained an additional $0.12 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Perdigao S.A. (PDA) gained $4.25 (+20.99%) to close @ $24.50.

Shares of Sadia S.A. (SDA) gained $1.88 (+7.23%) to close @ $27.90.


Shares of Elbit Medical Imaging (EMITF) gained $2.02 (+10.05%) to close @ $22.12.


Shares of Vimicro International (VIMC) gained $1.30 (+14.44%) to close @ $10.30; the stock then gained an additional $0.45 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Mattel (MAT) gained $1.72 (+10.83%) to close @ $17.60.


Shares of Kinetic Concepts (KCI) gained $2.36 (+5.29%) to close @ $47.01.


Shares of Intermec (IN) gained $1.45 (+6.84%) to close @ $22.66.


Shares of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (JTX) gained $1.34 (+4.16%) to close @ $33.55.


Shares of Schlumberger (SLB) lost $4.29 (-6.30%) to close @ $63.78; the stock then recovered $0.17 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Phelps Dodge (PD) lost $2.84 (-3.56%) to close @ $76.95; the stock then recovered $0.37 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Threshold Pharmaceuticals (THLD) lost $1.63 (-51.26%) to close @ $1.55.


Shares of Spectrum Brands (SPC) lost $3.55 (-33.18%) to close @ $7.15.


Shares of W.W. Grainger (GWW) fell $10.00 (13.70%) to close @ $63.00.


Shares of FortuNet (FNET) lost $1.59 (-11.52%) to close @ $12.21.


Shares of Origin Agritech Limited (SEED) lost $1.73 (-13.34%) to close @ $11.24.


Shares of Crucell NV (CRXL) lost $2.64 (-12.95%) to close @ $17.75.


Shares of BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust (BPT) lost $5.99 (-6.65%) to close @ $84.02.


Shares of Dril-Quip (DRQ) lost $4.84 (-5.85%) to close @ $77.94.


Shares of Rowan Companies (RDC) lost $2.04 (-5.84%) to close @ $32.92.


Shares of Giant Industries (GI) lost $4.48 (-6.33%) to close @ $66.34.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 10,747.36 (+8.01)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,037.72 (+0.37)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,234.49 (-1.71)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $75.45/barrel

NY Spot Gold fell by $16.00 to close @ $650.30/ounce

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7987 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.252 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

>  SITEMAP  <

The 3 Majors Declined Today, On Crude Prices, Retail Sales and Consumer Sentiment

The 3 major indices lost ground today as investors reacted to lower-than-expected Retail Sales and Consumer Sentiment numbers; the realization that $80 crude oil could be around the corner also contributed to the day's bearishness. 1,716,619,970 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.

For the week, the DJIA fell by 3.2%, the NASDAQ Composite Index fell by 4.4%, and the S&P 500 Index fell by 2.3%.


Shares of Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) component Wal-Mart (WMT) fell by $1.11 (-2.51%) to close @ $43.05.


Shares of DJIA component Boeing (BA) fell by $2.34 (-2.94%) to close @ $77.25; the stock then recovered $0.86 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of DJIA component United Technologies (UTX) fell by $2.62 (-4.27%) to close @ $58.81.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) fell by $2.85 (-4.52%) to close @ $60.20. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Nucor Corp. (NWRE) fell by $2.36 (-17.59%) to close @ $11.06.

Shares of RTI International Metals (RTI) fell by $3.63 (-7.46%) to close @ $45.00.


Shares of AMR Corp. (AMR) fell by $1.74 (-6.96%) to close @ $23.25.


Shares of DR Horton (DHI) fell by $1.66 (-7.26%) to close @ $21.20.

Shares of Beazer Homes USA (BZH) fell by $2.13 (-5.22%) to close @ $38.68.

Shares of Meritage Homes Corp. (MTH) fell by $3.32 (-7.89%) to close @ $38.75.


Shares of Chemed Corp. (CHE) fell by $10.35 (-20.50%) to close @ $40.15.


Shares of Terex Corp. (TEX) fell by $4.77 (-5.09%) to close @ $88.97.


Shares of Rocky Brands (RCKY) fell by $9.57 (-42.93%) to close @ $12.72; the stock then lost an additional $0.21 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Mikron Infrared Inc. (MIKR) fell by $2.29 (-15.92%) to close @ $12.09.


Shares of Apple Computer (AAPL) fell by $1.58 (-3.02%) to close @ $50.67; the stock then lost an additional $0.28 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Google (GOOG) fell by $5.33 (-1.30%) to close @ $403.50.


Shares of Smith Micro Software (SMSI) fell by $1.74 (-12.38%) to close @ $12.32.


Shares of Blue Coat Systems Inc. (BCSI) fell by $2.83 (-16.74%) to close @ $14.08.


Shares of Manitowoc Co. Inc. (MTW) fell by $3.52 (-8.49%) to close @ $37.94.


Shares of Alaska Air Group (ALK) fell by $2.24 (-6.19%) to close @ $33.96.


Shares of Petco Animal Supplies Inc. (PETC) gained $8.44 (+43.39%) to close @ $27.89.


Shares of Frontier Oil (FTO) gained $2.13 (+6.44%) to close @ $35.23.


Shares of Zanett Inc. (ZANE) gained $1.20 (+65.57%) to close @ $3.03.


Shares of Forest Laboratories (FRX) gained $6.00 (+15.62%) to close @ $44.40.


Shares of NEXEN INC (NXY) gained $2.39 (+4.38%) to close @ $57.01.


Shares of Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) gained $1.92 (+6.07%) to close @ $33.57.


Shares of W HOLDING CO PFD G (WBPRK) gained $2.03 (+9.46%) to close @ $23.50.


Shares of Kinetic Concepts (KCI) gained $3.50 (+8.51%) to close @ $44.65.


Shares of Regions Financial Corp. (RF) gained $1.68 (+5.18%) to close @ $34.13.


Shares of Corning Inc. (GLW) gained $1.31 (+6.34%) to close @ $21.96; the stock then lost $0.20 in after-hours action this evening.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 10,739.35 (-106.94)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,037.35 (-16.76)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,236.20 (-6.09)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $76.80/barrel

NY Spot Gold gained $13.80 to close @ $666.30/ounce

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7904 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2652 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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U.S. Import and Export Price Indices for June, 2006

The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics this morning released the Price Indices for U.S. Imports and Exports for June, 2006 :

Import Prices
Consensus: +0.3%
Actual: +0.1%

Export Prices
Actual: +0.8%

The above percentages represent the month-to-month change in prices for

• Imports: the cost of goods produced in other countries and sold in the U.S.
  
  
• Exports: the cost of goods produced in the U.S. and sold in other countries.
  

Together, these indices offer insight into the status of inflation in the United States, and for the global economy as well.

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

The following is a snippet from today's Labor Department report:

"The U.S. Import Price Index rose 0.1 percent in June, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. The increase was led by a 0.4 percent advance in nonpetroleum prices which more than offset a 1.4 percent downturn in petroleum prices. Export prices increased 0.8 percent in June after rising 0.6 percent the previous month.

Import Goods

Import prices rose for the third consecutive month, although the 0.1 percent advance in June was modest compared to the 2.0 percent and 1.7 percent increases in April and May, respectively. The June rise was dampened by a 1.4 percent decrease in petroleum prices, which had risen 17.8 percent over the previous two months. Despite the June downturn, petroleum prices rose 32.6 percent over the past year. In contrast, the price index for nonpetroleum import prices advanced 0.4 percent in May following increases of 0.1 percent in April and 0.7 percent in May. For the year ended in June, nonpetroleum import prices rose 2.2 percent while overall import prices increased 7.2 percent.

A 1.1 percent rise in nonpetroleum industrial supplies and materials prices was the largest contributor to the June increase in prices for nonpetroleum imports. Continued price rises for most metals more than offset lower prices for natural gas and building materials. The price index for nonpetroleum industrial supplies and materials increased 11.2 percent over the past 12 months.

Each of the major finished goods areas also contributed to the June rise in nonpetroleum import prices. Capital goods prices increased 0.3 percent, the first upward movement for the index in five months and the largest monthly advance since the index rose 0.3 percent in January 2005. Notwithstanding the June upturn, capital goods prices fell 1.1 percent for the past year. Automotive vehicle prices increased 0.2 percent, the largest one-month gain since October 2004. Prices of automotive vehicles rose 0.5 percent for the year ended in June. Consumer goods prices advanced 0.1 percent in June, but were down 0.1 percent over the past 12 months.

In contrast, food, feeds, and beverages prices declined 0.1 percent in June, led downward by lower prices for fruit and coffee. Prices for foods, feeds, and beverages increased 3.4 percent for the June 2005-2006 period.

Export Goods

Export prices rose 0.8 percent in June, the largest one-month increase since September 2005. Both agricultural and nonagricultural export prices contributed to the overall increase. Agricultural prices advanced 2.4 percent, the largest monthly increase for the index since March 2005. Higher prices for wheat, corn, and vegetables all impacted the increase. Despite the June rise, agricultural prices ticked down 0.2 percent over the past year. Nonagricultural prices rose 0.6 percent in June, continuing the recent upward trend for the index. Prices of nonagricultural exports rose 4.6 percent for the year ended in June, while overall export prices increased 4.2 percent for the same period.

The increase in nonagricultural prices was led by a 1.9 percent advance in the price index for nonagricultural industrial supplies and materials. Higher prices for metals, which rose sharply for the second consecutive month, and chemicals outweighed a downturn in fuel prices. Higher prices for consumer goods and automotive vehicles, up 0.3 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively, also contributed to the increase in nonagricultural export prices. For the year ended in June, prices for consumer goods rose 1.6 percent, while automotive vehicle prices advanced a similar 1.4 percent.

Capital goods prices were unchanged in June after increasing in each of the previous three months. The index rose 0.2 percent over the past year."

Click here to view the full Labor Department report.

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Consumer Sentiment for July, 2006

The Consumer Sentiment numbers for July, 2006 were released this morning:

Consensus: 86.0
Actual: 83.0

The Consumer Sentiment Index is compiled on a monthly basis by the University of Michigan; 500 U.S. households are queried about their own financial circumstances and about the economy in general. 200 questions are asked, e.g. "Do you think that right now is a good time to purchase a major household item, like a new microwave oven, TV set, or a new sofa?"

The Consumer Sentiment Index uses a 1966 baseline, i.e. for 1966, the Consumer Sentiment Index = 100. So any number that is below the 1966 baseline of 100 means that the folks who were polled recently aren't as optimistic about the U.S. economy as the sample that was polled back in 1966.

The Consumer Sentiment Index is similar to the Consumer Confidence Index in that they both measure consumer attitudes and offer insight into consumer spending.

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

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U.S. Retail & Food Services Sales Report for June, 2006

The Commerce Department this morning released advanced estimates of U.S. Retail and Food Services Sales for June, 2006:

Consensus: +0.4%
Actual: -0.1%

Minus Auto Sales
Consensus: +0.3%
Actual : +0.3%


The above percentages represent the month-to-month change in total sales receipts for retailers that sell both durable and non-durable goods.

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

Here's a snippet from today's Commerce Department report:

"The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for June, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, were $363.8 billion, a decrease of 0.1 percent (±0.7%)* from the previous month, but up 5.9 percent (±0.8%) from June 2005. Total sales for the April through June 2006 period were up 6.8 percent (±0.3%) from the same period a year ago. The April to May 2006 percent change was unrevised from +0.1 percent (±0.2%)*.

Retail trade sales were down 0.1 percent (±0.7%)* from May, but were 5.7 percent (±0.8%) above last year. Gasoline stations were up 20.4 percent (±2.0%) from June 2005 and sales of nonstore retailers were up 12.3 percent (±4.5%) from last year."

Click here to view the full report.

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Record High Crude Oil Prices Contributed to All 3 Major Indices Retreating Today

The price on crude oil for future delivery -- which is now at $77.96 per barrel in New York -- contributed to all 3 major indexes losing ground today, as escalating strife in the Middle East, violence in Nigeria and continued concerns about the Iranian government influenced the crude oil trade. 1,780,912,410 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) component Wal-Mart (WMT) fell by $0.99 (-2.19%) to close @ $44.16.


Shares of DJIA component Walt Disney Co. (DIS) fell by $1.21 (-4.05%) to close @ $28.70.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) fell by $1.85 (-2.85%) to close @ $63.05. The NYSE Group owns The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Nucor Corp. (NUE) fell by $4.43 (-8.17%) to close @ $49.78; the stock then lost an additional $0.53 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Multi-Fineline Electronix Inc. (MFLX) fell by $6.26 (-22.51%) to close @ $21.55; the stock then lost an additional $0.25 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Cree Inc. (CREE) fell by $4.86 (-21.51%) to close @ $17.73; the stock then recovered $0.39 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Sirenza Microdevices Inc. (SMDI) fell by $1.47 (-15.11%) to close @ $8.26; the stock then lost an additional $0.11 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of JSC Tatneft (TNT) fell by $6.98 (-7.74%) to close @ $83.22.


Shares of US Airways Group (LCC) fell by $4.03 (-7.67%) to close @ $48.52.


Shares of Tekelec (TKLC) fell by $1.36 (-11.63%) to close @ $10.33 (TKLC is currently delinquent in its regulatory filings.)


Shares of Nastech Pharmaceutical (NSTK) fell by $2.40 (-15.73%) to close @ $12.86.


Shares of Sento Corp. (SNTO) fell by $3.40 (-53.71%) to close @ $2.93.


Shares of Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp. (AP) fell by $2.98 (-9.14%) to close @ $29.64.


Shares of Continental Airlines (CAL) fell by $2.32 (-7.38%) to close @ $29.13; the stock then lost an additional $0.48 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of AMR Corp. (AMR) fell by $2.24 (-8.23%) to close @ $24.99; the stock then lost an additional $0.29 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Warner Music Group (WMG) fell by $5.23 (-17.57%) to close @ $24.53.


Shares of Thor Industries (THO) fell by $4.03 (-8.23%) to close @ $44.92.


Shares of Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment (DDE) fell by $1.95 (-10.63%) to close @ $16.40.


Shares of Global Payments Inc. (GPN) fell by $3.13 (-7.17%) to close @ $40.50.


Shares of Cascade Bancorp (CACB) gained $2.06 (+7.49%) to close @ $29.58.


Shares of Magal Security Systems Ltd. (MAGS) gained $1.89 (+19.67%) to close @ $11.50.


Shares of COMMUNITY PARTNERS BANCORP (CPBC) gained $0.66 (+5.82%) to close @ $12.00.


Shares of GameStop Corp. (GME) gained $2.43 (+6.58%) to close @ $39.34.


Shares of Volt Information Sciences (VOL) gained $1.79 (+3.97%) to close @ $46.84.


Shares of Kinetic Concepts (KCI) gained $1.23 (+3.08%) to close @ $41.15.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 10,846.29 (-166.89)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,054.11 (-36.13)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,242.29 (-16.31)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $77.96/barrel

NY Spot Gold gained $3.00 to close @ $652.50/ounce

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7882 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2688 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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Treasury Budget for June, 2006

The U.S. Treasury Budget numbers for June, 2006 were released today:

Consensus: +$23,500,000,000
Actual: +$20,500,000,000

The "actual" figure above represents the monthly balance on the U.S. federal government's "books" and is compiled by The Treasury Department. A positive number represents a surplus, while a negative represents a deficit.

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

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New Unemployment Insurance Claims for The Week of July 8, 2006

The U.S. Department of Labor this morning released the New Unemployment Insurance Claims report for the week that ended on July 8, 2006:

Consensus: 320,000
Actual: 332,000

The above figures represent the number of new claims for unemployment benefits for the entire United States. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

Click here to view the full Labor Department report.

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The 3 Majors Lost Ground Today As the Price On Crude Continued Upwards

The 3 major indices lost ground today as the price on crude oil for future delivery got more expensive, thanks to unrest in the Middle East and a significant decline in crude oil stocks. 1,479,187,300 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Network Appliance (NTAP) fell by $2.13 to close @ $28.60.


Shares of Genentech (DNA) fell by $3.08 to close @ $80.98 on news of sluggish sales of the colon cancer drug Avastin®.

Shares of Genzyme (GENZ) gained $4.76 to close @ $62.74.


Shares of Best Buy (BBY) lost $2.92 to close @ $47.70.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 11,013.18 (-121.59)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,090.24 (-38.62)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,258.60 (-13.92)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $75.52/barrel

NY Spot Gold gained $8.60 to close @ $649.50/ounce

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7859 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2725 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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Crude Oil Inventories Report for Week of July 7, 2006

The U.S. Crude Oil Inventories report for the week that ended on July 7, 2006 was released this morning:

Weekly Change: -6,000,000 Barrels

Yearly Change: +14,300,000 Barrels

Current U.S. Crude Oil Stocks: 335,300,000 Barrels

Diminishing crude oil inventories can often translate to higher crude oil prices (and vice versa), but not always.

The report is produced by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Click here for a more detailed summary of The Week in Petroleum.

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International Trade Balance Level for May, 2006

The International Trade Balance Level for May, 2006 was released by The U.S. Commerce Department this morning:

Consensus: $ -64,600,000,000
Actual: $ -63,800,000,000

The "actual" figure above represents the balance of trade--imports vs. exports--between the United States and all other countries, and includes both goods and services. A negative number represents a trade deficit, while a positive number represents a trade surplus.

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

Click here to view the full Commerce Department report (PDF).

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The 3 Majors Gained; New York Spot Gold Added $17.50

All 3 major indices gained ground today, as the price on New York Spot Gold advanced by $17.50. 1,571,600,140 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of LB Foster (FSTR) gained $2.58 (+10.68%) to close @ $26.73.


Shares of Intevac Inc. (IVAC) gained $3.73 (+17.25%) to close @ $25.35; the stock then gained an additional $1.25 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Schlumberger Ltd. (SLB) gained $3.32 (+5.23%) to close @ $66.82; the stock then gained an additional $0.17 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Talbots Inc. (TLB) gained $4.10 (+22.82%) to close @ $22.07; the stock then gained an additional $0.16 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of National Semiconductor Corp. (NSM) gained $1.40 (+6.27%) to close @ $23.74; the stock then gained an additional $0.45 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of FLIR Systems Inc. (FLIR) gained $5.08 (+23.48%) to close @ $26.72; the stock then gained an additional $0.16 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Harbor Florida Bancshares Inc. (HARB) gained $6.79 (+18.08%) to close @ $44.34.


Shares of Brush Engineered Materials Inc. (BW) gained $3.37 (+16.54%) to close @ $23.75.


Shares of InterContinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE) gained $2.69 (+5.09%) to close @ $55.50.


Shares of Key Tronic (KTCC) gained $2.17 (+51.67%) to close @ $6.37.


Shares of Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) component Alcoa (AA) fell by $1.63 (-4.88%) to close @ $31.78.


Shares of Verasun Energy, Corp. (VSE) fell by $1.18 (-4.34%) to close @ $26.02; the stock then recovered $0.54 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of TTM Technologies Inc. (TTMI) fell by $1.36 (-9.87%) to close @ $12.42.


Shares of Choicepoint Inc. (CPS) fell by $3.39 (-8.35%) to close @ $37.19.


Shares of AMREP Corp. (AXR) fell by $3.02 (-6.14%) to close @ $46.13.


Shares of US Airways Group, Inc. (LCC) fell by $2.40 (-4.30%) to close @ $53.45.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 11,134.77 (+31.22)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,128.86 (+11.93)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,272.52 (+5.18)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $74.17/barrel

NY Spot Gold gained $17.50 to close @ $640.90/ounce

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7831 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.277 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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Redbook Numbers for The Week of July 8, 2006

The Redbook numbers for the week that ended on July 8, 2006 were released this morning:

Actual: +3.5%

The Redbook measures the weekly sales at chain stores, discount stores, and department stores--about 9,000 stores in total--and is therefore an important gauge of current consumer spending in the U.S. The above figure represents the year-to-year change in the Redbook sales figures, so sales are up by 3.5% when compared to sales during the corresponding week back in July of 2005.

The weekly Johnson Redbook Index report is produced by Redbook Research.

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DJIA and the S&P 500 Gained, The NASDAQ Declined

Both the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and the S&P 500 gained ground today, but the NASDAQ retreated. 1,276,227,820 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Standard Microsystems Corp. (SMSC) gained $4.04 (+19.74%) to close @ $24.51.


Shares of Gap Inc. (GPS) gained $0.95 (+5.72%) to close @ $17.57.


Shares of Foot Locker Inc. (FL) gained $2.48 (+9.98%) to close @ $27.32; the stock then fell by $0.32 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Cascade Natural Gas (CGC) gained $3.86 (+17.99%) to close @ $25.32.


Shares of Andersons Inc. (ANDE) gained $5.23 (+12.88%) to close @ $45.83; the stock then fell by $0.23 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of W HLDG CO PFD H (WBPRJ) gained $4.94 (+12.35%) to close @ $44.94.


Shares of Kronos, Inc. (KRON) fell by $5.16 (-14.90%) to close @ $29.46; the stock then lost an additional $0.46 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Shaw Group Inc. (SGR) fell by $3.67 (-14.25%) to close @ $22.08.


Shares of InterDigital Communications Corp. (IDCC) fell by $6.82 (-20.85%) to close @ $25.89; the stock then recovered $0.30 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Salesforce.com (CRM) fell by $1.51 (-6.06%) to close @ $23.40.


Shares of MEMC Electronic Materials Inc. (WFR) fell by $2.24 (-6.34%) to close @ $33.09; the stock then recovered $0.39 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) fell by $1.05 (-4.46%) to close @ $22.51.


Shares of Corning Inc. (GLW) fell by $1.18 (-5.33%) to close @ $20.97.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 11,103.55 (+12.88)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,116.93 (-13.13)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,267.34 (+1.86)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $73.40/barrel

NY Spot Gold fell by $9.20 to close @ $623.40/ounce

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7867 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2712 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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The 3 Majors Declined Today On Concerns About Corporate Profits and Interest Rates

The 3 major indices declined today as investors worried that the disappointing earnings report released by 3M today for Q2, 2006 may be followed by more lackluster numbers from other Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) member companies in the coming weeks. Today's Employment Situation report--which indicated possible wage inflation--contributed to the day's bearishness, as investors understood that worries about inflation may prompt the Fed to raise interest rates again on August 8^TH. 1,426,488,190 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.

For the week, the DJIA fell by 0.5%, the NASDAQ Composite Index fell by 1.9%, and the S&P 500 Index fell by 0.4%.


Shares of DJIA component 3M (MMM) fell by $7.29 (-8.96%) to close @ $74.10 on news of disappointing second-quarter earnings.


Shares of LaBranche & Co. (LAB) fell by $3.02 (-24.28%) to close @ $9.42.


Shares of Redback Networks (RBAK) fell by $2.17 (-12.39%) to close @ $15.35.


Shares of Business Objects SA (BOBJ) fell by $5.76 (-21.50%) to close @ $21.03.


Shares of USG Corp. (USG) fell by $3.15 (-5.86%) to close @ $50.63.


Shares of Valassis Communications (VCI) fell by $1.11 (-5.67%) to close @ $18.46.


Shares of LESCO Inc. (LSCO) fell by $5.59 (-35.93%) to close @ $9.97.


Shares of Horizon Health Corp. (HORC) fell by $6.46 (-31.84%) to close @ $13.83.


Shares of TOM Online (TOMO) fell by $3.33 (-19.59%) to close @ $13.67; the stock then recovered $0.42 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of UAP Holding Corp. (UAPH) fell by $2.83 (-12.90%) to close @ $19.11.


Shares of webMethods Inc. (WEBM) fell by $3.06 (-31.94%) to close @ $6.52.


Shares of PMC-Sierra Inc. (PMCS) fell by $1.17 (-12.94%) to close @ $7.87.


Shares of RadioShack Corp. (RSH) gained $3.20 (+23.26%) to close @ $16.96; the stock then gained an additional $0.19 in after-hours action this evening. The company has picked Julian Day to take over as chairman and Chief Executive Officer.


Shares of China GrenTech Corp. Ltd. (GRRF) gained $3.16 (+28.47%) to close @ $14.26; the stock then fell by $0.76 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of AmerUs Group (AMH) gained $4.39 (+7.02%) to close @ $66.90.


Shares of FirstFed Financial Corp. (FED) gained $1.97 (+3.40%) to close @ $59.99.


Shares of Alcan Inc. (AL) gained $1.40 (+3.03%) to close @ $47.57; the stock then gained an additional $0.28 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of AMREP Corp. (AXR) gained $3.44 (+6.90%) to close @ $53.27; the stock then gained an additional $0.47 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Frontier Oil Corp. (FTO) gained $1.32 (+4.11%) to close @ $33.42; the stock then gained an additional $0.20 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of St. Jude Medical Inc. (STJ) gained $1.53 (+4.77%) to close @ $33.60; the stock then gained an additional $0.40 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Comstock Homebuilding Companies Inc. (CHCI) gained $1.03 (+17.11%) to close @ $7.05.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 11,090.67 (-134.63)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,130.06 (-25.03)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,265.48 (-8.60)

----------------------------------------------------------

NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $73.86/barrel

NY Spot Gold fell by $1.60 to close @ $632.60/ounce

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7815 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2796 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

>  SITEMAP  <

Employment Situation Report for June, 2006

The Employment Situation report for June, 2006 was released by The Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics this morning:

Average Hourly Earnings (month-to-month change)
Consensus: +0.3%
Actual: +0.5%


Non-farm Payrolls (month-to-month change)
Consensus: +185K
Actual: +121K


Average Workweek
Consensus: 33.8 hrs
Actual: 33.9 hrs


Unemployment Rate
Consensus: 4.7%
Actual: 4.6%

Economist, academics, bankers and investors pay very close attention to the monthly Employment Situation report as it offers penetrating insight as to the current and near-future state of the overall U.S. economy. If Americans are earning more money and unemployment is low, this typically translates to more money being pumped into the economy (and vice versa.)

If the Employment Situation report indicates wage inflation, this can lead to an increased likelihood that the Fed will raise interest rates @ the next FOMC meeting; consequently, stock and bond prices tend to wane, because higher interest rates mean less profits for the banking sector (higher mortgage rates = a slower mortgage / mortgage refinance market) and less consumer spending in general (credit card rates go up, etc.)

The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

Click here to view the full Department of Labor report.

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All 3 Major Indexes Advanced Today

All 3 major indices advanced today; 1,408,269,070 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.

Today, the Florida Supreme Court reject a $145 billion punitive damage claim against the major players in the U.S. tobacco industry. Though the tobacco industry still has to worry about individual lawsuits, today's ruling by the Florida Supreme Court makes it very unlikely that another class action stab at Big Tobacco would be successful.

Philip Morris USA vice president William S. Ohlemeyer commented:

"As numerous trial and appellate courts have held, tobacco cases cannot be treated as class actions because liability must ultimately be decided on a case-by-case basis...Today's Florida Supreme Court opinion is in line with those decisions."

Phillip Morris, which is a subsidiary of Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) component Altria, owns the following cigarette brands:

Accord Alpine Basic Benson & Hedges Bristol Bucks Cambridge

Chesterfield Collector's Choice Commander Daves English Ovals L&M Lark

Marlboro Merit Parliament Players Saratoga Virginia Slims

Reynolds American controls the following investment and selective support brands:

• Camel
• Kool
• Winston
• Salem
• Eclipse
• Doral
• Pall Mall
  

Shares of Altria (MO) gained $4.43 (+6.04%) to close @ $77.76; the stock then fell by $0.25 in after-hours action this evening.

Shares of Reynolds American (RAI) gained $4.59 (+4.01%) to close @ $118.95.


Shares of direct marketing concern ADVO Inc. (AD) gained $11.13 (+45.88%) to close @ $35.39 on news that Valassis Communications has made a $1.12 billion offer for the company.


Shares of natural gas distributor Peoples Energy Corp. (PGL) gained $3.08 (+8.56%) to close @ $39.06 on news that the company may be purchased by WPS Resources Corp.


Shares of Acuity Brands (AYI) gained $3.49 (+8.83%) to close @ $43.00.


Shares of TJX Companies (TJX) gained $1.14 (+5.13%) to close @ $23.37.


Shares of Forward Industries (FORD) gained $1.43 (+31.99%) to close @ $5.90; the stock then gained an additional $0.23 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Escala Group Inc. (ESCL) gained $1.96 (+44.14%) to close @ $6.40.


Shares of NYSE Group (NYX) fell by $1.10 (-1.62%) to close @ $66.90. NYSE Group owns the New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of eBay (EBAY) fell by $1.51 (-5.32%) to close @ $26.85 on news that Rajiv Dutta is to replace Jeff Jordan as president of PayPal.


Shares of Citi Trends (CTRN) fell by $7.37 (-17.39%) to close @ $35.01; the stock then recovered $0.14 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Multi-Fineline Electronix (MFLX) fell by $5.75 (-17.83%) to close @ $26.50; the stock then recovered $0.69 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of communications software producer Openwave Systems (OPWV) fell by $3.70 (-32.26%) to close @ $7.77 on news of slumping sales.


Shares of TOM Online (TOMO) fell by $1.85 (-9.81%) to close @ $17.00.


Shares of Tweeter Home Entertainment Group (TWTR) fell by $0.86 (-12.48%) to close @ $6.03.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 11,225.30 (+73.48)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,155.09 (+1.75)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,274.08 (+3.17)

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NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $74.93/barrel

NY Spot Gold gained $6.70 to close @ $634.20/ounce

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7801 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.282 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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Challenger Report on Corporate Layoffs for June, 2006

The outplacement company Challenger this morning released their monthly report on new announcements of corporate layoffs:

U.S. Job Cuts Announced in June, 2006: 67,176

When the corporate layoff numbers are high, consumer spending may decline, since there are less people with steady jobs.

When corporate layoffs are low, this can mean that the job market is relatively tight, which can be a harbinger of wage inflation.

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Crude Oil Inventories Report for Week of June 30, 2006

The U.S. Crude Oil Inventories report for the week that ended on June 30, 2006 was released this morning:

Weekly Change: -2,400,000 Barrels

Yearly Change: +16,400,000 Barrels

Current U.S. Crude Oil Stocks: 341,300,000 Barrels

Diminishing crude oil inventories can often translate to higher crude oil prices (and vice versa), but not always.

The report is produced by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Click here for a more detailed summary of The Week in Petroleum.

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New Unemployment Insurance Claims for The Week of July 1, 2006

The U.S. Department of Labor this morning released the New Unemployment Insurance Claims report for the week that ended on July 1, 2006:

Consensus: 315,000
Actual: 313,000

The above figures represent the number of new claims for unemployment benefits for the entire United States. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

Click here to view the full Labor Department report.

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The 3 Major Indices Lost Ground Today As Crude for Future Delivery Hit Record Highs

The 3 major indexes lost ground today as crude oil for future delivery hit a record high of $75.40 per barrel. Investors also got somewhat bearish in response to today's government report on U.S. Factory Orders for May, as the positive numbers may translate to an increased likelihood that the Fed will raise interest rates again on August 8^TH. 1,512,777,970 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®.


Shares of Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) component Boeing (BA) fell by $1.13 (-1.39%) to close @ $80.17; the stock then recovered $0.37 in after-hours action this evening, on news that Boeing may be the only company that can provide fast delivery of heavy-lift aircraft and helicopters for the Canadian government, a package that's worth about $7.3 billion.

Shares of DJIA component Caterpillar (CAT) fell by $1.64 (-2.19%) to close @ $73.13.

Shares of DJIA component American Express (AXP) fell by $1.01 (-1.89%) to close @ $52.50.


Shares of Duquesne Light Holdings (DQE) added $2.95 (+17.94%) to close @ $19.39 on news that a large Australian investment bank will purchase the Pittsburgh electric utility in a deal worth about $1.59 billion.


Shares of Midway Games (MWY) gained $1.21 (+12.82%) to close @ $10.65.


Shares of Lear Corp. (LEA) gained $1.11 (+5.17%) to close @ $22.60.


Shares of Blue Dolphin Energy (BDCO) gained $1.27 (+28.10%) to close @ $5.79.


Shares of Commerce Bancorp (CBH) fell by $2.52 (-7.13%) to close @ $32.80; the stock then lost an additional $0.64 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Stamps.com Inc. (STMP) fell by $3.10 (-11.27%) to close @ $24.41.


Shares of EMCORE Corp. (EMKR) fell by $1.14 (-11.34%) to close @ $8.91; the stock then recovered $0.19 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Zoran Corp. (ZRAN) fell by $2.52 (-10.37%) to close @ $21.79; the stock then recovered $0.21 in after-hours action this evening.


Shares of Quest Software (QSFT) fell by $1.40 (-9.87%) to close @ $12.78.


Shares of Atheros Communications (ATHR) fell by $2.71 (-14.78%) to close @ $15.63; the stock then recovered $0.17 in after-hours trading this evening.


Shares of Trident Microsystems Inc. (TRID) fell by $3.33 (-17.26%) to close @ $15.96.


Shares of Meridian Gold Inc. (MDG) fell by $1.79 (-5.46%) to close @ $30.99.


Shares of Harmony Gold Mining (HMY) fell by $1.07 (-6.26%) to close @ $16.03.


Shares of JSC Tatneft (TNT) fell by $6.33 (-7.48%) to close @ $78.30.


Shares of LG Philips LCD (LPL) fell by $1.18 (-6.46%) to close @ $17.10.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

----------------------------------------------------------

DJIA: Closed @ 11,151.82 (-76.20)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,153.34 (-37.09)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,270.91 (-9.28)

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NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $75.08/barrel

NY Spot Gold gained $3.80 to close @ $627.50/ounce

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7855 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.273 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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U.S. Factory Orders Report for May, 2006

The U.S. Census Bureau this morning released their report on Manufacturers' Shipments, Inventories & Orders--also known as Factory Orders--for May, 2006:

Consensus: +0.1%
Actual: +0.7%

The above percentages represent the month-to-month change in orders for both durable and nondurable goods made by from U.S. manufacturers. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

Click here to view the full Census Bureau report.

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Redbook Numbers for The Week of July 1, 2006

The Redbook numbers for the week that ended on July 1, 2006 were released this morning:

Actual: +2.7%

The Redbook measures the weekly sales at chain stores, discount stores, and department stores--about 9,000 stores in total--and is therefore an important gauge of current consumer spending in the U.S. The above figure represents the year-to-year change in the Redbook sales figures, so sales are up by 2.7% when compared to sales during the corresponding week back in June of 2005.

The weekly Johnson Redbook Index report is produced by Redbook Research.

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The New York Exchanges Are Closed Today

The New York exchanges, including:

The New York Stock Exchange®
The NASDAQ Stock Market®
The American Stock Exchange®
The New York Mercantile Exchange

are closed today, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

All New York exchanges will reopen tomorrow.

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The New York Exchanges Will Be Closed Tomorrow

The New York exchanges, including:

The New York Stock Exchange®
The NASDAQ Stock Market®
The American Stock Exchange®
The New York Mercantile Exchange

will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2006, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

All New York exchanges will reopen on Wednesday, July 5, 2006.

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An Increased Likelihood that the Fed Will Stop Raising Rates Helped All 3 Majors Advance Today

A Commerce Department report indicating slower-than-expected Construction Spending in May contributed to the 3 major indices gaining ground today: sluggish construction spending may help to convince the Fed to stop raising interest rates. 765,554,700 shares were traded @ The New York Stock Exchange®, which closed 3 hours early today.


Shares of Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) component IBM (IBM) gained $1.20 (+1.56%) to close @ $78.02.

Shares of DJIA component JP Morgan Chase (JPM) gained $1.21 (+2.90%) to close @ $42.87.


Shares of Newmont Mining (NEM) added $2.59 (+4.89%) to close @ $55.52.

Shares of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX) gained $3.12 (+5.63%) to close @ $58.53.


Shares of Summit Bancshares (SBIT) gained $6.01 (+28.34%) to close @ $27.22.

Shares of Simclar (SIMC) gained $1.91 (+17.95%) to close @ $12.55.

Shares of Encore Medical (ENMC) gained $1.49 (+30.98%) to close @ $6.30 on news that Blackstone will purchase Encore, in a deal worth an estimated $465 million.


Shares of Qiao Xing Universal Telephone (XING) gained $1.65 (+16.92%) to close @ $11.40.

Shares of ZEVEX International (ZVXI) gained $2.20 (+13.58%) to close @ $18.40.

Shares of Hittite Microwave (HITT) gained $4.72 (+13.05%) to close @ $40.88.

Shares of EZCORP Inc (EZPW) gained $5.16 (+13.69%) to close @ $42.85.


Shares of America Movil SA (AMX) gained $2.07 (+6.22%) to close @ $35.33.


Shares of Grupo Televisa SA (TV) gained $1.15 (+5.96%) to close @ $20.46.


Shares of Millicom International Cellular (MICC) fell by $12.10 (-26.63%) to close @ $33.33 on news that the company won't be sold, as many investors were expecting.


Shares of Merge Healthcare (MRGE) fell by $5.01 (40.70%) to close @ $7.30 on news that interim CEO William C. Mortimore, CFO Scott T. Veech, and senior VP David M. Noshay have resigned, and that the company will need to restate earnings from the past four years.


Shares of Deluxe Corp (DLX) fell by $2.46 (-14.07%) to close @ $15.02.

Shares of GameStop Corp (GME) fell by $2.23 (-5.31%) to close @ $39.77.


Summary of The U.S. Markets:

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DJIA: Closed @ 11,228.02 (+77.80)

NASDAQ: Closed @ 2,190.43 (+18.34)

S&P 500: Closed @ 1,280.19 (+9.99)

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NYMEX Crude Oil Future is currently @ $73.93/barrel

NY Spot Gold gained $10.30 to close @ $623.70/ounce

In New York, The U.S. Dollar buys 0.7807 Euros

In New York, The Euro buys 1.2808 U.S. Dollars

The U.S. Prime Rate (WSJ Prime Rate) is 8.25%

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U.S. Motor Vehicle Sales Report for June, 2006

The monthly Domestic Motor Vehicle Sales report for June, 2006 was released this afternoon:

Consensus: 12,600,000
Actual: 12,500,000

The above figures represent unit sales of American-made cars, minivans, SUV's and light trucks. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

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Construction Spending for May, 2006

The U.S. Census Bureau--which is part of the U.S. Commerce Department--this morning released their Construction Spending report for May, 2006:

Consensus: +0.3%
Actual: -0.4%

The above percentages represent the month-to-month change in new public and private construction activity for the United States. The "consensus" is what economists and Wall Street forecasters were expecting, while the "actual" is the actual or real figure.

Overall construction spending is up by 6.0% when compared to the numbers from May, 2005.

Click here to view the full Census Bureau report.

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