Economic News Sept 28, 09

Don't listen!!

The market has been responding well the last few weeks overall...however, the evidence bears these continuous wide swings. Expect to continue to see them throughout the remainder of the year. We will continue to use caution with a dose of optimism when indicators call for optimism.

"Consistency will always Outperform Occasional Brilliance!"

Economic News

* Existing homes sales dropped 2.7%

* Durable good orders dropped 2.4%

* Expect new GDP report Sept 30

* Stocks Registered new 2009 highs

* Technology Sector continues to lead the S&P 500 for the year 44.3%

October has historically been very volatile, without a recession. We will continue to be very vigilent and optimistically cautious in our efforts managing your assets: recognizing every opportunity to manage risk as well as looking for opportunities for growth.

Recession's Over!

Economic News

* Retail Sales jumped 2.7% in August

* Industrial Production rose 0.8%

* Housing starts rose 1.5%

* Federal Reserve start their 2 day meeting; fully expect to keep historical low rates at their current level to help spur lending and economic recovery

* Federal Chairman Ben Bernanke is scheduled to make rate announcement at 2:15 on Wednesday, September 23rd

* Bernanke also announced recession is "likely over", the market has responded in kind by this statement

September and October have historically been very volatile. We will continue to be be very vigilent and optimistically cautious in our efforts managing your assets: recognizing every opportunity to manage risk as well as looking for opportunities for growth.

Things Come in 3's

Economic News

* Consumer Sentiment rose once again.

* From March 9 to September 9, the S&P 500 grew 53%. The S&P 500 has been "up" 17 weeks and "down" 8.

* Goldman Sachs reports they have tempered their view slightly on labor, now expecting the unemployment rate to reach 10¼% in 2010, down from a previous forecast of 10½%.

* Monetary tightening seems highly unlikely in a world of vast labor and manufacturing slack, contained inflation, and reduced consumption.

* Goldman also states in a recent report; Better News Drives Up Near-term GDP: Improved news for homebuilding, home prices, manufacturing, and employment contribute to an upgrade in our second half 2009 GDP forecast from 1.0% to 3.0% annualized. This change is particularly warranted due to the economic jolt coming from the positive turn in the inventory cycle and fiscal stimulus.

Mis Behavin'

We've all heard the saying "things happen in 3's". This week is NO exception: Senator Joe Wilson starts the week of disrespectful, vulgar, rude and down right stupid behavior:

Senator Joe Wilson: yelling at the President during his speech! Regardless if he is correct, I know your mamma taught you there is "a time and a place".

Serena Williams: girlfriend your mamma/daddy needs to just "wash your mouth out with soap".

Kanye West : Wins first prize for being the rudest, most stupid man on the planet! Your Mamma is going to come back and "bust your ....." well you know!

Thank goodness bad only comes in 3's!

Sources: JP Morgan, Standard and Poors, Goldman Sachs, US Dept of Labor, Victoria's Mamma for teaching her "good manners" and "if you cant say anything nice, don't "say" anything at all".

Economic Update August, 24 2009

Economic News

* Housing starts increased 7.2%
* Existing Home sales rose 3.6%
* ' Cash for Clunkers' will end early August 24th

S&P 500

Sector Returns

* Energy had the highest return 3.4%
* Healthcare came in a close 2nd 3.0%
* Technology continues to lead the YTD, 40%

Most Investors are continuing to pour money in to bond funds,which means most investors are painfully underweight in stocks relative to their long-term risk tolerance and financial goals. Maybe other investors could learn a lesson from our clients about planning, diversification, and rebalancing?

The Market continues to be very volatile. I

Economic Update August 18

Headline News

* Bank Failings, 2
* US to add troops in Afghanistan
* Judge failed to approve settlement for BOA
* CFO for Madoff pled guilty and was shocked he was sent to jail
* President confronted Healthcare opposition
* The Financial Diva will be a walk on in "Saving Grace" with Academy Award winner Holly Hunter!

Economic News

* Productivity rose 6.4%
* US trade deficit grew to 27 bn in June
* Consumer sentiment fell
* July retail sales were down

Technology is leading the S&P 500 Sector Returns 37.5%

The Market continues to be very volatile. I will continue to monitor our Strategists and look for opportunities.

See the Diva's newest article in this month's issue of Distinctly Oklahoma!

The article, entitled "It's Time to Go on a Financial Diet", is a 3-page spread with five helpful tips that "have your financial fitness in mind".

If you do not have access to a Distinctly Oklahoma magazine, click the link below to read the article now...

"It's Time to Go on a Financial Diet"

Until next time,
Jennifer

Economic Update/Poll

Client Advisory Board Luncheon Results:

* We discussed the addition of the New Strategists Stadion and Rochdale.
* Educational Seminars, there was much discussion regarding the Value...most everyone agreed that for current Clients, since we meet and communicate so often via email, that these may not be the "Best Use of my Time" and or "Return on Investment".

After much discussion it was decided that we will be asking you to respond to One Question:

Click below to respond:

Yes or No; Benefit from an Educational Workshop

* Media, it was unanimous that participating in Smart Money, Money, Distinctly Oklahoma mags, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, CNBC, etc. interviews, were beneficial for clients and the public and I should continue to take advantage of these opportunities.

Lastly, I was instructed by my Board to "have some fun!". I listen to all comments and suggestions. Thank you all for your participation and candid input.
Diva