*from www.bloomberg.com, April 4, 2013 (To view original article click here.)
Take Away #1: U.S. stocks were little changed, paring an earlier rally, as optimism over central bank’s stimulus efforts faded.
Key Facts and Figures:
- The S&P 500 gained 0.1% to 1,555.19 at 12:19 p.m. in New York, after rising as much as 0.6% earlier.
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 5.30 points, or less than 0.1%, to 14,555.65 today.
- Trading among S&P 500 shares was in line with the 30-day average at this time of day.
- Equities climbed earlier today after the Bank of Japan strengthened a stimulus program in which the central bank will buy 7 trillion yen ($73 billion) of bonds a month.
- European Central Bank President Mario Draghi signaled the bank will keep monetary policy loose for an extended period.
- Draghi also signaled that further is easing is possible if economic conditions deteriorate.
Take Away #2: Jobless claims rose by 28,000 to 385,000 in the week ended March 30.
Key Facts and Figures:
- This is the highest since Nov. 24.
- The media forecast of 47 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a drop to 353,000.
- Before adjusting for seasonal variations, claims fell by almost 1,600.
- The S&P 500 slid yesterday, after a report from ADP Research Institute showed companies boosted employment by 158,000 workers in March.
- Economists’ forecasts called for a 200,000 gain.
- Tomorrow’s non-farm payroll report from the Labor Department may show employers hired a net 195,000 workers for the month, according to the median forecast of 87 economists surveyed by Bloomberg.
Take Away #3: Investors will begin to focus on first-quarter earnings reports beginning next week.
Key Facts and Figures:
- Alcoa Inc., scheduled on April 8, will be the first company in the Dow to report results.
- Profits among S&P 500 companies are forecast to decline 1.9% for the period, for the first retreat since 2009.
- In January, analysts forecast earnings growth of 1.2%.
- Profit expanded by 8% in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Take Away #4: The VIX increased but remains down for the year.
Key Facts and Figures:
- The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index increased 3.9% to 14.77 today.
- The VIX jumped 11% yesterday.
- The VIX is down 18% for the year.
Take Away #4: Utilities and phone companies advanced the most among 10 groups in the S&P 500, while Technology and energy declined.
Key Facts and Figures:
- Utilities and phone companies rose the most increasing at least 0.7%.
- Technology and energy shares slipped more than 0.4%.
*To view original article from www.bloomberg.com click here.