Monday, January 30, 2012

OWS: Oakland

You've got to hand it to those Occupy Wall Street protesters, they're not going to be deterred, even when the situation escalates to violence. According to an excerpt from a post on their website -
Yesterday, Occupy Oakland moved to convert a vacant building into a community center to provide education, medical, and housing services for the 99%. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, beanbag rounds and mass arrests. The state has compounded its policy of callous indifference with a ruthless display of violent repression. The Occupy movement will respond, as we have always responded: with an overwhelming show of collective resistance.
Of course, Oakland Mayor, Jean Quan has a different point of view. She says "I ran out of patience a long time ago" and the protesters are just vandals, out to damage the city. Here's video of Oakland police cracking down on the OWS protesters, and their response -

Friday, January 27, 2012

Weekly Wrap

Like I've said before, the stock market often acts just like a beautiful, but fickle woman. Sometimes it takes a little effort, but if you love her and treat her right, you'll get back more than you give. Monkee around with her, and she'll turn on a dime.

In that respect, I've been trying to get her to realize the beauty I saw in her when no one loved her a few months back, and now her face is starting to glow again. All it took was the ability to see what was underneath her tarnished reputation, realizing her potential, and faithfully believing in her.

But, don't just take my word for it. Other investors are starting to appreciate her beauty too.



Although the S&P 500 barely closed out this week higher, it does mark the fourth straight week of gains for the index, returning approximately 4.6% to investors for the year so far.

It also marks what I believe to be the beginnings of a significant return in economic and stock market confidence. Short-term stock market movements are all about perception, and market conditions are now reflecting the perception that perhaps things aren't as ugly as previously thought.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Weekly Wrap

Well, it's looks as though my bullish stock market forecast is coming into fruition. In over this past month alone, the S&P 500 has climbed over one-hundred points, and finished this holiday-shortened week above that crucial 1300-point level.

Like I also said before, the economy isn't as bleak as is often reported, and investors may be starting to realize it. According to The Vanguard Group's economic week in review -
The economy continues its modest forward pace, without stoking higher inflation. In fact, this week's data show price increases decelerating, easing fears for the moment that the Fed's accommodative monetary policies are sowing the seeds of high inflation down the road. For the week ended January 20, the S&P 500 Index rose 2.0% to 1,315.38 (for a year-to-date total return—including price change plus dividends—of about +4.7%).
In this period of de-evolution, I think that's a good thing - and I'm expecting more gains to evolve.