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With the European bank stress tests and the first wave of second quarter earnings reports out of the way, this week brings a full slate of economic data in the United States. The report likely to get the most attention this week is the report on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for the second quarter of 2010. It is another busy week for ……

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www.mwboone.com/library/Weekly_Economic_Commentary_7_26_10

 Over the past week, the LPL Financial Current Conditions Index was relatively unchanged at 234. The level of the CCI indicates an environment fostering solid growth in the economy and markets. We expect that the CCI may weaken in the latter half of 2010 to reflect an environment of slow growth……

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www.mwboone.com/library/Current_Condition_Index_7_28_10

While information on the economy, European bank stress tests, and corporate earnings helped to lift the markets last week, it may have been the hint that tax rates may not be going up as much as expected in 2011 that got investors the most excited. Based on comments from last week, the party consensus among congressional Democrats on taxes seems to be ……

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www.mwboone.com/library/Weekly_Market_Commentary_7_26_10

 Corporate earnings reports for the recently completed second quarter, the results of the European bank “stress tests”, and testimony from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke will dominate this week, as the economic calendar in the United States turns relatively quiet. With the Chinese ……

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www.mwboone.com/library/Weekly_Economic_Commentary_7_19_10

Elevated volatility has been an enduring characteristic of the markets in recent years. Friday’s sharp pullback of about -2.9% in the S&P 500 after a 7% run up in the prior nine days was a reminder that volatility remains high even on a daily basis. This is due, in part, to the ……

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www.mwboone.com/library/Weekly_Market_Commentary_7_19_10

Despite fireworks in the markets, last week was a relatively calm one for economic data and macro events. This week, however, will see a noticeable pickup in events. Data in the U.S. this week includes reports on manufacturing for July, retail sales, consumer prices and industrial production for June, and merchandise trade ……

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www.mwboone.com/library/Weekly_Economic_Commentary_7_12_10

Last week resulted in the biggest weekly gain for the stock market, measured by the S&P 500, in about a year. The rebound completely erased the prior week’s 5% decline. Commodities also rose. Increased risk appetite by investors was also evident in the bond market. Economically sensitive High-Yield Bonds rallied while the safe haven ……

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We can expect a quiet week this week, for a change. The shortened holiday week will yield little economic data, the calm before the start of the earnings season next week, and little on the political agenda as Congress heads out of town for the week long Fourth of July holiday recess. However, next week heats up with a spate of important economic data: ……

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www.mwboone.com/library/Weekly_Market_Commentary_7_6_10

This week (July 5-12) is shaping up to be one of the quietest weeks of the year on the United States economic calendar. On the policy front, the Federal Reserve (Fed) is in vacation mode this week as well. However, major central banks overseas — the European Central Bank (ECB), the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), and the Bank of England (BOE) — will meet to set policy this week ……

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The status of the U.S. consumer in June (on both the spending and employment fronts) will likely dominate as the calendar turns from June to July. There are a few reports due out this week on the Chinese economy in June, and the data calendar in Europe is relatively heavy. On the policy front, although the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting is now in the rear view mirror, overseas central banks have a busy week ahead. Early in the week ……

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www.mwboone.com/library/Weekly_Economic_Commentary_6_28_10