Category: Market Watch

The major indexes recorded new highs throughout much of the week, as evidence suggested the U.S. and other major economies were continuing to grow. First-quarter earnings reporting season also got under way. Analysts have lowered earnings expectations considerably, although some hope that might leave room for more positive surprises as the season unwinds over the coming few weeks. Markets moved higher through Thursday, as some positive signals suggested that the recovery remained on track and helped assuage concerns over the previous week’s disappointing monthly jobs report. Investors were particularly encouraged to see a sharp drop in weekly jobless claims, which had been creeping upward over the past month. Growth signals from the world’s second- and third-largest economies were also positive. China reported a strong rise in imports, while hopes continued to grow that economic stimulus programs in Japan would push the economy out of its doldrums. Tokyo-based analysts believe the … Continue reading Weekly Market Summary