What is good is bad!

By Darrin Stobaugh

What is good is bad!

So it appears the 10-year Notes have experienced a rally not seen since April.  What is fueling this?  The jump in jobless benefits and now a change in view that the Federal Reserve may increase the monetary stimuli.  When parts of the economy are in need of help, it improves the Bonds.  I know this is Bond Market 101, but it just seems crazy sometimes day to day.  So let’s look at the bright side.  Additional stimulus to the monetary policy is good, as that should keep rates low for not only home lending, but business lending as well.  This helps improve the economy but degrades the Bonds.  For more of the Good News Bad News Bears, check out: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-08-23/treasury-yields-near-one-week-lows-as-u-s-jobless-claims-rise.html

Federal Contradiction?

It appears that one Federal Reserve Chief is trying to dampen the thought of the Federal Reserve adding more stimuli to the monetary policy.  St. Louis President, James Bullard, was said to have been “sent on a mission of clarity”, analysts said.  In his opinion, the FOMC release was “a bit stale”, and stated he was opposed to further easing of the monetary policies.  The bright side of this is that he is only one of the Presidents of the Federal Reserve, and that there are still others that do back the possibility, although since the release of the minutes yesterday from the quarterly meeting, they have not come out and said as much.  For more Federal contemplation, click: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-stocks-retreat-as-stimulus-debated-2012-08-23?link=MW_story_popular

Is Reality Catching up With Fantasy?

It appears it has.  The Star Wars hover bike has been developed!!  No more bumpy bides or terrain you cannot bike across!  This hover bike, developed by Aerofex, have designed and built the Star Wars-like bike and while it has its limitations, like not going 90 mph or turning on a dime around trees, it still is quite a bike!  For more out of this world creation, hover your mouse over: http://thefw.com/real-life-star-wars-speeder-bikes-may-be-on-the-way/

Today’s rates are starting their decline, hovering down by a couple jumps!

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A Greek Tragedy?

By Darrin Stobaugh

A Greek Tragedy?

Maybe not.  Treasuries fell today after a 3 day run due to the possibility that a proposal on how to ease Greece’s bailout program will limit the debt crisis in Europe and that further US stimulus will not materialize.  While this is only the beginning stages, any single factor could change the outlook and actions of both Europe and the US, so by no means is this a for sure thing, but it does affect the daily fluctuation of the Treasury yields.  The bright side of this is that the US Home sales report is expected to show that home sales rose in July, which shows growth and added confidence in the US economy.  For more yielding action, check out:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-08-21/u-s-10-year-rate-nears-2-month-high-on-central-bank-speculation.html

A Golden Tale!

Gold rose today by 1.2% based on the news out of China that it would be easing their monetary policy and planning new stimulus actions during the last half of 2012.  Gold moved to its highest level since May.  What is the bright side of this move?  Dollar-centric commodities usually rise on a weaker dollar, which is what happens when Gold rises, because these commodities get less expensive to buy for investors that hold in other currencies.  For more golden news click: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/gold-futures-rise-on-stimulus-hints-weak-dollar-2012-08-21?link=MW_Nav_NV

UFO’s prefer Mars to earth?

Well not quite, if you count the amount of UFO sightings on Earth, but a picture from the Mars Rover has peaked some UFO watchers curiosity.  The Curiosity Rover has sent back some very interesting pictures since it’s landing on Mars, but most of what is seen is open to speculation as to what it is.  One gentleman, Marc Dantonio a video analyst says that after running filters, that these anomalies are only one pixel sized and are just an abnormality of the pixel, not an actual object.  For more roving news, land you mouse on: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/21/ufos-on-mars-curiosity-rover_n_1813726.html

Today’s rates are not out of this world, but they have been trending up by jumps over last week!

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Treasury Yields High!

By Darrin Stobaugh

Treasury Yields High!

The 10-year yields have fluctuated up to a three month high.  The 30-year bonds did not have as much motion or highs, even though the Federal Reserve purchased $1.9 billion in Treasuries as part of their continued programs to strengthen the US Economy.  The bright side is that, these yields represent a feeling that the Feds will not add to their monetary stimulus program, which would seem that even in the face of current housing start data and unemployment numbers that investors feel that the US Economy is on the upswing.  For more yielding news, check out:   http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-08-16/treasury-yields-rise-to-three-month-high-before-housing-report.html

Summer Dull Drums?

Not per speculation on Wall Street, who is seeing low trading volume and expect to see it at these levels for a few more weeks.  It appears investors are holding back and not making big changes or switching their investing structures until at least two upcoming events that could require a change in direction for investors.  One is the Federal Reserve which has stated that rates will remain low for now, but that changes are coming, and the second is the European Central Bank’s stance that it will do whatever it takes to preserve the euro.  What is the bright side of this?  The lull allows for market introspection and with lower volumes and smaller moves, it is easier to get a grasp again on the landscape.  Think of letting the dust settle if you will.  For more of the dull drums, click:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/trading-volume-drop-cant-just-be-blamed-on-summer-2012-08-16

Pedicure anyone?

So a good business person would take this opportunity to get “resources” on the cheap!  Apparently there is a floating “island” of Pumice Stones floating off the coast of New Zealand.  The “island” measures 300 miles long and 30 miles wide!  It is made up of air and light volcanic rock produced by underwater volcanoes.  They say it poses no threat to ships, but Godzilla’s bunions better look out!  For more exfoliating coverage, scrub your mouse over: http://weather.aol.com/2012/08/13/huge-pumice-island-spotted-in-pacific/#page=1

Today’s rates could use a little pumicing as they are still trending up!

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Still Safe in the US!

By Darrin Stobaugh

Still Safe in the US!

As Treasuries climb and yields slide to record lows due to continued speculation that Greece’s failure to achieve their bailout targets and worsen the European debt crisis, has made US Treasuries the safest place for investor’s money.  On the bright side, money from around the world is coming to the US, which helps bolster the US economy.  For more safe news, check out: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-23/treasury-10-year-yield-touches-record.html

Oil slips on Europe!

Crude oil has declined dramatically today as the European debt crisis continues to weigh on the speculation of demand for crude oil.  On the bright side, the less oil costs, usually the cost of gas declines, which allows Americans to have more spendable cash for housing or consumer goods, which both boost our economy.  For more slick news on oil, click: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/oil-extends-loss-as-stocks-sell-off-2012-07-23

Our prayers!

Usually we post news of the Weird here, but we find it more poignant to take this space to take a moment to send our prayers and good thoughts to the victims and their families of the Denver, Colorado shooting.  So please join us in a moment of silence………….

Thank you!

Today’s rates are slick as oil and sliding down by a few ticks!

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Funnies for Friday – Friday the 13th!

By Darrin Stobaugh

Funnies for Friday – Friday the 13^th!

So, here we go with the Friday the 13th list!

-Hotels and skyscrapers have no 13th floor (well, there’s the 14th floor…You know what floor that is.)

-Airplanes have no 13th aisle

-Friday was execution day in most of ancient Europe.

-Jesus died on a Friday, and was betrayed by his 13th disciple

-A remedy for Friday the 13’s bad luck is to stand on top of a skyscraper and burn all of your socks with holes in them

-Another remedy is to stand on your head and eat some gristle

-The Latin term for the irrational fear of this day is paraskevidekatriaphobia

-there have been 3 Friday the 13s arriving throughout 2009

-hospitals have no room 13

-some people are so afraid of this day that they refuse to leave their bed

-A group in France was made for the sole purpose of filling in parties with only 13 guests with last minute guests so they didn’t have only 13 people in their party

-Franklin D. Roosevelt never traveled on the 13th day of any month.

-Jason voorhees is a name with 13 characters in it.

Read more: Friday the 13th Superstitions | Cracked.com http://www.cracked.com/funny-3035-friday-13th-superstitions/#ixzz20WXER682

President Franklin D. Roosevelt would never host 13 guests at a meal. Napoleon and President Herbert Hoover were also triskaidekaphobia, with an abnormal fear of the number 13.

Mark Twain once was the 13th guest at a dinner party. A friend warned him not to go. “It was bad luck,” Twain later told the friend. “They only had food for 12.” Superstitious diners in Paris can hire a quatorzieme, or professional 14th guest.

This fear of Friday the 13th can be serious business, according to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, N.C., which, among other things, offers therapy to help people overcome their fear of the freaky Friday. Their estimates suggest hundreds of millions of dollars, up to $900 million are lost due to people’s fear of flying or doing the business as usual that day, though that number isn’t backed up with other estimates

Fittingly, director of psychological thrillers Alfred Hitchcock was born on the 13th — Friday, Aug. 13, 1999, would have been his 100th birthday. Perhaps aptly titled “Number 13,” a film that was supposed to be Hitchcock’s directorial debut never made it past the first few scenes and was shut down due to financial problems. He allegedly said the film wasn’t very interesting. (Meanwhile, Fidel Castro was born on Friday the 13th, in August 1926.)

Today’s rates are a victim of Friday the 13^th; they are trending up a tick!

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UK not OK!

By Darrin Stobaugh

UK not OK!

The Bank of England Governor Mervyn King said that the U.K. economy isn’t showing “great signs” of coming back after their recession.  Although the Olympics may give them a temporary boost.  On the bright side, European Union officials stated they will pump as much as 100 billion Euros ($123 billion) in emergency loans to strengthen Spain’s banks.  For more OK news, check out: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-10/treasuries-snap-three-day-gain-before-debt-sales.html

Stocks drop but Dollar gains!

As we enter into earnings season, stocks are down, negating gains from Monday.  One fifth of the S&P 500 is driven by commodities, and when the dollar gains, the commodity prices decline, bringing down the S&P 500.  On the bright side, the gain in the dollar is a good sign of stability in the world economy.  For more ups and downs click: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-stocks-climb-on-european-steps-2012-07-10

Worming out of aging!

So you probably never thought or wished you were a worm, but you may have wished or wanted to be an Astronaut.  Well, you may want to re-think part of that. It seems in space travel worms age more slowly.  For more squirmy news, slither over to: http://on.aol.com/video/517414327/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cpopular-videos-5min-main%7Csec5_lnk2%7C175872

Today’s rates are worming their way down further today!

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Brussels Bust?

By Darrin Stobaugh

Brussels Bust?

The yields on the 10-year note hit the lowest point in over a month based on the prospect that the finance ministers that are meeting in Brussels will be a bust and no agreement on the debt crisis will be reached.  On the bright side, Federal Bank of Chicago President Charles Evans has stated that he feels the central bank should move aggressively to cut jobless rates.  For more Bonding information, check out: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-09/u-s-yield-is-11-basis-points-from-low-on-qe3-outlook.html

Policy Makers Sober and Vigilant?

Well per the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank president, John Williams, that is exactly what is needed to increase the pace of job creation.  Speaking at the banker’s convention in Idaho, he equates the progress of brining the unemployment rate down is running at a snail’s pace.  Because the European governments are in “slow motion” with their responses, being almost frozen in indecision, that has given Williams a “subdued outlook” for the economy.  On the bright side, he states that it is essential to provide sufficient monetary accommodation to keep the economy moving forward to achieve the employment and price stability they have mandated.  For more Fed quotes, click: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/feds-williams-sounds-alarm-on-outlook-2012-07-09

Roswell 65 years later!

On this, the 65^th anniversary of the Roswell, N.M. story in the Roswell Daily Record of the “RAAF Captures Flying Saucer On Ranch in Roswell Region”, and ex-CIA agent has come forth with news that the object was from outside this world and did have alien cadavers in it.  Secret Vaults and boxes, no detail, seems to me that really isn’t clarity, but I can also assume the use of the word “cadaver” means ET isn’t phoning home anytime soon!  For more “details”, hover your mouse over: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/08/roswell-ufo-cia-agent-chase-brandon_n_1657077.html

Today’s rates are not out of this world, but are doing well; they are trending down by a good jump from Friday!

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Happy 4th of July!!

By Darrin Stobaugh

Happy 4^th of July!!

Please be safe out there!!!

Happy Birthday Chris!

By Darrin Stobaugh

We have an executive birthday today!!!!

Our esteemed EVP Chris Urani‘s birthday is today!

We here at The Guardian Watch want to wish him a very special Happy Birthday and we won’t ask how old he is, but rumor has it, he has installed safety rails in his bathroom and signed up for AARP to get their cell phone with extra large numbers on it!

Seriously, we really hope one of our Elite family members makes this one of his best days and enjoys himself!

Happy Birthday Chris!!!

How low will it go?

By Darrin Stobaugh

How low will it go?

The Treasury five-year notes auction seems to be in a position for record low yields in the $35 billion sale.  We won’t know how much of a record low until the end of the auction, but it is pretty clear it will be strikingly low as US government debt is the “go to” place for investors looking to try and shield themselves again the world’s financial market turbulence.  On the bright sides, a report reflects that durable goods orders increased higher than had been expected and the Federal Reserve bought $1.98 billion in longer-term Treasuries facilitated by the Operation Twist program.  For more Treasure Refugees, check out: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-27/treasuries-snap-loss-on-speculation-manufacturing-to-slow.html

Home sales finally climbing?

It appears so, so this whole story is the bright side!  The Commerce Department reported that pending sales shot up to 5.9% in May, which is a 2 year high!  Underlying that news was S&P/Case-Shiller reporting that April had seen home prices increased for the first time since autumn!  I smell Spring and Summer Fever!  You know, the time when families choose to shop for homes because the winter is over and it is more pleasant to shop for homes that will close in the summer so that they don’t disrupt their children’s school year.  For more of the bright side, click: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/pending-home-sales-climb-to-two-year-high-in-may-2012-06-27

The great Garlic Caper!

It seems that someone or multiple someones are either throwing the biggest pasta party in the world and are trying to do it on the cheap, or there is a massive panic in Austria about Vampires!  Either way, how do you steal 9.5 tons of garlic?!  Per the perps, start in Spain and pack 3 vans to overflowing and drive across Europe.  No word on if they were given breath mints when they were arrested.  For more of this odoriferous crime, plug your nose and press your mouse over to: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/27/garlic-theft-austria-tons_n_1630192.html

Today’s rates are stinky too, they are trending up by a few ticks!

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