Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Economic Journal - Wednesday, 2/13/2013

(As of 7:25 am PST)
 
Stocks are slightly higher on the morning after President Obama’s State of the Union address.  In his address, Obama touched on issues ranging from the economy to climate change and gun control.  His agenda for reviving the economy included raising the minimum wage, focusing on infrastructure spending and a possible trade pact with the European Union that would boost exports and create jobs.  Throughout his address, he made clear his advocacy for the hard-working middle class and a more responsible Congress.  The market is responding with complacency this morning.  January’s retail sales report showed sales rose 0.1%, in line with expectations.  In corporate news, shares of Comcast rallied 9% after announcing a 20% dividend hike and the repurchase of $2 billion in stock.  Comcast also announced a deal to buy out General Electric’s 49% equity stake in NBC Universal, a deal valued at roughly $16.7 billion.  European markets are higher and Japan’s Nikkei shed 1%.  Interest rates continue to melt up with the 10 year treasury yield breaking over 2% and oil is also higher.  It appears another mixed day is in the making.

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