Fisher Investments MarketMinder

MarketMinder is an online magazine bringing you economic and financial news analysis daily. Fisher Investments analysts scour hundreds of news sources to bring you the most pertinent and influential news of the day, providing insight and analysis to help you discern the 'noise' from the 'news' and ultimately make better investing decisions. MarketMinder opinions and analysis are based on the core philosophy of Fisher Investments.

Cover Stories

US Economy

(Growth) Dashing Through the Year

By, 12/23/2011

Thursday bore gifts a little early as indications of US growth continued and Congress reached an agreement.

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Trade

The Grinch Who Stole Free Trade

By, 12/22/2011

Tuesday, South American leaders did their best to mar what had so far been a pretty stellar year for free trade—but are they likely to achieve their aim?

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Columns

The Global View

In Defense of Britain

By, 12/15/2011

 An open letter to EU officials.  

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Book Reviews

Business in Review

Think Again!

By, 12/20/2011

Daniel Kahneman’s seminal compilation of his life’s work on the psychology of decision making encourages you to think…and then think again!

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Today's News Round-Up

Sensible Stories

House, Senate Clear Payroll-Tax Accord

By Siobhan Hughes, The Wall Street Journal, 12/23/2011

MarketMinder's View: After much political back-and-forth (as per the norm of late), Congress agreed to a two-month extension of the payroll tax cut. Expect more politicking when this comes up again next year. Either way, small, time-limited tax cuts like these aren’t nearly as impactful on the economy overall as folks hope.

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Market Misperceptions

S&P;: Banks Downgrade Threat Remains Despite ECB Funds

By Marc Jones, International Business Times, 12/23/2011

MarketMinder's View: We aren’t much surprised S&P; is standing behind its downgrade threat. Nor is a downgrade particularly surprising. As such, nor does it alter risk much looking forward. In our view, credit raters continue to deliver Johnny-come-lately opinions already largely absorbed by markets.

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Global Market Update

Market Wrap-Up, Fri 23 December 2011

Below is a market summary (as of market close Friday, 12/23/2011):

  • Global Equities: MSCI World (+0.8%)
  • US Equities: S&P; 500 (+0.9%)
  • UK Equities: FTSE 100 (GBP) (+1.0%)
  • Best Country: Australia (+1.4%)
  • Worst Country:  Japan (-0.0%)
  • Best Sector: Info. Tech (+0.9%)
  • Worst Sector: Financials (+0.6%)
  • Bond Yields: 10-year US Treasurys rose 0.08% to 2.03%.                             

Track the MSCI World Index via Bloomberg.com