Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and will have a wonderful holiday spend with family
Traditional Company X VANE
1 year ago
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Food for thought - Help someone!
One day, when I was a
freshman in high school,
I saw a kid from
my class was walking home from school..
His name was
Kyle.
It looked like he
was carrying all of his books.
I thought to
myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a
Friday?
He must really be
a nerd.'
I had quite a
weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow
afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.
As I was walking,
I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.
They ran at him,
knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the
dirt.
His glasses went
flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from
him..
He looked up and I
saw this terrible sadness in his eyes
My heart went out
to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his
glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.
As I handed him
his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are
jerks.'? ?
They really should
get lives.
' He looked at me
and said, 'Hey thanks!'
There was a big
smile on his face.
It was one of
those smiles that showed real gratitude.
I helped him
pick up his books, and asked him where he lived..
As it turned out,
he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him
before.
He said he had
gone to private school before now.
I would have never
hung out with a private school kid before.
We talked all the
way home, and I carried some of his books.
He turned out to
be a pretty cool kid..
I asked him if he
wanted to play a little football ?
with my
friends
He said
yes.
We hung out all
weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and
my? ? friends thought the
same of him.
Monday morning
came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books
again.
I stopped him and
said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile
of books everyday!
' He just laughed
and handed me half the books.
Over the next four
years, Kyle and I became best friends..
When we were
seniors we began to think about college..
Kyle decided
on Georgetown and I was going to
Duke.
I knew that we
would always be friends, that the miles would never
be a
problem.
He was going to be
a doctor and I was going for business on a football
scholarship..
Kyle was
valedictorian of our class.
I teased him all
the time about being a nerd.
He had to prepare
a speech for graduation.
I was so glad it
wasn't me having to get up there and speak
Graduation day, I
saw Kyle.
He looked
great.
He was one of
those guys that really found himself during high school.
He filled out and
actually looked good in glasses.
He had more dates
than I had and all the girls loved him.
Boy, sometimes I
was jealous!
Today was one of
those days.
I could see that
he was nervous about his speech.
So, I smacked him
on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!'
He looked at me
with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and
smiled.
' Thanks,' he
said.
As he started his
speech, he cleared his throat, and began
'Graduation is a
time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough
years.
Your parents, your
teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your
friends...
I am here to tell
all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give
them.
I am going to tell
you a story.'
I just looked at
my friend with disbelief as he told
the ?
first day we
met.
He had planned to
kill himself over the weekend.
He talked of how
he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and
was carrying his stuff home.
He looked hard at
me and gave me a little smile.
'Thankfully, I was
saved.
My friend saved me
from doing the unspeakable..'
I heard the gasp
go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his
weakest moment.
I saw his Mom and
dad looking at me and s miling that same grateful smile.
Not until that
moment did I realize it's depth.
Never
underestimate the power of your actions..
With one small
gesture you can change a person's life.
For better or for
worse.
'Friends are
angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how
to fly.'
There is no
beginning or end.. Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is a
mystery.
Today is a
gift.
WEEKLY ECONOMIC UPDATE - December 6, 2010
JOBLESS RATE INCREASES BY 0.2%
Unemployment hit 9.8% last month. The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics report said the economy only created 39,000 new jobs in November; economists expected three times that. After all, ADP reported 93,000 new positions in the private sector last Wednesday, and the revised government estimate for October showed the economy adding 172,000 jobs in that month. Labor Department figures indicate that the unemployed and underemployed now make up around 17% of the population.1,2
Unemployment hit 9.8% last month. The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics report said the economy only created 39,000 new jobs in November; economists expected three times that. After all, ADP reported 93,000 new positions in the private sector last Wednesday, and the revised government estimate for October showed the economy adding 172,000 jobs in that month. Labor Department figures indicate that the unemployed and underemployed now make up around 17% of the population.1,2
SECOND POLL GAUGES CONFIDENCE AT 5-MONTH HIGH
The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to 54.1 for November, reaching a peak unseen since June (which is exactly what happened last week with the University of Michigan’s consumer poll). Sub-indices measuring employment expectations and income expectations also improved.3
The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to 54.1 for November, reaching a peak unseen since June (which is exactly what happened last week with the University of Michigan’s consumer poll). Sub-indices measuring employment expectations and income expectations also improved.3
SOME GOOD NEWS FROM THE REAL ESTATE SECTOR
Pending home sales increased by 10.4% in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. This would seem to suggest better numbers for existing home sales in November. NAR’s pending home sales index is now back at the level it was before the appearance of the federal home buyer tax credit.4
Pending home sales increased by 10.4% in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. This would seem to suggest better numbers for existing home sales in November. NAR’s pending home sales index is now back at the level it was before the appearance of the federal home buyer tax credit.4
ISM INDEXES BOTH AT 55 OR BETTER
The closely-watched manufacturing and non-manufacturing sector surveys from the Institute for Supply Management show moderate growth. The manufacturing index declined to 56.6 from October’s 56.9 mark; the service sector index improved from 54.3 in October to 55.0 in November. The manufacturing index showed a 7.7% slump in production for November; the service sector index showed 4.0% gains in export orders and inventories.5
The closely-watched manufacturing and non-manufacturing sector surveys from the Institute for Supply Management show moderate growth. The manufacturing index declined to 56.6 from October’s 56.9 mark; the service sector index improved from 54.3 in October to 55.0 in November. The manufacturing index showed a 7.7% slump in production for November; the service sector index showed 4.0% gains in export orders and inventories.5
DECEMBER GETS OFF TO A BULLISH START
In the first three days of December, the S&P 500 gained 3.74% as Black Friday sales numbers and reassurance from the European Central Bank aided Wall Street. Gold closed at a record $1406.20 an ounce Friday. For the week, the big three U.S.indices performed as follows: DJIA, +2.62% to 11,382.09; S&P 500, +2.97% to 1,224.71; NASDAQ, +2.24% to 2,591.46 (its highest close in 35 months).6,7
In the first three days of December, the S&P 500 gained 3.74% as Black Friday sales numbers and reassurance from the European Central Bank aided Wall Street. Gold closed at a record $1406.20 an ounce Friday. For the week, the big three U.S.indices performed as follows: DJIA, +2.62% to 11,382.09; S&P 500, +2.97% to 1,224.71; NASDAQ, +2.24% to 2,591.46 (its highest close in 35 months).6,7
COMING NEXT WEEK: It is a light week in terms of major economic releases. Wednesday, we get initial and continuing jobless claims data and learn about October wholesale inventories. Thursday, we have the Universityof Michigan’s first consumer sentiment survey for December.
% CHANGE | Y-T-D | 1-YR CHG | 5-YR AVG | 10-YR AVG |
DJIA | +9.12 | +9.80 | +0.93 | +0.78 |
NASDAQ | +14.20 | +19.25 | +2.80 | -0.93 |
S&P 500 | +9.81 | +11.35 | -0.64 | -0.76 |
REAL YIELD | 12/3 RATE | 1 YR AGO | 5 YRS AGO | 10 YRS AGO |
10 YR TIPS | 0.86% | 1.24% | 2.16% | 4.03% |
Indices are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested into directly.
These returns do not include dividends.
WEEKLY QUOTE
“Nothing will ever be attempted, if all possible objections must be first overcome.”
– Samuel Johnson
– Samuel Johnson
WEEKLY TIP
Have you taken a Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA yet? If you are age 70½ or older, it’s time. If you are taking your very first RMD, you can put it off until April 1 of next year - but if you do that, you’ll have to take two RMDs in 2011. The RMD deadline for most IRA owners aged 70½ or older is December 31.
WEEKLY RIDDLE
What do these words have in common: pig, pony, bob, dove and cotton?
Last week’s riddle:
What has exactly three feet, but not a single toe?
What has exactly three feet, but not a single toe?
Last week’s answer:
A yardstick.
Please feel free to forward this article to family, friends or colleagues.
If you would like us to add them to our distribution list, please reply with their address.
We will contact them first and request their permission to add them to our list.
If you would like us to add them to our distribution list, please reply with their address.
We will contact them first and request their permission to add them to our list.
C.W. Copeland
"Your Personal CFO"
C.W. Copeland & Associates
Lifestyle Management Advisors
194 Centennial Way, NW
"Your Personal CFO"
C.W. Copeland & Associates
Lifestyle Management Advisors
194 Centennial Way, NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Securities offered through Resource Horizons Group, L.L.C.
Member FINRA, SIPC
Advisory services offered through Resource Horizons Investment Advisory
1350 Church St. Ext. Third Floor
Marietta, GA 30060
Office 770 319-1970
Member FINRA, SIPC
Advisory services offered through Resource Horizons Investment Advisory
1350 Church St. Ext. Third Floor
Marietta, GA 30060
Office 770 319-1970
WEEKLY ECONOMIC UPDATE - November 29, 2010
CONSUMERS SPEND, BUT FED REVISES ITS FORECAST
The latest Commerce Department data shows consumer spending at +0.4% for October and +2.8% for 3Q 2010. Personal incomes rose by 0.5% last month, and the federal government revised its 3Q economic growth estimate north to +2.5%. Still, the FOMC minutes from November 3 weren't encouraging: the Federal Reserve thinks unemployment could stay above 9% in 2011, and it feels inflation could remain below 2% until 2013. The Fed's GDP forecast for 2010 was revised down to the range of 2.4-2.5%, which is hardly what is needed to reduce joblessness.1,2
The latest Commerce Department data shows consumer spending at +0.4% for October and +2.8% for 3Q 2010. Personal incomes rose by 0.5% last month, and the federal government revised its 3Q economic growth estimate north to +2.5%. Still, the FOMC minutes from November 3 weren't encouraging: the Federal Reserve thinks unemployment could stay above 9% in 2011, and it feels inflation could remain below 2% until 2013. The Fed's GDP forecast for 2010 was revised down to the range of 2.4-2.5%, which is hardly what is needed to reduce joblessness.1,2
DEMAND LAGS IN HOUSING MARKET
Will that demand increase by next spring? Hopefully. Existing home sales were down 2.2% in October according to the National Association of Realtors. The Census Bureau said new home sales slipped by 8.1% last month, with the average price of a new home falling by a shocking 14.0%. Only 23,000 new homes were bought in the U.S. in October, and new home sales were down 28.5% in year-over-year terms.3,4
Will that demand increase by next spring? Hopefully. Existing home sales were down 2.2% in October according to the National Association of Realtors. The Census Bureau said new home sales slipped by 8.1% last month, with the average price of a new home falling by a shocking 14.0%. Only 23,000 new homes were bought in the U.S. in October, and new home sales were down 28.5% in year-over-year terms.3,4
CONSUMER SENTIMENT HITS A 5-MONTH PEAK
The final Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for November rose to 71.6, the best reading since 76.0 in June and above the consensus 69.5 forecast of economists polled by Reuters. The sub-indexes measuring consumer expectations and current economic conditions were also at highs unseen since June.5
The final Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for November rose to 71.6, the best reading since 76.0 in June and above the consensus 69.5 forecast of economists polled by Reuters. The sub-indexes measuring consumer expectations and current economic conditions were also at highs unseen since June.5
UNEXPECTED DROP IN DURABLE GOODS ORDERS
The Commerce Department reported a 3.3% decline in the category, on the heels of an upwardly revised 5.0% gain for September. The month-over-month drop in hard goods orders was the largest since January 2009.1
The Commerce Department reported a 3.3% decline in the category, on the heels of an upwardly revised 5.0% gain for September. The month-over-month drop in hard goods orders was the largest since January 2009.1
NASDAQ ADVANCES DURING ABBREVIATED WEEK
The NASDAQ gained 0.65% across three-and-a-half trading days to settle at 2,534.56 at Friday's closing bell. The Dow was down 1.00% for the week, closing Friday at 11,091.87; the S&P 500 lost 0.86% last week, settling at 1,189.40 Friday.6
The NASDAQ gained 0.65% across three-and-a-half trading days to settle at 2,534.56 at Friday's closing bell. The Dow was down 1.00% for the week, closing Friday at 11,091.87; the S&P 500 lost 0.86% last week, settling at 1,189.40 Friday.6
COMING NEXT WEEK: Tuesday, we have the September Case-Shiller index of home prices and the Conference Board's latest consumer confidence poll. Wednesday, we get the November ISM manufacturing report and the Fed's December Beige Book, along with data on November auto sales and October construction spending. Thursday, we receive data on October pending home sales plus the latest reports on jobless claims. Friday, we get November's unemployment report, the November ISM service sector report, and data on October factory orders.
% CHANGE | Y-T-D | 1-YR CHG | 5-YR AVG | 10-YR AVG |
DJIA | +6.37 | +6.81 | +0.29 | +0.52 |
NASDAQ | +11.70 | +18.52 | +2.40 | -1.20 |
S&P 500 | +6.66 | +8.97 | -1.24 | -1.18 |
REAL YIELD | 11/26 RATE | 1 YR AGO | 5 YRS AGO | 10 YRS AGO |
10 YR TIPS | 0.75% | 1.15% | 2.05% | 4.03% |
Indices are unmanaged, do not incur fees or expenses, and cannot be invested into directly.
These returns do not include dividends.
WEEKLY QUOTE
"Part of being a champ is acting like a champ. You have to learn how to win and not run away when you lose."
- Nancy Kerrigan
- Nancy Kerrigan
WEEKLY TIP
If you're financing a new car, look for the best interest rate before setting foot in the dealership. It could be to your advantage to take a cash rebate and get a loan elsewhere.
WEEKLY RIDDLE
What has exactly three feet, but not a single toe?
Last week's riddle:
A coin lies inside an otherwise empty bottle that has a cork inserted in its neck. How can you remove this coin without removing the cork or breaking the bottle?
A coin lies inside an otherwise empty bottle that has a cork inserted in its neck. How can you remove this coin without removing the cork or breaking the bottle?
Last week's answer:
Push the cork into the bottle and put the bottle upside down to let the coin out.
Please feel free to forward this article to family, friends or colleagues.
If you would like us to add them to our distribution list, please reply with their address.
We will contact them first and request their permission to add them to our list.
If you would like us to add them to our distribution list, please reply with their address.
We will contact them first and request their permission to add them to our list.
Regards,
C.W. Copeland
"Your Personal CFO"
C.W. Copeland & Associates
Lifestyle Management Advisors
194 Centennial Way, NW
"Your Personal CFO"
C.W. Copeland & Associates
Lifestyle Management Advisors
194 Centennial Way, NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Securities offered through Resource Horizons Group, L.L.C.
Member FINRA, SIPC
Advisory services offered through Resource Horizons Investment Advisory
1350 Church St. Ext. Third Floor
Marietta, GA 30060
Office 770 319-1970
Member FINRA, SIPC
Advisory services offered through Resource Horizons Investment Advisory
1350 Church St. Ext. Third Floor
Marietta, GA 30060
Office 770 319-1970
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
