Daily Intent

The seed was planted in the summer of 2007.  However, the tree bearing awing fruit displayed its art form in 2008.  Dark colors bled through.  Mathematical anomalies multiplied outward having no respect for industrial, political or country boundaries.  Failing banks and Mr. Madoff challenged our trust.  Billionaires were made on record oil prices to only have their dollars tarred valueless in the second half of the year.   Green came into focus with the green energy companies in huge demand during the summer months eventually suffering  along with oil prices.  China colored the tapestry with dramatically deep reds: protests, oppression, Tibet, Olympic preparation delays, intense economic demands, ultimately putting on a near flawless Olympic games and catching the world economic flu.  Michael Phelps asked our hearts to grow with courage and strength.  Celtics vs Lakers left us still, “anything is possible!” Obama and Hilary accented it all with stars, stripes and most importantly HOPE.

The aftermath won’t be quite so dramatic.  Cleaning up and mending wounds is not sexy or fun.  It requires putting your head down and taking one step forward.  You focus on the task at hand.  You get’er done.

Buzzword: Clean Your Skirts
“A slang phrase used in the equity market to refer to a trader’s obligation to make calls and check possible prior obligations related to a security transaction. Prior obligations may include confirming certain transaction details, such as limit prices or conditional events.

Most larger transactions, like those executed by financial institutions, require that traders clean their skirts. Before a trader is able to fill such an order, he or she will usually confirm the order is still executable; this will confirm that the trade is within the price limit and meets all of the client’s conditions for an appropriate quantity.”  -Investopedia

Six Points to Ponder:
1. The New Year kicks off with stronger market numbers.  Lower Mortgage Rates continue freeing up much needed capital…helps weather the storm for many families.
2. The Dow at 8599.  S&P 500 at 890. Nasdaq at 1571.  Oil at $45.
3. Job report unsettling numbers, 7.2%.  The markets are responding poorly today as a result.  Outlook is grim.  Retailers suffer through the holidays, even WalMart.
4. Obama gave a speech this morning hoping to ensure us all his market savings package will be strong, forceful and effective.
5. Israeli and Palestinian conflict grows worse.
6. Florida, behind the bulldozer Tebow, wins the National Championship.  Utah sits on the sideline with a perfect record and convincing win over Alabama.  Texas and USC too carry on a pride of greatest team in the nation.

Positives:
* The low rates continue.  My business is near the $100K savings mark over the course of just next year for my clients.  It couldn’t be more timely.
* Unemployment.  Companies are trimming the fat.  They are working to become more efficient.  Upon doing so, the markets will take full notice.  Stock prices will begin reflecting efficient businesses.  Next will be Americans view on a positive future.   Spending will pick up.  The markets will actually begin to recover as businesses begin making money.
* Obama’s first 100 days will be focused on spending billions, cutting taxes, and any other action to encourage movement by Americans.  4 million jobs created.  Could you see yourself working for the government?

Negatives:
* Lucas, the sports guy, says “a playoff system wouldn’t work.  Right now, every game throughout the season IS like a playoff game because of the magnitude of the rating system.  Example: The Texas’ cornerback dropping the interceptions vs Texas Tech was the play that ruined their hopes of National Champion.”
* Higher unemployment numbers to come.  We haven’t hit the peak according to most economists.
* The markets aren’t performing any better this new year.  I’m still holding on to the 8000 pt Dow threshold.  Should we break through this point for more than a couple days, we’ll have another wave of bad news.
* Middle Eastern conflict.  Will our generation figure this out?

Local:
What Makes a Planet Earth-like?
Where: Museum of Natural History
When: Tonight
Cost: $3- $6
Why: Satisfy your intrigue for science and outer space.

Live and Be Well,

Jeff Bochsler