Investigating Tax Pros

If you'll be getting help with your taxes this year, you probably want to make sure its the best help around. Stacy Johnson has a few tips to make sure your choice for a paid tax professional adds up. MoneyTalks Show

Stocks flop; Oil tops $102

eb. 28 - U.S. stocks fell nearly one percent on Thursday as signs of economic weakness and oil at a new $102 record caused investor unease. The Dow fell 112 points to 12,582. The S&P 500 lost 12 points to 1,367. The Nasdaq gave up 22 points to 2,331. Crude oil surged to close at a new record of $102.59 a barrel.Reuters Video

Google in the hot seat

Feb. 28 - Google unveils several new applications, but Wall Street focuses on weak click through numbers. Google is under a microscope. The search engine, which not too long ago seemed untouchable, is finding itself under pressure. Bobbi Rebell reports.Reuters Video

2-27-08 Coinstar Inc. (CSTR)

While you’re crying about the recession on a mechanical unicorn, Coinstar Inc. (CSTR) is padding their bottom line.

Starbucks closes...temporarily!

Feb 25 - Coffee chain Starbucks shut down its stores Tuesday evening for a mass training session. The java giant is hoping to give its business a boost as it prepares to battle with new rival McDonald's, which will be serving espresso based drinks. Meanwhile Dunkin Donuts offered its espresso based drinks for 99 cents. Bobbi Rebell reports..Reuters Video

IBM buyback boosts stocks

eb 25 - U.S. stocks were higher for the third day in a row, driven in part by energy shares after oil hit a new high.All three major US indexes closed with gains, boosted in part by technology shares. IBM announced a $15 billion dollar buyback, that could boost 2008 earnings. Bobbi Rebell reports.Reuters Video

Using Kids as Tax Deductions

Raising children isn't easy...or cheap. But this time of year, those dependents can save you money on your taxes. And now the rules about who qualifies as your dependent have changed to better reflect our society.Money Talks News

Take-Two soars on takeover bid

Feb 25 - Shares of Take-Two Interactive closed above the $26 bid from rival EA, indicating shareholders want more money.Reuters Video

A volatile day on Wall Street

Feb 25 - The two biggest U.S. bond insurers get a vote of confidence from Standard and Poor's, sparking a rally in stocks.Reuters Video

Loosing with Refund Anticipation Loans

Every year, millions of Americans take out loans on their tax refunds...and every year tax preparation companies rake in millions in interest and fees. These controversial loans haven't escaped the notice of consumer advocates...and now Uncle Sam is weighing in. Money Talks News

2-25-08 LifeCell Corp. (LIFC)

Oh, what a pity, when someone needs pig-skin to look pretty. LifeCell Corp. (LIFC)

HP leads tech party

eb. 20 - U.S. investors shook-off inflation worries and record-setting oil prices, to concentrate on strong quarterly results from tech stalwart Hewlett-Packard. The Dow gained 90 points to 12,427. The S&P 500 rose 11 points to 1,360. The Nasdaq climbed 20 points to 2,327. Crude oil closed at a new record of $100.70 a barrel.

Speaker: Paul Homsy, chief executive, Crescent Asset Management

Conway Gittens reports from New York. Reuters Video

Digital animals rule toy fair

Feb. 20 - A life-like golden retriever that responds to touch and your command was one of the highlights at this year's American International Toy Fair. Elmo made a return appearance in a new form involving story-telling. Toymakers invested in sophisticated technology to integrate the analog and digital worlds.




Speakers:
* Jim Silver, Editor in Chief, Toy Wishes Magazine
* Al Verrecchia, President & CEO, Hasbro
* Neil Friedman, President, Mattel Brands

Diane King reports from New York.Reuters Video

Shaken, stirred or flipped?

Feb. 21 - Cuba hosts one of the world's premier bartending competitions, the International Cocktail Grand Prix. Bartenders from 30 countries gathered to compete in the event. Lindsay Claiborn reports.Reuters Video

Recession fears strike back

Feb. 21 - U.S. stocks fell more than 1 percent on Thursday as two anemic economic reports put fear of a recession back on the minds of investors. The Dow lost 142 points to 12,284. The S&P 500 lost 17 poInts to 1,342. The Nasdaq posted a 27 point deficit to 2,299. Crude oil snapped a five-day winning streak.

Conway Gittens reports from New York.Reuters Video

US seeks private sector fix for housing

Feb. 21 - The Bush administration is cool to the idea of a government bailout for U.S. homeowners facing foreclosure. U.S. Treasury Undersecretary for Domestic Finance Robert Steel told the Reuters Housing Summit on Thursday that the next 30 to 60 days will provide a much better gauge of efforts by the Hope Now alliance of mortgage lenders and servicers to keep troubled borrowers from losing their homes.

Speaker:
U.S. Treasury Undersecretary for Domestic Finance Robert Steel

Deborah Lutterbeck reportsReuters Video

2-22-08 Coca-Cola Co. (KO)

Julie gets Coked up for today’s show…and maybe tomorrow’s too. Coca-Cola Co. (KO)

Taxes: Software vs Accountants

While taxes may be as certain as death, how you file them is up in the air. You can do them yourself, go to an accountant, or use your computer. Today money reporter Stacy Johnson explores the cost and benefits of each. MoneyTalks News

CARE About Bankruptcy

There's been a lot of talk...and some action...lately when it comes to helping people over their heads in debt. But maybe if these lessons were learned earlier, there would be less need for intervention today. MoneyTalks News

Stocks fizzle as oil hits $100

Feb 19 - U.S. stocks erased a sharp rally as oil prices closed above $100 a barrel for the first time.The Dow shed 10 points to 12,337. The S&P 500 lost more than a point to 1,348. The Nasdaq lost 15 points to 2,306. Crude oil surged to $100.01 a barrel.Reuters Video

2-20-08 NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (NDAQ)

Once you go NASDAQ, you never go back. NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (NDAQ)

Taxes: Do You Have to File?

Don't you hate filing taxes? Well, millions of people don't even have to file a return. But if you think that sounds lucky, you might want to think again

2-19-08 Gold

We ain’t saying she’s a gold digger….

Taxes: Free Help From The IRS

Every year millions of Americans line up to pay professionals to do their taxes. But needing professional help doesn't mean you need to pay for it. Money reporter Stacy Johnson explains who qualifies for free professional help, free electronic filing... and free advice.MoneyTalksNews

Stocks quiet in pre-holiday trade

Feb. 15 - U.S. stocks finished slightly mixed with the Dow and Nasdaq dented by consumer worries. The Dow slipped 28 points to 12,348. The S&P 500 gained a point. The Nasdaq shed 10 points to 2,321.
Oil prices settled above $95 a barrel.
Conway Gittens reports from New York. Reuters Video

2-15-08 Wallstrip Chat: Michiel de Boer

Julie sits down with Michiel de Boer, community director at Zecco.com, to discuss how to take the lonely out of trading.

Travel sites plan overseas itinerary

Feb. 14 - As growth slows in the US, online travel agencies are finding big opportunities in Europe and Asia. Thanks to new technology, online travel agencies are able to move into new territories around the world to expand their businesses. Bobbi Rebell reports. Reuters Video

Cloud 9 Valentine's Day weddings

eb. 14 - Couples tied the knot atop New York's Empire State Building on Valentine's Day. The Empire State building is the scene of romance in many tearjerkers.

Fred Katayama reports.Reuters Video

Valentine's high tech love

Feb 13 - After you've racked your brain over the traditional Valentine's gifts and come up dry, some experts say gadgets are increasingly more appreciated.For a take on what gadgets to get - it's all about media this Valentine's day; the iPod Nano, LG Venus mobile phone, and digital picture frames rank high on the list.Diane King reports from New York.Reuters Video

Stocks knocked down by Bernanke

Feb. 14 - U.S. stocks suffered their biggest sell-off in two weeks after the head of the Federal Reserve forecast weak growth and new credit worries surfaced. The Dow lost 175 points to 12,376. The S&P 500 gave up 18 points to 1,348. The Nasdaq tumbled 41 points to 2,332. Oil hit $95 a barrel.

Conway Gittens reports from New York.Reuters Video

Checks are in the mail

Feb 13 - President Bush signed the largest fiscal spending package on record in bipartisan effort to boost the economy.The measure would provide one-time rebates of up to $600 for individuals, $1,200 for couples and $300 for each child.Reuters Video

Oil markets shrug at Chavez

Feb 13 - Anti-American Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez ordered all exports to ExxonMobil be stopped, but oil prices shrugged at the official announcement.Analysts said the ban on ExxonMobil, America's biggest oil company, would not be significant enough to hurt the world's largest energy consuming nation.Conway Gittens reports from New York.Reuters Video

2-13-08 Market Vector Russia ETF (RSX)

If you’re Russian to get rich, you should be Putin your money in RSX. Market Vector Russia ETF (RSX).

American farmers turn to Mexico

Feb 12 - Americans are farming around 50,000 acres of land in Mexico, employing some 11,000 people.The Bush administration's clampdown on undocumented workers and tighter border security means the flow of Mexican workers to California is drying up.Reuters Video

GM offers massive buyout

Feb 12 - General Motors, in a bid to turn around its North American operations, offered early retirement or buyouts to all of its unionized hourly employees.America's largest automaker expects North American sales to improve in the second half of the year after what is expected to be a rough start to 2008.

Conway Gittens reports from New York.Reuters Video

Foreclosure relief plan unveiled

Feb 12 - Top lenders and Bush Administration outline plan for pause in mortgage foreclosures. Lenders said they do not foresee an open-ended freeze on foreclosure proceedings but would offer borrowers a reasonable grace period.Deborah Lutterbeck reports..Reuters Video

Stocks rally; credit fears ease

Feb 11 - U.S. stocks started the week with optimism as investors ditched early worries sparked by credit concerns at leading insurer American International Group.Reuters Video

Yahoo says no thanks

Feb 11 - After a week and a half of consideration, Yahoo! said no to Microsoft's $41.6 billion dollar takeover offer. Yahoo! says that Microsoft's proposal undervalues the global reach of its brand. Reuters Video

2-12-08 Bebo.com

Beebleebbbabeebleobble…

2-11-08 Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD)

Who knew one company could handle HIV and Bird Flu? Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD)

Wall St. stops slide

Feb. 7 - U.S. stocks finished higher for the first time in four sessions as bargain hunting and merger speculation lured buyers back to the market. The Dow rose 46 points to 12,247. The S&P 500 gained 10 points to 1,336. The Nasdaq rallied 14 points to 2,293.

Conway Gittens reports from New York.REUTERS VIDEO

Nasdaq growls like a bear

Feb 6 - The tech-heavy Nasdaq entered bear market territory on Wednesday as recession fears sent U.S. stocks lower for a third consecutive day.The Dow lost 65 points to12,200. The S&P 500 lost 10 points to 1,326. The Nasdaq lost 30 points to 2,278. Crude oil finished lower.

Conway Gittens reports from New York. Reuters Video

Disney sidesteps slowdown

Feb 6 - With a little help from Hannah Montana, Disney has avoided the impact of an expected slowdown in consumer spending.The results from Disney bucked concerns of a waning consumer, and put analysts on watch. The news was able to move the stock higher as the rest of the market tumbled for the day. REUTERS VIDEO

2-7-08 Real Estate

Will the real estate slump ever hit New York? Julie hits the streets to find out.

Wall Street political anxiety

Super Tuesday was super ugly for Wall Street, as the street faces more uncertainty and unease Reuters Video

Stocks slide 3 pct on recession sign

A recessionary signal from the massive U.S. service sector led to a major sell-off on Wall Street. (Reuters Video)

2-6-08 Omnicell Inc. (OMCL)

You can count on Omnicell (OMCL) to count your drugs. Just don’t count on their stock price staying at an all time high!

Google courts Yahoo

Feb 4 - Google has begun flirting with a Yahoo alliance, less than a week after Microsoft's unsolicited bid for the company.Sources tell Reuters that Google has offered, and Yahoo is now considering a business alliance. This comes just days after Yahoo received an unsolicited $44.6 billion takeover bid from Microsoft. REUTERS VIDEO

2-5-08 Hologic, Inc. (HOLX)

Boobs are great! Hologic, Inc. (HOLX) helps keep them healthy.

Stocks sink on financials downgrade

Feb 4 - U.S. stocks headed lower after their best weekly gain in 5 years after a downgrade of credit card companies highlighted worries of a consumer led recession. Conway Gittens reports from New York. Reuters Video,

2-4-08 Pet Stocks

Wallstrip loves their cute PETS. So does the market

Stock Market Status as of Sunday, Feb 3, 2008

Here is the analysis of the current market situation.

DJI ( Dow Jones Industrial Average ):

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is still in a down trend. It's current momentum is upwards.
If it crosses the 13000 and then moves up, the trend will turn bullish. If it just "kisses" 13,000 and drops back, the trend will still be bearish.


DJI




QQQQ

QQQQ is also in a downtrend, but the current momentum is upwards.




YHOO

It suddenly "became bullish" due to the news about possible merger/acquisition(??) with Microsoft. Let us see if it follows through. News based trading is often unreliable.





AAPL

Still bearish...






GOOG
Still very bearish..





IBM

It is bullish at present.





MSFT

Bearish trend..

Microsoft bid offsets jobs data

More evidence of a recession but positive factory activity and Microsoft's bid for Yahoo soothes investors. Manoush Zomorodi reports .Reuters Video

Microsoft bids $46 bn for Yahoo

Microsoft made an unsolicited bid for Yahoo in a move clearly aimed at challenging its archrival, Google. Fred Katayama reports. Reuters Video

Americans deal with housing crisis

For subprime borrowers easy access to credit allowed them to buy into the American dream and now they are paying the price. Ruben Ramirez reports from Boston.Reuters Video

Stock Market Crash - Robert Prechter on Bloomberg (Oct 19, 2007)

Watch Robert Prechter on Bloomberg TV on the 20th anniversary of the 1987 stock market crash predict what is unfolding before our eyes today. An uncannily accurate forecast from the man that forecast the 1987 stock market crash.

Why would anyone think that the Fed's actions have any influence whatsoever on the trend in the stock market?

The Fed has similarly cut the discount rate twice in recent months, and on both occasions (Sept. 18, Oct. 31) the stock market immediately rallied... only to see prices give back those gains and more, within a few short days or weeks.

Mind you, these are recent and relatively minor instances. There are longer-term examples that unfolded for years, such as the Fed's historic campaign in 2001-2002 that saw a DOZEN rate cuts, during which time the S&P 500 lost HALF of its value.

More dramatic still was the Bank of Japan's campaign that took rates to virtually ZERO for entire decade, even as their Nikkei stock index declined and/or languished over the entire period.


With charts and facts, Bob showed how powerless the Fed really is; he also reminded the audience that "People should be careful of what they wish for when they ask for lower rates."

Yes, the financial establishment labels Bob Prechter a contrarian. But, what does it say about that establishment's state of mind when arguments based on facts and evidence make a person "contrary"?

2-2-08 The Vice Report

Watch what Julie and her friends were watching while indulging in their vices.

Fortune Brands (FO), Altria Group (MO), Boston Beer Company (SAM), Smith & Wesson (SWHC)]