With only five positive sessions during the month, the 6.2% May decline for the Dow Jones Industrial Average
After monthly declines in March and April, the pace of hiring in the U.S. is viewed as a key indicator of the health of the economy. Expectations call for gains of 150,000 jobs for May, a small but meaningful rebound from April's 115,000, which was down from gains of more than 200,000 earlier this year.
This data release plays a vital role in the unemployment rate calculation, but I'm more interested in the kinds of jobs being created. After all, adding quality, higher-paying jobs will go a lot further in supporting personal income growth, consumer spending, and the broader economy going forward.
Sales revving up
Other than the usual euro-land craziness, today we receive an update on May auto sales from the likes of General Motors and Ford
Give me a "W" (and I'll give you a twenty)!
The calendar is relatively light for Dow components today, with one notable event being Wal-Mart's
Investors are serious about the bribery scandal, but so are Justice Department officials. Wal-Mart's problems south of the border are currently under investigation, and it could result in some serious fines if the company is found in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. German conglomerate Siemens
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