-Executive Summary-

• Lower!  The markets all closed a bit lower on minuscule volume.  Investors are cautious.
• Dell Inc. reported excellent earnings after the close.
• FEDEX (Ticker: FDX) cautioned investors yesterday about current earnings, and today the stock increased in value.  See below.

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– Markets “At a Glance” –

(Please scroll down to the end of the report to see your favorite benchmarks – Dollar, Oil, Gold … closing prices and daily direction.)

– Market Trends –

*Summary of terms from Trader Vic II-Principles of Professional Speculation (pg. 140-141)
*_________* Represents a change in trend rating.

– Market Perspectives –

For your added perspective, we’ve included this chart of the broader market (Successful stock investors develop and start with a minds-eye view of the broader market and keep it clear) –

1. SMC SP-500 ETF Daily Chart (Click to open helpful chart in a separate browser window).

– Today’s Highlights –

Yesterday we reported that after yesterday’s close Fedex Corp. (Ticker: FDX) had guided lower for their quarterly earnings report in March.  The company identified severe weather and high fuel prices as the reason.  We wrote that this was a wise move and actually improves investor’s views of management.  Today, Fedex stock actually INCREASED in value – in spite of significant reductions in current earnings.  This is an excellent example of how proactive management with investors, results in a difficult event strengthening relationships.

Contrast this with Cisco Systems (CSCO) terrible reduction in stock value following their dismal SURPRISE earnings announcement. The stock is down -15% from the closing price on the day of earnings.

Following Cisco Systems earnings call and subsequent reduction in stock value, we were talking with a friend in the investment community about the Cisco problem and – out of the blue – our friend said, “Cisco should guide lower. (instead of surprising investors).”  Today’s performance of Fedex Corp. (FDX) in the face of earnings trouble confirms this thought.

The markets were down today as participants shy away from the ongoing, steady grinding higher of the markets – which to many appears unsustainable.

Big news today was also the possibility that the Deutsche Boerse (German Stock Exchange) will purchase the New York Stock Exchange – Euronext in a $10.2 billion deal.  This deal emphasizes the increasing global character of the markets, and to some degree a minimizing of the NYSE’s dominance – or recognition thereof.

– Story-Stock Investing –

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Please remember – at the Stock Market Companion we do not and cannot give individual investment advice. According to the State of Washington RCW 21.20.005 the Stock Market Companion is not a Registered Financial Advisor and we do not render any advice on the basis of the specific investment situation of a particular individual. This information is for a wide readership and is not intended for any particular individual,  and under no circumstances should our SMC Intraday Update, SMC 15MinuteStocks Market Update or Watchlist be considered an investment recommendation or plan for any specific individual.  By accessing this material, you agree that the Stock Market Companion will not be held liable for any actions taken by a subscriber or other parties.  Please seek the counsel of a broker or other licensed investment professional for accurate pricing and concerning the suitability of all investments that you may be considering. Disclosure : Please understand that the Stock Market Companion may hold positions in the above mentioned securities.  Based on market related or personal events these positions may change without notice.

– Stock Market Companion – Current Holdings –

– Stock Market Companion – Performance –

Please click on this chart to see the Stock Market Companion 15MinuteStocks stock performance versus the SP-500.  It will open in a separate browser window.
* Gains (losses) do not include brokerage fees.   Our returns are very strong … BUT …  WE have to remind everyone just like all other financial sites in America – Past Performance is No Guarantee of Future Returns.  Unlike others however, our objective is to teach you to be able to make these types of strong returns On Your Own.

All of the investments – stocks, entries, and exits are listed on our Stock Market Companion Watchlist at the bottom of the spreadsheet, in the section labelled Former Holdings.

– Benchmarks “At a Glance” –

Data Source : Financial Visualizations Inc.

Signing-Off for Today,

Your -Stock Market Companion

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