Weekly Update - August 6, 2012

Retailers report strong sales in July. A combination of hot weather and clearance sales drew in American customers, giving retailers solid sales going into the back-to-school season. Retailers have been aggressive with promotions as the second-largest shopping season kicks off.[4]

Long-term unemployed and discouraged workers numbers fell in July. Despite the increase in unemployment, the number of discouraged workers - those who have given up looking for work - dropped by 267,000 as compared to a year ago. The number of long-term unemployed workers - those out of work for 6 months or more - fell by 3.4% in July.[5]

Consumer confidence rose in July. Despite lingering unemployment, Americans were unexpectedly optimistic about short-term business and employment prospects. Although respondents were concerned about rising prices, they expect to see more jobs in the next six months.[6]

Wal-Mart's stock surge means times are tough for low-income Americans. The retailer's recent stock jump - to a record $74.80 on July 27 - and its strong earnings report could mean that low-income families are feeling the financial squeeze. Wal-Mart is planning to go after these consumers by lowering prices on food and consumables.[7]

"Never give up, never give in, and when the upper hand is ours, may we have the ability to handle the win with the dignity that we absorbed the loss."

~ Doug Williams 

Lemony Chicken with Celery and Feta

Prepare the chicken and onions up to 12 hours ahead to save time. Recipe from RealSimple.com.

Ingredients:

4 stalks celery, thinly sliced

1/8 cup chopped fresh mint

1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 2 lemons, halved

Kosher salt and black pepper

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1 3/4 pounds) cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 small red onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

4 pocket less pitas or flat breads, warmed

2 ounces feta, crumbled (1/2 cup)

Directions:  

1. Soak 8 small wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes. 

2. In a medium bowl, combine the celery, mint, crushed red pepper, 2 tablespoons of the oil, 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and black pepper.

3. Heat grill to medium. In a second medium bowl, toss the chicken and onion with the lemon zest, the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

4. Thread the chicken and onion onto the skewers and grill, uncovered, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the onion is tender, 12 to 16 minutes.

5. Grill the lemon halves until charred, 5 to 10 minutes.

6.Top the pitas with the celery mixture, chicken, and Feta. Serve with the lemons.

Most power tips have to do with the physical components of generating speed and power in the golf swing. In this case, the power tip is a mental one.

To hit your longest and straightest drives, you must be mentally geared up to unleash your potential power. You can't go deep if you're filled with fear or anxiety about the outcome of the shot. Some well-known instructors like Jackie Burke Jr. and Jim McLean advocate the idea of being a "little reckless" with the driver. Not that you should truly be "reckless," but it is important not to become overly analytical before and during your swing. Every once in a while, it's okay to trust yourself and let your athletic instincts take over.

Check Your Thyroid

Ask your doctor about having your thyroid checked. According to the American Journal of Medicine, a mildly under-active thyroid can boost your heart-disease risk by 65%. A quick blood test can assess your level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

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The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia. 

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

The Housing Market Index (HMI) is a weighted average of separate diffusion indices based on a monthly survey of NAHB members designed to take the pulse of the single-family housing market. Each resulting index is then seasonally adjusted and weighted to produce the HMI. 

The Pending Home Sales Index, a leading indicator of housing activity,  measures housing contract activity, and is based on signed real estate contracts for existing single-family homes, condos and co-ops.  The PHSI looks at the monthly relationship between existing-home sale contracts and transaction closings over the last four years. The results are weighted to produce the index.

The BLS Consumer Price Indexes (CPI) produces monthly data on changes in the prices paid by urban consumers for a representative basket of goods and services. Survey responses are seasonally adjusted and weighted to produce a composite index.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) is a composite economic index formed by averages of several individual leading economic indicators, which are weighted to produce the complete index.

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[1] http://www.briefing.com/investor/markets/weekly-wrap/weekly-wrap-for-july-30-2012.htm 

[2] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9446910/Mario-Draghis-speech-what-the-analysts-say.html 

[3] http://www.cnbc.com/id/48490164 

[4] http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/story/2012-08-02/retail-sales/56690182/1 

[5] http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/08/03/july-jobs-report-4-pieces-of-good-news-buried-in-the-gloom/ 

[6] http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/07/31/consumer-confidence-makes-a-surprise-rise-in-july/ 

[7] http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/07/31/walmarts-stock-surge-reflects-hard-times-for-the-cash-strapped/