Global Recovery in the Works… So Far So Good (AP)
Paced by good news from the planet’s two largest economies, global indexes moved higher yesterday and continue on that course today. Stronger-than-expected results from the first American companies to report Q4 earnings fueled an afternoon U.S. market rally yesterday. Combine that with a report from China that its exports in December quadrupled the number in November, and you have the recipe for market gains. Now, the rest of the world’s companies and markets just have to follow suit.
U.S. Powers China’s Blockbuster Trade Numbers (CNBC)
China’s December exports rose more than 14 percent — blowing the doors off of “experts” estimates of 4 percent. Investors might be interested to learn the party responsible for this surprising trade resurgence was none other than the “Stars and Bars.” U.S. demand for Chinese products rose 10.3 percent last month, following a dismal November that saw U.S. imports from China fall 2.6 percent. But ANZ China economist Liu Li-Gant warns against thinking this was due to a Santa Claus Rally, as the goods delivered were“… mainly for first quarter (2013) consumption.” However, Liu also warned that we shouldn’t expect these startling figures to continue through the year.
Samsung Sings the Right Tune at CES (YahooFinance.com)
As the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) wraps up in Las Vegas this week, one company has emerged as the darling for 2013: Samsung. Already the world leader in the smartphone arena with its Android phones, and in the TV space with its LCD panels, the company is setting up nicely to become an investor sweetheart in 2013, as well. Why? Well, according to Tim Baxter, president of consumer electronics for Samsung’s Electronics America division, the hi-tech titan is looking to expand into home appliances, cameras and PCs in the near future. And if it performs in these new ventures as it has in smartphones and TVs, investors may be “Samsinging” all the way to the bank.
