Day Trading Economic News Analysis: April 14, 2010

Posted by admin on Jun 22, 2010 in Articles | 0 comments

S&P 500 Pivots

The S&P started falling to a low of 1189 before ending the day up 1 to the 1197 level.  On Monday the S&P 500 reached a new 52 week high of 1199 as the afternoon kicked off earnings season with the announcement of Alcoa. Alcoa ended up nearly flat on Tuesday’s trading.

Wednesday’s primary pivot is 1195. Expect the market to trade between 1193 and 1197. Any trading outside this range could indicate trend changes pushing the index to new intraday highs or lows. The S&P 500 has been trending upward consistently on the daily charts.

Now that the Dow Jones has reached the 11,000 level the market is currently watching the S&P 500 1200 level. The last time it has reached this level was in 2008 so it is a major technical as well as psychological level for traders and investors. It was the level where the S&P held before the credit crisis occurred.

Summary of pivot levels:

1199: S&P 500 52 week high

1193 – 1197: Convergence of 8, 21, 55, 144 and 200 Fibonacci moving averages on 5 min

1194: Monday’s previous high

1189: Tuesday previous low

Commodities Analysis: Gold and Crude

Gold finished down $1 to $1153 as gold imports are up in India ahead of the one million weddings planned between April and May. Major of gold stocks within the sector were lower:

ABX (-0.81%) AEM (-1.19%) AU (-1.70%) AUY (-0.86%)

FCX (+0.52 %) GG (-0.79%) HMY (-2.61%) NEM (+0.43%)

A trading strategy for gold includes buying calls on SPDR Gold Trust (ETF: GLD). On the daily chart gold broke through the trading range above 1220 set in early December 2009.

Crude oil fell $0.45 to $83.89. The dollar gained slightly against the euro. If the dollar continues to trend higher against the euro then expect prices in crude oil to fall. On the 60 day chart crude oil looks to be tipping over as traders are expected to take profits.

Previously the OPEC cartel announced that it will keep oil output ceiling unchanged as it will keep its profit from the falling dollar. Oil was currently trading sideways between the $80 and $81 however it has regained its footing reinforcing OPEC’s decision of keeping oil output the same.

Forex Analysis: Dollar Vs Euro

The euro rallied over the weekend after euro zone finance ministers reached an agreement for the Greek aid package. However the euro came off its highs after the question of whether the package will have any effect or just plain grand standing.

GE is investing 340 million Euros ($460 million) to expand European wind operations. Companies buying into foreign currencies for purchases and investing increase the demand towards that country’s currency. However the Euro gains are being cut short as Greece struggles with issues on their debt.

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Toy Model Trains – An Overview

Posted by admin on Jun 16, 2010 in Articles | 0 comments

Some model trains can be extremely expensive and are too delicate for children, but toy model trains are the perfect way to introduce children to this wonderful hobby. They are less expensive than other types of trains, and they are generally sturdier and easier to use.

Model Trains Kits

Many toy model train kits come with the train, tracks, and some accessories for creating the environment. They may come with some trees, signs, and other accessories that children can use to set up their own play set.

Scale Standards

The Normal European Modeling Standards, also called NEM standards, currently lists twelve sizes for toy model trains, from minuscule 1:220 scale models all the way up to very large 1:5.5! To truly be considered a toy model train, they are generally either S gauge or O gauge, although HO scale and N scale models are easier to find in toy stores.

A good way to get started with toy model trains is to purchase a pre-packaged set. Companies like Lionel and Bachmann make great starter sets, and they are collectible, as well.

Once you get a little experience, you may prefer to start buying pieces individually. You can buy train cars, tracks, and accessories separately, so you can choose only the pieces you really want.

If you really enjoy trains, you might consider joining the Model Railway Club or another similar club. This club was established in London in 1910, and they are the oldest train club in the world. Clubs like this are a great way to get more information on things you can do with your toy trains, and to share your interest with other people who enjoy it as much as you do!

Lionel Toy Trains

Lionel is by far the most popular maker of toy trains. The company has been in existence for over 100 years, originally started in 1900. They were founded as an electrical novelties company, but trains quickly became the staple of its product line. They originally produced trains from 1901 through 1969, when they were bought by General Mills. These days the company is still doing business, making toy trains and accessories.

Composition

Toy trains may be made of metal, plastic, or wood. Metal trains are usually preferred by most enthusiasts. Plastic trains are generally reserved only for children. Wooden trains are beloved by many people, but they’ve fallen out of favor with the general public.

Some people buy toy model trains to play with, and others prefer to purchase them solely for collecting. Those who buy to collect usually prefer older models, and those made my major companies like Lionel or Marx. People who purchase their trains to play with may buy from any manufacturer, and may even mix parts between manufacturers in order to build their ideal system.

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