Strong corporate earnings caused stocks to rally last week for the first time this month. The S&P closed up 0.6% for the week, while the Dow closed 1.4% higher, and the Nasdaq trimmed 0.36%. With no domestic economic reports released on Friday, traders turned their attention back to lingering concerns over Europeand China, and markets lost some momentum in afternoon trading. Even so, last week’s positive earnings reports are alleviating concerns about the economy and making investors feel more confident about the rallies we’ve seen this year. With 23% of S&P 500 companies having reported results so far, more than four out of five have beaten expectations by an average of 8.8%. Profit growth in this quarter has also been up 6.2%, according to Thomson Reuters Proprietary Research.[1]

While some analysts are concerned that stocks are poised to repeat their 2010 and 2011 performance – when a mid-year retreat followed an April peak – there are many differences between the economy of the past two years and today. The 2010 and 2011 pullbacks largely occurred because of recession fears and shocks created by the Japanese Tsunami, but the U.S.economy is on more solid footing than at any other time in the recovery. Current indicators point to slow and steady economic growth, and we have already moved away from index highs. If we continue to see positive earnings among the nearly 180 S&P 500 components reporting next week, we may see markets sustain their upward trajectory.[2]

Investors will also be closely watching Tuesday’s meeting of the Federal Reserve FOMC. With an optimistic economic outlook and improving jobs situation, it is unlikely that the Fed will conduct another round of bond purchases. Even so, we will be monitoring the Fed’s statement on Wednesday, and will be certain to fill you in on any outstanding developments. We hope you have a great week!

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Tuesday: S&P Case-Shiller HPI, New Home Sales, Consumer Confidence
Wednesday: Durable Goods Orders, EIA Petroleum Status Report, 5-Yr Note Auction, FOMC Meeting Announcement, FOMC Forecasts, Chairman Press Conference
Thursday: Jobless Claims, Pending Home Sales Index
Friday: GDP, Employment Cost Index, Consumer Sentiment

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. N/A means not available.

HEADLINES:

Spain’s bond auction sees strong demand from investors. Spain’s central bank sold all the 2.54bn euros of bonds it was offering, with demand higher than expected. These eased global worries about Europe’s lingering debt problems and shows that investors are eager to snap up bargain-basement debt.[3]

Fewer U.S. states reported job gains in March, indicating a slowing of job growth nationwide. According to Labor Department figures, 29 states reported job gains last month while 20 states lost jobs. In more positive news, the unemployment rate fell in most states.[4]

Sales of previously-owned houses dropped in March, despite low mortgage rates. According to National Association of Realtors figures, home sales fell last month by 2.6%. Seasonal factors might be behind the disappointing figures: the first months of 2012 were the strongest in five years, indicating that a mild winter may have encouraged buyers to close earlier, stealing sales from March.[5]

High energy prices may be slowing rural economic growth. According to the Rural Mainstreet survey, higher energy and fuel costs are slowing growth in 10 Midwest and Plains areas dependent on agriculture. Slowing global demand for key crops may also be having an effect on growth.[6]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“Friendship with oneself is all important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Lemon Cream Pie
Tangy lemon cream tops a spicy gingersnap crust. Recipe from Real Simple.

Ingredients:

9 ounces gingersnaps (about 35)

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 large eggs

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, plus more for serving, plus 1/2 cup lemon juice

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350° F. In a food processor, process the gingersnaps until fine crumbs form. Add the butter, granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of the salt and pulse until moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate, using a straight-sided dry measuring cup to help. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until the edges are dry and set, 16 to 18 minutes. (Note: The bottom will still appear moist and soft but will become firmer as it cools; this is a crunchy cookie crust, not a soft, graham cracker-style one.) Let cool.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, condensed milk, lemon zest and juice, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Pour the mixture into the crust and bake until set in the center, 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool and then refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream and confectioners’ sugar on medium until soft peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes. Spread on the pie, sprinkle with the additional zest, and serve immediately.

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

Take a Deep Breath

Taking a deep breath before you swing will help put oxygen in your system and keep your head clear. It gives your cells energy to allow your muscles to perform their best. Put simply, deep breathing helps you hit better shots. Why do you think most basketball players precede their free throws by taking a few good, deep breaths? Many bad swings are made during moments when we are short of breath. Why do you think they call it choking? So take a deep, relaxed breath before you swing.

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK:

Get Physical With Yoga

Yoga can be a safe and effective way to add some physical activity to your routine – particularly if you haven’t exercised in the past. A recent study suggests that yoga can help you stay slim. Participants between the ages of 45 and 57 who practiced yoga weighed an average of 10 pounds less than their non-yoga contemporaries, even when diet and lifestyle were accounted for. To get started with a yoga program, check your local gyms and yoga studios for introductory offers and beginner packages to get you off on the right pose.
GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK:

Make Your Home Purchase a Green One

Buying a home is the most expensive purchase most Americans will make in their lives and is also one of the best ways to limit your family’s environmental impact. When shopping for a house, look for a smaller home that requires you to pare down and simplify, rather than encouraging sprawl. Smaller homes require less energy to heat and maintain, and prevent you from buying more stuff to fill the space. Your home’s location also directly influences how much energy your family burns to get around – try to find a home close to work, school, and shopping to minimize fossil fuel use.

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Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.

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.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

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 fromEurope,Australiaand 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.

TheBLSConsumer 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 BoardLeading 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.

Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

It was a rough one for the stock market last week as major indices closed out their worst session of 2012 on the back of disappointing economic growth in China and renewed fears about debt-ridden Europe. The S&P fell 2% for the week, while the Dow lost 1.61%, and the Nasdaq closed down 2.25%.

China, the world’s second-largest economy, reported first-quarter growth figures of 8.1%, the weakest rate in nearly three years, and below expectations of 8.3%. Stocks fell sharply on the news, stoking fears that a weakened Chinese economy could have global implications.[1] Concerns surrounding Spain’s debt offering next week renewed fears about the European debt crisis, battering bank stocks and dragging down the euro against the dollar.[2]

On the other hand, domestic indicators continue to provide a positive contrast to global worries. The most recent Beige Book report released by the Federal Reserve shows that the U.S. economy is improving at a “modest to moderate” pace as solid auto sales, warm weather, and growth in high-tech manufacturing outweighed the effect of high gasoline prices.[3] Sales by U.S. wholesalers rose 1.2% in February, and they restocked their inventories at a faster rate in February than January, suggesting they expect a strong spring. Consumer confidence likewise grew in February by the most in seven months. This is especially good news since consumer spending drives nearly 70% of domestic economic activity; if consumers keep spending, the economy will continue to improve.[4]

Domestically, the U.S. economy really seems to be chugging along, and indicators continue to support a broad recovery. Nevertheless, concerns about the fragile global economy will likely lead to continued volatility in equity markets. The declines experienced over the last two weeks are not difficult to comprehend in light of the outstanding first quarter performance we experienced. In the weeks ahead, analysts will be examining quarterly earnings reports to determine whether the pullback has been exhausted, or if we should expect continued profit taking.

As always, when short-term declines test your resolve, it is critically important to remain focused on your long term objectives and trust that the portfolio strategy you have in place can weather a few squalls.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Monday: Retail Sales, Empire State Mfg Survey, Treasury International Capital, Business Inventories, Housing Market Index

Tuesday: Housing Starts, Industrial Production
Wednesday: EIA Petroleum Status Report
Thursday: Jobless Claims, Existing Home Sales, Philadelphia Fed Survey

 Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. N/A means not available.

HEADLINES:

Five years after the U.S. housing bust sent sales and prices plunging, the spring home-buying season is pointing to a long-awaited recovery. Reduced prices, record-low mortgage rates, higher rents, and an improving job market appear to be emboldening many would-be buyers. Earnings reports Friday from two big banks suggested that more people are taking out mortgages. JPMorgan Chase issued 6% more mortgages from January through March than it did a year ago and recived 33% more applications. Wells Fargo issued 54% more mortgages and received 84% more applications.[5]

Oil prices fall on signs of weaker economic growth. Oil slipped below $103 per barrel on news of softening global demand. If the Chinese economy is slowing down, demand for oil could weaken since Chinese industries are one of the primary consumers of petroleum.[6]

Small business confidence dropped sharply in March, indicating that small business owners might be feeling the pinch of high gas prices. According to the report, many entrepreneurs plan on raising prices this year in response to higher energy costs.[7]

Gasoline prices may have already peaked in the U.S. Despite predictions that gas prices would continue their skyward march, the average price of gas nationwide has fallen to $3.90, down 3 cents from a week ago, indicating that the peak might be behind us.[8]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.” – Thomas Jefferson

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Tortilla Soup

This fast and healthful soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Recipe from Real Simple.

Ingredients:

2 14- to 19-ounce cans chicken noodle soup

1 cup frozen corn kernels

1 teaspoon hot sauce

2 cups tortilla chips

1 avocado, cut into pieces

Directions:

1)   In a medium saucepan, bring the soup to a simmer.

2)   Add the corn and hot sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, just until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.

3)   Ladle into bowls and serve with tortilla chips and avocado.

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

Keep Your Emotions in Check

To get yourself back on track after a poor shot, ask yourself these questions:

1)   How was my tempo or rhythm?

2)   Was I fully committed to the club, target, and type of shot?

3)   How well did I visualize the shot in advance?

4)   How did that shot “feel”?

By running through this checklist to determine the reason behind a bad shot, you’ll keep your tension level low and your emotions in check.

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK:

Fight Spring Colds with Ginger

Ginger’s oils have long made it useful as an herbal remedy for the nasal and chest congestion caused by the common cold. To use: Pour two cups of boiling water over a 1-inch piece of peeled, chopped ginger; steep the concoction for 10 minutes and strain. Add a pinch or two of cayenne powder and drink as needed for relief.

GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK:

Keep Volatile Compounds Out of Your Air

Many household products and materials contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which convert to gas at room temperature. Outdoors, some VOCs react with sunlight to form smog; indoors, VOCs can irritate lungs and cause allergic reactions, especially in children.

To avoid exposing yourself and your family, choose low-toxic paints that are low in VOCs – ideally with a VOC level below 150 grams per liter. Zero-VOC paints also are available. If a household project calls for fiberglass insulation, look for products that are free of formaldehyde.

Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!

If you would like to opt-out of future emails, please reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.

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.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

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.

TheBLSConsumer 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 BoardLeading 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.

Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

Following the strongest quarterly performance since 2008 and the best first quarter performance since 1998, major indices retreated this week, weighed down by disappointing economic reports and renewed concerns over Europe’s debt crisis. The string of losses before Friday’s market holiday left the S&P, the Dow, and the Nasdaq all slightly lower. This is only the third weekly loss for the stock market in 14 weeks of trading.

A positive ISM Manufacturing Index report pushed stocks higher on Monday, but sentiment shifted on Tuesday as the Fed’s FOMC meeting minutes revealed that because of an optimistic view of the economic recovery, the Fed is unlikely to buy bonds to further stimulate the economy. It should not come as a surprise to investors that the Fed’s monetary policy is conditional on economic developments. If the economy takes a turn for the worse, there is little doubt that the Fed will step in again.[1] Interestingly, you might be inclined to think that an optimistic view from the Fed would be good for stocks, but this highlights that stocks move for a variety of reasons not always linked to economic performance and pundit predictions.

Friday’s employment report indicated that jobs growth had slowed considerably in March, but there were also significant positive signs to be found in its pages. The unemployment rate dropped, and the underemployment rate – which counts jobless people looking for work, part-time workers who want full-time jobs, and discouraged job seekers – fell to a three-year low of 14.5% from 14.9% in February, one of the largest monthly drops on record.[2] This is a key number in the government’s monthly employment report, and it’s one that we are happy to see moving down.

Concerns surrounding Europe’s sovereign debt crisis flared again after Spain’s latest debt auction drew underwhelming demand, and yields on Spanish government bonds rose on fears that they may have trouble paying back their debt.[3] Clearly, more time will be needed before we can put this drama behind us.

This week’s losses were not at all unexpected. Mediocre economic reports, lingering doubts about the Fed’s future monetary policy, and renewed concerns about Europe’s problems all played a part in the retreat. We might see further losses in the weeks to come, but let’s keep focused on the underlying trends: the U.S. economy is improving, the job market is improving, and we are on track for a solid year of economic performance. When short-term losses threaten your peace of mind, focus on your long-term strategy and remember that we are actively monitoring the economy and world equity markets, and will keep you updated.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Wednesday: Import and Export Prices, EIA Petroleum Status Report, 10-Yr Note Auction, Beige Book, Treasury Budget
Thursday: International Trade, Jobless Claims, Producer Price Index
Friday: Consumer Price Index, Consumer Sentiment

 Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. N/A means not available.

HEADLINES:

U.S. retailers report better-than-expected gains in March. Motivated by unseasonably warm weather and a brighter economic picture, shoppers pushed retail sales for the month of March higher than expected with a 3.9% gain, according to data from research firm Retail Metrics, which originally estimated March sales would rise 3.3%.[4]

Factory orders rose 1.3% in February. The Commerce Department report states that orders to U.S. factories increased in February. Businesses’ ordering of more machinery and equipment indicates that many are investing in their companies despite the expiration of a tax credit.[5]

Independent ratings firm downgrades U.S. credit level.  Ratings firm Egan-Jones lowered its senior debt rating on the U.S. to AA, its third highest rating, down one notch from AA-plus. The firm is concerned about the ballooning federal debt, which could rise to $16.7 trillion by the end of 2012.[6]

Gas prices averaged $3.97 nationwide on Friday. The average price for a gallon of gasoline rose 3.74 cents over the past two weeks, the smallest increase since January, according to the nationwide Lundberg Survey. However, according to the report, gas prices already are falling in some cities, such as Chicago and Los Angeles, indicating that we may have already seen the price peak.[7]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“Good manners and tolerance, which are the highest manifestation of style, can often transform disaster into good fortune.” – Maya Angelou

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Glazed Lemon Pound Cake
 This delightful dessert is brightened by lemon zest. Recipe from Real Simple.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature, plus more for the pan

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for the pan

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3 cups granulated sugar

2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest, plus 6 tablespoons lemon juice

6 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Directions:

1)     Heat oven to 325° F. Butter and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.

2)
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest on medium-high until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in 4 tablespoons of the lemon juice, then the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

3)     Reduce mixer speed to low. Add half the flour mixture, then the yogurt, and then the remaining flour mixture. Mix just until combined (do not overmix).

4)     Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 65 to 75 minutes. Cool the cake in the pan for 30 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

5)     In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 1 of the remaining tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth, adding the remaining lemon juice as necessary to create a thick, but pourable glaze.

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

Hooking problem? Maybe it’s your grip.

Congratulations to Bubba Watson for winning the Green Jacket and the 2012 Masters. By hitting ‘the hook heard around the world.” Bubba won because of an intentional hook while millions of golfers fight an unintentional hook…

A hook occurs when the club face is closed in relation to your swing path, causing counterclockwise side spin and resulting in a hook to the left or right depending on whether you are left or right handed.

It could be that a simple repositioning of your hands on the club could help. When you hold your club, your non dominant hand should show the thumb and index knuckles. If you start seeing the back of your hand angling up, and/or you see the fingers of your dominant hand, your grip is too strong. To fix this, roll your hands forward towards the target so that the back of your hand faces the hole.

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK:

Simple Ways to Include Physical Activity Everyday

Nearly all doctors agree that most Americans could use more activity in their day. Here are a few simple ways you can add more movement to your day without taking a lot of time:

Turn off the TV: Try turning off the TV once or twice a week and do something physical with your family. Play games, or take a walk – do anything that gets you off the couch.

Walk more: Look for quick ways to include more walking in your day. When you pick up the mail, take a walk around the block, take the dog out for an extra stroll, or walk on your treadmill for a few minutes before getting ready for work.

Do some physical chores each day: Shoveling snow, gardening, raking leaves, cleaning out the basement or garage might not count as “vigorous” exercise, but they all add up to a more active lifestyle while keeping your house in order.

Pace while talking on the phone: When you’re having a conversation over the phone, pace around, or do some light work. This is a great way to stay moving while keeping up with friends, family, or acquaintances.
GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK:

Replace Toxic Cleaners with Friendly Bacteria

If you have a clogged or slow-draining sink or tub, you might reach for a standard chemical drain cleaner. However, these cleaners contain super-toxic chemicals that release dangerous fumes, can damage pipes, and will eventually end up in the local water supply. Instead, search your local (or online) hardware store’s plumbing section for a bacterial product. These bio alternatives work by establishing colonies of clog-eating, environmentally-friendly bacteria that keep drainpipes clear. To allow your bacterial friends to establish themselves, pour in a little just before your household settles in for the night, after everyone has quit using the sinks and tubs.

Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!

If you would like to opt-out of future emails, please reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.

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.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

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 fromEurope,Australiaand 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 ISM Manufacturing Index is an index based on surveys of more than 300 manufacturing firms by theInstituteofSupply Management. A composite diffusion index is created that monitors conditions in national manufacturing based on the data from these surveys.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

When the closing bell rang on Friday the 30^th, the Dow and the S&P closed out their best first-quarter performance since 1998 and the Nasdaq notched its best performance since 1991.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. Chart is for illustration purposes only. Performance excludes reinvested dividends. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index is unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Source: Yahoo! Finance.

After a string of declines last week, the markets showed modest gains on Friday amidst economic reports indicating that U.S. consumer spending and consumer sentiment are still on the rise. Consumer sentiment rose in February by the highest level in seven months and March consumer confidence bounced to its highest level in more than a year. U.S. Treasuries fell as investors left the refuge of debt to participate in the market rally.[i]

While we’re pleased at the good economic news and the close of a strong quarter for equities, we’re also paying close attention to reports due to be released later this week which include data on manufacturing and construction spending, reports on the labor market, and Fed FOMC meeting notes. With market optimism so high, any mixed news could leave stocks vulnerable to a retreat. If a pullback does occur, many analysts believe that it will be a healthy sign of reduced investor exuberance.[ii] However, a retreat is certainly not a given. Historically speaking, the S&P 500 has only gained more than 10% in the first quarter on eight other occasions since 1945, and the market went on to gain in the second quarter six of those eight years.[iii]

We’re thankful to see that the picture inEuropehas improved somewhat during the first quarter, and the market has rewarded this improvement. Though a permanent solution is still needed, the European Central Bank has managed to avert a liquidity crisis for now. We look forward to further steps being taken to address the underlying solvency issues that still exist.

Rising gas prices continue to be an area of concern, as any further pinch at the pump could lead to decreases in consumer spending, slower retail sales, reduced manufacturing, cuts in hiring, and ultimately to a slower moving economy (Likely in that order). This is clearly not something we want to see. Oil prices – and gas prices by extension – are predominantly affected by supply and demand. And with only 2 million barrels a day of effective excess capacity, versus global oil demand of 75 million barrels a day, it is easy to see why prices remain elevated.[iv] Tensions overIran exacerbate this problem, as any escalation there could easily lead to dramatic spikes in prices here. On the other hand, if theIran situation cools off, we could also see oil prices fall. As we have mentioned before, oil prices teeter delicately on a combination of supply issues and speculation.

Comments made by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Monday suggested that the Fed would like to see a more rapid expansion in the economy, and it’s willing to back up its words with additional quantitative easing.[v] Whether or not that would be a good thing is heavily debated, and there are extremely vocal proponents on both sides of the issue. We’ll reserve our thoughts on that matter for a future edition. Either way, if we continue to see solid economic reports and improvement in the global economic situation, the Fed will probably not take further action.

The important thing to keep in mind is that the long-term performance of your investments is not tied to short-term market movements. All the underlying signs point to a continued economic recovery, and we are closely monitoring available information as we chart our course for the next quarter and beyond.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Monday: ISM Mfg. Index, Construction Spending

Tuesday: Motor Vehicle Sales, Factory Orders, Federal Reserve FOMC Minutes
Wednesday: ADP Employment Report, ISM Non-Mfg. Index, EIA Petroleum Status Report
Thursday: Jobless Claims
Friday: Markets closed for Good Friday, Employment Situation Report

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. N/A means not available.

HEADLINES:

The U.S. economy grew by 3% in 4^th quarter 2011, which was the fastest growth rate since 2010. However, economists believe that that growth slowed to 1.5% in the first three months of 2012, dragged down by weak exports and rising oil prices.[vi]

Moody’s may lower credit rating of world’s largest banks. Moody’s is reviewing 15 of the world’s largest banks – including Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, and Citigroup – for possible credit rating downgrades. If the cuts happen, it would increase the cost of credit and reduce their global competitiveness.[vii]

Treasuries end worst quarter since 2010. As fears about the U.S. subsided, investors moved money out of U.S. Treasuries and into stocks. Any monetary stimulus action by the Federal Reserve would erode Treasury yields, while concerns about China or the Eurozone crisis could again push investors into safe-haven investments.[viii]

Analysts think gas prices might fall. Gas prices are still climbing, having hit a national average of $3.93 this week, but some analysts think the price might level out and begin to fall as U.S. allies open strategic reserves to curb high prices.[ix]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Asian Steak Salad with Mango
Fresh vegetables and mango brighten this healthful salad. Recipe from Real Simple.

Ingredients:

3/4 pound sirloin steak (1 inch thick)

Kosher salt and black pepper

1 teaspoon grated lime zest

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon chopped pickled ginger (found in the international aisle of the market)

2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce

3 tablespoons canola oil

1 large head romaine lettuce, cut into strips (about 7 cups)

1 mango, cut into thin strips

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced

2 scallions, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Directions:

Heat a large skillet over high heat. Season the steak with ¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper. Cook 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the lime zest and juice, honey, ginger, soy sauce, oil, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add the lettuce, mango, bell pepper, basil, and scallions and toss to combine. Gently fold in the steak and sprinkle with the sesame seeds.

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

What’s in your bag?

What is the best set make up for an average player? Assuming that you’re going to adhere to the 14-club limit, you’ll want to assemble a set with which you use all the clubs and have no distance gaps. To show how to pick the set that suits you best, here is an average list of clubs and yardages. These yardages may not apply to your game, but you should be able to apply the same principle.

Woods:
Driver – 200 yards
3-Wood – 190 yards
5-Wood -180 yards
7-Wood – 170 yards
9-Wood – 160 yards
11-Wood – 150 yards
13-Wood – 140 yards
15-Wood – 130 yards

Irons:
2-Iron – 190 yards
3-Iron – 180 yards
4-Iron – 170 yards
5-Iron – 160 yards
6-Iron – 150 yards
7-Iron – 140 yards
8-Iron – 130 yards
9-iron – 120 yards
P. W. – 110 yards
S. W. – 90 yards

The idea is to pick a set that gives you a consistent distance spread from club to club. If you do not hit your 3 and 4 irons well, then take them out of your bag and replace them with a 5 and 7 wood. This will at least close any distance gaps created because of the unused clubs. As you can see, there is an overlap between the woods and irons all the way from 130 to 190 yards. If you’re not comfortable hitting a certain iron, simply replace it with the corresponding wood, and vice versa.

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK:

Deep Breaths Banish Stress

According to some researchers, deep breathing is an effective (and drug-free) way of reducing stress and feelings of anxiety. The American Academy of Family Physicians developed these guidelines for deep breathing exercises:

1. Lie down flat on your back, placing one hand on your stomach and one hand on your chest;
2. Slowly breathe in, making sure your stomach rises but your chest remains flat;
3. Hold your breath for a second or two;
4. Slowly exhale and allow your stomach to drop;
5. Repeat for 3-5 breathes.

Advanced tip: When you feel comfortable with the basic exercise, add a vocal component. As you breathe in, say “Relaxation.” As you exhale, say “Stress.”
GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK:

Save Energy by Tuning Your Refrigerator

Refrigerators and freezers are responsible for approximately one-sixth of a home’s energy footprint, so making a few changes can make a large impact on your household’s energy use. Fine-tune a refrigerator for optimal energy use by ensuring that the temperature in the main refrigeration box hovers around 37 degrees F and that the freezer stays around 3 degrees F. Using a digital weather thermometer usually does the trick. Wide temperature variations can mean that your unit might need replacing. When replacing an aging refrigerator, consider energy-efficient models that use less electricity. Also consider the placement of the refrigerator in your kitchen for maximum efficiency.

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Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.

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.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

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 fromEurope,Australiaand 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.

Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

Stocks edged higher on Friday after a rough week marked by positive economic news in the U.S. but troubling economic news from Asia. For the week, the S&P and Dow notched their biggest losses of the year, 0.5% and 1.1%, respectively, while the Nasdaq edged up by 0.4%, bolstered by positive earnings in tech stocks.[i]

Despite reports of increased strength in the American jobs market, improved corporate profits, and strong consumer sentiment, some investors feel increasing worry about Asia, Europe, and the impact higher oil prices could have on consumer spending. New reports show that China’s manufacturing sector is slowing due to reduced global demand; in Europe, Ireland slipped back into recession; and oil prices briefly spiked to the highest level in three weeks on Friday, following a report that Iranian oil exports dropped significantly this month.[ii]

The markets have posted solid returns in 2012, with the S&P up 11.09% this year. While some data indicates that we are poised for a decline, other data indicates that the markets are likely to move higher. So is it time to pull out of equities and lock in profits? Or is it better to ride things out in hopes the markets will advance further?  The short answer is that no one can say for sure. Stop and consider for a moment – if the market has peaked for the year, it would be the S&P’s cheapest price/earnings ratio in the last 34 market peaks.[iii] Furthermore, underlying trends suggest that the global economy is improving, potentially leading to further gains in the latter half of the year. According to a recent report by Ned Davis Research (NDR), a second-half recovery might send markets to levels not seen since 2007.[iv]

While it’s only natural to worry about turbulence in the market, it is important to take a deep breath and focus on overall trends and sticking to an active, long-term investment strategy. The media loves to hype stories – that’s how they get ratings. Shrewd investors, on the other hand, understand that markets move up and down, and that buying into the hype can be costly. With the news about weakening economies in Asia, we should probably expect some short-term consolidation, but that doesn’t mean drastic action should be taken.

Just because the major equity indexes are advancing or retreating, it doesn’t necessarily mean our clients’ personal investments are advancing or retreating. We don’t buy the markets, and we don’t try to time the markets. There are worthwhile investments to be found in almost every market environment, and these are the ones we aim to utilize.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Monday: Pending Home Sales Index, Dallas Fed Mfg. Survey

Tuesday: S&P Case-Shiller HPI, Consumer Confidence
Wednesday: Durable Goods Orders, EIA Petroleum Status Report
Thursday: GDP, Jobless Claims
Friday: Personal Income and Outlays, Chicago PMI, Consumer Sentiment

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. N/A means not available.

HEADLINES:

EU task force head is optimistic on Greece. The head of the European Commission’s special task force on Greece believes that Greece is well on its way to improve how it monitors its finances. However, the banking system remains in difficulty and needs to be recapitalized in order to reboot the Greek economy.[v]

Unemployment claims fell to a four-year low last week. Thursday, the Labor Department reported that weekly unemployment benefits dropped by 5,000 to a seasonally-adjusted rate of 348,000, the lowest since February 2008. The drop has coincided with the best three months of hiring since 2010, supporting the view that the job market is improving. From December through February, employers added an average of 245,000 jobs per month.[vi]

Gas prices are inching toward record highs, says AAA. Regular unleaded gas averaged $3.84 nationwide, 30 cents higher than one month ago. Drivers in eight states are already paying more than $4.00 per gallon, and prices will likely edge higher this year. Cost per gallon typically peaks in May when refineries switch to summer gasoline blends, which are more vulnerable to price shocks.[vii]

New home sales fell in February for the second straight month. The Commerce Department reported Friday that new home sales dropped 1.6% last month to 313,000 homes. Sales have fallen nearly 7% since December, a reminder that the housing market has a long way to go despite some recent gains.[viii]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.” – Mahatma Gandhi

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Raspberry Delight

This beautifully simple dessert brings out the best in fresh berries.
Recipe from Real Simple.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup raspberry jam

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 cup fresh raspberries

4 cookies

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with the sugar until stiff peaks form.

In a small bowl, whisk the jam until smooth; fold into the whipped cream. Spoon into serving bowls and garnish with the raspberries and cookies.

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

Play by Intelligence, Not Ego

Ego involvement affects many golfing situations. We may elect to shoot over a dog-leg instead of around it. We may use a high-compression ball because hard hitters do, although we could get more distance with less compression. We may shoot for the pin when our general accuracy can only justify shooting at the green.

One of the secrets to better play is not allowing your ego to affect your choices on the course. If your opponent uses a six iron, don’t hesitate to use a four wood if “your game” calls for it. In other words, play your game and not your ego.

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK:

Exercise to Relieve Tension and Stress

According to many psychiatric professionals, exercise is one of the best (and cheapest) stress-management techniques. While joining a gym or taking classes can offer structured ways to burn off tension, exercise doesn’t have to break the bank. For example, something as simple as a 20-minute walk or jog around the block can yield up to 12 hours of improved mood and lowered stress. The important thing is to choose an activity that you enjoy and add it to your daily routine.
GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK:

Upgrade Older Fixtures to Save Water

Making minor changes to your kitchen and bathroom fixtures can drastically reduce your household’s ecological footprint. Old showerheads can use three gallons per minute or more; to save water, replace it with an efficient model that uses two GPM or less. Avoid designs with multiple heads that compound water waste. In the kitchen, using an aerator, a cylindrical device that threads onto the end of a faucet, reduces the water needed to do water-intensive chores like hand washing and dish rinsing. A 2.0 GPM aerator works well in the kitchen, while a 1.0 GPM model is ideal for the bathroom sink.

Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!

If you would like to opt-out of future emails, please reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.

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.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

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.

Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

Stocks closed flat on Friday, but all the major indices posted gains of more than 2% this week, their largest one-week advance this year. The week’s gains were primarily driven by a string of positive U.S. economic reports and signs of life in the banking sector.

Following Tuesday’s FOMC meeting, the Federal Reserve appears cautiously upbeat about the economy, though Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke acknowledged that the recovery will be a slow one and announced plans to keep the federal funds rate between 0.00% and 0.25% through at least 2014. The Fed has held interest rates near zero since December 2008 in an attempt to spur economic growth through access to cheap credit.[1] By continuing to keep rates low, the Fed is indicating that they are taking a wait-and-see approach to the economic recovery.[2]

Friday’s mixed trading came as traders absorbed economic reports on inflation, industrial production, and consumer sentiment. Inflation rose by 0.4%, pushed higher by rising gas prices. According to the report, consumer prices (a measure of inflation) were up 2.9% from this time last year, which is only slightly higher than the Fed’s 2% target. Part of the Fed’s job is to keep inflation from getting out of hand; if the inflation rate rises too high, it’s possible that the Fed will raise interest rates to push it back down.

Industrial production remained disappointingly flat in February after December and January gains, and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index[3] dropped one percentage point from February’s high of 75.3, as the year’s high gas prices squeeze household budgets. Unfortunately, we can probably expect higher gas prices as we head into the summer travel season, which will continue to put pressure on the economic recovery. While gas prices don’t appear to be affecting retail sales yet, it is possible that consumers will start curbing spending if gas edges much over $4. This year’s high gas prices are largely due to fears about a confrontation with Iran, so continued saber rattling could send prices higher. Of all the factors in play right now, gas prices are definitely a wild card, and one we’re keeping a close eye on.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Monday: Housing Market Index

Tuesday: Housing Starts, Redbook
Wednesday: Existing Home Sales, EIA Petroleum Status Report
Thursday: Jobless Claims, Leading Indicators
Friday: New Home Sales

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. N/A means not available.

HEADLINES:

Gas prices rose for the eighth straight day Saturday to a national average of $3.835, which is only 7% lower than the record high of $4.11 seen in July 2008. Gas prices are up 17% this year and are likely headed higher as we move into the summer driving months.[4]

Jobless claims dropped for the week ending March 10.  First-time claims for unemployment benefits dropped to 351,000 from the previous week’s revised 365,000 claims, suggesting slow improvements in the labor market.[5]

Foreclosures fell 8% in February as lenders began working through a backlog of seized properties. However, the recent $25 billion settlement with the five largest lenders means that foreclosures will likely increase in coming months as lenders begin repossessing homes again.[6]

The government said last week that manufacturers added 31,000 jobs in February. And factories have added 227,000 new jobs over the past year. The number of hours worked by factory employees also rose 0.9 percent last month, according to Capital Economics.[7]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“The human mind is our fundamental resource.” – John F. Kennedy

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Halibut With Citrusy Tomatoes and Capers
Fresh halibut and tangy capers dominate this tasty recipe. If you can’t get halibut, this recipe is still delicious with any flaky white fish. Recipe from Real Simple.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, sliced

1 pint grape tomatoes cut in half

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 tablespoons capers

Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

4 6-ounce pieces skinless halibut fillet or some other firm-fleshed white fish

Preparation:

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add the tomatoes, orange juice, parsley, capers, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and simmer until the tomatoes begin to break down, 4 to 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining teaspoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Season the fish with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook until opaque throughout, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Serve with the tomatoes.

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

The Perfect Swing

Do you feel like you’re hitting too many slices and your swing is never quite right? It could be because you were taught to swing down the target line, which actually causes your arms to fly away from your body resulting in inconsistent contact. To correct this problem, the next time you are on the range, stop your arms at impact and allow your body rotation to bring the club back inside on your follow-through. Practicing this will help you master the proper club head path after impact.

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK:

Get Juiced Up

Changing out your morning coffee or tea for citrus juice can have important health benefits. According toPurdueUniversityresearchers, just a small serving of citrus juice can help you absorb important cancer-fighting antioxidants. Typically, we can only absorb about 20% of the antioxidants in tea, but the antioxidants in citrus juice are better able to withstand digestion – upping the absorption to as much as 80%.

GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK:

Go for Green Computing

Save money (an average of $90 a year) and reduce greenhouse gases by shutting down your home computer every night. By shutting down when you don’t expect to use it for a few hours or turning off the monitor between sessions, you are also reducing power usage. A laptop uses, on average, a quarter of the power required by a desktop computer. Laptops are found in a variety of price ranges and are more than adequate for most computer tasks.

Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!

If you would like to opt-out of future emails, please reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.

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.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

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 fromEurope,Australiaand 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.

TheBLSConsumer 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 Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers is a consumer confidence index based on at least 500 telephone interviews are conducted each month of a continentalUnited Statessample. It is normalized to have a value of 100 in December 1964.

Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

Three years ago Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw one of its darkest days. Closing at its Great Recession low of 6,547, investors cringed to see how far stocks had fallen from their October 2007 high of 14,164.[1] Since that day, we’ve experienced one of the greatest three-year runs in the history of the stock market, superseded only by the dot-com craze of the late nineties and the recovery from the Great Depression.[2]

Stocks have returned with remarkable resilience. Between the “flash crash” of May 2010, the European financial crisis, the downgrade of the U.S. credit rating by Standard and Poor’s, fear of default by the U.S. government, high gas prices, and supply disruptions surrounding the Japanese tsunami, it’s amazing we’ve made it to where we are.

When you look at both the climb we’ve seen and the challenges we’re facing, it’s not surprising that many analysts are calling for a pullback in the near future. Even so, stocks managed to hold their own last week. After a couple of rough days, Wall Street logged three winning sessions on the back of a better-than-expected employment report. The S&P eked out a gain of 0.1% for the week, while the Dow dropped 0.4%, and the Nasdaq gained 0.4%.[3]

While Friday’s jobs report was hotly anticipated, the market’s reaction to it was surprisingly muted. The Labor Department reported that 227,000 new jobs were created while the unemployment rate remained the same as February’s at 8.3%. If so many new jobs were created, why is the unemployment rate the same? Well, while new jobs were created, the total number of job-seekers increased as more people began actively looking for work. When the job market improves, people who had previously dropped out of the hunt start applying for jobs again, affecting the unemployment rate. Clearly, while the employment situation is actively improving, we still have a long way to go.[4]

Also supporting market performance last week was news that Greece succeeded in convincing bondholders to swap their old bonds for new ones valued at much less. In accomplishing this,Greececleared a major hurdle to avoiding a disorderly default.

We are living during one of the most interesting times in history. Each week, as we analyze the stock market and the economy, we find both positive and negative factors to weigh when making investment decisions. We strive to do this with diligence and skill. All things considered, we trust that the same resilience that brought us to Friday will carry us into the future; even though there are sure to be bumps along the way.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Monday: Treasury Budget

Tuesday: Retail Sales, Business Inventories, FOMC Meeting Announcement 2:15 PM EST

Wednesday: Import and Export Prices, EIA Petroleum Status Report
Thursday: Jobless Claims, Producer Price Index, Empire State Mfg. Survey, Treasury International Capital, Philadelphia Fed Survey
Friday: Consumer Price Index, Industrial Production, Consumer Sentiment

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. N/A means not available.

HEADLINES:

China has approved a $2.9 billion investment by 23 foreign institutions in its capital markets. As the Chinese economy shows signs of slowing, central bankers look to foreign investors to pick up the slack. China now has a total of $24.6 billion by 129 foreign institutional investors invested in its capital markets.[5]

Crude oil futures rose past $108 a barrel Friday, buoyed by a good U.S. jobs report and positive news from Greece. Crude has risen from $75 a barrel in October and $96 a barrel last month on the back of rising tensions with Iran and positive economic news.[6]

States that were hardest hit by the real estate collapse are now leading the U.S. labor market growth. Arizona, California, Florida, and Nevada accounted for 28% of the increase in U.S. employment between August and December 2011, according to Labor Department figures.[7]

Credit Suisse is bullish on homebuilder stocks, behind the outlook is improved buyer traffic, record affordability, and improved buyer confidence, leading to increased activity in the housing market.[8]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.”  - Ulysses S. Grant

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Turtle Bars
These simple but decadent bars are perfect for bake sales and gifts.
Recipe from Real Simple.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 cup unsalted butter

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup toffee-and-chocolate baking pieces (such as Heath or Skor)

Preparation:

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine the flour, confectioners’ sugar, and butter in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until a crumbly dough is formed. Press the dough firmly into a greased 9-by-13-inch pan. Bake until just golden, about 13 minutes.

Whisk together the condensed milk, egg, and vanilla. Pour the filling over the baked crust. Sprinkle the pecans, chocolate chips, and toffee pieces evenly over the filling. Bake until the filling is set, the edges are golden brown, and the toffee is melted, about 25 minutes.

Cool completely in the refrigerator, about 2 hours. Cut into 32 bars.

GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:

Move Up!

Having trouble achieving a mental breakthrough? Try playing from the forward tees in order to alter your comfort zone and lower your scores. Playing a shorter course will instill a “go-for-par” or birdie mindset that will stick with you when you return to your accustomed tees. If you can’t score any better from the forward tees, consider it a message that you need extra work on your short game.

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK:

Take Breaks From Computers and Phones

As people spend more of their lives online and connected by smartphones, information overload can become a problem. In order to give your eyes and brain a break, take information breaks every hour where you leave the computer, put your phone away, and disconnect. During that break, take a walk, engage in deep breathing, do a physical activity, drink water, speak to someone in person, or meditate.
GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK:

Use Vinegar as a Household Cleaner

Many commercial household cleaners contain chemicals that can be harmful when breathed in the air or absorbed through the skin. Consider replacing some of your commonly used cleaners with vinegar. Here are a few ways to use vinegar around the house:

• Use vinegar to remove deposits clogging your steam iron or coffeemaker.
• Use a cup of white vinegar to clean a washing machine. Run it through a regular cycle, but leave out the clothes.
• A quarter-cup of white vinegar will remove animal odors or smoke from a load of laundry; simply add it on top of regular detergent.

Note: When using vinegar around the house, be sure to use only the white variety as brown vinegars will easily stain fabrics and surfaces.

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The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq have been up for eight of the last nine weeks, though mixed economic data caused a minor decline on Friday. The S&P gained 0.28% and the Nasdaq rose 0.44%, but the Dow lost 0.04% for the week. Stocks have been the strongest positive indicator in a slew of mixed information coming at us during the last few weeks. The five-month stock rally has been built on steadily improving economic news and strong underlying fundamentals, though some strategists are calling for a pullback since indexes are hitting new landmarks and the fourth-quarter reporting period is winding to a close.[i]

Exerting some negative pressure on both stocks and the economy, gas prices continued their march higher this week, reaching a national average of $3.74, according to AAA.[ii] Gas prices have risen more than 8% this year, influenced by ongoing Middle East tensions and a stronger U.S. economy. However, on a positive note, crude oil prices dropped Friday for the first time in days, on news that the U.S. won’t preemptively attack Iran and disrupt oil supplies. While sustained high gas prices are not something we want to see, economists continue to stress that $4 gas is not enough to derail the economic recovery.[iii] Interestingly, higher gas prices haven’t dampened American enthusiasm for cars. Automakers reported strong sales for February, especially among smaller cars as buyers try to offset increased fuel expenses. Although all makers have not reported February results, analysts expect strong sales of 1.1 million cars and trucks for the month.[iv]

Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke had both encouragement and words of warning for the Senate Banking Committee this week. While expressing that the recovery is not over and that the Fed expects continued growth of 2.2% to 2.7% this year, he also urged politicians to act on key issues. Bernanke expressed that the expiration of the Bush tax cuts, payroll tax increases, and massive federal budget cuts – all coming at the same time in January 2013 – is a “fiscal cliff” that could threaten the economic recovery.[v] We agree that these lingering political issues could have significant negative consequences if they are not addressed properly. We sincerely hope that the leaders of this nation will act for the common good, and that they will not allow political bickering to get in the way of our ongoing recovery.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Monday: Factory Orders, ISM Non-Mfg. Index
Wednesday: ADP Employment Report, Productivity and Costs, EIA Petroleum Status Report
Thursday: Jobless Claims
Friday: Employment Situation, International Trade

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. N/A means not available.

HEADLINES:

Traders pushed up the price of Treasury debt after economic data from Europe brought back fears of a global economic slowdown. Demand for “safe haven” investments like Treasury bills often goes up on the back of poor economic news.[vi]

The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing index fell in February to 52.4 from 54.1, a decline well below expectations. All four of the component indexes also posted declines; however, ISM’s survey chief believes that the declines are part of a generally positive trend of moderate growth.[vii]

New orders for durable goods declined a surprising 4% in January. Orders for long-lasting goods like machinery, airplanes, furniture, and appliances dropped after a special business tax treatment expired. While the news could be a sign of weakening manufacturing activity, the durable goods report is notoriously volatile and it is likely one-time factors had a significant impact.[viii]

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index rose in February, a significant improvement over January’s performance, and is now close to February 2011 levels. Consumers are more confident about current economic conditions than they were in January, and despite rising gas prices, they are more optimistic about the economic recovery.[ix]

After a week of mixed performance, major indexes locked in weekly gains on Friday, buoyed by positive economic data. The S&P 500 closed at its highest level since 2008, having gained 8% so far this year. The Dow increased about 0.3% this week and flirted with its highest close since May 2008, while the Nasdaq added 0.4% to close at its highest level since December 2000![i]

Positive economic numbers released this week included an unexpected boost in consumer confidence in February as Americans continue to be optimistic about economic growth. The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final index of consumer sentiment rose to 75.3 from 75 in January, sustained by gains in the job market.[ii] Optimistic consumers tend to spend more and invest more – two things that are very good for economic growth.

Additional positive news came out of the housing market as sales of existing U.S. homes rose 4.3% in January, sustained by record-low interest rates and bargain prices. At the same time though, sales of new homes fell in January after four straight months of gains as more Americans purchased previously-owned homes. According to the Commerce Department, new-home sales dropped 0.9% from December, falling short of forecasted growth. However, since hiring is on the rise and existing homes are selling briskly, we expect to see continued improvements in the overall housing market as stockpiles are depleted and consumers keep taking advantage of low mortgage rates.[iii]

Unfortunately, gas prices continued their rise this week, increasing 2.7 cents to a nationwide average of $3.67 a gallon on Saturday. Tensions with Iran and Syria caused crude oil to hit $109.77 at Friday’s close; however, consumers are still responding relatively well. In related news, St Louis Federal Reserve President James Bullard made a statement Friday expressing confidence that since Americans adjusted to high gas prices in 2008, the rising prices we now see are unlikely to derail the recovery.[iv] We hope he is correct in this assumption.

Overall, despite some midweek market turbulence fueled by concerns over Europe and high gas prices, the week ended well, with positive economic news boosting confidence that the recovery will continue. Although a sustained rise in gas prices could put a damper on future growth, most economists remain cautiously optimistic, and so do we.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Monday: Pending Home Sales Index, Dallas Fed Manufacturing Survey
Tuesday: Durable Goods Orders, S&P Case-Shiller HPI, Consumer Confidence
Wednesday: GDP, Chicago PMI, Ben Bernanke Speaks at 10:00 AM ET, EIA Petroleum Status Report, Beige Book
Thursday: Motor Vehicle Sales, Jobless Claims, Personal Income and Outlays, ISM Manufacturing Index, Construction Spending

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. N/A means not available.

HEADLINES:

The Federal government could open the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to curb rising oil prices. Tapping the SPR often comes up when gas prices soar and politicians feel pressured into action. Opening the reserve would quickly lower prices; however, doing so might leave the country open to future shocks, meaning that it is unlikely to be opened unless a severe supply disruption occurs.[v]

Greece launched a sovereign debt swap worth €107 billion- designed to restructure its debt load and stave off default. The swap will allow investors to take a 53.5% loss on the face value of their government bonds – which is much less than the actual loss, estimated at between 73-74%. It is hoped that the debt swap will lower Greece’s overall debt from 160% of GDP to 120% by 2020, paving the way for a return to solvency.[vi]

The Federal Reserve bought $1.9 billion in long-dated bonds as part of a bond-buying program designed to support the economy by keeping long-term interest rates low. The Fed plans to purchase a wider variety of bond maturities next week.[vii]

A prominent economist is bearish on the economy. Despite the positive economic indicators, Lakshman Achuthan believes the economy is headed for a new recession. However, Achuthan’s views are not widely accepted; a December CNNMoney poll of economists cut the double-dip recession risk down to 20%, citing job growth, increased retail spending, and higher consumer confidence.[viii]

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.” – Thomas Jefferson

Despite a turbulent week filled with mixed news from Europe and rising Middle East tensions, stocks closed higher on hopes that Chinese assistance would mean a bailout plan for Greece. The S&P 500 closed at 1361.23, a level not seen in nearly a year, having gained 8.2% so far in 2012. Other major indexes also rose for the week, the Dow advancing 1.2% and the Nasdaq climbing 1.7%.

In not-so-great news, crude oil prices rose for a third straight day on U.S. markets Friday, topping $103 a barrel, sparked by increased saber rattling from Iran over its nuclear energy policies. A sustained surge in prices could weigh on the global economic recovery. Drivers are seeing the effect at the pump, with gas prices up by 0.9% since January, topping $3.50 a gallon in many places. Every added penny at the gas pump diverts roughly $1 billion in consumer spending away from other sectors of the economy.

Thankfully, inflation isn’t looking bad overall. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) only rose 0.02% in January, which was in line with expectations. The Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, also matched expectations, gaining 0.02%. Year-over-year gains were 2.9% for the general CPI and 2.3% for the Core CPI. If overall inflation was higher, economic growth could be threatened by rising prices, and the Fed would likely respond by raising interest rates. The Fed’s statement following the January FOMC report described price pressures as “subdued”, and indicated that they plan to keep rates low until at least late 2014.

In simple English, last week was really a mixed bag. While we are happy with the stock market’s performance, progress in Europe, and low inflation, unrest in the Middle East is a wild card. Every time bad news out of that region hits headlines, speculators drive gas prices through the roof. At this point, all we can do is monitor the situation, hoping that with diplomatic pressure, Iran will listen to reason.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Monday: U.S. Markets closed for President’s Day
Wednesday: Existing Home Sales
Thursday: Jobless Claims, FHFA Housing Price Index, EIA Petroleum Status Report
Friday: Consumer Sentiment, New Home Sales

Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. N/A means not available.

HEADLINES:

Greece won a second massive financial bailout in the early hours of Tuesday morning when its partners in the 17-country Eurozone finally stitched together a €130 billion ($170 billion) rescue, meant to avoid a potentially disastrous default and secure the euro currency.

Congress passed a payroll tax cut and job benefits bill in a rare show of bipartisan support. Under the new bill, workers would continue to receive a two percentage point increase in their paychecks (taken out of the 6.2% Social Security payroll tax). People out of work for more than six months would keep jobless benefits averaging about $300 a week.

Jobless claims plunged last week to a nearly four-year low, in the latest bit of good news for the U.S. economy. Initial unemployment claims totaled 348,000 in the week ended Feb. 11, said the U.S. Department of Labor. That’s 13,000 less than the week before.

Iran threatened to disrupt oil trade through Strait of Hormuz in response to pressure from the U.S. and European Union to shut down a uranium enrichment program aimed at producing nuclear weapons. Oil prices have been rising steadily since hitting a seasonal low in October.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.” – Eleanor Roosevelt