Stock market news today, April 28, 2014: U.S. stock futures are in the black this morning on anticipation of increased mergers-and-acquisitions activity.
Here's what you need to know to make today profitable.
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On numerous occasions, I've told you to remain on lookout for threats to your savings, including the proposed new MyRA account.
If you've been counting on your pension, whether from work or even Social Security, you may want to revise those plans, as most are way underfunded.
Research by Bridgewater Associates, the world's largest hedge fund, estimates that 85% of public pensions could go bust within 30 years.
Public pension funds currently have about $3 trillion in assets, but will need to pay out nearly $10 trillion over the next several decades.
That would require average annual returns around 9%, but Bridgewater estimates they'll only earn about 4%, leaving pensions severely underfunded as paid benefits exceed contributions and returns.
Dow Jones Today: A sharp Friday selloff turned markets negative for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 139.87 points to finish the week at 16,361.78. The Nasdaq dropped 72.78 points to finish at 4,075.56 and the S&P 500 was down 15.20 points to close at 1,863.41.
Consumer discretionary stocks like Amazon.com Inc. and Ford Motor Co. were off big in afternoon trading. Ford announced quarterly profits fell by 39% due to an increased allocation of money to fix defects and currency devaluations in South America.
In addition, uncertainty over Russia’s decision on how to handle Ukraine is wearing on investors.
Here’s your recap of today’s major market events...
The prices of alternative energy stocks are at China's mercy right now. That's because for the past few years, China has been in a dispute with the United States, Europe, and Japan over its exports of rare earth metals. Though China has about 30% of world reserves of rare earths, it controls 80% of international production.
As this battle rages on, one thing is clear: The international solar industry could be turned on its side if China begins to hoard these metals and drive up their cost.
Of course, whenever there is market disruption like this, there is a profit opportunity...
by David Zeiler
In his first “report card” since taking the reins of Microsoft Corp. in February, CEO Satya Nadella showed why he was exactly the right choice to get MSFT stock moving again.
Microsoft beat expectations in when it reported earnings Thursday mostly on the strength of its cloud computing products – Nadella’s area of expertise, and the single most promising business segment for the Redmond-Wash.-based tech giant.
by Diane Alter
The silver price was modestly higher Friday amid mounting geopolitical tensions that have stoked bullish options activity.
In early afternoon trading, spot silver was last up $0.03, or 0.15%, at 19.78 an ounce. The metal traded as low as $19.57 and as high as $19.92 in another volatile session.
With gold prices crossing $1,300 an ounce last week, Money Morning's Resource Specialist Peter Krauth has pinpointed gold mining stocks that are set to cash in on the rising price of gold.
Gold prices suffered in 2013, down 28%. But these gold mining companies strengthened their operations during a down gold market, and are poised to capitalize with gold prices recovering.
As gold prices climb, these companies offer great profit opportunities...
by Diane Alter
To add to its string of significant acquisitions, Facebook (Nasdaq: FB) has purchased Moves, a free app that logs users' daily exercise and fitness routines.
It also keeps track of places visited, with a map showing where users have been throughout the day and how they got there.
Here's how the Moves app will keep Facebook highly competitive among its rivals...
Solar power has three major benefits: It's renewable, it's great for the environment, and it can be produced right here at home.
There has always been one big problem with solar, however – the price. For years now, its high cost has always been the biggest weapon in every critic's arsenal.
But a study released last week suggests this objection is about to fall by the wayside for good.
Here's what it means for the energy sector, and for investors.
