Higher than expected retail sales brought out buyers today. The Commerce Dept reported an increase of 0.3% for Jan retail sales following lower sales in Dec & an expected decline in Jan. Buyers are back in force: Dow is up 86, advancers are ahead of decliners 3-2 & NAZ is up 29. The market was also encouraged by government actions announced yesterday to help homeowners with problems making mortgage payments. The plan, however, will only help "qualified" homeowners. Oil remains above 92, Venezuela is making more threats.
My Cocla Cola (KO) had a very nice report with record sales & earnings, but down 0.44. However, North American sales were only up 1% & Europe up 2%. Most of the growth came from Asia, Africa & South America. Also in North America, Mexico is a major market suggesting that US unit sales declined a little. They are a member of the S&P Dividend Aristocrats, with 45 consecutive years of higher dividends. This year should extend that record.
Can't help but notice that Uno the Beagle won the Westminster Dog Show. My dog would have been proud of the first Beagle to win.
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