Weekly Market Update
Week of January 31, 2011
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The Markets:

U.S. stocks' winning streak ended Friday amid news of political strife in Egypt.
  The Dow closed down 1.39%, the S&P 500 declined 1.79%, and the Nasdaq fell 2.48%
-- the biggest single day losses in nearly six months.[1]  This pullback left many
investors asking what political strife in Egypt has to do with the U.S. stock market.
You may be wondering the same thing. So what is the answer?

While many factors are involved, the primary issue is that the stock market hates
uncertainty. It's an old adage, but one that is often true. On a fundamental level,
the stock market is based on people's speculation about what is going to happen
in the future. Uncertainty about the future leads many to sell and/or sit on the
sideline because they aren't comfortable investing their money until they feel
like they know what is ahead. For the time being, the situation in Egypt is anything
but certain.

Uncertainty, combined with Egypt's position along one of the busiest trade routes
in the world, had a combined affect on the markets last week.  The price of oil
rose with fears about the stability of maritime operations on the Suez Canal. As
a major trade route, any interruption or closure has the potential to create a
spike in oil and energy prices.[2]  As a result, analysts predict a measure of volatility
until calm is restored.[3]  As we saw on Friday, when volatility increases, a flight
to safety often drives uneasy investors into so-called "safe havens" and away from
stocks.[4]

The affect of Egyptian politics on U.S. stock markets serves as a reminder that
we are part of an intricate international economy.  The ups and downs of the markets
are rarely predictable, and a measure of risk is to be expected.  Historically,
stocks have outperformed all other investments,[5]  but in the short-term, fluctuations
are inevitable.*  At times like this, rest assured that we will continue to monitor
the situation abroad and bring you relevant information as soon as it becomes available.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Monday - Personal Income and Outlays, Chicago PMI
Tuesday - Motor Vehicle Sales, Redbook, ISM Mfg Index, Construction Spending
Wednesday - ADP Employment Report, EIA Petroleum Status Report
Thursday - ECB Announcement, Jobless Claims, Productivity and Costs, Factory Orders,
ISM Non-Mfg Index
Friday - Employment Situation

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Performance
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. NA means not available.
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Headlines:

The United Nations reported that international food prices rose by an all-time high
of 25% in December.  The rising costs for staples like rice, wheat, and maize have
been affected by bad weather in Australia and Russia, rising incomes in China and
India, and a push for biofuels.  The sharp inflation in food costs has sparked political
unrest throughout the Middle East, including Egypt and Tunisia.[6]

The GDP figures for the last quarter showed that consumer spending was up a strong
4.4% on an annualized basis, and final sales surged 7.1%, its largest jump in nearly
30 years. Trade was a big contributor to the economic gains, with exports surging
8.5% and imports declining 13.6%.  Inventories grew by $121 billion in the third
quarter, but only rose by $7 billion in the final three months of the year.[7]

Comcast Corp., took control of NBC Universal shortly before midnight on Friday.
The deal comes after the government shackled Comcast's behavior in the coming years
to protect online video services such as Netflix and Hulu.  The takeover gave Comcast
51% control of NBC Universal, which owns the nation's fourth-ranked broadcaster,
NBC, the Universal Pictures movie studio and related theme parks, and a bevy of
cable channels including Bravo, E! and USA.[8]

Chinese authorities have blocked the word "Egypt" from searches on Twitter-like
microblogging sites in an indication of concern among Communist Party leaders that
the unrest there could encourage similar calls for political reform in China.[9]

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"Peace is not something you wish for; it's something you make, something you do,
something you are, and something you give away." -Robert Fulghum
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Oreo Truffles
From: Better Homes and Gardens
You only need three ingredients to make these white chocolate treats.
They're great for parties or to give as gifts.
Servings:
Makes 50 truffles.
Ingredients:
1 18-oz. pkg. chocolate sandwich cookies with white filling, finely crushed
1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 lb. white baking chocolate, melted
Directions:
In large bowl combine crushed cookies and cream cheese. Beat with mixer on low speed
until well blended. Form 1-inch balls by hand. Dip balls in white chocolate; place
on baking sheet covered with waxed paper. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. To store,
cover and refrigerate. Makes 50 truffles.
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Find The Right Tempo

In golf, tempo refers to the overall speed of your swing. It's the total amount
of time it takes to create your golf swing from beginning to end. Some players have
a relatively fast tempo, while others have a slower tempo. A golfer's optimum tempo
is often related to his or her personality, and yours should be too. Golfers get
into trouble when they either slow down or speed up their natural tempo. Most often,
the tendency is to speed up with the longer clubs to gain extra yards, especially
with the driver. When your tempo starts varying from club to club, the timing required
to hit consistent golf shots is destroyed.
For every club in the bag, the tempo, or time it takes to make the swing from start
to finish, should be the same. For example, it should take the same amount of time
to make a swing with your pitching wedge as it does with the 7-iron or the driver.
What varies is the speed of the clubhead. Because the driver is longer than the
pitching wedge, the club head moves faster throughout the swing, but if it takes
two seconds to swing a pitching wedge, it should take the same two seconds to swing
the driver.
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*Stock investing involves market risk including loss of principal.  The fast price
swings of commodities will result in significant volatility in an investor's holdings.
Government bonds and Treasury Bills are guaranteed by the US Government as to the
timely payment of principal and interest and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed
rate of return and fixed principal value

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.

[1] www.marketwatch.com/story/us-stocks-fall-on-fears-over-egypt-djia-biggest-drop-in-2-months-2011-01-28?dist=afterbell
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=ayntlqdab&t=4vqmpqeab.0.0.ayntlqdab.0&id=preview&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marketwatch.com%2Fstory%2Fus-stocks-fall-on-fears-over-egypt-djia-biggest-drop-in-2-months-2011-01-28%3Fdist%3Dafterbell]

[2] www.marketwatch.com/story/us-stocks-fall-on-fears-over-egypt-djia-biggest-drop-in-2-months-2011-01-28?dist=afterbell
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=ayntlqdab&t=4vqmpqeab.0.0.ayntlqdab.0&id=preview&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marketwatch.com%2Fstory%2Fus-stocks-fall-on-fears-over-egypt-djia-biggest-drop-in-2-months-2011-01-28%3Fdist%3Dafterbell]

[3] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41317914/ns/business-oil_and_energy/ [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=ayntlqdab&t=4vqmpqeab.0.0.ayntlqdab.0&id=preview&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.msnbc.msn.com%2Fid%2F41317914%2Fns%2Fbusiness-oil_and_energy%2F]

[4] www.marketwatch.com/story/us-stocks-fall-on-fears-over-egypt-djia-biggest-drop-in-2-months-2011-01-28?dist=afterbell
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=ayntlqdab&t=4vqmpqeab.0.0.ayntlqdab.0&id=preview&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marketwatch.com%2Fstory%2Fus-stocks-fall-on-fears-over-egypt-djia-biggest-drop-in-2-months-2011-01-28%3Fdist%3Dafterbell]

[5] www.money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/money101/lesson4/ [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=ayntlqdab&t=4vqmpqeab.0.0.ayntlqdab.0&id=preview&p=http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2Fmagazines%2Fmoneymag%2Fmoney101%2Flesson4%2F]

[6] http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/28/news/international/inflation_food_prices_middle_east/index.htm
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=ayntlqdab&t=4vqmpqeab.0.0.ayntlqdab.0&id=preview&p=http%3A%2F%2Fmoney.cnn.com%2F2011%2F01%2F28%2Fnews%2Finternational%2Finflation_food_prices_middle_east%2Findex.htm]

[7] http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/gdp-report-economy-improving-2011/19819798/
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=ayntlqdab&t=4vqmpqeab.0.0.ayntlqdab.0&id=preview&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyfinance.com%2Fstory%2Fgdp-report-economy-improving-2011%2F19819798%2F]

[8] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41326456/ns/business-media_biz/ [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=ayntlqdab&t=4vqmpqeab.0.0.ayntlqdab.0&id=preview&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.msnbc.msn.com%2Fid%2F41326456%2Fns%2Fbusiness-media_biz%2F]

[9] http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704832704576113810779590744.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=ayntlqdab&t=4vqmpqeab.0.0.ayntlqdab.0&id=preview&p=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052748704832704576113810779590744.html%3Fmod%3Dgooglenews_wsj]
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Robert Russo
Blackbridge Financial
12610 N. Community House Road
Suite 204
Charlotte,NC28277
704-499-9702
rrusso@bbridgefin.com
http://www.blackbridgefinancial.com

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NC | 28277

Weekly Market Update (week of January 24th, 2011)

Weekly Market Update
Week of January 24, 2011

The Markets:

While the recovery has continued to burn brighter, it's no thanks to the rising cost of gasoline. Most consumers are cringing over prices at the pump and, as a nationwide economic marker, it affects nearly everyone.


Gas prices hit almost $3.12/gallon on Friday, less than a dollar below the all-time high of about $4.11/gallon in July 2008.[1] Current prices have risen 12 cents a gallon (4%) in the last month alone and 39 cents (14%) over the last year. Crude oil has risen on a similar track and is currently trading at just under $90 a barrel.[2]



Though American consumers are paying the price, international oil demand and lack of supply are primarily responsible for the rising cost. Last year, worldwide demand hit a record of more than 87 million barrels a day, largely driven by strong growth in India, China, and the Middle East. Simultaneously, supply was constricted by the drilling moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico following the BP disaster, slow production growth in non-OPEC countries, and OPEC production controls.[3]



Gas prices are proving to be a critical, but unpredictable element in the economic recovery. Analysts are predicting prices to range from $3.20 to $3.75/gallon by spring, just when Americans typically hit the road.[4] Just as positive consumer sentiment can be tempered by the daily reminders of rising prices, there is also an unknown tipping point for when those prices take a toll on spending.[5]



While all this talk about rising gas prices may have you feeling less than enthusiastic, the overall economic outlook is still positive and the stock market is performing well. While some indexes fell slightly for the week, the Dow climbed 0.72%, continuing its longest winning streak since April of last year.[6] At least for now, rising gas prices aren't creating a significant drag on the economic recovery.


ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Tuesday - Redbook, S&P Case Shiller HPI, Consumer Confidence
Wednesday - New Home Sales, EIA Petroleum Status Report
Thursday - Durable Goods Orders, Jobless Claims, Pending Home Sales
Friday - GDP, Employment Cost Index, Consumer Sentiment





Performance





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. NA means not available.


Headlines

Facebook raised $1.5 billion from Goldman Sachs and Digital Sky Technologies,
giving the company an estimated value of $50 billion. Facebook confirmed that it will begin filing public financial reports by April 2012, a move likely indicative of an IPO.[7]



A 1963 Pontiac ambulance that supposedly carried the body of President John F. Kennedy after his assassination was sold at a Scottsdale, Ariz., auction Saturday night for $132,000.[8]



Existing home sales jumped 12% in December, the fifth month of gains in the past six months. While the rates are higher than expected, the median price of homes has fallen by 1% and is still down 2.9% from a year ago.[9]



Thirty-second advertising spots for 2011's Super Bowl XLV will cost about $3 million each. This year's ads contain a record number from the auto industry, while the largest advertisers include Anheuser-Busch and Dot-com firms. Many will include online features with contest components.[10]