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In energy ETFs, the United States Oil Fund ( USO ) is down 0.43% to $34.54. In other energy futures, heating oil was down 0.98% to $3.04 a gallon while natural gas was up 0.79% to $3.04 per million British thermal units. Meanwhile, gold futures finished higher as comments Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said in comments that there will be no lasting impact from the Standard & Poor's downgrade and that inflation was in check.

The safe-haven US dollar ( USD ) was seen trading moderately lower Thursday following these data releases since most of today's numbers supported higher risk taking. Shortly after the publication of euro zone CPI data, the US published its core and nominal readings of the same reports. Consumer inflation is a key level behind the engine of growth making today's CPI numbers a positive step for both Europe and the United States at a time when many economists are discussing the possibility of a double-dip recession.

As the equities markets have rallied, Gold ( GLD ) prices are heading in the opposite direction. The U.S. markets are doing their best to follow the lead in Europe, even as we see several economic data points coming in worse than expected today (CPI, Philly Fed, Empire Manufacturing Survey, Jobless Claims). And despite all the band-aids world regulators have applied, the true determining factor for a sustained market recovery will be healthy economic activity without constant governmental intervention.

Its double-bearish exposure ProShares UltraShort 20+ Year Treasury ETF (NYSEArca:TBT) is the single biggest leveraged and inverse exchange-traded fund in the world. ProShares, the world’s biggest purveyor of inverse and leveraged ETFs, filed paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission to market four exchange-traded funds that give investors tools to manage various inflationary scenarios over 10- and 30-year periods. It said such funds should be used only by knowledgeable investors who understand how daily rebalancing works and who actively monitor their investments.

iShares Silver Trust ( SLV ) is up 1.83% to $41.27. In other energy futures, heating oil was down 0.98% to $3.04 a gallon while natural gas was up 0.79% to $3.04 per million British thermal units. Meanwhile, gold futures finished higher as comments Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said in comments that there will be no lasting impact from the Standard & Poor's downgrade and that inflation was in check.

The United States Natural Gas ETF ( UNG ) is up 1.11% to $10.04. In other energy futures, heating oil was down 0.98% to $3.04 a gallon while natural gas was up 0.79% to $3.04 per million British thermal units. Meanwhile, gold futures finished higher as comments Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said in comments that there will be no lasting impact from the Standard & Poor's downgrade and that inflation was in check.

Elsewhere, Wall Street analyst upgrades helped push up shares of Peabody Energy ( BTU ), Kohl's ( KSS ), and Union Pacific ( UNP ). The U.S. markets are doing their best to follow the lead in Europe, even as we see several economic data points coming in worse than expected today (CPI, Philly Fed, Empire Manufacturing Survey, Jobless Claims). And despite all the band-aids world regulators have applied, the true determining factor for a sustained market recovery will be healthy economic activity without constant governmental intervention.

Elsewhere, Wall Street analyst upgrades helped push up shares of Peabody Energy ( BTU ), Kohl's ( KSS ), and Union Pacific ( UNP ). The U.S. markets are doing their best to follow the lead in Europe, even as we see several economic data points coming in worse than expected today (CPI, Philly Fed, Empire Manufacturing Survey, Jobless Claims). And despite all the band-aids world regulators have applied, the true determining factor for a sustained market recovery will be healthy economic activity without constant governmental intervention.

In metal ETFs, SPDR Gold Trust ( GLD ) is up 2.24% to $181.05. In other energy futures, heating oil was down 0.98% to $3.04 a gallon while natural gas was up 0.79% to $3.04 per million British thermal units. Meanwhile, gold futures finished higher as comments Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said in comments that there will be no lasting impact from the Standard & Poor's downgrade and that inflation was in check.

Southern Copper Corp. ( SCCO ),Rio Tinto plc ( RIO ),BHP Billiton Ltd. ( BHP ),Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. ( FCX ), Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd. ( SLT ) China's lust for oil, copper, aluminum, iron ore and coal will bounce back during second half of 2011, having been sluggish as the government's campaign put the brakes on growth and inflation. Southern Copper Corp. ( SCCO ): Market cap $31.46B. SCCO produces copper, molybdenum, zinc and silver.

The world's largest miner, BHP Billiton ( BHP ) is up 2.16 pct or 77 cents to $36.47 while RIO Tinto ( RIO ) is up 3.72 pct or $2.34 to $64.91. MIDDAY REPORT (12pm AEDT) The Australian sharemarket has kicked off the new trading week in positive fashion, with the All Ordinaries index (XAO) up 1.9 pct or 78.8 pts to 4282.2. If inflation (CPI) remains subdued this Wednesday, it would increase the likelihood of a rate cut from our central bank if it deems it necessary over the next few months.

Packaged foods giant General Mills, Inc. ( GIS ) on Tuesday caught a big upgrade from analysts at Goldman Sachs. Buy GIS as a high-quality company well positioned to experience accelerating fundamental strength as its comparison issues fade and it proves an early and sizeable benefactor of abating inflation pressure. The Bottom Line Shares of General Mills ( GIS ) have a 3.10% dividend yield, based on last night's closing stock price of $39.31.

However logistics provider Toll Holdings ( TOL ) warned of a challenging year ahead, its share price dropped 0.4pct to $4.79. Australia's richest person, Gina Rinehart, today warned that the resources sector could lose market share to other countries if new exploration incentives are not introduced and costs continue to rise. The Reserve Bank focuses on three "underlying" price measures - trimmed mean, weighted median and CPIX (CPI less fruit, vegetables, petrol and deposit and loan facilities).

Corp ( VFC ), and Eaton Corp ( ETN ). Maintaining historically low interest rates and bailing out people who can't afford their loans are a kind of slap in the face to responsible savers. The irony will be when the real estate market starts to show signs of life, but the Federal Reserve being behind the inflation curve needing to raise rates dramatically to soak up all the currency they printed.

Paul Krugman is one of those proposing aggressive Keynesian based efforts to stop deflation. Government fiscal or central bank monetary intervention distorts the prices that free markets are attempting to ascertain at any given time of houses, cars, stocks, bonds or beans. From Groupon's (GRPN) deals of the day for a local restaurant to options on Netflix ( NFLX ) to Greek bonds, buyers and sellers review the available and evolving information with lightning speed.

Southern Copper Corp. ( SCCO ),Rio Tinto plc ( RIO ),BHP Billiton Ltd. ( BHP ),Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. ( FCX ), Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd. ( SLT ) China's lust for oil, copper, aluminum, iron ore and coal will bounce back during second half of 2011, having been sluggish as the government's campaign put the brakes on growth and inflation. BHP Billiton Ltd. ( BHP ): Market cap $247.41B. BHP is a diversified natural resources company.

RIO shares added 4.9pct to $65.63 while BHP Billiton ( BHP ) gained 3.2pct to $36.85. The mining sector was the best performer, following sharp gains on the London Metals Exchange on Friday night on hopes of a resolution to the European debt crisis. Economic data released today showed the broad measure of business inflation, or final stage prices, rose by 0.6pct in the September quarter, in line with forecasts.

If you still think a gold rebound may come, then gold producers such as GoldCorp (NYSE: GG ) look like the best gold stocks to own right now, rather than the exchange-traded funds like SPDR GoldShares (NYSE: GLD ) . If you think gold has further to fall, as I do, then you could short the GLD outright, perhaps using Goldcorp as a long hedge . As gold bugs aver, the end-result of aggressive monetary and fiscal policies will be sharply higher inflation and depreciation of Western currencies.

For the commodity sleeve of our portfolio, we would look to either PowerShares DB Commodity ( DBC ) or United States Commodity Index ( USCI ). DBC is actually the largest and most liquid broad commodity ETP on the market. Historically, investors have allocated portions of their portfolios to real estate, inflation-linked bonds, gold, and instruments tracking a broad basket of commodities in an effort to preserve purchasing power in the event of an unexpected inflationary shock.

The company's competitors include The Cheesecake Factory Inc. ( CAKE ) and Yum! CHEESECAKE FACT ( CAKE ): Free Stock Analysis Report MCDONALDS CORP ( MCD ): Free Stock Analysis Report YUM! We remain Neutral on McDonald's Corp. ( MCD ) with solid comparable sales (comps) momentum, expansion and accelerated remodeling on the one side, and commodity inflation, increased selling, general and administrative expenses as well as the expected currency headwinds for 2012 on the other.

Our pick is iShares Gold Trust ( IAU ). The report identifies four deleveraging patterns based on 45 episodes from 1930 to the present: belt-tightening, high inflation, massive default, and growing out of debt. Carmen Reinhardt argues that many developed countries have engaged in "financial repression," the subtle liquidation of government debt through policies such as interest-rate caps, capital controls, and forced lending to captive audiences.

The new system is expected to start operations in 2014, and CSX plans to invest $500 million from the sale proceeds of the deal in the development of Florida rail infrastructure. Despite disturbances to demand levels from the ongoing economic upheaval, CSX Corp. ( CSX ) continues to post strong year-over-year growth backed by a favorable pricing momentum. We believe CSX will deliver volume growth above GDP levels, in parallel with pricing above inflation, in a sound economic backdrop.

Leading the charge was State Street, with the SPDR Barclays Capital International Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEArca:BWX) and the SPDR DB International Government Inflation-Protected Bond ETF (NYSEArca:WIP) as the first international bond and international inflation-protected bond ETFs. For an asset class that plays such an integral role in global capital markets and in investors’ portfolios, the options available to investors prior to 2011 were mostly broad and U.S. focused. In the real world of ETFs, that means that providing exposure to niche areas requires high levels of optimization, which, in turn, can lead to tracking error.

IShares Barclays 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ( TLH ) holds a portfolio of U.S. Treasury bonds and has a similar average maturity to PCY but only has a yield to maturity of 2.48%. Many emerging markets have improved their financial stability by abandoning fixed exchange rates, adopting inflation targeting, reducing external debt, and lowering fiscal deficits. If emerging markets continue growing their economies faster than does the United States, their currency could rise versus the dollar, which will be another source of positive returns for local-currency bonds.

The benchmark oil price has climbed over the past few weeks, the uptick fueled by surprisingly strong economic reports emanating from the U.S. and continued political volatility in some of the world's biggest producers of the fossil fuel. However, analysts at Bespoke Investment Group ( BIG ) contend the current rally is "unlikely to have as much of a negative impact" on spending. Gasoline prices have been more closely tied to Brent crude prices, and while benchmark crude has jumped over the past few weeks, gas prices have remained closer to their recent lows , according to BIG.

Two U.S. construction or engineering companies who have done booming business in building China are Timken Co. ( TKR ) and Caterpillar Inc. ( CAT ). The victory over inflation could not have come at a better time as there are clear indications of a slowdown. Latest statistics indicate that exports to the EU slipped 9% year over year while U.S.-bound exports dropped 5%, last October.

Growth deterioration made China cut the reserve requirement ratio ( RRR ) for all depository financial institutions by -50 bps, effective December 5, 2011 as reduction in inflationary pressure has lowered the need for tightening monetary policy. After announcing joint action to enhance liquidity support to the global financial system on December, central banks also moved unilaterally to stimulate the market. Low interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding gold and money printing measures implemented by central banks is equivalent to currency depreciation.

Costco Wholesale Corporation ( COST ) sustained its sales momentum, and registered a comps growth of 9%. Excluding the effects of higher gasoline prices and foreign currencies fluctuation, Costco's comparable-store sales climbed 7%. It is evident that customers remain sensitive to macroeconomic factors including high fuel and energy costs, credit availability, unemployment levels, and high household debt levels, which may affect their discretionary spending, and in turn curtail the sector's growth and profitability.

Paychex is highly dependent on the performance of the SMB sector and this is the reason the company may not see much revenue growth in the near term. Moreover, we remain somewhat concerned about high unemployment and inflation rates within the small and medium business ( SMB ) group. The newest member of the SaaS-suite, Paychex Online Mobile application is a free, highly secure and easy-to-use app.

BHP Billiton Ltd. - ADRBHP Volatility in currency prices may have a significant impact on the company s financial results going ahead. BHP BILLITN LTD ( BHP ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Moreover, an upsurge in oil prices and rising core inflation in the emerging markets may also prove detrimental to the company's growth.

Also after the bell yesterday, Adobe Systems ( ADBE ) beat consensus EPS estimates. Mark Vickery zacks.com ADOBE SYSTEMS ( ADBE ): Free Stock Analysis Report RESEARCH IN MOT ( RIMM ): Free Stock Analysis Report Zacks Investment Research Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? December 16, 2011 The November Consumer Price Index ( CPI ) was just released, and the results were unchanged.

Stocks recently featured in the blog include Macy's Inc. ( M ), Saks Incorporated ( SKS ), Ross Stores Inc. ( ROST ), Costco Wholesale Corporation ( COST ) and Limited Brands Inc. ( LTD ). Costco Wholesale Corporation ( COST ) sustained its sales momentum, and registered a comps growth of 9%. Excluding the effects of higher gasoline prices and foreign currencies fluctuation, Costco's comparable-store sales climbed 7%.

Take one of my "Forever" stocks Philip Morris ( PM ) for example. -- Paul Tracy Paul Tracy owns shares of PM.StreetAuthority LLC owns shares of PM in one or more if its "real money" portfolios. When you own them, you don't have to worry about events such asinflation ordeflation ,bear markets or recessions... flash-crashes or rising interest rates.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation ( KMB ) has reported adjusted earnings of $1.28 per share in the fourth quarter 2011 and $4.80 per share in the fiscal year 2011. KIMBERLY CLARK ( KMB ): Free Stock Analysis Report PROCTER & GAMBL ( PG ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. However, these were partially offset by rising input cost inflation, higher effective tax rate and lower net income from equity companies.

However, Procter and Gamble is currently facing high commodity cost inflation and severe competition from companies like Kimberly-Clark Corporation ( KMB ) and Johnson & Johnson ( JNJ ) in the Western European markets in both the blade and battery businesses. JOHNSON & JOHNS ( JNJ ): Free Stock Analysis Report KIMBERLY CLARK ( KMB ): Free Stock Analysis Report PROCTER & GAMBL ( PG ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. For second half of 2012, diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations and Core EPS are expected to increase 4%-9%.

One of Sonic's prime competitors, BJ's Restaurants Inc. ( BJRI ) reported third-quarter 2011 adjusted earnings of 24 cents per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate and higher than the prior-year earnings of 20 cents. BJ'S RESTAURANT ( BJRI ): Free Stock Analysis Report SONIC CORP ( SONC ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Restaurant-level margins are expected to be slightly adverse attributed to cost inflation, particularly in the first half of the fiscal year and investment in improving the quality of product, partially offset by labor efficiencies.

If you own multiple active funds, the simple math dictates that your odds start to quickly get even lower. Those worried about inflation should consider adding additional exposure to [[TIP]] (iShares Barclays TIPS Bond ETF). Takeaways for Investors According to Standard and Poor's, the odds are that an index fund or ETF will outperform an active manager who focuses on U.S. stocks.

The launch comes just a month after State Street Global Advisors filed paperwork with U.S. regulators to market a similar ETF that would tap into breakeven inflation through a long TIPS/short bond portfolio. ProShares, the largest purveyor of leveraged and inverse ETFs, today rolled out a pair of funds that allow investors to express an outlook on inflation by pairing exposure of 30-year Treasury bonds with TIPs, a first for the U.S. ETF market. One ETF is long 30-year T-bonds and short 30-year TIPs, and the other achieves the opposite.

Easing in China is expected to continue through 2012, with ISI Group anticipating a potential RRR cut after Chinese New Year celebrations in February, then possibly again in April, June and August. China's government angled its vessel away from inflation by increasing the required reserve ratio ( RRR ) every month for the first six months of 2011 and raising interest rates three times. At the Cambridge House's Vancouver Resource Investment Conference this week, I am part of a special debate on whether China will boom or bust with bestselling author Gordon G. Chang.

Recently, Sinopec agreed to increase its stake in the Australia Pacific liquefied natural gas ( LNG ) project by 10%, thus taking its share to 25%. These transactions are a part of Sinopec's strategy of widening its oil and gas operations in foreign locations that hold immense potential with rich resources. The other major areas of concern include operational disruptions, labor and material cost inflation affecting project outlays, governmental regulations and severe competition from domestic and international peers such as CNOOC Ltd. ( CEO ).

Clorox's Lifestyle segment recorded a 6% sales jump in the quarter compared with the base period a year ago, on the back of volume growth of 2% and increased pricing. In the International business segment, Clorox's sales were flat, as the benefit from price increases was fully offset by decreased volume, unfavorable foreign exchange rates and country mix. Despite macroeconomic headwinds and inflationary input cost situation, Clorox Corporation ( CLX ) posted better-than-expected second-quarter 2012 results.

Key reports include Retail Sales, Industrial Production, two regional "mini ISM's," Housing Starts and inflation -- both on the Producer and the Consumer levels. This week's list includes EOG Resources ( EOG ), Deere ( DE ), Ventas ( VTR ), Avon Products ( AVP ) and Host Hotels ( HST ). Deere ( DE ) is expected to earn $1.23, up from $1.20 a year ago.

Key reports include Retail Sales, Industrial Production, two regional "mini ISM's," Housing Starts and inflation -- both on the Producer and the Consumer levels. The biggest part of the decline though was at gas stations, and reflected lower gasoline prices, which is a good thing. of the longer-term decline is due to people simply exhausting their regular state benefits, which run out after 26 weeks.

EPI has benefited from a variety of positive developments in India this year including a decrease in inflation, a stabilization of the rupee's value, a renewed interest by foreign institutional investors and the possibility of interest rate cuts. By Christian Magoon CEO, Magoon Capital The largest India ETF, WisdomTree's EPI, is outperforming the leading country specific BRIC ETFs in the marketplace this year. Here's a performance chart of EPI over the last year displaying its roller coaster ride.

The numbers all the Auto companies put out a few weeks ago told a very different story, and in all likelihood, a more accurate one. Given the high level of operational leverage at an electric utility, this is a ad omen for their first quarter earnings. I think that barring a real meltdown over Europe, the higher core numbers, 0.4% for PPI and 0.2% for CPI have probably taken QE3 off the table.

Despite macroeconomic headwinds and inflationary input cost situation, Clorox Corporation ( CLX ) posted better-than-expected second-quarter 2012 results. COLGATE PALMOLI ( CL ): Free Stock Analysis Report CLOROX CO ( CLX ): Free Stock Analysis Report PROCTER & GAMBL ( PG ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Clorox's Lifestyle segment recorded a 6% sales jump in the quarter compared with the base period a year ago, on the back of volume growth of 2% and increased pricing.

Heinz ( HNZ ) and Campbell Soup ( CPB ) this morning. APPLD MATLS INC ( AMAT ): Free Stock Analysis Report CAMPBELL SOUP ( CPB ): Free Stock Analysis Report HEINZ (HJ) CO ( HNZ ): Free Stock Analysis Report PILGRIMS PRIDE ( PPC ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. This morning's benign inflation reading and reports of Congressional agreement to extend the payroll tax cut may not be enough power stocks higher.

But this rally defied predictions thus far, so I wouldn't be overly surprised if stocks start heading higher later this afternoon ahead of the President's Day weekend. Today's CPI reading not only confirms the Central Bank's assessment, but also leaves open the door for further quantitative easing should conditions warrant. According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Zynga is expected to launch a new publishing program in March this year that will allow third party developers to showcase their games as well as advertise on the company's platform.

Silicon Motion Technology (SIMO): A fast-growing supplier of mobile chips, this stock has been riding the Android wave. This leaves us in a tricky place for many of my favorite names, such as Terex, Huntsman, and NXP Semiconductor, have made big moves and are now hard to enter. They too benefit from fears about inflation, and pretty soon the pundits will be arguing that central banks are "printing money" to bail out Greece.

Applied Materials ( AMAT ) came out with better than expected results after the close on Thursday. Sheraz Mian Director of Research APPLD MATLS INC ( AMAT ): Free Stock Analysis Report CAMPBELL SOUP ( CPB ): Free Stock Analysis Report HEINZ (HJ) CO ( HNZ ): Free Stock Analysis Report PILGRIMS PRIDE ( PPC ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. This morning's benign inflation reading and reports of Congressional agreement to extend the payroll tax cut may not be enough power stocks higher.

The data is not likely to significantly affect sentiment because investors have recently been more concerned about possible economic weakness than runaway prices. Inflation is also not a major worry of the Federal Reserve at present, so the implications for interest rates will likely be small. Although its impact on trading is usually minor, it provides useful clues on the direction of the economic, as did yesterday's Philadelphia Fed report.

Earnings Preview Today's earnings docket will also feature reports from Dunkin' Brands ( DNKN ), Lorillard ( LO ), Philip Morris ( PM ), Sirius XM Radio (SIRI), LinkedIn (LNKD), Expedia (EXPE), Cameco (CCJ), Diamond Foods (DMND), Activision Blizzard (ATVI), CBOE Holdings (CBOE), and Bunge Ltd. (BG). Separately, AKAM announced that Senior VP of Finance James Benson will succeed J. Donald Sherman as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective March 1. On the economic front, a steeper-than-forecast rise in China's consumer price index sparked some jitters, as inflationary pressures could prevent Beijing from loosening the monetary-policy reins.

Applied Materials ( AMAT ) came out with better than expected results after the close on Thursday. APPLD MATLS INC ( AMAT ): Free Stock Analysis Report CAMPBELL SOUP ( CPB ): Free Stock Analysis Report HEINZ (HJ) CO ( HNZ ): Free Stock Analysis Report PILGRIMS PRIDE ( PPC ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. This morning's benign inflation reading and reports of Congressional agreement to extend the payroll tax cut may not be enough power stocks higher.

However, we remain cautious on the stock based on cost inflation, lower consumer spending and intense competition from peers like Brinker International inc. ( EAT ) and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. ( RRGB ) with respect to price, service, location and concept in order to drive traffic. Outlook Heathrow, Florida-based, Ruth's provided its fiscal 2012 outlook. BRINKER INTL ( EAT ): Free Stock Analysis Report RED ROBIN GOURM ( RRGB ): Free Stock Analysis Report RUTHS HOSPITLTY ( RUTH ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

BHP Billiton ( BHP ) released a lower than expected profit result yesterday of US$9.9 billion for the 1H12 (July to December 2012). Prior to market open this morning, Telstra, Australia´s largest telecommunications business and the local market´s sixth biggest company posted a slightly lower than expected profit of $1.47 billion. The Australian sharemarket pulled back initially following the release because higher inflation increases the chances that Chinese authorities will try and slow down their economy.

But Pilgrim's Pride ( PPC ), the chicken processor, missed expectations. APPLD MATLS INC ( AMAT ): Free Stock Analysis Report CAMPBELL SOUP ( CPB ): Free Stock Analysis Report HEINZ (HJ) CO ( HNZ ): Free Stock Analysis Report PILGRIMS PRIDE ( PPC ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. This morning's benign inflation reading and reports of Congressional agreement to extend the payroll tax cut may not be enough power stocks higher.

But Pilgrim's Pride ( PPC ), the chicken processor, missed expectations. Sheraz Mian Director of Research APPLD MATLS INC ( AMAT ): Free Stock Analysis Report CAMPBELL SOUP ( CPB ): Free Stock Analysis Report HEINZ (HJ) CO ( HNZ ): Free Stock Analysis Report PILGRIMS PRIDE ( PPC ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. This morning's benign inflation reading and reports of Congressional agreement to extend the payroll tax cut may not be enough power stocks higher.

General Mills, Inc. ( GIS ) and Ralcorp Holdings Inc. ( RAH ) are its competitors. GENL MILLS ( GIS ): Free Stock Analysis Report KELLOGG CO ( K ): Free Stock Analysis Report RALCORP HLD-NEW ( RAH ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The decline in operating profit was due to the company's supply-chain initiatives, the reinstatement of incentive compensation costs, and continued high-levels of commodity inflation.

The only thing mounting is my skepticism of this "recovery" and, as far as that goes, offensive plays like the PowerShares S&P High Beta Portfolio (NYSEArca:SPHB) may be a way to get left in the red, let alone left behind. I could see making the case for high-beta funds like SPHB back in October when volatility was peaking. Well two-thirds of the growth came from rising gasoline prices and auto sales, with the remainder of the increase coming from food and clothing.

And what great news when you consider that, adjusted for inflation, it's only possible to achieve positive yields by going more than 10 years out on the curve. That's true even when you take into consideration the recent uptick in Treasury yields. In other words, I'm guessing demand for all these new products, particularly a family of new corporate bond funds from iShares, is going to be robust.

The quarter's results indicate slow recovery in the small and medium business ( SMB ) sector due to deceleration in high unemployment and inflation rates. Though new business wins in the SMB sector, and stiff competition from Automated Data Processing and Administaff Inc. will remain a constant worry, we believe that Paychex can benefit from the improvement in the U.S. employment situation. For more details of second quarter earnings, please visit: Paychex Beats Despite SMB Slowdown .

Queensland based insurance company, Suncorp ( SUN ) said it received 500 claims from flood victims across NSW, however only eased slightly today. At the end of last month, SUN recorded a 74.4 pct rise in first half profit (July to December 2011) to $389 million. On the economic front today, the latest inflation gauge, services index, job advertisement and company profit numbers were released in the first half of the session.

Recently, The Coca Cola Company ( KO ) also hiked its quarterly dividend by 8.5% to 51 cents per share from 47 cents per share. KIMBERLY CLARK ( KMB ): Free Stock Analysis Report COCA COLA CO ( KO ): Free Stock Analysis Report PROCTER & GAMBL ( PG ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. However, these were partially offset by rising input cost inflation, higher effective tax rate and lower net income from equity companies.

AMETEK INC ( AME ): Free Stock Analysis Report AVNET ( AVT ): Free Stock Analysis Report CPI AEROSTRUCTR ( CVU ): Free Stock Analysis Report ENCORE BANCSHRS ( EBTX ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Here are 5 stocks added to the Zacks #1 Rank ("strong buy") List today: CPI Aerostructures ( CVU ) Encore Bancshares ( EBTX ) View the entire Zacks #1 Rank List .

*Oil ( USO ) is at $106.42, up $0.26 and 0.24%. The bulls are continuing to stampede in futures trading, too, as the initial stages of the Greek debt swap are proceeding without incident. In addition, the Wall Street Journal detailed a new Federal Reserve program in the United States to suppress inflation.

*USD/JPY ( YCL ) is at 81.5, up 0.52%. The bulls are continuing to stampede in futures trading, too, as the initial stages of the Greek debt swap are proceeding without incident. In addition, the Wall Street Journal detailed a new Federal Reserve program in the United States to suppress inflation.

And what great news when you consider that, adjusted for inflation, it's only possible to achieve positive yields by going more than 10 years out on the curve. That's true even when you take into consideration the recent uptick in Treasury yields. In other words, I'm guessing demand for all these new products, particularly a family of new corporate bond funds from iShares, is going to be robust.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation ( KMB ), with its quarterly dividend hike to 74 cents per share from 70 cents per share, boasts of a record of dividend increase for 40 years consecutively. KIMBERLY CLARK ( KMB ): Free Stock Analysis Report COCA COLA CO ( KO ): Free Stock Analysis Report PROCTER & GAMBL ( PG ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. However, these were partially offset by rising input cost inflation, higher effective tax rate and lower net income from equity companies.

Paychex Inc. ( PAYX ) is scheduled to announce its third quarter fiscal 2012 results on March 28 after the closing bell, and we notice no movement in analyst estimates at this point. AUTOMATIC DATA ( ADP ): Free Stock Analysis Report PAYCHEX INC ( PAYX ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The quarter's results indicate slow recovery in the small and medium business ( SMB ) sector due to deceleration in high unemployment and inflation rates.

In this context, the issue of China's trade ministry recently banning Vale S.A 's ( VALE ) 400.000-deadweight-ton "Valemax" vessels, along with other giant freighters and tankers-need special mention. MONSANTO CO-NEW ( MON ): Free Stock Analysis Report VALE RIO DO-ADR ( VALE ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao announced this 'relatively cautious' target in a speech in parliament's annual meeting - a measure to relieve pressures on the economy in terms of inflation, energy, resources and environment.

Paychex Inc. ( PAYX ) is scheduled to announce its third quarter fiscal 2012 results on March 28 after the closing bell, and we notice no movement in analyst estimates at this point. AUTOMATIC DATA ( ADP ): Free Stock Analysis Report PAYCHEX INC ( PAYX ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The quarter's results indicate slow recovery in the small and medium business ( SMB ) sector due to deceleration in high unemployment and inflation rates.

*Gold ( GLD ) is at $1,696.80, up $12.90 and 0.76%. The bulls are continuing to stampede in futures trading, too, as the initial stages of the Greek debt swap are proceeding without incident. In addition, the Wall Street Journal detailed a new Federal Reserve program in the United States to suppress inflation.

The emerging world is experiencing both of these factors with faster economic growth leading to rising incomes as well as an increase in population. If I'm right about this new economic thesis, the continued rise in oil and gasoline prices should begin to show up in the prices paid component in the regional Fed and industry surveys. Eventually these price increases will be reflected in a slowdown in the LEIs.

The iShares MSCI Italy Index Fund (NYSE: EWI ) plunged nearly 40% between April and September 2011 before S&P got around to its downgrade of Italy. A more favorable assessment of Indonesia's economic strength is underpinned by gains in investment spending, improved prospects for infrastructure development following key policy reforms, and a well-managed financial system." "In addition, robust growth has been accompanied by the continued health of its external payments position, supported by increasingly large flows of foreign direct investment, while inflationary expectations are becoming better anchored at a more stable and historically lower level.

And now, on to the numbers... Market Statistics Equity option activity on the Chicago Board Options Exchange ( CBOE ) saw 1,441,158 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 741,029 put contracts. JPM has pulled back 0.6% in pre-market trading Earnings and Economic Data The week wraps up with the CPI and the mid-April Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index . Overseas Trading The major European benchmarks are attempting to claw out of the red at midday, as China's GDP miss prompted early selling.

Indeed, investors in the iShares MSCI Mexico Investable Market Index Fund (NYSEArca:EWW) saw a 16.29 percent return in the first quarter, much of it on the back of the Mexican peso. Should the U.S. economy begin to slow down, a correction in the peso will undoubtedly draw back returns for investors in EWW. The peso's strength is largely due to the steady hand of Mexico's central bank, which has kept inflationary pressures at bay, as IndexUniverse's Currency Impact Report shows.

For example, U.S. investors in the iShares MSCI Germany Index Fund (NYSEArca:EWG) saw returns of 21.12 percent, over 3 percentage points higher than the returns of local investors in Germany. Indeed, investors in the iShares MSCI Mexico Investable Market Index Fund (NYSEArca:EWW) saw a 16.29 percent return in the first quarter, much of it on the back of the Mexican peso. The peso's strength is largely due to the steady hand of Mexico's central bank, which has kept inflationary pressures at bay, as IndexUniverse's Currency Impact Report shows.

"Our forward-looking Global Advantage approach aims to expose investors to the inflation-linked bonds and currencies of these faster-growing economies, potentially resulting in higher real yields than traditional investing using market-cap weighting," Worah added. The WisdomTree Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund (NYSEArca:ELD) comes in a close second, with $1.25 billion in assets. The launch of ILB will mark Pimco's latest attempt to breathe life into the world of active ETFs.

A more favorable assessment of Indonesia's economic strength is underpinned by gains in investment spending, improved prospects for infrastructure development following key policy reforms, and a well-managed financial system." "In addition, robust growth has been accompanied by the continued health of its external payments position, supported by increasingly large flows of foreign direct investment, while inflationary expectations are becoming better anchored at a more stable and historically lower level. Prudent fiscal management has contained budget deficits at very low levels and has reduced the government's debt burden as a share of GDP," the ratings agency added .

And now, on to the numbers... Market Statistics Equity option activity on the Chicago Board Options Exchange ( CBOE ) saw 1,040,433 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 626,473 put contracts. Overseas Trading Stocks in Asia ended lower across the board today, pressured by reports showing disappointing U.S. jobs growth and rising Chinese inflation. While the smaller-than-forecast U.S. employment gain raised the prospect of additional accommodation from the U.S. Fed, China's fast-rising prices suggested that central bankers may have very little room to maneuver on monetary policy.

Infosys ( INFY ) , Shaw Communications ( SJR ), and Wells Fargo (WFC) will all take turns in the earnings confessional. JPM has pulled back 0.6% in pre-market trading Earnings and Economic Data The week wraps up with the CPI and the mid-April Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index . Overseas Trading The major European benchmarks are attempting to claw out of the red at midday, as China's GDP miss prompted early selling.

More than 99 percent of the $1.174 trillion in assets under management are in passive funds and a good portion of the active $5.2 billion ETF money actually is in one fund, the $1.56 billion Pimco Enhanced Short Maturity Strategy Fund (NYSEArca:MINT). This fund seeks both capital appreciation and current income through investment in exchange-traded products that include securities focused on inflation protection; real estate; commodities; and companies in the natural resources space. SSgA uses its Market Regime Indicator model that takes into account VIX, credit spreads and currency volatility to help determine asset allocation.

The fund seeks to match the performance of the Bank of New York ( BNY ) Mellon New Frontier DR Index, before fees and expenses. The BNY Mellon describes frontier market countries based on the GDP growth, per capita income growth, past and expected inflation rates, privatization of infrastructure and social inequalities. Further, Vietnam, the Southeast Asian economy, is poised to benefit from the rebound in global risk appetite, cheap labor, fast-growing and young population, dropping unemployment rate and more foreign inflows.

Subsequently, the technology sector had a great run and the Technology Select Sector SPDR ( XLK ) jumped 2.8%. With investors receiving strength from positive corporate results and optimistic comments from the central bank, the fear-gauge CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) declined 7.1% to settle at 16.82. After a meeting with Federal Open Market Committee in Washington, Ben Bernanke commented: "We remain prepared to do more as needed to make sure that this recovery continues and that inflation stays close to target".

In a separate story, BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance ( BMA ) announced its intention to cease production at the Norwich Park coal mine for an indefinite period. The company has decided against resuming operations but expressed its commitment to maximize redeployment opportunities for the employees till the time Norwich Park is reinstated as a sustainable and profitable low-cost mine. Nevertheless, execution risks like natural calamities, upsurge in oil prices, rising core inflation in the emerging markets and degradation of ore grade clouds such encouraging outlook.

Groupon ( GRPN ) handily beat earnings expectations after the close on Monday, though its top-line came short of expectations. Sheraz Mian Director of Research DICKS SPRTG GDS (DKS): Free Stock Analysis Report GROUPON INC (GRPN): Free Stock Analysis Report HOME DEPOT (HD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Economic data on the home front is also reassuring, with an in-line April Retail Sales reading, a benign looking inflation report, and a better than expected Empire State regional manufacturing survey.

Groupon ( GRPN ) handily beat earnings expectations after the close on Monday, though its top-line came short of expectations. DICKS SPRTG GDS (DKS): Free Stock Analysis Report GROUPON INC (GRPN): Free Stock Analysis Report HOME DEPOT (HD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Economic data on the home front is also reassuring, with an in-line April Retail Sales reading, a benign looking inflation report, and a better-than-expected Empire State regional manufacturing survey.

Ventas Inc. (VTR) , a leading healthcare real estate investment trust (REIT), recently signed a 'new LTAC lease' agreement with Kindred Healthcare Inc. (KND) to lease 10 long-term acute care hospitals (LTACs), comprising 1,066 licensed hospital beds. HCP INC (HCP): Free Stock Analysis Report KINDRED HLTHCR (KND): Free Stock Analysis Report VENTAS INC (VTR): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The lease agreement bears an initial term of 10 years and includes annual CPI-based escalations ranging from 0-4%.

Global media giant, News Corporation ( NWS ) continued to rally higher again today after yesterday's strong profit announcement. After the bell in the US concerns over big losses from trading banks over the last 3 weeks pushed the US DOW futures into the red and set the Australian markets up to open lower. The Australian market opened slightly lower this morning, the All Ordinaries Index (XAO) started down 3 points, ahead of the all-important Chinese economic data, retail sales, inflation, out later today.

The WisdomTree Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund (NYSEArca:ELD) comes in a close second, with $1.26 billion in assets. The launch of ILB will mark Pimco's latest attempt to breathe life into the world of active ETFs. Interest in inflation-protected bonds has been on the upswing amid growing concern among investors that excessive monetary stimulus from central banks such as the Federal Reserve is creating inflationary pressure that will rear its head before long.

On the earnings front, Home Depot ( HD ) matched earnings expectations, but missed the top-line, while Dick's Sporting Goods ( DKS ) came out with a solid positive beat. DICKS SPRTG GDS (DKS): Free Stock Analysis Report GROUPON INC (GRPN): Free Stock Analysis Report HOME DEPOT (HD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Economic data on the home front is also reassuring, with an in-line April Retail Sales reading, a benign looking inflation report, and a better-than-expected Empire State regional manufacturing survey.

However, we remain cautious on the stock based on cost inflation, lower consumer spending and intense competition from peers like Brinker International inc. ( EAT ) and Domino's Pizza Inc. (DPZ) with respect to price, service, location and concept in order to drive traffic. DOMINOS PIZZA (DPZ): Free Stock Analysis Report BRINKER INTL (EAT): Free Stock Analysis Report RED ROBIN GOURM (RRGB): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The guest count suffered due to the failure of its promotional activities and hefty discounting environment.

We maintain our Neutral rating on BJ's Restaurants Inc. ( BJRI ). BJ'S RESTAURANT (BJRI): Free Stock Analysis Report MCDONALDS CORP (MCD): Free Stock Analysis Report YUM! While we are optimistic on the company's same-store sales (comps) momentum, unit growth and potential success from the loyalty program, the negative impact of commodity inflation as well as increased cost structures in 2012 compel us to remain on the sidelines.

Also, the Pimco Enhanced Short Maturity Strategy Fund (NYSEArca:MINT), a money-marketlike ETF, has $1.57 billion in assets, making it the biggest active ETF to date. The launch of ILB will mark Pimco's latest attempt to breathe life into the world of active ETFs. Interest in inflation-protected bonds has been on the upswing amid growing concern among investors that excessive monetary stimulus from central banks such as the Federal Reserve is creating inflationary pressure that will rear its head before long.

Rio Tinto ( RIO ), one of Australia's largest diversified miners fell 1.13 pct or 74 cents to $64.91 while BHP Billiton ( BHP ) eased 0.61 pct or 22 cents to $36.03. On the economic front today, the RBA released its quarterly Statement on Monetary Policy and has kept the door open for further rate cuts this year. It is a similar story on the inflation front and effectively means that the longer term forecasts are less useful in gauging the Reserve Bank's view on how the economy will perform."

Other groups looking include: Petronas-Progress (PRQ-TSX) Petronas is a large Malaysian oil and gas company with this 80/20 partnership aims to build a 1.0-1.2 bcf/d LNG plant in B.C., bringing the first 0.5 bcf/d online in 2017-2018 and the rest a year later. If cost inflation doesn't escalate out of control, and Asian demand meets expectations, then the size of the LNG will make a very healthy return for Canadian exporters. Canadian natural gas producers are hoping to spend a minimum $20 billion on shipping Liquid Natural Gas (( LNG )) to Asia in the next 2-9 years.

On the earnings front, Home Depot ( HD ) matched earnings expectations, but missed the top-line, while Dick's Sporting Goods ( DKS ) came out with a solid positive beat. Sheraz Mian Director of Research DICKS SPRTG GDS (DKS): Free Stock Analysis Report GROUPON INC (GRPN): Free Stock Analysis Report HOME DEPOT (HD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Economic data on the home front is also reassuring, with an in-line April Retail Sales reading, a benign looking inflation report, and a better than expected Empire State regional manufacturing survey.

However, we remain cautious on the stock based on cost inflation, lower consumer spending and intense competition from peers like Brinker International inc. ( EAT ) and Domino's Pizza Inc. (DPZ) with respect to price, service, location and concept in order to drive traffic. DOMINOS PIZZA (DPZ): Free Stock Analysis Report BRINKER INTL (EAT): Free Stock Analysis Report RED ROBIN GOURM (RRGB): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The guest count suffered due to the failure of its promotional activities and hefty discounting environment.

Top beneficiaries will be small innovative companies like Acorn Energy (ACFN), Antares Pharma (AIS), Elephant Talk Communications (ETAK), Inovio Pharmaceuticals (INO) and other companies in the MicroCap Investor portfolio. Rather, he believes it is a combination of market volatility, concerns about the pace of economic growth, high gasoline prices, the ongoing European sovereign debt crisis and uncertainty about China's economy. Coming Around This is all part of a long-term cycle that is running its course and as a new generation steps into positions of power, we will see a bigger emphasis on investing in future growth.

Conclusion Commodity-price inflation, global recession and competition in the highly fragmented apparel industry coupled with stiff competition from rivals like Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ( ANF ) and Gap Inc. ( GAP ) are matters of concern. ABERCROMBIE (ANF): Free Stock Analysis Report GUESS INC (GES): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. A slight improvement in conditions in North America was offset by lower spending in Europe, as the region adhered to austerity measures undertaken by governments to combat the debt crisis.