The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) closed today at 15.64, a drop of 8.6% from yesterday’s close at 17.11, and the lowest closing value since May 31 of last year.  It’s also at close to the lowest level at any time … read more >

West Texas Intermediate Brent Europe The top chart above shows the percentage changes in the price of oil (WTI) since January 2010, measured in U.S. dollars (30.7% through February), Swiss francs (15.2%) and Japanese yen (12.6%).  Isn’t this evidence that … read more >

Reuters — “Appalachia has fallen from its prime when steel mills and coal mines anchored middle-class communities and offered hope there always would be enough work to go around. In this historically poor region nestled in the misty mountains of … read more >

1. Brazil’s new consumer class flocks to the U.S. to shop and planes returning to Brazil need extra fuel to accommodate all of the overweight baggage.  2. Institute for Justice to file federal lawsuit tomorrow challenging IRS/Federal licensing of tax … read more >

Highlights of the February Monster Employment Index for online job demand: 1.  The Monster Employment Index registered a double-digit gain of 11 percent in February compared to a year-ago (see chart above), the 25th consecutive positive monthly percentage increase versus … read more >

“The Conference Board Employment Trends Index (ETI) increased 1.38 percent in February to 107.46, from the revised figure of 105.99 in January. The February figure is also up 6.1 percent from the same month a year ago (see chart above). … read more >