Excerpt from: Spread Betting North American Financial Markets
|
 |
| April 12, 2007 | | Spread bets and CFDs on American markets | U.S. retail got a boost in the form of March same-store sales. Spread betting and contracts for differences on American markets should consider the effects this will have on U.S. stocks and other financial markets. MarketWatch reports on the March same-store sales:
Sales strength was found across the board with Wal-Mart, Target, Costco
Wholesale, J.C. Penney, Nordstrom, American Eagle Outfitters and
Limited Brands among those handily beating the average estimates of
same-store sales, the industry's most important gauge of growth
measured by receipts rung up at stores open longer than a year. Even
Gap's numbers were unusually robust -- breaking that retailer's
multi-year stretch of flat to negative same-store sales results.
Because Easter fell on April 9 this year, March's five-week results
included the historically heavy-spending week ahead of the holiday. Not
only were consumers out shopping for Easter bonnets, dresses and suits,
but they were stocking up on food for family gatherings, including
Seder this year, as well as candy and treats for Easter baskets. | | |
|
|
