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University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Survey and Phenomenon Called Heuristics – Guide Rock Weekly Market Commentary May-20 FT029
Much like elementary school children trying to capture the attention of someone they have a crush on, the American economy sent lots of mixed signals last week.
Conflicting reports emerged about consumer sentiment during the week. The Conference Board, a non-profit research organization, reported consumers remained somewhat pessimistic about the direction of the economy. In contrast, the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey rose to a six-year high, according to ABC News. The Index moved from 76.4 in April to 83.7 in May indicating consumers are feeling more confident about the economy.
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On the employment front, more people filed first-time unemployment claims last week than had filed the week before; however, claims remained well below the levels experienced from mid-2008 to 2011. Additionally, data shows during the past six months the average length of unemployment has dropped, the number of hours worked has risen, and earnings have increased.
Laptops, Microsoft Surface RT, Surface Pro, Lenovo Yoga, Laptop Drive Encryption, Leap Motion, VGo at NASA – HT117
Jim (@jcollison) is joined this week by Christian Johnson (@TheWizBM), Mike Howard from jpeg2RAW.com and Eddie Ramirez (@pceddienc) for Show 117. This show is part three of three in a series where we look at Laptops. You can catch the first two at http://theaverageguy.tv/ht114 and http://theaverageguy.tv/ht115.
Mike Howard joined me last week as we talked his Google+ Hangoutasaurus on show 116 – http://theaverageguy.tv/ht116
Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live
Join the Average Guy Facebook Group and you can win! – https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/
When we hit 250, everyone in the group gets entered into a drawing for $100 gift card from Amazon for active members. Tell your tech friends to join us there and they could win too!
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The show starts with Mike Howard talking about his experience with the Microsoft Surface RT, Surface Pro and the Lenovo Yoga.
Mike talks about some of the Bags he has used and recommends
Incipio – http://amzn.com/B009YEHFLU
VanGoddy – http://amzn.com/B008VEDGGC
Nixon – http://amzn.com/B00C10T2EC
Samsonite – http://amzn.com/B0000A2QBX
Laptop Security
Sell in May and Go Away and Where Will You Live When You Retire? Guide Rock Weekly Market Commentary May-13 FT028
‘Sell in May and Go Away’ is a trading maxim which, according to Investopedia, encourages an investor to “sells his or her stock holdings in May and get back into the equity market in November…” Traders who adhere to that adage may be pondering averages and exceptions right now. During the first two weeks of the month, the Dow Jones Industrials Average, the Standard & Poor’s 500, and the Russell 2000 Indices all reached new highs. The Dow passed 15,000, the S&P reached 1,600, and the Russell 2000 hit 968.
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Bulls are in the majority among investors, although there is some bearish sentiment, according to the Bull and Bear Wise Index. Investors’ changing expectations are reflected in CNNMoney’s Fear & Greed Index which showed investor sentiment has shifted from ‘fear’ one year ago to ‘extreme greed’ last week. The premise of the index, which measures seven indicators, is investors are driven by two emotions: fear and greed. When investors are fearful, stock markets may fall more than they should; when investors are greedy, markets may be pushed higher than they should be.
Hangoutasaurus with Mike Howard from jpeg2RAW.com and Drobo Meetup Interviews in Omaha – HT116
Jim (@jcollison) is joined this week by Mike Howard from jpeg2RAW.com for Show 116. Mike recently spent sometime working on his podcasting studio at home and created what he now calls a Hangoutasaurus for his weekly shows on photography. Using 5 PCs, a mixer and a mic, Mike is able to broadcast and record his podcast in a very unique way. You will be surprised to hear how he did it. Have a listen.
Jim was also able to spend time at the Cali Lewis / Drobo meet up in Omaha recently. He recorded several interviews from that event and they have been added to the end of this podcast. I think you will enjoy them.
Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live.
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:30:07 — 82.7MB) | Embed |
Join the Average Guy Facebook Group and you can win! https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/
We are at 138 members right now, when we hit 250, everyone in the group gets entered into a drawing for $100 gift card from Amazon for active members. Tell your tech friends to join us there and they could win too! .
No LIVE Home Tech on May 9, 2013
Jim has a busy schedule this week. A recorded show will hit the feed, but no LIVE show on May 9, 2013. We are back on May 16th at 8pmC/9E to finish up our discussion on laptops with Mike Howard and Eddie Ramirez. Join us then!
Join the Average Guy Facebook Group and you can win! https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/
We are at 145 members right now, when we hit 250, everyone in the group gets entered into a drawing for $100 gift card from Amazon for active members. Tell your tech friends to join us there and they could win too!
