Bull Market Data Financial Blog

Thinking that this is as good a time to get in on the health and nutrition craze, Sun-Maid has given an up-to-date makeover to the Sun-Maid raisin girl they have had since 1915.

The new computer-animated version of the Sun-Maid girl is a departure from the classic design that harkened back to a time when “life was much simpler, more rural, a lot less hectic.” The changes were introduced 3 years ago, but only recently put into effect. Some people think that the newly made-over Sun-Maid raisin girl looks like a Barbie Doll in Amish attire.  Others have commented that she looks like she’s gotten implants or Julia Roberts picking grapes. 

Some people may feel betrayed by the change from the nostalgic look, but if the raisins still taste the same, then change away.

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Ever wonder how common credit mistakes affect your credit scores? The FICO finally revealed this and other information recently.  The new information discloses how many points borrowers’ scores will drop when they make the most-common mistakes.

Bottom line for the consumer, if you want to avoid lots of fees and headaches, pay the credit cards down if possible and try to keep them there. Of course the credit card companies think differently.

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EBay, which also owns web payment unit PayPal, recently completed the sale of Skype, a web telephone service.

Ebay said in a statement, they received approximately $1.9 billion in cash and a note in the principal amount of $125 million, for their Skype unit which was valued at $2.75 billion.

I’ve heard some people are happy Ebay sold this unit and would certainly not shed any tears if they decided to sell off PayPal either.

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While global stocks are still weak, Gold rose above $1,120 an ounce to a fresh record high on Thursday.  The U.S. dollar hovered near 15-month lows while shares weakened, particularly in emerging markets.

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After months of debate over whether we are actually in a recession or not, one man has weighed in with his view on the situation. Jan Hatzius Senior US Economist at Goldman Sachs’ New York office stated today he actually does believe we are in a recession and have been for the past three months. He went on to say that the recession should endure through the first half of 2008.

The risks of a deep recession have increased over the years, but it is not likely we will enter one in the U.S.

While our economy continues it slow growth (only 3% a year), China has seen a 10% economic growth per year for the past quarter century. Due to the fact the U.S. economy is struggling, China may only see a 3% less growth this year as opposed to 2007.

One bright spot in the economy is exports. With the continued industrial growth overseas, there is a steady demand for steel. This means that if you are looking for a good pick any steel company should be ok on your list. Copper companies would be a good play right now too.

(Note: This is market news I have heard from various news sources and is not intended for actual investment advice)

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The commodity bull woke up today. Markets went from sell-off mode back to long term  support levels today. 

In Argentina, the farmers are striking and blocking the roads and all the agricultural facilities in protest of a new sliding scale tariff trying to protect their soy supplies.

Promising weather patterns and soil condition in the US sent bean and corn futures limit up.

Recent expanded margins and the planned expanded limits will be changing the way commodities are traded.  This may decrease the volatility that can be seen when trading.

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I’ve had this question on my mind for some time. Now, at least one major auto manufacturer is thinking smart and actually doing something about it.

It’s not 80 miles to the gallon but 80 miles+ on a single charge of a lithium-ion batteries is pretty close to the next best thing.  Just think, you could recharge your car at night by plugging into an electric outlet and be ready for the morning commute. The batteries that would power your car are same type batteries that are usually found in cell phones and laptop computers.

Mercedes-Benz has goals in their vehicle development to create maximum ride comfort, dynamics and safety combined with economical consumption and environmentally-compatible emission levels.

They are planning on having a demonstration fleet of  these small, electric vehicles on the road in two to three years.

All I can say is I hope they’re worth the wait. I know my wallet will surely appreciate a vehicle like this.

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Welcome to my blog. I am quite interested in the world of finances and investing. I hope to try and share with you some interesting facts and news tidbits that I pick up in my daily financial intake.

If you have any interesting information you would like to share, consider becoming a guest blogger. Just contact me at the Bull Market Data website and let me know you are interested.

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