The PremiereTrade Market Wrap for 11/27/07

Prices of existing U.S. single-family homes slumped 4.5 percent in the third quarter from a year earlier, matching a record decline from the previous period as the housing downturn deepened.

Consumer confidence dropped to the lowest in two years in November as Americans struggled with surging fuel costs and falling home prices, economists project reports today will show. The consumer confidence index fell to 87.3 from 95.2, well below the 90.2 expected by economists.

The International Council of Shopping Centers-UBS Retail Chain Store Sales Index decreased by 0.1% in the week ended Nov. 24th from its level in the week before, on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis.

According to a report compiled for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, rising foreclosures will lead to billions of dollars in lost economic activity next year in the nation's major metropolitan areas, but homeowners and financial institutions have the ability to work together to contain the effects. The report also stated that the current housing problem will drive down property values by $1.2 trillion next year and slash tax revenue by more than $6.6 billion.

Oil prices continued to fall on growing expectations that OPEC ministers will raise crude production following a meeting next week. Many traders believe Saudi Arabia is pushing for production increases against opposition from Iran, Venezuela and other OPEC members.

Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (SIRI) announced that Ford Motor Co. (F) is looking to have its satellite radio services in approximately 70 percent of Ford and Mercury 2009 vehicles next year. More than 1 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars have already shipped with factory-installed Sirius radios.

In Forex News

The premium for options on major economies' currencies over emerging ones fell from a four-year high as risk aversion increased amid speculation subprime mortgage-related losses will widen.

Emerging currency volatility is picking up relative to the majors amid concern a spreading economic slowdown will slow demand for the region's assets. Currencies in emerging countries, such as Brazil, have appreciated against the dollar this year. The swings in their exchange rates have trailed those of major currencies since September, when the Federal Reserve began cutting its benchmark overnight interest rate.

The dollar gained on the euro after last week's record lows as investors looked for clues as to what the European Central Bank might due with interest rates next week. In Asia, the dollar strengthened against the Japanese currency. Japanese authorities say the economy is recovering but are alert for possible fallout from the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis and high oil prices.

Scheduled Economic Reports (Wednesday)

Durable Goods (Oct), Existing Home Sales (Oct)

In Earnings News

Staples (SPLS) said net income for the three-month period ended Nov. 3rd was $274.5 million, or 38 cents per share.

American Eagle Outfitters Inc. (AEO) net income fell to $99.4 million, or 45 cents per share, from $100.9 million, or 44 cents per share in the prior year quarter.

Casual Male Retail Group Inc. (CMRG) reported a loss of $3.8 million, or 9 cents per share.

Scheduled Earnings Reports (Wednesday)

Jo-Ann Stores, TiVo, Coldwater Creek, Dollar Tree Store, Men?s Warehouse

Stocks in the News

Intuit Inc (INTU) will purchase Homestead Technologies Inc. for about $170 million.

Dick?s Sporting Goods (DKS) said it plans to buy closely held Chick's Sporting Goods for about $40 million.

Yahoo Inc (YHOO) said it had been suffering outages of its hosted online-shopping services during one of the busiest days of the year for Internet commerce.

Pulte Homes (PHM) affirmed its fourth-quarter pre-impairment earnings and cash-position outlooks, despite a weak housing market.