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ADRs of state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA ( PBR ), also known as Petrobras, was up the best part of 3%. Latin American markets are mostly higher in late Wednesday trade, with Brazil's Ibovespa index a standout having risen close to 2%, its fourth straight advance, supported by strong Chinese trade data and slower than expected domestic inflation figures last month. Brazilian inflation as measured by the benchmark IPCA index climbed 0.47% during March, trailing the median estimate of 38 economists surveyed by Bloomberg looking for a 0.50% increase.

Alcoa ( AA ) closed unchanged on the day. Continue reading for more on today's market, including : Schaeffer's Senior Trading Analyst Bryan Sapp points out where to "buy on weakness" in the short term. 3 Things to Know About Today's Market : The Consumer Price Index (CPI) posted its biggest drop since December 2008, declining 0.4% in April to fall short of economists' estimates for a 0.2% pullback.

Moody's backing of the stable outlook and India's investment-grade status could serve to calm investor fears that the country's departure to junk territory is imminent. The ratings agency criticized India's high government deficit and debt ratios, problems with inflation and decrepit infrastructure, among other issues. With heavy allocations to the country's financial services and energy sectors, EPI and INDY can ill afford Indian debt to be rated as junk.

*Gold ( GLD ) is at $1,696.80, up $12.90 and 0.76%. The bulls are continuing to stampede in futures trading, too, as the initial stages of the Greek debt swap are proceeding without incident. In addition, the Wall Street Journal detailed a new Federal Reserve program in the United States to suppress inflation.

Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), C&J Energy Services (NYSE: CJ), and CrowdStrike Holdings (NASDAQ: CRWD) were among the top performers. The stock market enjoyed modest gains on Monday as investors waited patiently to see if the Federal Reserve would come through with an interest rate cut when it meets later this week. Amid some signs of a slowdown in the U.S. economy and no hint of inflationary pressure, market participants have watched as bonds signaled a high likelihood of lower rates within the next month.

In the ETF space, iShares Silver Trust ( SLV ) is the most active Nasdaq-traded pre-market listing. Gold and silver futures, as well as related stocks and ETFs, remain active decliners again this morning. Analysts cite rising demand to trade the metals in for cash, but some rumblings of deflation risk is also cropping up.

Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI ), which is trading near a multiyear high, is scheduled to report its first-quarter fiscal 2013 results Friday, August 21 before market open. The company attributed a fourth-quarter revenue miss on, among other things, weak same-store sales at its Olive Garden chain and "unusually high seafood cost inflation." During the three months that ended in August, Darden saw two new board members, tested combo Olive Garden/Red Lobster locations and acquired Yard House USA, a 40-restaurant chain featuring contemporary American cuisine.

Southwestern Energy Company ( SWN ) was the biggest decliner on the S&P 500, falling almost 11% to $13.15. Concerns over the U.K.'s potential exit from the European Union and a disappointing May CPI report from China contributed to investors' anxiety. Conclusion In over 50 years of studying equity investments, I have never observed a stock market that rose for so many months against such a plethora of bad news.

The iShares 20+ Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) has gained 12.75% in 2014 and become a homing beacon for money seeking a safe haven from the threat of deflation. According to recent data from ETF.com, TLT has gained more than $1.8 billion in new money this year, placing it in the top 10 of all ETF inflows. If you are looking to establish a position in TLT or LQD, I would do so with incremental purchases that takes advantage of any pullbacks to average down your cost basis.

That growing customer base left Costco well positioned for the recovery that would take shape in 2010, despite some members questioning the benefit of the annual cost of membership at the time. 7 Stocks to Buy to Survive a Bear Market Costco's gotten pretty good at hitting curve balls though, and has the size and know-how to handle food deflation. InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips Costco (NASDAQ: COST ) isn't a recession-proof company, because no such company exists.

Corporations such as Target ( TGT ), Caterpillar ( CAT ), and Apple (NASDAQGS:APPL) will eventually need to lower prices to allow those who produce the input commodities they use (farmers, miners, etc) to also maintain some profits. This has major implications for the U.S. Dollar and other commodities. In fact, the case could be made the producer is actually seeing deflation as revenues of these mined or famed input materials continue to drop.

*USD/JPY ( YCL ) is at 81.5, up 0.52%. The bulls are continuing to stampede in futures trading, too, as the initial stages of the Greek debt swap are proceeding without incident. In addition, the Wall Street Journal detailed a new Federal Reserve program in the United States to suppress inflation.

As long as global growth remains below its long-term average of 4%, central banks around the world, including the Federal Reserve, will continue to be more concerned about deflation than inflation. Some of my firm's favorite stocks in our Revenue Buster Portfolio include the following: Bed Bath & Beyond ( BBBY ), Sysco Corp. ( SYY ), and Visa ( V ). The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Commodities to watch: --Sugar futures plunged 12%--a record, Bloomberg notes--amid China-stoked fears that interest rates in that country will increase. The United States Natural Gas ETF ( UNG ) is down 2.96% to $5.50. Fears that the Chinese government will raise interest rates to rein in inflation pushed crude-oil futures sharply into the red to finish the week.

Growth deterioration made China cut the reserve requirement ratio ( RRR ) for all depository financial institutions by -50 bps, effective December 5, 2011 as reduction in inflationary pressure has lowered the need for tightening monetary policy. After announcing joint action to enhance liquidity support to the global financial system on December, central banks also moved unilaterally to stimulate the market. Low interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding gold and money printing measures implemented by central banks is equivalent to currency depreciation.

Other Stock Picks Some better-ranked stocks in the broader consumer staples sector include Inter Parfums Inc. IPAR , Mondelez International Inc. MDLZ and Sysco Corp. SYY , all carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Click to get this free report INTER PARFUMS (IPAR): Free Stock Analysis Report SYSCO CORP (SYY): Free Stock Analysis Report SUPERVALU INC (SVU): Free Stock Analysis Report MONDELEZ INTL (MDLZ): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Competitive pressure, deflationary conditions and soft sales in the Retail and wholesale segments are the main reasons that are irking the stock.

Alteryx (NYSE: AYX), Comstock Resources (NYSE: CRK), and MagnaChip Semiconductor (NYSE: MX) were among the top performers. A weak reading on inflation made some investors more optimistic that lower interest rates are just around the corner, but doubts about whether the U.S. will be able to reach deals with China and other major trading partners in the near future weighed on sentiment. On Monday, Comstock said that it would purchase Covey Park Energy for $2.2 billion, giving it huge exposure to the Haynesville Basin shale play area in the Ark-La-Tex region.

The currency rose last week after Sweden's central bankbroke with growing caution among major monetary-policy makers bysaying it would stick to its plan to raise rates in the secondhalf of 2019. When ECB policymakers meet on March 7 they are expected toslash growth and inflation projections as the euro zone suffersits worst slowdown in half a decade. Traders are betting on a weaker euro in coming months,expecting the ECB to maintain its easy monetary policy amid slowgrowth, tepid inflation and political uncertainty.

WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund ( CEW ) This fund provides a diversified play on emerging market currencies. Click to get this free report WISDMTR-BRZ RL (BZF): ETF Research Reports WISDMTR-EMG CUR (CEW): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The currency war has escalated as a number of countries have chosen loose monetary policies to stimulate growth and prevent deflationary pressures.

Notable reports include Ocwen Financial ( OCN ), Beazer Homes ( BZH ), Monster Worldwide ( MWW ), LinkedIn ( LNKD ), Kraft (KRFT), and Kellogg (K). On the report after the call, ISM Chairman Nieves mentioned that declining prices were causing companies to put orders on hold, which is a longer term positive for the economy. More than 60% of economists are expecting the ECB to cut its main refinancing rate to 0.50% from 0.75% in response to falling inflation and slowing economic growth.

What's Happening Wholesale club Costco ( COST ) is scheduled to report its fiscal fourth-quarter results on September 29 after the market close. A big reason for the concern is that for years Costco enjoyed same store sales growth in a range of 6% and 7%, but that figure has fallen to around 4% in recent months, in part a result of the strong dollar that has led to deflation in many product categories. Technical Analysis COST was recently trading at $152.98, down $16.75 from its 12-month high and $14.41 above its 12-month low.

The reason why seems to be three part: a weak inflation outlook, trade war, and the combination of so-so growth and a hawkish Fed. All of this makes investors comfortable with sub-3% yields, and the bonds are being supported by their safe haven nature. Another problem is that US yields are much higher than in other developed countries, such as in Europe, keeping demand for Treasuries high.

Campbell Soup CompanyCPB has been losing ground for a while, thanks to dismal business categories and an unimpressive gross margin trend. Click to get this free report Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (PPC): Free Stock Analysis Report General Mills, Inc. (GIS): Free Stock Analysis Report TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (THS): Free Stock Analysis Report Campbell Soup Company (CPB): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Additionally, the company has been witnessing strained gross margins owing to adverse impacts from recent acquisitions, cost inflation, escalated supply-chain expenses and increased promotional spending.

(New York) Anybody who is worried about a pending bond bear market might take some solace in recent news. The US has just seen a weak inflation report, and a flattening of the yield curve, both at home and in the Eurodollar market, spells ill for the economy. Perhaps we will not have a deep recession, but we definitely don't think there will be continuous hikes for the next year and a half, which is good news for bonds.

The median dot for next year also decreased from 2.5% in December to 1.875% in March. The central bank noted that a rate hike was "unlikely" in April and cautioned that it will only hike rates if it has "seen further improvement in the labor market and is reasonably confident that inflation will move back to its 2% objective over the medium term." The Fed said economic growth "moderated somewhat" following its December's view of economic activity increasing at a solid pace.

This news somewhat offset the weakness caused on Wednesday by the U.S. Federal Reserve monetary policy meeting minutes that showed policymakers were concerned about the impact of low inflation on the economy. "We have seen a reduction in the underlying trend rate of inflation that is material," and the cause remains "a bit of an open question," Brainard said during a discussion at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Stronger consumer inflation data on Friday could create resistance for the precious metal along with increased demand for higher risk assets, a firmer U.S. Dollar and rising Treasury yields.

FMC disallows sub-brokers The Forward Markets Commission ( FMC ) has directed commodity exchanges to disallow sub-brokers by whatever names they currently operate. FMC on Thursday issued new guidelines for regulating these authorised persons. "It is an important step towards client protection and will bring discipline in the market," said FMC Chairman B C Khatua Food inflation eases to 9.67% Food inflation eased to single digits, rising to an annual 9.67 per cent during the week ended July 17, compared with the previous week's year-on-year surge of 12.47 per cent.

Crude oil for June delivery fell $2.79 to $71.61 a barrel, and the Energy Select Sector SPDR (NYSE: XLE ) fell to $56.24, off $1.14. Nervous investors with lingering concerns over the European Union's $1 trillion bailout of its weakest members drove stocks sharply lower on Friday. Friday's euro selling was mostly blamed on a new report on Spain showing that core inflation for the country had turned negative, which could make it more difficult to work out its debt problems.

Dumping TIPS in favor of Treasuries (which would be selling breakevens) is the theoretically correct move if your expectations of inflation have declined; in theory, real yields should be roughly unchanged and nominal bonds should improve so that the spread tightens. No, real yields rose because the knee-jerk response to the inflation data was to dump TIPS. But investors can't help but think of TIPS as having inflation "protection," when a more-accurate statement would be that TIPS are merely neutral on inflation and shouldn't react to changes in inflation expectations.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. ( CBRL ) is the developer and operator of the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store concept. Click to get this free report CRACKER BARREL (CBRL): Free Stock Analysis Report SONIC CORP (SONC): Free Stock Analysis Report DENNY'S CORP (DENN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Falling oil prices , lower food inflation and an improving labor market have combined to create an environment which is favorable for the sector.

Economist at Capital Economics, said the slowdown in core price growth to a 13-month low "underlines that there is little chance of inflation breaking out above the Fed's target any time soon." "We continue to expect that weaker activity growth will convince officials to start cutting interest rates before the end of the year," Hunter added. On Thursday, the Labor Department is scheduled to release a separate report on producer prices in the month of March.

We have a Neutral recommendation on General Mills Inc. ( GIS ) following appraisal of fourth quarter fiscal 2012 results. GENL MILLS (GIS): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. However, the addition of Yoplait International to the business mix, higher input cost inflation and lower U.S. retail volumes dragged the quarter's adjusted gross margin down by 140 basis points (bps) to 37.2%.

Domestically, Household income growth had remained low and the March quarter inflation data indicated that inflationary pressures were lower than previously thought. The Bank’s goals of reducing unemployment and returning inflation towards the midpoint are now anticipated to occur at a more gradual pace than previously expected. On the upside, it was possible to combine the effects of continued accommodative financial conditions, the increase in Australia’s terms of trade, a renewed expansion in the resources sector and the expected lift in household disposable income.

The Aussie's jump encouraged some traders who have beensearching for direction recently after a lull in currencymarkets but the euro and dollar moved little, suggesting broadervolatility remained subdued. The single currency came under pressure on Tuesday afterReuters quoted four sources with direct knowledge of discussionsas saying several European Central Bank policymakers think theECB's economic projections are too optimistic, as economicweakness in China and trade tensions lingers. The kiwi was hit after data showed New Zealand's annualinflation slowed in the first quarter, which raised the odds ofan interest rate cut in the coming months.

Consumer Staples (NYSEARCA:XLP) - Is Mean Reversion Over? Gayed, my father, in the second edition re-release of Intermarket Analysis and Investing Below is an assessment of the performance of some of the most important sectors and asset classes relative to each other, with an interpretation of what underlying market dynamics may be signaling about the future direction of risk-taking by investors. My firm's ATAC (Accelerated Time and Capital) models used for managing our mutual fund and separate accounts remain defensive given the direction of inflation expectations.

But with the market still down 2% this year in local currency terms compared to a 9% gain in the EEM and numbers like 26% and 38% from Turkey andChile, respectively there is a lot of catching up here to do. More trades to watch on the Bovespa next week In China, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, food inflation seems to be coming down. On Friday, Brazilraised its reserve requirements for banks — a move that has been interpreted as a sign that Copom may not raise rates as aggressively if they can control inflation this way.

GlaxoSmithKline ( GSK ) also missed on sales in Q3 amid a 29% decline in healthcare product sales in China where it has faced bribery charges. After rallying on a slew corporate earnings and on hopes that the U.S. Federal Reserve will maintain its asset purchasing program in the wake of a disappointing jobs market report, stocks were poised to retreat Wednesday after China's central bank suggested it might tighten the cash flow to stem inflation risks. Especially for many metals, China has been the world's largest consumer and reduced spending could have ripple effects across the globe.

Most of the $867 billion farm bill is aimed at supporting the U.S. agricultural industry, which has been buffeted by commodity price deflation as a trade war escalated this year. InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips When most people think about cannabis stocks, AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV ) doesn't immediately come to mind. Not only does this open opportunities for cannabis firms and independent farmers, it also signals a more-conducive environment for cannabis-based therapies.

According to analysts like Joachim Fels at Pacific Investment Management Co. (PIMCO), the trend demonstrates waning confidence in the Fed's inflation-targeting through its monetary policies. If that loss of faith infiltrates the belief that the Fed can levitate stock prices with endless rate manipulation, excessive exposure to risk assets would prove painful for the aggressively allocated crowd. Gary Gordon, Pacific Park Financial, Inc, and/or its clients may hold positions in the ETFs, mutual funds, and/or any investment asset mentioned above.

The flagship iShares FTSE China 25 ( FXI ), tracking 25 blue chip stocks, popped 0.95% after tumbling 1.76% to a three-month low the day before. China's stock market rebounded Tuesday from a sharp sell-off in the prior session after the government announced a hefty increase in defense and domestic security spending to support economic growth. In an effort to control housing inflation and speculation, Chinese officials said Friday they will enforce a 20% capital-gains tax on profits from home sales.

The trend typically continues to the point where the long term benefit of ownership no longer outweighs the cost of investing, resulting in a sharp decline. This means investors who purchase government bonds and hold them to maturity will end up losing money excluding the cost of inflation. Furthermore, sectors that thrived in the low rate environment, such as dividend stocks, REITs, and utilities, will begin to face significant headwinds.

For the general REIT market — the easy-peasy way to gain crisis protection can by found in the Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:). Core PCE Source Bloomberg U.S. bonds continue to perform well with the lower inflation and improving supply-and-demand conditions noted above. In addition, if you find yourself in San Francisco on Aug. 15-17, please join me at the MoneyShow, where I’ll be presenting my economic and market analysis and my latest investment themes and recommendations.

By Peter Schiff : The stunning 40% drop in the price of oil over the past few months has scrambled global economic forecasts, changed the geopolitical landscape, and has severely pressured many energy sector investments. Economists are scratching their heads to determine if the drop is good or bad for the economy or whether cheap oil will add to or decrease unemployment, or complicate the global effort to "defeat" deflation. These positions, in which investors sought to make a levered bet on rising oil prices, peaked around July at 4 million contracts, nearly four times as high as 2010.

Click to get this free report WISDMTR-IN EARN (EPI): ETF Research Reports EGS-INDIA CNSMR (INCO): ETF Research Reports MKT VEC-RUSSIA (RSX): ETF Research Reports ISHARS-MS RUSSA (ERUS): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Last month, investors poured $18 billion into emerging-market stocks and bonds, thanks mainly to concerns about uneven economic growth in the developed world. India relies on imports for 80% of its energy needs and collapse in oil prices helps the country narrow down its trade and budget deficit as also bring down inflation.

Looming Brexit fears and Fed not hiking rates this month dragged benchmarks down on Friday, eventually finishing out the week lower. For the time being, Member of Parliament Jo Cox's death on Thursday led both the "leave" and "remain" camps suspend their campaigns temporarily. May's discouraging jobs report, a low level of business investment and inflation falling short of expectations did little to help the Fed take a rate hike call.

Home to tame inflation, favorable tax rates and a new reform-minded president, it is not surprising that some noteworthy investors are bullish on Mexican sovereigns . As one example of a reason why Mexican corporates are worth a look, Standard & Poor's recently revised its outlook on Mexico's state-run oil giant Petróleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, and that could prompt a credit rating upgrade sometime in the next 18 months. Harper also notes the improving U.S. economy and government reforms initiated by President Enrique Peña Nieto as potential catalysts for Mexican corporates.

In ADR news, Diageo Plc ( DEO ) is downgraded to neutral from buy at Goldman Sachs, citing continued challenges to growth in emerging markets. Inflation in the euro zone dropped to 0.7% in January from 0.8% in December, falling short of estimates and hitting the lowest level since October. Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) is raised to buy from neutral at Swedbank AB, citing a number of phase-three treatment studies that will help it expand its product offering in the next six to 18 months.

American Woodmark Corp. (AMWD): Headquartered in Winchester, VA, American Woodmark sports a Zacks Rank #1. Price and Consensus: AMWD A slow market growth rate, commodity price inflation and looming tensions over a trade war could drag down the prospects of the furniture industry. Click to get this free report WillScot Corporation (WSC): Free Stock Analysis Report Virco Manufacturing Corporation (VIRC): Free Stock Analysis Report La-Z-Boy Incorporated (LZB): Free Stock Analysis Report Leggett & Platt, Incorporated (LEG): Free Stock Analysis Report American Woodmark Corporation (AMWD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

General Mills Inc. ( GIS ) is all set to report its first quarter 2013 results before the start of trading on September 19, 2012. GENL MILLS (GIS): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. However, the addition of Yoplait International to the business mix, higher input cost inflation and lower U.S. retail volumes dragged the quarter's adjusted gross margin down by 140 basis points (bps) to 37.2%.

Bottom Line Investors should note that these products have clearly outpaced the ultra-popular broad emerging market funds like VWO and EEM by wide margins (see: all the Emerging Market ETFs here ). Click to get this free report >> ISHARS-EMG MKT (EEM): ETF Research Reports ISHRS-MSCI F100 (FM): ETF Research Reports FT-ISE CHINDIA (FNI): ETF Research Reports EGS TECH GEMS (QGEM): ETF Research Reports VANGD-FTSE EM (VWO): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Additionally, widening current account deficits, sluggish currencies, rising inflation and political disorder are dulling the appeal for emerging markets.

Headwinds Affecting UNFI We note that United Natural has been grappling with the ongoing industry challenges, including heightened competition and deflationary environment. Shares of United Natural Foods, Inc.UNFI have underperformed the Zacks categorized Food-Miscellaneous/Diversified industry and the broader sector on a year-to-date basis. Click to get this free report United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI): Free Stock Analysis Report B&G Foods, Inc. (BGS): Free Stock Analysis Report Aramark (ARMK): Free Stock Analysis Report Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. (LW): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Precious metals as well as the SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (NYSEARCA:XHB) lead the market nosedive on decreasing inflation expectations, with the homebuilders index tumbling more than 5%. Markets sold off around the globe after yesterday's Fed meeting and the Chinese credit crunch. The Philadelphia regional manufacturing survey showed greater than expected growth, reporting a reading of 12.5 against the -1.0 consensus.

First, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' data shows that core inflation (all consumer goods excluding food and energy) decelerated further in May. 3 Top Picks to Ride the Hottest Tech Trend Zacks just released a Special Report to guide you through a space that has already begun to transform our entire economy… Last year, it was generating $8 billion in global revenues. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for those who make the right trades early.

China's economy grew at a steady 6.4 percent pace in thefirst quarter, defying expectations for a further slowdown, asindustrial production surged and consumer demand showed signs ofimprovement. The New Zealand dollar, meanwhile, fell after data showedthat annual inflation slowed in the first quarter, which raisedthe odds of an interest rate cut in the coming months. Data on Wednesday also showed that the U.S. trade deficitfell to an eight-month low in February as exports to Chinasurged, helping to eclipse a rebound in overall imports, whichcould boost economic growth estimates for the first quarter.

Deutsche Bank AG ( DB ) is the largest bank in Germany and one of the largest financial institutions in Europe and the world, as measured by total assets (1,637 billion as of Mar 31, 2014). Click to get this free report CREDIT SUISSE (CS): Free Stock Analysis Report DEUTSCHE BK AG (DB): Free Stock Analysis Report BANCO SANTAN SA (SAN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Following these numbers, France's Finance Minister Michel Sapin urged ECB to be more active to offset deflation threats and to boost growth.

The RBA said "the inflation outlook, as currently assessed, may provide some scope for further easing, should that be required to support demand," that the Aussie dollar is still overvalued, and that they see growth picking up in the next year globally. A Shulman Inc. (NASDAQ: SHLM ) shares fell 13.4 percent pre-market after the company reported worse than expected earnings and lowered guidance. Xyratex (NASDAQ: XRTX ) shares rose 5.5 percent but were off of after-hours highs after the company reported better than expected earnings.

Horton ( DHI ), while Beazer Homes ( BZH ) came up short on the revenues side. Click to get this free report D R HORTON INC (DHI): Free Stock Analysis Report BEAZER HOMES (BZH): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. China's inflation reading came in a tad cooler than expected, spotlighting the persistently weak demand conditions in that country that have been a worry for the markets lately.

Bottom Line Investors should note that these products have clearly outpaced the ultra-popular broad emerging market funds like VWO and EEM by wide margins (see: all the Emerging Market ETFs here ). Click to get this free report >> ISHARS-EMG MKT (EEM): ETF Research Reports ISHRS-MSCI F100 (FM): ETF Research Reports FT-ISE CHINDIA (FNI): ETF Research Reports EGS TECH GEMS (QGEM): ETF Research Reports VANGD-FTSE EM (VWO): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Additionally, widening current account deficits, sluggish currencies, rising inflation and political disorder are dulling the appeal for emerging markets.

(RTTNews.com) - A report released by the Labor Department on Tuesday showed a modest decrease in U.S. producer prices in the month of December. The Labor Department said its consumer price index slipped by 0.1 percent in December after coming in unchanged in November. On the other hand, the report said food prices climbed by 0.4 percent in December, the largest increase since May of 2014.

In fact, describing the move in gold as a sell-off is an understatement because the 8% decline is the largest single day loss for the commodity in 3 decades. Unfortunately, as time progressed, patience began to wear thin and investors were seeing their investment values dwindle with no hope of rapidly rising inflationary pressures in sight. Between this morning's (Monday) softer U.S. economic reports, last night's weaker Chinese data and this month's disappointing U.S. retail sales and jobs numbers, there are definite signs that the global recovery is losing momentum.

However, Joly also warned of "external pressures" such as deflationary pricing, weak post-holiday demand for consumer electronics, lower interest in extended warranties. The bottom line is that Best Buy's enterprise comparable sales will be flat to down by low single digits, and non-GAAP operating margins will shrink by roughly 0.3% to 0.5% year-over-year. That's why The Motley Fool's chief investment officer just published a brand-new research report that reveals his top stock for the year ahead.

TheSPDR Gold Trust ( GLD ) had to sell 22 metric tons just last Friday to meet redemptions. A key gauge of wholesale prices registered a sharp drop on Friday, quashing expectations thatinflation was gaining steam (rising inflation boosts demand for hard assets like gold). The cash-strapped country of Cyprus is being asked to sell $525 million worth of gold bullion to pay downdebts , and concerns are growing that other weak European nations might also have to dump their holdings to raisefunds or satisfybailout requirements.

RRF, which will join a crowding field of ETFs designed to deal with rising rates and inflation, will have a particular focus on commodities-rich economies in developed as well as emerging market countries. WisdomTree's fixed-income ETF lineup includes an emerging markets-focused local debt fund (NYSEArca:ELD), which has nearly $900 million in assets; and its Asian counterpart (NYSEArca:ALD), which has gathered $476 million in AUM. The WisdomTree Global Real Return Fund (NYSEArca:RRF) is designed to give investors capital appreciation and income that exceed the long-term rate of inflation, according to paperwork the company filed with U.S. regulators this week.

With the long term outlook on energy improving, the impact of rising fuel prices on retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target ( TGT ) and Costco ( COST ) should lessen. In the recently concluded quarter, Wal-Mart's ( WMT ) growth slowed due to sluggish consumer spending and higher gasoline prices. For instance, consumer spending in September 2012 remained below average when gasoline prices were at a peak of $3.85/gallon .

The Materials Select Sector SPDR (XLB) led the decline among the S&P 500 sectors. The day's initial gains, largely a result of encouraging durable orders numbers, were eroded by the end of the trading session. The European Central Bank gave strong indications that it would take aggressive steps in the form of negative interest rates and asset purchases to prevent low inflation.

That performance is noticeably worse than that of the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (NYSE: EEM ) and the iShares MSCI Mexico Capped Investable Market Index Fund (NYSE: EWW ). Earlier today, a trader purchased 5,000 January 2014 $47 puts in EWZ on the offer for $2.37 per contract, according to Option Monster . Hampered by the global commodities slowdown, rising inflation and slack economic growth , EWZ has plunged more than 10 percent in the past year.

Actively traded PowerShares QQQ ( QQQ ) was edging down 0.05%. Broad Market Indicators Broad-market exchange-traded funds, including SPY, IWM and IVV were mostly lower. Net interest income was Ch $125.2 billion in Q1, down about 16.7% from a year prior as the result of lower inflation rate variation in Chile.

GES as the Bear of the Day. Indeed, there are some positive signals from recent macroeconomic data, from retail sales to wages. That fear is certainly evident on bond markets where the gap between three-month and 10-year U.S. treasury yields - one of the gauges the Fed uses to assess inflation risks - has inverted.

The majority of the investment community has been focusing heavily on the deflation in crude oil and natural gas prices along with the concomitant decline in energy-related stocks. This ETF even has substantial exposure to Tesla Motors (TSLA) as a function of their commitment to environmentally friendly electric vehicles. Two other funds that deserve mention in this space are the Guggenheim Solar ETF (TAN) and MarketVectors Global Alternative Energy ETF (GEX).

Its peer Ericsson ( ERIC ) rose 2.3% while Alcatel-Lucent ( ALU ) was lower 3.0%. "The main factors cited as being behind these downward revisions were lower oil prices and weaker than expected economic activity," the ECB said in its Monthly Bulletin. Should it become necessary to further address risks of too prolonged a period of low inflation, the Governing Council is unanimous in its commitment to using additional unconventional instruments within its mandate."

Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin and Senior Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer are currently meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He in Beijing. The FTSE led gains as the weak inflation data points to another year of easy money policy from the BOE, the UK-based index was up 0.60% in midmorning trade. The data is in-line with the current FOMC outlook but helped strengthen the dollar versus the basket of global currencies.

That's even after Devon reduced its capex spending by $500 million from its initial expectations due to cost deflation and improved efficiency. Iran said it will immediately boost its output by 500,000 barrels per day as soon as the sanctions have lifted, which is putting even more pressure on oil prices. Investor takeaway The initial expectation was that oil wouldn't fall any further than it already had, and would actually stabilize at around the then current price of $75 per barrel in 2015.

Add in the low-to-lower U.S. inflation as measured by the core Personal Consumption Expenditure Index (PCE) sitting at a mere 1.77%, and U.S. bonds look even more attractive. Looking Deeper Into the Numbers for SAfe Stocks But taking a step further back, manufacturing is a very small sector of the US economy and is dwarfed by services and non-manufacturing. The indexed play is the Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:) while for an individual REIT — look at my multi-decade proven performer in WP Carey (NYSE:).

The 2008 global equity (NYSEArca: EFA ), real estate (NYSEArca: RWO ) and commodity (NYSEArca: DBC ) meltdown erased an estimated $50 trillion worth of wealth. Deflation Threat - A Simple Concept Government spending and money printing has been identified as key causes for an alleged inflationary environment. The Europe (NYSEArca: FEZ) debt debacle reminds us how vital cash is - that's why the European Central Bank and the IMF made $1 trillion available for entire governments.

Holdings of SPDR Gold TrustGLD , the world's largestgold-backed exchange-traded fund, hit their highest since Juneon Tuesday and have remained there. "The current dip is due to a combination of a very sturdypayrolls report, despite the U.S. government shutdown, as wellas strong manufacturing data from the U.S., " said Tai Wong,head of base and precious metals derivatives trading at BMO. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said on Wednesday the case forrate increases had "weakened," with neither rising inflation norfinancial stability considered a risk, and "cross-currents"including slowing growth overseas and the recent partial U.S.government shutdown making the U.S. outlook less certain.

Bonds Treasuries have been inching lower, and I have been advocating reducing exposure to long-duration holdings such as the iShares 20+ Year Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:TLT) all year long. I would be closely monitoring the interest-rate environment and watching TLT when the Fed begins to make changes. Each month, we are witnessing improving economic statistics, strengthening employment numbers, and low inflation metrics that would seem to support the notion of a recovering economy.

The Bank of England slashed its growth forecast for the United Kingdom and hinted at further easing policies Wednesday in the Quarterly Inflation Report . Moreover, the Bank highlighted that it sees a risk of increased currency strength curbing growth, as euro depreciation seen since the recent flare up of the European Debt Crisis has caused the pound to strengthen, further restraining exports. These funding cost increases have occurred as markets speculate that domestic recession and spill-over from the European Debt Crisis are hurting U.K. banks.

Campbell Soup CompanyCPB has been off investors' radar for a while now, which can be explained by its not so impressive past sales performance. Click to get this free report MEDIFAST INC (MED): Free Stock Analysis Report Campbell Soup Company (CPB): Free Stock Analysis Report The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (CHEF): Free Stock Analysis Report Pinnacle Foods Inc. (PF): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Management expects fiscal 2019 gross margin to decline nearly 2 percentage points on account of cost inflation and unfavorable mix related to the acquired businesses.

Horton, Inc. (DHI), Lennar Corporation (LEN), PulteGroup, Inc. (PHM) and Toll Brothers Inc (TOL). In addition to PHM, TOL and LEN stock, the ETF counts Owens Corning (OC) and USG Corporation (USG) among its largest holdings. By David Becker, InvestorPlace Contributor Declining interest rates, falling gasoline prices, solid job growth and the recent announcement by the FHA that it would lower mortgage insurance premiums have been the catalysts behind the breakout in housing-related stocks.

Helped by an interest rate cut that was made possible by cooling inflation and news that a bad debt asset management company is finally coming to fruition, the Market Vectors Vietnam ETF (NYSE: VNM ) will likely finish the month of May with a gain of more than eight percent. VNM was up 10.5 percent for the month before Friday, but is currently down 1.5 percent. Oil market volatility is an ever-present issue for NGE as is banking system fragility for VNM.

The SPDR S&P Homebuilders (XHB) gained 1%, the second highest among the S&P 500 sectors. The European Central Bank's (ECB) executive board has proposed a bond-buying program of about 50 billion euros per month in order to combat concerns over deflation in the Eurozone. For a look at the issues currently facing the markets, make sure to read today's Ahead of Wall Street article The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) gained 0.2% to close at 17,554.28.

China tries again to battle inflation as the Chinese central bank raised their bank reserve requirement ratio ( RRR ) by 0.50% to 19.5%. In fact global commodity markets are only showing a modest reaction to the China move and sold off a little do to the surprise aspect. From the No Kidding department, DOW Jones reports that IEA head Nobuo Tanaka said that the global economy would suffer from sustained oil prices of $100 a barrel.

SPDR Select Sector Fund - Financial ( XLF ): -0.09% VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF ( GDX ): -0.3% Broad Market Indicators Broad-market exchange-traded funds, including IWM and IVV were higher. US stocks were positive at the session's half, but pulled back from recent highs, as Wall Street digested mixed messages on the US/China trade front with unexpectedly tame inflation data. BlackRock (BLK) edged lower following a Reuters report that said the company has gained approval from French regulators to establish an alternative investment firm in the country.

On Frankfurt's DAX, Deutsche Boerse, an international financial marketplace operator, slid by 3.6%, Pharmaceutical company Merck KGaA fell 1.6%, and energy company E.On slid 1.5%. The FTSE 100 closed 0.02% higher, the DAX was down 0.19% and the CAC-40 finished 0.90% higher. Euro area annual inflation is expected to be -0.2% in February 2016, down from 0.3% in January, according to a flash estimate from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Baidu.com ( BIDU ) is a good example of such a company. For example, BIDU is down 4% today on the news and after some extreme gains over the last few weeks it could be due for a larger correction. That is problematic for the Chinese who are facing unprecedented pressures internally and externally to manage their currency, balance their massive trade deficit and prevent inflation from leading to a banking collapse and popular unrest.

Grupo Superveille ( SUPV ) - This family-owned Argentine bank dual listed on the NYSE and in Buenos Aires, the country's first IPO since 2010. Since the new administration was sworn in, they have removed restrictions on both FX and lending, settled with holdout creditors and laid out a plan to bring annual inflation down to 5% from 30% currently. CF Corporation (CFCOU), a blank check company run by veterans from Blackstone and FNF, raised $600 million in its public listing.

KFN (+27.72%) To be acquire by KKR & Co ( KKR ) in a stock-for-stock merger that values KFN at $2.6 billion. Odds now favor a $5 billion reduction in the size of monthly asset purchases in respect of recent economic data pointing to an improved labor market and absence of inflationary pressure. But after yesterday's impressive triple-digit rally in the Dow Industrials, today's gains remain vulnerable to profit-taking pressure if data on the housing market comes in much better than expected, raising the chance for a more sizeable cut in QE.

On Frankfurt's DAX, car-makers Daimler, BMW and Volkswagen contracted by 4.2%, 4.0% and 3.9%, respectively, while automotive supplier Continental was down by 5.2%. The FTSE 100 closed 1.78% lower, the DAX dropped 2.31% and the CAC-40 ended 1.70% lower. "This comprehensive package will exploit the synergies between the different instruments and has been calibrated to further ease financing conditions, stimulate new credit provision and thereby reinforce the momentum of the euro area's economic recovery and accelerate the return of inflation to levels below, but close to, 2%."

After recent weakness, gold enjoyed a bullish stint on Monday, witnessing its biggest one day rise to over $1,200 an ounce since January. This upsurge was triggered by the news that Venezuela has inked a deal with Citigroup Inc. C to pawn its gold in a bid to mitigate soaring inflation, shrinking economy and depressed oil prices . The move to liquidate gold would provide much needed cash to the Nicolas Maduro government to meet its internal and external commitments.

Embraer SA Embraer SA ( ERJ ) is a well-known aircraft manufacturer. CPFL ENERGI-ADR (CPL): Free Stock Analysis Report EMBRAER AIR-ADR (ERJ): Free Stock Analysis Report PETROBRAS-ADR C (PBR): Free Stock Analysis Report SABESP -ADR (SBS): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The Official Response Last week, the country's central bank's governor Alexandre Tombini said steps to curb inflation were proving to be effective.

Other stocks to watch out for in the industry are Black Hills Corp. ( BKH ), Alliant Energy Corp. ( LNT ) and Edison International ( EIX ), each with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). BLACK HILLS COR (BKH): Free Stock Analysis Report CPFL ENERGI-ADR (CPL): Free Stock Analysis Report EDISON INTL (EIX): Free Stock Analysis Report ALLIANT ENGY CP (LNT): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Moreover, it faced a decline in domestic activities, driven by inflation, more stringent credit conditions and lowering of business and consumer confidence.

PowerShares QQQ ( QQQ ): -1% iShares MSCI Emerging Index Fund ( EEM ): -0.8% Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF ( GDX ): +4.1% Broad Market Indicators Broad-market exchange-traded funds, including SPY, IWM and IVV were lower. The Federal Reserve earlier reported that the PCE price index, its preferred measure of inflation, rose a scant 0.8% in the 12 months ending in March. Among companies that reported earnings, Stericycle (SRCL), Western Digital (WDC), Seagate Technology (STX) and Gilead Sciences (GILD) logged sharp losses.

Pittsburgh Corning is a leading maker of cellular glass insulation for a range of residential, commercial and industrial applications. PPG Industries has a diversified business, both in terms of products offered and geographical presence. However, the European market is expected to remain under pressure and raw material inflation and currency headwinds remain concerns for the company.

The iShares MSCI Italy Index Fund (NYSE: EWI ) plunged nearly 40% between April and September 2011 before S&P got around to its downgrade of Italy. A more favorable assessment of Indonesia's economic strength is underpinned by gains in investment spending, improved prospects for infrastructure development following key policy reforms, and a well-managed financial system." "In addition, robust growth has been accompanied by the continued health of its external payments position, supported by increasingly large flows of foreign direct investment, while inflationary expectations are becoming better anchored at a more stable and historically lower level.

iShares Silver Trust ( SLV ) is up 1.83% to $41.27. In other energy futures, heating oil was down 0.98% to $3.04 a gallon while natural gas was up 0.79% to $3.04 per million British thermal units. Meanwhile, gold futures finished higher as comments Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said in comments that there will be no lasting impact from the Standard & Poor's downgrade and that inflation was in check.

In precious metal ETFs, the SPDR Gold Trust ( GLD ) is down 0.25% at $148.56. Stocks are lower at mid-day as the major indexes pare prior-session gains in the face of a weak New York regional manufacturing report and the biggest rise in three years of core consumer prices, although overall inflation is down. Among the executives AMD approached were Oracle (ORCL) CO-President Mark Hurd, EMC COO Pat Gelsigner and Carlyle Group Managing Director Greg Summe, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

While the Pound has found support of late, recent economic data suggests that the BoE is biding its time before shifting to a more dovish stance. The rising prospects of a no-deal Brexit, the extended trade war between the U.S and China and shift in BoE sentiment towards inflation suggests some downside. While we can expect the Oval Office to be of influence, FED Chair Powell and FOMC members Williams, Bostic, and Bullard are also scheduled to speak.

But labor market data has broadly been positive, as this morning's weekly Jobless Claims numbers and Wednesday's ADP report showed. Sheraz Mian Director of Research AUTOMATIC DATA (ADP): Free Stock Analysis Report SPDR-DJ IND AVG (DIA): ETF Research Reports NASDAQ-100 SHRS (QQQ): ETF Research Reports SPDR-SP 500 TR (SPY): ETF Research Reports PRO-ULS L20+YRT (TBT): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The Fed appeared to be downgrading their economic growth outlook a bit and pointed towards low inflation readings and the rise in mortgage rates.

Sysco CorporationSYY , the global food products maker and distributor, is slated to report third-quarter fiscal 2017 results, before the market opens. Click to get this free report Sysco Corporation (SYY): Free Stock Analysis Report Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN): Free Stock Analysis Report Post Holdings, Inc. (POST): Free Stock Analysis Report Snyder's-Lance, Inc. (LNCE): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. However, Sysco remains concerned about the deflationary trend which is likely to continue in the fiscal year 2017, creating modest sales and gross profit headwind.

The company is sticking with broader plans to improve the customer experience and lower costs over the long term. The slowdown should put the supermarket chain at the low end of its long-run target of between 8% and 11% annual earnings growth, too. It's a testament to the power of its business model that Kroger can still achieve solid profit gains as that the grocery industry suffers through one of the worst bouts of deflation on record.