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The KUIK Morning Market Report for Wednesday, March 21: |
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Markets are mixed. |
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Index |
Direction |
Change |
Units |
Index |
Time |
Change |
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Dow Jones Industrial Average |
Down |
(31) |
points |
24,696 |
7:04 AM |
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S&P500 |
Down |
-0.1% |
percent |
2,716 |
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Nasdaq Composite |
Up |
0.0% |
percent |
7,364 |
(1.50) |
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30 Year Treasury |
Up |
1 |
Basis Points |
3.12 |
Annual Yield |
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The U.S. current-account deficit which measures the nation’s debt to other countries, widened 26% in the fourth quarter up to $128.2 billion from a revised $101.5 billion in the third. The current account deficit was 2.6% of GDP in the fourth quarter. That’s up from 2.1% in the third but below the peak of 6.3% in 2005. |
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Marketwatch reports the Trump Administration’s efforts to bring back manufacturing are showing signs of early success. A National Association of Manufacturers survey found that industry optimism is at an all time with sales and capital spending both expected to rise at the fastest rates since 2011. But manufacturers are struggling to fill more than 350,000 job vacancies. Manufacturers report that attracting and retaining a quality workforce is their biggest challenge. Recruiting challenges are often attributed to a “skills gap” or widespread drug use, but research shows there is also a “fitness gap.” Some companies now have applicants undergo physical testing, in addition to drug testing. Others have started conditioning programs for new employees to help them develop the physical capacity needed to do the work. |
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Serving the West Side first, I am Bill Roller of brcapitalinc.com for 1360 KUIK. |
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www.marketwatch.com/story/us-current-account-deficit-jumps-26-in-4th-quarter-2018-03-21 |
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For today’s Morning Market Report click to listen-> |
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