Chin Up in the Downswing

In separate speeches, President Obama and Federal Reserve Chief Ben Bernanke point to indications of economic turnaround; good news about Dendreon’s cancer vaccine helped to pull up other pharmaceutical stocks.

The Neuberger Berman Socially Responsive Fund is showing a strong cash flow, 99 companies get plaudits for ethical business practices and two education IPOs are set to launch this week.

Some upbeat business stories on April 10, 2009: Stocks were up for the fifth consecutive week; President Obama sees positive signs in the nation’s economy, as do economists, who project the recovery to begin in September.

Among today’s positive business and financial stories: bank Wells Fargo forecasts $3 billion in profits for Q1 2009, the Fed reports that Americans are cutting down on their revolving debt, new unemployment claims were down last week and the trade deficit narrowed to November 1999 levels.

Among today’s positive news headlines: Bed, Bath & Beyond and Ruby Tuesday shares boosted by better-than-expected numbers, financial master’s grads stand to benefit from current economic conditions and a financial company CEO points out the good news inherent in negative headlines.

Among today’s positive financial news headlines: one index shows a rise in consumer confidence; New York’s Madison Avenue gains new retail life; and AmEx’s stock gets upgraded from “sell” to “hold.”

Among today’s uplifting business and financial headlines: Sallie Mae plans to establish 2,000 new jobs across America; hiring departments are looking to hire talented applicants in advance of demand and a New Jersey insurance CEO pays each of his 400-plus employees $1,000.

The numbers indicate that this recession is nowhere nearly as dire as the 1930s, argues a Federal Reserve researcher. Topshop’s U.S. opening shows people are still excited about buying clothes and China’s manufacturing output is up for the first time in six months.

Rebounds on the financial markets, both today and over the past month, capture the spotlight today. Also, a solar company shows strong numbers, suggesting opportunities in green energy.

Traders and consumers ended March on a positive note, with the Dow showing a sharp uptick to close out the quarter and the Consumer Confidence Index up slightly. And, in a testament to the resiliency of retail, fashion house Armani is still flourishing.

Americans are in the mood for love, as evidenced by recent strong sales in romance novels, online dating sites and chocolate.

Positive indicators that wrap up the week: American consumers slightly increased their spending in February and market observers see potential in Best Buy and Buffalo Wild Wings.

Among today’s positive financial and economic indicators: the housewares sector looks to build upon the home-entertainment trend; Andersen Windows hires back laid-off employees to keep up with demand; and the Nasdaq closed up on 2008 for the first time this year.

TiVo stocks performed well Wednesday on the back of its business partnership with Blockbuster. Commerce Dept. data show improvement in two benchmarks: durable goods orders and new home sales.

Figures from the Federal Housing Finance Agency show home prices recovering during January. Discount chain Dollar General is booming during the recession and a Chicago economist says the financial media is being needlessly negative.

Sales of previously owned homes were up last month. Other rebounders include fourth-quarter profits at luxe jewelry brand Tiffany and stocks at e-commerce sites, cell phone companies and coffeehouses.

Fashion retail, both high-end and budget-conscious, has shown positive developments in terms of expansion and first-quarter profit expectations. GM also said that current economic conditions have forced the company to up its efficiency.

To keep up spirits among remaining employees—and to keep them from leaving, some U.S. companies are offering low-cost fringe benefits. Green energy and agriculture are also showing some positive indicators.

If Darden Restaurants’ third-quarter earnings are any indication, Americans are still dining out—that is, when they’re not taking advantage of low mortgage rates and tax credits provided by the stimulus package. U.S. fiscal policy is also helping to boost job prospects for political analysts.

A Time magazine financial writer points out that today’s unemployment trends are nowhere as grim as those seen in the 1930s. Stimulus money, both at home and in China, are already helping to spur infrastructure spending.

Wall Street is heading back up, thanks to bank stocks and confidence on the part of the Fed. Commodities are also lending an unexpected boost, and apparel retailer Aeropostale posted strong fourth-quarter numbers.

Some positive economic indicators of the day: the stimulus package is working, says top economic official; the trade deficit is narrowing; and if recent trends are an indication, the S&P 500 is poised for a rebound.

U.S. retail sector's February figures outpaced analysts’ expectations, Buffett sees potential for domestic investment and a former venture capitalist sees flush funding for new “virtual world” sites.

Among the latest positive financial headlines: clothing retailer Buckle and online education company American Public Education had positive numbers for Q4. Financial markets may get a boost if the uptick rule on short selling is reinstated.

During the deepest recession since the Great Depression, points of economic hope remain. FindingDulcinea has launched a column featuring positive economic and financial indicators.