Weekly Market Wrap: Stocks added to 2012 gains this week as the US
economy continue to slowly improve and European debt auctions were
uneventful.  The S&P 500 index added
2% to close at 1,315.  Gold also made
gains adding 1.68% to $1,666.  Oil moved
lower on the week dropping 0.60% to $98.46.
The Dollar was lower this week against other major world currencies
settling down 0.34% to $81.15.

Year-To-Date for the major indexes:

• The S&P index +4.59%
• The Dow Jones Index +4.12
• The NASDAQ Index +6.97%
• The Russell 2000 Small cap Index +5.90
• EAFE International Index +4.21%
• The 10 year treasury is currently yielding 2.03%
  and the 30 year is yielding 3.10%.  Yields
  are higher for the week and higher on the year.

Markets moved steadily higher for the week on earnings news that
was mostly positive and economic data showed an improving economy.  Jobless claims resumed their drop after an
increase last week and news out of Europe avoided any major negatives.  Regional manufacturing activity continues to
impress and inflation was tame in December.
Housing data also continued to show signs of improvement.

Later this week we get to see 4^th Quarter GDP
initial numbers and durable goods orders.
That will tell us whether economic activity continued to expand through
the end of 2011.

Mortgage rates moved higher this week.  The Schwab Bank 15-year rate is now at 3.43%
and the 30-year rate is at 4.17%. These rates are as of 01/20/2012 and assume
no points, no origination fee and a $250,000 conforming rate mortgage.

What to watch for on the economic calendar next week:

Monday – No major news or data

Tuesday – FOMC Meeting begins

Wednesday – FOMC Meeting Announcement / Pending Home Sales

Thursday – Weekly Jobless Claims / Durable Goods Orders / New Home Sales

Friday – 4Q GDP / Consumer Sentiment

Ronald J. VanSurksum, CFP®

Advanced Asset Management, LLC

January 23, 2012