Read More : http://www.investmentcontrarians.com/stock-market/what-mcdonalds-has-to-say-about-the-global-economy/1939/

You can tell a lot about the pulse of the economy by examining the retail sales and restaurant sector. When people are working and making money, they tend to be more confident and want to spend, especially non-discretionary spending.

One of the most worrying signs from the latest batch of economic data is that the global recession might be reappearing. Central banks around the world have been attempting to fuel their economies through massive stimulus, yet these efforts appear to be failing.

What Others Are Reading : 2013 US Financial Crisis

Read More : http://www.investmentcontrarians.com/stock-market/this-companys-corporate-earnings-might-surprise-the-market/1829/

One way to look for an investment opportunity, finding companies that will grow their corporate earnings over the long term, is to look for situations in which there is an unmet demand.

It’s almost that time again, corporate earnings season. Starting next week, American firms begin reporting their corporate earnings for the first quarter of 2013. Considering how high the S&P 500 is, many analysts and investors will be closely watching the results.

What Others Are Reading : Tech Stocks