It's the last trading day of 2007. Many investors are saying good bye and good riddance to this turbulent year for stocks. The major indices did finish with gains, but not quite the strong finishes we've seen in years past. In tonight's program, Erika Miller looks ahead to what the various economic reports out later this week and they effect analysts predict they'll have on the beginning of the 2008 markets.
NASA has released its survey of pilots. The report is very cryptic, and the agency previously withheld a lot of the information over concerns that it would upset travelers and hurt airline profits. The reason: the friendly skies may not be very safe. The report shows near-collisions and runway interference occur a lot more than people think. (The report cost more than 11 million dollars.) These days, many Americans are choosing not to fly -- and they're leaving the driving to bus companies. Diane Eastabrook shows us how Megabus is helping to turn things around for the entire bus industry. Plus, tonight's commentator has some advice for fixing problems in the housing market. He's Glenn Hubbard, Dean of the Columbia Graduate School of Business, and Former Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
And finally (and most importantly) HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Thank you for your interest in Nightly Business Report. I hope the following information answers your question.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index, tracks the performance of 500 blue-chip stocks. It’s one of the most commonly used benchmarks for the overall U.S. stock market. The index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large-cap universe. The S&P 500 is a market-value weighted index - each stock's weight in the index is proportionate to its market value.
Years ago NBR would clarify on their TV report certain aspects of the market on days where little or no trading occurred. A great idea and one that needs further use. My question: I have stocks in the DJI and the NASDAQ, and I know what the AMX is, but despite my research into the meaning of the Standard and Poors I find no reason to connect with its activity. What am I missing?