Review of the First Quarter 2010

My how time flies, it is hard to imagine that the year is 1/4th done already. This newsletter will review some of the highlights and look at the 2nd quarter. At the end are some Easter facts for your enjoyment. Enjoy your Easter!!!

From an economic business cycle perspective, the 1st quarter was fairly normal. Interest rates stayed relatively flat and the Federal Reserve did not adjust interest rates. The stock market ended up about 5% but it did have some volatility with a pullback about the middle of January to the middle of February. Commodity prices have started to move upward as oil and copper prices are at the highest levels for the quarter. All 3 of these reflect an economic business cycle that is stabilizing and starting to grow.

Growth is being seen in the manufacturing and service sectors helped by the value of the dollar and the effect of the stimulus spending. The construction industry, commercial real estate and housing market remain flat showing stability. Consumer confidence and employment are starting to look more positive. Again these indicators are fairly normal for this part of the economic business cycle.

So what does this mean for investing for the 2nd quarter? These trends should continue and no adjustments are anticipated except for perhaps a change in a bond mutual fund. Some experts are talking about the chance for another economic dip in the 2nd or 3rd quarter, this makes absolutely no sense and these experts should stop talking. Relax and enjoy the good things of life.

Easter Facts

Easter is a Christian Festival that celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. On the third day after Good Friday, the day of his crucifixion, now called Easter Sunday, He rose from the dead. Mourners went to His tomb to collect His body. However, He was not there and they were greeted by an angel who said
"He is Risen".

The cross is a symbol of His crucifixion and Resurrection. Hot cross buns, a cake or biscuit eaten by many during this season, are also, symbols of these events. The lamb is another symbol associated with Jesus.
He is often referred to, in scriptures, as the, 'Lamb of God',who sacrificed his life for all mankind's eternal life.

Lights, candles and bonfires mark celebrations in many countries. Roman Catholics often put the candles in the church out on Good Friday and light them again with the Pascal Candle or Easter Candle, on Easter Day.

Eggs are a symbol of the new life that returns to nature at Easter Time. The custom of exchanging eggs began long before Easter was celebrated. It was a custom of the Egyptians and the Persians. They exchanged eggs decorated in Spring colors. They believed Earth hatched from an egg which contributed to this custom. Early Christians used red colored eggs to symbolize the Resurrection. In England they began writing messages and dates on their eggs and exchanging them with friends and loved ones. In the 1800's, candied eggs were made. They were open on one end and a scene was put inside. They were used as table centerpieces.