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Airline Predictions
The Airline Bulletin notes some of the more positive trends expected in the industry during 2006: including at least two airlines, : United Airlines, and Aloha Airlines, who plan to exit bankruptcy sometime early in 2006.. Airline statistics showed strength for most carriers during the typically slow month of January. Additionally, load factors are up with higher yields on the horizon.

Retail Sales Post Strong January Gains
Consumer spending put January spending at 6 year highs The overall increase was more than double what economists had been forecasting. The market awaits the new Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, delivery of his first report to Congress tomorrow.


Eddy Elfenbein of Crossing Wall Street comments that Capital One (COF) is an incredibly profitable stock Capital One uses a combination of heavy mass marketing and forecasts earnings this year of $7.40 to $7.80 a share, which translates to growth of 10% to 16%. It also means that Capital Oneis going for 11.0 to 11.6 times this year’s earnings.

Analysts have INTC is the most undervalued Dow stock, with a price target nearly 30% above its current price

2 Billion by 2011
Computer Almanac reports The worldwide number of Internet users surpassed 1 billion in 2005—up from only 45M in 1995 and 420M in 2000. The 2 billion Internet users milestone is expected in 2011. Much future Internet user growth is expected to come from China, India, Brazil, Russia and Indonesia. Additionally Smartphone and mobile device Internet usage will supplement PC use.

OLYMPIC DOLLARS

NBC will pay the International Olympic Committee $613 million for the U.S. broadcasting rights for these Games. NBC will spend another $100 million in production. Then add on the cost of entertaining clients, throwing lavish parties, and buying Grappa for everyone in sight and it all adds up to $750 million--


BUY A CUP
Starbucks is targeting China as its number 1 growth market. At $6 a cup, Starbucks coffee will cost the average Chinese laborer more than they make in one day.