Paul Ausick

Recent Articles

China and U.S. Race for Australia’s Coal (BTU, YZC, CEO)

By Paul Ausick

Australia leads the world in coal exports, with some 261 million metric tons shipped in fiscal year 2009. The country produces two main types of coal: black coal, much of which is exported; and brown coal, most of which is burned in Australia to generate electricity. Stocks involved include Peabody Energy (BTU), Yanzhou Coal (YZC) and CNOOC Ltd. (CEO).

Natural Gas Pipeline to West Coast Approved (EP, PCG, WMB, KMP, EPD, DPM, EPG)

By Paul Ausick

A new 675-mile, 42-inch natural gas pipeline from the gas fields of Wyoming to a point in southern Oregon from where the gas will be fed to users in Oregon, California, and Nevada. El Paso Corp. (EP) received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to proceed with its Ruby Pipeline project.

Walgreens Lobbying Doesn’t Cost, It Pays (WAG, CVS, RAD, TGT, WMT)

By Paul Ausick

Drug store chain Walgreen Co. (WAG) reported this morning that same-store sales for the month of March grew by 2.3% year-over-year, and 6.4% overall. An earlier Easter holiday contributed 0.7% to the chain's growth. The company also noted that it opened 52 stores during March, to bring the total number of stores to 7,720. CVS Caremark Corp. (CVS) and Rite Aid Corp. (RAD) are expected to report March sales later this week. Other major prescription drug sellers are Target Corp. (TGT) and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT).

Despite 123,000 New Jobs, Unemployment Rate Unchanged

By Paul Ausick

The U.S. unemployment rate for March remained unchanged at 9.7%. The economy added 162,000 jobs in March, of which 48,000 were temporary U.S. census workers. Private employers added 123,000 jobs in March.

Crude Oil Tops $85; On Its Way to $100?

By Paul Ausick

The price of crude oil has been rising steadily for the past two months on indications that the global economy is recovering. The price is now above $85/barrel on the NYMEX, a jump of about 25% just since February.

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