**[investwise]** Bankers Survey Shows Signs Of A Rebounding US Economy

A survey of rural bankers in 10 Midwest and Plains states released Thursday showed signs of a rebounding economy. The overall index for the Rural Mainstreet economic report jumped to 54.3 in May from 44.2 the previous month. The May 2009 index was 36.2. The index ranges between 0 and 100. A score below 50 suggests the economy will contract in the next few months; above 50 indicates the economy will expand. The index had been below 50 for 26 consecutive months, said survey organizers Ernie Goss, a Creighton University economist, and Bill McQuillan, CEO of CNB Community Bank of Greeley, Neb. Still, some bankers appeared skeptical about the economy being healthier. "It seems as though the weaknesses are a little more pronounced than they have been," said Larry Rogers, president of First Bank of Utica (KUT.OB - news - people ) in Nebraska. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota,South Dakota andWyoming are surveyed. The monthly confidence index, which tracks bankers' economic outlook six months out, rose for the third straight month, from April's 60.2 to 63. Bankers reported an uptick in home sales as federal tax credits for first-time buyers expired at the end of April. The index rose to 58.8 from April's 52.5. Some bankers, though, were less optimistic about the housing market's future. "I still feel that mortgage foreclosures have not hit bottom and will show more problems for the economy this summer," said Dale Bradley, CEO of Citizens State Bank in Miltonvale, Kan. Bankers indicated continued improvement in farmland prices, with the index rising above neutral growth for a fourth straight month to 52.7, although down from April's 59.5. Farm and ranch prices had been falling since spring 2008, but 15 percent of bankers reported in May gains of 5 percent or more in rental rates and 23 percent reported gains of 1 to 4 percent. Just over 55 percent of bankers reported no change. The farm equipment-sales index fell in May, to 50.9 from April's 57.2. The index in May 2009 was 28.3. The new-hiring index also showed signs of improvement, rising to 56.1 from 46.7 in April. The index had been below 50 for 28 straight months. And for a third straight month, all three bank indicators - loan volumes, checking deposits and CDs - were at or above 50. Safe Harbor Statement: Some forward looking statements on projections, estimates, expectations & outlook are included to enable a better comprehension of the Company prospects. Actual results may, however, differ materially from those stated on account of factors such as changes in government regulations, tax regimes, economic developments within India and the countries within which the Company conducts its business, exchange rate and interest rate movements, impact of competing products and their pricing, product demand and supply constraints.   Nothing in this article is, or should be construed as, investment advice.           --- On Sun, 5/23/10, Sudhir Agarwal <chuknoo@gmail.com> wrote: From: Sudhir Agarwal <chuknoo@gmail.com> Subject: Stock Traders Guide for 24th May , 2010 To: "Sudhir Agarwal" <chuknoo@gmail.com> Date: Sunday, May 23, 2010, 3:42 PM Attaching Daily Stock Traders Guide for 24th May 2010. We advice to trade strictly as per instruction.   Happy Trading.   We welcome your feedback.   "For most investments, much can go wrong, including numerous factors beyond an investor's control: the economy, the markets, interest rates, war, politics, tax rates, new technology, labor problems, competition, litigation, natural disasters, fraud, dilution, accounting gimmicks, and corporate mismanagement. Some but not all of these risks can be hedged, often only imprecisely and always at some cost. Other factors are under an investor's control, but are not always controlled: discipline; consistency; remaining within your circle of competence; matched duration of capital with underlying investments; prudent diversification; reacting rationally to news or market developments; and of course, not overpaying" ……….   SETH KLARMAN   CHUKNOO SECURITIES LTD. Member: NSE & MCX'SX 311-318, Krishna Towers, 15/63, Civil Lines, KANPUR 208001 INDIA PH: 91+512+2303040,2304621-22 FAX: 91+512+2305140 www.chuknoo.com The recommendations & opinions contained herein are based upon information from sources believed to be reliable. However, this may be incomplete & unverified. There are numerous factors that can affect the markets, which cannot be fully accounted. Those following these recommendations do so at their own risk. We cannot be held responsible for any error or ommissions. This does not constitute an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any Stock, Currency or any interest.