Halftime Report for 3.19.2012

Apple opened higher in the pre-market at $605, was halted at $599.32, then reopened at $580 (higher then Fridays close). Apple announces plans today to initiate a $2.65 Quarterly Dividend in the fourth quarter of its fiscal 2012, which will begin on July 1st, 2012. Also, Apple announces that it plans to buy back $10 Billion shares over the next three years. Apple plans to spend over $45 Billion over the next three years

Economic Events for Tuesday, March 20th:

RBA Minutes and Italy Labor Market Reforms (Hopefully they can pass legislation before the end of the month.
UK CPI (Feb): Analysts expect a rise of 3% YOY.

By: Greg Zimny