Knobias ClipReport(7-9-2007)

Submitted from Knobias ClipReport

The last day of the trading week was very subdued as many were still absent on a long July 4th holiday weekend. Much of the attention was diverted to Microsoft which noted that it would take up to a $1.15 billion charge due to an expanded warranty program because of the number of repairs to their Xbox video game system.

Labor numbers were also reported as the economy added some 132 thousand non farm jobs while the unemployment rate remained constant at 4.5%. The numbers caused some to feel the Fed would watch the unemployment rate very closely into the next meeting because of the eventual effects on inflation.

In merger and acquisition news, news was surfacing that the Chicago Mercantile Exchange holding was increasing its bid for CBOT Holding Inc. for the third time. The deal was to be contemplated by holders over the weekend for an impending vote on Monday as to their decision.

Also over the weekend, the number of weddings planned worldwide was said to be the highest in history. Saturday, which has a numerical date of 07/07/07 or 7/7/07, had many brides feeling the day could be their lucky day.

TheKnot.com, a popular wedding-planning site, was noted as having some 38 thousand weddings registered for 7/7/07 which was three times more than the average number for a Saturday in mid-summer.

One company saw an increase in attention which could spill over into next week’s trading due to the lucky day. LJ International Inc. (JADE) shares, gained over 6% on over 1 million shares traded.

The Company designs, brands, markets, retails and distributes a full range of exquisite jewelry to fine jewelers, department stores, national jewelry chains and electronic and specialty retailers. Their largest line includes the Lorenzo line which is distinguished by its vibrant colors, designs, and craftsmanship.

The Company, which does the majority of its business in China, recently reported that its retail division, ENZO, now has 62 stores open in China. The Company also reiterated its target of having 100 ENZO stores in operation by the beginning of 2008.

ENZO has now opened 20 stores since the start of 2007. Currently, it operates 16 stores in Shanghai, 13 in Beijing, four each in Tianjin, Harbin and Shenyang, three in Hong Kong, two each in Dalian, Ningbo, Changsha, Chengdu and Heifei, and one each in Qingdao, Shijiazhuang, Zhengzhou, Jinan, Wuxi, Chongqing, Macau and Shenzhen. ENZO also noted that it expected to open its second store in Macau at the Venetian Macau Resort in August 2007.

Though the Company hasn’t reported its year end earnings, (it filed an extension for filing their Form 20-F for the latest fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 due in part to the process of changing independent accountants) the Company could be one to watch following the earnings announcement which should be reported before July 16th.

With the number of people worldwide expected to tie the Knot over the weekend, the lucky day could have a material affect on Jade’s numbers especially considering the number of people expected to visit casino’s over the weekend and the Company’s location in one of Macau’s resorts. With the name possessing the summer momentum apparent in many high flying names in a slow overall market, investors would be wise to watch.



Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs