Economic Folk | Business News, Real Estate and Stock Market: Stocks with Ties to Independence Day

The U.S. stock market is closed in observance of Independence day, which gives us a great opportunity to examine a few stocks with ties to the 4th of July.

This first of this three-part series will start by comparing investment opportunities in the United States -- home of the authors of the Declaration of Independence -- with those across the pond in the United Kingdom -- whose monarch was the recipient of that declaration. Then we'll then take a look at a few of the stocks that help us maintain our freedom as we dive into the U.S. defense industry. Finally, we'll take a look at stocks that benefit from the partying and picnicking that are so much a part of any 4th of July celebration.

Investing Broadly in the United States vs. the United Kingdom

More than 200 years ago, 13 colonies in America and the British crown were at war. Today, the United States and the United Kingdom are the closest of allies. They are also home to two of the world's largest financial centers.

So how have the U.S. and U.K. stock markets performed relative to each other during the past year?

Both have done extremely well, but if you compare the major index from each market -- the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the FTSE 100 -- you will see that the U.S. has edged out the U.K.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has gained 14.79%, climbing 1,248.09 points from 8,438.39 to its current level at 9,686.48.

The FTSE 100 -- which stands for the "Financial Times Stock Exchange" 100 -- has gained 13.74%, climbing 583.52 points from 4,240.01 to its current level at 4,823.53.

Continue reading Stocks with Ties to Independence Day - Part 1: US vs. UK

Stocks with Ties to Independence Day - Part 1: US vs. UK originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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