Reflexivity revisited
DanielXX (November 29th, 2008) Writes:
Depression, finance, George Soros, Insurance, Investing Lessons, Jim Rogers, Omaha, Retail Customers
DanielXX (November 29th, 2008) Writes:
QualityStocks (November 28th, 2008) Writes:
When it comes to the financial markets, September was a startling and unsettling month that Americans may never forget. We have witnessed the collapse and/or government rescue of financial services giants that are household names. The financial fears of the public and the resulting stock and bond market volatility have prompted the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury to resort to bailouts and backstops on a historic scale.
What does it all mean for the future of our financial system? While cringing at the potential expense, some experts seem to agree with government officials that intervention is most likely necessary, and that the costs of these measures outweigh the potential risk of doing nothing in the midst of a crisis of confidence.
Here’s a look at what may have prompted this situation, what has transpired recently in the financial sector, and how the government has acted to stem the negative effects of
...
ETF Innovators (November 27th, 2008) Writes:
Contrarian Profits (November 26th, 2008) Writes:
The U.S. Federal Reserve and Treasury Department announced yesterday (Tuesday) $800 billion worth of stimulus measures to rev up three primary engines of the U.S. economy – homebuyers, consumers and small businesses.
This newest economic infusion follows a $700 billion banking system bailout package that was unveiled in late October. At least half the cash has been injected directly into U.S. banks and insurance companies, firing off a flurry of takeover deals – with more expected to come. And it precedes an anticipated package being designed by the new economic team that’s been assembled by President-elect Barack Obama. That package is still in its formative stages, but estimates of its ultimate size range from $500 million to $1.2 billion.
The $800 billion package unveiled by the Fed and Treasury Department yesterday consisted of several parts.
In one statement, the Fed announced it would purchase as much as $500
...
Steve Selengut (November 24th, 2008) Writes:
What if there was an easy way to implement a whole new approach to retirement funding, pension planning, and Social Security? Would the politicians be interested? Let’s find out.
What if the new plan actually reduced payroll taxes, cut prices, created jobs, increased salaries, raised shareholder dividends, partially funded decreased healthcare costs, and was available to everyone?
Sound too good to be true, but it’s actually doable. The reasons for the present system’s failure are mostly political; the solutions are clear, practical, and non-partisan. What we want is a less expensive system for assuring that everyone is able to retire with an adequate income, higher than that provided now by Social Security.
What we need is a simple program, part mandatory and part voluntary, using experienced trustees who operate within the strictures of the prudent-man rule— a risk-minimizing legal doctrine that …
Zacks Market Commentaries (November 20th, 2008) Writes:
Loews Corporation (L) experienced a 3Q08 net loss from continuing operations came of $0.33 per share, the result of higher-than-expected catastrophe losses and investment losses at CNA Financial Corporation (CNA), which more than offset the improved results at the energy and drilling subsidiaries -- HighMount Exploration, Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (DO) and Boardwalk Pipeline Partners LP (BWP).
The spin-off of Lorillard in 2Q08 eliminated the company's overhang from tobacco litigation, permitting an increased focuses on broadening hydrocarbon interests. While the company has announced large capital investments (which would benefit results in the future), we reiterate our Hold recommendation as of now.
CNA Financial is the 14th largest property-casualty insurer in the U.S., providing standard commercial lines, specialty lines (specialty property-casualty, professional and financial), surety, marine, and other property and casualty coverage as well as life, and group insurance coverage. CNA is 90.0% owned by Loews. This insurance
...
QualityStocks (November 19th, 2008) Writes:
‘Green’ car rental company EV Transportation, Inc. has some very definitive growth plans for the next 12-24 months. With an ultimate goal of becoming a significant presence in the replacement vehicle rental market, EV’s plan has several objectives.
The first objective is to identify and obtain up to three targeted companies to increase the company fleet by more than 12,000 vehicles, available at more than 100 new rental locations. The company plans to commence these acquisitions within the next 12 months. Purchases will subsequently be consolidated in order to boost EV’s competitiveness in the replacement rental business.
Next, EV will develop and reorganize the new facilities to employ a “hub and spoke” growth strategy, thereby erecting a central hub in each major metropolitan area from which the company’s reach can expand outward. This allows for more efficient shifting of assets between locations to accommodate
...
Fred Fuld (November 18th, 2008) Writes:
Until 1990, gambling in Mississippi was not permitted. Now it is a major source of revenue for the state and an attractive tourist attraction. Following are some interesting facts about Mississippi:1. 25% of total employment is generated by the agriculture industry.2. Mississippi most important agricultural products are poultry and eggs, forestry, soybeans and corn.3. The state offers different business incentives to new businesses and businesses relocating to Mississippi. They include tax credits, and tax exemptions.4. The top manufactured products are processed foods, beverages, dairy and grain products.5. Between 2004 and 2005 Mississippi’s export increased by 26% to achieve a record $4 billion.6. Mississippi’s top export are chemical products.7. Manufacturing firms employ 172,000 workers in the state.8. Mississippi’s oil reserves rank it number 13 out of 50 states, with 167 million barrels of oil.9. Mississippi has the ...
William Patalon (November 17th, 2008) Writes:
Michael E. Brisky (November 14th, 2008) Writes: