Description: Facing massive national debts, some European nations are planning to cut spending even as unemployment continues to rise. Source: CNNMoney – video report  Date: 02/05/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/fortune/2010/02/05/f_sl_euro_default.fortune/ Questions for discussion: What is the connection between the economic problems in Europe and the Euro? How is the economic and financial crisis in Europe different… Read more »
Monthly Archives: February 2010
Glass-Steagall crash course
Description: Obama and Volcker want to limit big banks. Readers of ‘The Buzz’ think it’s a good idea but are skeptical regulation will pass Congress. Source: CNNMoney – video report  Date: 02/02/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2010/02/02/n_bz_glass_steagall.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Should Glass-Steagall be returned? Why or why not? How much blame for the crisis is rightly placed… Read more »
Liquor store privatization could be boon for Big Booze
Description: With their finances on the rocks, states that control the sale of liquor to the public are looking at handing the job to private enterprise, a move that could raise revenue, streamline government, and prove a boon to the spirits industry. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 02/06/2010 Link:Â http://www.marketwatch.com/story/liquor-store-privatization-a-boon-for-big-booze-2010-02-06 Questions for discussion: How will this move… Read more »
Corporate Bond Spreads Rise Most Since November: Credit Markets
Description:Â Corporate borrowing costs are rising at the fastest pace in more than two months on concern that worsening government finances will slow the global economy and make it harder for companies to meet debt payments. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 02/08/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=auWwLKPsLRFM Questions for discussion: Summarize the report and the impact this trend will have… Read more »
Toyota shares up after apology, Prius recall news
Description: Shares in Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) edged higher after the head of the world’s largest automaker made a public apology for safety problems and said it would bring in outside experts to review quality controls. Source: Reuters.com Date: 02/07/2010 Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTOE61602420100208 Questions for discussion: How would you play a short term investment in Toyota? Explain… Read more »
Geithner’s bailout burden
Description: Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner says he will always feel legitimate pressure from the public even though the bailout wasn’t ‘under his watch. Source: CNNMoney – video report  Date: 01/29/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2010/01/29/n_geithner_stimulus_bailout.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Do you share the views put forward by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner? Explain your answer. In which ways do… Read more »
Tesla Motors files for IPO, seeking $100 million
Description: High-end electric-car company Tesla Motors filed for an initial public offering Friday, seeking $100 million in the public-financing arena as conventional auto makers are reeling from anemic sales and product recalls. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 01/29/2010 Link:Â http://www.marketwatch.com/story/tesla-motors-files-for-ipo-to-raise-up-to-100-mln-2010-01-29 Questions for discussion: What are the factors favoring the success of this IPO and those against? Summarize… Read more »
Plentiful-Job Gauge Points to U.S. Payroll Growth: Chart of Day
Description:Â Economists who expect a revival of U.S. employment growth this month have history on their side, according to Thomas J. Lee, a JPMorgan Chase & Co. strategist. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 01/29/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aMnej1hFAk_s Questions for discussion: What is your judgement of the chart and predictions presented in the report. How might financial managers be… Read more »
Dollar rallies on stronger-than-expected data
Description: The dollar rose against major currencies on Friday after stronger-than-expected economic data reinforced the view the United States was recovering from recession faster than other developed countries. Source: Reuters.com Date: 01/29/2010 Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BF27F20100129 Questions for discussion: How will the dollar’s activity affect financial management of firms that import and export? Where do you believe… Read more »
The Places They Go When Banks Say No
Description: In the glory days of the digital photo frame business, when his products were still a novelty and shoppers were flush with cash, getting a bank loan to manufacture them was a cinch, Michael Levy says. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 01/30/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/31/business/smallbusiness/31order.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the problems facing small businesses since the financial… Read more »
