Options Dwindle for Euro Zone

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Growth & Valuation, Market Analysis.

Description:  European Central Bank is considering a dramatic extension of its longest loans to commercial banks, to stave off a potential collapse of the bloc’s banking system, Steven Fidler reports on Markets Hub. Photo: AFP /Getty Images. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Questions for discussion: Summarize the analysis presented in this report. Do you agree… Read more »

Should Europe pool its debt?

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Growth & Valuation.

Description:  CNN’s Nina Dos Santos explores one proposed solution to Europe’s economic crisis, pooling the European Union’s $8.6 trillion in debt. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 11/23/2011 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/11/23/n_euro_bonds_explained.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Explain what has happened to European bond rates? Why would pooling the market make sense? Do you believe this strategy is appropriate… Read more »

4 tips for trading stocks in a volatile market

Posted by & filed under Market Analysis.

Description: How to avoid crowds and carve a niche to create success Source:  Marketwatch.com Date: 11/25/2011 Link:   http://www.marketwatch.com/story/4-tips-for-trading-stocks-in-a-volatile-market-2011-11-25 Questions for discussion: Summarize the strategies presented in the report. Do you agree with these suggestions? How influential is the “fear index” on investing decisions?

Can the Jobs-and-Income Crisis End Well?

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Financial Planning, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Management Issues.

Description:  Some economists believe that today’s grinding unemployment and slow growth are masking the transition to a vibrant digital economy Source: Businessweek.com Date: 11/25/2011 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/finance/can-the-jobsandincome-crisis-end-well-11252011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the arguments about the current economic malaise. What is your view of the situation and how do you think things will develop over the next… Read more »

Pricing the future: How we value derivatives

Posted by & filed under Governments & Regulators, Management Issues.

Description:  Our Weekly Read column features Fortune staffers’ and contributors’ takes on recently published books about the business world and beyond. We’ve invited the entire Fortune family — from our writers and editors to our photo editors and designers — to weigh in on books of their choosing based on their individual tastes or curiosities…. Read more »

Will There Be A Santa Claus Rally?

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Growth & Valuation, Market Analysis.

Description:  LPL Financial’s chief market strategist, Jeffrey Kleintop gives an outlook and an investing strategy for the end of the year, including whether he expects a Santa Claus rally. Photo: Reuters. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 11/18/2011 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/will-there-be-a-santa-claus-rally/9119F9FC-8085-499B-9754-DC0AEFD95162 Questions for discussion: Do you think there will be a Santa Claus rally? Summarize the… Read more »

Got Volatility? Build a Buffett-Style Portfolio

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Growth & Valuation.

Description:     Market volatility calls for a disciplined strategy, says Eric Schoenstein, a portfolio manager with the Jensen Quality Growth Fund, who invests in the type of stable, cash-rich companies that Warren Buffett favors. Interview with MarketWatch’s Jonathan Burton. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 11/18/2011 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/got-volatility-build-a-buffett-style-portfolio/1E7CDC56-9E0A-4107-8297-4A09C7F2F137 Questions for discussion: What does Eric Schoenstein suggest… Read more »

What Buffett’s IBM buy says about his next move

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description: Screening for undervalued stocks the Oracle of Omaha would like Source:  Marketwatch.com Date: 11/18/2011 Link:   http://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-buffetts-ibm-buy-says-about-his-next-move-2011-11-18 Questions for discussion: How is Warren Buffetts’ investment in IBM being interpreted? How do you think it will influence investors’ perceptions of IBM?

Goldman Sachs Names 261 Managing Directors, Fewest Since 2008

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Economic Analysis, Industry Analysis, Management Issues.

Description:  Goldman Sachs Group Inc., the fifth- biggest U.S. bank by assets, named the smallest group of new managing directors since 2008 as the firm cuts jobs and grapples with declining revenue. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 11/19/2011 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-11-19/goldman-sachs-names-261-managing-directors-fewest-since-2008.html Questions for discussion: What does this report suggest to you about the thinking on managing directors and… Read more »