Description: Stocks like to climb a “wall of worry,” according to Mark Hulbert, who says the positive readings on various investor-sentiment surveys suggest it will be tough for stocks to build on recent gains. Laura Mandaro reports. (Photo: AP) Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 12/08/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/sentiment-looks-too-rosy-for-stronger-stock-rally/1BFCFC60-F0CA-4FEA-9D1A-99C1B0FD903C Questions for discussion: Summarize the analysis presented… Read more »
Monthly Archives: December 2011
Is the Global Economy Doomed?
Description: Economist and author Peter Schiff stops by Mean Street to discuss events in Europe and the global economy. (Photo: Reuters) Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 12/08/2011 Questions for discussion: Summarize the analysis presented in this report. Do you agree with the opinions presented? What would you advise investors do today?
The King of All Vegas Real Estate Scams
Description:Â A twisted tale of how homeowners were bilked by those they least suspected: their neighbors Source: Businessweek.com Date: 12/08/2011 Link:Â http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-king-of-all-vegas-real-estate-scams-12082011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the highlights of this story. Is there a way to prevent these events from occurring? How can home owners protect themselves? How will stories like this one impact real… Read more »
One small company reinvents a $30 billion market
Description:Â Â Sometimes one bright idea — and a whole lot of work to implement it — can reshape an entire industry. Source: Fortune.com Date: 12/09/2011 Link:Â http://money.cnn.com/2011/12/09/smallbusiness/eagleview/index.htm?iid=SF_BN_River Questions for discussion: How has this technological innovation changed costing and budgeting in the industry?
Amazon Stocked on Toys Rivals Don’t Have
Description: The number of out-of-stock toys is increasing at the websites of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), Target Corp. (TGT) and Sears Holdings Corp.’s (SHLD) Kmart chain while Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) remains almost fully stocked, according to a Bloomberg Industries analysis. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 12/09/2011 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-09/amazon-stocked-on-toys-that-wal-mart-target-don-t-have.html Questions for discussion: Why is out-of-stock so critical for… Read more »
Stocks End Flat Friday but Surge for the Week
Description: Stocks finished a strong week with a flat session Friday after the U.S. unemployment rate unexpectedly dropped and European leaders and central bankers redoubled efforts to tackle the sovereign-debt crisis. Paul Vigna has details on The News Hub. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 12/02/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/stocks-end-flat-friday-but-surge-for-the-week/5503108F-20B2-4D00-982F-852ADFC4B811 Questions for discussion: Summarize the analysis presented… Read more »
Junk Bonds Are on a Roll
Description: Speculative-grade debt has topped stocks over the past four years Source: Businessweek.com Date: 12/01/2011 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/junk-bonds-are-on-a-roll-12012011.html Questions for discussion: Why have “junk-bonds†performed so well? What does this suggest about the stock and bond markets?
Yahoo’s big decision should be easy
Description: Yahoo may have a chance to sell its entire business, rather than just a piece. It should accept. Source: Fortune.com Date: 12/01/2011 Link: http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2011/12/02/yahoos-decision-total-or-partial-takeover/?iid=SF_F_River Questions for discussion: Summarize the arguments presented about various possible scenarios for Yahoo. What would your advice be to the firm’s directors?
UPDATE 3-Zynga IPO values company as high as $9.04 billion
Description:Â Zynga Inc, which plans to go public in two weeks, on Friday slashed its value by more than 30 percent to $9 billion, hoping to avoid the fate of other recent Internet IPOs that have disappointed after stock market debuts. Source:Â Reuters.com Date: 12/03/2011 Link:Â http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/02/zynga-idUSN1E7B107X20111202 Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points presented… Read more »
RIM finds new ways to disappoint investors
Description:Â Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM-T17.08-1.73-9.20%) took a hit of nearly half-a-billion dollars on its PlayBook tablet, but it was troubling news about sales of its BlackBerry smartphones that stoked fresh worries from investors about the tech giant. Source:Â GlobeandMail.com Date: 12/02/2011 Link:Â http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/rim-finds-new-ways-to-disappoint-investors/article2257745/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the highlights in this report. Would you… Read more »
