Why oil prices keep on climbing

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Description:  Oil prices spike to its highest level in nine months, following Iran’s announcement to halt oil exports to Britain and France. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/20/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/02/20/n_iran_oil_gas_prices.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Why have oil prices risen? What is the impact of this change on the economy?

Soros: Deregulation led to collapse

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Economic Analysis, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation.

Description:  Billionaire George Soros says deregulation of the private sector allowed the financial system to grow like a cancer until it collapsed. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/13/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/02/13/n_soros_obama_regulations.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the opinions presented by George Soros. Do you agree with his opinions?

A wonderland of chocolate

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Description:  Koppers Chocolate factory is the oldest and largest factory left in New York City. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report. Date: 02/14/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/smallbusiness/2012/02/13/sbiz_koppers_chocolate.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Describe the business model for this company. Why do you think it has remained relatively small when compared to bigger competitors? What financial planning advantages are there to… Read more »

Why Toxic Debt Looks a Lot Less Toxic

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Description:  Goldman Sachs and hedge funds are buying risky mortgages again Source: Businessweek.com Date: 02/16/2012 Link:  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/why-toxic-debt-looks-a-lot-less-toxic-02162012.html Questions for discussion: What has changed? Do you agree with this assessment?  

The euro dream that became a nightmare

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis.

Description: When countries post a 40% youth unemployment rate, you know something is terribly wrong. The last time developed countries experienced such an employment disaster was during the Great Depression, and it is a moot question as to whether the current period will prove to be worse for the southern European countries than the Great… Read more »

The Business Of Lin

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Description:  From Knicks jersey sales to tickets on the road, many firms are profiting from Linsanity. But can it last? Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/17/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/02/16/n_jeremy_lin_business.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Explain the sudden financial changes to the various businesses mentioned in the report. Do you think this phenomenon can last? What strategic plans… Read more »

Loans based on your eBay and Amazon sales

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Description: Online lender Kabbage offers advances to small business owners based on their success as online merchants. Source:  CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/16/2012 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2012/02/16/t-ts-kabbage-lending.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Explain the reasons this sort of financial lending arrangement works for both sides? Is the risk any greater for Kabbage than for conventional bank lending? What… Read more »

Green Mountain Coffee’s new Vue

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Description:  Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has unveiled a new brewing system to build on the popularity of its K-cup line, which may face competition after two key patents expire in September. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 02/16/2012 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/15/markets/green_mountain_coffee/index.htm Questions for discussion: How does the firm generate revenue? Is this business model sound? What risks are there… Read more »

Apple’s Stock May Not Be as Cheap as It Looks: Weil

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Description:  Throughout the extraordinary surge in Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s share price, a persistent question has lingered: Why is the stock still so cheap? One overlooked answer may be that Apple’s accounting isn’t as conservative as it used to be. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 02/16/2012 Link:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-17/apple-s-stock-may-not-be-as-cheap-as-it-looks-jonathan-weil.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the highlights of the report. Do you… Read more »

Jay Bryan: Investing risk hides where you least expect

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Description:  Bonds riskier than stocks? Surely that’s crazy talk. It turns upside-down what seems to be a fundamental rule of investing. Source: MontrealGazette.com Date: 02/11/2012 Link:  http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/Bryan+Investing+risk+hides+where+least+expect/6147612/story.html#ixzz1meczIACn Questions for discussion: What are the key points made in this report? Do you agree with the assessments presented?