Focus on Funds: Gold Tanks

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Governments & Regulators.

Description:  Jack Otter and Brendan Conway on why the price of gold has been falling, and what triggered the most recent selloff. Source: WSJ.com – video report Date: Feb 21, 2013 Link: http://on.wsj.com/15yzEYz Questions for Discussions: What does this report suggest is happening to gold markets? Do you agree with the analysis presented? What does… Read more »

Gold’s lustre will fade: CIBC

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

Description:  Gold has had a “glorious run,” but the factors that propelled the price of the precious metal to record highs are fading, economists at CIBC World Markets said. Source: BNN.ca – video report Date: Feb 21, 2013 Link: http://www.bnn.ca/News/2013/2/21/Golds-lustre-will-fade-CIBC-.aspx Questions for Discussions: Explain the reasons presented in this report for the rise in gold… Read more »

For silver, being cheap is a good thing

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

Description: After a nearly 9% dive in silver prices this month, investors should be able to breathe a sigh of relief as growth in industrial and investment demand gains pace, and calls of “oversold” conditions and “bargain” prices for the precious metal intensify. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: Feb 22, 2013 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/for-silver-being-cheap-is-a-good-thing-2013-02-22?dist=beforebell Questions for Discussions: Explain… Read more »

In Dell’s Waning Cash Flows, Signs of Concern

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial Planning, Management Issues.

Description:   The proposed Dell buyout may be motivated more by fear than greed. Source:  NYTimes.com Date: Feb 22, 2013 Link: http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/02/22/in-dells-waning-cash-flows-signs-of-concern/?ref=business Questions for Discussions: What are the possible scenarios for Dell investors? Do you believe Dell management is facing a financial crisis? What do you think management will try to do with Dell as a… Read more »

Apple Stock Is Still a ‘Strong Buy’—Here’s Why: Pro

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial analysis, Growth & Valuation, Industry Analysis, Management Issues.

Description:  Investors have been taking money out of Apple and putting it in other big technology names like Google but Scott Kessler, head of technology equity research at S&P Capital IQ, said he still thinks Apple is a “strong buy.” Source:  CNBC.com – video report Date: Feb 20, 2013 Link: http://www.cnbc.com/id/100475933 Questions for Discussions: Summarize… Read more »

Bridgewater Bets World Stocks Get Lift on Cash

Posted by & filed under Management Issues, Market Analysis.

Description:  Bridgewater Associates the $140 billion hedge fund founded by Ray Dalio, is betting on global stocks and oil as it expects money to move into equities and other assets amid increased economic confidence. Kelly Bit reports on Bloomberg Television’s “Money Moves.”(Source: Bloomberg) Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Feb 12, 2013 Link: http://bloom.bg/14QzkTG#ooid=ZyaDRiOTrQkZ2F0tIDdotR2k3Xkn6-DW Questions… Read more »

Apple Stock Is Cheapest Since 2000

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

Description:  The cheapest Apple shares in 12 years are encouraging some of the world’s biggest investors to bet that the stock will rebound. Dominic Chu reports on Bloomberg Television’s “Money Moves.” (Source: Bloomberg) Source: Businessweek.com – video report Date: Feb , 2013 Link: http://bloom.bg/VayAbL#ooid=91bjJjOTqtrMIZDerM5zogc2h9NE6HrY   Questions for Discussions: What is the basis for arguing that… Read more »

Facebook Gets a Multibillion-Dollar Tax Break

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

Description: It hasn’t drawn much attention, but Facebook’s first annual earnings report contains an accounting gem: a multibillion-dollar tax deduction for the cost of executive stock options and share awards. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Feb 14, 2013 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-02-15/facebook-gets-a-multi-billion-dollar-tax-break#r=hp-lst Questions for Discussions: Why is the tax treatment of stock options a controversial issue? In your opinion,… Read more »

U.S. Homeowners Are Repeating Their Mistakes

Posted by & filed under Governments & Regulators.

Description:  If there’s one thing Americans should have learned from the recession, it’s the importance of diversifying risk. Middle-class households had too much of their net worth tied up in their homes and were too exposed to stocks through 401(k)s and other investments. Source:  Businessweek.com Date: Feb 14, 2013 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-02-14/u-dot-s-dot-homeowners-are-repeating-their-mistakes#r=hp-lst Questions for Discussions: What… Read more »

Hermes $10,000 Birkin Purse Seen Leading to Record Sales

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial analysis, Growth & Valuation, Industry Analysis, Management Issues.

Description:  For decades, fashionistas have known that a Birkin bag is a safe style bet — if you can get your hands on one. That demand makes its producer, Hermes International SCA, the surest bet in the luxury industry when it comes to sales growth. Source:  Bloomberg.com Date: Feb 11, 2013 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-10/hermes-10-000-birkin-purse-seen-leading-to-record-sales-retail.html Questions for… Read more »