Why won’t OPEC cut oil production?

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

Description: Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services Thomas Watters discusses OPEC and lower oil. He speaks on “Street Smart.” (Source: Bloomberg) Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Dec 11, 2014 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/opec-why-won-t-it-cut-oil-production-X9uVXkRwSXq4vmju2gvNtQ.html Questions for Discussions: Why are oil prices under pressure? Do you think some producers are likely to abandon operations? How should investors approach the… Read more »

Wireless wars killing telco stocks  

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

Description: There’s a price war in wireless. That’s great news for consumers shopping for a new smartphone … but terrible for investors in Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Dec 12, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2014/12/12/wireless-telco-stocks.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Why do you suppose there is a price war? How is this likely… Read more »

How technology changed the bond market  

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

Description: Fortune’s Shawn Tully discusses his latest feature on Rick McVey, CEO of electronic trader MarketAxess Holdings. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Dec 12, 2014 Link: http://for.tn/1x9oxWd Questions for Discussions: Describe the transition toward electronic trading in bonds as presented in this report? Why would greater variety be good for the industry?

This Hedge Fund’s Machines Are Making the Right Calls on Oil

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

Description: The quants are winning.Hedge funds that rely on computer programs to trade are producing some of the highest returns in the industry after a particularly profitable November. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Dec 12, 2014 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-12-12/this-hedge-fund-s-machines-are-making-the-right-calls-on-oil.html Questions for Discussions: What does the report say about these funds and the reasons for their success? What is… Read more »

Uber Is Now a Pawn in China’s Internet Taxi War

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Governments & Regulators, Industry Analysis.

Description: Uber dominates any discussion about smartphone car services in the U.S., but the company is a bit player in the race to win over Chinese taxi riders. By taking a new investment from Baidu that could be worth as much as $600 million, Uber is hoping for help in catching up with local competitors before it’s too late. Source:… Read more »

Can investors expect more than 4% return?

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

Description: Fortune’s Stephen Gandel sits down with a group of investors and strategists and they discuss what kind of return investors can expect in the current market. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Dec 04, 2014 Link: http://for.tn/1tNJHBH Questions for Discussions: What is the basis for lower market performance in the near future? Do you… Read more »

Michael Dell: Growth Rate Accelerating as Private Company

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

Description: Dell Chief Executive Officer and Founder Michael Dell discusses being back in charge and the benefits of being a private company. He speaks to Bloomberg’s Erik Schatzker in New York on December 3. (Source: Bloomberg) Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Dec 06, 2014 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/michael-dell-growth-rate-accelerating-as-private-company-56Vqo_FOSQOvqrqCHnxTAA.html Questions for Discussions: What does Michael Dell say… Read more »

Putin’s Stash of Oil Money Is Shrinking

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

Description: While oil prices were soaring, Russia amassed a pile of hard currency that most countries could only dream of. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Dec 05, 2014 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-12-05/russia-needs-cash#r=hpt-ls Questions for Discussions: How has oil changed Russia’s economy? Why is capital leaving? What can Russia do about the low price of oil to mitigate the damage… Read more »