Description: Jim Awad, Chairman of Plimsoll Mark Capital, explains why a strong dollar led to the Dow tanking 333 points and what effect it might have on the Federal Reserve raising interest rates. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: March 10, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2015/03/10/stock-market-crushed-dow-down-333-strong-dollar.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: What does Jim Awad suggest is at the… Read more »
Monthly Archives: March 2015
GM announces $5 billion stock buyback
Description: CEO Mary Barra outlined the stock buyback, as well as a new comprehensive capital allocation framework meant to put more money in shareholders’ pockets. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: March 09, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1A9zcfr Questions for Discussions: Why did GM go ahead with the buyback? Do you think it was a good decision… Read more »
Why investors should worry about this bad sign for retailers
Description: Large-cap retail stocks are outperforming the broader stock market this year, as falling unemployment means more Americans are willing to spend money. But investors seem to be ignoring a decline in earnings estimates, as management at several top companies have given conservative guidance. Source: MoneyWatch.com Date: March 10, 2015 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-investors-should-worry-about-this-bad-sign-for-retailers-2015-03-10?dist=afterbell Questions for Discussions:… Read more »
Investors Bet $100,000 Cancer Drug Prices Are Here to Stay
Description: (Bloomberg) — President Barack Obama, prominent cancer doctors and health insurers are all warning about the need to control the surging prices of new drugs. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: March 10, 2015 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-09/investors-warm-to-100-000-cancer-drugs-after-21-billion-deal Questions for discussion: Why are investors confident that insurers will pay high prices for certain drugs? Is there a way to… Read more »
History Suggests OPEC’s Days Could Be Numbered
Description: Could lower oil prices be the end of OPEC? Source: Bloomberg.com Date: March 10, 2015 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-10/opec-beware-cartels-tend-to-end-in-tears Questions for discussion: Why are cartels under pressure when prices fall? Do you think OPEC will fall apart?
$20 oil is possible: Jack Ablin, BMO Private Bank
Description: As market volatility continues, Jack Ablin, CIO of BMO Private Bank says one of the key drivers of the volatility – crude oil – could potentially hit $20 per barrel. And with the NASDAQ hitting 5,000 and the DOW and the S&P 500 reaching new highs, is Ablin still a long-term bull on U.S…. Read more »
Pebble Time Kickstarter campaign raises more than US$4 million in three hours
Description: The first smartwatch developed by Pebble Technology Corp. had one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns ever, and now the company behind the trailblazing wearable device is back with the Pebble Time and a new pre-sale campaign that managed to raise US$4-million in only three hours, and US$1-million in just 31 minutes on Tuesday, making it… Read more »
How to start a successful craft beer brewery
Description: Michael Kane went from poring over spreadsheets to pouring craft beer with his name on it. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: March 04, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2015/03/03/smallbusiness/craft-beer-startup-how-to-guide/index.html Questions for Discussions: What are the financial issues related to starting and operating a craft brewery? Why is cash flow management so critical to success of the business?
When ‘Shark Tank’ deals fall apart: Why some entrepreneurs walk away when the cameras stop rolling
Description: NEW YORK — With the cameras rolling, Daniel and Stephanie Rensing accepted an offer from a Shark Tank investor. But after they had time to think about it, they changed their minds. Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Feb 27, 2015 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2015/02/27/when-shark-tank-deals-fall-apart-why-some-entrepreneurs-walk-away-when-the-cameras-stop-rolling/?__lsa=7a93-d933 Questions for discussion: What are the primary benefits sought by entrepreneurs on this show?… Read more »
The Price of Oil Is About to Blow a Hole in Corporate Accounting
Description: (Bloomberg) — There’s one place in the world where oil is still $95 a barrel. On paper. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: March 04, 2015 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-04/oil-at-95-a-barrel-discovered-in-sec-rules-on-reserves Questions for discussion: What are the implications of the current price for oil? How should investors deal with this concern?
