Description: If all strategic options are on the table for Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, there may be good money to be made on its shares. Source: Fortune.com  Date: 07/21/2011 Link: http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2011/07/21/time-to-buy-news-corp/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points made in the article. Would you buy the shares of News Corp. today?
Posts By: Brahm Canzer
Demystifying the Euro bank test
Description:  CNN’s Jim Boulden blasts through the jargon of the European bank stress tests. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 07/15/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/07/15/n_euro_bank_stress.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Summarize what the “tests†are supposed to show. Are there any weaknesses to the test? How would you advise investors to deal with the current conditions?
Markets Hub: Icahn Makes Surprise Bid for Clorox
Description: Carl Icahn made a surprise bid for Clorox, and suggested the company shop itself around as well. It’s a classic Icahn move, Deal Journal’s Shira Ovide reports. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 07/15/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/markets-hub-icahn-makes-surprise-bid-for-clorox/9A0BE37C-095E-450E-A934-D47600F669C4 Questions for discussion: What is the “classic Icahn moveâ€? What do you think he is trying to achieve?… Read more »
Eight banks fail Europe’s stress tests
Description: Investors may take a skeptical view of Europe’s latest stress tests after eight banks failed with a combined capital shortfall of just 2.5 billion euros ($3.5 billion). Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 07/15/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/eight-banks-fail-europes-stress-tests-2011-07-15 Questions for discussion: What does “failure†mean, in this context? What are the implications for the economies of Europe and elsewhere?… Read more »
Murdoch’s Mess
Description: News Corp.’s British newspapers have put the future of Rupert Murdoch’s empire in question Source: Businessweek.com  Date: 07/14/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/murdochs-mess-07142011.html?chan=magazine+channel_top+stories Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points made in the report. What are the ethical issues here? How should investors play this situation? How should government respond to this situation?
Is Tiger Woods running out of money?
Description: With only a few endorsement deals left, a recent divorce settlement, a hefty house mortgage, and even a pay cut from Nike, Tiger Woods’ lifestyle is looking a lot less glamorous. Source: Fortune.com  Date: 07/015/2011 Link: http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2011/07/15/is-tiger-woods-running-out-of-money/ Questions for discussion: Describe the “Tiger Woods†business model. Is the title of this article misleading,… Read more »
Is the euro a better bet than the dollar?
Description:  A commitment to reform in Europe could mean the euro is a better value than the greenback, according to currency fund manager Axel Merk. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 07/08/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2011/07/07/mkts_buzz_euro_dollar.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the views presented. Do you agree with the analysis? How would you advise investors to deal with… Read more »
AM Report: Higher Jobless Rate May Thwart Recovery
Description: The News Hub covers the nation’s unemployment rate, that ticked up to 9.2% in June. The rise in jobless figures, coupled with only 18,000 non-farm payrolls created, has some calling into question the prospects for economic recovery. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 07/08/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/am-report-higher-jobless-rate-may-thwart-recovery/DDDB1206-F400-4733-8ECE-800C734ED4F0 Questions for discussion: Summarize the economic consequences of… Read more »
The Boom and Crash Cycle of I.P.O.’s
Description: THE global market for initial public offerings of stock, which was hot in late 2010, has cooled. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 07/08/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/09/business/the-boom-and-crash-cycle-of-ipos.html?ref=business Questions for discussion:Â Do you agree with the analysis presented? What would kick-start activity again? Do you believe these conditions will return shortly?
The Housing Horror Show Is Worse Than You Think
Description: Despite some upbeat news, key housing market statistics point to years of stagnation Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 07/07/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-housing-horror-show-is-worse-than-you-think-07072011.html Questions for discussion: What are the implications of this report for home owners, home builders, and investors? What would you advise each of these groups in today’s market?
