Description: Cloud computing stocks have taken a huge hit but the business is still strong. Can’t say the same about rare metals. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 01/21/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2011/01/21/mkts_bh_cloud_metals.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion:  Summarize the comments made about the changes in share prices for the companies mentioned. Why do you think these shares changed so… Read more »
Posts By: Brahm Canzer
Hub Extra: How Nervous Should Apple Investors Be?
Description: With many questions unanswered about Steve Jobs’ medical leave of absence, Wall Street Journal ‘ROI’ columnist Brett Arends says the news is ominous for investors. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 01/17/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/hub-extra-how-nervous-should-apple-investors-be/BFCF78EB-4250-4572-83E5-62975923A6E3 Questions for discussion: Summarize the opinions made about the importance of Steve Jobs to the success of Apple. Do you… Read more »
Volcker Rule May Work, Even if Vague
Description:  Paul A. Volcker is a giant of financial history. He played a behind-the-scenes role when the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1971. He restored credibility to the Federal Reserve and slew inflation a decade later. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 01/20/2011 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/21/business/21norris.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the report and the meaning of… Read more »
SecondMarket trading doubles in private company stock
Description:Â Investors spent $158 million snapping up shares of privately held companies like Facebook on SecondMarket’s platform last quarter — twice the volume the exchange had just one quarter earlier. Source:Â CNNMoney.com Date: 01/22/2011 Link:Â http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/21/technology/secondmarket_q4/index.htm Questions for discussion: What does this report suggest about the Secondmarket environment and the firms on the list? Would… Read more »
Prada Said to Decide on IPO by End of Month, Open 90 Stores
Description: Prada SpA, the Italian fashion company that has scrapped initial public offerings four times in 11 years, may decide to proceed with an IPO by the end of the month, according to two people familiar with the situation. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 01/21/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-01-21/prada-said-to-decide-on-ipo-by-end-of-month-open-90-stores.html Questions for discussion: What are the positive and negative implications… Read more »
Don’t forget about commodities
Description: Commodities surged last year on strong emerging markets and a weak dollar, but investors wonder if the momentum can last through 2011. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 01/13/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/01/13/n_bz_commodities_2010.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the opinions presented in this report. Do you agree with them? Do you believe that “speculation†rather than real… Read more »
Skype CEO: Only 6% of users pay
Description: Despite a small base of paying users, the VOIP and video chat service is still profitable. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 01/14/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2011/01/13/t_connected_skype.fortune/ Questions for discussion:  Can Skype be sustainable when only 6% of users pay anything for services? How can Skype convert the growing customer base to more revenue generation? Do you… Read more »
Why the Private Sector Still Isn’t Hiring
Description: CEOs don’t want to increase employment until they know the recovery is real—and it won’t be until they hire. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 01/13/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_04/b4212022530815.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for the reluctance of businesses to hire more employees? How does this decision affect cash flow and budgets? How does this decision affect… Read more »
JPMorgan Posts Strong Profit as Crisis Fades
Description: JPMorgan Chase kicked off the banking industry’s earnings season on Friday with news that its profits surged 48 percent last year amid signs that consumers and businesses had slowly regained their balance in the aftermath of the financial crisis. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 01/14/2011 Link: http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/jpmorgans-fourth-quarter-profits-rise-47-to-4-8-billion/?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the explanation for the… Read more »
Corporate tax reform: Talk grows louder
Description:Â There’s the sweet deal for companies that make Puerto Rican rum. Or the tax break intended to promote U.S. manufacturing but that’s so broad it can include the making of hamburgers. The list goes on. Welcome to the American corporate tax code, which is front and center for a possible overhaul. Source:Â CNNMoney.com Date:… Read more »