Description: There was more evidence of an improving economic environment Monday when bellwether FedEx Corp. raised its profit outlook and said it would again match employee payments into retirement funds. Source: Marketwatch.com  Date: 07/26/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fedex-ups-profit-view-restores-401k-payments-2010-07-26?siteid=nwtwk Questions for discussion: Why is FedEx considered a leading economic indicator? How would you expect investors to react… Read more »
Posts By: Brahm Canzer
Takeover Spree May Point to Second-Half Pickup in M&A
Description: spate of mergers and acquisitions during the past two weeks may signal the start of a comeback for global deal making in the second half of 2010. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 07/30/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-30/takeover-spree-may-point-to-second-half-pickup-in-m-a.html  Questions for discussion: Do you think economic conditions favor further M&A activity for the rest of the year? What do… Read more »
Economic Indicator: Even Cheaper Knockoffs
Description: In this economy, even counterfeiters are trading down. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 07/31/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/business/economy/01knockoff.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: What are the reasons presented for the move towards cheaper knockoffs? What can firms do about this problem? How does this problem affect cash flow? Explain how this activity can be an economic indicator?
News Hub: Stocks End Week in Rally Mode
Description: Paul Vigna wraps the day in the financial markets, including why the Dow posted a triple-digit gain. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 07/23/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/news-hub-stocks-end-week-in-rally-mode/51163F51-36EF-4B93-98C1-7E14C782FCEB Questions for discussion: Why are the bank stress-test results considered so important at this time in the business cycle? How should the results be interpreted by investors… Read more »
News Hub: Looking to Boost Yield? Think Ketchup
Description: Brett Arends says a surprising number of blue-chip stocks now offer better yields than Treasurys. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 07/23/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/news-hub-looking-to-boost-yield-think-ketchup/6BD3FDE8-FF13-4C72-8025-822B9BEFD4F4 Questions for discussion: Summarize the arguments for and against the purchase of blue-chip dividend paying stocks over bonds, and treasury bonds in particular. What is your view of this… Read more »
GE raises dividend, expects to resume share buybacks
Description: General Electric Co. raised its dividend and re-started a $15 billion share-buyback program Friday as the conglomerate cited progress in its effort to recover from the financial crisis. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 07/23/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ge-raises-dividend-to-resume-share-buybacks-2010-07-23?siteid=nwtwk  Questions for discussion: Summarize the financial changes at GE? Do you think management’s decisions are wise or would you… Read more »
Dell and Intel: Big Tech behaving badly
Description: Thursday’s $100 million settlement between Dell and the Securities and Exchange Commission was a reminder that the government is going after tech’s bad boys — and Intel is likely next on the feds’ list. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 07/23/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/07/23/technology/dell_intel/index.htm  Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for SEC actions against these firms? How… Read more »
Amazon shares fall after earnings disappoint
Description: Online retail giant ramps up investments, sees continued spending Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 07/23/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/amazon-falls-after-earnings-disappoint-2010-07-23?siteid=nwtwk  Questions for discussion: Summarize the financial conditions at Amazon? Would you be concerned as an investor or as a financial manager in the firm? What would you advise management?
Even With All Its Profits, Microsoft Has a Popularity Problem
Description: MEASURED by profits, Microsoft trounces Apple and Google. In the most recent three months, Microsoft earned $4.52 billion, versus Apple’s $3.25 billion and Google’s $1.8 billion. But, dear investors, where is the love for this beaten-down company? Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 07/24/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/business/25digi.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons given for Microsoft’s poor… Read more »
AM Report: The Fed Gains Power, Responsibility
Description:Â With financial reform clearing Congress, the Fed has emerged as perhaps the pre-eminent financial regulator, but that could only bring it added blame if things go wrong again. Jon Hilsenrath, Evan Newmark and Kelly Evans discuss. Also, Jennifer Valentino-DeVries discusses Apple’s options ahead of its anticipated press conference on the troubled iPhone-4. Source: Marketwatch.com… Read more »
