Description: Despite a sea of pessimism, Wealth Adviser columnist James Altucher tells Dow Jones Newswires’ Veronica Dagher seven reasons the S&P 500 should hit 1500 and why investors should be optimistic. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 07/02/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/7-reasons-the-sp-500-should-hit-1500/415ADC1B-4D66-461F-9F20-CA597CE4165C Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons given for optimism? Do you agree with this… Read more »
Posts By: Brahm Canzer
Bond rally reflects gloom – but don’t bet on it lasting
Description: As benchmark yields fall to April ’09 lows, some see second-half rebound. The recent steep rally in U.S. Treasury bonds, helped by investor jitters over European debt and weakening U.S. economic data, isn’t likely to last, say some bond investors and strategists. Source:Â Marketwatch.com Date: 07/02/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bond-rally-reflects-gloom-dont-bet-on-it-lasting-2010-07-02 Â Questions for discussion: Summarize the… Read more »
Russian Revamp of Legal System May Free 100K Entrepreneurs
Description: Russian lawmakers say they plan to overhaul the law on economic crimes, resulting in the early release of as many as 100,000 imprisoned executives and entrepreneurs as the government seeks to attract investors. Source: Bloomberg.com  Date: 07/02/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-01/russian-revamp-of-predatory-legal-system-may-free-100-000-entrepreneurs.html Questions for discussion: What do you think of the Russian approach to “investment managementâ€?… Read more »
A Market Forecast That Says ‘Take Cover’
Description: WITH the stock market lurching again, plenty of investors are nervous, and some are downright bearish. Then there’s Robert Prechter, the market forecaster and social theorist, who is in another league entirely. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 07/02/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/your-money/04stra.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: What do think of Elliott Wave Theory as a predictive tool? Summarize… Read more »
The Big Interview: Sheila Bair
Description: FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair talks to WSJ economics editor David Wessel about the financial-regulatory legislation pending in Congress, the current health of the banking business and what it’s like to be the sole woman among a band of powerful men. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 06/25/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/the-big-interview-sheila-bair/3505E1E8-BE42-4D21-8896-429459517801 Questions for discussion: Summarize… Read more »
Markets Hub: How Low Can Yields Fall?
Description:Â In the wake of the Federal Reserve offering a subdued assessment of the economy and signaling it’s set to keep interest rates low, Treasury yields are testing record levels. The downturn in yields is happening even in the absence of the kind of panic that’s pushed yields to historic lows in the past. The… Read more »
Hit to BP’s market cap gushes past $100 billion
Description: BP shares dropped as much as 9% in London on Friday, putting the drop the oil major’s market capitalization at more than $100 billion since the Gulf of Mexico oil spill began, as an analyst suggested the company needs to sell stock to assure counterparties of its financial health. Source:Â Marketwatch.com Date: 06/25/2010 Link:… Read more »
Reliance Communications Said to Cut $3 Billion Debt Selling Towers to GTL
Description: Billionaire Anil Ambani’s Reliance Communications Ltd. will cut its debt by at least $3 billion by selling its mobile-phone transmission towers, people familiar with the deal said. Source: Bloomberg.com  Date: 06/27/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-06-27/gtl-to-buy-reliance-communications-towers-to-expand-mobile-phone-network.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the transaction described in the report? What were the benefits derived for each side? How will… Read more »
Dividends Are Rising. Will Stocks Follow?
Description: THE headlines about stock dividends have been remarkably bleak. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 06/25/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/27/business/27fund.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points made in this article. What do you think will happen to stock prices over the next 12 months? How do dividend payouts influence investor thinking?
BP Halts Dividend, Earmarks $20 Billion
Description: BP said it was suspending dividend payments for much of this year and created a $20 billion fund to pay injured parties. Alan Murray and Joe White discuss. Also, Steven Gillon, a presidential historian discusses Barack Obama’s leadership style in the context of other presidents who have faced serious crises. Source: Marketwatch.com – video… Read more »
