Description: Greece was gripped by a nationwide general strike, in what is seen as a key test of the government’s ability to shepherd through tough austerity measures in exchange for a multibillion-euro bailout. Charles Forelle, Evan Newmark and Mike Reid discuss. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 05/05/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/am-report-strike-tests-greece-europe/58C75EFA-FA3A-4325-9531-E972A0FBC338 Questions for discussion: How… Read more »
Posts By: Brahm Canzer
Yesterday’s market swerve: fat fingers, glitch, or cyber-warfare?
Description: Theories about yesterday’s stock market swoon, where within a matter of 20 minutes, the stock market plunged by 1,000 points and then nearly completely recovered, are abounding. Fortune asked Rishi Narang, founder of the hedge fund Telesis Capital and author of Inside the Black Box, to share the theories he’s heard and handicap them… Read more »
U.S. Banks in Four States Closed, Failure Count Climbs to 68
Description: U.S. regulators closed four banks holding less than $740 million in total assets as this year’s failures climbed to 68. Lenders in Arizona, California, Minnesota and Florida were closed by regulators and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. was named receiver, according to statements on the agency’s website. The failures cost the FDIC’s deposit insurance… Read more »
Berkshire Says Burlington Northern, NetJets Helped Boost Profit
Description: Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc., which reported a $3.6 billion first-quarter profit last week, said gains at private flight company NetJets Inc. and railroad Burlington Northern Santa Fe bolstered results. Source: Bloomberg.com  Date: 05/08/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aPL.hvjH5srY Questions for discussion: Do you believe that the financial results for Berkshire are indicative of general economic… Read more »
Buffett’s stance on derivatives
Description: Fortune’s Andy Serwer talks about how the Senate’s proposed financial reforms will affect Berkshire Hathaway’s derivatives holdings. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report  Date: 04/29/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/fortune/2010/04/29/f_sl_buffett_derivatives_berkshire.fortune/  Questions for discussion: How much influence do you think Buffett can have in the current debate about derivatives? Would Buffett joining the management of Goldman be a… Read more »
H-P grabbing Palm could shake up PC alliances
Description: Hewlett-Packard’s bid to gobble up Palm Inc. could shake up alliances in the personal computer industry, as other players in the sector figure out their play in a rapidly-changing smartphone arena, analysts say. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 04/29/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/h-ps-palm-merger-seen-shaking-up-pc-alliances-2010-04-29?siteid=nwtwk  Questions for discussion: Do you agree with the analysis presented? Is this a good… Read more »
UAL, Continental reportedly set to announce deal Monday
Description: United Airlines and Continental Airlines are reportedly on track to announce a multibillion-dollar merger deal on Monday that would create the world’s biggest airline. Source: Marketwatch.com  Date: 04/29/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ual-continental-reportedly-close-in-on-deal-2010-04-29?siteid=nwtwk Questions for discussion: Is this a good deal for stockholders of each firm? From a financial management point of view, what will the… Read more »
Boost in U.S. Consumer Spending Broadens, Sustains Expansion
Description: Consumer spending grew at the fastest pace in three years during the first quarter, a sign that the largest part of the economy is gaining speed while becoming less dependent on government stimulus. Source: Bloomberg.com  Date: 05/01/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aWPIvQsHfsaw Questions for discussion: Given the recent economic improvements, what changes should financial managers consider… Read more »
Goldman Sachs Loses Room to Maneuver After Public Testimony
Description: Goldman Sachs Group Inc. may have backed itself into a corner by speaking out quickly to counter fraud claims by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Source: Bloomberg.com  Date: 05/01/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=avI7OhdudjWc Questions for discussion: In terms of public opinion, McCormick said, Goldman Sachs has “already been condemned, the question is the price.  Read more »
Did Goldman Do Anything Wrong?
Description: When it comes to laying the blame on Goldman Sachs, Wealth Adviser columnist James Altucher says, “not so fast.” Nevertheless, he tells investors to stay away from buying the stock until the flames cool down. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 04/23/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/did-goldman-do-anything-wrong/E02B7836-3C8D-4719-A7EB-DE47036348DF Questions for discussion: So, in your opinion, did Goldman… Read more »
