Health insurers should thank Obama

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Description: Shares of big health care companies have soared since the Affordable Care Act went into effect. UnitedHealth is at a record high following solid earnings. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Jan 21, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2015/01/21/obamacare-healthcare-stocks.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: Why have health insurers done well? Do they still represent a good investment going forward?

Shake Shack looks to make as much as $80 million in its IPO

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Description: It’s the burgers time to shine in the restaurant market right now as New York City’s Shake Shack announces it’s trying to net as much as $80 million in its initial public offering. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Jan 20, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1KYveip Questions for Discussions: Explain the investor appeal in these food… Read more »

Currency trading isn’t for amateurs

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Description: There should be a sign hanging outside the foreign-exchange market that reads: Amateurs need not apply. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: Jan 21, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2015/01/21/investing/fxcm-swiss-currency-trading/index.html?iid=HP_River Questions for discussion: Why is currency trading so risky, according to the report? Why does it attract traders?

Druckenmiller Alums at PointState Make $1 Billion on Oil

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Description: Hedge fund manager Zach Schreiber stood on stage at Avery Fisher Hall in New York eight months ago and made a bold prediction. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Jan 21, 2015 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-20/druckenmiller-alums-at-pointstate-make-1-billion-on-oil.html Questions for discussion: What was the basis for shorting oil? How should investors view oil today?

Are low oil prices good or bad for the economy?

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Description: Fortune’s Stephen Gandel explains how low oil prices are affecting market trends across the globe. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Jan 16, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1BcnAhx Questions for Discussions: Summarize the keys points made in this report. How should investors be expected to respond? How can companies “defend” against the expected investor reaction?

“Oscar Bump” pays big

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Description: Oscar nominations are expected to bring in millions of extra dollars for films nominated for or winning Academy Awards. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Jan 17, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1sHlzH2 Questions for Discussions: What does the report say about the value of an Oscar influence on profits? Can investors factor this into investing strategies?… Read more »

Why SurveyMonkey won’t have an IPO any time soon

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Description: In an interview at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show, CEO Dave Goldberg tells Fortune’s Alan Murray about SurveyMonkey’s strategy to avoid going public. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Jan 08, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1s6zdDg Questions for Discussions: Why is the company uninterested in going public at this time? What would motivate an IPO?

Amazon Bought This Man’s Company. Now He’s Coming for Them

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Description: The historic downtown commercial district of Montclair, N.J., is known for its restaurants, antique shops, and art-house movie theater. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Jan 07, 2015 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2015-01-07/amazon-vs-dot-jet-dot-com-marc-lore-aims-to-beat-bezos#r=hp-ls Questions for discussion: Using Amazon as a guide, assess the financial requirements needed to set up this sort of business. What is the risk level for investors?

‘The Interview’ could cost Sony big despite strong opening

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Description: Sony spent about $80 million to make and market the movie but will likely only make a portion of that in sales. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: Dec 30, 2014 Link: http://for.tn/1wx6N0z Questions for Discussions: Summarize the budgeting and cash flow for this film. Do you think there is a “long-term” trail of… Read more »

Dow breaks 18,000 mark

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Description: The US economy grew an incredible 5% annual rate in the third quarter. Investors cheer, sending the Dow above 18,000 barrier for first time ever. The market shot up 1,000 points in the past week. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Dec 23, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2014/12/23/dow-breaks-18000-mark-puts-on-1000-points-in-1-week.cnnmoney/ Questions for Discussions: What is the significance of… Read more »