Why Good Friday could turn into Friday the 13th for the world’s biggest bond market

Posted by & filed under Financial analysis, Governments & Regulators.

Description: The most dangerous time for the Treasury market this month will be when the U.S. issues employment data on Friday, if February and March are any guide. Source: FinancialPost/Bloomberg.com Date: March 02, 2015 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/investing/why-good-friday-could-turn-into-friday-the-13th-for-the-worlds-biggest-bond-market Questions for Discussions: What are bond investors looking at as a determinant of higher interest rates? What else should… Read more »

Investors fly away from U.S. stock funds at a rate last seen in 2009

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Financial analysis, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Market Analysis.

Description: Don’t expect European inflows to keep up torrid pace: analysts Source: MarketWatch.com Date: March 28, 2015 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/investors-flee-us-stock-funds-at-a-rate-last-seen-in-2009-2015-03-27 Questions for discussion: Why are investors moving into European stocks? When do you think it will taper off?

Will the Fed raise interest rates to the detriment of the stock market?

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Market Analysis.

Description: Fortune senior editor Stephen Gandel and writer-reporter Christopher Matthews discuss if the Federal Reserve raising interest rates is a good thing for the economy long-term. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: March 13, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1b8kdxr Questions for Discussions: Summarize the commentaries about a rate hike and the consequences for the economy? What do… Read more »

Here’s what stocks do in the months just before a rate hike

Posted by & filed under Financial analysis, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation.

Description: NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — It seems increasingly clear that the Federal Reserve’s first rate hike since 2006 is now just months away, and that is making investors nervous. But should it? Source: MoneyWatch.com Date: March 18, 2015 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/heres-what-stocks-do-in-the-months-just-before-a-rate-hike-2015-03-06 Questions for Discussions: What does the report suggest is the typical market response to rate… Read more »

Here’s a Look at How the Dollar Is Clobbering Other Currencies Around the World

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation.

Description: A fantastic new report from Bloomberg Briefs examines the state of currency markets around the world. This graphic offers a nice visualization of how different currencies have been getting clobbered against the dollar during the past year. As you can see, huge losers include the Russian ruble, the Norwegian krone, the Brazilian real, the Swedish krona, and… Read more »

GM announces $5 billion stock buyback

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial analysis, Financial Planning, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Management Issues.

Description: CEO Mary Barra outlined the stock buyback, as well as a new comprehensive capital allocation framework meant to put more money in shareholders’ pockets. Source: Fortune.com – video report Date: March 09, 2015 Link: http://for.tn/1A9zcfr Questions for Discussions: Why did GM go ahead with the buyback? Do you think it was a good decision… Read more »

Why investors should worry about this bad sign for retailers

Posted by & filed under Financial analysis, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Management Issues.

Description: Large-cap retail stocks are outperforming the broader stock market this year, as falling unemployment means more Americans are willing to spend money. But investors seem to be ignoring a decline in earnings estimates, as management at several top companies have given conservative guidance. Source: MoneyWatch.com Date: March 10, 2015 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-investors-should-worry-about-this-bad-sign-for-retailers-2015-03-10?dist=afterbell Questions for Discussions:… Read more »

Investors Bet $100,000 Cancer Drug Prices Are Here to Stay

Posted by & filed under Financial Planning, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Management Issues.

Description: (Bloomberg) — President Barack Obama, prominent cancer doctors and health insurers are all warning about the need to control the surging prices of new drugs. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: March 10, 2015 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-09/investors-warm-to-100-000-cancer-drugs-after-21-billion-deal Questions for discussion: Why are investors confident that insurers will pay high prices for certain drugs? Is there a way to… Read more »

How to start a successful craft beer brewery

Posted by & filed under Financial analysis, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Management Issues.

Description: Michael Kane went from poring over spreadsheets to pouring craft beer with his name on it. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: March 04, 2015 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2015/03/03/smallbusiness/craft-beer-startup-how-to-guide/index.html Questions for Discussions: What are the financial issues related to starting and operating a craft brewery? Why is cash flow management so critical to success of the business?

When ‘Shark Tank’ deals fall apart: Why some entrepreneurs walk away when the cameras stop rolling

Posted by & filed under Financial Planning, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Management Issues.

Description: NEW YORK — With the cameras rolling, Daniel and Stephanie Rensing accepted an offer from a Shark Tank investor. But after they had time to think about it, they changed their minds. Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Feb 27, 2015 Link: http://business.financialpost.com/2015/02/27/when-shark-tank-deals-fall-apart-why-some-entrepreneurs-walk-away-when-the-cameras-stop-rolling/?__lsa=7a93-d933 Questions for discussion: What are the primary benefits sought by entrepreneurs on this show?… Read more »