Description:Â Goldman Sachs Group Inc., the fifth- biggest U.S. bank by assets, named the smallest group of new managing directors since 2008 as the firm cuts jobs and grapples with declining revenue. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 11/19/2011 Link:Â http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-11-19/goldman-sachs-names-261-managing-directors-fewest-since-2008.html Questions for discussion: What does this report suggest to you about the thinking on managing directors and… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Industry Analysis
New gold bugs are young and restless
Description: The allure of gold is thousands of years old, but nowadays the precious metal has a youthful look. Gold’s spectacular, decade-long run, coupled with the sovereign-debt crisis in Europe, an uncertain outlook for the U.S. dollar, and worries of worldwide recession, has tapped a new vein of investors in their 20s and 30s. Source: … Read more »
The End of Borders and the Future of Books
Description:Â An inside look at the real reasons for the once-beloved chain’s demise Source: Businessweek.com Date: 11/10/2011 Link:Â http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/the-end-of-borders-and-the-future-of-books-11102011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points in this report. What lessons are there here for financial managers to learn from the mistakes made?
Why housing deserves a home in your portfolio
Description: Investment moves for those who think now is a time to buy Source:Â Marketwatch.com Date: 11/04/2011 Link:Â Â http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-housing-deserves-a-home-in-your-portfolio-2011-11-04 Questions for discussion: Do you believe it is a good time for investors to buy stocks of companies connected to the construction industry? Do you think it is a good time for individuals to buy residential… Read more »
Could Shale Gas Reignite the U.S. Economy?
Description: Unlocking vast reserves of shale gas could solve the energy crisis, the jobs crisis, and the deficit. Now, about fracking’s safety … Source: Businessweek.com Date: 11/03/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/could-shale-gas-reignite-the-us-economy-11032011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points in this report? What are the economic forces at play favoring development of shale gas? What are the forces… Read more »
Fred Hickey: Betting on Nokia
Description:    Fred Hickey, editor of The High-Tech Strategist, says (at Barron’s 2011 Art of Successful Investing conference) that Nokia’s smartphones based on the Windows operating system could be a big hit with consumers and help revive Nokia shares. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 10/29/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/fred-hickey-betting-on-nokia/456219F3-BA45-4C50-8554-60670E7F0EF7 Questions for discussion: Summarize the industry analysis presented… Read more »
Cross-border pipeline may change oil’s landscape
Description: A proposed pipeline stretching from Canada to the United States may contribute to a rise in the nation’s prices for oil, and has the potential to significantly change the landscape of the market. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 10/28/2011 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/cross-border-pipeline-may-change-oils-landscape-2011-10-28 Questions for discussion: Summarize the main points presented in this report. Do you agree with… Read more »
Alaska’s Billion Dollar Mountain
Description: The story of one man who used a little persuasion—and a lot of luck—to win the rights to millions of tons of rare earths Source: Businessweek.com Date: 10/27/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/alaskas-billion-dollar-mountain-10272011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points in this report? What did you learn about the industry from an “on the ground†point of… Read more »
Can bank stocks bail out your portfolio?
Description: Year’s tumble lures value seekers, but they could be a trap Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 10/21/2011 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/can-bank-stocks-bail-out-your-portfolio-2011-10-21 Questions for discussion: Summarize the main points presented in this report. Do you agree with the analysis and conclusions?
What Really Has Wall Street Worried
Description: It isn’t Occupy Wall Street. It’s the prospect of a shifting market and pay cuts and layoffs Source: Businessweek.com Date: 10/20/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/what-really-has-wall-street-worried-10202011.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points in this report? Do you agree with the views presented? Do you think banks misbehaved – causing the crisis? Do you expect players to… Read more »
