Description: Saudi stocks rose for the first time in three weeks, rallying the most in more than two years, after the finance minister said the Arab world’s largest economy is benefitting from higher oil prices and in “excellent†shape. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 03/05/2011 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-05/saudi-stocks-end-longest-losing-streak-since-1996-after-state-purchases.html Questions for discussion:  Explain the recent price behavior of the… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Market Analysis
Eyeing Inflation with Liz Ann Sonders
Description: Liz Ann Sonders, chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab & Co., gives her view on inflation in the U.S. now and inflationary signs to look for in the year ahead. Dow Jones’ Veronica Dagher has the interview. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 02/23/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/eyeing-inflation-with-liz-ann-sonders/5658E1E7-2BD4-498B-A73C-A7CC24C49E96 Questions for discussion: Do you agree with the… Read more »
Buffett Says His `Trigger Finger Itchy’ to Buy, With $38 Billion in Wallet
Description: Warren Buffett said his “trigger finger is itchy†for takeovers after cash holdings at his Berkshire Hathaway Inc. climbed to $38.2 billion. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 02/26/2011 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-26/buffett-says-his-trigger-finger-itchy-to-buy-with-38-billion-in-wallet.html Questions for discussion:  How might the fact that Warren Buffet is planning to go shopping for stocks influence other investors? Describe Buffett’s strategic thinking about investing… Read more »
China’s hold on rare earths
Description: As China stockpiles rare earth minerals used to manufacture consumer items like iPhones and cameras, the U.S. is facing a growing shortage. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/18/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2011/02/18/mkts_rare_earths_china.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Do you think domestic development of rare earth mines should proceed? How would you expect prices to move over the… Read more »
American dream still home ownership
Description: KB Home CEO Jeffrey Mezger says recovery is taking place in California and Texas and foreclosed homes are finding buyers. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/18/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/02/17/n_kb_home_lookahead.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Do you agree with the analysis presented in this report? How would investors be expected to react to the forecasts presented for… Read more »
Facebook’s $50,000 factory jobs
Description: Facebook is opening a data center in April in Prineville, Oregon, and has promised to create jobs in exchange for tax breaks. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/11/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2011/02/11/t-facebook-oregon-data-jobs.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the financial structure of this investment by Facebook from the firm’s point of view and then from the other… Read more »
Public Investors in Privately Held Companies
Description: The lengthening time frame it takes for privately held companies to be acquired or to file for an IPO is spurring interest in startups that cater to investors who want to trade in shares of non-public companies. MarketWatch’s John Letzing interview with Thomas Foley, founder of Xpert Financial Inc., in San Francisco. Source:Â Marketwatch.com… Read more »
What’s after Dow 12,000 and S&P 1,300?
Description: On Tuesday, the market hit a double milestone: The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 12,000, and the Standard & Poor’s 500 index finished the day over 1,300. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 02/04/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-comes-after-dow-12000-and-sp-1300-2011-02-04?siteid=nwtwk Questions for discussion: Summarize the basic arguments made in the report. Where do you think the markets are heading? How… Read more »
Dow’s Surge to 12,000 Echoes Last Time Market Slumped
Description: nvestors who pushed the Dow Jones Industrial Average above 12,000 for the first time since 2008 this week may be getting ahead of themselves. Source: Businessweek.com Date: 01/28/2011 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-01-28/dow-s-surge-to-12-000-echoes-last-time-market-slumped.html Questions for discussion:Â Summarize the basic arguments made in the report. Do you agree that the market is ahead of where it belongs? How… Read more »
Don’t forget about commodities
Description: Commodities surged last year on strong emerging markets and a weak dollar, but investors wonder if the momentum can last through 2011. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 01/13/2011 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/01/13/n_bz_commodities_2010.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the opinions presented in this report. Do you agree with them? Do you believe that “speculation†rather than real… Read more »
