Description: The nation’s economic growth is in for a boost in the second quarter, as parts of the economy most impacted by the pandemic reopen. Source: CNBC.com – video report Date: Apr 01, 2021 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/01/economic-boom-in-the-second-quarter-a-boost-for-stocks.html Questions for discussion: What is the basis for this prediction? Do you agree with the assessment? What would you… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Personal Finance
One of World’s Greatest Hidden Fortunes Is Wiped Out in Days
Description: From his perch high above Midtown Manhattan, just across from Carnegie Hall, Bill Hwang was quietly building one of the world’s greatest fortunes. Even on Wall Street, few ever noticed him — until suddenly, everyone did. Source: Yahoo.Finance.com and Bloomberg.com Date: Mar 30, 2021 Link: https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/one-world-greatest-hidden-fortunes-002617417.html Questions for discussion: Explain what happened. What do… Read more »
The Start-Up Enemies of Wall Street Are Booming
Description: Times are flush for young tech companies like Stripe and Coinbase, which are having a moment as they upend the financial establishment. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Mar 30, 2021 Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/29/technology/fintech-startups-wall-street.html? Questions for discussion: Why are these fintech startups attracting so much capital and attention? What does this portend for the banking industry, in your… Read more »
TD ‘very open’ to major bank deal in the U.S.
Description: Toronto-Dominion Bank Chief Executive Officer Bharat Masrani said he’s still interested in a major acquisition to add to the firm’s U.S. retail operations, and that he’s unfazed by the recent valuation surge for the regional lenders that would be his most likely targets. Source: BNNBloomberg.ca – video report Date: Apr 01, 2021 Link: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/td-very-open-to-major-bank-deal-in-the-u-s-1.1585366… Read more »
Why Dollar Shave Club Co-Founder Michael Dubin No Longer Believes in DTC
Description: Dubin says the startup world has changed since he launched his men’s grooming brand 10 years ago. Here’s his advice for today’s founders. Source: INC.com Date: Mar 31, 2021 Link: https://www.inc.com/cameron-albert-deitch/michael-dubin-dollar-shave-club-lessons-ecommerce.html?utm_source=incthismorning Questions for discussion: Why does Michael Dubin no longer believe in the DTC model that made him a success? What else does he… Read more »
Coursera begins trading at $39 per share, stock pops 18%
Description: Shares of education tech company Coursera opened at $39 apiece in its market debut Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange. Source: CNBC.com – video report Date: Mar 31, 2021 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/31/coursera-ipo-cour-begins-trading-on-the-nyse.html?__source=iosappshare%7Ccom.apple.UIKit.activity.Mail Questions for discussion: Describe the Coursera business model. Who are the target customers? What are the limits to growth? How should HR managers approach… Read more »
Intel is spending $20 billion to build two new chip plants in Arizona
Description: Intel announced on Tuesday that it will spend $20 billion to build two new chip factories, called fabs, in Chandler, Arizona. Intel stock rose as much as 5% on the news in extended trading on Tuesday. Source: CNBC.com Date: Mar 23, 2021 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/23/intel-is-spending-20-billion-to-build-two-new-chip-plants-in-arizona.html?__source=iosappshare%7Ccom.apple.UIKit.activity.Mail Questions for discussion: What is so significant about the Intel announcement… Read more »
Steve Case Has Bet on Rust Belt Startups for Years. In the Pandemic, More VCs Have Joined Him
Description: VCs used to view the heartland as an investment desert. But the pandemic has altered the whole idea of place. Source: INC.com Date: Mar 19, 2021 Link: https://www.inc.com/magazine/202104/bill-saporito/steve-case-rise-of-the-rest-midwest-cities-startup-hub-ecosystem.html Questions for discussion: How is Steve Case changing the VC landscape? Will this change the geographic distribution of technology startups, in your opinion?
Canadian oil producers see new route to Gulf Coast refineries coming from CP Rail deal
Description: Rail route ‘looks promising’ after cancellation of Keystone pipeline Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Mar 23, 2021 Link: https://financialpost.com/commodities/energy/canadian-oil-producers-see-new-route-to-gulf-coast-refineries-coming-from-cp-rail-deal Questions for discussion: What does the deal mean for Alberta oil transportation to the Gulf refineries? How should investors look at the value of this component in relation to the rail stock?
‘The Market Seems Crazy’: Start-Ups Wrestle With Flood of Offers
Description: As a deal frenzy mounts, propelled by financial vehicles known as SPACs, start-ups have become the prey. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Mar 19, 2021 Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/19/technology/the-market-seems-crazy-start-ups-wrestle-with-flood-of-offers.html Questions for discussion: What does the article say about SPACs? What do you think about the impact this activity is having on companies and the markets?
