Big arrest in insider-trading investigation

Posted by & filed under Governments & Regulators.

Description:  First employee of ‘expert network’ in custody on conspiracy charges

Source: Marketwatch.com
 
Date: 11/24/2010

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/arrest-in-insider-trading-investigation-2010-11-24

Questions for discussion:

  • What are the concerns here?
  • Is there a way to truly control the dissemination of confidential information?
  • How should the industry and regulators deal with this concern?

Investors on thin ice

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

Description: LPL Financial’s chief market strategist warns of ‘below average’ economic growth heading toward the New Year.

Source:  CNNMoney.com – video report

Date: 11/19/2010

Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2010/11/19/f_kleintop_holiday_market.cnnmoney/

Questions for discussion:

  • Summarize the opinions expressed in the report.
  • Do you agree with the arguments presented?
  • Why do you think retail investors are continuing to flee equities?
  • What does this suggest about the shape of market activity?
  • What do you think would be required to bring these investors back into equities?

Mistakes Investors Are Making Now

Posted by & filed under Market Analysis.

Description: Financial advisers say their clients are living in the past, fearful of another market collapse: They’re reluctant to invest in stocks, and they’re too heavily focused on bonds. Those are serious mistakes, advisers say. Stacey Delo reports.

Source:  Marketwatch.com – video report

Date: 11/15/2010

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/mistakes-investors-are-making-now/49483371-66DF-4BF2-8216-E41F33C0D6E9

Questions for discussion: 

  • Summarize the key points presented in the report.
  • Do you agree with the opinions presented?
  • What does this report have to say about investor psychology?
  • What advice would you recommend to investors today?

Dell’s profit grows, but sales come up short

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis.

Description:  Dell Inc. reported that booming sales to businesses sharply lifted its profit last quarter, even as consumer sales disappointed.

Source:  CNNMoney.com
 
Date: 11/18/2010

Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/18/technology/dell_earnings/index.htm

Questions for discussion: 

  • Summarize the results presented for Dell?
  • What do these results suggest about operations?
  • Would you be a buyer of Dell stock?

GM shares rise, but will it be enough for taxpayers?

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Economic Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description:  The weakening dollar could trigger a steady rise in the price of crude, sending it over $100 next year.

Source:  Businessweek.com

Date: 11/18/2010

Link: http://www.businessweek.com/autos/autobeat/archives/2010/11/gm_shares_rise_but_will_it_be_enough_for_taxpayers.html

Questions for discussion:

  • Was the government’s decision to re-finance GM a good choice financially and socially speaking?
  • Should more shares be issued sooner or later?
  • Do you think the government will recover all of its original investment?
  • Would you be an investor in GM today?

Bernanke turns up heat on China currency policy

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

Description:  Slow pace of adjustment has thrown off natural rebalancing

Source: Marketwatch.com
 
Date: 11/18/2010

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bernanke-turns-up-heat-on-china-currency-policy-2010-11-18?siteid=nwtwk

Questions for discussion:

  • Explain the basis of Bernanke’s complaint.
  • Do you agree with his position?
  • What do you expect the Chinese regulators to do?
  • How should investors and financial managers react to this report?

Chanos: China’s treadmill to hell

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

Description: The short-selling hedge fund manager continues to cast doubt on the Chinese economy and its reliance on construction.

Source:  CNNMoney.com – video report

Date: 11/12/2010

Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2010/11/12/n_jim_chanos_china.fortune/

Questions for discussion:

Summarize the concerns expressed about the Chinese economy and the implications for global economic activity?

  • How would you characterize the real estate industry in China?
  • Do you agree with the concerns expressed?
  • What do you think will happen?
  • Given these expectations, what advice would you give investors and corporate financial managers?

News Hub: Does Market-Timing Beat Buy-And Hold?

Posted by & filed under Market Analysis.

Description: WSJ’s Ben Levisohn and SmartMoney’s Bob Rose discuss whether it makes more sense in the current investing climate to seek a market-timing portfolio instead of traditionally recommended buy-and-hold investments.

Source:  Marketwatch.com – video report

Date: 11/12/2010

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/news-hub-does-market-timing-beat-buy-and-hold/E29070D3-F73A-4914-897D-675CB2F91A85

Questions for discussion: 

  • Summarize the key points presented in the report.
  • Do you agree with the opinions presented?
  • What advice would you recommend to investors today?

Blowing up the tax code

Posted by & filed under Governments & Regulators.

Description:  So much to love. So much to hate. That’s what everyone will find in the tax reform proposals laid out this week by the co-chairmen of President Obama’s fiscal commission.

Source:  CNNMoney.com
 
Date: 11/12/2010

Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/11/news/economy/simpson_bowles_tax_reform/index.htm

Questions for discussion: 

  • Summarize the discussions going on about tax reform.
  • What do you think is the best direction for tax reform to go?
  • What are the possible consequences of no change to the current tax code?
  • What do you think will eventually be decided by the government?

Why Oil Could Top $100 a Barrel

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description:  The weakening dollar could trigger a steady rise in the price of crude, sending it over $100 next year.

Source:  Businessweek.com

Date: 11/12/2010

Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_47/b4204020339245.htm

Questions for discussion:

  • Summarize the key reasons given for the possible rise of oil prices next year?
  • Do you agree with this assessment?
  • What would this mean for investors?
  • What would this mean for financial managers?