Rex on Techs: Vonage Results Call Investors

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis.

Description:  After some tough years, Vonage, the Internet telephony company, recently started taking steps that customers, and investors, appear to like. Rex Crum says there just might be a place for Vonage as an alternative to the traditional phone carriers.

Source:  Marketwatch.com – video report
 
Date: 07/06/2010

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/rex-on-techs-vonage-results-call-investors/447EDE4C-45DF-41AC-A67A-5DED962439AF

Questions for discussion:

  • Summarize the stock value history of the firm and the reasons for its price movements.
  • Do you believe the stock represents a good investment risk today?

On General Electric, investors and Wall Street don’t agree

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis.

Description: Shares slide faster than S&P’s decline, but most analysts say, ‘Buy’

Source:  Marketwatch.com

Date: 07/08/2010

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/on-ge-investors-and-wall-street-dont-agree-2010-07-08?siteid=nwtwk
 
Questions for discussion:

  • Summarize the reasons for buying or not buying GE at this time?
  • What would you advise an investor to do?
  • What financial indicators would you consider more important for understanding the investment quality of the stock?

Why GM May Be Worth More Than Ford

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description: It has a stronger balance sheet and sells more cars in emerging markets

Source: Businessweek.com
 
Date: 07/08/2010

Link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_29/b4187044957997.htm

Questions for discussion:

  • Summarize the reasons given for the assessment?
  • Do you agree with this view?
  • Would you be a buyer of either of these firms today?
  • What are the financial metrics that you would follow most as an investor and as a financial manager  within these firms?

Volcker Pushes for Reform, Regretting Past Silence

Posted by & filed under Governments & Regulators.

Description: JUST before the Fourth of July weekend, Paul A. Volcker packed his fishing gear and set off for his annual outing to the Canadian wilds to cast for Atlantic salmon.
Source: NYTimes.com
 
Date: 07/09/2010

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/business/11volcker.html?ref=business

Questions for discussion:

  • Summarize the main points presented in this article.
  • According to Paul Volcker, which reforms are missing?
  • Do you agree with this view?
  • How do you think the reform package will impact the markets?
  • Will the reforms act to reduce the risks of financial crisis in the future?

AM Report: Stocks Poised to Extend Selloff

Posted by & filed under Market Analysis.

Description:  Stock futures in the U.S. moved lower as investors awaited key manufacturing data after a similar gauge from China disappointed. Mark Hulbert, David Weidner and Paul Vigna discuss. Also, Scott McCartney discusses why airlines are finally refurbishing their coach cabins after years of delays.

Source:  Marketwatch.com – video report
 
Date: 07/01/2010

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/am-report-stocks-poised-to-extend-selloff/549BA8C3-C41E-4855-844C-383BEA2C0CED

Questions for discussion: 

  • Summarize the major opinions presented in this reports.
  • What do you think of the various “signals” discussed in the report, such as the Dow Theory signal?
  • What is your view about the market direction for the balance of this year?

7 Reasons the S&P 500 Should Hit 1500

Posted by & filed under Market Analysis.

Description:  Despite a sea of pessimism, Wealth Adviser columnist James Altucher tells Dow Jones Newswires’ Veronica Dagher seven reasons the S&P 500 should hit 1500 and why investors should be optimistic.

Source:  Marketwatch.com – video report
 
Date: 07/02/2010

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/7-reasons-the-sp-500-should-hit-1500/415ADC1B-4D66-461F-9F20-CA597CE4165C

Questions for discussion:

  • Summarize the reasons given for optimism?
  • Do you agree with this analysis?
  • What would you advise investors and financial managers to do in this economic environment?

Bond rally reflects gloom – but don’t bet on it lasting

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis.

Description: As benchmark yields fall to April ’09 lows, some see second-half rebound. The recent steep rally in U.S. Treasury bonds, helped by investor jitters over European debt and weakening U.S. economic data, isn’t likely to last, say some bond investors and strategists.

Source:  Marketwatch.com

Date: 07/02/2010

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bond-rally-reflects-gloom-dont-bet-on-it-lasting-2010-07-02
 
Questions for discussion:

  • Summarize the reasons for recent price movements of bonds?
  • What is your opinion of future price changes in the bond and stock markets for the balance of this year?

Russian Revamp of Legal System May Free 100K Entrepreneurs

Posted by & filed under Governments & Regulators.

Description: Russian lawmakers say they plan to overhaul the law on economic crimes, resulting in the early release of as many as 100,000 imprisoned executives and entrepreneurs as the government seeks to attract investors.

Source: Bloomberg.com
 
Date: 07/02/2010

Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-01/russian-revamp-of-predatory-legal-system-may-free-100-000-entrepreneurs.html

Questions for discussion:

  • What do you think of the Russian approach to “investment management”?
  • How would you expect foreign investors to react to this report?
  • What affect will the involvement of high profile business people such as Steve Jobs have on others thinking about Russian investment?

A Market Forecast That Says ‘Take Cover’

Posted by & filed under Market Analysis.

Description: WITH the stock market lurching again, plenty of investors are nervous, and some are downright bearish. Then there’s Robert Prechter, the market forecaster and social theorist, who is in another league entirely.

Source: NYTimes.com
 
Date: 07/02/2010

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/your-money/04stra.html?ref=business

Questions for discussion:

  • What do think of Elliott Wave Theory as a predictive tool?
  • Summarize the key points made in this article.
  • Given that Prechter’s directions for investing have not outperformed the market, how should investors view his approach to technical analysis?
  • In general, what is your view of technical analysis as a tool for guiding investing? 

The Big Interview: Sheila Bair

Posted by & filed under Governments & Regulators, Management Issues.

Description:  FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair talks to WSJ economics editor David Wessel about the financial-regulatory legislation pending in Congress, the current health of the banking business and what it’s like to be the sole woman among a band of powerful men.

Source:  Marketwatch.com – video report
 
Date: 06/25/2010

Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/the-big-interview-sheila-bair/3505E1E8-BE42-4D21-8896-429459517801

Questions for discussion: 

  • Summarize the major points presented by FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair.
  • Do you agree with her positions?
  • What items should corporate finance managers pay particular attention to as they look ahead toward strategic planning?