Saudi Arabia’s Risky Oil-Price Play

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

Description: With the U.S. on track to become the world’s largest oil producer by next year, it’s become popular in Washington and on Wall Street to call America the new Saudi Arabia. Yet the real Saudi Arabia hasn’t relinquished its role as the producer with the most influence over oil prices. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Oct… Read more »

Too Much Corn With Nowhere to Go as U.S. Sees Record Crop

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description: The ripening corn and soybean fields stretch for miles in every direction from Dennis Wentworth’s farm in Downs, Illinois. As he marveled at his best-yielding crops ever, he wondered aloud where the heck he’ll put it all. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Aug 22, 2014 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-22/too-much-corn-with-nowhere-to-go-as-u-s-sees-record-crop.html Questions for Discussions: How does this article illustrate the… Read more »

K-Cups killing it for Keurig

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Description: Looks like short sellers betting against Keurig Green Mountain may be getting squeezed again. The stock is hotter than a freshly brewed K-Cup due to better-than-expected earnings and revenue. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: May 08, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2014/05/08/investing-the-buzz-keurig-green-mountain-coffee-roasters-starbucks.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: Why do you think short sellers are drawn to this stock?… Read more »

Why Oil Prices Haven’t Gone Crazy

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Growth & Valuation, Industry Analysis.

Description: The oil markets have plenty of reasons to be spooked. In Libya, home to Africa’s largest reserves, production has fallen more than 80 percent since militias seized control of the country’s biggest ports last summer. Most of Iran’s oil remains trapped as well. Sanctions aimed at punishing Iran for its nuclear weapons program have crippled… Read more »

How to take the bull market by the horns

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

Description: Investment strategists say the fundamentals of the stock market are still strong and gains are possible with the right buying strategy. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Mar 10, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2014/03/10/investing-bull-market-five-year-anniversary.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: What does this report have to say to investors? Do you agree?

How Ukraine crisis affects your money

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Financial analysis, Governments & Regulators, Market Analysis.

Description: Stocks, energy prices, commodities and gold are a few of the ways the escalating tensions in Ukraine and Russia could affect your finances. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Mar 03, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/investing/2014/03/03/investing-ukraine-russia-global-markets-stocks-energy-commodities-grains-gold.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: How does the Ukraine crisis affect economic and business activity, according to the report? How have investors… Read more »

Gold-miner stock rally has just begun

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Economic Analysis, Financial analysis, Growth & Valuation, Industry Analysis, Market Analysis.

Description: Less than two months into the year, gold miners have recouped more than a third of what they lost last year, and the rally may still have a lot more room to run. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: Feb 21, 2014 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/gold-miners-stock-rally-has-just-begun-2014-02-21?dist=countdown Questions for Discussions: Summarize the financial analysis presented for gold and gold stocks…. Read more »

World’s hottest diamond markets

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description: De Beers CEO Phillipe Mellier says the hottest diamond markets in the world are the U.S. and China. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: Feb 14, 2014 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2014/02/14/wbt-de-beers-group-ceo-phillipe-mellier-diamond-industry-valentines-day.cnnmoney/index.html Questions for Discussions: What is the state of the diamond market and De Beers in particular? Would you be an investor is the industry?

Obama’s Keystone Options Shrink as State Downplays Impact

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

Description: President Barack Obama is in no hurry to decide whether construction of TransCanada Corp.’s $5.4 billion Keystone XL pipeline serves U.S. national interests, the next step in measuring its worthiness. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Jan 31, 2014 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-31/obama-s-keystone-options-shrink-as-state-downplays-impact.html Questions for Discussions: Summarize the state of affairs surrounding the Keystone project to date. Why is… Read more »

Big Oil Has Big Problems

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Financial analysis, Financial Planning.

Description: Some of the world’s largest oil companies are reporting pretty ugly earnings. Profits at Exxon Mobil (XOM), the biggest U.S. oil company, are down 27 percent off its worst fourth-quarter earnings in four years. Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.B), Europe’s biggest oil major, saw its profits tumble 48 percent. Source: Businessweek.com Date: Jan 31, 2014… Read more »