BlackRock says it’s time to take action on guns, may use voting power to influence

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Growth & Valuation, Personal Finance.

Description: The world’s largest money manager is breaking its silence on the nation’s current gun debate. Source: CNBC.com Date: Mar 02, 2018 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/02/blackrock-says-its-time-to-take-action-on-guns-may-use-voting-power-to-influence.html Questions for discussion: What is the significance of this decision by BlackRock? How do you think it will impact investor’s decisions?

Goldman says options-market activity suggests pain ahead in these sectors

Posted by & filed under Financial analysis, Growth & Valuation, Market Analysis, Personal Finance.

Description: The cost of hedging against downside risk is up substantially for Amazon, Citigroup, and health-care stocks Source: MarketWatch.com Date: Feb 22, 2018 Link: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/goldman-says-options-market-activity-suggests-pain-ahead-in-these-sectors-2018-02-22 Questions for discussion: How are options used as indicators? What is the technical basis for the predictions? Do you agree with the predictions?

Vietnam Coffee Trade Slows as Buyers Bet on Bigger Discounts

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

Description: Coffee trading is slowing in Vietnam, the top robusta producer, on expectations that a larger harvest and changes to the London futures contract next year will give buyers bigger discounts. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Dec 15, 2017 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-15/vietnam-s-coffee-trade-slows-as-buyers-bet-on-bigger-discounts Questions for discussion: Explain the recent price changes and activities in this commodity? How are traders… Read more »

Bond Manager With $6.6 Billion Just Saw the Scariest Chart Ever

Posted by & filed under Growth & Valuation, Market Analysis, Personal Finance.

Description: Morten Steinsland, head of fixed income at Alfred Berg in Oslo, has been in the fixed income markets for three decades but the other day he saw the scariest chart he’s ever seen. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Sep 07, 2017 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-07/bond-manager-with-6-6-billion-just-saw-the-scariest-chart-ever Questions for discussion: What does the chart say and why is it scary?… Read more »

ETF Investing Lessons from Warren Buffett

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Growth & Valuation, Personal Finance.

Description: Billionaire investor Warren Buffett tuned 87 on Wednesday. And on the occasion, he shared a many investment tips in interviews. Source: Finance.Yahoo.com Date: Aug 31, 2017 Link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/etf-investing-lessons-warren-buffett-183306500.html Questions for discussion: What does the report suggest about Warren Buffett’s thinking these days? Do you agree with his suggestions?

Why Lower Oil Could Drive Gold Higher

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Industry Analysis, Market Analysis, Personal Finance.

Description: With crude back on the move again, the stalled gold-to-crude ratio may be poised to resume the upward trend. Bloomberg Intelligence’s Mike McGlone has more on “Bloomberg Markets.” (Source: Bloomberg) Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Mar 20, 2017 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2017-03-20/why-lower-oil-could-drive-gold-higher-video Questions for Discussions: Explain the relationship between oil and gold, according to the… Read more »

Valeant Slumps After Longtime Backer Ackman Exits With a Loss

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Growth & Valuation, Market Analysis, Personal Finance.

Description: Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. stock slumped after Bill Ackman, once its biggest champion, exited the struggling drugmaker at a loss. Source: Bloomberg.com – video report Date: Mar 14, 2017 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-14/valeant-slumps-after-long-time-backer-ackman-exits-with-a-loss Questions for Discussions: Explain the reasons for the sudden stock plunge? What is the financial situation at the firm today? How should invesdtors… Read more »

Traders are paying ‘extortionate fees’ to short Snapchat (SNAP)

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Personal Finance.

Description: Traders are paying “extortionate fees” of 15% to 20% to borrow shares of Snap in order to short them, according to figures reported by Simon Colvin, a research analyst at IHS Markit. Source: BusinessInsider.com Date: Mar 10, 2017 Link: http://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/how-much-traders-are-paying-to-short-snapchat-2017-3-1001820424-1001820424 Questions for Discussions: How are investors treating Snapchat? Do you agree with the valuations made on… Read more »