GM keeps churning with big CFO shift

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Management Issues.

Description:  The Microsoft guy who brought his much-needed financial chops to General Motors Co. when the Detroit auto maker needed them the most is on his way out after just a year on the job. Source: Marketwatch.com Date: 03/11/2011 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/gm-cfo-calls-it-quits-investors-wince-2011-03-10?siteid=nwtwk Questions for discussion:   Why do you think investors responded as they did? Do you… Read more »

Why 2011 May Be the End of the Housing Crash

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

Description: Source:  Marketwatch.com – video report Date: 03/01/2011 Link:  http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/why-2011-may-be-the-end-of-the-housing-crash/9A7D3C38-BBDD-4DCF-8C8D-41A080E3969B Questions for discussion: Summarize the analysis and metrics used to argue that housing might be turning around this year. Do you agree with the analysis presented? Why did prices collapse so abruptly and why might that not happen now? Instead of actually buying a house,… Read more »

Saudi Stocks End Longest Losing Streak Since 1996 After State Purchases

Posted by & filed under Market Analysis.

Description:  Saudi stocks rose for the first time in three weeks, rallying the most in more than two years, after the finance minister said the Arab world’s largest economy is benefitting from higher oil prices and in “excellent” shape. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 03/05/2011 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-05/saudi-stocks-end-longest-losing-streak-since-1996-after-state-purchases.html Questions for discussion:   Explain the recent price behavior of the… Read more »

Buying Boeing

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

Description: Shares of Boeing are flying higher after the aerospace company landed a multi-billion dollar contract to make 180 aerial tankers for the Air Force.  Source:  CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/25/2011 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2011/02/25/mkts_boeing_0225.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Is there a fundamental concern investors should have when a company is highly dependent on government related spending?… Read more »

China’s hold on rare earths

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

Description: As China stockpiles rare earth minerals used to manufacture consumer items like iPhones and cameras, the U.S. is facing a growing shortage. Source:  CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/18/2011 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/markets/2011/02/18/mkts_rare_earths_china.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Do you think domestic development of rare earth mines should proceed? How would you expect prices to move over the… Read more »

American dream still home ownership

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

Description: KB Home CEO Jeffrey Mezger says recovery is taking place in California and Texas and foreclosed homes are finding buyers. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/18/2011 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2011/02/17/n_kb_home_lookahead.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion:  Do you agree with the analysis presented in this report? How would investors be expected to react to the forecasts presented for… Read more »

Facebook’s $50,000 factory jobs

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

Description: Facebook is opening a data center in April in Prineville, Oregon, and has promised to create jobs in exchange for tax breaks. Source:  CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 02/11/2011 Link:  http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2011/02/11/t-facebook-oregon-data-jobs.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the financial structure of this investment by Facebook from the firm’s point of view and then from the other… Read more »

U.S. housing market going private

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Industry Analysis.

Description: Let the great unwind begin. A report released by the Obama administration on Friday laid out a plan to reform the American housing finance market, saying the government should be more focused on oversight and consumer protection rather than direct involvement. Source: BNN.com – video report Date: 02/11/2011 Link:  http://www.bnn.ca/News/2011/2/11/US-housing-market-going-private.aspx Questions for discussion:  Summarize… Read more »

Public Investors in Privately Held Companies

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

Description: The lengthening time frame it takes for privately held companies to be acquired or to file for an IPO is spurring interest in startups that cater to investors who want to trade in shares of non-public companies. MarketWatch’s John Letzing interview with Thomas Foley, founder of Xpert Financial Inc., in San Francisco. Source:  Marketwatch.com… Read more »

Never Again?

Posted by & filed under Governments & Regulators.

Description:   The final judgment of the official inquiry into the 2008 financial crisis — that it was an avoidable disaster, brought about by regulatory neglect and Wall Street recklessness — was an admonition to the government never to let it happen again. Source:  NYTimes.com   Date: 01/29/2011 Link: http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/29/never-again/ Questions for discussion:  Summarize the report… Read more »