Apple sets sights on Exxon value

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

Description: Apple’s super streak gives it a market valuation second only to the oil behemoth Exxon Mobil. But readers of ‘The Buzz’ are skeptical. Source: CNNMoney.com – video report Date: 08/06/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2010/08/06/n_bz_apple_exxon_mobile.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons given for the overvaluation of Apple stock? What were the arguments that suggest Apple is not overvalued… Read more »

Wall Street resumes hiring

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Management Issues.

Description:  CNN’s Maggie Lake talks to a high-powered headhunter, who says Wall Street hiring is bouncing back.  Source:  CNNMoney.com – video report    Date: 08/06/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2010/08/06/n_wall_street_hiring.cnnmoney/ Questions for discussion: How do you interpret the increase in hiring on Wall Street? Do you believe there is a correlation between Wall Street activity and the economy in… Read more »

Barnes & Noble may put itself up for sale; stock jumps

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis.

Description:  Barnes & Noble said late Tuesday that it will consider selling itself, pushing shares of the world’s largest bookseller up more than 25% in after-hours action Source:  Marketwatch.com   Date: 08/03/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/barnes-noble-may-put-itself-up-for-sale-2010-08-03?siteid=nwtwk Questions for discussion:  Do you think B&N is a good investment today? Would you short the stock? As an acquisition, how… Read more »

Stock Picks: Dow Chemical, Priceline.com, Research In Motion

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis.

Description: Wall Street analysts offer buy, sell, or hold opinions on stocks in the news on Aug. 4. Source:  Businessweek.com Date: 08/04/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/aug2010/pi2010084_006866.htm   Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons given for special interest in these stocks? Do you agree with the assessments and recommendations made?

Afraid of Deflation? Try Some Medicine

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

Description:  AS chatter has grown about the possibility of a double-dip recession, so, too, have fears about another “D” word: deflation. Source: NYTimes.com   Date: 08/07/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/business/economy/08fund.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the arguments presented in this article? Do you believe we are going to experience unusual levels of inflation or deflation? Which investing strategies… Read more »

Investor Be Nimble

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis.

Description:  The market’s got a lot of investors scared, but the fundamentals are good, says Liz Ann Sonders, chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab. The environment has been volatile, but smart, long-term investors can take advantage of that. Source:  Marketwatch.com – video report   Date: 07/27/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/investor-be-nimble/C3D27E09-4DFB-4B6C-849D-B10BDA98B94F Questions for discussion: Summarize the arguments made… Read more »

Don’t Buy Gold

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis.

Description:  Forget gold, says Wealth Adviser columnist James Altucher. He tells Dow Jones Newswires’ Veronica Dagher why and where investors should put their money instead. Source:  Marketwatch.com – video report   Date: 07/30/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/dont-buy-gold/2034712A-1FB7-4924-96F7-80751D9346F1 Questions for discussion: Summarize the arguments presented in this report. Do you agree with the advice presented? Why do you… Read more »

FedEx raises its profit view as global economy strengthens

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Economic Analysis.

Description:  There was more evidence of an improving economic environment Monday when bellwether FedEx Corp. raised its profit outlook and said it would again match employee payments into retirement funds. Source:  Marketwatch.com   Date: 07/26/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fedex-ups-profit-view-restores-401k-payments-2010-07-26?siteid=nwtwk Questions for discussion:  Why is FedEx considered a leading economic indicator? How would you expect investors to react… Read more »

Takeover Spree May Point to Second-Half Pickup in M&A

Posted by & filed under Company Analysis, Economic Analysis.

Description: spate of mergers and acquisitions during the past two weeks may signal the start of a comeback for global deal making in the second half of 2010. Source:  Businessweek.com Date: 07/30/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-30/takeover-spree-may-point-to-second-half-pickup-in-m-a.html   Questions for discussion: Do you think economic conditions favor further M&A activity for the rest of the year? What do… Read more »

Economic Indicator: Even Cheaper Knockoffs

Posted by & filed under Governments & Regulators.

Description:  In this economy, even counterfeiters are trading down. Source: NYTimes.com   Date: 07/31/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/business/economy/01knockoff.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: What are the reasons presented for the move towards cheaper knockoffs? What can firms do about this problem?  How does this problem affect cash flow? Explain how this activity can be an economic indicator?