Finance

• 
  WSJ.com: US Business

• FSA Chief Sants to Step Down

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:41 am

  Hector Sants submitted his resignation as chief executive of the Financial Services Authority, the U.K. financial regulator that he led through the credit crisis but which faces an uncertain political future.

• Tysabri Boosts Biogen Earnings

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:38 am

  Biogen's fourth-quarter net profit rose 48% to $305.6 million, as sales of its controversial multiple-sclerosis drug Tysabri continued to rise.

• Toyota to Recall Hybrids World-Wide

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:37 am

  The auto maker is recalling 437,000 hybrid vehicles world-wide, including the Prius, due to problems with their antilock braking systems.

• No Exit as Fannie, Freddie Flail

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:33 am

  With no blueprints for the future and no clear exit strategy for the government, Fannie and Freddie are focusing for now on the U.S. loan-modification program.

• Revenue Rises at IAC

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:31 am

  IAC, the parent of Ask.com and Match.com, reported a quarterly loss but revenue rose for the first time since 2008.

• 
  WSJ.com: Markets

• Euro Bounces Ahead of EU Summit

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:43 am

  Mounting hopes that the European Union might be considering a rescue package for struggling Greece have helped to push the euro higher.

• European Stocks Turn Higher

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:39 am

  European stocks moved higher despite continuing concerns about sovereign debt, helped by stronger U.S. futures and gains in basic-resource shares.

• Dow Opens Above 10000

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:35 am

  U.S. stocks climbed rapidly on Tuesday, as investors guessed that a European bailout for Greece could be in the mix, broadly lifting stocks. Caterpillar led blue-chips.

• NYSE Euronext Posts Profit

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:26 am

  The stock-exchange operator swung to a profit as cost cuts and its derivatives business offset competition in trading equities. Its chief executive said regulatory moves could limit the heat it faces.

• Hong Kong Rebounds, Nikkei Falls

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:20 am

  Asian markets ended mostly higher, with Hong Kong gains led by rebounds in local property developers and beaten-down Chinese banks.

• 
  Smartbrief: Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association

• Concern about government debt weighs on corporate-bond market

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm

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• Learn about SIFMA's advocacy efforts for OTC derivatives

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm

   -More- 

• Fed aims to inspire confidence with clear exit strategy

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm

  The Federal Reserve is walking a fine line as it plans to withdraw from stimulus efforts.  -More- Pricing & Valuation Services—As the credit default swap market evolves, financial institutions face a growing need for accurate and timely CDS & ABCDS pricing and liquidity scores that can be used for independent valuations as well as performance benchmarking and risk assessment. Visit www.fitchsolutions.com to learn more about our Pricing & Valuation Services.

• SII 2010 -- New speaker announced: Kenneth Duberstein, former White House chief of staff

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm

  Kenneth M.  -More- 

• Government lacks exit strategy for Fannie, Freddie

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm

  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were among the first financial institutions to receive federal aid to help them overcome the finan -More- 

• 
  Smartbrief: The Financial Services Roundtable

• BofA CEO Moynihan aims to take harder line on risk

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm

  Brian Moynihan, chief executive officer at Bank of America, recently sent a memo to the bank's employees, encouraging them to -More- 

• Nasdaq CEO Greifeld scrutinizes proposed curb on proprietary trading

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm

  Nasdaq OMX CEO Bob Greifeld said it would be difficult to distinguish when banks are trading on their own behalf or on behalf -More- 

• Lincoln National posts fourth-quarter profit of $102.3 million

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm

   -More- 

• Treasury may be backing away from loan-modification efforts

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm

  Comments made by Seth Wheeler, senior adviser to the Treasury Department, to the American Securitization Forum last week sign -More- 

• Principal Financial reports $150.2 million quarterly profit

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm

   -More- 

• 
  DealBook

• Opel's Strategy Has Fewer Jobs and Less Capacity

  By DEALBOOK

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:39 am

  Adam Opel, the European unit of General Motors, announced an ambitious turnaround plan Tuesday, vowing to become profitable in 2012 by cutting capacity by 20 percent and reducing its work force by 8,300.

• For Private Equity, a Time for Wary Optimism

  By RHEA WESSEL

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:30 am

  It's time for "paranoid optimism" about the economy as the world maneuvers its way into a new balance of power, John Micklethwait, editor in chief of The Economist, argued at the Super Return 2010 conference on Tuesday.

• Super Return: Black Sees Better Days Ahead

  By RHEA WESSEL

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:22 am

  Leon D. Black, the head of Apollo Management, seemed relieved to exhale as Super Return 2010, the giant private equity conference, began in Berlin on Tuesday.

• Warren: Banks' Sabotage of Overhaul Will Hurt Them

  By DEALBOOK

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:13 am

  In a scathing editorial, Elizabeth Warren, a professor of law at Harvard and the chair of the TARP Congressional Oversight Panel, denounces in The Wall Street Journal the deception that has become routine in the practices of U.S. banks, and renews the call for a consumer protection agency.

• Britain Told It May Sell Bank Stakes in 5 Years

  By DEALBOOK

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:11 am

  A committee of British lawmakers is publishing a report Tuesday saying that the government may sell its stakes in Royal Bank of Scotland Group and Lloyds Banking Group in five years.

• 
  NYT > Business

• Opel’s Strategy Has Fewer Jobs and Less Capacity

  By JACK EWING

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:31 am

  Opel, G.M.’s European unit, says it plan to become profitable by 2012 by cutting its workforce by 8,300 while introducing many new models.

• Wall Street Jumps; Traders Expect Help for Greece

  By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:21 am

  Indexes climbed on hopes that European officials will come through with some sort of assistance for Greece to handle its debt and keep the crisis from spreading.

• Coca-Cola Profit Climbs on Rising Global Sales

  By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:10 am

  Earnings rose to $1.54 billion as the world’s largest soft drink maker sold 5 percent more beverages worldwide.

• Toyota Details Hybrid Recall in Attempt to Contain Crisis

  By HIROKO TABUCHI

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:05 am

  The worldwide recall will affect about 437,000 units of the 2010 Prius and other hybrid models, according to the company’s filing.

• Overseas Sales Give McDonald’s a Lift in January

  By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:32 am

  Sales for the restaurant chain rose 2.6 percent in the month but dropped slightly in the United States.

• 
  Corporate Finance Associates

• Multiple Mania: Shortcutting Success

  jimz

  5 Feb 2010 | 12:38 pm

  In addition to teaching a “How to Value a Business” continuing education course each year, I am also asked to speak to various groups of CEOs, entrepreneurs and business owners on the same subject.  Regardless of the audience, invariably, someone will ask, “Jim, this valuation stuff is all well and good, but what is a simple multiple of earnings or formula to use to value a business?” Face it, we all love shortcuts. We learn at an early age the benefits of shortcuts: whether we cut through our neighbor’s yard on our walk to school, clean our room by stuffing our messes into our…

• The CRT Strategy – Charitable Remainder Trusts

  davidd

  29 Jan 2010 | 11:17 am

  Suppose you owned a valuable asset that does not earn any income or it earns very little income.  Let us assume that this property has substantially appreciated in value such that, if you sold it today, you would realize a substantial gain and resulting tax on the gain.  So how can you turn this valuable property into an income producing source without erosion to principal due to taxation? Answer:  By conveying the property to a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT). Here’s how it works:  After the trustor/donor transfers property to the CRT, the property is sold by the trustee.  There is…

• Successfully Executing the Optimal Exit Strategy – Positioning Strategies

  peterh

  20 Jan 2010 | 9:16 am

  Part 3 of 7 We have been looking at the two-fold challenge faced by Business Owners wishing to “extract themselves and their wealth” from their businesses in the next decade.  Firstly, that the economic recovery may be slow, and, secondly, that the retirement of the Baby Boomers will put “10 million” businesses on the market in this period. From this perspective, we recognize that many companies will not sell without careful planning and preparation.  The point of considering possible “Positioning Strategies” is that most business are not being run with a mind to “selling”,…

• The Leveraged ESOP Rollover

  davidd

  15 Jan 2010 | 12:55 pm

  Although sales price and terms are important components of any stock sale transaction, the structure of such a transaction can have a major effect upon what the seller is left with after taxes are paid on the resulting capital gain.  In the case of a management buyout transaction, a structure worthy of consideration involves the use of a leveraged ESOP. ESOP is an acronym for Employee Stock Ownership Plan, which is a special type of qualified employee benefit plan.  An ESOP is a defined contribution plan that can emulate either a money purchase pension plan or a profit sharing plan.  An…

• Acquisition Strategies: Are You a Sheep or an Eagle?

  jimz

  17 Dec 2009 | 11:53 am

  While working on a recent transaction where we represented a seller who was looking to complete a Management Buyout sponsored by private equity groups, one of the potential equity sponsors told us,  “We will only invest in this transaction if there is another investor group who invests along side us.”  “Is that to minimize your risk,” I asked.  “No, it is our requirement to have a co-investor because it validates our investment philosophy.” In other words, like sheep who flock together, this investor group was satisfied with an investment so long as someone else came to the…

• 
  Business and financial news - CNNMoney.com

• Stocks surge on hopes for Greece

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:48 am

  Stocks soared Tuesday, recovering from the previous session's selloff, as investors grew optimistic that a recovery package for debt-burdened Greece may be close.

• Unemployment taxes slam businesses

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:48 am

  Employers are getting hit with a massive tax hike at a time when they can least afford it.

• IPhone credit card swipe war heats up

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:47 am

  What if your iPhone took plastic? Imagine if your business could use it as a mobile credit card processor, a swipe-and-go system for ringing up payments wherever you roam.

• Views of iconic Hollywood sign protected

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:44 am

  The iconic letters spelling out Hollywood on the hills overlooking Tinseltown will keep their pride of place thanks to the housing bust.

• Toyota girds for battle in Washington

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:25 am

  As Toyota's troubles mount, the automaker is gearing up for a new front in the battle to salvage its once-sterling image and credibility: Capitol Hill.

• 
  Reuters: Business and Finance News

• Wall Street boosted by Caterpillar, Greece debt talk

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:31 am

  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks rose broadly on Tuesday with Caterpillar Inc and other industrial shares benefiting from a broker upgrade and talk of help for debt-burdened Greece reviving investor sentiment.

• Toyota adds new Prius to global recall list

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:30 am

  TOKYO (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp said it would recall nearly half a million new Prius and other hybrid cars for braking problems as it battled criticism of its response to the spiraling safety crisis.

• U.S. consumer confidence falls in February

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:28 am

  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. consumer confidence fell in February to near a level seen at the beginning of the recession, as high unemployment and some stock market weakness sapped January's optimism, a research group said on Tuesday.

• U.S. wholesale inventories unexpectedly fall in December

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:25 am

  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. wholesale inventories unexpectedly fell 0.8 percent in December, while sales rose 0.8 percent, a government report showed on Tuesday.

• Pulte posts bigger-than-expected quarterly loss

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:54 am

  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pulte Homes Inc reported a larger-than-expected fourth-quarter net loss on Tuesday, but revenue at the largest U.S. homebuilder exceeded Wall Street estimates as closings rose.

• 
  Forbes: Business and Finance News

• Toyota Recalls Prius Cars

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:44 am

  The carmaker is recalling about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid cars to fix brake problems.

• Bipartisan Health Reform Is Still Possible

  9 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am

  Democrats need to compromise by accepting substantive Republican proposals.

• Investors Take Aim At Electronic Arts

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:25 pm

  Electronic Arts and Terremark shares fall; U.S. insurers offer cautious outlook.

• Listening To Allvoices

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:15 pm

  Can citizen media mogul Amra Tareen remake journalism and make money? At least she thinks so.

• The Prius Problem Could Hurt The Entire Hybrid Industry

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:02 pm

  It's the only successful hybrid. Sales of all the others are low.

• 
  Yahoo! Finance: Top Stories

• Europe searches for way out of debt crisis (AP)

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:40 am

  The euro is under siege -- and the next few days will be crucial. Financial markets are betting heavily that Greece's crushing debt could drag down the entire eurozone, and that could force reluctant EU leaders into an embarrassing bailout.

• Wholesale inventories cut 0.8 percent in December (AP)

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:38 am

  Businesses slashed wholesale inventories sharply in December, a much weaker showing than expected and a troubling sign that companies are still too pessimistic about the economy to begin restocking shelves on a sustained basis.

• McDonald's sales figure rises 2.6 percent in Jan. (AP)

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:23 am

  McDonald's Inc., the world's largest fast-food chain, said Tuesday a key sales comparison rose 2.6 percent in January, as strong overseas sales more than offset a decline in the U.S.

• Stocks climb on hopes for Greece debt assistance (AP)

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:20 am

  Stocks are higher as hopes grow that the European Union will help Greece with its growing debt burden. Investors are shrugging off a steep drop in wholesale inventories. The Commerce Department says Tuesday that businesses cut wholesale inventories 0.8 percent in December.

• Japan Airlines rejects Delta, stays with American (AP)

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:17 am

  Japan Airlines, wooed for months by Delta Air Lines with promises of cash and a broad global network, spurned the world's biggest carrier and opted to keep its alliance with American Airlines.

• 
  Fool.com: The Motley Fool

• Drop-Dead Gorgeous Stocks

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:27 am

  What's better than a 52-week low? How about a five-year plunge?

• A 1-in-100 Investor

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:21 am

  CAPS players who score 100 points in 100 days have become some of the best investors around.

• Why This May Be Today's Best Investment

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:21 am

  It's the least ugly of the bunch.

• Google's Sweet Revenge

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:13 am

  Big G may be readying a social upgrade for Gmail.

• 3 Reasons to Move Beyond Index Funds

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:06 am

  Go from good to great.

• 
  InternetNews Realtime News for IT Managers

• Pip.io: Not Just Another Social Network?

  Site aims to go beyond Twitter and Facebook in some respects while inviting those social networking sites and others into the fold.

• The Biggest Security Breeches of 2009

  There were some spectacular data breeches last year. Here's some of the best, or worst, depending on your perspective.

• Google Plans to Twitterize Gmail?

  Event at Google's campus Tuesday focused on latest innovations, with a widely rumored upgrade to Gmail likely. But what about the core search product? And next up, Yahoo.

• Welcome to the New IT News Daily

  We've made some changes to InternetNews.com's daily newsletter, designed to keep you better updated with the latest IT and Internet industry news to help you get your job done and further your career.

• Opinion on the iPad Plummets Post-Intro

  Following its introduction, twice as many people don't want an iPad, while three times as many do want one. That's great until you see the percentages.

• 
  AP - ap.online.biz.general

• Molson Coors' 4Q profit rises on tax benefits

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:28 am

  Molson Coors Brewing Co.'S fourth-quarter profit more than doubled because of favorable tax benefits even as it sold fewer beers, the brewer said Tuesday.

• McDonald's sales figure rises 2.6 percent in Jan.

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:24 am

  McDonald's Inc., the world's largest fast-food chain, said Tuesday a key sales comparison rose 2.6 percent in January, as strong overseas sales more than offset a decline in the U.S.

• Europe searches for way out of debt crisis

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:24 am

  The euro is under siege — and the next few days will be crucial.

• With Nelson, GOP blocks Obama labor board nominee

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:17 am

  Senate Democrats are unable to muscle through President Barack Obama's choice of a union attorney for the National Labor Relations Board, because one of their own has joined the Republicans to block the nomination.

• Japan Airlines rejects Delta, stays with American

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:17 am

  Japan Airlines, wooed for months by Delta Air Lines with promises of cash and a broad global network, spurned the world's biggest carrier and opted to keep its alliance with American Airlines.

• 
  U.S. News

• First Discovery of the Female Hormone Progesterone in a Plant

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:03 am

  Leaves of the walnut tree contain progesterone, the female sex hormone.

• 'Zen' Bats Hit Their Target by Not Aiming at It

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:01 am

  Egyptian fruit bats find their target by aiming their guiding sonar to either side of their target.

• Prion Leaves Lasting Mark on Memory

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:56 am

  Researchers suggest that a prion-like protein may participate in memory in higher eukaryotes.

• Research Finds Water Movements Can Shape Fish Evolution

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:53 am

  Hydrodynamic environment of fish can shape their physical form and swimming style.

• Palin Hand Notes Are Alarming, Embarrassing

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:36 pm

  She should know core values like the back of her hand.

• 
  TARP Results Blog

• Former BofA CEO & CFO Charged With Fraud

  Matt

  4 Feb 2010 | 9:08 pm

• New Bank Taxes May Stifle Economic Growth

  Matt

  14 Jan 2010 | 9:21 am

• Bank CEOs Face Congressional Panel Again

  Matt

  13 Jan 2010 | 5:12 pm

  Today, a few of the big bank CEOs appeared before a panel authorized by Congress to study the financial crisis with the hope that the panel can provide guidance to putting new regulations in place to avoid another financial crisis in the future. We have three thoughts on this: 1) It is useful to have an entity review what occurred and provide some feedback to lawmakers.  It is not useful to have that entity be other politicos with their own axe to grind and an ego to have stroked publicly.  If Congress was really interested in something useful instead of a defacto perp walk, they…

• GMAC and Citi and Bowl Game Irony

  Matt

  6 Jan 2010 | 1:06 pm

  College football bowl season includes the GMAC Bowl to be played tonight pitting Central Michigan against Troy in Mobile AL.   Yesterday, GMAC announced a quarterly loss of $5 billion.  Not even ten days ago, taxpayers contributed another $3.5 billion to GMAC's capital to keep it afloat. Here is the irony.  Last year, GMAC sponsored a bowl game as well in which Tulsa defeated Ball State.   And last year and this year, Citibank was the presenting sponsor of the Rose Bowl.  In the fall of 2008, when banking institutions asked for and received large amounts of…

• GMAC Gets Another $3.8 Billion From Taxpayers

  Matt

  30 Dec 2009 | 10:06 pm

  A few months ago, we discussed that GMAC, already haven taken nearly $20 billion in guarantees and bailout funds was looking to get another $3 to $5 billion.  (You can read the post here.)   Yesterday, GMAC got it's $3.8 billion, but this time the US Government will boost its stake in the company to 56%, up from 35%.   In addition, the US Government will appoint two directors to the board, two more than originally anticipated.  It isn't clear how many total board members there will be, but seven sounds right to us.  Here is more from the NY Times. So first, we applaud the government…

• 
  MarketWatch.com - Top Stories

• Biotech Stocks: Drug stocks gain; Cell Therapeutics rebounds

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:23 am

  Drug stocks gain in early action while shares of Cell Therapeutics bounced back after diving almost 25% on Monday over concerns about its new non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment pixantrone.

• Europe Markets: Europe stocks buoyed by rescue hopes for Greece

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:10 am

  Stocks in Europe trade mixed-to-slightly higher as worries about Greece’s finances appear to abate and as earnings news is eyed.

• Tech Stocks: Tech stocks rally, but EA slumps following outlook

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:07 am

  Technology stocks shake off the previous session’s losses in early trading as the sector rallies behind several bellwethers.

• Energy Stocks: Broad market gains feed rise in energy stocks

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:06 am

  Cameron International leads the charge after its better-than-expected earnings report and finanicial outlook.

• Retail Stocks: Retail stocks manage modest early upswing

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:05 am

  With the U.S. market trading broadly higher, retail stocks are on a modest upswing in early action.

• 
  TIME.com Top Business Stories

• Is GDP An Obsolete Measure of Progress?

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:15 am

  Most economists are cheering the 5.7% GDP growth rate estimated for the U.S. 4th quarter. But increasingly people are asking whether there's a more holistic way to measure a nation's growth

• Europe Debt on Rise; Greece Scrambles to Lower Deficit

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:15 am

  Across the European Union, governments are borrowing more to drag their economies out of recession, putting the entire bloc in financial peril and bringing euro-zone countries Greece and Spain close to default

• Spain's Troubled Economy: Why Europe is Worried

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:15 am

  Spain's in trouble. It's the only major world economy still in recession andits rising deficit is sparking concerns that it could bring down the entireeurozone

• AIG Bailout: Geithner Defends Payments at House Hearing

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:15 am

  In bailing out AIG, the U.S. government paid AIG's counterparties far more than their securities were worth. But new documents reveal that the counterparties might have accepted less

• From Comcast to Xfinity: Does Name Change Conjure Porn?

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:15 am

  Cable giant Comcast is changing the name of its core products to Xfinity. Does the new name convey cutting-edge innovation or pornography?

• 
  USATODAY.com Money - Top Stories

• Stocks climb on hopes for Greece debt assistance

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:24 am

  Stocks are climbing in early trading as hopes grow the European Union will help Greece with its growing debt burden

• Europe searches for way out of debt crisis

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:17 am

  The euro is under siege and the next few days will be crucial.

• Toyota recalls 2010 Prius worldwide

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:21 am

  Toyota says it is recalling about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid cars worldwide to fix brake problems the latest in a string ...

• McDonald's sales figure rises 2.6% in Jan.

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:09 am

  Value menus and new food options have led to an overall sales increase for McDonald's, despite declining U.S. numbers.

• Strong overseas sales put fizz in Coca'Cola's 4Q profit

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:05 am

  Coca-Cola's fourth-quarter profit climbed as the world's largest drink maker sold 5% more beverages worldwide.

• 
  FINANCE NEWS - Google Blog Search

• Debt advice charities overwhelmed with inquiries

  David Masters

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:16 am

  In related news, the Association of Business Recovery Professionals (R3) reported that over one million people are struggling with debts. Peter Sargent, R3 spokesperson, said the early period of recovering following a recession can be a “ dangerous ... Discuss this in the Finance Markets forums. Story link: Debt advice charities overwhelmed with inquiries. Related financial stories to: Debt advice charities overwhelmed with inquiries: High fees for mortgage debt advice ...

• Meredith College leader to retire in 2011 - News & Observer ...

  Admissions

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:40 am

  Triangle Business Journal Meredith College leader to retire in 2011 News & Observer She hopes to complete the school's next strategic plan, strengthen the college's financial position and complete its accreditation work, she said in a ...

• news In detail – Knowledgespeak (press release) | Finance | Online ...

  Senior Editor

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am

  news In detail. Knowledgespeak (press release) Hundreds of new e-books worth over $14000 were recently added to its subscription databases in finance, leadership, and sales & marketing. ...

• ACROSS NOVA SCOTIA – TheChronicleHerald.ca | Finance | Online News ...

  Senior Editor

  9 Feb 2010 | 2:02 am

  Name (required). Mail (required). Website. « Jackson Hearing Mirrors Past for Family – ABC News | Home | Kofax Provides Leading International Financial Services Organization with a … – MarketWatch » ...

• Nationwide lowers LTVs on remortgage deals - Finance & Money Forums

  Finance News

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:57 am

  New mortgage deals from First Direct and Nationwide, Finance News, Mortgages, 0, 03-02-2009 10:11 PM. Nationwide raises interest on fixed-rate and tracker deals, Finance News, Mortgages, 0, 06-17-2008 12:00 PM ...

• 
  BV on Money

• Montel Williams Backing Pay Day Loan Site Money Mutual? Interesting...

  Boyce Watkins, PhD

  8 Feb 2010 | 6:47 am

  Filed under: Personal Finance, Dr. Boyce Money, Banking I have interacted with Montel Williams a couple of times on his radio show, 'Montel Across America.' I didn't like the show very much, to be honest, because Montel seems to enjoy hearing himself talk more than his guests. But then again, I figured that he is just now learning the hard knocks of radio life, where you actually have to allow other people to talk. No disrespect to Montel of course, he's accomplished a lot. But when I received an email telling me that Montel is now doing commercials for Money Mutual, a company that offers…

• Beyonce and Tina Knowles' House of Dereon Sued: Business Roundup

  Alexis Stodghill

  8 Feb 2010 | 6:07 am

  Filed under: Interviews, Celebrity News, Personal Finance, News, The Economy, Savings, Free ♦Beyonce and Tina Knowles' House of Dereon is being Accused of RICO and Sued for Half a Milli Beyonce and Tina Knowles' companies are being sued by a Hong Kong Manufacturer, Vier International, LTD. Vier claims that House of Dereon and other affiliated companies are in breach of contract and also accusing them of RICO. In case you're not familiar with RICO, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, it is normally affiliated with the mafia and their business tactics. [Bossip] ♦A…

• Student Loans 2010: Five Websites Everyone With Student Loans Should Know

  Lynnette Khalfani-Cox

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:07 am

  Filed under: Personal Finance, Savings, Financial Aid, Credit Report, Budget It's 2010. Do you know the current state of your student loans? It takes the average college graduate 15 years to repay his or her student loans, according to the College Board. A lot can happen over that time. So if you ever find yourself struggling to pay your college debts - or even just needing more information about the loans you're carrying - the following five websites just might prove to be indispensable. 1. http://www.nslds.ed.gov This is the website for the National Student Loan Data System. If you're…

• Is The Rapper Jay-Z Having Money Problems?

  Boyce Watkins, PhD

  7 Feb 2010 | 7:44 am

  Filed under: Celebrity News, Personal Finance, Dr. Boyce Money Bossip is reporting that the rapper Jay-Z owes Highland Capital Management LP $52 million dollars in loan guarantees, and that the Jigga man hasn't been paying as expected. The loan was allegedly used to purchase property in Manhattan for a hotel. Jay-Z has reportedly filed a complaint against Highland Capital, claiming that the company was seeking funds in excess of the amount owed. He has requested $3.7 million in compensation. Bossip is also reporting that Jay-Z was sued by his attorney last year for unpaid legal fees. It seems…

• Tom Joyner and Dr. Boyce Talk Money and Black Folks

  Boyce Watkins, PhD

  4 Feb 2010 | 12:21 pm

  Filed under: Celebrity News, Dr. Boyce Money, Education Here is the transcript for the recent appearance I did on the Tom Joyner Morning Show discussing what I called the "Five E Philosophy" for Black empowerment. If you wish to hear the audio of the interview, please click here. What are we going to do with our kids? I'm not here to judge whether you're a mother, father, husband, wife, baby's mama, baby daddy or community parent, but we all know that it takes a village to raise our children. At the very least, I certainly don't want Lil Wayne raising my kids, or to see them turned into…

• 
  Finance News Pro

• What Is E-File?

  Charles

  28 Jan 2010 | 10:14 pm

  The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, has created many methods of filing to make it easier for taxpayers. A filer can choose to either mail the tax forms in or send them electronically, known as e-filing. Previously, a user could submit their tax return by telephone, utilizing Telefile, but this service has been discontinued as of 2005. Advances in internet technology have made it possible to securely transfer these documents from a professional tax expert or home user to the IRS. The transmitted data is encrypted before transfer, thus no outside party can gain access to the information. When…

• Auto insurance – Taking advantage of the recession

  Charles

  20 Jan 2010 | 10:17 pm

  Due to the current recession situation, almost everyone who have their auto insurance policy know for a fact that the insurers in their nation and almost throughout the world have been forced to constantly adjust their rates in order to attract new customers. Most of the times the sad thing is that the insurers do not inform their existing customers about the changes in the rates and insurance policies. Since most of the people do not come to know about the latest changes in the rates and policies, the savings that are possible goes to waste as those who should take advantage of it are…

• Keep your insurance costs lower

  Charles

  4 Jan 2010 | 9:02 pm

  It’s the Christmas time and there will be a lot of spending on gift items, parties and vacations. In these tough times, every single penny that you can save matters. Many insurance providers are likely to throw away money on in-store insurance policies that offer the same cover as their home insurance. According to the recent research done by a home insurance provider, nearly one third of the total population who purchase insurance policies buy additional insurance to cover the loss, damage or theft of expensive items like jewelry, costly watches or mobile phones. There are many others who…

• Tips on Personal finance – Shape your dreams

  Charles

  9 Dec 2009 | 6:41 am

  If you have any kind of financial emergency, having an emergency fund in your savings account is always helpful to cover the needs. Many people borrow money from their friends, family members, getting cash advance from their employer or getting a loan at very high interest rates. If you are falling short of cash and you know the payday is still a few days away, there are ways to bridge the gap. Most of the people live from one paycheck to another paycheck and this is certainly not a good way of living life in this expensive world. Many students when they step out of the college get…

• Perfect planning for the Christmas time

  Charles

  1 Dec 2009 | 8:00 am

  This Christmas time, if you are already struggling with your current financial situation, then you do not need to increase your worries by overspending or going overboard on what you buy. You can buy some small gift items that suits well to your budget and leave you with a smile on your face as well as the person you have bought it for. You should know how much you will be able to spend on Christmas gifts and then figure out the number of close people in your family and friends. This will give you a clear picture and you will know the cost that you can afford for the gift items. There are…

• 
  Economic Snapshot News - Economic Snapshot News Headlines | Bizjournals.com

• Study: Hunger up 54% in Central Florida

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:32 am

  A new study released by Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Feeding America, shows the incidence of hunger is up 54 percent from four years ago.

• Denver slips on index of best cities for job seekers

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:32 am

  Denver is still a well-above-average city for job seekers, but it slipped a notch in the latest ranking by job search engine Juju.com.

• Manatee County approves grants for businesses to create 213 jobs

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:11 am

  Manatee County commissioners approved two Economic Development Incentive grants to local businesses for hiring and retaining employees.

• Hawaii will delay state tax refunds

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:41 pm

  Hawaii residents will have to wait until July 1 to receive individual and corporate tax refunds.

• Dow closes below 10,000; Kodiak Oil, M.D.C. up 5%

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:37 pm

  The Dow lost 103 points Monday, closing below 10,000 for the first time since Nov. 4. In Colorado, Kodiak Oil & Gas and MDC Holdings were among actively traded gainers.

• 
  MSN Money Latest Articles

• Growth won't dig US out of this hole

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:00 pm

  Wild optimism about economic growth is at the heart of the Obama administration's plans to shrink the federal budget deficit. And that's not the only problem.

• Can we ever trust Wall Street again?

  8 Feb 2010 | 2:35 pm

  The foundation of capitalism rests on the confidence of mom-and-pop investors -- who want to believe that there are rewards for playing by the rules and penalties for breaking them.

• 10 tax goofs many of us keep making

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:00 pm

  Year after year, the IRS sees Americans committing the same sorts of mistakes on their returns. Many of these errors are easy to avoid; some are more complicated.

• Mortgage hardship applicants in limbo

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:00 pm

  Chase denied an untold number of loan modifications for a reason that is now prohibited: It determined that homeowners' financial troubles were temporary.

• The world's simplest portfolio?

  8 Feb 2010 | 12:00 pm

  Investment guru Charles Ellis suggests portfolios for investors of any age using just 2 funds -- with an emphasis on foreign stocks.

• 
  SFGate: Business & Technology

• Wholesale inventories cut 0.8 percent in December

  By MARTIN CRUTSINGER, AP Economics Writer

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:39 am

  Businesses slashed wholesale inventories sharply in December, a much weaker showing than expected and a troubling sign that companies are still too pessimistic about the economy to begin restocking shelves on a sustained basis. Economists believe that the... Business - Business Services - Signage - Wholesale Trade - Directories

• Europe searches for way out of debt crisis

  By AOIFE WHITE, AP Business Writer

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:35 am

  The euro is under siege _ and the next few days will be crucial. Financial markets are betting heavily that Greece's crushing debt could drag down the entire eurozone, and that could force reluctant EU leaders into an embarrassing bailout. If EU leaders don't... Financial Services - Business - Business and Economy - Financial Planning - Debt Consolidation

• McDonald's sales figure rises 2.6 percent in Jan.

  By MAE ANDERSON, AP Retail Writer

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:24 am

  McDonald's Inc., the world's largest fast-food chain, said Tuesday a key sales comparison rose 2.6 percent in January, as strong overseas sales more than offset a decline in the U.S. McDonald's has generally fared well in the recession as customers turned to... Middle East - McDonald - United States - Business - Business and Economy

• Stocks climb on hopes for Greece debt assistance

  By STEPHEN BERNARD and TIM PARADIS, AP Business Writers

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:21 am

  Stocks are higher as hopes grow that the European Union will help Greece with its growing debt burden. Investors are shrugging off a steep drop in wholesale inventories. The Commerce Department says Tuesday that businesses cut wholesale inventories 0.8... European Union - Dow Jones Industrial Average - Greece - Business - Investing

• Investigators interview survivors of Conn. blast

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:17 am

  Investigators looking into the cause of an explosion that killed five people at a Connecticut power plant under construction are interviewing survivors, while crews work to ensure the badly damaged building is safe. Deputy Fire Marshal Al Santostefano says... Connecticut - Power station - Explosion - Energy - Business

• 
  Finance-news News - Congoo

• Xstrata leads the way as FTSE stays in positive territory

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:00 pm

  Xstrata is on the rise in the wake of yesterday's figures, helping to lift the mining sector and indeed the whole market. Xstrata has added 31.2p to £10.15, with Morgan Stanley for one making very positive

• Investors bet against the euro

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:41 pm

  The euro on Tuesday showed signs of a modest recovery against the dollar following days of losses fuelled by concern over unsustainable debt levels in euro-zone members Greece, Portugal and Spain. "Investors

• Appetite for food stocks grows

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:34 pm

  EST The Stock: Metro Inc. Yesterday's closing price: $39.70 Trend: Canadian grocery names now stand tall among the best performing TSX blue-chip stocks. While the Toronto market has suffered with the

• FTSE creeps higher; banks and miners rebound

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:12 pm

  * Miners gain as metal prices recover further * Banks firmer as Europe fiscal worries ease * Energy stocks slip as crude price held near $72 LONDON, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Gains in miners and banks helped

• Bullard: Housing should be key

  9 Feb 2010 | 11:15 am

  By Corbett B. Daly WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration and U.S. lawmakers are missing an opportunity to revamp the U.S. housing finance system, which should be central to regulatory reform,

• 
  Wash Post Personal Finance

• Credit unions seek larger share of business loans

  Binyamin Appelbaum

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  The names of small businesses seeking loans are scrawled across a whiteboard in the Bethesda offices of Mid-Atlantic Financial Partners: A Denny's franchisee with plans for a new restaurant, the owner of a limousine fleet hoping to consolidate his auto loans, a government contractor seeking a lin...

• Dick Armey on theTea Party movement: The new majority?

  Dick Armey

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:00 am

  Dick Armey, former House Majority Leader (R-Tex.), chairman of FreedomWorks and a leader in the Tea Party movement, discusses the party's first grass-roots convention, how he feels the movement will impact this year's midterm elections and the importance of Sarah Palin.

• American Capital Agency says earnings rose in 4Q

  AP

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:25 am

  BETHESDA, Md. -- American Capital Agency Corp. reported sharply higher earnings for the fourth quarter of 2009 Monday as the government-backed mortgage securities it holds gained value.

• Pizzamaker braves snow to deliver on Super Bowl Sunday

  Christian Davenport

  7 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  For pizza shops, Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest night of the year, a chance to do a week's worth of business in a single night, an event to look forward to all year.

• Private equity firms brace for tax battle

  Megan Davies and Kim Dixon - Analysis

  7 Feb 2010 | 1:11 pm

  NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Private equity firms are again being threatened with higher taxes, as a long-running debate over how to classify their profits again becomes a focus for governments desperate for cash. Featured Advertiser Comcast Business Class Look at your bill andfind out how much yourbusiness can save with Comcast Business Class. Internet, Phone & TV for $99. Learn More   Ads by Pheedo

• 
  Breaking News

• Obama's Latest SBA Plan Targets CRE

  President Obama on Friday said he wants to expand Small Business Administration guarantees to commercial real estate loans.

• CRE Losses Could Pass $150 Billion Next Year

  Losses on commercial real estate loans could top $150 billion by the end of 2011, meaning banks have just started dealing with the problem.

• FHA 4Q Originations Up 21%, Foreclosures Up 41%

  Lenders originated $86.1 billion in Federal Housing Administration insured single-family loans in the fourth quarter, up 21% from same quarter in 2008.

• Thain Takes Helm at CIT

  Ex-Merrill chief becomes lender's chairman and CEO.

• MBIA Restructures Money Management Arm

  MBIA Asset Management becomes separate structure and changes name.

• 
  Breaking News

• Citadel’s $1.5B TLB Slides

  The price of Citadel Broadcasting’s $1.5 billion term loan B fell four points to 80.5 cents on the dollar Friday, as the company announced that it was close to eliminating $1.4 billion in debt...

• Thain Takes Helm at CIT

  CIT Group's board of directors has selected John Thain, the former chairman and chief executive of Merrill Lynch, as its chairman and CEO, effective immediately...

• JPM Preps Loan for Quad, Worldcolor Merger

  JPMorgan is gearing up to launch an $800 million term loan B to help facilitate the merger between Quad/Graphics and Worldcolor Press...

• BTIG Adds to HY and Distressed Staff

  Broker dealer BTIG has added two traders and a sales executive to its high yield and distressed group, it announced today...

• FairPoint Files Reorganization Plan

  FairPoint Communications, a Charlotte, N.C. telecommunications company that petitioned for bankruptcy protection in October 2009, filed its reorganization plan on Monday....

• 
  OptionsHouse Blog

• Successful Traders Must Have Discipline

  Steve Claussen

  5 Feb 2010 | 2:24 pm

  Most investors have what is known as positive beta to the overall market.  Beta is the term in finance that describes the relationship between a portfolio’s return and the market as a whole. This means even the best individual stock picker in the world could lose money if the market has a day like yesterday and today. Over two days losing almost 5% with every sector falling more than 3%.  What Can You Do When Your Trades Turn Ugly? I have traded options professionally for more than 25 years, and to me, the one simple key to having a long career is discipline.    Discipline is paramount…

• Air Products (APD) May Go Hostile in Attempt to Acquire Airgas (ARG)

  Steve Claussen

  5 Feb 2010 | 10:54 am

  Airgas Inc (ARG) is topping the Optionshouse hotlist this morning after Air Products & Chemicals (APD) said it may take a 5.1 billion dollar cash offer ($60/share) for Airgas Inc. to shareholders.  The board of directors of Airgas has rejected two prior attempts by APD for a friendly merger that would create the largest American industrial gas company.  Typically cash bids for companies destroy the long dated premium as cash has no volatility value. A hostile cash bid, however, is more complicated. Without the board of directors’ willingness to accept the bid, there is still…

• Welcome to the Optionshouse Investment Coaching Program

  George Ruhana

  5 Feb 2010 | 5:49 am

  Related posts:Trucking Companies CNW and ABFS on the OptionsHouse Hotlist(TEVA) Tops the Optionshouse

• Four Key Events Could Make This an Exciting Week for the Market

  Steve Claussen

  25 Jan 2010 | 10:41 am

  This week holds four potentially exciting catalysts; each with the potential to dominate business media headlines.  Is it any wonder that the VIX has spiked back above 25%? Wednesday night President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address Will Health Care remain in focus following the Massachusetts run-off election results? Will new Bank regulations and taxes receive a major emphasis? Any new initiatives on job creation stimulus? FED Chairman Ben Bernanke Confirmation vote expected before his term expires on January 31st This result will likely be known before it actually comes to…

• Keeping a Close Watch on Google

  Steve Claussen

  21 Jan 2010 | 1:16 pm

  Google (GOOG) will announce earnings tonight after the bell and many traders are hopeful; looking toward a positive release to shift the current bearish tone in the technology sector and overall market. Estimates are for around $6.50 per share on the top line on revenues of $4.92 bln. In addition to its actual performance, the company’s recent comments regarding their future plans in China will be closely monitored in the conference call. In the past year Google has moved anywhere from 20% on earnings to less than 3% most recently. The front month option straddle is priced at around $45,…

• 
  FOXBusiness.com

• Venezuela's Chavez Has New Radio Show That Can Air Anytime

  Dan Molinski

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:26 am

  Venezuela's Chavez Has New Radio Show That Can Air Anytime

• U.S. Job Openings, Layoffs Rise In December

  Rex Nutting

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:22 am

  U.S. Job Openings, Layoffs Rise In December

• S&P Cuts Xerox To 'BBB-' On ACS Acquisition

  Sue Chang

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:21 am

  S&P Cuts Xerox To 'BBB-' On ACS Acquisition

• Czech Net Power Demand Down 0.1% On Year At 5.38 TWh

  Sean Carney

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:11 am

  Czech Net Power Demand Down 0.1% On Year At 5.38 TWh

• Resolution Malcolm Williamson Named Chairman Of Friends Provident

  London Bureau

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:10 am

  Resolution Malcolm Williamson Named Chairman Of Friends Provident

• 
  Yahoo! Canada Finance: Finance News

• Western Coal Q3 profit drops to $24 million, revenue falls to $118.7M

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:19 am

  The Canadian Press - VANCOUVER, B.C. - Western Coal Corp. (TSX:WTN) says its quarterly profit fell to $24 million or nine cents per diluted share in the three months ended Dec. 31.

• Agrium profit falls to US$30 million in fourth quarter, revenue drops to $1.44 billion

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:16 am

  The Canadian Press - CALGARY - Agrium Inc.'s fourth-quarter profit and revenue were down substantially compared with the year-earlier results but the Calgary-based fertilizer producer (TSX:AGU) said Tuesday it also saw signs of improved market conditions.

• Molson Coors' fourth-quarter profit rises on tax benefits, but worldwide volume falls

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:15 am

  The Canadian Press - Molson Coors Brewing Co.'s fourth-quarter profit more than doubled because of favourable tax benefits even as it sold fewer beers, the international brewer (NYSE:TAP) said Tuesday.

• Stocks look to open higher on hopes EU will address Greek debt burden

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:10 am

  The Canadian Press - TORONTO - The Toronto stock market appeared headed for a higher open Tuesday as commodity prices rose along with hopes the European Union will take steps to deal with a growing problem as several European governments struggle with their sovereign debt.

• Japan Airlines spurns Delta Air Lines, opts to keep alliance with American Airlines

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:48 am

  The Canadian Press - TOKYO - Japan Airlines, wooed for months by Delta Air Lines with promises of cash and a broad global network, spurned the world's biggest carrier and opted to keep its alliance with American Airlines.

• 
  MSN Money Finance Tips

• Mortgage hardship applicants in limbo

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:00 pm

  Chase denied an untold number of loan modifications for a reason that is now prohibited: It determined that homeowners' financial troubles were temporary.

• 10 tax goofs many of us keep making

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:00 pm

  Year after year, the IRS sees Americans committing the same sorts of mistakes on their returns. Many of these errors are easy to avoid; some are more complicated.

• Coming soon: Clearer credit card bills

  5 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm

  Sometime after Feb. 22, when 2009's credit card reform law begins to take effect, you'll see changes on your monthly statements. The new format might tell painful truths, but it'll be good for you.

• Will your Toyota's insurance go up?

  4 Feb 2010 | 3:00 pm

  Lawsuits against Toyota are beginning to mount after millions of vehicles are recalled. But calculating coverage rates goes beyond what you see in the news.

• A newborn means new insurance, baby

  4 Feb 2010 | 2:00 pm

  Your family's addition needs to be covered -- and not just with a blanket. Take a close look at your insurance, and be sure to add the baby to your health plan.

• 
  ajc.com - Business

• Coca-Cola's sales, profits rise in fourth quarter

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:02 am

  Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. said this morning that it ended 2009 on a high note despite a tough economic environment and falling sales in its North American backyard.

• Coke places Olympic bet on up-and-comers

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:35 am

  The world’s most recognizable brand has chosen some Olympic athletes that most Americans wouldn’t recognize to promote itself at the Vancouver Olympics.

• Down Dow closes below 10,000

  Tim Paradis

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:26 am

  The Dow Jones industrial average closed below 10,000 for the first time in three months Monday on nagging concerns about debt loads in Europe.

• Prius model put on recall list in Japan

  Yuri Kageyama

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:25 am

  Toyota is recalling about 170,000 Prius hybrid cars in Japan for braking problems and will soon disclose its global plans for a fix as the automaker scrambles to repair damage to its reputation from a spate of safety problems.

• UPS says it may furlough pilots

  8 Feb 2010 | 2:48 pm

  UPS warned that it is close to starting layoffs of at least 300 pilots, but also said it is still working with its pilots union to avoid the job cuts.

• 
  Boston.com -- Top business news

• Stocks climb on hopes for Greece debt assistance

  Stephen Bernard, AP Business Writer

  9 Feb 2010 | 3:49 am

  Stocks surged Tuesday morning as hopes grow the European Union will help Greece with its growing debt burden.

• Union unhappy with convention center food deal

  Katie Johnston Chase, Globe Staff

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:49 pm

  The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority plans to bring in a new food and beverage provider to replace longtime vendor Aramark Corp., a move that is upsetting union officials who worry that the new company may not honor a hard-won labor agreement.

• A lot to prove

  Steven Syre, Globe Columnist

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:46 pm

  How big is CVS Caremark Corp., the pharmacy juggernaut from Rhode Island? The nation’s largest distributor of prescription drugs should generate over $100 billion in sales this year. CVS earned just over $1 billion in the latest quarter, more than the profits of the two largest public companies in Massachusetts combined. It filled or managed more than 1 billion prescriptions ...

• TechTarget profit revised, CFO resigns

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:57 pm

  TechTarget Inc. has finished an internal audit and reduced its third-quarter income by $967,000 to adjust for improper accounting. The Needham company’s chief financial officer, Eric Sockol, resigned. The investigation found certain customer credits were removed as liabilities from the balance sheet. In the quarter ended Sept. 30, TechTarget lost $1.4 million, or 3 cents per share, compared with a ...

• AD:

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:55 pm

• 
  chicagotribune.com - Business

• Zebra Technologies turns 4Q profit

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:52 am

• Morningstar buys Footnoted

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:44 am

• Rubicon Tech pares 4Q loss

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:18 am

• Record annual earnings for Stepan

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:14 am

• 37% in survey say they've dated a co-worker

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:03 am

• 
  L.A. Times - Business

• Stocks climb on hopes for Greece debt assistance

  10 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am

  NEW YORK -- Stocks surged Tuesday morning as hopes grow the European Union will help Greece with its growing debt burden.

• As Toyota recalls Prius and Lexus hybrids, U.S. officials caution car owners to monitor brakes

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:23 am

  Take care with potholes and bumps and leave extra room to stop, the highway safety agency advises. As owners await a recall notice, they should contact a dealer right away if a problem occurs. Reacting to Toyota's decision to recall 2010 Prius and Lexus hybrids, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Tuesday advised owners of the affected vehicles to contact a dealer immediately if they noticed a change in the performance of their brakes.

• Digital sales poised as game changer

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am

  A long-term trend is clear: Retail revenue from video games is declining, and online digital sales face rapid growth. The future of the video game business is playing out very differently on two sides of Los Angeles.

• Obama official 'very disturbed' by Anthem Blue Cross rate hikes

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am

  The insurer should give a 'detailed justification' for its plan to raise premiums on individual policies by as much as 39%, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says. California insurance regulators asked Anthem Blue Cross to delay controversial rate increases of as much as 39% for individual policies, hikes that have triggered widespread criticism from subscribers and brokers -- and now from the federal government.

• Toyota orders global Prius recall

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am

  The order targets a brake problem. The action follows the recall of 9 million other vehicles over acceleration issues. Toyota is recalling its 2010 Prius and Lexus hybrids worldwide because of brake problems, marking another setback for a carmaker already plagued with recalls and suspended sales because of safety issues.

• 
  Financial Times - US homepage

• Greek rescue hopes help bourses regain their poise

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:12 am

  Global Markets Overview: Euro rises on news as it emerges that Jean-Claude Trichet, ECB president, is returning from a banking summit to attend Thursday’s meeting of European leaders

• Sants quits as FSA chief executive

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:53 am

  Hector Sants has resigned as head of the Financial Services Authority, the City watchdog, in a dramatic move that throws the direction of financial regulation into question

• Coke gets lift from emerging markets

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:43 am

  Coca-Cola earned $1.54bn in the fourth quarter, up 55%, paced by strong revenues outside North America, particularly in Eurasia and Africa, and matching expectations

• UBS back in black but outflows double

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:53 am

  Swiss bank’s return to profit in the fourth quarter overshadowed by net outflows from its mainstream private banking business almost doubling to SFr33.2bn

• GM reveals €11bn Opel restructuring plan

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:26 am

  US carmaker reveals restructuring plan that would see it invest €11bn in its Opel business over five years while cutting jobs and capacity in a bid to become profitable by 2012

• 
  Reuters UK: Top News

• Toyota adds new Prius to global recall list

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:28 am

  TOKYO (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp said it is recalling nearly half a million of its flagship Prius and other hybrid cars for braking problems as it seeks to address criticism over the handling of its worst safety crisis.

• Security could add £160 million to London 2012

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:19 am

  LONDON (Reuters) - The cost of the London 2012 Olympics could rise by up to 180 million pounds, mainly because of security, but will remain within budget, organisers said on Tuesday.

• U.S. wants sanctions in weeks as Iran ups enrichment

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:26 am

  TEHRAN (Reuters) - The Pentagon said on Tuesday that the United States wanted a U.N. Security Council resolution "within weeks" to tackle Iran's nuclear programme as Iran said it had begun making higher-grade nuclear fuel.

• BBC paid top stars £229 million last year

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:51 am

  LONDON (Reuters) - The BBC revealed on Tuesday that it paid its top presenters 229 million pounds last year, in a move widely seen as an attempt to quell growing disquiet over the pay packets of its biggest stars.

• Ukraine's Tymoshenko girds to contest result

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:48 am

  KIEV (Reuters) - Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko launched action on Tuesday to call rival Viktor Yanukovich's election as president into question.

• 
  Hispanic Business Magazine

• Vincent Johnson, Devilfish579, Indicted for Threats to Hispanic Groups

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:45 am

  A man who went by the Internet pseudonym "Devilfish579" has been charged with threatening Hispanic groups in the United States in a series of hostile emails, the Justice Department said Monday....

• Risk-taking Has Retreated on a Global Scale

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:45 am

  ...

• Barroso Defends Euro in the Face of Greek Budget Crisis

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:45 am

  The president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, stressed Tuesday his faith in the euro, recently shaken by the financial crisis which hit Greece and threatens to spread to other eurozone members such as Portugal and Spain....

• AT&T to Cut 12,000 Jobs

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:45 am

  Telecom giant and Apple iPhone partner AT&T (NYSE:T) revealed on Thursday that it plans to cut about 12,000 jobs, or four percent of its workforce, through 2009. The layoffs are in response to a weaker economy and what the company called "a changing business mix." AT&T plans to start cutting jobs in December as part of a move to streamline its organizational structure....

• UBS Reports 1.12 Dollar Profit in 4Q

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:45 am

  The Swiss banking giant UBS reported a 1.205 billion franc (1.12 billion dollars) profit Tuesday for the fourth quarter of 2009 - even as client money outflows continued. UBS, which suffered massive losses and write downs during the financial crisis, said the profit, beating expectations, was in part due to lower costs, cuts to compensation and a tax credit....

• 
  Wikio - Finance

• How Greece hid its borrowing in the swaps market (FelixSalmon.com)

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:35 am

  Beat Balzli has an intriguing story at Spiegel saying that Greece has been hiding the true nature of its deficits and its debt using clever derivatives dreamed up by Goldman Sachs. I believe it, although the details are sparse: Greece's debt managers agreed a huge deal with the savvy bankers of US investment bank Goldman Sachs at the start of 2002. The deal involved so-called cross-currency swaps...Source : FelixSalmon.com (subscribe)

• FTC to investigate environmental marketing claims (Boston Globe)

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:20 am

  Source : Boston Globe (subscribe)

• Europe searches for way out of debt crisis (USA Today)

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:17 am

  The euro is under siege and the next few days will be crucial.Source : USA Today (subscribe)

• Dow Rises Above 10,000 (The Street)

  twocents@thestreet.com (Melinda Peer and Sung Moss)

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:38 am

  Stocks rebound Tuesday after the Dow on Monday closed below 10,000 for the first time in months.Source : The Street (subscribe)

• For the best credit card, bank or credit union? (Philadelphia Inquirer)

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:53 am

  You're fed up with your bank's credit card fees and terms. Would switching to a credit union bring any relief?Source : Philadelphia Inquirer (subscribe)

• 
  statesman.com - Business

• Make 2010 a year worth celebrating

  Kiran Guduru

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:32 am

  Welcome to a new year of Glossy. To mark our fifth anniversary, we've decided to shake things up and offer more features.

• Toyota to recall about 437,000 Priuses worldwide

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:13 am

  TOKYO — Toyota says it is recalling about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles worldwide to fix brake problems — the latest in a string of embarrassing safety lapses at the world’s largest automaker. In the U.S., Toyota will

• Toyota expected to recall 2010 Priuses, Japanese media say

  Kelly Olsen

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:42 pm

  Toyota said today that it is recalling 170,000 2010 Prius hybrid cars in Japan for braking problems and will soon disclose details of its global plans for a fix.

• HomeAway gets good grades, Web jolt from Super Bowl ad

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:26 pm

  Austin-based HomeAway Inc.'s Super Bowl ad didn't make any top 10 lists, but it won generally positive media reviews and delivered a traffic jolt to the company's Web site.

• Skyonic wins grant to help build carbon capture plant in San Antonio

  8 Feb 2010 | 6:57 pm

  AUSTIN Skyonic gets DOE grant for carbon capture plant in San Antonio Skyonic Corp. of Austin said it has won a $3 million grant for an industrial carbon capture plant as part of a federal economic stimulus program administered by the Department of Energy.

• 
  AllFinancialMatters

• My Perspective on the Deficit and “Spending Cuts”

  JLP

  4 Feb 2010 | 7:37 am

  According to an article I read in the WSJ the other day, the US is expected to run a $1.6 TRILLION deficit this year. President Obama has gone through the budget and supposedly cut $20 billion in spending. Okay, when you toss around a number like $20 billion, you might think, “Wow! That’s a lot of money.” Although it is a lot of money, I thought it would be cool to put this in perspective. So, I created a couple of graphics representing our deficit. The first one contains 1,600 squares. Each square represents $1 billion. Okay, now this second graphic represents the $1.6…

• Maybe They Should Just Stick to Cash

  JLP

  3 Feb 2010 | 7:23 am

  From a front page article in today’s WSJ (bold mine): Norfolk County, Mass., has only a small pension fund, but it is a big player in court. Two weeks ago, the fund joined with two others in a shareholder suit against drugstore chain CVS Caremark Corp., whose stock had fallen. It was the 12th time since 2006 the pension fund has gone to court after a stock it owned declined. Twelve lawsuits in 3 years? Obviously they don’t understand the risk involved in investing. Perhaps the pension members should sue the pension managers for failing to properly research the companies they…

• The Middle Class Will Face Tax Increases Too

  JLP

  2 Feb 2010 | 12:23 pm

  Don’t have time to discuss but thought this was an interesting piece by Terri Cullen: Backdoor Taxes to Hit Middle Class.

• What Are Your Thoughts On These Proposed 401(k) Changes?

  JLP

  2 Feb 2010 | 7:24 am

  Interesting article on Obama’s plans for retirement savings programs. I want to focus on the proposed changes for 401(k) plans (from the article). The proposed 401(k) Fair Disclosure and Pension Security Act, for example, would: • Require 401k plans to disclose fees on workers’ quarterly statements as a dollar figure taken from participants’ accounts. • Require service providers and plan administrators to disclose administrative, investment management and transaction, along with other fees. • Help workers understand their investment options by providing…

• JLP’s Thumb Saga Continues…

  JLP

  29 Jan 2010 | 12:37 pm

  As I wrote yesterday, I cut my thumb on December 22, 2009. I went to the minor care center, which is an EXTENSION of the hospital’s own emergency room—it’s just in a different location. I know, because I called the hospital and they told me so. When I arrived at the minor care center, I noticed a sign posted on the window that read something like, “Christus Minor Care Center will bill this visit as an emergency room visit…” Under my Aetna plan, emergency room visits are covered no matter the location. In fact, the Minor Care Center’s portion of the…

• 
  fivecentnickel.com

• New Home, New Expenses

  Laura

  9 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am

  After less than a month in our new home, we’re still adjusting to being home owners (or ‘home loaners’ as my husband likes to say). Among many other changes, we have some new expenses that we didn’t have as renters. Mortgage payments For example, our first mortgage payment is due in March. Along with our mortgage payment, we’re also putting money into an escrow account to cover our property tax bill and home insurance premiums. While we budgeted for it and anticipated paying these costs, it still feels odd to have our housing bills mapped out for the next 30…

• Lending Club Reduces Interest Rates for Borrowers

  Nickel

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:36 am

  This is just a quick note to say that Lending Club appears to have reduced interest rates for borrowers by around half a percentage point. I first noticed this when I logged in to select notes for investment last week, and have seen mention of it elsewhere on the web. Rates now range from a low of 6.39% for those with the best credit to high of 21.64% for the most risky borrowers. As an investor, I’m not crazy about this change, as I’ll earn a bit less while shouldering the same risk that I’ve always faced. Prospective Lending Club borrowers, on the other hand, should be…

• Save for Retirement With a Spousal IRA

  Guest Contributor

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:56 am

  This is a guest post from Adam Hagerman of Money Relationship. If you like what you see here, please consider subscribing to his RSS feed. If you’re like most people, you may think that retirement is so far away that it can be dealt with later. The reality is that it is never too early to begin planning for retirement, and there is no better day than today. But some of you out there may be wondering, “How can we adequately save for retirement when my spouse and I only have one income?” Well, you’re in luck, as there are some options available to help you meet your…

• How to Handle a Missing 1099 Form

  Nickel

  5 Feb 2010 | 7:53 am

  Have you received all your tax paperwork? Every year around this time I get questions from people who are missing a Form 1099 and aren’t sure what to do. In case you’re not familiar with the lingo, IRS Form 1099 is used to document various forms of income, including things like: Interest earned (1099-INT) Dividends received (1099-DIV) Cancellation of debt (1099-C) Government payments (1099-G) Proceeds from broker transactions (1099-B) Retirement distributions (1099-R) Miscellaneous income (1099-MISC) There are more, but I’ve hit the big ones above. When these forms are…

• Pursuing Financial Independence: Now What?

  Nickel

  5 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am

  Yesterday, Matt challenged readers to figure our their financial priorities. That post generated some interesting responses, including one in which a reader wondered: “Now what?” I’m at the “now what” stage. We have paid the car off, and a fat savings account. We do not plan to pay off the house because we want to move soon. Not sure that the house will sell for the amount we paid. 401(k) is funded. This is a great question. We spend a ton of time and energy focusing on getting out of debt, building an emergency fund, funding our retirement accounts, saving for college,…

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  pfblogs.org: The Ad-Free Personal Finance Blogs Aggregator

• 5 Most Expensive Pieces of Art

  The Big Picture

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:30 am

  Alberto Giacometti: L’Homme qui marche I $104.3 million  (sculpture) Pablo Picasso’s Parisian boy smoking a pipe (painting) 1994 for $104.1 million Picasso Dora Maar au chat $95.2 million in 2006 auction Gustav Klimt Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II $87.9 million Francis Bacon’s Triptych $86.3 million in 2008. Hat tip CNN/Money.com ...

• Tuesday FX Interest Rate Monitor

  Seeking Alpha

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:29 am

  Andrew Wilkinson submits: You can almost hear an audible sigh of relief echoing around risk managers’ desks and that tone is reflected by a positive market sentiment on hopes for a solution to the fiscal problems facing the government of Greece. Given the far more favorable tone to both equity and commodity prices on Tuesday, it seems that something is out of whack since bond prices have failed to decline. Yields have remained relatively unmoved, adding just a couple of basis points. That begs the question as to whether investors are expecting little more than a relief rally. Why sell…

• How I Maneuvered Through The Walmart Receipt Check Gauntlet

  Consumerist

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:28 am

  Jeff says he did what many dream about but few accomplish -- he kept his receipt hidden from Walmart snoops at the expense despite stiff resistance. He writes: Returning from a camping trip that was cut short due to bad weather, I was driving through Nashville the weekend they had the nasty weather. It was evident I needed new wiper blades so I asked Garmina (my trusty Garmin) the location of the nearest Walmart on my path home. It directed me to a location in north metro Nashville. I found 2 wiper blades and a gallon of washer fluid and... ...

• Earnings Preview: The New York Times Co.

  Seeking Alpha

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:28 am

  theflyonthewall.com submits: The New York Times Co. (NYT) is expected to report Q4 earnings before the market open on Wednesday, February 10 with a conference call scheduled for 11 am ET. GuidanceAnalysts are looking for a profit of 38c on revenue of $653.17M. The consensus range is 32c-43c for EPS, and revenue of $629.3M-$668.1M, according to First Call. In October, the company said visibility was limited for advertising in Q4, but that it had seen encouraging signs of improvement in the economy and in discussions with its advertisers. The company recently announced plans for a metered model…

• Goldman’s Trojan Greek currency swap

  Alphaville

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:25 am

  A curious game of Maastricht criteria hide-and-seekThe Spiegel is reporting that Goldman Sachs helped Greece cover up part of its whopping deficit. The deal was reportedly done via a currency swap,... ...

• 
  footnoted.org

• Morningstar acquires footnoted!

  Michelle Leder

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:50 am

  For the past 6 1/2 years, we’ve written frequently about various mergers and acquisitions. Today, we have some M&A news of our own: Morningstar (MORN) has acquired footnoted.org. You can download the official press release here, but I wanted to personally share with you why I’m so excited about this deal and why I think Morningstar, which is already well known for its independent research, is the perfect partner to help me continue growing footnoted. Whether you’re a longtime reader or a recent convert to footnoted, chances are that you appreciate the inherent value in…

• It’s time for raises and bonuses at KBW…

  Sonya Hubbard

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:50 am

  When a company files a document with the SEC at 5:10 on a Friday evening, it’s a little like waving a red cape at the footnoted staff and yelling, “Look at me!” (although, thankfully, there’s no blood and gore involved). At least, that was the metaphor that came to mind when we saw the 8-K that KBW, Inc., the parent company of full-service investment bank Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., filed late last Friday. It was a meaty filing in several ways, starting off with the announcement that its top five executives received cash bonuses totaling more than $6.35 million and 110,586…

• A Fashionable Start at Jones New York…

  Sonya Hubbard

  5 Feb 2010 | 8:24 am

  Yesterday, Jones New York (JNY) filed an 8-K that disclosed the terms of its new employment agreement with fashion wunderkind Richard Dickson. Next Monday, Dickson, who’s only 41, will become the President and CEO – Branded Businesses of the Company for Jones Apparel Group, Inc.  He’ll report to Wesley Card, who is giving up the title of President but will remain the company’s CEO. Dickson’s agreement, which runs through the end of 2012, states that he’ll earn a base salary “of not less than” $1,000,000 and get a sign-on bonus of $455,000.  So long as he stays through the…

• Shareholders, watch your language…

  Sonya Hubbard

  4 Feb 2010 | 7:38 am

  If you read enough SEC filings, you begin to recognize certain sections like they’re old friends.  You might think, “Oh!  There’s the section on Executive Compensation Discussion & Analysis!” or “Hi, Forward-Looking Statements.  How are the Risk Factors looking today?” But occasionally – perhaps rarely – something pops out that you’ve never noticed before. Such was the case when we read the proxy statement that vitamin and nutritional supplement producer NBTY, Inc. (NTY) filed recently.  At the top of page 10, a passage in the “Communications  to Directors”…

• Fresh Carrots at The Children’s Place…

  Sonya Hubbard

  3 Feb 2010 | 6:30 am

  It may be winter in much of the United States, but recently one executive at The Children’s Place (PLCE) received a bumper crop of reasons to stay with the company for another 14 months. The “carrots” in question come in the form of impressive “special bonuses” going to Susan J. Riley, the Company’s Vice President, Finance and Administration.  According to the 8-K that contains the details, the money is being paid “in recognition of her past contributions to the Company and in order to secure her future services to the Company.” Riley will receive $1,000,000 if she stays with…

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  The Kirk Report

• Weekender

  Charles E. Kirk

  7 Feb 2010 | 6:56 am

  A few links for your reading pleasure this weekend... Downtrend resistance & support for the S&P (Dshort) If the S&P closes below 1030 that we should begin talking about a bear market instead of a pullback (Vix&More) Friday looks like the beginning of a short-term bounce (DecisionPoint) Late day reversal, a bullish sign? (Benzinga) Here comes the next buying opportunity (DrDuru) Who dat gonna get dem bears? (StockCharts) A SPY Gartley Pattern (SlopeOfHope) Channeling the Dow (SingersMarket) Recovery days and short-term outlook (TradingTheOdds) One person's risk is another's opportunity…

• Harry Domash

  Charles E. Kirk

  5 Feb 2010 | 6:45 am

  Harry Domash from The Dividend Detective will be here at 12:PM EST to take our questions. To attend the session live (or read it later), please visit the following link: Strategy Session: Harry Domash Harry does a terrific job at his website & newsletter and if you've read our previous Q&A back in May of 2008, you know he offers a lot of helpful information. We sincerely hope you'll join us today for an hour of timely conversation and analysis.

• We're Not In Kansas Anymore!

  Charles E. Kirk

  4 Feb 2010 | 4:50 pm

  WoooWeee - that was ugly! Let's see if tomorrow breaks the upside trend to job report days. I have prepared a 10 minute video so please login to view.

• Stay Tuned

  Charles E. Kirk

  3 Feb 2010 | 5:03 pm

  Two days up is about all she could handle... While the news overall was ok, stocks just couldn't do much although buyers were lurking in big cap technology for a change ahead of "we always offer an optimistic outlook" Cisco Systems. The Russell, however, continued its streak of underperformance. Please login to read my after-hours report. Remember also that I'm now on twitter!

• Back To Back Gains

  Charles E. Kirk

  2 Feb 2010 | 4:28 pm

  That makes another +1% gain today lead by strength in the S&P and Dow: The past two days is the best two-day performance since early October. Rest assure, this is causing some to think we've seen yet another vicious bear trap. Please login to read my after-hours report.

• 
  TraderFeed

• Views and News for Tuesday

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:42 am

  * Ten timeless ideas in trading psychology;* What traders can learn from Ted Williams;* This sounds promising: a free seminar on reading the market tape;* What to expect when there is a breadth pullback in an uptrend;* Good look at indexes and their price channels;* End to the bond bull market and other good market views;* Speculation of a rescue lifts stocks in Greece and the euro;* Prospects for Greece and the role of the IMF;* China a buyer of commodity ETFs;* Markets overreacting to issues in Europe and China and overlooking economic strength;* Junk bond market pricing in a very low…

• Play Before You Work: A Key Peak Performance Principle

  8 Feb 2010 | 8:09 pm

  The recent post on the essence of greatness highlighted the importance of immersion in the learning process to maximize the benefits of structured practice. What we find among those on a trajectory to become elite performers is that they not only work hard; they become fully absorbed in their learning because they find it so intrinsically fascinating and challenging.If we look across performance fields, we find a common developmental course: before expert performers make their livings from their work, they undergo a lengthy period of skill development. We see this among athletes, surgeons,…

• The Essence of Greatness

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:23 am

  What makes for greatness in different fields of endeavor? What distinguishes those who are good at what they do from those that reach truly elite levels of performance?Here's an excellent article that highlights one of the important secrets of greatness: the role of practice and hard work.In my book Enhancing Trader Performance, I describe the achievement of Zohar Sharon, an accomplished golfer who is also blind. His coach, Ricardo Cordoba-Core, required Sharon to practice his swing for months before ever getting onto the golf course. Indeed, he placed a pole next to Sharon so that, if Sharon…

• Market and Trading Views to Start the Week

  7 Feb 2010 | 4:50 pm

  * What to do about micromanaging your trades;* Consumer credit contraction and many more valuable perspectives;* Why jobs numbers were worse than reported and lots more good reading;* A few questions I use to prepare for the trading day;* Worthwhile analysis of different commissions for trading the e-minis;* Excellent look at ETF performance for the week;* No panic yet; very nice view of market sentiment;* Worthwhile review of the market week;* Looking for a commodity boom;* Economic stimulus to continue..

• Indicator Update for February 7th

  7 Feb 2010 | 12:16 pm

  Last week's indicator review suggested that we were seeing an intermediate-term correction with weakening readings and bearish intermarket themes. That has continued to be the case over the past week, as we've retraced the market strength of 2009's fourth quarter.Technical strength, you will recall, is a proprietary measure of short-term trending (top chart). Note how all eight S&P 500 sectors that I track are in bearish trending mode, with surprisingly little variation among them. Notice also how the sectors, as a whole have been in a bearish mode for the past three trading weeks. This…

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  The StockMasters - Financial News, Stock Market Trading, the Best Stocks for the Savvy Investor

• Take-Two Ready for 'BioShock 2' Impact

  theStockMasters Staff

  8 Feb 2010 | 2:02 pm

  Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ:TTWO) needs a shot in the arm, and BioShock 2 may be the plasmid the stock needs to finally break back above the $10 range. The reviews are out for BioShock's second installment, and for the most part, they are impressive like a massive Big Daddy prototype going wild with a hulking rivet gun. read more

• Soda linked to Pancreatic Cancer (COKE, PEP)

  theStockMasters Staff

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:16 pm

  According to WebMD today, a new study finds that drinking as little as two soft drinks a week appears to nearly double the risk of getting pancreatic cancer. Will the study have any affect on PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE:PEP) or Coca-Cola ( NASDAQ:COKE) shares? read more

• Toyota: To Buy or Not to Buy (NYSE:TM)

  theStockMasters Staff

  8 Feb 2010 | 11:29 am

  Thinking you've found a bargain with Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM)? Problems galore are in high gear for Toyota and now the Prius drama is official to the tune of 300,000 recalls, what to do?  Let's not forget Scream Toyota: Here come the Shorts (TM) as short interest has picked up and the February $70 Put has over 11,700 open contracts -- can you really feel good about going long TM right now? read more

• Citigroup unloading the Family Truckster (NYSE:C)

  theStockMasters Staff

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:55 am

  Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) is said to be in talks to offload up to $3 billion in car loans as it tries to remove billions of dollars of troubled assets from its balance sheet. To entice buyers, Citigroup is also offering some deal financing, next thing you know they'll be selling the Family Truckster versus the Super Sports Wagon. read more

• Full Unedited Jon Stewart / Bill O'Reilly Interview (Video Included)

  theStockMasters Staff

  5 Feb 2010 | 3:43 pm

  Jon Stewart's appearance on the O'Reilly Factor is worth watching.  Its 42 minutes long and all praises go to therightscoop that posted its entirety on youtube.com so you don't have to mess around with FoxNews.com's crappy video player. read more

• 
  Random Roger

• Greece Is Too Small? Really?

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:20 am

  We all know much more about sovereign debt solvency than we did a couple of years ago. We now understand some of the dynamics of insuring sovereign debt, we know a lot more about the debt loads of numerous countries than we maybe ever even thought about previously. The most recent concern would seem to be Greece and of course the rest of the PIGS or PIIGS as some prefer to think of, that second I being Italy. The folks at Zero Hedge would also point us to the STUUPID countries as well.One line of thinking that I have read and heard repeatedly, getting back to Greece, is that it is too small…

• We Can Be Our Own Worst Enemy

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:14 am

  Last week Mike Shedlock made a comment in passing about people being economically and financially illiterate. Collectively we do not know as much as we should and maybe illiterate is the best word.We should all know how credit card interest works, know enough to only take out a mortgage we understand, know that we have to save money, have some idea what to do with those savings and that our bills should not add up to more than our income. Beyond that some understanding of macro economics to understand some of the basics of what has happened in the last couple of years would be nice and maybe…

• Sunday Morning Coffee

  7 Feb 2010 | 5:05 am

  Yesterday a reader left this link from DealBook about Burton Malkiel's thoughts on active management along with the other side of the discussion as observed by James Tierney from WP Stewart, and active manager running a very concentrated portfolio with an outstanding track record versus the market going back to the 1970s.You've heard the basics of Malkiel's argument before; no one can consistently pick winning stocks and no one can consistently time the market. In addition to the difficulty Malkiel also notes the problem of human emotions getting in the way. I imagine the argument in favor of…

• The Big Picture for the Week of February 7, 2010

  6 Feb 2010 | 5:23 am

  On the surface this may seem obvious which is ok to think but it speaks to a bigger point. I've talked before every portfolio being vulnerable to something or a few things. Ever since the low in March it seems that the things that have struggled the most in these various pullbacks have been foreign/emerging equities, certain types of materials stocks and commodity related products.The logic applied by the media is simple; with yields at zero, money is borrowed in USD and invested in foreign/emerging equities, certain types of materials stocks and commodity related products among other things…

• Europe Is Dicey

  5 Feb 2010 | 5:09 am

  Things escalated quickly yesterday. The Network was in all hands on deck mode as the world tries to figure out if Europe is going to go out of business and take the rest of the planet with it. The countries on the front burner these days are Greece and Portugal followed by Spain and if you listen to Bill Gross the UK.There is TV coverage and internet content dissecting every aspect of this as it certainly newsworthy and has a chance to be historic as the Iceland collapse was historic (don't take that as an attempt to predict magnitude).One idea that I've written about countless times in the…

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  Credit Slips

• Bankruptcies Maintain Similar Month-to-Month Rate in January

  Bob Lawless

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:54 pm

  The January bankruptcy filing basically held steady to December, according to the new bankruptcy statistics now available from Automated Access to Court Electronic Records (AACER). There were just over 102,000 total bankruptcies spread over the nineteen business days in January. That is a daily filing rate of 5,386, a rise of only 1.3% from December's daily filing rate of 5,319. For monthly bankruptcy filing rates, a 1.3% increase probably does not rise above the threshold of statistical noise.The January 2010 rate is a 20.6% year-over-year increase from January 2009. That may sound like…

• Monetary Policy and the Housing Bubble

  Adam Levitin

  5 Feb 2010 | 8:20 pm

  A popular explanation of the financial crisis lays the blame at the feet of the Federal Reserve for lax monetary policy.  In this story, the Fed dropped interest rates starting in 2001 and kept rates too low for too long.  Low rates induced an orgy of mortgage borrowing for leveraged home speculation.  It's a nice story.  Only problem is it doesn't really hold up under inspection.  Low rates in 2001-2003 did fuel an amazing mortgage refinancing boom, but not a purchase boom, and the boom was mainly in conventional fixed-rate mortgages, not the exotic products later years. …

• Sovereign CDS -- Random Thoughts

  Stephen Lubben

  3 Feb 2010 | 6:24 pm

  Lots of attention on Greece these days, but has anyone noticed that France's CDS has declined more on a percentage basis this year (from 32.05 to 53.40)? Even Germany has seen a bigger percentage decline (from 26.33 to 37.84). And Iceland has completely fallen off a cliff, closing today at 639.42. That's the fourth highest price for sovereign CDS, after only Argentina, Venezuela, and the Ukraine.Just saying, maybe we're a bit too focused on Greece . . .Meanwhile, it's been a bit since I've talked about California, but today its CDS was selling for 327, which means…

• FJC Posting for Bankruptcy Position

  Bob Lawless

  29 Jan 2010 | 1:02 pm

  The Research Division of the Federal Judicial Center has an opening for a senior research associate who has expertise in bankruptcy. The job posting is online, and it looked like something that might be of interest to some of our readers.

• Lehman, Synthetic CDOs, Sapphires, etc.

  Stephen Lubben

  28 Jan 2010 | 7:32 pm

  The Lehman bankruptcy court is out with a new decision that has the financial community somewhat miffed, since it removes one more piece of their mistaken belief that they don't have to understand or deal with the Bankruptcy Code. The decision will also lead to some interesting discussions with members of the English bench, who reached a contrary decision with regard to the same issue and parties. I'm extending an open invitation to all the judges to join me for coffee and bagels at my apartment on the UES to sort things out.I've represented the transaction in question, which…

• 
  The Big Money

• Apostles of Nihilism

  Eliot Spitzer

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:07 am

  Hope is a political commodity nowadays. And the Democrats can't seem to hold onto the stockpile they'd built last year. Slate's Eliot Spitzer tells us why the GOP is leading the way and how the president can take back the reins:  The sense of hope that swept in with President Obama has been supplanted by existential doubt: Can the nation ever address its critical structural crises in health care, financial services, energy, and education? For more on the political tug-of-war, click here. 

• Presented By:

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:50 am

• Inside Job

  Daniel Gross

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:50 am

  Investment bankers are among the least reflective of financial birds. They deal with the problem at hand without asking too many questions about how it got there. One of their favorite trills is, "It is what it is." So it's no surprise that On the Brink: Inside the Race to Stop the Collapse of the Global Financial System, the memoir of Henry Paulson, the avid bird-watcher and former Goldman Sachs (GS) chief executive who served as Treasury secretary for 30 turbulent months, doesn't contain much second-guessing or navel-gazing. "I'm a straightforward person. I like to…

• Stream Room Feb. 9, 2010: Things With Sex in the Title Do Well on Hulu

  Chadwick Matlin

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:33 am

  Things with sex in the title do well on Hulu. Strictly Sexual, a movie few had ever heard of, is routinely the most-watched film on Hulu. Emboldened by his success, the film’s creator is calling his next film, Porn Star: The Ugly Life of a Beautiful Girl. If this filmmaking thing doesn’t work out for him, I’m sure Huffington Post would let him write headlines. (NPR News) Cost of watching baseball online going in same direction as watching in stadium: Up. MLB.tv, sports’ premier Internet-video package, will cost $20 more than it did last season. But that extra $20 gets you guaranteed…

• Newspapers Fiddle as Mobile Content Burns

  Marion Maneker

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:29 am

  Clyde Bentley at the Reynolds Journalism Institute takes a practical approach to the migration of news from print to mobile devices by creating a timeline. He bases his scenario on Gartner Research's prediction that mobile devices will surpass computers as the entry point for news in just three years: Gartner extrapolated it from statistics showing that the installed base of PCs will reach 1.78 billion by 2013 but the number of smartphones and other browser-equipped phones will hit 1.82 billion and continue to grow faster than PCs into the future. As a journalist, I respond best to…

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  Money & Company

• 'How much am I down?'

  Tom Petruno

  8 Feb 2010 | 8:22 pm

  The U.S. stock market is nearing “correction” territory, meaning a decline of more than 10% in key indexes from their recent highs. That would be the first pullback of that magnitude since the market’s big rebound  began last March. The 10% mark, being a nice round number, may cause investors to ponder whether to join the selling, sit tight or buy more. The average New York Stock Exchange stock, as measured by the NYSE composite index, was down 9.9% through Monday, measured from its recent closing high on Jan. 11 through Monday. The last significant drop in the NYSE composite…

• Mr. Farmer goes to Washington: Black farmers march to rally support for restitution

  P.J. Huffstutter

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:54 pm

  What does it take for a farmer to get the federal government to make good on a promise – particularly if it’s the U.S. Department of Agriculture and it involves restitution for years of racial discrimination in rural America? Patience. A lot of patience. And when that runs out, rallying for some help from Congress and the White House. The current brouhaha dates to 1999, when the USDA reached a settlement with black farmers in a discrimination case that alleged that the agency had denied federal loans, disaster assistance and other aid to certain farmers because of the color of their…

• Import surge is projected for L.A. and Long Beach ports

  Nancy Rivera

  8 Feb 2010 | 12:52 pm

  The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will receive a stronger surge in imports than expected in the first half of 2010, rising as much as 28% over previous year levels, as the long-awaited economic recovery continues to gather strength, according to a report released Monday by the National Retail Federation. Overall, imports into the nation’s major container ports is expected to rise 25% during the first six months of the year, compared with the year-earlier period. The projection shows that at least some economists are expecting steady progress at a time when others are fretting over the…

• CalPERS-backed bill introduced to classify pension placement agents as lobbyists

  Marc Lifsher

  8 Feb 2010 | 12:30 pm

  Sales intermediaries who open doors at public pension funds for outside investment managers would have to register as government lobbyists under a bill introduced by Assemblyman Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina). The proposal is supported by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, state Treasurer Bill Lockyer and state Controller John Chiang. It's aimed at reducing the huge fees paid to so-called placement agents by making it illegal for middlemen to collect a commission based on a percentage of a successful investment commitment by CalPERS and other funds to a client.

• Prime jumbo loan delinquencies still rising, report shows

  Alex Lazo

  8 Feb 2010 | 12:14 pm

  People who hold jumbo loans on pricey U.S. properties continued to struggle in January as more Americans lose their jobs and property values have plummeted, according to a report released Monday. Jumbo loans were popular -- and often necessary to afford homes in pricey areas like Southern California -- during the heady years of the boom. Jumbo loans are generally defined as being above certain conforming limits set by mortgage titans Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. (The conforming limit for single-family homes was $417,000 from 2006 to 2008 but was increased temporarily by federal lawmakers in…

• 
  Fund My Mutual Fund

• Bloomberg:China Copper Imports to Halve

  TraderMark

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:30 am

  Notwithstanding the action today, which is prisoner to "dollar down, commodities up" (per HAL9000 programming) an interesting blurb overnight on copper via Bloomberg.  I was surprised how popular last week's post about a copper crash was [Feb 2, 2010: Trader Who Called 1996 Crash in Copper Says Prepare for Another - "Catastrophe" Awaits] and as the dollar strengthened, copper had a very bad week.  The Bloomberg piece continues on my multi year belief that commodity prices now have less and less to do with real supply and demand (economics 1010) and rely much more on China is…

• A Return to 2008 Trading - Guess the Bailout

  TraderMark

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am

  Much like 2008, and to a degree early 2009 where speculation about governmental, central bank interference into markets added a 4th dimension into what is an already difficult 3 dimensional puzzle, we're back at it again.  Futures are up smartly on "relief" that moral hazard reigns supreme and a new can will be kicked down the road. Greek and Portuguese government bonds rose as European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet’s early return from an Australian meeting stoked speculation that policy makers will announce assistance for Greece this week.   The advance pushed…

• WSJ: No Exit in Sight for US as Fannie (FNM), Freddie (FRE) Flail

  TraderMark

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am

  This is a nice overview story in the Wall Street Journal on what FanFredron (Fannie + Freddie + Enron) have become:  a governmental warehouse of losses to subsidize the US housing market.  Supposedly 2010 was going to be the year the long term future of these entities was supposed to be determined - i.e.(a) fully socialize these 2 as permanent money losing apparatus as to keep housing prices elevated and "help" home ownership rates [that's working out great] (b) keep them as pseudo public-private monsters who have the impliciat backstop of the US government [worked…

• US Bankruptcies Rise 7% Year over Year

  TraderMark

  8 Feb 2010 | 11:25 am

  Despite enjoying 2 full quarters of 'recovery', and coming off a hefty 5.7% GDP quarter - the reality is not so happy down on Main Street (business).  Keep in mind the year over year comparisons are versus the period of time (fall 2008/winter 2008-2009) when the recession was at its deepest, so to see continued "growth" in this area is certainly not a green shoot.  However, I am sure it can be explained away as all bad news is... let me think of an appropriate head in sand response.  Ah yes... let's throw this on the pile of "it's a lagging indicator". Via Reuters: U.S.

• Bookkeeping: Closing Priceline (PCLN) - Will Return

  TraderMark

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:21 am

  I am closing the last of Priceline (PCLN) for now; one of our longest held positions initiated last May.  The overall gain is about 90% but we have not done much with the name since summer 2009, so some of those gains were on a small amount of shares. I am very torn here as the leadership stocks such as Apple (AAPL), Visa (V), and Priceline (PCLN) all seem to be in weak condition, following the "high beta go to" names we outlined a few weeks ago (i.e. Google).  To me the above charts all look like nice entries for short positions - not longs. On the other hand things like…

• 
  JD Supra Securities Law

• SEC Issues Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations Regarding Proxy Disclosure Enhancements

  Miller & Martin PLLC

  8 Feb 2010 | 11:43 pm

  Contributor: Miller & Martin PLLC [View: Profile | Documents]

• Securities and Exchange Commission Issues Interpretive Guidance Document on Disclosure Obligations Related to Climate Change

  Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

  8 Feb 2010 | 11:14 pm

  Contributor: Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP [View: Profile | Documents]

• Securities & Exchange Commission Issues Climate Change Disclosure Guidance

  Dave Scriven-Young

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:36 pm

  Contributor: Dave Scriven-Young [View: Profile | Documents]

• SEC Announces Sweeping Changes to Encourage Individuals and Companies to Cooperate and Assist in Investigations

  Lane Powell PC

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:31 am

  Contributor: Lane Powell PC [View: Profile | Documents]

• The Future of Aiding and Abetting Liability

  Lane Powell PC

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:29 am

  Contributor: Lane Powell PC [View: Profile | Documents]

• 
  Everyday Finance

• Tax Time: Which Income Is Taxable and Which Isn't?

  8 Feb 2010 | 8:29 pm

  Straight from the IRS:While most income you receive is generally considered taxable, there are some situations when certain types of income are partially taxed or not taxed at all. To ensure taxpayers are familiar with the difference between taxable and non-taxable income, the Internal Revenue Service offers these common examples of items that are not included in your income: Adoption Expense Reimbursements for qualifying expenses Child support payments Gifts, bequests and inheritances Workers' compensation benefits Meals and Lodging for the convenience of your employer Compensatory Damages…

• Innovative Ways to Hedge your Portfolio in This Market

  4 Feb 2010 | 5:48 pm

  Last week, I unveiled in great detail the results of an incredibly innovative and effective (IMHO) way to hedge a portfolio and provide double-digit annualized gains in any market (fine print: so long as there is not a prolonged multi-month sustained one-way trend). Thursday's session was an excellent demonstration of what happens when you're using Darwin's paired short leveraged ETF strategy. In a down market day (S&P500 down 3%), the paired short pair portion actually gained $456. While this didn't completely offset the losses in the long portion of my portfolio, it's a nice contrasts…

• Best Of January 2010 - Great Way to Start a Year!

  2 Feb 2010 | 4:45 am

  January was a great month in many respects. I'm very excited to have finally revealed an incredible trading strategy whereby I short leveraged ETF pairs simultaneously and benefit from the gains due to value decay over time. It can be complex and risky, but it's delivering double digit, non-correlated gains which is every investor's dream. I launched a new blog dedicated solely to ETFs titled ETFBase. Why? For one, ETFs are Better than Mutual Funds and Stock-picking for most retail investors. I often write about ETFs here at Everyday Finance and Darwin's Finance, so I decided to launch a blog…

• Top 10 Finance Careers

  29 Jan 2010 | 6:10 pm

  In no particular order, here are ten finance-related career options that generally have at least tens of thousands of jobs in the workforce, that offer multiple career directions – government, retail level, corporate – and that have a compensation range which can be factored into achievable goals.Auditor: Accountants and auditors have virtually the same educational training. However auditors can find work in government agencies from municipal controller’s offices to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Your eventual goal is going to dictate the educational level and licensure…

• The Facts About Claiming Donations Made to Haiti

  28 Jan 2010 | 7:12 pm

  Straight from the IRS, Facts about Donations to Haiti:If you are donating to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti, you may be able to claim those donations on your 2009 tax return. Here are 10 important facts the Internal Revenue Service wants you to know about this special provision. A new law allows you to claim donations for Haitian relief on your 2009 tax return, which you will be filing this year. The contributions must be made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti. To be eligible for a deduction on the 2009 tax return,…

• 
  BloggingStocks.com

• Traders Are Net Short the Euro by $8 billion

  Connie Madon

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:40 am

  Filed under: International Markets, Market Matters, OptionsDuring a crisis, never mind what the media or government officials are saying, follow the money. The Mercantile Exchange (CME) posts open contracts for each currency traded -- both long and short positions. By subtracting them you can get a sense of whether traders are net long or short. In the case of the euro, traders are net short 40,000 contracts or nearly $8 billion. Meanwhile, officials of struggling countries, Greece, Spain and Portugal are telling the media that they have things under control. Elena Salgado, Spanish finance…

• Kenneth Feinberg Tries Desperately to Stay Relevant

  Zac Bissonnette

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:20 am

  Filed under: Management, Goldman Sachs Group (GS)If you were to calculate a headlines/efficacy ratio for government and corporate leaders, executive pay czar Kenneth Feinberg would have to rank pretty high on the "most press for least accomplished" list. Now that Bank of America (BAC) and Citigroup (C) are out from the somewhat watchful eye of Mr. Feinberg, he has only American International Group (AIG), the car companies, and GMAC to meddle with at little benefit to anyone. So what does he do to keep himself occupied? He chats on the phone with Goldman Sachs (GS) CEO Lloyd Blankfein about…

• Commodities, Markets Turn Higher on Rumors of Greek Bailout

  Connie Madon

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am

  Filed under: International Markets, Rumors, Market Matters, Commodities, OilIt sometimes is a small, unpredicted event that moves markets. Today it was Jean-Claude Trichet, the president of the European Central Bank. He unexpectedly left a meeting in Australia to attend special meeting of European leaders to address the region's economy. That was the trigger that shot off a turnaround in world markets. Stocks and commodities are trading higher in anticipation that the Greek sovereign debt problem will be dealt with. The U.S. market, just opened, did it with a bang as the Dow industrials more…

• AMR Finds New Way to Nickel and Dime You

  Tom Johansmeyer

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:40 am

  Filed under: Bed Bath and Beyond (BBBY), AMR Corp (AMR)American Airlines (AMR) has become about as low-rent as one could imagine. I can stomach paying to check bags and for snacks. To me, it makes sense, as they provide important revenue streams and strike me as products and services for which it's possible to charge with little disruption to the passenger experience. But, as of May 1, 2010, the airline will be charging $8 for a blanket and inflatable neck pillow on flights lasting more than two hours - including flights to Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. But, for…

• CIT Group to Repay 'High-Cost' Debt

  Mark Fightmaster

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:20 am

  Filed under: CIT Group (CIT)Late Monday, the Board of Directors at CIT Group (CIT) announced that it plans to repay $750 million of what it terms "high-cost" debt. The first part of this payment will be made Tuesday, totaling $750 million of its $7.5 billion first lien credit facility. The repayment will come on a pro rata basis among the outstanding tranches, and it will be subject to a 2% payment premium. The company will prepay this debt from its available company cash, which is more than $5 billion.Continue reading CIT Group to Repay 'High-Cost' DebtCIT Group to Repay 'High-Cost' Debt…

• 
  AOL: Stocks

• Stocks climb on hopes for Greece debt assistance

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks are higher as hopes grow that the European Union will help Greece with its growing debt burden.

• Stock futures climb ahead of opening

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  NEW YORK (AP) - Stock futures are pointing to a higher open Tuesday as hopes grow that the European Union will help Greece with its growing debt burden.

• Dow closes below 10,000 for first time in 3 months

  7 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  AP Photo NYBZ162, ATH202< ContentType:Spot Development; ContentElement:FastStory; Breaking:True; ^By TIM PARADIS= ^AP Business Writer=

• Regulation, unemployment and Europe spook Wall Street

  5 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  NEW YORK (AP) - Although banking regulation and the unemployment rate are weighing down the stock market, investors are also concerned that European governments will have trouble controlling their massive deficits.

• Stocks slide on mixed jobs report, debt worries

  4 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  AP Photo NYBM101, NYBM102< ContentType:Spot Development; ContentElement:FastStory; Breaking:True; ^By STEPHEN BERNARD= ^AP Business Writer=

• 
  The investment blog

• Coca Cola brings off a great save! | Advantage Lifestyle

  zyakaira

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:44 am

  Coke reported its fourth quarter today, and sales continued to dip in North Americas, down 1% in the nearly $2 billion US Markets. Coke reported Sales of $7.51 billion, with full year profit growing 17% to $6.82 billion or $2.93 per share on marginally lower sales of $31 billion. Coca Cola Zero reported double digit growth [...]Score: 0.0 (0 votes cast)

• Meanwhile, China was buying Coke | Advantage Research

  zyakaira

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:56 am

  ShareChina’s sovereign Fund was working at increasing its presence in US companies and markets of choice this fortnight. While news was busy covering the overrun on debt and Volcker’s single defiant stand in front of the Senate Committee, Toyota and Amazon were recovering from market and competitive actions, and Banks were in the ‘quiet period’, [...]Score: 0.0 (0 votes cast)

• New Owners for Manhattan Real Estate | NY Times

  zyakaira

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:36 am

  Manhattan has become cheaper since it rained stones in Washington and even as the Senate Banking Committee keeps Blankfein and Volcker busy, the first defaulters in the crisis, the real estate guys are out in a leather hunt for continuing bargains. It looks as if documentation on the affluent Manhattan real esttae is in order [...]Score: 0.0 (0 votes cast)

• The Global Recall Industry | Advantage zyaada

  zyakaira

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:32 am

  GM’s US bailout and low scores for Dodge Chrysler in the Superbowl inevitably continue the US automakers agenda silently, even as Toyota returned with Prius after the repair work on the damaged brand hasd just started. Even if it starts production by the first week of March, it would have lost 6 weeks of sales [...]Score: 0.0 (0 votes cast)

• Bank Results: Since the Dollar caught up?

  zyakaira

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:18 am

  UBS reported greater profits because of cost controls in the final quarter. However, it also reported 56.5 billion Francs in Outflows of funds from the bank and with the Franc caught up to near ‘parity’ with the US $, things ar eindeed looking bleak for the bank. With Germans out on a mission to buy [...]Score: 0.0 (0 votes cast)

• 
  Forexpros

• Trichet departs Sydney in a hurry

  9 Feb 2010 | 2:10 pm

• USD/JPY Visual Trading Update

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:40 pm

• EUR/USD Visual Trading Update

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:37 pm

• AUD/USD Visual Trading Update

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:33 pm

• GBPUSD Technical Analysis

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:23 pm

• 
  MoneyRates Blog

• Bank Rates Feel the Stock Market’s Pain

  Richard Barrington

  8 Feb 2010 | 6:02 am

  The U.S. stock market posted its fourth consecutive weekly decline last week, and the volatility of stocks seems to be accelerating. Take your pick of possible causes: continued foreclosures, a weak job market, sovereign debt worries, or simple overvaluation. Most likely, all of the above and more have played a hand in the stock market’s [...]

• Senior Citizens the Most Important Demographic for Bank Deposit Rates

  Andrew Freiburghouse

  4 Feb 2010 | 11:45 am

  When speaking of the banking system and bank rates, we often forget that this system is comprised not only of buildings, computers, and money, but of people. One vivid illustration of this fact is to ponder the role that American senior citizens may increasingly play in the interest rates paid for CDs, money market accounts, [...]

• Most Bank Rates Are On the Losing End of a Steep Yield Curve

  Richard Barrington

  3 Feb 2010 | 5:44 am

  The yield curve, which is a line plotting the yields of income securities from short-term to long-term, is steeper than it has been since the 1990s. Unfortunately, most bank rates are on the wrong end of that curve, and this represents yet another way that depositors are paying for the recovery of the banking sector. Short-term [...]

• Savings Accounts Still a Vital Part of Every Financial Plan

  Andrew Freiburghouse

  2 Feb 2010 | 9:58 pm

  Once you start to acquire money, people who manage money tend to start appearing. Financial advisors who can guide you in the ways of stocks, bonds, and maybe even real estate. Once you’re savvy to those options, having money in a savings account can come to seem rather boring. Finding a high interest savings account online [...]

• Hang Onto Your Bank Rates — It Could be a Bumpy Ride for Stocks

  Richard Barrington

  1 Feb 2010 | 6:07 am

  Frustrated with low bank rates? Understandable, but as you think about alternatives, take a careful look at recent signs that the stock market might be in for another dive. If so, it could make those meager bank rates look like a real bargain. Last year saw a tremendous recovery for the stock market, after the steep [...]

• 
  SmartMoney.com

• Moto Is Getting Its Mojo Back

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  If Motorola spins off its cellphone unit, its stock could rally 40%.

• 15 Award-Winning Funds: An Overview (Magazine Cover)

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  It's been a rough few years, but some managers delivered double-digit returns.

• Is a Rescue at Hand for Greece? (Market Update)

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING: Trichet's early return to Europe prompts speculation of a deal.

• Award-Winning Funds: U.S. Large-Cap (Magazine Cover)

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  These three low-fee funds stand out for consistently beating the S&P 500.

• Organic Economics: The Budget Version (Deal of the Day)

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  Organic markets have been cutting prices. Should you buy?

• 
  New Rules of Investing

• The Web’s Best Stock Screens: Looking for the next winning investment

  9 Feb 2010 | 3:58 am

  Stock screens allow investors to sort through lots of different stocks in search for only the ones that fit certain criteria.  Investors looking for the next stock pick for their portfolios can use basic screening tools, available at both Yahoo! Finance and Google Finance. MSN recently retired its highly-regarded stock screening tools, leaving what’s freely available somewhat lacking. Screening 2.0, something I like to discuss on the site, provides the same outcomes but incorporates more algorithmic know-how, some artificial intelligence (how do you deal with an infinite P/E one…

• Superbowl team: online finance’s best

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:48 am

  In the wake of the big commercial fest Super Bowl yesterday (wait, there was a game yesterday??), I thought it would be interesting to put together a team of the Web’s best financial analysts, talking heads, and pundits.  An all star team of sorts for online finance. Offense Quarterback: The Big Picture, Barry Ritholtz.  Barry’s the go-to guy, calling the shots — the plays, as you will — of what’s happening as it’s happening.  With the eye of an on-field general, Barry’s commentary pulls no punches and provides a certain vision. Wide receiver: Zero…

• Study shows (again) that mutual fund hot hands quickly cool

  7 Feb 2010 | 7:08 am

  As if we needed another study to spell this out, S&P published a recent study (.pdf) that undermines the hot money chasing performance in the mutual fund industry.  The study shows that very few funds demonstrate persistence — the ability of asset managers to consistently achieve top-quartile or top-half performance. The amazing take-away from the study: Over the five years ending September 2009, only 4.27% large-cap funds, 3.98% mid-cap funds, and 9.13% small-cap funds maintained a top-half ranking over the five consecutive 12-month periods. No large- or mid-cap funds, and only…

• ETFs, overindexing and the power of financial brands

  7 Feb 2010 | 6:33 am

  Just doing some thinking about the growth and future of the ETF industry: In my eyes, ETFs began as a second-generation of mutual funds with the following characteristics: Passively managed: ETFs were passively managed (though that’s changing), building upon Jack Bogle’s success at Vanguard.  Most research at the time clung to the Efficient Market Hypothesis and academics declared that trying to beat the markets was a fool’s game.  ETFs were this vehicle. Cheap: They were cheap.  If theory shows that you can’t pick stocks and win the game that way, better to index…

• Investment newsletters REALLY bearish — time to buy?

  4 Feb 2010 | 6:30 am

  Wow! Expectations that U.S. stocks will drop at least 10% has risen to the highest levels since April 1984. In a recent survey of investment newsletters by Investors Intelligence, Bloomberg reports that: The following are results from Investors Intelligence’s analysis of investment newsletters for Jan. 27 through yesterday. The company determines the proportion of writers who are bullish and bearish on U.S. stocks, as well as the percentage who anticipate a correction, or 10 percent decline, in the market. This Week Prior Week Comments Bullish 38.9% 40.0% Lowest since July 21 Bearish 22.2%…

• 
  TradePub: Finance

• Boomer Market Advisor

  4 Feb 2010 | 7:50 pm

  From mutual funds to variable annuities, fixed annuities, variable life insurance or long-term care and estate planning, Boomer Market Advisor offers advisors strategies specifically tailored to the boomer generation. Each issue features case studies, marketing tips, and product updates to help make you and your practice more successful.Request Free!

• CFO & Controller Alert

  4 Feb 2010 | 2:50 pm

  Qualify for Your Risk-Free Trial Issues Now! Try two issues of CFO & Controller Alert – Risk Free! The twice monthly, eight-page newsletter is packed with news on the latest financial and tax regulations, tips on streamlining finance departments and real-life examples of what's working and what's not in companies around the country. In every issue, top financial experts tackle topics such as managing company growth, staff training, cash management, staying in compliance, and keeping up with the latest technologies. Subscribe to CFO & Controller Alert and you'll receive two risk-free…

• Insurance Sales e-Newsletter for Agents

  3 Feb 2010 | 2:20 pm

  All Web Leads is offering this complimentary newsletter to agents who join the lead program. They offer top quality insurance leads to producers looking to grow their business. And as a special offer to new customers: they'll match your first purchase of leads – up to $200 in FREE lead credits. That's like getting 50% off! Don't delay – this offer expires 3/31/10.The All Web Leads Difference:Search-Generated LeadsCustom-Targeted FiltersNo Minimums or CommitmentsFree Phone Support24/7 Account AccessReal-Time DeliveryCreate an account today to receive your free issue of The Leading Edge…

• The Exploding Consumer Market for Insurance Online

  3 Feb 2010 | 2:20 pm

  All Web Leads is offering this complimentary report to agents who join the lead program. They offer top quality insurance leads to producers looking to grow their business. And as a special offer to new customers: they'll match your first purchase of leads – up to $200 in FREE lead credits. That's like getting 50% off! Don't delay – this offer expires 3/31/10.The All Web Leads Difference:Search-Generated LeadsCustom-Targeted FiltersNo Minimums or CommitmentsFree Phone Support24/7 Account AccessReal-Time DeliveryCreate an account today to receive your complimentary report using the…

• Transform the way your business operates with a document imaging system

  2 Feb 2010 | 3:50 pm

  Receive this FREE "Document Imaging Systems" Buyer's Guide along with complimentary, no obligation price quotes (via phone and email) from multiple quality & independent Document Imaging Systems providers.This Document Imaging Systems Buyer's Guide covers both document imaging systems and document management software. The essential difference is that document imaging systems include tools to help you convert paper records into electronic files, while document management software is used to manage your electronic files. Almost all suppliers in this arena offer both types of systems.Request…

• 
  The Daily Bail

• CDO Specials: AIG, Goldman Sachs & Societe Generale

  DailyBail

  9 Feb 2010 | 12:55 am

  A pair of important new articles. By David Fiderer Did Societe Generale ever view its $1.2 billion investment in Adirondack 2005-2 as a buy-and-hold proposition? Or was the bank's original intention to offload the risk on to AIG? The answer is central to our understanding of the portfolio of collateralized debt obligations, or CDOs, that wiped out the insurance behemoth. The circumstances of SG's, and other banks' holdings, suggest that CDO market was a Potemkin's Village, a facade constructed to give the illusion of economic substance to a series of sham transactions. That's why you have to…

• Are You Sure This The English Language: Sarah Palin's Clumsy Answer On Energy (VIDEO)

  DailyBail

  8 Feb 2010 | 11:57 pm

  Yesterday we ripped Pelosi for fumbling to find the politically correct answer on race.  So it's only fair today that we demonstrate the extreme intelligence of the exalted Sarah.  And energy is supposed to be her strongest issue.  This is why Sarah Palin is kept away from candid Q&A sessions. Two bonus Palin clips added. See also: Check out Sarah Palin, Bailout Socialist  >> Bonus Video:  2 people in over their heads -- Sarah Palin and Jeff 'The Dude' Lebowski. Video:  Sarah Palin in 1995 interviewed after Todd's snowmobile victory.    …

• Peter Schiff On Bernanke, Deficits, Debt Limit & The Dollar

  DailyBail

  8 Feb 2010 | 11:19 pm

  Video:  Recent update from Peter Schiff -- Feb. 2, 2010 Video:  Peter Schiff needs our help -- January 17, 2010 Check outSchiff for Senate  >>    

• Catching Up With Taleb: "Every Single Human Being" Should Short US Treasuries (VIDEO)

  DailyBail

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:50 pm

  Video:  Nassim Taleb and Hugh Hendry (Moscow last week) offer their investment outlook for 2010. Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of “The Black Swan,” said “every single human being” should bet U.S. Treasury bonds will decline, citing the policies of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke and the Obama administration. It’s “a no brainer” to sell short Treasuries, Taleb, a principal at Universa Investments LP in Santa Monica, California, said at a conference in Moscow today. “Every single human being should have that trade.”…

• SIGTARP Barofsky's Latest Bailout Assessment (VIDEO)

  DailyBail

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:25 pm

  Video:  TARP Neil Barofsky discusses his latest report -- Feb. 2, 2010 Check out the SIGTARP page and view all reports  >> Summary: But Barofsky warned that in his view, little had changed to head off another financial crisis: • “To the extent that huge, interconnected, ‘too big to fail’ institutions contributed to the crisis, those institutions are now even larger, in part because of the substantial subsidies provided by TARP and other bailout programs.” •” To the extent that institutions were previously incentivized to take reckless…

• 
  Taking Charge: CreditCards.com

• Oregon Trail reaches the Rich Life Carnival

  My long journey on the Oregon Trail -- which was really just me ordering computer parts, getting my card information stolen and blogging about -- continues to roll on. The post was included in the 45th edition of the Rich Life Carnival.

• Emily's list: Super Bowl edition

  In this week's Super Bowl-themed round-up, read about some of the very best credit card- and debt-related posts in the blogosphere from the past week.

• When plastic and pigskin collide: 9 credit card Super Bowl ads

  Are you ready for Super Bowl XLIV? You may have the big screen TV, snacks and beer on hand, but you aren't truly ready for Sunday's football game until you're prepared for the commercials. While any credit card industry ads aren't likely to generate as much controversy as those starring a Mr. Tim Tebow, for example, if commercials from past Super Bowls are any guide, the latest crop of credit card commercials could still get viewers talking.

• Identity theft on the Oregon Trail

  For the first time ever, my identity was stolen. And all I was doing was shopping with a small dog. Well, more accurately, shopping on a Web site named after a small dog.

• Charity rewards blog included in the Carnival of Personal Finance

  Last week's blog about the pros and cons of redeeming credit card reward points to donate to the American Red Cross for Haiti earthquake relief efforts was included in the 242nd edition of the Carnival of Personal Finance. Blog carnivals rotate...

• 
  MoneyWeek

• Why we should judge economies as we do hedge funds

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:49 am

  If a hedge fund claimed a rise of 0.1% a 'success' after suffering massive falls the previous year, it would be laughed out of Mayfair. It's time we judged politicians by the same measures.

• Get ready for the next phase of the house price crash

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:47 am

  Massive public debt and the rising cost of credit mean asset prices are set to tumble. And nowhere is this more true than in the property market. John Stepek explains why.

• One clean energy stock to buy now

  9 Feb 2010 | 1:42 am

  Technological improvements and government stimulus money have given geothermal energy a boost in the US. Here, David Fessler picks one stock that stands out from the rest of the sector.

• Why US job claims matter to UK stock prices

  8 Feb 2010 | 6:46 am

  What caused last week’s FTSE panic? Greece took most of the blame, but you might be better watching the state of the US jobs market. It’s actually a pretty handy guide to the direction of the UK stock market. David Stevenson explains.

• Forget Greece - the real debt crisis is still to come

  8 Feb 2010 | 2:30 am

  Fears over US unemployment and Greece's debt problems have been blamed for the recent slump in markets. But there's far more to worry about, says David Stevenson.

• 
  Research Recap

• Research Recap Twitter Update Highlights

  Angus Robertson

  8 Feb 2010 | 2:51 pm

  Google, Apple gain smartphone share at expense of Palm, RIM and Microsoft (comScore) TALF losses from CMBS could exceed $500m for US Treasury in the worst case scenario (GAO via FT Alphaville) Assets of the largest 1,000 banks in the world grew by 6.8% in FY 2008/2009 to a record $96.4 trillion (IFSL) Hulu Surpasses 1 Billion Monthly Video Streams for First Time (comScore) Toyota still has great strengths, not least financial, but it has lost something precious and may never get it back (The Economist) “Whether Bank of America’s conduct rises to the level of fraud, rather than…

• S&P says European CMBS market remains under severe stress, downgrades 43 more tranches

  Angus Robertson

  8 Feb 2010 | 2:42 pm

  Standard & Poor’s today lowered its credit ratings on 43 European commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) tranches and affirmed 19 ratings. “The rating changes result from our assessment of the effect on these transactions of the unprecedented events in European real estate, including drops in property values in some markets that have exceeded those of the 1930s.” “The difficulties for European banks and their real estate exposure have contributed to a shortage of real estate debt capital and we believe this could endure for a substantial period of time.

• Recall Recap: Hyundai Piles on Toyota in Superbowl Ads

  Angus Robertson

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:00 pm

  We’ve been writing about Hyundai Motor Company’s rising fortunes since October, but it just keeps getting better for the Korean automaker. Hyundai’s recent “best warranty” ad campaign turns out to remarkably prescient in view of Toyota’s recall problems.  And Hyundai’s heavy advertising presence in the Superbowl for the third straight year could not have come at a more opportune time. As Jim Henry notes, It didn’t take much “thinking about it” to realize that intentional or not, the Hyundai Super Bowl ad was a terrific razzing of Toyota.

• US Prime Jumbo RMBS delinquency rate could top 10% as early as next month

  Angus Robertson

  8 Feb 2010 | 10:07 am

  U.S. prime jumbo loan performance continued to weaken in January as serious delinquencies rose for the 32nd consecutive month, according to Fitch Ratings. Although prime jumbo loan delinquencies began to rise in the second quarter of 2007, they accelerated in 2009 nearly tripling over the course of the year. Florida saw the biggest monthly jump of the five states with the highest volume of jumbo loans outstanding. The new year has brought no relief from declining jumbo loan performance. The trend line for delinquencies indicates the 10% level could be reached as early as next month. –…

• Outlook improving for hedge funds, but uncertainty remains

  Angus Robertson

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:14 am

  Moody’s says the hedge fund industry is showing signs of a recovery from the crisis and this is likely to continue in the near term. In a new Industry Outlook for 2010 available for complimentary download the rating agency says that the positive trends merit a degree of caution, especially as a number of individual failures occurred during the crisis and some funds are still dealing with the aftermath. Moody’s believes the industry as a whole is successfully adapting to the new market conditions and is recovering as performance improves and investors begin making allocations to…

• 
  Internet Marketing Hot Tips

• Best paying programs

  7 Feb 2010 | 4:51 pm

  My new blog >> http://bestpayingprograms2010.blogspot.com/ I just created a blog with the banners of my best paying programs after my due dilligence. When I hear that a program is not doing well, it... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

• Themco Co-operative And Liberatorone Update, PRIVATE, Closed

  7 Feb 2010 | 3:13 pm

  ANNOUNCEMENT BY TERRY GILDER / THEMCO >>> ALL OF YOU WHO ADVERTISED THIS PROJECT, NOW DELETE ASAP ON ALL YOUR FORUMS, NEWSLETTERS ETC AND THEN STOP NO MORE POSTS - SILENCE WE DO NOT... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

• Links for 2010-02-06 [Digg]

  7 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am

  The THEMCO Co-operative by Terry Gilder ATTENTION: The THEMCO Co-operative by Terry Gilder>>> "On Saturday 6th February at 1200 hours GMT we will open the joining facility on the THEMCO Co-Operative website for just 24 hours, closing it again at 1200 hours GMT on Sunday 7thFebruary. This your last chance to enter into the LibeberatorOne Projcect. After 7th of February i

• $250k+ payout game where everyone wins!

  2 Feb 2010 | 6:13 pm

  I would like to show you a Private Financial Prosperity GameI'm in, it has already paid established members as much as$250,000 and is where everybody wins if they play. It already has a proven 3... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

• Links for 2010-01-23 [Digg]

  24 Jan 2010 | 12:00 am

  The THEMCO Co-operative by Terry Gilder We are proud to introduce to our readers - TeamTHEMCO, the THEMCO Co-operative.The THEMCO Co-operative is free to join in the first instance, so register as soon as you can, to secure a shareholding and assist with the first 10,000 recruitment drive and see the benefits that await you. $250k+ payout game where everyone wins! I'd like to show you a Private Financial Prosperity Game I'm in, it has already paid established members as much as $250,000 and is where everybody wins if they play. It already has a proven 3 year history so far and is legally…

• 
  market folly

• Woodbine Focused On Dispersion Between Emerging & Industrialized Worlds

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:01 am

  Earlier this morning, we posted up five investment themes in Woodbine Capital's portfolio. Next, we're taking a look at this global macro hedge fund's outlook. As the title notes, their portfolio has been focused on the dispersion between the emerging and industrialized worlds.Macro TakeawaysWe wanted to quickly compile some of Woodbine's prudent macro takeaways from their December 2009 investor letter. Woodbine notes that current market sentiment is targeting a US-driven global expansion and they see this as unlikely. They highlight the fact that the discrepancy between developed markets and…

• Hedge Fund Woodbine Capital's Five Current Investment Themes

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:01 am

  Josh Berkowitz and Marcel Kasumovich founded Woodbine Capital, a global macro hedge fund in January of last year after leaving George Soros' hedge fund firm Soros Fund Management. Previously, we'd seen Woodbine's thoughts on the often talked about precious metal in their commentary, Gold: The Anti-Goldilocks. In their recent December 2009 letter to investors, we got a glimpse at five current investment themes that Woodbine is playing in its portfolio.1. Exit strategies from monetary policies: In order to play this, they are long fixed income and long exchange rates in regions that have seen…

• Galleon Group's Raj Rajaratnam: Interview From 1997

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:55 am

  We recently stumbled across an intriguing interview from HedgeFundNews with Galleon Group hedge fund manager and accused inside-trader Raj Rajaratnam from over a decade ago in 1997. This interview becomes all the more interesting when you look back at it with the bias that is prevalent now.We've covered Galleon Group's demise as we posted back when Rajaratnam was charged and announced he was winding down the funds. Given all that has taken place, let's take a spin in the old time machine and head back to 1997 where Rajaratnam was interviewed a mere three months after founding Galleon (all…

• Technical Analysis Weekly Watchlist

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:50 am

  We haven't posted the OptionAddict's technical analysis weekly watchlist of stocks and charts to watch for some near-term swing trading setups in a while, so here's the latest edition.Embedded below is the video:Past technical analysis posts include the Nasdaq breaking a major trend line and how you can watch Apple (AAPL) and the market generals for tells.

• Bill Ackman & Pershing Square's Kraft Presentation (KFT)

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:05 am

  We recently covered that Bill Ackman's hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management had a new largest holding: Kraft (KFT). While Ackman gave us some insight as to his rationale for owning KFT in his recent interview, we now have a more detailed look into Pershing's bullishness. Ackman gave the presentation below last week at the Boys and Girls Harbor Investment Conference. (This morning, we posted up some other investment presentations from the event as well).Pershing bought shares of KFT before its acquisition of Cadbury (CBY). They believe this is a solid acquisition at a fair price that…

• 
  Tamela Rich

• Oriental Rugs & Business Writing

  Tamela Rich

  9 Feb 2010 | 3:03 am

  True story: I was once written up for using college level vocabulary on the job. Yes, it was in a written performance evaluation. No, I was not writing for a living at the time; was running a line of business. You might not guess that my employer was a bank, where most workers had some college and many had MBAs. Go figure. Just one of the reasons I’m forever freelance. There’s a place for arabesques in writing — that place is usually literature or narrative nonfiction. When I write for business I’ve learned to use them sparingly (or link to the definition!). Business…

• An Effective Apology

  Tamela Rich

  4 Feb 2010 | 5:04 am

  I remember when my elder son was about four or five and learning to say all the wrong things. One day he stomped into my room, ranting a string of expletives about his brother. He stopped mid rant, clapped his hand to his mouth, looked me in the eye and said “I’m sorry, Mom, my mouth was on fire.” It’s hard to keep a straight face in situations like that. Today’s agitated world creates situations ripe for effective apologies — from public officials and CEOs, to neighbors and family members — yet we too often find ourselves at a loss for how to give…

• Social Media Regulations for the Financial Industry (finally)

  Tamela Rich

  2 Feb 2010 | 3:01 am

  Last week FINRA issued Regulatory Notice 10-06 to finally address how those it regulates can participate in social media. Anyone regulated by FINRA already knows this, and I’ve got nothing new to say about the notice. I do have some questions about linkedFA, a new service that purports to comply with FINRA’s guidelines. This part of the standard seems to be the most onerous for services like LinkedIn, Facebook and the rest to comply with: Every firm that intends to communicate, or permit its associated persons to communicate, through social media sites must first ensure that it…

• Banker Motivation

  Tamela Rich

  1 Feb 2010 | 3:02 am

  As I mentioned in December Book Lust I’m reading Dan Pink’s new book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. The book’s publisher had perfect timing, with  January’s headlines of banker bonuses and the prospect of taxing TARP recipients. There’s a lot of hand wringing about what will happen to the entire economy if the financial sector is reined in: Will “under paid” (therefore presumably under qualified) bankers screw up the economy? Will all the good financiers move to hedge funds, leaving our big banks in the hands of a bunch of…

• The Triumph of Snail Mail?

  Tamela Rich

  28 Jan 2010 | 3:50 pm

  Although I write a lot about e-newsletters and social media communications I’m always on the lookout for merging them with old school direct mail. I was prepared to skip this WSJ article on direct mail because at first glance it pertained to retailers.  Then the article told of an insurance broker using humorous postcards (including the one above) to great effect and I stopped skimming. The broker told the WSJ that when he stopped sending postcards clients complained — many of them collected the cards  as “cubical art.” When he resumed his postcard campaign, he…

• 
  Oil Price

• The U.S. Dollar is Finally Getting Invited Back to the Investment Party

  8 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am

  The U.S. Dollar is Finally Getting Invited Back to the Investment Party The buck is up 6% against the euro in the last three weeks. Notwithstanding problems in Greece and Spain, and the attendant complications for the E.U., this is a pretty goo

• Endless Oil: Prices NOT Peaks are the Issue

  8 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am

  Endless Oil is the title of a piece in Business Week (Jan, 18, 2010). Its author is Stanley Reed, and it was interesting for me because I remember when Business Week would not have published a tissue of nonsense like that article, and per

• Free Marketplace Intelligence and Global Big Picture Analysis for Traders and Investors

  8 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am

  Finding an edge on Wall Street can be worth millions of dollars. Smart traders and investors know that actionable intelligence puts them ahead of the marketplace. With the exponential increase in Web-based content, there is an avalanche of unstru

• Rogue Aluminium Shipments Suggest Chinese Metal Stockpiles are Being Re-Exported

  5 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am

  This might be the year's most important news. Which got almost no press globally. Something strange happened in Japan in December. Shipments of aluminum from Mozambique and Brazil showed up in the northwestern ports of Fushiki and Fukui.

• Crude oil prices drop as investors seek safe haven in the U.S. dollar

  5 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am

  Oil Market Summary for 02/01/2010 to 02/05/2010. After starting the week on a firmer note, oil prices fell sharply toward the end of the week in a general market sell-off as investors sought the dollar as a safe haven amid worries about Europea

• 
  Trading Ichimoku

• China Environment (5OU) : All the exit signs are in the chart

  iam802

  3 Feb 2010 | 7:05 pm

  I am not vested in this counter. But, I do want to use Ichimoku to do a case study on it. For the purpose of the study, I will only focus on the movement for the last 2 months. (<< It gets worse if you look at the chart from Sept 2009). 1. Assumptions. - You have decided to [...]

• Ichimoku Chart Review : OCBC and Wilmar

  iam802

  2 Feb 2010 | 8:43 pm

  Today, I am just going to stray away from the US stocks and briefly discuss about 2 stocks on the Singapore Exchange. 1. Wilmar, in the commodity sector. A darling that has went 3 folds since the lows in 2009. It was also included in the STI Index last year. 2. OCBC. One of the 3 major [...]

• Sinovac Biotech Ltd (SVA) : Common share offering over-allotment

  iam802

  1 Feb 2010 | 8:53 am

  A little bit of good news (and bad news) depending on the point of view. 1. SVA announced that the underwriters will be exercising their option to purchase an additional 1.5M common shares to cover over-allotments. 2. This is good news as there is demand for the shares. 3. The downside of course is the dilution. 4. So, where [...]

• 3PAR Inc (PAR) : Gap down on open. FY10 guidance lowered.

  iam802

  29 Jan 2010 | 6:40 am

  Storage market continues to be a tough market. On the Ichimoku chart, even before 3PAR announced its earnings, the counter has been going down since around Jan 6. With its price below the kumo even before earnings, it is already entrenched heavily in the bear market. Coupled with a gap down opening, I believe 3PAR is heading [...]

• Sinovac Biotech Ltd (SVA) : Price cuts Tenkan sen -> Take profit

  iam802

  25 Jan 2010 | 8:10 am

  Took profit on SVA; a bit later than I would have want it to be. On the chart, the price has cut the Tenkan sen. In fact, the gap down couple of days back would be a good indicator to take profit. Nonetheless, the trade is still good. There will be times for a long entry for SVA [...]

• 
  INDEX & STOCK OPTIONS TRADING-consistent income

• Why the Current stock market crushed ?

  admin

  It wasn’t GREECE. It was GREED. It wasn’t the dollar carry trade it was sheer anger and revenge on our President. The climax of a heated battle between President Obama and the 50 or so FAT CAT Bankers who are now in jeopardy and  whose vagrant and irresponsible lifestyles  should soon be history. Greed on Wall Street shouldn’t surprise you one iota. Its a tradition, its a culture. No one is ready to give up on greed anytime soon. If you didn’t know by now, stock market is a zero sum game. I win you lose, Its that simple. If I am bigger, I will take your money. If you…

• Stock Market Crash 2010 ?

  admin

  Is this stock market crash of 2010? Looks like it is the way BIG BOYS on Wall Street are orchestrating this. This is a mini controlled crash, a crash where the participants are in control and they know when to stop the ball rolling. Right now they are stomping the market with both feet and turning the pavement crimson red, the same color my monitor has turned these days. I hardly find green color on it or whatever  left of it. Anyways here is some sobering Technical analysis and lets look at some charts: In the backdrop of stronger than expected fundamentals, great earnings from leading…

• Wall Streets Temper Tantrum ended?

  admin

  It all started on the day Goldman Sachs earnings came  out. President Obama mistakenly chose to rebuke Wall Street on that occasion, and put forth threat of new banking regulations. At that point market was doing fine, no worries trading in a nice tight range  which was overbought. Within minutes the very same day SPX was slammed to the ground. Stellar earnings from AAPL, GOOG, GE, GS did nothing for the market in the following days. You would expect a normal surge in market with all those good news with trader’s confidence all jacked up ? No, all you got was a huge amount of …

• Politics not economy is dictating trading

  admin

  There is a battle going on between Obama and Wall Street. Market has been down past one week since Obama spoke about curbing  high risk trading and new banking regulations. Wall Street is no stranger to temper tantrums. When cornered from greed and wayward means of achieving gains it blusters. It blusters in the form of low level temper tantrums and it starts with selling off everything  in sight. Coming on the heels of Presidents State of the Union Speech January 27, 2010 market action on the morning of Jan 28, 2010 is another angry outburst from Wall Street. This time Technology stocks…

• Where is the market going?

  admin

  I bet that question has caused sleepless nights to many. I am not immune to these emotions either. I felt caged and helpless and frustrated just like any other trader. Negativity and depressive psychosis is  hitting the streets again just like in 2008 when the end of the world was near !  But since than the fundamentals that caused that bear market have changed. Next bear market wont be based on the same reasons as the previous bear market. Just remember folks on Wall Street never kill their Golden Goose. Never. They are smart kids. They can kick this goose down  and make you scared most…

• 
  Skanderbeg Capital Group Blog - Informative and comprehensive content regarding Capital Markets and Investing

• Greenscape Capital on front page of Business in Vancouver

  Tyler Harbottle

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:17 am

  Greenscape Capital Group (TSX.V: GRN) has been really attracting a lot of attention since its October IPO.  Most recent among several mainstream media features is this week’s Business In Vancouver publication, featuring an article on the Carbon War Room and Greenscape’s involvement. Business in Vancouver, Greenscape Capital View more documents from Skanderbeg Capital.

• Volcanic Metals (TSX.V: VOL) Resumes Trading

  Tyler Harbottle

  1 Feb 2010 | 2:18 pm

  The year is 1959 in the northeast of Albania. In the hills outside of a small town named Kukes, a subsistence farmer is drilling a water-well for his commune.  During drilling, he encounters what he knows to be ore-bearing rock, mere meters below surface. He travels the distance to the Albanian Geological Survey (AGS) in the town across the valley to inform his comrades. A year later the Gjegjan Copper mine is an open-pit mining operation. Gjegjan Mining District Today, Albania is a very different place. The xenophobic communist regimes of a not to distant past have been replaced by the…

• Greenscape powers Ugandan birth house

  Tyler Harbottle

  20 Jan 2010 | 12:30 pm

  Working in the “green economy” is naturally rewarding.  Providing capital and expertise to environmentally friendly businesses and retrofitting commercial properties to increase their energy efficiency, Greenscape Capital Group is fortunate to be operating in a socially responsible field. However, every so often the opportunity arises to engage in true philanthropy, to help people in need, and to assist groups who are equipped to make a difference. Shanti Uganda Women’s Group and Earth Rising Builders In December, 2009 Greenscape acted on one such opportunity and has been…

• An Invaluable Tip from the King of Oil

  Tyler Harbottle

  8 Jan 2010 | 10:56 am

  An Invaluable Tip from the King of Oil By Andrew Mickey, Q1 Publishing He’s been called the “King of Oil.” He made hundreds of millions of dollars by foreseeing the surges in oil prices of the 1970s. When the oil market was dominated by a handful of large oil companies (the Seven Sisters), he took them on…and won. He’s an entrepreneur, a billionaire, and at one point in time was one of the most controversial fugitives of the 20th century. Think what you will about Marc Rich, but no one can deny he has made a fortune by being right at the right time when it comes to geopolitics and…

• Greenscape to build, own and operate world’s greenest parking facility

  Tyler Harbottle

  6 Jan 2010 | 9:17 am

  For the last several months Greenscape Capital Group, via it’s energy efficiency retrofit company Green.Swtich, has been building a solid reputation as a first mover in this space. We’ve written extensively about the massive potential in the energy efficiency market and the work that Green.Switch is doing. So far Green.Switch has been very focused on the parking lot industry.  For a number of reasons, energy efficiency upgrades for parking lots are a no-brainer.  It’s an easy sell.    A parking lot has one very large capital cost to consider: energy.  Green.Switch…

• 
  DealBook

• Opel's Strategy Has Fewer Jobs and Less Capacity

  By DEALBOOK

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:39 am

  Adam Opel, the European unit of General Motors, announced an ambitious turnaround plan Tuesday, vowing to become profitable in 2012 by cutting capacity by 20 percent and reducing its work force by 8,300.

• For Private Equity, a Time for Wary Optimism

  By RHEA WESSEL

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:30 am

  It's time for "paranoid optimism" about the economy as the world maneuvers its way into a new balance of power, John Micklethwait, editor in chief of The Economist, argued at the Super Return 2010 conference on Tuesday.

• Super Return: Black Sees Better Days Ahead

  By RHEA WESSEL

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:22 am

  Leon D. Black, the head of Apollo Management, seemed relieved to exhale as Super Return 2010, the giant private equity conference, began in Berlin on Tuesday.

• Warren: Banks' Sabotage of Overhaul Will Hurt Them

  By DEALBOOK

  9 Feb 2010 | 5:13 am

  In a scathing editorial, Elizabeth Warren, a professor of law at Harvard and the chair of the TARP Congressional Oversight Panel, denounces in The Wall Street Journal the deception that has become routine in the practices of U.S. banks, and renews the call for a consumer protection agency.

• Britain Told It May Sell Bank Stakes in 5 Years

  By DEALBOOK

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:11 am

  A committee of British lawmakers is publishing a report Tuesday saying that the government may sell its stakes in Royal Bank of Scotland Group and Lloyds Banking Group in five years.

• 
  Free Credit Scores

• Don’t Get Yourself Into Trouble,Keep Your Credit Score High.

  admin

  6 Feb 2010 | 9:13 pm

  Syndicated from Free Credit Scores - Don’t Get Yourself Into Trouble,Keep Your Credit Score High. A bad credit score is a type of problem that millions of consumers face these days. The majority of us tend to ignore the information related to our credit score especially in our early years.

• Looking For Knowledge And Tips About Credit Score — Read This Post .

  admin

  5 Feb 2010 | 10:52 pm

  Syndicated from Free Credit Scores - Looking For Knowledge And Tips About Credit Score — Read This Post . credit scores are often checked by lenders, utility companies and various other financial institutions in order to evaluate consumers’ creditworthiness. Each time you apply for a financial help or look for a…

• Get Helpful Information About Things That Might Affect Your Credit Score Inside This Post.

  admin

  4 Feb 2010 | 2:14 pm

  Syndicated from Free Credit Scores - Get Helpful Information About Things That Might Affect Your Credit Score Inside This Post. A credit score is a vital information with the help of which various financial institutions determine whether you can be given a credit approval. There are…

• Get Updated And Stay Updated With An Instant Credit Report

  Andy Zain

  4 Feb 2010 | 4:06 am

  Syndicated from Free Credit Scores - Get Updated And Stay Updated With An Instant Credit Report Millions of people today are looking to protect their money as well as themselves. People are no longer robbing the liquor stores, but robbing people over the Internet. Identity theft is a very high cause for concern, especially if…

• Hunting for a Cheap Credit Report? We Are able to Get it No cost

  admin

  2 Feb 2010 | 9:56 pm

  Syndicated from Free Credit Scores - Hunting for a Cheap Credit Report? We Are able to Get it No cost You can actually obtain a zero cost rather than cheap credit report once each year, letting you read up on ones credit rating annually. This particular report will give you not just…

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  InvestIdeas

• Interview with Members : iChew

  iam802

  5 Feb 2010 | 5:35 pm

  This week we are very please to introduce ichew … Investideas: You have a very special nick. Why are you using this nick and what does it mean ? My first name starts with letter “i”, last name is chew, so ichew InvestIdeas: What can you tell us about your background ? I got a local degree in Mathematics but ended up as a Programmer for 5 years before switching to a Logistics firm. I just started a new job on 01 February 2010. InvestIdeas: How long have you been investing / trading ? I think for about 10 years now but it is never the quantity but the quality. I think that I…

• Interview with Members : Blackjack

  iam802

  30 Jan 2010 | 3:42 am

  This week, we are very please to introduce Blackjack .. Investideas: You have a very special nick. Why are you using this nick and what does it mean ? It came naturally to me, as I have been using this nick since my school days, on top of several others. I felt it was also quite befitting for an investment forum as it denoted what I thought about blackjack – A game of observation, skill, emotions and tons of luck. Blackjack actually holds many other meanings as well. InvestIdeas: What can you tell us about your background ? I have a Civil engineering degree from NUS. It was my intention to…

• Interview with Members : Aspellian

  iam802

  22 Jan 2010 | 4:46 pm

  This week, we are very please to introduce Aspellian .. Investideas: You have a very special nick. Why are you using this nick and what does it mean? My matrimonial home is in a housing development call Aspella. Being a citizen of Aspella makes me an Aspellian. “We, the residents of Aspella, pledged ourselves to be one, harmonious neighbour….” Investideas: What can you tell us about your background ? Background in Accountancy – naturally started with a Big 4 Accounting Firm to obtain a firm foundation in all matters finance, especially M&A + valuation. Now using my finance…

• Winston’s Investment Blog : TOL as of January 17,2010

  iam802

  16 Jan 2010 | 6:57 pm

  Keeping the gun-powder dry The markets are trend-less and I’ve been staying on the sidelines. The only positions that I have now, are some laggard stocks that I think are “undervalued” and has some positive catalyst. 1) Oil – US$ 78. The cold weather would be over in a few weeks ( hopefully ) 2) Gold – US$1130; No Chinese lining up to buy gold coins ? 3) Soft Commodities are correcting. Expecting hard commodities to correct as well. 4) Shanghai Equities – Three catalysts for a correction, have appeared . Next stop @ 3050 ? Also, people may start taking some…

• Interview with Members : fclim

  iam802

  15 Jan 2010 | 5:33 pm

  This week, we are very please to introduce fclim:- InvestIdeas: What can you tell us about your background ? Computer Science, NUS grad, most memorable module is Accounting because I almost aced it, with a D I supposed you now know why I got a D… Hee… and what is it with all the IT people? Eat full, nothing to do and analyze the stock market in this forum? Hee… Working in Pharma, i think the same company as cif5k, but we never had the chance to be colleagues, he left before i join … InvestIdeas: How long have you been investing / trading ? First dabbled with stocks in…

• 
  BLOG | Capital Matters

• Small Biz Loan Defaults Drop for the First Time in 2 years

  Amanda Potashner

  4 Feb 2010 | 2:22 pm

  After showing signs of distress for 24 consecutive months, Reuters recently reported that "defaults by small and medium-sized U.S. businesses on loans, leases and credit lines to finance capital equipment investment fell for the first time in two years. The drop snapped a two-year increase in defaults which crept up steadily along with other measures of borrower stress as the economic downturn and the shutdown of the credit markets put the squeeze on businesses."This is certainly an encouraging trendline fueling the hopes that prospects are improving among the nation's small and midsize…

• Small Business Turns to Asset-Based Lending

  Bill Siegel

  1 Feb 2010 | 4:38 am

  Pervasive loan burnout from traditional lenders has pushed more and more small and midsize business to seek out financing alternatives. In fact, as far as financial services go, outside of The Receivables Exchange, there is no better position to be in than that of the new merchant/commercial banks. These banks are newly formed entities that are freshly capitalized and also lack the legacy loan problems that plague their larger competitors. Consequently, they are in the unique position of being able to create a fresh loan book by cherry picking only the most attractive opportunities at…

• A Good Day for American Capitalism

  Laurie Azzano

  28 Jan 2010 | 9:23 am

  Yesterday, TRE announced the close of our Series C round of financing led by Bain Capital, one of the premier VC firms in the country. In the words of Harvey Pitt, former Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), yesterday was "a great day for American Capitalism and a great day for America's small and midsize businesses (SMBs)." We believe we have forever changed the way that businesses will gain access to affordable capital. And, we are thrilled to have heard from so many supporters across the country, such as Mr. Pitt, that have reached out to tell us that they too…

• $17 Million Investment in TRE is an Advancement for Working Capital

  Nic Perkin

  27 Jan 2010 | 1:38 am

  Today we announced the close of our $17 million in series C funding from Bain Capital. Obviously this is an enormously significant event, for The Receivables Exchange. I would posit that it is also a tremendous announcement for America and the world of working capital finance. The number of companies for which the Exchange was designed, small and medium B2B companies, is over 4 million strong. So suffice it to say, you are going to be hearing a lot more about the Exchange over the next couple of years. And, with this investment, we are going to be helping millions more small and midsize…

• New York Times Article Hints at Why Banks Aren't Lending

  matt konigsmark

  22 Jan 2010 | 2:25 am

   According to a recent article in The New York Times, businesses shouldn't expect banks to begin lending more freely anytime soon.          Many banks will not really have the motivation to lend more aggressively until the Federal Reserve starts raising short-term rates, The New York Times said Thursday. "The trouble is, higher interest rates over all tend to cause the value of credit assets to fall."That in turn would generate fresh losses for banks, depleting their capital and reducing their capacity to lend. It's a conundrum for the banks…

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  Best Annuity Rates News

• New National Employment Savings Trust

  admin

  5 Feb 2010 | 11:47 pm

  The scheme will be focused on low-to-moderate earners who don’t currently participate in a workplace pension scheme, with an annual contribution limit of £3,600 at 2005 levels.Employers can use NEST (National Employment Savings Trust) in different ways, but in most cases there will be headroom under the limit for employers and/or members to contribute more than the minimum and to structure their contributions in different ways.For example: where an employer makes contributions on the minimum band of earnings required by the Pensions Act 2008, an 8 per cent contribution for an average…

• Annuity rules change in April so people over the age of 50 need to act now

  admin

  19 Jan 2010 | 2:34 am

  The current UK Pension Regulations change in April 2010 and the age that you can take annuity benefits will increase to age 55 from the current age 50. It is therefore very important for all those pension savers under age 55 to act quickly to unlock billions of pounds of tax-free cash from their retirement pots – or wait years before they get another chance. The amount of tax free cash that can be taken from a pension fund before an annuity has to be purchased is 25% of the fund value. This money can come in very handy to pay off a mortgage, or provide university fees for your children. It…

• Annuity Rates

  admin

  19 Dec 2009 | 10:14 pm

  Life expectancy has increased considerably over this century therefore once you reach retirement in is important to get the best annuity rates from your pension pot, this is because the income from your annuity will probably have to last you on average over 10 years. The majority of annuities in the UK are provided by the big Insurance Companies such as Prudential, Aviva, Standard Life, AXA and Legal and General to name a few. They all have different annuity rates for different ages, sex and postcode. Because of this it is very important to shop around a few months before you retire. There…

• Annuity Quotes

  admin

  12 Dec 2009 | 10:59 pm

  If you are retiring soon and you have recieved your wake up pack from your pension provider telling you what benefits the pension will provide for you, I guess you now need to find some annuity quotes from the open market. Yes! you can buy your annuity from your current pension provider but you will probably find that if you go to the open market and look for the best annuity rates that you will get a much better rate. It can be a quite daunting experience going to every annuity provider and asking them for annuity quotes. Perhaps the best suggestion is to go and visit an annuity supermarket…

• SIPP allowable investments

  admin

  30 Nov 2009 | 8:47 am

  Since the legislative changes to pensions at A-day, there are now many more opportunities open to today’s investor. One of the features of the new regime is that very little is banned. The approach taken by the legislation is to impose tax consequences on some transactions and leave the choice of the investment to the investor. The rules are generally more flexible and accommodating than they used to be, the new regime offers several new opportunities to invest in a wide range of assets and exciting investment opportunities. If HM Revenue & Customs allow it, so do we. Annuity…

• 
  Crushing The Credit Bureaus

• Ways To Improve Credit Score In San Antonio

  Mark Garcia

  4 Feb 2010 | 8:16 pm

  Ways To Improve Credit Score In San Antonio Improving Your Credit Score isn't difficult when you follow good advice. First, your dispute letter to the credit bureaus needs to be short and to the point. Don't quote the Bill of Rights or play legal tag with your lawyers. Fixing your credit is not about legal intimidation; it's about these three points: Number 3 - What specific results you are seeking Number 1 - What exactly you are disputing Number 2 - Why you are disputing it Write every dispute letter with these three points. Take a look at this example of a simple dispute letter: DON'T USE…

• Improve Credit Score 100 Points

  Mark Garcia

  3 Feb 2010 | 4:01 pm

  Improve Credit Score 100 Points Improving Your Credit Score isn't difficult when you follow good advice. First, your dispute letter to the credit bureaus needs to be short and to the point. Don't quote legalese or imply veil threats about suing them. Instead of being a junior legal eagle, just make sure that each of your dispute letters have these three elements: Number 3 - What specific results you are seeking Number 2 - Why you are disputing it Number 1 - What exactly you are disputing Write every dispute letter with these three points. Here is an example of such a letter: Below is an…

• Improve Credit Score After Bankruptcy In Houston

  Mark Garcia

  2 Feb 2010 | 6:00 pm

  Improve Credit Score After Bankruptcy In Houston Improving Your Credit Score isn't difficult when you follow good advice. Foremost, your letter to the credit bureaus disputing your bad credit needs to get to the point quickly. Don't quote your lawyer or imply an impending doom for their legal department. Fixing your credit is not about legal intimidation; it's about these three points: Number 3 - What specific results you are seeking Number 2 - Why you are disputing it Number 1 - What exactly you are disputing Every letter of dispute must contain these three points. Look at this example of a…

• My Credit Score In Houston

  Mark Garcia

  2 Feb 2010 | 5:27 pm

  My Credit Score In Houston Improving Your Credit Score isn't difficult when you follow good advice. First, write a letter disputing your claims that is super short and concise. Don't quote your lawyer or imply an impending doom for their legal department. Fixing your credit is not about legal intimidation; it's about these three points: Number 3 - What specific results you are seeking Number 2 - Why you are disputing it Number 1 - What exactly you are disputing Every dispute letter must contain each of the above three elements. Take a look at this example of a simple dispute letter: YOU MUST…

• Improve Credit Score Tips In Fort Worth

  Mark Garcia

  1 Feb 2010 | 6:35 pm

  Improve Credit Score Tips In Fort Worth Improving Your Credit Score isn't difficult when you follow good advice. First, write a letter disputing your claims that is super short and concise. Don't cite the constitution or threaten them with a lawsuit. Instead of being a junior legal eagle, just make sure that each of your dispute letters have these three elements: Number 1 - What exactly you are disputing Number 2 - Why you are disputing it Number 3 - What specific results you are seeking Every letter of dispute must contain these three points. Below is an example of how I would write a…

• 
  20s Money

• The Rich Always Get Richer In A Capitalist Society

  Kevin

  9 Feb 2010 | 2:58 am

  To start this article, let me say that I’m 100% a capitalist.  I believe it is the best economic way that the most people gain the most.  I believe in the power of millions of individuals making individual decisions versus central economic planning.  With that said, in this system the rich always get richer.  Many of you will use that as the reason why capitalism is bad.  But, why is this a negative result?  I don’t think it is.  Let me explain further. You Need Capital To Make Money In capitalism, capital is king.  In order to invest, start a business, whatever, you need…

• Consumer Credit Falling

  Kevin

  8 Feb 2010 | 9:48 am

  If your remember the image a while back showing why we’re not going to have a long lasting bull market moving forward, there were a number of indicators that were headwinds for a prolonged bull market.  Two of the headwinds were consumer credit levels and savings rate.  The image in the above post says that consumer credit levels are way too high and will be falling moving forward; likewise, the savings rate will be rising moving forward. We now have the 11th straight month of falling consumer credit.  This definitely coincides with the headwinds discussed above – consumer debt…

• Home Improvement: Adding Value With Inexpensive Projects

  Kevin

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:25 am

  The real estate game has changed.  A few years ago, the equation was simple: put as much money into your house as possible because each dollar was multiplied when selling your property.  Nowadays, you need to be smart and frugal with putting money into your home.  The new equation, post-housing-bust, is as follows: Put As Little Money As Possible Into Your House Towards Differentiating, Value-Added Projects If you look at that equation, there are two goals: differentiation and adding value.  With regards to differentiation, you want to be able to differentiate your house from other homes…

• Important Reads For Your Weekend – Feb 6-7, 2010

  Kevin

  6 Feb 2010 | 1:37 am

  Will the real economy please stand up? (iTulip) Consumer credit drops for 11th straight month (Zero Hedge) A good explanation of the unemployment situation (Zero Hedge) Average length of unemployment hits new record (Business Insider) Government to pay for 50% of all health care costs by 2012 (BusinessWeek) Social security next in line for a bail out? (Yahoo) The bonus outrage (Boortz) Is US bullying Toyota because of the government stake in GM? (Google) Winners and losers under Obama’s new tax plan (Darwin)

• Potential Philip Morris Int’l (PM) Play

  Kevin

  5 Feb 2010 | 7:11 am

  As the market continues its move lower (as of writing, the Dow is down about 45 today, below 10,000), I’m starting to become more focused on some positions that I want to accumulate.  One of these has been Philip Morris Int’l (PM). For a potential play, you can now sell a January 2011 put with a $40 strike price for $3.20 premium.  Note that you can collect $320 on essentially $4000 in cash (for every put contract) which is an 8% return.  It’s actually slightly higher since the time to hold the option is less than a year. Compare the $3.20 you can collect versus holding…

• 
  ETF Database

• Three International Bond ETFs For Europe’s Bounceback

  Michael Johnston

  9 Feb 2010 | 7:37 am

  Investors have historically embraced international diversification in their portfolios as a way to smooth out volatility and reduce overall risk. But the last two years have shown that the benefits of such diversification aren’t what they once were. A meltdown that began in the U.S. mortgage market quickly spread throughout the world, sparking countless complaints about how Wall Street’s greed and excessive risk taking set off a chain of events that sent stock markets plummeting and unemployment rates soaring around the globe. In recent weeks, U.S. investors have found themselves…

• WisdomTree (WSDT) Reports 2009 Earnings

  Michael Johnston

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:16 pm

  WisdomTree, the New York-based ETF issuer best known for its line of fundamentals-weighted and currency ETFs, reported on Monday its operating results for the fourth quarter of 2009. Most ETF issuers are either privately held or operated as divisions of larger public companies, meaning that gaining insight into the financial health of the industry can be challenging. So WisdomTree’s results are often eagerly-anticipated within the ETF community since they shed some light on an otherwise murky area. “WisdomTree achieved our best fourth quarter in Company history,” said CEO…

• Daily ETF Roundup: GDX Drops 3.8%, DBA Jumps

  Michael Johnston

  8 Feb 2010 | 3:01 pm

  More red ink washed over Wall Street at the start of a new week, as jitters over the state of public finances in Greece, Portugal, and Spain continued to weigh on European economies and rippled throughout global markets. In the U.S., the financials sector led the day’s decline after the Fed announced plans to detail its “exit strategy,” indicating that central bank officials are busy discussing how to unwind massive stimulus plans in coming months. Elsewhere, Google announced big plans for its Gmail service while also slashing the termination fee for customers who drop its…

• ProShares Plans 300% Leveraged ETFs

  Michael Johnston

  8 Feb 2010 | 2:13 pm

  ProShares, the issuer responsible for pioneering leveraged and inverse ETFs, has filed prospectuses for 16 new funds. Expansion is nothing new for ProShares–the company has launched a handful of new ETFs over the last year–but the filing was interesting because it detailed plans for 300% leveraged ETFs. ProShares’ current product line, which consists of more than 90 funds, includes only two ETFs with 300% leverage, the UltraPro S&P 500 (UPRO) and UltraPro Short S&P 500 (SPXU). Historically, ProShares has focused on inverse, 200% leveraged and 200% inverse leveraged…

• Five ETFs For A Trade War With China

  Eric Dutram

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:20 pm

  Sino-American relations are quickly reaching a breaking point, as the Obama administration continues to spar with the People’s Republic of China over a variety of issues. The first clash was seen in the tariffs proposed on Chinese steel pipe manufacturers last year, followed by another dispute related to tire producers shortly thereafter. The Chinese took a hard line approach in their response, threatening to apply similar duties to American products such as agricultural goods, much to the dismay of American producers. Although tempers cooled over the winter, tensions are heating up…

• 
  Binary Option Trading Platform

• Forex: GBP/USD bounces at 1.5985 and trades back above 1.6050

  Forex: GBP/USD bounces at 1.5985 and trades back above 1.6050 Tue, Jan 5 2010, 12:53 GMT Source: http://www.fxstreet.com The Sterling has found support against the Greenback after falling around 150 pips from 1.6150 in the early European morning to reach 1.5985 in the last hour. GBP/USD has bounced at this level ...

• EUR/USD 1.4434 – 5 January 2010

  EUR/USD 1.4434 - 5 January 2010 @ 3:15 AM, Tuesday January 05 2010 EUR/USD Open 1.4426 High 1.4473 Low 1.4258 Close 1.4410 Euro/Dollar tried to descend on Monday, reaching a bottom at 1.4258, from where it started climbing to the 1.4446 top, closing the day at 1.4410. The currency couple is coming out ...

• Healthcare, economy, security on Obama’s 2010 agenda

  Healthcare, economy, security on Obama's 2010 agenda U.S. President Barack Obama gives a statement at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe, Hawaii December 29, 2009. REUTERS/Hugh Gentry WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama faces a long list of challenges as he returned from his Hawaiian holiday on Monday and began ...

• MedMira Receives Order of Half a Million HIV tests from Vitest

  MedMira Receives Order of Half a Million HIV tests from Vitest Company Now a Registered Supplier for the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) HALIFAX, Dec. 21 /CNW/ - MedMira Inc., ("MedMira") (TSX Venture: MIR, NASDAQ: MMIRF), a developer and marketer of rapid diagnostic technology and solutions, today announced that its strategic sales ...

• Stock Futures Signal Gains, Eyes On Pharmas

  Stock index futures pointed to a slightly higher opening on Wall Street on Monday, with futures for the S&P 500 up 0.13 percent, Dow Jones futures up 0.1 percent and Nasdaq 100 futures up 0.07 percent at 0845 GMT (3:45 a.m. EST). The healthcare sector was expected to be in focus ...

• 
  MartinKronicle

• Prop Traders Can Sit On Their Hands

  Michael Martin

  9 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am

  One of the greatest advantages you have in being a prop trader is that you have the right to not participate and that is a powerful advantage to have over the rest of the marketplace. If you’re just starting out, read this carefully. You’ll find this advantage especially beneficial when you are confused about what’s happening in the market. If you’re used to trading gold or crude and the experts are having a tough time figuring things out in those markets, don’t beat yourself up for being unsure. Sitting on your hands, so to speak, is a way of preserving capital…

• Sperandeo & Martin Quoted @ Reuters HedgeWorld

  Michael Martin

  8 Feb 2010 | 8:10 pm

  Victor Sperandeo and I were quoted in an article called The Copper Conundrum at Reuter’s HedgeWorld today. This is a premium news story. Free two week subscription by signing up. I am not compensated for subscriptions. Neither is Victor.

• Cut Your Portfolio Heat: Cash Is King, Not Gold

  Michael Martin

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:22 am

  Nasdaq Composite - They Don't Always Come Back (click to enlarge) When your portfolio heat is too high, cut the risk and go to cash. When world markets start to fall, investors sell indiscriminately. Fear takes over, and they just sell to get out and go to cash because the uncertainty in the markets has become unbearable. When the level of portfolio heat rises (what traders call the risk in their portfolios) cut your position sizes by a large margin or cut them out altogether. Conventional wisdom dictates that you be diversified, but when everything is going down and you’re not…

• Victor Sperandeo On Implied Volatility & Risk Management

  Michael Martin

  4 Feb 2010 | 11:57 pm

  Options traders are always talking about Implied Volatility and Historical Volatility. I asked him to set the record straight on them given that he was the largest OTC market maker in options early in his career. People forget he truly knows the options business like not many other guys (or gals). He likens it to the P/E ratio in that in describes the past. With respect to Risk Management, let’s just say Victor’s opinion is that PMs of 40 Act Companies are less than concerned with Portfolio heat…

• Charles Goyette Dollar Meltdown Video Interview

  Michael Martin

  4 Feb 2010 | 11:41 am

  Charles Goyette Dollar Meltdown Video Interview from Michael Martin on Vimeo. Charles Goyette’s book The Dollar Meltdown is a best seller. Charles and I recorded an audio-only podcast and I’ve also written about his book at Mises and Amazon.com. I am not an affiliate, these links are free.

• 
  ONE ELLIOTT WAVE TRADER

• STOXX 50- Elliott wave update

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:40 am

  The structure reliability for downside impulse is very high. As you see I've labeled the move since 1/11/2010 as wave (1) (preferred count). Of course there is alternative count, which suggests the current correction as wave II of (3) to be underway, back testing the red neckline and down again. The bigger time frame(daily) suggests couple of scenarios as well. My preferred count suggests P2 END and P3 underway. However, my expectations are for at least one more move lower. The ALT one(A)(B)(C) and new high is possible too. My doubt it based on the bigger H&S pattern since 09/03/2010,…

• STOXX 50

  4 Feb 2010 | 2:25 pm

        The market loves to make most of us look stupid often. All what we do- chasing the market,  is something like adoring a girl. Don't you think?  We try to follow  every market move like the girl of our life. And often we got hurt by that girl, trying to pay her all of our attention and love.(sorry girls, some man point of view ) I think flirting with the market only, is the best way for success. Some people have the flirting as a gift. There is only one rule  for them- doing for fun, and no matter what's the exit.(leg over or nothing)  Friend…

• FREE WEEK AT EWI

  3 Feb 2010 | 10:47 am

  It's FreeWeek at Elliott Wave International! Greetings, Our friends at Elliott Wave International have just announced the beginning of their wildly popular FreeWeek event, where they've thrown open the doors to some of their most popular paid services to non-subscribers for one week only. You can access EWI’s intraday and end-of-day Forex forecasts right now through next Wednesday, February 10. This unique opportunity only lasts a short time, so don't delay! Learn more about EWIs FreeWeek here

• DJIA -update

  3 Feb 2010 | 8:15 am

                                                                                                          The pattern (3-3-5 -expanded flat) is OK  (on schedule )

• DAX 1hour chart

  2 Feb 2010 | 7:54 am

  DAX has painted almost the same as FTSE100. The expected correcting bounce resumed. According to Fibonacci  ratio and Gann's angles the (2) wave could top around Monday-8th. Jan.nearly to 61.8% Fibonacci.

• 
  Smart eCredit

• Guaranteed Approval Credit Card

  sysadmin

  7 Feb 2010 | 4:10 pm

  With today’s economy hitting us hard and the consumer debt reaching its highest peak, more people are searching for help. This help comes in many forms one of which is that of e-credit. Guaranteed approval credit cards can come in pre-paid form where the credit limit more or less equals the amount of money you put on the card and as a result, they provide you with instant approval. It is worth knowing that pre-paid credit can be used to rebuild your credit whereby you still enjoy benefits that come with using credit.  A guaranteed approval credit card has its advantages. One of the major…

• Credit Cards 0 Balance Transfer

  sysadmin

  4 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm

  A balance transfer credit card is a card that you can start up and will allow you to pay off your other credit card debts without having to pay for the usual interest rate offered by banks and credit financial institutions. All your debt is consolidated into this one credit card and all you have to do is pay one lump sum monthly for all your debts without a dime being charged for interest rates. This credit card will have a zero balance that looks good on your credit report. The balance transfer credit card company you choose will give you a grace period to pay off your other debts before…

• Debt Relief Programs You Can Count On

  sysadmin

  3 Feb 2010 | 4:17 pm

  With today’s weak economy, consumers’ debt is growing and there are more people searching for help. There are thousands of people looking for some kind of relief each year. For some, it could be simple debt consolidation or loan refinancing.  For others, more serious help is needed. It may be counselling, management programs or debt settlement. The most common types of debt relief that many chose are debt consolidation, debt settlement and debt management. Other options many include refinancing your home and getting a home equity loan. Below are some of the more popular debt relief…

• Personal Debt Management That Works For You

  sysadmin

  3 Feb 2010 | 3:38 pm

  As the economy continues to wreak havoc on the live of billions of people, many are drowning underneath a never ending stream of debt. Leaving many to wonder what can they do to effectively manage their debt. While this may seem like a very difficult problem the reality is that it is just a matter of using the right tools which will help you manage your personal debt. There are several different tools that you can use that will help you achieve the level of financial freedom through personal debt management.  Some useful tips include: Put a workable budget together, many people simply…

• Bad Credit Personal Loan

  sysadmin

  1 Feb 2010 | 7:11 pm

  Managing your bad debt loans is very important. First of all, you received the loan despite your bad credit history, which is a good thing, because it is a chance for a fresh start. With your bad credit personal loan, you have an opportunity to do two things at once:- First of all, you can pay off old debts, which is a plus for your credit history. Secondly, you will have a new page to work on regarding credit history. Be very prompt at making timely payments, and not missing any payments. Even though it will take you somewhat longer to pay off the total, your payments should be less monthly…

• 
  FinancialMentor.Com

• Best Of The Web

  Todd Tresidder

  4 Feb 2010 | 9:21 am

  As more economic evidence unfolds it appears something big might potentially be brewing in the financial markets - the early symptoms of a second round of credit problems that might extend the debt crisis from 2008 – but with a new twist… I have stated for months that the recent rally was likely a bear market bounce, and that I didn't expect the credit crisis to conclude until the bulk of the bad debt and leverage was liquidated from the system. History shows an enduring bottom in asset valuations rarely occurs before prices reach a level that can be supported by cash…

• The Problems Hiding Behind Your Financial Advice

  Todd Tresidder

  2 Feb 2010 | 9:34 am

  Few people understand all the problems hiding behind the financial advice they receive. You want to believe that trained financial experts know what they are doing. You assume they know something you don't given their credentials and education. After all, don't they have connections to resources you will never be able to access? Aren't they insiders with specialized expertise? Some of those thoughts may be true, but what overwhelms all those advantages are the conflicts of interest, bias and other problems that can taint the financial advice you receive and make it far less…

• Essential Investment Reading For The Weekend

  Todd Tresidder

  28 Jan 2010 | 10:31 am

  Conventional financial media is completely missing the economic boat. They publish endless nonsense about Washington while important issues are burning all around them. Below are some educational articles published in the last week that no investor should be without… Forbes published a great synopsis of the government debt crisis both in the U.S. and abroad. This is a very likely catalyst for the problems building in the markets. Remember, CDS rates expanded prior to subprime blowing up in 2008 thus providing the first clues before everything came unwound. Now government CDS…

• Has The Stock Market Bear Returned?

  Todd Tresidder

  24 Jan 2010 | 11:18 am

  Last week's sudden increase in volatility represents a change in character for the stock market that is not good news for the bulls. I issued earlier warnings about the bear returning to Wall Street in this post and this post where I pointed out the risk to reward relationship for the stock market was extremely unfavorable. Both Gold and the Dollar reversed trends way back in December and confirmed their new direction this past week. Now it is time for the stock market to play catch-up. If you remain unconvinced of this thesis then the next confirming signs that the credit crisis is…

• Should I Buy Insurance From A Commission Salesperson?

  Todd Tresidder

  19 Jan 2010 | 9:33 am

  The question of the week comes from a reader who asks, "Do you think the only kind of advisor one should hire is a fee based one? I was told by a commission person that when they have a client buy an insurance policy they HAVE to take a commission. Is this true?" To answer that question we must make a distinction between personal financial advice and investment advice. While they may sound similar, they are actually as different as night and day. Personal financial advice (insurance, savings, budgeting) is usually uncomplicated. The correct actions to take are well-proven…

• 
  Financial Awakenings

• Financial Planners Need A Financial Planner

  Rick Kahler

  9 Feb 2010 | 6:01 am

  Most financial planners think they can do their own financial planning.  Ironically, so do most consumers.  Just as most consumers would benefit from engaging a financial planner, so would most financial planners.  Lisa Shidler of InvestmentNews explores why most planners go it alone.  You can read the article here.

• Financial Planning Strategies for Changing Political Times

  foxcraft

  8 Feb 2010 | 5:27 am

  The relationship between politics and money matters. It can have a direct effect on how you operate a business, invest, manage your finances, and build financial security. If you believe, as I do, that the U. S. is in a long-term trend toward wealth redistribution, it will be wise to pay attention to that trend as you manage your finances and your career. There are three primary areas to consider: protecting whatever wealth you already have, finding new ways to achieve success and build financial security, and doing what you can to influence government policies. Protecting what you have. If…

• KEVN Focus To Feature Financial Advice

  Rick Kahler

  5 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am

  If you’ve been lying awake at night wondering what is the one bit of financial advice I want the world to know, you can find out on Sunday.  I answer this question and a few more on KEVN’s Focus With Jack Caudill this Sunday, February 7th. Also featured on the program are Dr. John Quinn, President of the Rapid City campus of NAU,  and Terry Mills from Consumer Credit Counseling Service.  The topics we discuss range from the psychology of money to what’s ailing the US economy. You can watch the program on the local FOX channel, KEVN, at 9:30 pm on Sunday, just after the…

• Politics and Personal Financial Planning

  foxcraft

  1 Feb 2010 | 7:49 am

  Recently I’ve heard from a few readers that some of my columns are too political. Yes, I sometimes discuss politics, because political issues and governmental actions have a direct impact on our personal finances. One of The American Heritage Dictionary’s definitions of “political” is “relating to or dealing with the structure or affairs of government.” A fundamental power of our federal government has to do with money: creating it, regulating its value and its cost (interest rates), and, of course, taxation. Money isn’t a natural force. It is an…

• Obama Declares War – On Wall Street

  Rick Kahler

  25 Jan 2010 | 7:33 am

  “Barack Obama declared war on Wall Street,” proclaimed a story appearing in Saturday’s January 23, 2010 edition of the London Times.  The Times reports that in his “pugnacious lunchtime” speech on Friday, Obama introduced a “sweeping series of measures aimed at checking the behavior of banks” which will be the “biggest regulatory crackdown on the banks since the 1930’s.”  The markets responded with the largest three-day decline since the market bottomed in March of 2009. The notable aspect of the President’s new offensive to limit the profit and pay of financial…

• 
  Hawked Q&A

• Why Parents’ Ownership % Decline if Their Subs Issue Common Shares at Prices Different From Parents Investment

  admin

  8 Feb 2010 | 11:20 pm

  The parent company will realize a gain or loss of its subsidiary common stock at a price per share that differs from book value per share of parental investment and decreases the percentage of parents of ownership. Explain why this is so.

• These Questions Is About Investment. What Is ETF and How Is It Different From Mutual Fund? Thank You.?

  admin

  8 Feb 2010 | 11:20 pm

  301 Moved 301 Moved The document has moved here.

• Where Can I Buy Gift Cards?

  admin

  8 Feb 2010 | 7:57 am

  Visa and Master Card Gift preferido.Me like to buy online and delivered to my friend in Victoria who miguel BCSupongo important to refer to regaloMe cards purchased online, Please tell me a website, you can order online from the tarjeta.gracias by all respuestasNo know if there is a Walmart near the house of my friend the Walmart / Amazon gift cards are only acceptable when shopping at Walmart / amazon? Thanks to Tiger Bite mall giftcard. Compere only be sent to U. SMi friend lives in Victoria, B, C, CA

• Please Help Me Decide. I Have Debt From a Credit Card Company Which I’m Getting Hard to Pay. What Will I Do?

  admin

  8 Feb 2010 | 4:53 am

  I quit my current job and then receive separation pay, pay my debt. But I’m afraid I can not get another job that I love as my present or worse than any business is open for this credit mí.Tengo accumulated because our business partner pocket and run away with our investments and would be more costly to go after she.

• Are Gift Cards Acceptable in Super Markets?

  admin

  8 Feb 2010 | 1:27 am

  One of my friends abroad wants to send me some cards regalo.No’m sure if I can buy it in the super mercados.Él says he can choose from VISA, MasterCard or American Express. Which of these are more widely accepted? thanks