Jutia Group

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

An ominous map
2008-06-05 21:04:00
Look at a nationwide map of foreclosures, and you just might be looking at a hollowed-out future of exurban America. I alluded to this phenomenon a couple of days ago in musing over Sen. Obama's ill-considered remarks that implied giving the developing world effective veto power over American driving and dietary habits.  The fact is ... No Related Post

The ?X? factor
2008-06-05 20:54:00
With oil reaching $130 today, Goldman Sachs forecasting $141 oil, and T. Boone Pickens calling $150, it's time to examine the one "X" factor that could quickly spike oil to $200. On May 9, retired CIA operative Philip Giraldi posted an item on the American Conservative magazine's blog:  "There is considerable speculation and ... No Related Post
More About: X Factor , Factor , X-Factor

Can You Profit From The Market?s Worst Industry?
2008-06-05 20:11:00
by Marc Lichtenfeld Senior Analyst, Smart Profit s Report It can often be quite a lonely place and the investment crowd may call you all kinds of derogatory names - but when it comes to stock picking, nothing beats the feeling of striking out on your own, going against conventional wisdom and being proved correct. And you know what? The rancor you may receive along the way is actually a good thing - as I’ve discovered at first-hand. When I wrote for TheStreet.com, the more hostility I encountered from readers, it usually meant that I was on the right track. For example, during the height…
More About: Industry , Market

The Statistical Battleground
2008-06-05 18:45:00
With consumer confidence now testing generational lows, our politicians are, nevertheless, continuously assuring us that the economy is strong and that there is no cause for worry. Although it is standard procedure for governments to soothe their citizenry with placebo politics in order to avoid panic and uprising, there is a line after which such a campaign is counterproductive. In fact, misleading statements about financial security are potentially dangerous to the country?s long-term economic wellbeing, and potentially toxic to investors. Economic and financial statistics are the battleground over which the war of perception is fought. But as the saying goes:…

Japan Makes Way for China Tourist Money
2008-06-05 16:43:00
From my vantage point on my recent visit to both China and Japan , the signs are clear. China is coming. And Japan knows it. Major department stores like Takashimaya Co. Ltd., Sogo Co. Ltd. and Mitsukoshi Ltd. are gearing up. In places like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, they?re seeing a new wave of power shoppers at their counters - the Chinese. A few short years ago, this was unthinkable. Yet, as my wife and I strolled through downtown Kyoto, we saw it too. Most major department stores have added Chinese signage to the usual Japanese and English placards. We heard it, as well, from…
More About: Money , Gucci , Tourist

India Fuels Inflation by Bailing Out Refineries
2008-06-05 16:00:00
Soaring oil prices have forced India n authorities to raise subsidized fuel prices and risk propelling inflation that is already running at a three-year high. The Indian government subsidizes most fuel costs, meaning state oil firms are forced to sell fuel at hugely discounted rates to shield consumers from inflation. But with the price of oil soaring to a recent high of $135 a barrel, refineries have been unable to cover costs and pressed to the point of bankruptcy. The inability to pass high prices onto consumers cost state-run refiners about $43 billion for the year ended March 31, Serangulam V.…
More About: Inflation , Fuels

U.N. Calls for Increased Cooperation to Fight Growing Global Food Crisis
2008-06-04 23:46:00
The United Nations announced yesterday (Wednesday) that an additional $20 billion would be needed each year to combat global hunger. On the second day of a three-day summit hosted by the U.N.?s Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, leaders from 40 nations and representatives from 183 countries met to address the growing world food shortage. ?We must focus on the underlying causes: years of neglect of the agricultural sector and the lack of investment in increasing productivity,? U.N. President Ban Ki-Moon told reporters, Bloomberg News reported. ?The price of oil has contributed significantly in the price rise of food. There is no doubt…
More About: Cooperation , Fight , Global , Calls

Kuwait Sovereign Wealth Fund Considering Bigger Citigroup and Merrill Stake
2008-06-04 23:31:00
Struggling U.S. financials Citigroup Inc. (C) and Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. (MER) may get another equity injection from state-owned Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), the fund?s managing director told Reuters. Their valuations would make it tempting - as both firms are trading near their 52-week lows - but Bader al-Saad said it?s more about the companies? plans for recovery. ?In Citi or Merrill, if there is good opportunity, we will look into it. Do we increase our stake? It all depends on the performance and strategy,? Saad said when asked whether KIA might raise its stakes in both troubled U.S. banks. In January,…
More About: News , Wealth , Fund

Fed Chair Comments Boost Greenback
2008-06-04 16:45:00
U.S. Federal Reserve Chair man Ben S. Bernanke came out in support of a stronger U.S. dollar yesterday (Tuesday), indicating the Fed would remain on pause at its next meeting. Speaking via satellite at the International Monetary Conference in Barcelona, Spain, Bernanke said the Fed is working with the Treasury to ?carefully monitor developments in foreign exchange markets.? The Fed Chair said he was aware the effect of the dollar?s decline on inflation and price expectations, Bloomberg News reported. Also, interest rates are currently ?well positioned? to promote both growth and stable prices, he added. ?I can?t recall such a strong defense of the dollar from a…
More About: Comments , Featured , Boost

GM Tries to Reverse Course, but Can it Catch Toyota?
2008-06-04 08:50:00
It has taken three straight years of declining profit for General Motors Corp. (GM) to realize it is no longer on the cutting edge of the world?s automotive market. To its credit, GM has shifted its turnaround into high gear, painstakingly reshaping what was once regarded as an American business icon. But even with the changes put in motion, it may be too late to catch rival Toyota Motor Corp. (ADR: TM). General Motors announced yesterday (Tuesday) that it would cut jobs, costs, and possibly sell off its Hummer brand, all in an effort to reduce its exposure to sluggish truck…
More About: Catch

Global Investing Roundups
2008-06-04 08:30:00
Gas Fuels Factory Orders; Borders Cuts Jobs to Cut Costs; Starbucks Serves Up Free Wi-Fi; Kenya Inflation Soars 32%; Chevron to Invest $5 Billion in Africa; Staples Raises Bid for Corporate Express; Lehman Looking for Cash Infusion; Oil Slides –U.S. factory orders increased 1.1% in April, an unexpected gain that was boosted by the high cost of gas and other petroleum products, the Commerce Department announced yesterday (Tuesday). Economists had expected a smaller gain of just 0.1% after an upwardly revised 1.5% gain in March, MarketWatch reported. –Borders Group Inc. (BGP) announced yesterday (Tuesday) it would reduce 20% of its corporate positions in…
More About: Investing , Global

Financial Indicator - Countrywide Financial
2008-06-04 08:20:00
Follow This Indicator To Gauge Financial Sector Health - And Grab Profits Smart Profits Report by Karim Rahemtulla, Investment Director It’s one of the most important companies in America today? But like any company, it’s got its share of pros and cons. For example? Pro: It holds the position of the largest private, non-governmental originator of mortgages in the US. Con: It also holds the dubious distinction of being one of the most blatant issuers of sub-prime paper. I’m talking about Countrywide Financial (NYSE: CFC) - the much-beleaguered bank and mortgage company. And there is an interesting trend occurring at the bank - one that bodes well for banks…

Four Things to Ponder and Three Ways to Act When it Comes to the Fed
2008-06-03 20:00:00
There?s one thing you can almost always count on with the government: Coming late to the party. The release of the U.S. Federal Reserve?s minutes from the April 29 and 30 meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) included several ?pronouncements,? none of which you?re hearing from the mainstream press and all of which we here at Money Morning told you were coming months ago. Four things to think about: 1. The Fed?s doom and gloom forecast of 0.3% to 1.2% gross domestic product (GDP) growth represent the FOMC?s views from over a month ago. Since then, we?ve had a meager round…
More About: Things

Wachovia CEO Thompson Shown the Door After 32 Years of Service, WaMu?s Kill
2008-06-03 18:35:00
G. Kennedy Thompson , formerly Wachovia Corp.?s (WB) chief executive officer, can now be added to the list of high-profile subprime casualties that already includes Citigroup Inc.?s (C) Charles O. ?Chuck? Prince III, The Bear Stearns Companies Inc.?s (BSC) Chief Executive Officer James E. ?Jimmy? Cayne, and Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc.?s (MER) E. Stanley ?Stan? O?Neal. Thompson will step down after 32 years of service after having made a series of untimely - and ultimately disastrous - decisions that have cost the company nearly half its market value over the past year. Shareholders began clamoring for Thompson?s removal in April after the…
More About: Service , Years , Kill

Cashing in on Commodities: Life?s Little Luxuries are Costing More than Eve
2008-06-03 18:30:00
Soaring prices of grains, dairy and meat have been grabbing global headlines. But other commodities have been on the rise as well. I?m not talking about the increases in daily staples that make the front page, but those little extras that make daily life just a little bit sweeter - coffee, cocoa and sugar. We might not need them, but we definitely want them. And inflation is putting upward pressure on the price of these soft commodities just as it is on oil and grains such as wheat and rice. Coffee is Big Business It doesn?t take an investment expert to realize Americans…
More About: Life , Commodities

Global Investment Roundups
2008-06-03 17:00:00
Sterlite Buys Asarco?s U.S. Copper Mines; Petrobras Award Tupi Rig Contracts; Russian Inflation to Hit 14% in 2008; South Korean Economy Outpaces Estimates; Toyota Sees U.S. Consumers Braking; Manufacturing Inches Up; NetSuite Snaps Up OpenAir –India?s largest copper and zinc producer, Sterlite Industries Ltd. (ADR:SLT), agreed to buy assets of recently bankrupted miner Asarco LLC for $2.6 billion, Bloomberg reported. Asarco has three copper mines, a smelter and refinery Asarco is the third-largest copper maker in the U.S., producing 235,000 tons in 2007, and Sterlite said it plans to make it the largest. –Petroleo Brasileiro SA (ADR:PBR), better known as Petrobras, doled…
More About: Investment , Global

Halliburton Trumps Other Suitor by Offering $3.4 Billion for Deep-Sea-Oil E
2008-05-24 17:00:00
Halliburton Company (HAL), the world?s second-largest oil-services firm, has made a $3.4 billion (1.71 billion pounds) cash offer for U.K.-based Expro International Group PLC (PINK: EXPRF). The bid - announced today (Friday) - could touch off a bidding battle for the British oil-services firm, which already has another suitor. The Halliburton bid represents a 6.2% premium over the $3.2 billion bid of a private-equity consortium that includes Candover Partners Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Candover Investments PLC, and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS). “This is not over as I think Candover will come back with another bid,” Jane Coffey, head of equities at…SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Halliburton Trumps Other Suitor by Offering $3.4 Billion for Deep -Sea-Oil Expert", url: "http://jutiagroup.com/2008/05/24/hallibu rton-trumps-other-suitor-by-offering-34-b illion-for-deep-sea-oil-expert/" });
More About: News , Halliburton , Featured

The Surest Way to Double Your Money This Year
2008-05-23 00:34:00
If you?re looking to double your money, don?t invest in the markets. Just buy a 1989 Geo Metro or a 1972 Honda Civic. Both cars got 40 or more miles to the gallon when they debuted decades ago - performance levels the current generation of hybrids are only now starting to obtain. With their tiny engines and small frames, the cars have long been denigrated as “putz” mobiles and ridiculed for their hopelessly tacky styling. But now, they?re the ultimate in geek chic and it?s not difficult to understand why. These cars are teetotalers when it comes to high-priced gasoline. And their owners, such as…SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The Surest Way to Double Your Money This Year ", url: "http://jutiagroup.com/2008/05/22/the-sur est-way-to-double-your-money-this-year/" });
More About: Featured

To the Members of Congress: The Only Three Moves That Will Stop the Oil Pri
2008-05-22 19:15:00
An Open Letter to Congress : First there was the trillion-dollar pork fest for energy. Then there was the decision to go with corn-based ethanol. Now, Congress has voted to stop adding oil to the national Strategic Petroleum Reserve (which was created in the 1970s to smooth out pricing disruptions and supply problems). Talk about missing the point! Sure you could argue that by putting less into the strategic reserves we could take some of the pressure off price? and by implication help bring it down from its record level at more than $130 a barrel. I mean it sure sounds good in theory, especially in an…SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "To the Members of Congress: The Only Three Moves That Will Stop the Oil Price Advance", url: "http://jutiagroup.com/2008/05/22/to-the- members-of-congress-the-only-three-moves- that-will-stop-the-oil-price-advance/" });

Iceland Ponders EU Membership as the Credit Crunch Sinks its Currency
2008-05-22 16:01:00
Editor?s Note: Despite rising fast financially in the past few years, Iceland is feeling the chilly effects of the global credit crunch - so much so the fiercely independent island nation is considering European Union membership to save its tanking currency. A special report, jointly developed by U.K. affiliate MoneyWeek Magazine and our experts here at Money Morning, explores the pros and cons of Iceland?s potential EU membership. If you think the credit crunch is hitting the United States and United Kingdom hard, spare a thought for Iceland. Banks all over the world have spent much of the past few years devouring…SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Iceland Ponders EU Membership as the Credit Crunch Sinks its Currency ", url: "http://jutiagroup.com/2008/05/22/iceland -ponders-eu-membership-as-the-credit-crun ch-sinks-its-currency/" });

Germany: Warren Buffett Likes It, And So Do We
2008-05-21 21:15:00
Investors have been watching Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A, BRK.B) Chairman Warren Buffett ?s moves for years to see which investments are going to take off next. Back in October, the Oracle of Omaha?s trip to South Korea encouraged our own bullishness on that country?s stock market. And now Buffett has decided to have a look at Germany . On a recent trip to Europe, Buffett made stops in Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Italy. But his first priority was to meet with leaders of the German mittelstand - the family-owned, medium-sized companies that are the backbone of the German economy. “We would like…SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Germany: Warren Buffett Likes It, And So Do We", url: "http://jutiagroup.com/2008/05/21/germany -warren-buffett-likes-it-and-so-do-we/" });
More About: Featured

Hong Kong Gaining Prominence as Leading Global Financial Center
2008-05-21 18:45:00
At a time when Europe and the United States are shedding jobs in the financial sector, one financial center is only adding to its ranks: Hong Kong . Though it currently holds third place behind London and New York, Hong Kong?s presence as a world financial center is growing by the day. Credit Suisse Group (CS) is the latest financial firm to move a top executive to the Asian city. Vikram Gandhi, the Swiss bank?s head of global financial institutions group, will relocate to Hong Kong from New York this summer to tap growth in Asia, Bloomberg News reported. “As part of our ongoing commitment…SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Hong Kong Gaining Prominence as Leading Global Financial Center ", url: "http://jutiagroup.com/2008/05/21/hong-ko ng-gaining-prominence-as-leading-global-f inancial-center/" });

Home Depot Reports 66% Quarterly Profit Decline, Suffers Storm with Lowe?s
2008-05-21 17:30:00
The Home Depot Inc. (HD) reported a 66% decline in first-quarter net earnings, the result of what Chief Executive Officer Francis Blake called “worsened” housing and home improvement markets. Net earnings for the biggest home-improvement retailer in the United States decreased to $356 million, or 21 cents a share, down from $1.05 billion, or 53 cents a share, the company earned during the same period last year. Home Depot?s earnings report soured markets yesterday (Tuesday), which opened lower on the news. “The home-improvement market remains difficult, but we believe the results show that Home Depot is making early progress in its efforts…SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Home Depot Reports 66% Quarterly Profit Decline, Suffers Storm with Lowe?s", url: "http://jutiagroup.com/2008/05/21/home-de pot-reports-66-quarterly-profit-decline-s uffers-storm-with-lowe%e2%80%99s/" });
More About: News , Lowes

With Oil Nearing $130, Kicking the ?Oil Addiction? Looks Like the Sole U.S.
2008-05-21 07:05:00
Oil prices set a new record just shy of the $130 a barrel level yesterday (Tuesday), despite a concerted - though probably futile - effort by the U.S. government to rein in the runaway commodity. Crude oil for June delivery reached $129.331 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, eliciting dismissive comments from industry experts who say the United States attempts to bring prices down have already been checkmated. Indeed, after a series of repeated failures in that venue, it?s clear the final United States recourse is to break what President George Bush referred to in 2006 as an “oil addiction.” And that…SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "With Oil Nearing $130, Kicking the ?Oil Addiction ? Looks Like the Sole U.S. Hope", url: "http://jutiagroup.com/2008/05/21/with-oi l-nearing-130-kicking-the-%e2%80%9coil-ad diction%e2%80%9d-looks-like-the-sole-us-h ope/" });

Japan?s ?Lost Decade? Has Given Way to the New Asian Reality - But Only if
2008-05-14 19:11:00
KYOTO, JAPAN - On one of my first mornings at our home here, my family and I headed for the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. Built in the 8th century by the powerful Hata family, the shrine is best known for the four consecutive kilometers of orange Torii gates covering the mountain on which it was built. My wife?s family has been coming here for centuries, making it a familiar and comfortable place that we enjoy very much. It?s also a spot that tends to put things into perspective - like the Bank of Japan ?s recent decision to keep its key interest rate at…SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Japan?s ?Lost Decade? Has Given Way to the New Asian Reality - But Only if you Know Where to Look", url: "http://jutiagroup.com/2008/05/14/japan%e 2%80%99s-%e2%80%9clost-decade%e2%80%9d-ha s-given-way-to-the-new-asian-reality-but- only-if-you-know-where-to-look/" });
More About: News

Music Downloads: Profit without iTunes
2008-05-14 18:33:00
It?s a concensus: Being in the music business sucks, right now. Despite the music industry?s best attempts to vilify file sharing, the prosecution of 12 year olds for downloading music has only resulted in the vilification of the major labels in the eyes of the public. Even after the music biz managed to gut Napster, online file sharing has continued, though on a smaller, more furtive scale. And while iTunes may have figured out a way to prevent listeners from playing each other?s downloaded music (if you try, the program will inform you that your computer is not ?authorized? to play the…SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Music Downloads : Profit without iTunes", url: "http://jutiagroup.com/2008/05/14/music-d ownloads-profit-without-itunes/" });
More About: Itunes , Featured

The View From China: As it Continues to Change, China Offers a Growing Numb
2008-05-14 18:30:00
IN THE AIR, ENROUTE FROM HONG KONG TO JAPAN - The fiery orange sunrise I see out my window is mesmerizing. I?m always filled with awe over the dawn of a new day, especially during those long trips when sunrise jolts me awake from the kind of cramped, restless sleep familiar to travelers the world over. On this day, however, I?m wide-awake. It?s the start of the newest leg of my Asian adventure. I?m tucked into seat 11A, and am quickly lost in thought. I keep thinking about different parts of the 15-day investor trip I just finished leading through Mainland China and…SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The View From China: As it Continues to Change , China Offers a Growing Number of Profit Plays to Investors Who are Willing to Look", url: "http://jutiagroup.com/2008/05/14/the-vie w-from-china-as-it-continues-to-change-ch ina-offers-a-growing-number-of-profit-pla ys-to-investors-who-are-willing-to-look/" });
More About: News , Hong Kong

Iron Ore Proves to be the Most Coveted Commodity in the Pacific
2008-05-14 17:00:00
There has been little said about BHP Billiton Ltd.?s (BHP) attempted takeover of Rio Tinto PLC (RTP) in recent months, but the proposal is far from dead. In fact, rumors that BHP may increase its bid have brought about even more speculation that China ?s largest steelmakers will further enter the fray. Rio Tinto Group, the world?s third-largest mining company, rose in London trading yesterday (Tuesday) on speculation BHP Billiton Ltd. will increase its $179 billion hostile bid for the company. “The rumor doing the rounds is that BHP will increase its bid to 3.8 shares for each Rio share,” Manoj Ladwa,…SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Iron Ore Proves to be the Most Coveted Commodity in the Pacific ", url: "http://jutiagroup.com/2008/05/14/iron-or e-proves-to-be-the-most-coveted-commodity -in-the-pacific/" });
More About: News , Australia , Australian

Fixing the economy: Listen to Hanoi Jane
2008-05-13 16:20:00
It is not too often Jane Fonda?s name gets a mention when discussing patriotism and improving the country. But if we want to succeed and continue as an economic powerhouse, we must follow the liberal lady?s exercise advice: No pain, no gain. For some reason, this country hates pain, even if it leads to monumental improvements. The average American waistline is a great example. Another fine example is our addiction to crude. We have known for decades that our dependency on foreign oil would eventually cripple this country. Whether we have reached that point or not is moot. The fact that very few…SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Fixing the economy: Listen to Hanoi Jane", url: "http://jutiagroup.com/2008/05/13/fixing- the-economy-listen-to-hanoi-jane/" });
More About: Economy , Featured

The View From China: As its Securities Regulations are Modernized, the Red
2008-05-13 16:09:00
HONG KONG - The question came to me as I was standing on the floor of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange here. I?d be willing to wager that quite a few investors - both within China and back in the United States - are wondering about this, as well. Here it is: Will China implement a long-rumored capital-gains tax, and risk (another) major sell-off as a result? Only Beijing?s inner circle knows for sure, and that only stokes investor speculation. The uncertainty can lead to rampant, knee-jerk sell-offs each time the scuttlebutt of an “imminent” tax surfaces. And those rumors have been surfacing…SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The View From China: As its Securities Regulations are Modernized, the Red Dragon?s Profit Potential Will Soar", url: "http://jutiagroup.com/2008/05/13/the-vie w-from-china-as-its-securities-regulation s-are-modernized-the-red-dragon%e2%80%99s -profit-potential-will-soar/" });