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Commentary

Reforming The Caribbean Series
2012-02-09 10:30:00
The Lions of Escogido of the Dominican Republic were crowned champions of the 2012 Caribbean Series ? a series that ended with a whimper instead of a roar.  These are my ideas as to how to make the Series better.  This year?s 2012 Caribbean Series left much to be desired.  …
The Real Truth Behind the New Jobs Numbers
2012-02-08 21:16:00
Even though you know that trading the headlines is a sucker’s game, plenty of people who continually miss that memo wind up driving stocks up or down based on what they think the day’s headlines really mean. The bad news isn’t just that your positions can get hurt if stocks go down but, moreover, that they can get driven up artificially based on false optimism … which can cause them to crash even harder when the real news comes out, or when the next batch of headlines isn’t as positive (even if only in perception) as the last. The good news, however, is that you can easily become far more-informed than these trigger-happy buyers and sellers, simply by . . . → Read More: The Real Truth Behind the New Jobs Numbers
Three Official Lies About Jobs! Two Official Lies About Housing! Plus, the
2012-02-06 19:23:00
While Washington announced last Friday that unemployment dropped to 8.3% … And while Wall Street rejoiced with another rally … The true unemployment in the United States actually rose to an estimated 22.5%, nearly the worst since the Great Depression. Hard to believe? Well, thanks largely to John Williams of www.shadowstats.com, we can prove it. Just consider how the government is lying to us about jobs in America: Lie #1. “Discouraged workers — unemployed workers who give up looking for jobs — are not really unemployed.” Even a third grader would know that’s laughable. If jobs are so hard to find that people are abandoning the search, that’s a sign things are actually WORSE, . . . → Read More: Three Official Lies About Jobs! Two Official Lies About Housing! Plus, the Hard, Factual Truth!
Split between ?Real? and ?Asset? Economies Never More Clear Than Now
2012-02-03 17:25:00
Many average investors like to think that the performance of the STOCK market is closely tied to the underlying ECONOMY. And in most normal times, that’s true. But the current market environment is anything but normal. I say that because we’re in the midst of yet another round of money-printing-driven action. The fingerprints are everywhere … Super-low volume rallies in stocks. Levitation in gold. A slump in the euro first, driven by the European Central Bank’s backdoor money-printing LTRO program, followed by a slump in the dollar, driven by more dovish talk out of the U.S. Federal Reserve. All these clues tell me that the “asset” economy is floating on a sea of liquidity … for . . . → Read More: Split between ?Real? and ?Asset? Economies Never More Clear Than Now
Toronto Blue Jays Reach Out To Bloggers
2012-02-02 17:15:00
The Toronto Blue Jays communications department reaches out to the blogging community.
Toronto Blue Jays State of the Franchise ? 2012
2012-01-31 22:19:00
Video highlights and analysis from the Toronto Blue Jays’ State of the Franchise event. On a snowy Monday in January, Matthias and I were invited to attend the Blue Jays? ?State of the Franchise? event.  The State of the Franchise allows season-ticket holders a chance to grill the Blue Jays …
Is Deepwater Horizon the New Ecuador?
2012-01-31 19:30:00
Nearly two years after the worst accidental offshore oil spill in the history of the energy industry, some of the biggest companies in the world are busy pointing their legal fingers at one another in court over who has to pay what in claims, damages and fines over the deadly Deepwater Horizon oil spill. A federal judge this week ruled that BP is still obligated to a clause in its contract with Transocean that would protect the rig owner from damages related to the spill. That means BP still has to shell out money to settle claims filed by those along the southern U.S. coast impacted by the spill. BP, meanwhile, is suing Halliburton, something Halliburton said was ridiculous. . . . → Read More: Is Deepwater Horizon the New Ecuador?
Is The Stock Market Getting A Bit Ahead Of Itself?
2012-01-31 17:10:00
“You are neither right nor wrong just because the crowd disagrees with you. You are right because your data and reasoning are right.” In investing much is said about the folly of following the crowd. It’s voiced in age-old maxims like “The market will do whatever it must to fool the majority,” and Warren Buffett’s advice to “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful”. It’s measurable in investor sentiment statistics, which clearly show that investors tend to be overly fearful and pessimistic at market lows, not willing to participate when the market turns up, and then overly bullish and confident at market tops, not believing a rally has ended. The current . . . → Read More: Is The Stock Market Getting A Bit Ahead Of Itself?
The Most Lipstick on the Biggest Pigs Ever!
2012-01-31 15:32:00
We’ve seen the political and financial elites paint lipstick on a pig before. But never anything like this! Consider the pig in Washington: Uncle Sam continues to run the worst deficits — and borrow the most money — since America’s war for independence. And yet Congress has virtually given up on any semblance of a long-term solution. In any other world or time, Uncle Sam would be paying through the nose to borrow money, driving interest up all over the U.S., and causing havoc in the stock market. The lipstick: The Federal Reserve continues to paper over the disaster with the wildest money printing of all time … PLUS … the most sustained zero-interest policy . . . → Read More: The Most Lipstick on the Biggest Pigs Ever!
Jays 2012 SOTF Notes and Thoughts
2012-01-31 12:30:00
Live notes and thoughts from this years State of the Franchise address.
Why the Yen Is Set to Weaken
2012-01-30 18:22:00
The problems facing Japan have been building up for some time. And I don’t believe the coming negative impact on its currency can be delayed much longer. Earlier this week I gave my World Currency Trader members two powerful reasons why. In today’s column, I’d like to share those with you: Reason #1— Japan just recorded its first current account deficit since 1980 As you can see in the chart below, Japan posted a trade deficit of 2.49 trillion yen in 2011, after the economy was hit by the price shock of oil and a slowdown in global growth. There are two related points to consider here that should lead to a weaker yen: •  . . . → Read More: Why the Yen Is Set to Weaken
Is Europe Throwing Us into a 1930s Moment?
2012-01-25 21:37:00
The market has been watching Europe, particularly the fact that (as of this writing) a deal still hasn’t been struck between the Greek government, the Troika (the ECB, IMF, and euro-zone leaders), and private holders of Greek debt (bankers, hedge funds, and sovereign wealth funds). In order for Greece to avoid a default on €14.4 billion, which comes due on March 20, these groups must agree to reduce the value of Greece’s debt. Basically, they are negotiating to see how much money lenders will lose — in other words, accept a massive “haircut.” Negotiations have been ongoing for a while, and a deal is expected to be reached. But the original agreement was supposed to have . . . → Read More: Is Europe Throwing Us into a 1930s Moment?
Governments Will Allow Much, Much Higher Gold Prices Soon! Here?s Why
2012-01-24 19:25:00
That governments will want – and will NEED – much, much higher gold and silver prices in the future is counter intuitive, given that they have done everything within their power to throttle back and to keep a lid on bullion prices. Let me explain why. Words: 1300 So says Arnold Bock in an article written for  www.FinancialArt-icleSummariesToday.com (A site for sore eyes and inquisitive minds) and www.munKNEE.com (Your Key to Making Money!). Bock goes on to say: Although we have seen eleven consecutive years of gold bullion price rises, such increases have been incremental, measured and at levels which make the remainder of the commodities and equities markets look volatile – and anemic.  Governments have used their preferred . . . → Read More: Governments Will Allow Much, Much Higher Gold Prices Soon! Here?s Why
How to Make Money During the Greatest Economic Battle of a Lifetime
2012-01-23 17:16:00
Never before in our lifetime have we seen a fiercer fight between two opposing forces — global recession and mad money printing! The opposing forces are massive: On one side, we have the largest economy in the world — the European Union — collapsing before our eyes. And … On the other side, we have one of the most powerful central banks in the world — the European Central Bank — going berserk with a new wave of money printing, helping to push global stock prices higher. Hard to believe things have gotten THAT extreme? Then consider the facts: Just last week, the World Bank declared that Europe has entered a recession; capital flows to . . . → Read More: How to Make Money During the Greatest Economic Battle of a Lifetime
Does the ECB Have a Plan to Rescue the Euro? None That I See!
2012-01-23 15:15:00
We’re constantly talking about how much help the euro zone needs to escape the economic mess they’ve created. So will the European Central Bank (ECB) monetize debt? Will the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) be sufficiently funded as a bailout mechanism? Will Germany agree to back-stopping periphery nations? Earlier this week the International Monetary Fund (IMF) put forth a new, albeit unoriginal, proposal to garner funds from its non-European members that will serve as a backstop should there be a major shock to the European financial system. The IMF wants to raise another $500 billion. But, laughably, they’re hoping the G-20 can come to an agreement and make this happen. With all that said … Why Didn’t . . . → Read More: Does the ECB Have a Plan to Rescue the Euro? None That I See!
Is QE with a European Twist Driving Markets?
2012-01-20 18:01:00
Low volume stock rallies driven by nothing fundamental … A steady upward move in bond prices, and decline in interest rates … Levitation in hard assets, and a relentless decline in select currencies. I’m no Sherlock Holmes. But I’d say these market clues point in one direction — that we’re getting stealth Quantitative Easing, this time with a European twist! Is the ECB Following in the Fed’s Footsteps? It Sure Looks Like It! “QE” is Wall Street jargon for money printing. We’ve seen two rounds of it here in the U.S., one that ran from November 25, 2008 to March 31, 2010, and one that ran from November 3, 2010 to June 30, 2011. QE1 . . . → Read More: Is QE with a European Twist Driving Markets?
Don?t Frack Me Up
2012-01-20 16:23:00
By Marin Katusa, Casey Research To many walking the planet, fracking has a seriously bad reputation. Thanks to hyperbole and misinformation, fracking opponents have convinced a lot of people that the operators who drill and then hydraulically fracture underground rock layers thumb their noses at and even hate the environment. Anti-fracking claims may be twists on reality ? for example, that a legislative loophole makes fracking exempt from the America’s Safe Drinking Water Act, when really this federal legislation never regulated fracking because it is a state concern. Then there’s the completely absurd, such as the idea that frac operators are allowed to and regularly do inject frac fluids directly into underground water supplies. We decided to set the . . . → Read More: Don’t Frack Me Up
STUFF [PEOPLE] SAY
2012-01-19 19:02:00
Unless you've been living under a rock, chances are you've caught one or two of these parodies. But if not, here's our montage of the most popular "Stuff [People] Say" clips. Enjoy all of the inappropriate (not politically correct) laughs on us!
Chinese Dragon To Unshackle Renminbi?
2012-01-18 15:10:00
With the Year of the Dragon around the corner, will the renminbi be unshackled? Will there be a surge in domestic consumption, or will a housing bust weigh on the economy, dragging down global economic growth? To understand how dynamics may play out in China, try to put yourself into the shoes of the proverbial Chinese consumer. Better yet, put yourself into hundreds of millions of such shoes…                             First, let’s put the Chinese housing market into perspective. High-net-worth individuals own, on average, an astounding 3.3 housing units per person (2011 Allianz survey). Many of these “investment properties” have recently been developed and are not occupied. . . . → Read More: Chinese Dragon To Unshackle Renminbi?
Brazil Looks Like a Buying Opportunity Again
2012-01-17 15:34:00
Majority of the population now in the middle class for the first time ever Brazil continues to impress as a country and economy, due in no small way to its government’s multi-year efforts and determination to make it an important global presence. Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world by geographical area and population (190 million), and now has the sixth-largest economy, having surpassed the United Kingdom last year. It’s long been known for its dirt-poor city slums, which are appalling. But its booming economy of recent years has increased the purchasing power of its population and moved an estimated 20 million out of poverty, with the majority of the population now in the . . . → Read More: Brazil Looks Like a Buying Opportunity Again
Why the Cascade of Downgrades Has Barely Begun
2012-01-16 17:40:00
If you think our politicians are often hypocritical in their denials of financial sins, take a look at what’s happened in Europe: Just a few weeks ago, when leading European politicians feared their countries were going to lose their triple-A ratings, they reacted with anger and venom, tacitly acknowledging that the looming ratings downgrades would be tragic. But on Friday, when the dreaded downgrades were actually announced, those very same politicians solemnly denied that the event was of any importance! Where’s the truth? For the best answer, you need only remember the famous 19th century refrain of Otto von Bismarck: “Never believe anything in politics until it has been officially denied.” And for the best . . . → Read More: Why the Cascade of Downgrades Has Barely Begun
Can the U.S. Economic Recovery Overcome Europe?s Drag?
2012-01-10 19:15:00
Positive reports are coming from all the crucial segments of the economy In an October column I wrote, “For the first time this year the trend of U.S. economic reports is potentially bottoming and turning positive. And after being bearish in the spring and summer, I like what I see in the technical charts of many markets. If only we could ignore Europe.” That pretty much still defines the situation as we enter the New Year. Our indicators did trigger a buy signal in mid-October, and the Dow is up 16.5% from its early October low. The U.S. economic recovery did indeed get underway, and has been gaining momentum impressively. More importantly, the positive reports are . . . → Read More: Can the U.S. Economic Recovery Overcome Europe’s Drag?
Why 2012 looks to be even ROUGHER than 2011!
2012-01-06 16:55:00
Welcome to 2012! I trust you had an enjoyable holiday season like I did … and that you’re just as ready as I am to make this your most profitable year ever. So what am I expecting? In a nutshell, an even MORE tumultuous year than 2011. I say that because many of the problems that hammered markets in 2011 haven’t gone away. They’ve gotten even worse — and the list of NEW problems is getting ever longer. Why You Still Need to Worry about Europe! Last year, I said repeatedly that Europe’s purported debt problem “fixes” would fail. That was clearly on target. I also told you that I believed the global economy would slow broadly. . . . → Read More: Why 2012 looks to be even ROUGHER than 2011!
Six Reasons to Avoid Japan In 2012
2012-01-05 17:35:00
One of the best ways to make money in ETFs is to not lose money. I know it sounds obvious, but I can assure you that many people don’t get this key point. So if I can help you do that, then I count it as a success. And today I’ll talk about an ETF category I think you should avoid in 2012: Japan. What’s Wrong with Japan? I’ve been to Japan many times. I love the country and the people. Yet I have to tell you that now is not the time to invest in Japanese stock ETFs. Yes, I know the Nikkei Dow looks oversold, but it’s looked that way for years. As I’ve explained . . . → Read More: Six Reasons to Avoid Japan In 2012
Doug Casey Addresses Getting Out of Dodge
2012-01-05 15:02:00
(Interviewed by Louis James, Editor, International Speculator) L: Doug, a lot of readers have been asking for guidance on how to know when it’s time to exit center stage and hunker down in some safe place. Few people want to hide from the world in a cabin in the woods while life goes on in the mainstream, but nobody wants to get caught once the gates clang shut on the police state the US is becoming. How do you know when it’s time to go? Doug: Well, the first thing to keep in mind is that it’s better to be a year too early than a minute too late. David Galland recently read They Thought They Were Free: The . . . → Read More: Doug Casey Addresses Getting Out of Dodge
Don?t Compromise Your Real Estate Strategy for the Sake of Buying
2012-01-04 15:40:00
Many investors in recent months have noticed a decline in REO and HUD inventory in their markets. While some may speculate that we are finally working through the majority of the foreclosure casualties from the real estate crash, many analysts believe the lack of foreclosures on the market has more to do with government intervention. ...This Article is Copyright © 2004-2011 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Don’t Compromise Your Real Estate Strategy for the Sake of Buying
The Dave Stieb vs. Jack Morris Hall of Fame Debate
2012-01-04 13:03:00
Hall of Fame voting is almost here, and again the case is being made for Jack Morris to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.  Comparisons are being made to both pitchers in and outside of the Hall, but the only comparison that really matters is the one to Dave …
Investors Hate Uncertainty? Poppycock!
2012-01-02 19:42:00
To me it is mindboggling we still hear financial commentators and others who should know better utter this inane phrase on a regular basis: “Investors hate uncertainty.” Say what? If there were no such thing as uncertainty, there would be no need for a pricing system or market whatsoever. There would be no opportunity for speculative profit in markets. There would be no reason to buy and hold an asset based on your expectation that it will increase in value. Instead you would have been certain one way or the other and all of this information would have been discounted into the price. Why bid? Why offer? It wouldn’t be a “random walk.” It would . . . → Read More: Investors Hate Uncertainty? Poppycock!
Why 2012 Should Be Better Than 2011 For The Stock Market
2011-12-28 20:26:00
U.S. economy has been in recovery mode and is steadily gaining momentum A year ago there was widespread confidence that with the recession having ended in June, 2009, the economy continuing to recover, further QE2 easing underway, and the stock market clearly in a new bull market, that 2011 was going to be a great year. In my annual forecast last December I agreed the year would be positive in the early months, but that the economy would begin to slow again once the effects of the Fed’s QE2 program expired. I expected that would spook the stock market into a substantial correction during the market’s often unfavorable summer months, and only after that correction would . . . → Read More: Why 2012 Should Be Better Than 2011 For The Stock Market
Are You Tempted to Sell, or Eager to Buy?
2011-12-21 21:15:00
Are You Tempted to Sell, or Eager to Buy? By Jeff Clark, Casey Research It wasn’t a fun week for gold. By the close on Friday, the metal was down 6.7% (based on London PM fix prices), the biggest weekly decline since September. It got downright irritating when the mainstream media seemingly rejoiced at gold’s decline. Economist Nouriel Roubini poked fun at gold bugs in a Tweet. Über investor Dennis Gartman said he sold his holdings. CNBC ran an article proclaiming gold was no longer a safe-haven asset (talk about an overreaction). While the worry may have been real, let’s focus on facts. Have the reasons for gold’s bull market changed in any material way such that we . . . → Read More: Are You Tempted to Sell, or Eager to Buy?
2012: Worse than 2008!
2011-12-20 17:24:00
If you think 2008 was a bad year, wait till you see 2012! The world’s largest banks have far less capital, the world’s largest governments have far less bailout power, and each is pulling the other into an abyss. Yet, BOTH bankers AND government officials seem mostly oblivious to the dire realities, sleepwalking through daily life as if nothing had changed. Burying the Truth Over 100 years ago, novelist Émile Zola put it this way: “If you silence the truth and bury it underground, it will grow and gather such explosive power that the day it bursts through it will blow up everything in its way.” This is a key reason why economies crumble, markets crash . . . → Read More: 2012: Worse than 2008!
Asia Screeches ? Dollar Zooms
2011-12-19 19:45:00
I find it interesting how complacent many investors still are regarding Asia, China in particular. But I guess if one vests so much time and effort to wave a convincing story, it’s difficult to be objective. However, a slowdown in Asia is certain. In fact, if you look at the chart below, you can see that one has already begun across emerging markets. And soon it could turn into an all-out run thanks to falling dollar-liquidity, the euro-zone banking crisis, and the Chinese housing bubble. There are two key points that could help explain why I say Asia is bound to take a gigantic header; both are tightly linked catalysts for hot money running from . . . → Read More: Asia Screeches ? Dollar Zooms
Small Cap Stock Picks For The Coming Days
2011-12-16 18:10:00
Tendency for small stocks to outperform the market from mid-December to mid-January Some investing truisms are pure baloney. For instance, that you can rely on the stock market returning 10% to 12% per year on average. That if you want higher profits you have to take more risk. That you can’t time the market. That election years are always positive for the stock market. But there are some that can be very useful. The market is almost always higher in April than in September (annual seasonality). The market performs significantly better with a Democrat in the White House (so says the data of the last 100 years). The market tends to experience most of its serious . . . → Read More: Small Cap Stock Picks For The Coming Days
The Real Estate Investor Retirement Recovery Window ? Two Years Old
2011-12-14 14:08:00
I coined that incredibly original phrase about this time last year in a post on my own site. The post duly noted that the convergence of three factors, crucial to long term real estate investing. Interest rates at historically low levels, price/rent ratios mimicking 1958 textbooks, and blue ribbon locations sporting smallish newly built income ...This Article is Copyright © 2004-2011 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Real Estate Investor Retirement Recovery Window – Two Years Old
What to Get Your Tenants for the Holidays
2011-12-11 16:39:00
Going shopping for Christmas presents is one of my least favorite activities. It?s right up there with going to the dentist and going to the DMV. That?s why I try and do as little of it as possible and that?s why I have a virtual assistant to do these types of tasks which I can?t ...This Article is Copyright © 2004-2011 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved. What to Get Your Tenants for the Holidays
Arguing Against The Mathis Trade
2011-12-07 15:44:00
Making a case against the Jays acquisition of Jeff Mathias
Still Believe Your 401k Is a Main Cog In Your Retirement Income Plan? Think
2011-12-06 19:57:00
Let’s just get down to brass tacks. Your 401K/IRA is virtually guaranteed to let you down when it comes to the income on which you’re relying for retirement. You’ve been lead down the garden path. Ironically, these so-called ‘qualified plans’ are in reality very well designed future streams of income — for the Treasury Department ...This Article is Copyright © 2004-2011 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Still Believe Your 401k Is a Main Cog In Your Retirement Income Plan? Think Again
New Risk On Risk Off ETNs Tuned to Recent Market Conditions
2011-12-06 18:15:00
UBS launched ETRACS Fisher-Gartman Risk On ETN (ONN) and ETRACS Fisher-Gartman Risk Off ETN (OFF) on November 30, 2011.  The new exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”) are described as comprehensive “risk on” and “risk off” trading vehicles based on the newly invented Fisher-Gartman Risk Index. The underlying index provides 150% long and 50% short exposure to static asset classes whose allocations potentially increase in value when the market/economic outlook is positive and decrease when the outlook is negative.  The base index allocations are: 76% long and 0% short Commodity Futures 46% long and 0% short Equity ETPs 28% long and 16% short Currency Futures 0% long and 34% short Sovereign Bond Futures ONN will track the index (150% long and 50% short) minus . . . → Read More: New Risk On Risk Off ETNs Tuned to Recent Market Conditions
Monetary Collusion Masking A Vulnerable Aussie Dollar
2011-12-06 16:23:00
This week global central banks announced a coordinated effort to inject liquidity into credit markets. From Reuters: “The central banks of the United States, euro zone, Japan, Canada, Britain and Switzerland announced on Wednesday coordinated global action to provide liquidity to the financial system, lowering the price on existing dollar swaps.” As frequently as these monetary powers must work together in world-saving plans, this is only the third instance of this particular type of announced collusion. The first was in December 2007. The second was in September 2008. Here is what happened then: Not exactly the market reaction we’ve come to know from the more popular (and admittedly larger) quantitative easing measures implemented by the Federal . . . → Read More: Monetary Collusion Masking A Vulnerable Aussie Dollar
Avalanche of Downgrades Overwhelming Bondholders! What to Do?
2011-12-02 20:49:00
Maybe it’s because we got our first genuine “cold” front here in South Florida — dropping the mercury all the way to 53 degrees. But the image I have when it comes to the banking sector and sovereign debt downgrades is of an avalanche. One that starts slowly … gathers steam along the way … and ultimately mows down everything in its path! Just in the past several days, for instance … * Moody’s Investors Service warned of a “rapid escalation” in Europe’s debt crisis. The ratings agency added that “the likelihood of even more negative scenarios has risen” and that “multiple defaults” could be looming. As a result, it could be close to slashing European sovereign ratings . . . → Read More: Avalanche of Downgrades Overwhelming Bondholders! What to Do…
Two Pipeline Plays to Heat Up Your Portfolio This Winter!
2011-11-30 19:02:00
The U.S. remains dependent on foreign oil supplies from the Middle East. And that relationship has put our economy over an economic and strategic barrel, so to speak. In order for the U.S. to gain energy independence we need to explore and develop our own energy resources here at home, including coal, wind, nuclear, and above all, natural gas and shale. The benefits are as clear as they are long-reaching. In addition to truly start the weaning process from foreign oil, a move to such fuels would add jobs, cut costs and provide forward-thinking investors with the opportunity to produce some great year-round returns. Vast Resources Right under Your Feet! Unlike many other power sources, in addition to . . . → Read More: Two Pipeline Plays to Heat Up Your Portfolio This Winter!
What ?To The Moon? Will Look Like
2011-11-30 17:15:00
By Jeff Clark, BIG GOLD This may sound sensationalistic, but I think the odds are very high that, on average, gold producers will sell in the $200 range before this bull market is over. With most of them trading between $20 and $40, the returns could be tremendous. And while the typical junior won’t reach the same price level, their percentage returns will be much greater and potentially life-changing, as you’re about to see. The timing of this article may seem incongruous, given the recent weak performance of gold and gold stocks. But that was the identical situation in each of the past manias: both the metal and the equities didn’t excel until the frenzy kicked in. The following . . . → Read More: What ‘To The Moon’ Will Look Like
Europe?s Red Tape Blues
2011-11-28 16:30:00
From The November 2011 HRA Journal David Coffin and Eric Coffin Plus ça Change….. Another month, another Euro area country in the hot seat…   Italy already had issues thanks to the buffoonery of its former Prime Minister and it’s now the target of bond vigilantes. No real surprises and no mystery about the steps the euro area countries have to take. What steps get taken and how forcefully is the issue as it has been for months.  It’s still all politics. Unless the EU fixes everything in the space of the next two weeks plenty of tax loss selling should be expected.  Notwithstanding that, we’re finding the buying in the bulk material space and strengthening oil price encouraging.  . . . → Read More: Europe’s Red Tape Blues
Greece: High Flying Drachma
2011-11-22 15:33:00
The worst-case scenario for Greece, should it be unable to secure further bailouts, might be that it would have to live within its means. Presently, spending only the money coming in is considered unbearably brutal. If Greece could only leave the euro, it could install its own printing press, inflating its sorrows away. Any economist will object: it’s complicated. But it isn’t: Greece could introduce a high-flying New Drachma, quite literally. First, please note that any country may default on its debt. The trouble is that the day after a default it might be difficult or impossible to obtain a loan at palatable terms. As such, any country considering a default must conduct a risk / . . . → Read More: Greece: High Flying Drachma
Are You A Real Estate Rehab Investor With Too Much Cash?
2011-11-19 17:02:00
As a real estate investor you know that you can never have too much cash. What if I could present an argument to the contrary.  An argument that demonstrates that real estate investors, especially new investors who have ready access to cash, almost always earn fewer profits then an investor who is not so cash rich. ...This Article is Copyright © 2004-2011 BiggerPockets, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Are You A Real Estate Rehab Investor With Too Much Cash?
Europe Credit Markets Imploding! Why It Matters To YOU!
2011-11-18 20:10:00
In this market, it’s easier than ever to be confused. I say that because Wall Street pundits and European technocrats keep telling you that “All is well.” They keep saying that stocks have to rise because it’s the end of the year. They keep saying they have the sovereign debt crisis licked. They keep announcing bailout plan after plan after plan, promising that this time, it will really work. And frankly, what would you expect them to say? They need YOUR money to pay THEIR salaries and bonuses! Me? I don’t have those conflicts. So I’m going to give you the plain, unvarnished truth: Things aren’t getting better. They’re getting much, much worse … and it’s . . . → Read More: Europe Credit Markets Imploding! Why It Matters To YOU!
Don?t Sweat the Correction in Gold
2011-11-18 18:42:00
By Jeff Clark, BIG GOLD I’ve told more than one concerned investor that when the gold price falls, they should "come back in three months" and see if they’re still worried. The idea is that the daily and monthly gyrations are nothing to fret over, that the price will recover and, in time, fetch new highs. That advice has worked every time gold underwent any significant correction (except in late 2008, when one had to take a longer view than three months). Here’s proof. I’ve traded emails regularly with Brent Johnson ever since meeting him at an investor event I spoke at a couple years ago. He’s the managing director of Baker Avenue Asset Management, a wealth management firm . . . → Read More: Don’t Sweat the Correction in Gold
Does Another Lehman Have Your Money?
2011-11-17 17:01:00
One letter can make a huge difference in your portfolio — especially the letters “F” and “N.” For instance, consider the investments called ETF and ETN. In both cases, ET stands for “exchange traded.” And it’s true: Both are traded on one or more exchanges. Yet an exchange traded fund is not at all the same as an exchange traded note … any more than an apple is equal to an orange simply because both grow on trees. Although both are fruit trees, the fruit tastes different. Today I want to make sure this distinction is clear in your mind. As you’ll see, ETFs and ETNs can leave an entirely different taste in your mouth. You need . . . → Read More: Does Another Lehman Have Your Money?
Why is ABC even asking Bill Maher to offer political commentary?
2011-11-17 09:27:00
Lately, we’ve experienced many examples of media bias, the discrepancy in the cover of #OWS and the Tea Parties, the focus on allegations against a Republican presidential candidate while downplaying scandalous activity of a Democratic president’s administration, an absence of scrutiny of Democrats’ conflicts of interest. And here’s yet another example, a man known for ...
Global Economy At The Mercy Of Tiny Greece?
2011-11-16 19:26:00
Its economy is 32nd in size globally, with annual GDP of only $0.3 trillion, compared to $63 trillion for the world as a whole It’s incredible when you think about it. Greece is one of the smallest countries and economies in the world. Its population is 11 million people out of the 492 million in the combined European Union countries, and compared to 312 million in the U.S., 1.3 billion in China, 1.2 billion in India. Its economy is 32nd in size globally, with annual GDP of only $0.3 trillion, compared to $63 trillion for the world as a whole, $16.2 trillion for the combined European Union countries, $14.5 trillion for the U.S., $6 trillion for . . . → Read More: Global Economy At The Mercy Of Tiny Greece?
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