Revenues are coming in light, but earnings are holding up. Now that it’s the heart of earnings season, it’s a good time to reevaluate portfolios for risk. There is still a lot that could go wrong in this market, and there is no help from the rest of the world in terms of economic growth.... More »Why Corporations Aren’t Investing in the Economy—Again
A report from Standard & Poor’s (S&P;), the credit rating agency, indicates there is more than a one-third chance that Japanese sovereign debt could face a downgrade. The report stated, “…the continuing prospect arises from risks associated with recent government initiatives and uncertainty of their success.” (Source: Janowski, T., “S&P; says more than one-third chance... More »Why a Downgrade in the Credit Rating of U.S. Debt Is Imminent
Consistent jobs growth remains an issue here in the U.S. We also know that the lack of jobs is a worldwide problem that is only made worse by the world’s growing population and the stalling global economy. The reasoning behind this worldwide jobs problem is simple. Jobs are created when the economy expands, which drives... More »Global Economy Still at Risk, Just Look at the Jobs Picture
One of the most worrying signs from the latest batch of economic data is that the global recession might be reappearing. Central banks around the world have been attempting to fuel their economies through massive stimulus, yet these efforts appear to be failing. Increasingly, the earnings outlook for a number of companies continues to be... More »Caterpillar’s Warning: What It Means for Your Stocks
Earnings season is in full swing, and it’s looking like the retail/merchandising sectors are doing relatively well. The data support the case that consumers are spending again; whether this is sustainable or not is another matter, but for the first quarter, it looks like consumers have opened up their wallets. One company that really surprised... More »Online Retailers Holding Up, but Are They Worth the Investment Risk?
When a risk presents itself, it’s easy to think, “Okay, I just won’t do that and therefore I won’t be at risk”. Risk avoidance, can be considered a risk management strategy, but is simply ignoring it really that effective? There are some benefits to be had by withdrawing from a risky environment, but you may... More »Is Risk Avoidance effective Risk Management?
It isn’t a hidden fact that investors can make money when stock prices go down. One way to do this is by shorting shares of companies that investors believe won’t perform well because profits will be lower, sales will be stagnant, and so on and so forth. No doubt, short selling is beneficial when stock... More »How to “Short Sell” Without the Risk and High Costs
The co-principal of Title Capital Management LLC, a private real estate firm specializing in distressed properties in Florida, was recently quoted as saying, “I don’t know whether things are as good as they seem to be. A lot of properties are being occupied by institutional investors, not the end-user.” (Source: “Wall Street betting billion on... More »How Healthy Can the Housing Market Be When Institutions Are Buying up to 70% of the Homes?
Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook, the world’s largest jeweler by market capitalization, reports some of its stores are completely sold out of gold bullion bars. The company said it has not seen demand like this for gold bullion since the 1980s. (Source: Financial Times, April 22, 2013.) The Hong Kong Gold & Silver Exchange Society... More »As Gold Prices Fell, Gold Suppliers Ran Out of Coins and Bars
As I have talked about many times before, investing in companies that can grow corporate profits over the long term is essential when it comes to becoming a successful investor. Sometimes, though, it does pay to be a contrarian and go against the herd. One sector that has been hit hard lately is technology stocks.... More »What’s Really Happening to the PC Industry?
Business owners may soon have a bit more leverage when negotiating the sales of their companies. How not to blow it. More »Negotiating With Courage: 6 Ways to Protect Your Leverage
‘Charge cards’ have dated back as far back as the 1920s, as they were offered by stations, department stores and hotel chains so they wouldn’t have to go back to their hometown to get cash. While technology has advanced since, considering close to a century has passed since the idea of a credit card materialized,... More »The Evolution of the Modern Credit Card [VIDEO]
The agriculture trade is slowly heating up, and Wall Street is fixing to serve. Wall Street is particularly good at feeding the marketplace what it wants to consume. Agriculture doesn’t have the appeal like technology, but this is going to change. Monsanto Company (NYSE/MON) reported outstanding financial results in its first quarter of 2013. But... More »How Wall Street and Agriculture Can Boost Your Returns
Have you ever wondered how your savings compares to others’ accounts? Do you know what kind of account you should rely on to help build your savings? Here is a look at the rate people should be saving money for a comfortable retirement. Teen Savings Goals ACCOUNT: Basic Savings (With Parents) Children and teens need... More »Age Matters: How High Should Your Savings Rates Be?
There are growing whispers a market correction is on the horizon. Guess what: it’s already happening, and it could worsen to the point that we see a major decline, based on my technical analysis. Over the past five sessions to April 18, some profit-taking has emerged, which is what I was expecting and hoping for.... More »Buyer Beware: Stocks May Be Signaling More Weakness to Come
Italy’s exports to the global economy fell 2.8% in February compared to the previous year. Italy’s exports to the biggest country in the eurozone area, Germany, plummeted 9.7%, and to China, exports declined 9.2% in the same period. (Source: Dow Jones Newswires, April 16, 2013.) During its fiscal year 2012, exports from India’s economy to... More »Dismal Economic Growth to Finally Bring Down the Stock Market?
The U.S. national debt is a major issue. And as time passes, this issue brings the country’s sovereignty into question. Our national debt—the money owed by the U.S. government and, ultimately, the taxpayers—stands close to $17.0 trillion and growing. (Source: Treasury Direct, last accessed April 19, 2013.) Sadly, the federal government isn’t reining in spending... More »Broke States May Have No Choice but to Ask for a Washington Bailout
In these pages, I recently discussed the slowing global economy and its potential impact on stocks. (Read “Caution: Market’s Strength Is False.”) We heard China was showing renewed evidence of stalling after its first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth showed some fragility. Of course, it should not be a surprise, given what Europe and the... More »Why America Will Struggle If The Eurozone Languishes
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