Saudi Prince Alwaleed isn't the only foreign investor giving a vote of confidence to struggling Citigroup (NYSE: C). Mexican-based Inbursa bank, controlled by billionaire Carlos Slim Helu, recently took a significant stake in the company, spending about $150 million to buy 29 million Citigroup shares, according to published reports.
Citigroup's stock price had been under significant pressure in recent weeks, which was later exacerbated when it announced that it would cut 53,000 jobs. Last week, shares dropped below $5 for the first time since 1994. But late Sunday, the government announced that it would give the bank an additional $20 billion and would absorb up to $300 billion in potential losses, a model some experts should be used to deal with other struggling institutions. The move also seems to be sitting well with investors including Slim, marked by a 60% jump earlier this week.
But Citi isn't the only company that Slim, one of the richest men in the world, has had his eyes on. Regulatory filings show that he recently boosted his stake in luxury retailer Saks (NYSE: SKS), buying nearly 7.6 million shares of the company over a four-day period. Saks is one of many luxury retailers suffering during the economic turmoil as even the rich cut down on spending. But with Slim's move, he is now the company's largest shareholder.
And if you're wondering whether to get in on one of these stocks or others, even as most big names remain well off of their highs, with enough research, patience and good luck you may be able to turn your investment into a small fortune. Billionaire investor and Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett recently disclosed that he was snapping up U.S. stocks. His cardinal rule of investing: "Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful."
Disclosure: I bought Citigroup shares on Nov. 21 at $4.71.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-26-2008 @ 4:12PM
BHarrison said...
In regard to 'integrity in the market", I've always wondered why individual investors (retail investors like myself) are denied access to market information to provide the "insiders" an undue advantage.
If they want my investment monies, then I insist on real time market information. The amrket is too stacked against the individual investors; and more than enough CORRUPTION has been revealed about the stock brokers and FIs . . . everyone should have equal access to the market information.
The stock brokers, the corporations, and FIs need the modest investments of the HUNDREDS of MILLIONS Americans . . . retirees, and others. After all of the ripoffs and market shennaigans that have been revealed, why would any rational person risks in the current volitile markets? It's a sucker's or a fools market at this time . . . FULL DISCLOSURES and TRANSPARENCY has certainly NOT been provided. That should REALLY make the small investors wary of investing in the makrkets.