BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Goodyear's Road Should Be Smoother in 2010]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/goodyear-s-road-should-be-smoother-in-2010/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/goodyear-s-road-should-be-smoother-in-2010/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/goodyear-s-road-should-be-smoother-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,

The stock of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (GT), which I first wrote about on May 5, 2009, at a price of $13.30, has given back most of the gains registered in 2009, but I still like the company's business model and prospects, for several reasons.

First and foremost, it appears the long auto sector depression in the U.S. is over: miles driven fell substantially in 2009, due to fewer drivers and consumer belt-tightening. Further, while no one should expect 1960s-style suburban traffic growth, last year's negative mileage pattern is unlikely to be repeated in 2010.

Continue reading Goodyear's Road Should Be Smoother in 2010

Goodyear's Road Should Be Smoother in 2010 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carstiresused carsUsedCarsTue, 09 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bipartisan Support Growing for Jobs Bill]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/bipartisan-support-growing-for-jobs-bill/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/bipartisan-support-growing-for-jobs-bill/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/bipartisan-support-growing-for-jobs-bill/#commentsFiled under: , ,

What might get the Republicans to bite on the jobs bill currently under formulation on Capitol Hill? A lack of an estate tax.

The bipartisan Senate bill that may come for a vote this week is not likely to include an extension of the estate tax, which expired at the end of 2009, Reuters reported Tuesday (however, Washington's likely, second heavy storm/blizzard in a week, expected to arrive Tuesday night, may delay the vote: most federal offices were closed again Tuesday for snow clean-up).

Continue reading Bipartisan Support Growing for Jobs Bill

Bipartisan Support Growing for Jobs Bill originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewsjobs billpoliticsrecessionTue, 09 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Germany Considering Support for Debt-Laden Greece]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/germany-considering-support-for-debt-laden-greece/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/germany-considering-support-for-debt-laden-greece/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/germany-considering-support-for-debt-laden-greece/#commentsFiled under: ,

Germany is considering an assistance package for fiscally-strapped Greece, two lawmakers from Chancellor 's governing coalition said, Boomberg News reported Tuesday.

"We are considering support," Michael Meister, the Christian Democratic Union's deputy parliamentary leader and the party's financial affairs spokesman, told Bloomberg News Tuesday in a phone interview. "If Greece gets aid, it will only happen under strict conditions and if the Greek government undertakes far-reaching state reforms."

Continue reading Germany Considering Support for Debt-Laden Greece

Germany Considering Support for Debt-Laden Greece originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eurozoneGermanyGreeceMerkelTue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Schlumberger: Well-Positioned Oil Services Company]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/schlumberger-well-positioned-oil-services-company/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/schlumberger-well-positioned-oil-services-company/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/schlumberger-well-positioned-oil-services-company/#commentsFiled under: ,

Schlumberger Ltd. (SLB) is a stock I've had on my radar screen for a while -- it was first written about on May 6, 2009. at a price of $56.09 -- and I still like it. Here's why:

Long-term, Schlumberger "is in the catbird seat," concerning the world's need for more oil. Oil producers, particularly newer clients in emerging markets, will need the more-sophisticated oil services that SLB can provide. Further, a likely oil price of $70-85 per barrel in 2010 will increase oil producer confidence in the feasibility of launching new upstream projects -- another plus for SLB.

Continue reading Schlumberger: Well-Positioned Oil Services Company

Schlumberger: Well-Positioned Oil Services Company originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>SchlumbergerslbTue, 09 Feb 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[General Cable Corp.: Stopped-Out]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/general-cable-corp-stopped-out/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/general-cable-corp-stopped-out/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/general-cable-corp-stopped-out/#commentsFiled under:

In investing, they don't all work out. General Cable Corp. (BGC), which I first wrote about on May 5, 2009, at a price of $34.59, has been stopped-out at at the sell/stop loss of $28.

The stock of General Cable, which develops, designs, manufactures, and distributes copper, aluminum, and fiber optic wire and cable products for the communications, energy, and electrical markets, has been retreating since it announced a Q4 production cut back in mid-2009.

Continue reading General Cable Corp.: Stopped-Out

General Cable Corp.: Stopped-Out originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bgccable productsCableProductsfiber opticGeneral Cable Corp.Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Avon Products: An Overcorrection Creates an Opportunity]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/avon-products-an-over-correction-creates-an-opportunity/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/avon-products-an-over-correction-creates-an-opportunity/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/avon-products-an-over-correction-creates-an-opportunity/#commentsFiled under: ,

Avon Products (AVP), which I first wrote about on May 6, 2009, at a price of $23.12, has pulled-back with the market's retreat, but I still like the company and the stock. Here's why:

Avon remains the world leader in direct-marketed cosmetics, toiletries, fashion jewelry, and fragrances, with ample growth opportunities in Latin America, China, and Central/Eastern Europe.

Continue reading Avon Products: An Overcorrection Creates an Opportunity

Avon Products: An Overcorrection Creates an Opportunity originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avonbeauty productsBeautyProductscosmeticsMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ray of Light: G-7 Finance Ministers Vow to Maintain Stimulus]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/ray-of-light-g-7-finance-ministers-vow-to-maintain-stimulus/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/ray-of-light-g-7-finance-ministers-vow-to-maintain-stimulus/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/ray-of-light-g-7-finance-ministers-vow-to-maintain-stimulus/#commentsFiled under: ,

Monday's upbeat data point concerns the G-7, which agreed over the weekend to maintain economic stimulus measures, even as institutional investors (among others) start clamoring for nations to address large budget deficits.

Meeting amid the frozen tundra of Iqaluit, Canada (as opposed to the almost equally frozen tundra of Washington, D.C.), Canada's Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said G-7 ministers "are mutually committed" to continuing stimulus, and will start looking at exit strategies after regional economies are on a sustainable growth track, Bloomberg News reported Monday.

Continue reading Ray of Light: G-7 Finance Ministers Vow to Maintain Stimulus

Ray of Light: G-7 Finance Ministers Vow to Maintain Stimulus originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>G7jim flahertyJimFlahertystimulusworld economyWorldEconomyMon, 08 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiscally, California and Greece Are Not Identical]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/fiscally-california-and-greece-are-not-identical/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/fiscally-california-and-greece-are-not-identical/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/fiscally-california-and-greece-are-not-identical/#commentsFiled under:

There's been some comparison in the popular press between Greece's serious fiscal condition, and the State of California's. Well, while both are running budget deficits, the similarities stop there.

Greece's fiscal situation is far more serious. Greece's budget deficit as a percent of GDP is roughly 12.7%. California's is about 7%, based on the state's 2008 GDP.

Continue reading Fiscally, California and Greece Are Not Identical

Fiscally, California and Greece Are Not Identical originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaliforniaEUeurozoneGreeceMon, 08 Feb 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Northeast Utilities: Adequate Growth, Decent Dividend]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/northeast-utilities-adequate-growth-decent-dividend/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/northeast-utilities-adequate-growth-decent-dividend/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/northeast-utilities-adequate-growth-decent-dividend/#commentsFiled under: ,

It goes without saying that one sector I've liked for years has been the electric power generation sector, and within this category Northeast Utilities (NU), which I first wrote about on May 6, 2009 at a price of $21.48, is a standout.

Investors should not expect mega revenue growth or gargantuan customer gains with NU, just predictable, steady earnings growth, evenly split between the company's generating/distribution business and its transmission operation. Further, look for the company's transmission sector to play an increasing role in revenue growth, moving forward. NU serves about 1.9 million customers, primarily in Connecticut, but also in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Continue reading Northeast Utilities: Adequate Growth, Decent Dividend

Northeast Utilities: Adequate Growth, Decent Dividend originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nuMon, 08 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[American Electric Power: Low-Profile Utility Gem]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/american-electric-power-low-profile-utility-gem/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/american-electric-power-low-profile-utility-gem/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/american-electric-power-low-profile-utility-gem/#commentsFiled under:

I have long argued that the electric power generation sector offers investment opportunities, and within that category I've liked American Electric Power (AEP), which I first wrote about on May 4, 2009, at a price of $25.38.

AEP, with 5 million retails customers (mostly in Ohio, Virginia, Indiana, and Oklahoma), should continue to shine as a low-cost power provider. True, increased energy efficiency across the U.S. economy will be a trend for the next decade and beyond, but relatively low-cost electric power does not go out of style.

Continue reading American Electric Power: Low-Profile Utility Gem

American Electric Power: Low-Profile Utility Gem originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AEPamerican electric powerMon, 08 Feb 2010 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Greenspan: 'The Recession Is Over']]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/greenspan-the-recession-is-over/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/greenspan-the-recession-is-over/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/08/greenspan-the-recession-is-over/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One of the world's preeminent economists and former central bankers had some good news and not-so-good news for investors.

Speaking on NBC's Meet The Press on Sunday, Former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said, "The recession is over. It bottomed back in the middle of the year."

However, Greenspan added that, as many economists agree, the economic recovery will have to continue for some time to absorb the slack in the labor force to lower the U.S. unemployment rate significantly.

Continue reading Greenspan: 'The Recession Is Over'

Greenspan: 'The Recession Is Over' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economic recoveryfeaturedGreenspaninthenewsPaulsonMon, 08 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Banks Still Not Providing Enough Credit to Small Businesses]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/banks-still-not-providing-enough-credit-to-small-businesses/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/banks-still-not-providing-enough-credit-to-small-businesses/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/banks-still-not-providing-enough-credit-to-small-businesses/#commentsFiled under: ,

The political climate in Washington is hardly conducive to a joint resolution by the Democrats and Republicans honoring Moms on Mother's Day, let alone high-stakes banking issues, but one reality is clear: if banks don't starting providing more credit to small and medium-sized businesses, Congress will have to create agents -- or new institutions -- that do.

The issue is too important for the long-term health of the economy: small and medium-sized businesses account for the bulk of America's jobs and new hiring.

Presently, demand is growing incrementally, but as it increases, if business credit lines don't as well, the recovery could stall, necessitating Congressional action.

Continue reading Banks Still Not Providing Enough Credit to Small Businesses

Banks Still Not Providing Enough Credit to Small Businesses originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banking sectorbankscreditfeaturedloansFri, 05 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Dollar/Oil Link Shows Impact of U.S. Budget Deficit on Crude's Price]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/dollar-oil-link-shows-impact-of-u-s-budget-deficit-on-crude-s-p/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/dollar-oil-link-shows-impact-of-u-s-budget-deficit-on-crude-s-p/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/dollar-oil-link-shows-impact-of-u-s-budget-deficit-on-crude-s-p/#commentsFiled under: ,

The way the price of oil has plummeted this week on the dollar's rise amid the flight-to-safety lends more support to the theory that if the U.S. budget was balanced, crude would fall, oh, about $30 or $35.

Oil is priced in dollars. Hence, when the dollar falls, oil's price usually rises, and vice-versa. Starting in 2001, the dollar began to weaken as the U.S. budget went from a surplus under President Bill Clinton to a deficit under President George W. Bush, with the euro strengthening from about 82 cents versus the dollar to the current $1.3605. During that time oil's price has more than tripled from the $25 per barrel crude price in 2001.

Continue reading Dollar/Oil Link Shows Impact of U.S. Budget Deficit on Crude's Price

Dollar/Oil Link Shows Impact of U.S. Budget Deficit on Crude's Price originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget deficitdollarfeaturedgasoline pricesinthenewsoil pricesFri, 05 Feb 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[American Express: Well-Positioned for the Upturn in Business Start-ups]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/american-express-well-positioned-for-the-upturn-in-business-sta/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/american-express-well-positioned-for-the-upturn-in-business-sta/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/american-express-well-positioned-for-the-upturn-in-business-sta/#commentsFiled under: ,

You won't find too many fans of the credit card/revolving debt sector, but American Express (AXP), which I first wrote about on April 27, 2009 at a price of $27.28, in my interpretation, still has considerable appeal. Here's why:

I expect credit card charge-offs to continue to stabilize in the quarters ahead, with a reduction in delinquencies, improving cash flow for AXP. That will help build capital for future expansion/new business projects. A better pace of small business/medium business expansion adds to the positive story, and AXP still has ample room to increase use of its business cards in the emerging markets of Asia and Latin America.

Continue reading American Express: Well-Positioned for the Upturn in Business Start-ups

American Express: Well-Positioned for the Upturn in Business Start-ups originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axpFri, 05 Feb 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. Has a $1.6 Trillion Deficit, and the Dollar Still Rises]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/u-s-1-6-trillion-deficit-and-the-dollar-still-rises/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/u-s-1-6-trillion-deficit-and-the-dollar-still-rises/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/u-s-1-6-trillion-deficit-and-the-dollar-still-rises/#commentsFiled under:

Trillion dollar deficits extending out, purportedly for a decade. A projected $1.6 trillion deficit for next year, fiscal 2011. A higher U.S. national debt ceiling.

And what's the U.S. dollar doing amid the above? Oh, it's trending higher against the world's major currencies.

The dollar early Friday strengthened more than 1 cent versus the euro and British pound, to $1.3607 and $1.5612, respectively, capping a week of impressive gains for the buck.

Continue reading U.S. Has a $1.6 Trillion Deficit, and the Dollar Still Rises

U.S. Has a $1.6 Trillion Deficit, and the Dollar Still Rises originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>British poundBritishPounddollar euroDollarEuroGreeceinthenewsFri, 05 Feb 2010 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian Pacific Is Attractively Priced]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/canadian-pacific-is-attractively-priced/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/canadian-pacific-is-attractively-priced/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/05/canadian-pacific-is-attractively-priced/#commentsFiled under:

Readers of this space know that like Warren Buffett, I like the rails, and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP), which I first wrote about on May 1, 2009, at a price of $37.47, still looks attractive. Here's why.

I expect the global upturn, albeit with fits-and-starts, in commodity shipments (potash, coal) to continue, and look for the pace to quicken in 2010. Industrial car loadings also should register an impressive improvement this year. Meanwhile, increases in CP's railroad efficiency add to the positive story.

Continue reading Canadian Pacific Is Attractively Priced

Canadian Pacific Is Attractively Priced originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Canadian Pacific RailwayCPFri, 05 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[China Still Holds Decidedly Different View on the Yuan's Value]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/04/china-still-holds-decidedly-different-view-on-the-yuan-s-value/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/04/china-still-holds-decidedly-different-view-on-the-yuan-s-value/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/04/china-still-holds-decidedly-different-view-on-the-yuan-s-value/#commentsFiled under: ,

China is sending signals that efforts to assimilate the giant Asian economy into the international financial system are not likely to include measures that Beijing has heretofore resisted.

One tack China is opposed to: changes in the yuan's value that it does not see as acceptable.

Ma Zhaoxua, a China Foreign Ministry spokesman, said at a regular news conference, "wrongful accusations and pressure will not help solve this issue," The New York Times reported Thursday.

Continue reading China Still Holds Decidedly Different View on the Yuan's Value

China Still Holds Decidedly Different View on the Yuan's Value originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dollarworld tradeWorldTradeyuanThu, 04 Feb 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[As Expected, ECB, BOE Keep Key Interest Rates the Same]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/04/as-expected-ecb-boe-keep-key-interest-rates-the-same/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/04/as-expected-ecb-boe-keep-key-interest-rates-the-same/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/04/as-expected-ecb-boe-keep-key-interest-rates-the-same/#commentsFiled under: ,

As expected, both the European Central Bank and the Bank of England kept their key, short-term interest rates at the same levels Thursday, in decisions that are consistent with a continued, accommodative central bank policy in the world's major economic regions.

The ECB kept its refinance rate at 1.0% and the Bank of England maintained its 0.5% rate. The Bank of England also maintained its 200 billion pound/$315 billion asset buying program at the same level.

Continue reading As Expected, ECB, BOE Keep Key Interest Rates the Same

As Expected, ECB, BOE Keep Key Interest Rates the Same originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bank of EnglandBOEECBEuropean Central BankinthenewsThu, 04 Feb 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Will the Tea Party Endure?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/04/will-the-tea-party-endure/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/04/will-the-tea-party-endure/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/04/will-the-tea-party-endure/#commentsFiled under: , ,

What to make of the Tea Party at this junction? It's too soon to tell. You'll hear a great of rhetoric, and banter and hype, but regarding a systematic and professional evaluation of 'the TP,' there just aren't enough data points yet.

Hence, for now, place them in the category of a faction. Factions are more likely to be merged into an existing party, form a separate interest group, or disband.

Continue reading Will the Tea Party Endure?

Will the Tea Party Endure? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tea PartyThu, 04 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ashland: Still at a Bargain Price]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/04/ashland-still-at-a-bargain-price/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/04/ashland-still-at-a-bargain-price/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/04/ashland-still-at-a-bargain-price/#commentsFiled under:

Ashland Inc. (ASH), first discussed here on May 4, 2009 at a price of $26.43, still appears to be undervalued.

Ashland makes specialty resins, polymers, and adhesives for sale in North America and Europe. It also owns the Valvoline oil-change brand and oil service chain, and the Zerex anti-freeze brand, among other business operations.

Continue reading Ashland: Still at a Bargain Price

Ashland: Still at a Bargain Price originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ASHAshland Inc.Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:20:00 EST