Continue reading At Davos Economic Summit, Identify Themes, Not Predictions

At Davos Economic Summit, Identify Themes, Not Predictions originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the global financial system may be the biggest hindrance to a worldwide economic recovery. The IMF used its global financial stability report to make this announcement, one that suggests there isn't a lot of stability thanks mainly to the global financial system.

The IMF estimated that the writedowns attributed to the credit crisis were $2.2 trillion, lower than the $2.3 trillion originally projected in April.

Continue reading IMF: Global Financial System Hinders Economic Recovery

IMF: Global Financial System Hinders Economic Recovery originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

China's economy has been booming. The main driver has been exports. But as the developed world has been in a deep recession, China lost some of its export business.

Now, it seems the present model of the Chinese economy is about to change. Li Keqiang, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, outlined the changes about to occur, the New York Times reported.

Continue reading China to Restructure Its Economy, Boost Domestic Demand

China to Restructure Its Economy, Boost Domestic Demand originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Davos Recap: With castigation stage over, collaboration begins

Davos Recap: With castigation stage over, collaboration begins originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

While the rich and famous hobnob in Davos at the World Economic Forum, gloom and doom seem to rule the day. On tap is a bleak view for global economies as concerns surface that the world may slip into a severe recession following the bursting of the housing bubble.

It takes some good old American muscle to brighten up the somber mood.

In an article today on Marketwatch, James Owens, CEO of global construction equipment giant Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT), cited growth in emerging economies and confidence that the U.S. will suffer no more than a mild downturn as the reasons behind his upbeat attitude.

"I think I'm considerably more optimistic than the mood here in Davos," said Owens.

CAT has reason to be optimistic. According to Marketwatch, Caterpillar reported a fourth-quarter profit of $975 million, or $1.50 a share, up from $882 million, or $1.32 a share, earned in the final three months of 2006. Revenue rose 10% to $12.14 billion.

While numerous talking heads duke it out in Davos, I'll put my chips on the CAT.

Zack Miller is the Managing Editor of IsraelNewsletter.com, a former equity analyst for a leading multinational hedge fund. Author does not own CAT.

Unleashing the CAT on sourpusses at Davos originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 27 Jan 2008 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading George Soros says subprime crisis will end dollar-based credit expansion

George Soros says subprime crisis will end dollar-based credit expansion originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In a report released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the threat of a US recession placed higher than terrorism as the biggest threat to the world for 2008. "Fears of a U.S. recession coupled with a sudden spike in oil prices replaced terrorism, pandemic disease outbreaks and short-term disasters resulting from climate change as the issues global business leaders are most worried about, said the "Global Risks 2008" report." Well at least they got it right vis-a-vis climate change, or lack thereof.

There is no question that US economic growth is slowing led by the decline in housing, and the impact that slowing growth will have on the global economy as well as thestock market is an important issue. It also will play a big role in the upcoming Presidential elections. But the most important issue?

The report added, " The third major risk - dwindling food supplies - has become an issue not just for developing nations but also for rich countries," the report said, citing steep price increases for staple foods over the past year.

Continue reading Is US recession bigger threat than terrorism?

Is US recession bigger threat than terrorism? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.