BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[General Motors Issues Forecast for IPO]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/04/general-motors-issues-forecast-for-ipo/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/04/general-motors-issues-forecast-for-ipo/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/04/general-motors-issues-forecast-for-ipo/#commentsFiled under: ,

Very early Thursday morning, General Motors filed paperwork that pinned down a price range for its initial public offering (IPO). Three of the four owners of GM (the U.S., Canadian and Ontario governments, and a union health care trust) are set to sell 365 million shares of the automaker.

This number of shares is roughly a quarter of GM's outstanding stock. The triumvirate expects to sell the shares at a per-share price between $26 and $29. Should the shares sell in this range, the IPO would pull in roughly $10 billion for the trio. Again, if the shares do sell in this range -- then the U.S. government would reduce its stake in GM from 61% to slightly more than 40%. This scenario would net the U.S. Treasury nearly $7 billion.

Continue reading General Motors Issues Forecast for IPO

General Motors Issues Forecast for IPO originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgeneral motorsGMgovernmentgovernment motorsinthenewsThu, 04 Nov 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Case-Shiller Index Adds Bearish Momentum to the Market]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/26/case-shiller-home-price-index/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/26/case-shiller-home-price-index/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/26/case-shiller-home-price-index/#commentsFiled under: , ,

home pricesTuesday morning started off on a bearish note, which intensified after the latest news release from the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index. The index reported that home prices dropped 0.2% during August, which brought an end to four straight months of gains.

The Case-Shiller home price index was termed "disappointing" by those compiling the data. In 15 of the 20 metropolitan areas tracked by the index, home prices dropped compared to July. In addition, the data showed that annualized price growth slowed to 1.7% from July's 3.2%. The only cities that showed an increase in home prices were Chicago, Detroit, Las Vegas, New York and Washington D.C.

Continue reading Case-Shiller Index Adds Bearish Momentum to the Market

Case-Shiller Index Adds Bearish Momentum to the Market originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Case ShillerCase Shiller Home Price IndexgovernmentHome salesrebatestax creditTue, 26 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[IMF Forecasts a Slowdown in U.S. Growth]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/06/imf-forecasts-a-slowdown-in-us-growth/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/06/imf-forecasts-a-slowdown-in-us-growth/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/06/imf-forecasts-a-slowdown-in-us-growth/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is not good news. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) did an assessment of growth for the U.S. economy and forecasts lower growth this year and next, according to a report in Reuters.

For the year 2010 the IMF reduced U.S. growth estimate from 3.3% down to 2.6%. For 2011 they also lowered growth from 2.9% to 2.3%.

Continue reading IMF Forecasts a Slowdown in U.S. Growth

IMF Forecasts a Slowdown in U.S. Growth originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economygovernmentIMF Assessment of the US economyinthenewsWed, 06 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Government Criticized for AIG Bailout]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/10/aig-bailout-report/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/10/aig-bailout-report/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/10/aig-bailout-report/#commentsFiled under:

AIG logoAccording to the Congressional Oversight Panel's newest report (due for release today), the government may haved jumped the gun a bit when bailing out American International Group (AIG).

The panel cannot be sure that the U.S. taxpayers will every be fully repaid the $182 billion given to the troubled insurer. In fact, the panel believes that the government should have explored other options before bailing out AIG.

Continue reading Government Criticized for AIG Bailout

Government Criticized for AIG Bailout originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiggovernmentgovernment bailoutinthenewsThu, 10 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Public Trust in U.S. Government Rises and Falls with the Economy]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/19/public-trust-in-u-s-government-rise-and-falls-with-the-economy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/19/public-trust-in-u-s-government-rise-and-falls-with-the-economy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/19/public-trust-in-u-s-government-rise-and-falls-with-the-economy/#commentsFiled under:

The Atlantic monthly has published updated Pew Research Center survey data on public trust in government, and the contemporary trend mirrors much of the pattern for the modern era since 1960. According to the research, Americans' trust in the their government tends to rise when the economy is doing well and fall during recessions.

A couple of caveats: Trust took a big hit amid the tumultuous late-1960s/early-1970s period, when the divisive Vietnam War occurred and the nation dealt with the Watergate political scandal of the Nixon administration. From a high above 75% in the early/mid 1960s, trust in government fell below 50% during this time period.

Continue reading Public Trust in U.S. Government Rises and Falls with the Economy

Public Trust in U.S. Government Rises and Falls with the Economy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economygovernmentrecessiontrustMon, 19 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[China Is a Bigger Worry Than Greece]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/07/china-is-a-bigger-worry-than-greece/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/07/china-is-a-bigger-worry-than-greece/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/07/china-is-a-bigger-worry-than-greece/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The stock market has been fretting about the European Union's response to the economic calamity in Greece. That certainly is worthy of note as I have been doing the same lately, see: Greek Debt Exposes European DisUnion. However, Greece is not the economic titan that China is.

China is a much larger concern to me because it can rock our world big-time!

As Google Inc (GOOG) has experienced, along with other companies and the entire citizenry of China, they like their secrets, their silence, and their control. What they do not like is transparency, unfettered freedom, and distribution of information, and I doubt, your shareholder rights.

"Who is watching the store?"

Continue reading China Is a Bigger Worry Than Greece

China Is a Bigger Worry Than Greece originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankingChinadisclosureGOOGGooglegovernmentGreeceshareholder rightsShareholderValueWed, 07 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Government Gave Bank Regulators Millions in Bonuses During Financial Meltdown]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/19/government-gave-bank-regulators-millions-in-bonuses-during-finan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/19/government-gave-bank-regulators-millions-in-bonuses-during-finan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/19/government-gave-bank-regulators-millions-in-bonuses-during-finan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

During the 2003 -- 06 boom years, three agencies, The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the Office of Thrift Supervision, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency gave out millions of dollars in bonuses to regulators of these agencies.

The bonuses were supposedly given out for "superior" performance. Records show that at least $19 million in bonuses was awarded.

Continue reading Government Gave Bank Regulators Millions in Bonuses During Financial Meltdown

Government Gave Bank Regulators Millions in Bonuses During Financial Meltdown originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusesFDICfinancial industrygovernmentinthenewsoffice of the comptroller of the currencyOffice of Thrift SupervisionregulatorsFri, 19 Mar 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[ADP Jobs Data Shows Private Sector Lost Jobs in February]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/03/adp-jobs-data-shows-private-sector-lost-jobs-in-february/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/03/adp-jobs-data-shows-private-sector-lost-jobs-in-february/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/03/adp-jobs-data-shows-private-sector-lost-jobs-in-february/#commentsFiled under:

Earlier Wednesday morning, Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that U.S. job cuts dropped in February to the lowest level in 3.5 years. This slowing continues the trend of shrinking job cuts since last January. Later, ADP reported what was expected: the private sector cut 20,000 jobs during February. This loss was the lowest since 22,000 jobs were added in January 2008.

My guess is that we will not hear anything about the snow in this report akin to Tuesday's warning from the government. In fact, I'm guessing that we will hear that this report came in as expected and that "the recovery" is still on track.

Continue reading ADP Jobs Data Shows Private Sector Lost Jobs in February

ADP Jobs Data Shows Private Sector Lost Jobs in February originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ADPADP JobsfeaturedgovernmentinthenewsjobsunemploymentWed, 03 Mar 2010 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Has Elkhart, Indiana Come to Symbolize Federal Housing Failure?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/15/has-elkhart-indiana-come-to-symbolize-federal-housing-failure/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/15/has-elkhart-indiana-come-to-symbolize-federal-housing-failure/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/15/has-elkhart-indiana-come-to-symbolize-federal-housing-failure/#commentsFiled under:

Elkhart, Indiana; a favorite stomping ground of President Obama - where the government's economic stimulus plan was to be on full display, helping the town rise like a phoenix from the ashes. According to this New York Times article, Elkhart has gained jobs in the past nine months, but the federal support for housing is failing. More than one in 10 mortgages in Elkhart is "seriously behind" on payments and the median sale price of homes is back to where it was 10 years ago. One of the main goals of the federal support program was to keep prices from falling and mortgage delinquencies from rising, and how is that working out? Elkhart residents note that the only reason their real estate market works at all is because of the emergency federal funding. In fact, in the past 18 months, the FHA upped loans in Elkhart by 40% while defaults increased 174% --- not a good ratio.

Continue reading Has Elkhart, Indiana Come to Symbolize Federal Housing Failure?

Has Elkhart, Indiana Come to Symbolize Federal Housing Failure? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elkhartfederal housing administrationFederalHousingAdministrationgovernmenthousing bubbleHousingBubbleindianaobamatarpMon, 15 Feb 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[CEO departures slow down, temporarily at least]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/10/ceo-departures-slow-down-temporarily-at-least/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/10/ceo-departures-slow-down-temporarily-at-least/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/10/ceo-departures-slow-down-temporarily-at-least/#commentsFiled under: , ,

CEO turnover is starting to stabilize, suggesting that recession-impacted companies have been through the worst of the corner-office shuffling. The number of top dogs leaving their posts by November 2009 fell almost 18% compared to the same 11 months last year, according to a report supplied to BloggingStocks by outplacement consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Only 94 CEOs left their posts last month, a slight up-tick from October's 89, but 10% lower than the 104 recorded in November 2008.

Through the end of November, 1,122 CEOs have moved on, a decline of 17.6% year-over-year. Last year, 1,361 departures were seen by this point. If the trend continues, CEO turnover could reach its lowest level since 2004, when only 663 occurred.

The health care industry experienced the most changes, with 22 CEOs leaving their posts, bringing the total to 181 for the sector this year, topping all industries. The government and non-profit sector comes next with 148 this year, 18 in November. The financial services industry lost 116 CEOs, with only 10 happening last month.

Continue reading CEO departures slow down, temporarily at least

CEO departures slow down, temporarily at least originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceoceoschallengerChallenger Gray ChristmasChallengerGrayChristmasChief ExecutiveChiefExecutiveOfficerChiefExecutivesemploymentfinancial servicesgovernmenthealthcareinthenewsnonprofitsunemploymentThu, 10 Dec 2009 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[AIG moves two life insurers, suggests a liquidity event]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/02/aig-moves-two-life-insurers-suggests-a-liquidity-event/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/02/aig-moves-two-life-insurers-suggests-a-liquidity-event/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/02/aig-moves-two-life-insurers-suggests-a-liquidity-event/#commentsFiled under:

American International Group (AIG) trimmed its tab to the American people by $25 billion on Tuesday. The insurance company, plagued by fallout from the financial crisis for more than a year, moved two subsidiaries -- American International Assurance and American Life Insurance -- into special units that are used to separate a business from its parent company. A spinoff or sale is the next logical step.

For now, AIG is holding on to the companies and giving the U.S. government preferred equity in the two life insurers. When AIG decides to send the companies public or divest via a private transaction, the feds (and taxpayers) will be able to cash in. Before becoming too optimistic, keep in mind that a timetable hasn't been set.

Continue reading AIG moves two life insurers, suggests a liquidity event

AIG moves two life insurers, suggests a liquidity event originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIGAmerican Internationalamerican international groupAmerican life insuranceAmericanInternationalAmericanInternationalGroupAmericanLifeInsuranceAsiagovernmentinthenewsLife InsuranceWed, 02 Dec 2009 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Labor-less Day]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/08/labor-less-day/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/08/labor-less-day/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/08/labor-less-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Last Friday the market reacted favorably (or less negatively) to the latest report from the Labor Department's unemployment figures of 9.7 percent in August, as employers cut 216,000 jobs last month. The percentage is up but the raw numbers are trending down allowing for a sigh of relief on Wall Street with the major indices all up over 1%.

Many would argue that when it comes to the truth, the government is prone to favor aesthetic figures instead of the straight data. I tend to agree with this view as the numbers appear sculpted to be the least offensive.

Continue reading Labor-less Day

Labor-less Day originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiaconstructionemploymentfeaturedgovernmentjobsSheldon LiberSheldonLiberunemployment rateUnemploymentRateTue, 08 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More trouble for Rio Tinto in China]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/10/more-trouble-for-rio-tinto-in-china/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/10/more-trouble-for-rio-tinto-in-china/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/10/more-trouble-for-rio-tinto-in-china/#commentsFiled under:

Early this morning, Rio Tinto (NYSE: RTP) found itself facing new allegations in the arrest of some of its employees in China. RTP is accused of overcharging Chinese steel mills by $100 million during the past six years, and the latest accusations cover the sale of iron ore.

To catch you up on the situation between RTP and the Chinese government, back in early July, RTP was accused of bribing officials and four of its employees were detained by authorities in Shanghai on suspicion of stealing state secrets. The allegations contended that the four employees bribed executives from 16 of China's major steel mills in order to obtain industry information.

Continue reading More trouble for Rio Tinto in China

More trouble for Rio Tinto in China originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chinachinalcoeditorialeditorial claimsEditorialClaimsfeaturedgovernmentgovernment controversyGovernmentControversyRio TintoRioTintoRTPMon, 10 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumers: Income & savings up -- Gov't worried]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/26/consumers-income-and-savings-up-govt-worried/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/26/consumers-income-and-savings-up-govt-worried/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/26/consumers-income-and-savings-up-govt-worried/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

We live in amazing times. Consumers are earning more; at least the ones with jobs. They are also saving more than they have in the last 15 years. The savings rate, which was hovering near zero in early 2008, surged to 6.9 percent, the highest level since December 1993. I think that is fantastic!

Ben Franklin said, "A penny saved is a penny earned". If that is true, then people are improving their economic condition day by day. Strange as it might seem, the government is troubled by this.

The government and many economists are worried that without greater spending by consumers any economic recovery will be stalled that much further. During our recent manic economy, over the past decade, consumer spending was responsible for about 70% of the GDP.

I say to all my readers, let others spend -- YOU KEEP SAVING -- and reducing debt. You will be glad you did. The consumer led economy was a false economy. The world is mourning the sudden death of Michael Jackson who passed away yesterday from yet to be determined causes leading to cardiac arrest, reportedly $400 million in debt. You think he was under any stress?!

Continue reading Consumers: Income & savings up -- Gov't worried

Consumers: Income & savings up -- Gov't worried originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BenjaminFranklinConsumer spendingConsumerSpendingdebtfeaturedgovernmentMichael JacksonMichaelJacksonsavings rateSavingsRatesheldon liberSheldonLiberFri, 26 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford, Nissan and Tesla may receive U.S. auto loans]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/23/ford-nissan-and-tesla-may-receive-u-s-auto-loans/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/23/ford-nissan-and-tesla-may-receive-u-s-auto-loans/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/23/ford-nissan-and-tesla-may-receive-u-s-auto-loans/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Energy Department is set to lend money to Ford (NYSE: F), Tesla, and Nissan (NASDAQ: NSANY), according to the Associated Press. The report cites anonymous sources, with the official announcement set for today in Dearborn, Michigan.

Reportedly, Ford has asked to receive $5 billion in loans by 2011, although the sources were not certain on how much money the automaker would receive. Nissan's requested amount was undisclosed and Tesla has reportedly asked for $450 million. The loan program the automakers are trying to tap into was approved by Congress last year in order to help car companies and suppliers develop green vehicles and components (such as the advanced battery) and help automakers meet the new fuel-efficiency standards of 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

Continue reading Ford, Nissan and Tesla may receive U.S. auto loans

Ford, Nissan and Tesla may receive U.S. auto loans originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automaker loansAutomakerLoansautomakersefficiency standardsEfficiencyStandardsffordfuel efficiencyFuelEfficiencygovernmentgovernment standardsGovernmentStandardsinthenewsnissannsanyteslaTue, 23 Jun 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bank of America says it was pressured into Merrill Lynch deal]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/11/bank-of-america-says-it-was-pressured-into-merrill-lynch-deal/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/11/bank-of-america-says-it-was-pressured-into-merrill-lynch-deal/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/11/bank-of-america-says-it-was-pressured-into-merrill-lynch-deal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bank of America (NYSE: BA) CEO Ken Lewis threatened to use a "material adverse change" (MAC) clause to kill the agreement to buy Merrill Lynch because he wanted to get a lower price, according to the Financial Times. New e-mails reveal how he was then pressured to proceed with the deal.

A House committee on oversight and government reform is investigating whether or not undue pressure was put on Lewis in order to complete the deal to purchase Merrill Lynch. Reportedly, the Federal Reserve would not comply with the committee's request for documentation and e-mails regarding the accusations, but the committee issued a subpoena to the central bank on Tuesday. Lewis is set to testify about the matter today at a congressional hearing.

Continue reading Bank of America says it was pressured into Merrill Lynch deal

Bank of America says it was pressured into Merrill Lynch deal originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accusationsBACbank of americaBankOfAmericaBen BernankeBenBernankefeaturedfederal reserveFederalReservegovernmentgovernment controlGovernmentControlHenry PaulsonHenryPaulsonKen LewisKenLewisTARPThu, 11 Jun 2009 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Citigroup starts its stock swap ... finally]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/10/citigroup-starts-its-stock-swap-finally/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/10/citigroup-starts-its-stock-swap-finally/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/10/citigroup-starts-its-stock-swap-finally/#commentsFiled under: ,

This morning, Citigroup (NYSE: C) began its $58-billion stock swap, a move that could leave the government with a 34% stake in the bank. The country's third-largest bank plans to swap common stock for (up to) $33 billion in preferred shares and convert as much as $25 billion of preferred shares held by the U.S. Treasury into common stock.

The bank believes that the swap could (emphasis on could here) make Citigroup one of the world's best-capitalized banks. The action could add up to $61 billion of tangible common equity and $64 billion of Tier-1 common equity. Citigroup had planned to take this action back in April.

Continue reading Citigroup starts its stock swap ... finally

Citigroup starts its stock swap ... finally originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cCitigroupfinancial crisisFinancialCrisisgovernmentgovernment bailoutGovernmentBailoutinthenewsstock swapStockSwapWed, 10 Jun 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[US: The world's cleanest third world country]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/14/us-the-worlds-cleanest-third-world-country/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/14/us-the-worlds-cleanest-third-world-country/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/14/us-the-worlds-cleanest-third-world-country/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Last night it was reported by Reuters, following up on an interview in the Financial Times (subscription required) that James Hackett, chairman and chief executive of independent oil and gas company Anadarko Petroleum (NYSE: APC) said, "Washington's energy and environmental policy risks plunging the United States into an economic tailspin that could make it the world's cleanest third world country."

Seems he is not partial to the global warming crowd as indicated by his statement that "The histrionic and maniacal focus on carbon dioxide is intellectually repugnant to me," but how does he really feel?

Continue reading US: The world's cleanest third world country

US: The world's cleanest third world country originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anadarko PetroleumAnadarkoPetroleumAPCcap and tradeCapAndTradefeaturedglobal warmingGlobalWarminggovernmentgovernment regulationGovernmentRegulationJames HackettJamesHackettprofitssheldon liberSheldonLiberstock picks 2009StockPicks2009taxesTue, 14 Apr 2009 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Citigroup and Morgan Stanley may add to bank shenanigans]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/17/citigroup-and-morgan-stanley-may-add-to-bank-shenanigans/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/17/citigroup-and-morgan-stanley-may-add-to-bank-shenanigans/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/17/citigroup-and-morgan-stanley-may-add-to-bank-shenanigans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yesterday, there was outrage about American International Group (NYSE: AIG) and the bonus payments the firm said it is legally bound to make. Today, it is Citigroup (NYSE: C) and Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) that are looking for new ways to anger the rest of America.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that officials at both troubled banks are looking into ways to circumvent federal caps on bonuses. Reportedly, Citigroup and Morgan Stanley, along with "other financial institutions that got government aid," are negotiating to raise base salaries for some executives and "other top-producing employees." Remember, the bonus caps were part of the recent stimulus package that President Obama okayed last month.

Continue reading Citigroup and Morgan Stanley may add to bank shenanigans

Citigroup and Morgan Stanley may add to bank shenanigans originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>governmentinthenewspoor business decisionsPoorBusinessDecisionsquestionable paymentsQuestionablePaymentstarptarp moneyTarpMoneyTue, 17 Mar 2009 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Seven reasons the market is not going up any time soon: #7 The government is gasping for air]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/24/hold-7-reasons-the-market-is-not-going-up-any-time-soon-7-t/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/24/hold-7-reasons-the-market-is-not-going-up-any-time-soon-7-t/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/24/hold-7-reasons-the-market-is-not-going-up-any-time-soon-7-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yes, Uncle Sam is going to continue buying stuff and stimulizing (a new word for the new economy) with money it prints. And -- getting back to pure Yogisms -- it ain't gonna work.

The net decline in wealth -- including the stock market, housing, private equity, etc. -- plus the withdrawal of credit now totals $415 trillion or more. You think $700 billion for concrete and a fat guy holding a "Go Slow" sign is going to help?

Roosevelt calmed people by spending a fortune in and on the Works Progress Administration (WPA) -- great buildings and better murals, but not a lot of long-term economic impact.

We are a bit too advanced for that kind of naïve reaction. Not to mention the government is going to need many more trillions to fix the financial system.

And that's the rub -- even Uncle Sam cannot help too much, long term, as the world kicks its addiction to excess credit. And with that goes a big drop in fundamental demand, from the United States to China.

Be sure to read all 7 reasons the stock market isn't going up any time soon.

Michael Shulman is a contributor to OptionsZone.com.

Seven reasons the market is not going up any time soon: #7 The government is gasping for air originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>governmentgovernment bail outgovernment bailoutgovernment bailoutsGovernmentBailoutGovernmentBailoutsmichael shulmanMichaelShulmanstock market nightmareStockMarketNightmareSat, 24 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST