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[It's Time to Sell China -- and Buy These Emerging Markets]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/06/sell-china-buy-igld-abv/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/06/sell-china-buy-igld-abv/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/06/sell-china-buy-igld-abv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

ChinaIt's no secret that China's phenomenal growth has been driving the global recovery. China's first-quarter GDP grew at an 11.9% annual pace despite three significant increases to reserve requirements that were designed to cool lending and growth. That's why in much of 2009 and early 2010 I was bullish on China and overweighted my global portfolios in favor of this country.

But all good things must come to an end and right now it's time to get selective about which China stocks you buy. That's why I recommend investors cut back their China holdings and look for new opportunities in emerging markets.

Continue reading It's Time to Sell China -- and Buy These Emerging Markets

It's Time to Sell China -- and Buy These Emerging Markets originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 06 May 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmBevBrazilchinaemerging marketsffeaturedfordIGLDIsraelLatin AmericaStocks to buyStocks to SellYONGYongyeYuheYUIIThu, 06 May 2010 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Emerging Markets Seen Leading 2010 Global Air Travel Rebound]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/11/emerging-markets-seen-leading-2010-global-air-travel-rebound/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/11/emerging-markets-seen-leading-2010-global-air-travel-rebound/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/11/emerging-markets-seen-leading-2010-global-air-travel-rebound/#commentsFiled under:

Need another sign that the global economic recovery is gaining momentum?

Here's one: global airlines continue to recover, with emerging markets in Asia and Latin America (not surprisingly) leading the way.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Thursday lowered its 2010 airline loss estimate to $2.8 billion from the previously released $5.6 billion loss. The IATA also lowered its 2009 loss estimate to $9.4 billion from the previously-released $11 billion, due to the year-end momentum in travel.

Continue reading Emerging Markets Seen Leading 2010 Global Air Travel Rebound

Emerging Markets Seen Leading 2010 Global Air Travel Rebound originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinesasiaIATAlatin americatravelThu, 11 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PhoCusWright Sees Hotel Industry Strength in Latin America]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/10/phocuswright-sees-hotel-industry-strength-in-latin-america/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/10/phocuswright-sees-hotel-industry-strength-in-latin-america/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/10/phocuswright-sees-hotel-industry-strength-in-latin-america/#commentsFiled under: ,

The hotel market may be straining in the United States and Europe under the weight of new capacity financed during the real estate boom, but the situation is much different in Latin America.

According to travel industry research firm PhoCusWright, international, regional and independent hotels are popping up all over the continent, with both large and small projects in the works to tap into growing demand in the region. In the cities, where it's tough to find real estate, old neighborhoods are "reinventing themselves," PhoCusWright reports, in order to take advantage of the market's potential.

Continue reading PhoCusWright Sees Hotel Industry Strength in Latin America

PhoCusWright Sees Hotel Industry Strength in Latin America originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2016 olympics2016OlympicsBrazilChilecolombiahothotelhotelsLatin AmericaLatinAmericaluxuryolympicsperustarwoodWed, 10 Feb 2010 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Fidelity International's Bolton sees multi-year bull market, led by developing world]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/06/fidelity-internationals-bolton-sees-multi-year-bull-market-led/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/06/fidelity-internationals-bolton-sees-multi-year-bull-market-led/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/06/fidelity-internationals-bolton-sees-multi-year-bull-market-led/#commentsFiled under: ,

An equity bull? Under these economic conditions? Indeed, they do exist, Fidelity International President Anthony Bolton is one, and he has two words for the future: emerging markets.

"Low growth means low interest rates, and actually that's one of the best environments for stock-market investing," Bolton, who oversees about $141 billion, told Bloomberg News Tuesday. "Anything that can show growth in this low-growth environment is going to be bid up by investors. It's very pro the emerging-market world versus the developed world."

Continue reading Fidelity International's Bolton sees multi-year bull market, led by developing world

Fidelity International's Bolton sees multi-year bull market, led by developing world originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anthony BoltonAsiaemerging marketsfidelityinthenewsLatin AmericaTue, 06 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IATA revises airline industry losses by $2 billion more]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/17/iata-revises-airline-industry-losses-by-2-billion-more/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/17/iata-revises-airline-industry-losses-by-2-billion-more/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/17/iata-revises-airline-industry-losses-by-2-billion-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Higher fuel prices and slipping demand for air travel have prompted a change. The International Air Transport Association revised its forecast of global airline losses for the year from $9 billion to $11 billion. Revenues for the air travel industry are expected to fall 15% to $455 billion worldwide. Passenger traffic is anticipated to fall by 4%, with cargo dropping 14% for the year.

Financially, IATA CEO Giovanni Bisignani says the impact of the financial crisis has been more severe than the terror attacks of eight years ago.

Continue reading IATA revises airline industry losses by $2 billion more

IATA revises airline industry losses by $2 billion more originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airline industryAirlineIndustryairlinesasiaasia pacificAsiaPacificeuropeiatainternational air transport associationInternationalAirTransportAssociationinthenewslatin americaLatinAmericanorth americaNorthAmericaThu, 17 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mexico/Brazil free trade pact would benefit U.S., global economies]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/18/mexico-brazil-free-trade-pact-would-benefit-u-s-global-economi/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/18/mexico-brazil-free-trade-pact-would-benefit-u-s-global-economi/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/18/mexico-brazil-free-trade-pact-would-benefit-u-s-global-economi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mexican President Felipe Calderon is urging lawmakers in his country and in Brazil to consider a free-trade agreement between the Latin American giants, Bloomberg News reported.

If it's approved, this would be no small economic development. First, the pact would further diversify Mexico's trade base: currently, 80% of Mexico's exports go to the United States. Second, and perhaps even more significant, the action would create spin-off commerce in each country. Typically, when free trade pacts are passed, they lead to increases in GDP and in aggregate demand, which leads to new businesses.

Continue reading Mexico/Brazil free trade pact would benefit U.S., global economies

Mexico/Brazil free trade pact would benefit U.S., global economies originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrazilFelipe CalderonGDPinthenewsLatin AmericaMexicotrade pactTue, 18 Aug 2009 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Foreign nations, sovereign investors stay on sidelines, wait for bargains]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/25/foreign-nations-sovereign-investors-stay-on-sidelines-wait-for/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/25/foreign-nations-sovereign-investors-stay-on-sidelines-wait-for/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/09/25/foreign-nations-sovereign-investors-stay-on-sidelines-wait-for/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One might think that with the financial system in the world's largest economy in need of additional liquidity to avert a financial panic, foreign investors would be preparing similar fixes at home and/or standing at the ready to assist the United States, if needed.

Not quite.

Although central banks around the world have coordinated policies and cooperated fully, leaders of foreign governments balked at similar bailout plans, and many foreign sovereign investors also remain on the sidelines, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

While policy makers in Europe and Latin American agree that the global financial system is facing its greatest stress and threat since the period up to and after the 1929 stock market crash, they saw little need - - so far - - for major rescue packages in their own countries, The Post reported. Further, sovereign wealth funds, likewise, showed little interest in stepping up to the plate.

The world: well-capitalized spectators

Economist David H. Wang said Britain has cooperated fully, France has proposed a special G-8 summit to deal with the financial crisis, and Russia has acted to stabilize its stock and credit markets, but the rest-of-the-world is "watching the events as they unfold."

Wang said three factors are at work in the rest-of-the-world's cautious stance: national interest, a shift in the geopolitical balance of power, and posturing.

"Regrettably, but predictably, much of the world has turned inward and chosen to focus on its own domestic banks and institutions. There's also the belief, in nations like Brazil and in Middle Eastern economies, that they're more-insulated from the crisis, due to expanded non-U.S. trade relationships and the ability to undertake financial transactions and store value in other currencies, such as the euro," Wang said. "They also see the financial crisis in the context of a transition to a multi-polar financial world, from one dominated by the United States."

Continue reading Foreign nations, sovereign investors stay on sidelines, wait for bargains

Foreign nations, sovereign investors stay on sidelines, wait for bargains originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailoutdeveloping worlddollarEUeuroEuropean Unionfinancial crisisFrancegdpglobalizationinstitutional investorsinthenewsLatin Americamortgage backed securitiessovereign wealth fundssovereignstradeU.S. economyU.S. TreasuryThu, 25 Sep 2008 13:12:00 EST<![CDATA[World Bank cuts 2008 global GDP growth forecast due to oil, food prices]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/10/world-bank-cuts-2008-global-gdp-growth-forecast-due-to-oil-food/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/10/world-bank-cuts-2008-global-gdp-growth-forecast-due-to-oil-food/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/10/world-bank-cuts-2008-global-gdp-growth-forecast-due-to-oil-food/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The World Bank cut its 2008 global growth forecast to 2.7%, citing rising food and oil prices, the bank announced Tuesday.

In January 2008, the bank predicted that global growth would total 3.3% for the year. The global economy grew 3.7% in 2007. Further, the bank now sees 2008 emerging market GDP growth totaling 6.5%, down from its earlier 7.8% forecast.

The bank called high energy and food prices "a major worry" and added that they "are the dominant force behind increased inflation across developing countries."

Also, the World Bank expects the U.S. economy to grow 1.1% in 2008, a downward revision from the bank's earlier 1.9% forecast. Meanwhile, the bank expects Europe's 15-nation euro zone to grow 1.7%, down from the earlier estimate of 2.8%. Japan's economy is expected to grow 1.4%, down from the earlier estimate of 2%.

Further, the World Bank also sees a considerable slowdown in China's economy in 2008, but GDP growth is still expected to remain very strong. The bank now sees China's GDP increasing 9.4%, down from the earlier 11.9% estimate.

Continue reading World Bank cuts 2008 global GDP growth forecast due to oil, food prices

World Bank cuts 2008 global GDP growth forecast due to oil, food prices originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Asiaemerging marketseuro zoneEuropefood pricesgdpglobal economyglobal growthinthenewsJapanLatin Americaoil pricesoil shockTue, 10 Jun 2008 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Rice prices hit two month low on increased global supplies]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/28/rice-prices-hit-two-month-low-on-increased-global-supplies/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/28/rice-prices-hit-two-month-low-on-increased-global-supplies/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/28/rice-prices-hit-two-month-low-on-increased-global-supplies/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

More good news on the economic front to go along with Wednesday's announcement that non-transportation April U.S. durable goods orders rose on strong exports: rice future dropped to a two month low on increased global supplies, Bloomberg News reported.

July rice traded as low as $18.52 per 100 pound bag, down about 5.5% and at its lowest level since March 24, 2008. Rice has now declined about 26% since its record high in April 2008.

Wednesday's downward catalyst? Improving rice planting conditions in Asia and the United States, along with falling wheat prices in the U.S. Rice is a staple for about 50% of the world's population. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday that 72% of the U.S. rice crop was in good or excellent condition, up from 65% a week earlier. Further, wheat also fell to as low as $7.40 per bushel, which is 45% lower than the February 2008 record of $13.50 per bushel.

Shortages not likely

Economist Glen Langan, whose specializations include agricultural economics, told BloggingStocks Wednesday the food supply data points do not negate the two macro trends driving grain commodities higher -- rising developing world food demand from expanding middle classes and institutional investors chasing outsized equity returns -- but they do suggest one battle is being won: the battle over shortages.

Continue reading Rice prices hit two month low on increased global supplies

Rice prices hit two month low on increased global supplies originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 28 May 2008 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Asiaemerging marketsfood pricesinflationinthenewsLatin AmericaricewheatWed, 28 May 2008 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Morgan Stanley raises $4 billion for global infrastructure fund]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/12/morgan-stanley-raises-4-billion-for-global-infrastructure-fund/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/12/morgan-stanley-raises-4-billion-for-global-infrastructure-fund/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/12/morgan-stanley-raises-4-billion-for-global-infrastructure-fund/#commentsFiled under:

Morgan Stanley has raised $4 billion for a fund that will invest in global infrastructure projects, including energy and transportation systems, the company announced Monday.

Morgan Stanley said the $4 billion in equity commitments exceeded the company's initial fund goal by $1.5 billion and "underscores the particular demand for infrastructure investment, and broadly, for alternative assets that generate long-term, stable cashflows."

Shares of Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) gained 67 cents to $46.62 on the news on Monday at mid-day.

In a statement, Sadek Wahba, chief investment officer and global head of Morgan Stanley Infrastructure, said the fund has investments exceeding $1 billion in enterprise value to-date.

Infrastructure spending boom

Economist Glen Langan said investment banks, hedge funds and other institutional investors are hoping to take advantage of the global spending boom by emerging market governments and corporations to build infrastructure, including highways/roads, ports, but also electricity, water and telecommunications facilities. Emerging markets are upgrading facilities -- and in some cases building new facilities for the first time -- to meet commercial and social needs as their economies develop.

Continue reading Morgan Stanley raises $4 billion for global infrastructure fund

Morgan Stanley raises $4 billion for global infrastructure fund originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 12 May 2008 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Asiaemerging marketsinfrastructureinthenewsLatin AmericaMorgan StanleyMSMon, 12 May 2008 13:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Caterpillar: Well-positioned for the emerging market infrastructure boom]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/07/caterpillar-well-positioned-for-the-emerging-market-infrastruct/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/07/caterpillar-well-positioned-for-the-emerging-market-infrastruct/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/07/caterpillar-well-positioned-for-the-emerging-market-infrastruct/#commentsFiled under: ,

Readers of this space know that my investment bias is toward large-cap companies with demonstrated business models that have a competitive advantage in established markets, preferably with a favorable global trend as a support. And with the aforementioned in mind, Caterpillar is worth a review.

Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) is the world's No. 1 manufacturer in earth moving equipment and a leader in construction/agricultural equipment.

In general, analysts see CAT's 2008 revenue increasing 7-10% on strong international growth; North American revenue is expected to be flat.

Analysts also like the fact that Caterpillar is well-positioned to secure new business in emerging market economies for construction, infrastructure and land development work.

Meanwhile, raw material / core component costs are expected to continue to rise, limiting margin growth. The Reuters F2008/F2009 EPS consensus estimates for CAT are $6.02/$6.77.

Continue reading Caterpillar: Well-positioned for the emerging market infrastructure boom

Caterpillar: Well-positioned for the emerging market infrastructure boom originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 07 May 2008 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agricultureAsiaCATCaterpillarconstructionemerging marketshousinginfrastructureLatin AmericaWed, 07 May 2008 18:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Americans sense $5 gas is near, and $122 oil says they're probably right]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/06/americans-sense-5-gas-is-near-and-122-oil-says-theyre-probab/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/06/americans-sense-5-gas-is-near-and-122-oil-says-theyre-probab/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/06/americans-sense-5-gas-is-near-and-122-oil-says-theyre-probab/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

American motorists, already stung by an 80% increase in gasoline prices in the past year, sense that $5 per gallon is ahead, and they may be (regrettably) right.

A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll found that 94% of respondents expect to pay $4 per gallon this year, and 78% expect to pay as much as $5, CNNMoney reported Tuesday.

The national average currently is $3.62 per gallon as tracked by the Lundberg Survey, Bloomberg News reported. Many higher-cost areas of the United States -- including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston -- are already experiencing prices over $4 per gallon.

Further, traders and analysts say seasonal, structural, and geopolitical factors are likely to push gasoline considerably higher in the weeks ahead -- with gasoline's upward arc lasting months, if the price of oil continues to rise.

Primary culprit: Rising oil prices

The biggest factor in gasoline's rise is the price of oil, which Tuesday topped $122 per barrel in NYMEX trading for the first time in its history. Oil is up more than 100% since 2006. In November 2001, oil traded at about $17 per barrel. Moreover, because the crude component accounts for more than 60% of the price of a gallon of gasoline, refiners have passed that added cost onto consumers.

Continue reading Americans sense $5 gas is near, and $122 oil says they're probably right

Americans sense $5 gas is near, and $122 oil says they're probably right originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 06 May 2008 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Asiaemerging marketsEmergingMarketsfeaturedgasolinegasoline pricesGDPIranIraqLatin AmericaLatinAmericaMexicoNigeriaoiloil pricesOPECU.S. economyVenezuelaTue, 06 May 2008 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Burlington Northern (BNI) is the transportation sweet spot]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/01/burlington-northern-is-the-transportation-sweet-spot/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/01/burlington-northern-is-the-transportation-sweet-spot/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/01/burlington-northern-is-the-transportation-sweet-spot/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

For nearly 30 years, the rails, long neglected in the United States, were considered passé. Then the globalization era dawned, with its exports and demand for commodities. Add a price of oil that's basically risen for 10 years and the results is: the rails are back. And with the above in mind, Burlington Northern (NYSE: BNI) is worth an evaluation.

With 32,000 miles of track in the western U.S. and two Canadian provinces, Burlington Northern accounts for about 45% of the west's traffic and about 23% of U.S. rail traffic.

Analysts see 2008 revenue growth of about 6-8%, down from double-digit growth a year earlier, but still healthy. Margins should remain solid, with modest pricing power. The Reuters F2008/F2009 EPS consensus estimates for BNI are $5.92/$6.81.

Even better: like the three other major U.S. railroads, BNI is in a relative sweet spot until the United States determines its energy policy for the 21st century. Or should one say 'if the United States determines its energy policy for the 21st century.' Investors will carefully note that the value Wall Street attaches to rail stocks pretty much mirrors the price of oil's ascent, due to the higher truck transportation costs implied by a higher price of oil.

Continue reading Burlington Northern (BNI) is the transportation sweet spot

Burlington Northern (BNI) is the transportation sweet spot originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AsiaBNIBurlington Northernemerging marketsexportsfeaturedLatin Americarailroad sectorrailroadstradetransportationTue, 01 Apr 2008 15:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Archer Daniels Midland is a known commodity]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/26/archer-daniels-midland-is-a-known-commodity/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/26/archer-daniels-midland-is-a-known-commodity/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/26/archer-daniels-midland-is-a-known-commodity/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Readers of this space know that one of my preferred sectors is agriculture due to the boom in food consumption created by emerging market economic growth. Real incomes are rising in nations in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, and with it, per capita food consumption is increasing, a trend that benefits Archer Daniels Midland.

Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE: ADM) is one of the world's largest processors of oilseeds, corn and wheat.

The frenzy that accompanied the financial world's realization that bio could represent a renewable energy form, for some energy users, appears to be tapering (thankfully). Still, although the bloom is off the biofuel rose, the key driver here remains in-place: commodities for food use. Demand for wheat, corn, soybean and other food basics is likely to remain strong through at least the end of 2009, propelled by the aforementioned emerging market growth.

Most analysts see accelerating earnings growth on strong corn and soybean demand, with pricing power. Further, given the vagaries of the energy business, it's worth underscoring that ADM is foremost a large, vertically-integrated food commodity company (wheat, corn, soybeans). The Reuters F2008/F2009 EPS consensus estimates for ADM are $2.84/$3.24.

The risks? Declining disposable income is expected to pressure U.S. consumer food budgets in 2008, and analysts expect a slowdown in U.S. revenue from food sources, something that will hurt ADM's domestic results, offset by a superior international performance.

The First Call mean rating for ADM is: Buy [10 firms]. Mean 2008 target: $48 [high: $60, low: $39].

Stock Analysis: Archer Daniels Midland is a moderate-risk stock not suitable for low-risk investors. Investors with an investment horizon longer than two years should be rewarded from ADM's shares. I'd consider a Sell / Stop Loss at $31.

Disclosure: Lazzaro has no positions in stocks. In addition to private real estate holdings, he owns corporate and municipal bonds, and cash certificates of deposit.

Archer Daniels Midland is a known commodity originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ADMagricultureArcher Daniels MidlandAsiacommoditiesemerging marketsfarmingfoodfood pricesfood productionLatin AmericaMiddle EastWed, 26 Mar 2008 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Consider U.S. Steel to strengthen your portfolio]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/26/consider-u-s-steel-to-strengthen-your-portfolio/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/26/consider-u-s-steel-to-strengthen-your-portfolio/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/26/consider-u-s-steel-to-strengthen-your-portfolio/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Readers of this space know that my investment bias is toward large-cap companies with demonstrated business models and a competitive advantage in established markets, preferably with a favorable global trend as a support. With the above in mind, U.S. Steel is worth a review.

U.S. Steel Group (NYSE: X) is the fifth largest steel producer in the world.

Analysts expect U.S. Steel's 2008 revenue to increase 13-17%, primarily stemming from acquisitions. Further, distributor inventory levels reached unsustainably low levels in 2007, in the interpretation of many analysts, and the replenishing in 2008 should benefit X.

Meanwhile, oil producer country tube/tube-related products should remain strong, and additional steel sector consolidation should help the sector regain modest pricing power. The Reuters F2008/F2009 EPS consensus estimates for X are $10.87/$11.52.

The risks? Analysts remain concerned about rising raw material costs. A sustained global economic slowdown would hurt U.S. Steel's results.

The First Call mean rating for X is: Buy [15 firms]. Mean 2008 target: $119 [high: $134, low: $90].

Stock Analysis: U.S. Steel is a moderate-risk stock not suitable for low-risk investors. Investors with an investment horizon longer than two years should be rewarded from X's shares. Note: A safer position would involve waiting for X's shares to pull back to the $110-115 range, but they may not retreat to that level. I'd consider a Sell / Stop Loss at $83.

Disclosure: Lazzaro has no positions in stocks. In addition to private real estate holdings, he owns corporate and municipal bonds, and cash certificates of deposit.

Consider U.S. Steel to strengthen your portfolio originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Asiacommercial real estateemerging marketsinfrastructureLatin Americasteelsteel sectorU.S. Steel GroupXWed, 26 Mar 2008 18:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Procter & Gamble has seen U.S. recessions start, and end, before]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/25/procter-and-gamble-has-seen-u-s-recessions-start-and-end-before/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/25/procter-and-gamble-has-seen-u-s-recessions-start-and-end-before/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/25/procter-and-gamble-has-seen-u-s-recessions-start-and-end-before/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With the markets still in a choppy/consolidation mode (or perhaps worse), it's best to consider including a few defensive stocks in your portfolio, and with the aforementioned in mind Procter & Gamble is worth a review.

If General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) is 'the mutual fund in one company,' then The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG) is the 'consumer products aisle' in one company. Pick a brand, any brand. PG has about 300, including names you know well: Crest toothpaste, Folgers coffee, Bounty paper towels, Tide detergent, Gillette shavers - - PG's core product line contains brands that are entrenched in U.S. culture... and entrenched in U.S. consumer buying patterns.

Procter & Gamble says its mission is "to provide superior quality and value to the world's consumers," and both revenue and consumer satisfaction surveys suggest it is 'on message,' to borrow a political campaign strategy phrase.

Continue reading Procter & Gamble has seen U.S. recessions start, and end, before

Procter & Gamble has seen U.S. recessions start, and end, before originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Asiaconglomeratesconsumer productsdefensive stocksemerging marketsLatin AmericaPGTue, 25 Mar 2008 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[OECD decreases 2008 GDP growth forecast to below 2%]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/06/oecd-decreases-2008-gdp-growth-forecast-to-below-2/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/06/oecd-decreases-2008-gdp-growth-forecast-to-below-2/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/06/oecd-decreases-2008-gdp-growth-forecast-to-below-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development cut its forecast for 2008 growth in its 30-nation membership to "less than 2%" -- the lowest growth rate since 2003 -- due to fallout from the U.S. economic slowdown, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday.

Sixth months ago, the OCED predicted that 2008 growth in the 30-nation zone would total 2.3%, following 2.7% growth in 2007.

The growth revision marks a substantial shift in OECD expectations. Earlier, the OECD predicted that member economies would be to withstand the U.S. economic slowdown without considerable negative consequence. That outlook, along with economic analysis from other countries, helped form the basis for the so-called 'decoupling thesis' -- where Europe and other developed countries race along unscathed by the doldrums in the world's largest economy.

Continue reading OECD decreases 2008 GDP growth forecast to below 2%

OECD decreases 2008 GDP growth forecast to below 2% originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Asiaconsumer spendingdeveloped worlddeveloping worldEuropeGDPinthenewsinvestmentLatin AmericaOECDOrganization for Economic Cooperation and DevelopmentU.S. economyThu, 06 Mar 2008 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst expects pilot disagreement to only temporarily delay Delta/Northwest deal]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/22/analyst-expects-pilot-disagreement-to-only-temporarily-delay-del/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/22/analyst-expects-pilot-disagreement-to-only-temporarily-delay-del/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/22/analyst-expects-pilot-disagreement-to-only-temporarily-delay-del/#commentsFiled under:

A disagreement among pilots camps on seniority has led to the cancellation of board meetings regarding a potential Delta Air Lines/Northwest Airlines merger agreement, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday (subscription required).

However, independent stock analyst C. Leonard Bauer told BloggingStocks Friday that he expects the issue to be resolved soon and merger efforts to move forward.

"The pilots' seniority item is always the toughest hurdle in airline talks, so a delay and a few hiccups here is not unusual," Bauer said.

Delta's (NYSE: DAL) shares declined 20 cents to $15.93, while Northwest (NYSE: NWA) fell 70 cents to $16.12 on the news in Friday mid-day trading.

The pilot talks involve two branches of the same Air Line Pilots Association, or about 11,000 pilots, The Journal reported.

Continue reading Analyst expects pilot disagreement to only temporarily delay Delta/Northwest deal

Analyst expects pilot disagreement to only temporarily delay Delta/Northwest deal originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airline sectorAsiabusiness travelDALDelta AirlinesEuropeinthenewsLatin Americaleisure travelNorthwest AirlinesNWAtourismtravelFri, 22 Feb 2008 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[The oil syndrome]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/20/the-oil-syndrome/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/20/the-oil-syndrome/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/20/the-oil-syndrome/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The economic landscape -- particularly for the United States -- certainly looks different than it did 30 or 40 years ago.

Globalization, the internet, and the rise of a second major economic power in Asia are all developments that would look rather odd to someone in, say, 1973-74. The world in 2008 is one characterized by economic change -- one that may usher-in even more historic political change in the months ahead.

But there has been one constant between the two eras (overlooking cyclicality): the price of oil. It was high, in real terms, in 1973-74, and it's high now. And one thing economists like Glen Langan know regarding economic conditions when oil's price is high -- it simply makes the cost of moving things, the cost of doing pretty much everything, more expensive. Whether it's dropping the kids off at little league baseball or at soccer practice, or transporting a supply chain order of refrigerators across the country, a high oil price "simply increases the cost of motion," he said. And there are few positives for the U.S. economy. Further, it takes dollars that could create spin-off economic effects -- disposable income that could be spent somewhere else -- and simply removes them from the economy.

Continue reading The oil syndrome

The oil syndrome originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1973-741980-811990-91Africaalternate energy sourcesAsiaclimate changeeconomic growthemerging marketsEuropeforeign policygasolinegasoline pricesGDPglobalizationheating oilInternetinthenewsLatin AmericaMiddle Eastoilrecessionrenewable energyU.S. economyWed, 20 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[China strengthens yuan slightly, hints at currency policy revision]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/20/china-strengthens-yuan-slightly-hints-at-currency-policy-revisi/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/20/china-strengthens-yuan-slightly-hints-at-currency-policy-revisi/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/20/china-strengthens-yuan-slightly-hints-at-currency-policy-revisi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

China's central bank let the yuan appreciate slightly Tuesday night to 7.1452 yuan to the dollar from 7.1580 yuan, China's Xinhua News Agency announced Wednesday. The report also provided a hint regarding the pace of future currency appreciation.

"We will further improve monetary policy controls, continue to use quantitative measures, widen usage of price-related policy tools and increase innovation in monetary policy measures,'' the central bank said in the report, without elaborating, Bloomberg News reported.

Zhou Xiaochuan, head of the People's Bank of China, China's central bank, has said repeatedly in recent months that the yuan rate would gradually reach a "balanced" level and help bring equilibrium to the balance of payments.

At issue: The yuan

China is facing pressure on a number of fronts to appreciate its currency. Both the United States and Europe would like China, which maintains the yuan's rate in an artificially low trading band, to float its currency or at least let it come close to reflecting a fair-value rate in the years ahead. China keeps the yuan artificially low to reduce the cost of goods exported, which boosts exports sales. Both the U.S. and Europe say that rate gives China an unnatural competitive advantage in trade. China counters that it needs a low-valued yuan to increase wealth and protect young sectors of its developing economy.

Continue reading China strengthens yuan slightly, hints at currency policy revision

China strengthens yuan slightly, hints at currency policy revision originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AsiaChinaCPIdollaremerging marketsEUeuroEuropeexportsforeign exchangeforeximportsinflationinthenewsLatin Americaraw materialstradeyuanWed, 20 Feb 2008 14:25:00 EST