Blog Feed: Stock Research Portal Blog

China: Background on China’s new leader, Eurozone: Back in technical recession, economist poll results, France, Germany: Barely positive Q3 GDPs, outlook negative, Greece: International Monetary Fund takes firm position of debt reduction, Q3 GDP

Published on 2012-11-16 08:51:19

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines China:  Background on China’s new leader On November 15 Xi Jinping was named Head of China’s Communist Party and Chairman of its Central Military Commission.  He will become China’s Preside

Greece, Spain: Comments today from ECB Governing Council member, United States: can America become energy self-sufficient by 2035?, United States – Grover Norquist, only in America!, United States – the fiscal cliff, where will it lead

Published on 2012-11-15 11:17:02

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines Greece, Spain: Comments today from ECB Governing Council member European Central Bank Governing Council member Luc Coene today has been reported as saying that a Greek debt write-down is probable, and that “

Greece – Debt:GDP ratio reduction timing, Japan’s GDP negative, Japan now in technical recession, Spain: General strike called for Wednesday, November 14, Chilean mine work halt over dust

Published on 2012-11-13 09:08:35

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines Greece – Debt:GDP ratio reduction timing An article today reports on an apparent disagreement that arose last night between Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the Eurogroup of Finance Ministers, and Christine

Britain’s Cameron wants to renegotiate European Union terms, Greek Parliament passes 2013 budget yesterday (Sunday), Netherlands faces stiff drops in living standards, United States – the vultures are circling, Tanzanian gold mine attacked by 4,0

Published on 2012-11-12 10:02:37

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines Britain’s Cameron wants to renegotiate European Union terms David Cameron, Britain’s Prime Minister, is reported: as wanting to have the United Kingdom stay in the European Union under renegotiated terms;

Greece bailout payment – not next week?, U.S. fiscal cliff explained in one chart, U.S. September net trade deficit, Wal-Mart to open at 8:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day

Published on 2012-11-09 12:36:35

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines Greece bailout payment – not next week? It has now been reported that for logistical reasons it is very unlikely Greece will be able to draw down on further bailout funds before the week of November 19 at th

Canada to follow U.S. into ‘fiscal cliff’ recession, Greek Parliament approves austerity budget, Hyperinflation – for the United States, a myth?, U.S. Economic Chart Website, U.S. said to be only 12th most prosperous country – Legatum Institu

Published on 2012-11-08 09:55:19

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines Canada to follow U.S. into ‘fiscal cliff’ recession Jim Flaherty, Canada’s Finance Minister, is reported as having said yesterday that if the America hits the so-called fiscal cliff on December 31 Canada

Election 2012 – what will change?, German Finance Minister calls for U.S. and Japan to help ensure global economic stability, Greek Government revised austerity measures met with discontent, Internet – all you wanted to know, and then some, about

Published on 2012-11-07 07:32:58

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines Election 2012 – what will change? The re-election of President Obama last evening, while close in the context of the popular vote, wasn’t close when measured by Electoral College votes – being the import

European Union youth unemployment, Globalization – what has it really meant to trade, jobs and recovery, U.S. fiscal cliff summarized – on Election Day no less

Published on 2012-11-06 07:33:19

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines European Union youth unemployment I suggest you visit The Depressing Truth About Europe’s Youth Unemployment Nightmare.  That article includes a PowerPoint presentation that summarizes the youth unemploymen

Canada’s job market tightens in October, what does that portend, Greek government stability questioned, United States jobs report and hourly earnings

Published on 2012-11-05 09:53:00

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines Canada’s job market tightens in October, what does that portend An article Friday reported that in October Canada added only a net 1,800 jobs when economists had been expecting a net gain of 10,000. This whe

Italy’s unemployment numbers rise, Spain – another form of contagion, U.S. consumer confidence reported to have risen further in October, U.S. October jobs report

Published on 2012-11-02 09:24:02

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines Italy’s unemployment numbers rise Italy’s data office released its latest unemployment numbers Wednesday.  The overall unemployment rate was reported at 10.8% in September, up 1.3% from August – and up

Canada’s GDP falls slightly in August, Canada: 2013 real GDP growth rate, Economic forecasting – how credible?, Spain –have all the analysts been on holidays?, U.S. housing contagion losses

Published on 2012-11-01 09:25:47

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines Canada’s GDP falls slightly in August Statistics Canada reported an unexpected 0.1% drop in GDP in August.  Most recently, Canada’s economy was reported as contracting in November 2011 by 0.1% and in Febr

Greece: New budget to be tabled today, Spain: Continuing economic deterioration, no bailout request yet, United States fiscal cliff – think hard about it now and on November 6, Tanzania: More on proposed mining tax changes

Published on 2012-10-31 12:42:51

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines Greece:  New budget to be tabled today The Greek Finance Minister is scheduled to table a revised draft 2013 budget today.  The budget calls for Greek economic contraction of 4.5% in 2013, and is said to pot

Bank credit rating downgrades and downgrade warnings, Greece – no agreement yet reached, United Kingdom preliminary Q3 GDP estimate shows 1% growth, United States consumers: where are they sourcing their spending?

Published on 2012-10-29 08:39:53

Commentaries prompted by World Headlines Bank credit rating downgrades and downgrade warnings An article Friday reported Moody’s has: issued a long-term downgrade warning for six large Canadian banks in the face of concerns over high Canadian consumer debt levels and rising housing prices.  Moody’s is also reviewing the ratings of some of those bank’s subordinated [...]Bank credit rating downgrades and downgrade warnings, Greece – no agreement yet reached, United Kingdom preliminary Q3 [..]

Eurozone – will its economics lead to a ‘creeping takeover’ by Germany?, German Manufacturing reported as weakening this month, Greece – still no deal, Spain passes 2013 austerity budget, U.S. Postal Service – out of cash! – an essential

Published on 2012-10-25 08:17:47

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines Eurozone – will its economics lead to a ‘creeping takeover’ by Germany? I have wondered for some time now whether the creation of the Eurozone had as all or part of its roots a German view that as its economically strongest member, the euro had the possibility of enabling Germany [...]Eurozone – will its economics lead to a ‘creeping takeover’ by Germany?, German Manufacturing reported as weakening this month, Greece – still no deal, Spain p [..]

Canada – again, don’t think ‘it can’t happen here’, German banks – Moody’s continues to be negative, Spain worst-case bank stress test scenario looking more realistic, U.S. Fiscal Cliff said not to be priced in to financial markets!, Gr

Published on 2012-10-23 09:20:34

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines Canada – again, don’t think ‘it can’t happen here’ Canada’s Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty, is reported last Thursday to have expressed concern about: Canada’s growth forecasts in the face of economic conditions in both Europe and the United States; and, the ever-increasing debt and deficit amounts of some Canadian Provinces.  [...]Canada – again, don’t think ‘it can’t happen here’, German banks – Moody’s continues to be negat [..]

Canada announces preliminary turndown of Progress Energy takeover by Malaysia, Greece to run out of cash on November 16 absent receipt of further bailout funding, Greece, Portugal, Spain, and … – anti-austerity protests, Portugal – going the wa

Published on 2012-10-22 08:28:56

Commentaries Prompted by World Headlines Canada announces preliminary turndown of Progress Energy takeover by Malaysia Canada’s Minister of Industry announced late Friday that his Ministry is not satisfied that the proposed $5.2 billion takeover of Progress Energy by Malaysian State Oil Firm Petronas is “is likely to be of net benefit to Canada”.  The Minister [...]Canada announces preliminary turndown of Progress Energy takeover by Malaysia, Greece to run out of cash on November 16 absen [..]

Canada’s Household Debt, China’s economic growth may be better than recently thought, Consequence of Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain exiting the Eurozone, Bank of England and stimulus, U.S. September housing starts up – a real ‘green shoot

Published on 2012-10-19 09:10:07

Commentaries Canada’s Household Debt An article Wednesday speaks to Canada’s household debt levels, reporting them to now be 163% of household income – this in contrast with the pre-2008 U.S. household debt-to-income level of 170%.  Assuming these statistics are correct, this is particularly worrisome given that residential mortgage is (and was) deductible in the United [...]Canada’s Household Debt, China’s economic growth may be better than recently thought, Consequence of Greece, It [..]

Moody’s decides not to downgrade Spain’s sovereign debt further – market reaction interesting, The U.S. consumer and the ‘right question’!

Published on 2012-10-18 10:13:55

Today’s Detailed Commentaries prompted by world headlines Eurozone >> Spain:  Moody’s decides not to downgrade Spain’s sovereign debt further – market reaction interesting It was reported yesterday the Moody’s Investors Service has elected to leave its Spain sovereign debt rating at one credit rating level above ‘junk’, with a negative outlook.  It apparently did this [...]Moody’s decides not to downgrade Spain’s sovereign debt further – market reaction interesting, The U.S [..]

U.S. August net trade deficit reported at U.S.$44.2 billion, How worried should one be about the financial markets?

Published on 2012-10-17 11:18:39

Today’s Detailed Commentaries prompted by world headlines North America >> United States:  U.S. August net trade deficit reported at U.S.$44.2 billion The U.S. August net trade deficit has now been reported at U.S.$44.2 billion, with both imports and exports falling, but exports falling by a greater degree.  For America, monthly net trade deficits are ‘business [...]U.S. August net trade deficit reported at U.S.$44.2 billion, How worried should one be about the financial markets? is a post [..]

Six simple U.S. economic charts worth thinking carefully about, Corporate Governance – General, Bonusing and Stock Options

Published on 2012-10-16 07:22:41

Today’s Detailed Commentaries prompted by world headlines North America >> United States:  Six simple U.S. economic charts worth thinking carefully about An article yesterday presented six charts attributed to David Rosenberg (Gluskin Sheff, Toronto) that are said to show: real and nominal (2 separate charts) GDP per capita 12 quarters after the end of each [...]Six simple U.S. economic charts worth thinking carefully about, Corporate Governance – General, Bonusing and Stock Options is a po [..]

Update on Greece, Spanish request for financial aid now in November?, U.S. reports 2012 Federal Deficit of $1.09 trillion

Published on 2012-10-15 11:30:26

Today’s Detailed Commentaries prompted by world headlines Eurozone >> Greece:  Update on Greece Yesterday German Finance Minister Woofgang Schaeuble is reported as having said that: Greece would not default; and, if Greece exited the Eurozone it would be negative to both Greece and the Eurozone. An article published Saturday reported that: Greek Prime Minister Antonis [...]Update on Greece, Spanish request for financial aid now in November?, U.S. reports 2012 Federal Deficit of $1.09 trillion [..]

More time for Greece to meet budget-cutting goals?, A reality check on the possibility of the United States being energy independent by 2020

Published on 2012-10-12 09:03:43

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Eurozone:  More time for Greece to meet budget-cutting goals? Following release of its updated economic outlook earlier this week, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde today reiterated statements made yesterday that Greece should be given more time to meet its budget-cutting goals.  The German Finance Minister today expressed concern that [...]More time for Greece to meet budget-cutting goals?, A reality check on the possibility [..]

IMF head Christine Lagarde suggests Greece and Spain should be given more time, S&P downgrades Spain’s debt to ‘almost junk’, and 2013 GDP forecasts

Published on 2012-10-11 11:19:47

 Today’s Detailed Commentaries Eurozone:  IMF head Christine Lagarde suggests Greece and Spain should be given more time An article this morning reports Christine Lagarde, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, today has said “struggling European countries such as Greece and Spain should be given more time to reduce their budget gaps”. While this [...]IMF head Christine Lagarde suggests Greece and Spain should be given more time, S&P downgrades Spain’s debt to ‘alm [..]

Spain headed in a downward spiral?, Quantitative easing

Published on 2012-10-10 16:29:10

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Eurozone >> Spain:  Spain headed in a downward spiral? An article yesterday discusses what appears to be continued downward economic trends in Spain.  I see this as hardly unexpected by those who have been following Spain closely, I strongly suggest you read Austerity fails to close Spain’s budget black hole if you [...]Spain headed in a downward spiral?, Quantitative easing is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

IMF lowers global growth forecasts, and likely that of the United Kingdom, Watch for possible important developments in Greece this week, Are all jobs created equal, and what does the U.S. reported unemployment rate really mean?

Published on 2012-10-09 09:44:02

Today’s Detailed Commentaries World >> Economy:  IMF lowers global growth forecasts, and likely that of the United Kingdom The International Monetary Fund cut its global GDP forecast to 3.3% and 3.6% for 2012 and 2013 respectively. Reuters had reported Friday that German newspaper Handelsblatt said the International Monetary Fund would do that.  Concurrently, The Telegraph [...]IMF lowers global growth forecasts, and likely that of the United Kingdom, Watch for possible important development [..]

On financial advisors, Mark-to-market rule changes

Published on 2012-10-04 09:26:59

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Financial Markets:  On financial advisors On my continuous point of taking a large (for many people I am sure ‘greater’) role in making investing decisions with respect to your own capital, some time ago a reader took the time to send me a thoughtful e-mail setting out his general views on interacting [...]On financial advisors, Mark-to-market rule changes is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Indigenous peoples – country risk, China and global economic recovery

Published on 2012-10-03 08:00:35

Today’s Detailed Commentaries World >> Resources:  Indigenous peoples – country risk Why Read:  Because Country Risk is an increasingly big deal, and indigenous peoples generally are not dealt with today as they were in the past. Featured Article:  A July 2 article discusses a new report generated by London-based Minority Rights Group International (‘MRG’).  According [...]Indigenous peoples – country risk, China and global economic recovery is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com [..]

Free cash flow – the best valuation metric, The positive spin being put on ‘green shoots’ and other things!

Published on 2012-10-02 08:13:23

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Valuation Theory:  Free cash flow – the best valuation metric Why Read and Watch:  Because Free Cash Flow is indeed the best valuation metric for established companies that generate cash flow from operations. Featured Article and Video:  A recent short article with an accompanying video purports to explain what ‘free cash flow’ [...]Free cash flow – the best valuation metric, The positive spin being put on ‘green shoots’ and other things! is a post [..]

Consultancy says Spain’s banks could need 60 billion euros, Commodity price trends as economic and stock market indicators

Published on 2012-10-01 08:47:04

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Eurozone >> Spain:  Consultancy says Spain’s banks could need 60 billion euros Why read:  Because late Friday afternoon after the European markets closed the results of Spain’s bank audit was publicly released.  It is reminiscent in some respects of the U.S. Bank Stress Test report issued earlier this year by the Federal [...]Consultancy says Spain’s banks could need 60 billion euros, Commodity price trends as economic and stock market indicators is a pos [..]

Spain’s federal budget announces large spending cuts, lengthy debate to begin, unlikely to end well

Published on 2012-09-28 10:06:54

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Eurozone >> Spain:  Spain’s federal budget announces large spending cuts, lengthy debate to begin, unlikely to end well You likely are being besieged by the announcement yesterday that Spain has announced a budget for next year that proposes: significant federal government spending cuts of over 7%; continuing public sector wage freezes; and, [...]Spain’s federal budget announces large spending cuts, lengthy debate to begin, unlikely to end well is a post from [..]

A different way to say the same thing about Spain, Christine Lagarde on the U.S. ‘fiscal cliff’

Published on 2012-09-27 09:00:21

 Today’s Detailed Commentaries Eurozone >> Spain:  A different way to say the same thing about Spain If you read this Newsletter you know I believe the next few weeks will prove to be very difficult for Spain as: the results of its current ongoing bank audit (due to be released tomorrow) become known; Spain releases [...]A different way to say the same thing about Spain, Christine Lagarde on the U.S. ‘fiscal cliff’ is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Today’s Brief Commentaries

Published on 2012-09-25 10:42:36

Brief Commentaries prompted by world headlines (collective reading time 4 minutes) Eurozone >> Greece:  One-third of Athens commercial district businesses closed An article yesterday says that Greek businesses, both in Athens and elsewhere in Greece, have closed at unprecedented rates.  68,000 Greek businesses are reported as having been closed since 2010. Landslides pick up both [...]Today’s Brief Commentaries is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Greek debt report may be delayed for U.S. political reasons, Spain to increase retirement age and freeze pensions?

Published on 2012-09-24 09:51:11

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Eurozone >> Greece:  Greek debt report may be delayed for U.S. political reasons On Friday Reuters: quoted a senior European Union official as saying: “The Obama administration doesn’t want anything on a macroeconomic scale that is going to rock the global economy before November 6”; and, suggests that as a result a [...]Greek debt report may be delayed for U.S. political reasons, Spain to increase retirement age and freeze pensions? is a post from: StockRe [..]

Should country specific trade surpluses and deficits be seen as positive, neutral, or negative?, Portuguese protests against austerity

Published on 2012-09-21 08:08:49

Today’s Detailed Commentaries World >> Economy:  Should country specific trade surpluses and deficits be seen as positive, neutral, or negative? Why read:  Because I believe that where a country runs continuous net trade deficits and increasing net cumulative trade deficits that is a bad thing in the context of the economic well-being of that country.  [...]Should country specific trade surpluses and deficits be seen as positive, neutral, or negative?, Portuguese protests against austerity [..]

Politicians and journalists least trusted, Investment bankers ‘short term’ performance oriented

Published on 2012-09-20 08:48:34

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Europe >> United Kingdom:  Politicians and journalists least trusted Why read:  Because in the current turbulent economic times it may prove to be one of the most important things you need to think about – if you haven’t already. Commentary:  The Telegraph on September 19 showed ten slides of what it reports [...]Politicians and journalists least trusted, Investment bankers ‘short term’ performance oriented is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Ray Dalio (Bridgewater Associates) on deleveraging (and other things), How negative might U.S. QE3 announced September 13 really be?

Published on 2012-09-18 08:05:18

 Today’s Detailed Commentaries World >> Economy:  Ray Dalio (Bridgewater Associates) on deleveraging (and other things) Why read:  Ray Dalio is one of the world’s most successful money manager.  He is a ‘plain talker’ and I think very good thinker. Commentary:  While an hour is a long time to commit to listen to an interview, this [...]Ray Dalio (Bridgewater Associates) on deleveraging (and other things), How negative might U.S. QE3 announced September 13 really be? is a post from: [..]

Possible importance of results of Wednesday, September 12 Netherland’s general election result, And so it continues against austerity in Spain!

Published on 2012-09-17 07:42:33

 Today’s Detailed Commentaries Eurozone >> Netherlands:  Possible importance of results of Wednesday, September 12 Netherland’s general election result Why read:  Because last week the Netherlands held its fifth general election in ten years, and the outcome may weight on what happens in the end in the Eurozone. Commentary:  In 2011 the Netherlands was the fifth [...]Possible importance of results of Wednesday, September 12 Netherland’s general election result, And so it continues agai [..]

Consider what game Spain may be playing, Fed Chair introduces new quantitative easing – can it succeed?

Published on 2012-09-14 11:41:39

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Eurozone >> Spain:  Consider what game Spain may be playing That Spain will request – likely in weeks and not months – financial aid from its eurozone partners seems a certainty.  Why Spain is playing a ‘wait and see’ game is an interesting question. My current thoughts are that Spain is waiting [...]Consider what game Spain may be playing, Fed Chair introduces new quantitative easing – can it succeed? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Today’s Brief Commentaries

Published on 2012-09-12 09:59:09

Brief Commentaries prompted by world headlines (collective reading time 8 minutes) Asia >> China:  S&P report on China Standard & Poor’s has just issued a study titled China Credit Spotlight that among other things: “cautions that a credit downturn will unfold amid rising delinquencies and tightening net interest margins”; and, says “damage to the top [...]Today’s Brief Commentaries is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Canadian auto workers – is it really ‘business as usual’?

Published on 2012-09-11 09:12:52

Today’s Detailed Commentaries North America >> Canada:  Canadian auto workers – is it really ‘business as usual’? In a more repetitive vein than I like, I have said a number of times in this Newsletter that I believe: you can’t take things away from people (like their standard of living) and leave them happy; and, [...]Canadian auto workers – is it really ‘business as usual’? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Roubini sees ‘perfect world economic storm’ – why is this new ‘news’?, Coming changes to Canada’s GDP measurements, Germans voice concerns over ECB’s Outright Monetary Transactions Program

Published on 2012-09-10 07:15:25

Today’s Detailed Commentaries World >> Economy:  Roubini sees ‘perfect world economic storm’ – why is this new ‘news’? Nouriel Roubini, speaking September 7, is reported as predicting we face years of world economic ‘gloom’ irrespective of what is decided by political leaders in the Eurozone.  Roubini said this would be driven by a ‘painful process [...]Roubini sees ‘perfect world economic storm’ – why is this new ‘news’?, Coming changes to Canada’s GDP measuremen [..]

Are German Parliamentarians Dutch Burghers or are they Germans?, SEC study concludes on U.S. retail investor, Importance of increased third-party Canadian oil sands activity?

Published on 2012-09-07 09:54:34

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Eurozone >> Germany >> Greece:  Are German Parliamentarians Dutch Burghers or are they Germans? Why read:  Because things can happen very quickly, and it may be that ‘push’ finally may be coming to ‘shove’ in the Eurozone. Commentary:  Even if ‘push’ and ‘shove’ don’t meet in the Eurozone over Greece (and Spain) [...]Are German Parliamentarians Dutch Burghers or are they Germans?, SEC study concludes on U.S. retail investor, Importance of incr [..]

Survey of ‘about to be retired’ persons, President Clinton’s Speech Last Evening, The Republicans are asking a good question

Published on 2012-09-06 08:35:20

Today’s Detailed Commentaries North America >> Canada:  Survey of ‘about to be retired’ persons In a survey of Canadians now between 50 – 60 years old, said to have an statistical error rate of not more than +/- 3.5%: on average 53%  said they planned to work following retirement; and, almost 50% said they had [...]Survey of ‘about to be retired’ persons, President Clinton’s Speech Last Evening, The Republicans are asking a good question is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Bl [..]

U.S. structural unemployment – the trillion $ question

Published on 2012-09-05 10:22:02

Today’s Detailed Commentaries North America >> United States: U.S. structural unemployment – the trillion $ question Why read:  Because it is arguable that the most important questions facing America and its politicians today are: has there been structural change in the American economy after 1995?; does a significant amount of structural unemployment exist in American [...]U.S. structural unemployment – the trillion $ question is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Federal Reserve Chair Bernanke from Jackson Hole – August 31, 2012, German central banker said to have threatened resignation

Published on 2012-09-04 08:46:48

Today’s Detailed Commentaries North America >> United States:  Federal Reserve Chair Bernanke from Jackson Hole – August 31, 2012 Why read:  You will by now have been bombarded for three-plus days by written and verbal commentary on Federal Reserve Chair Bernanke’s Friday, August 31, 2012 remarks made from Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  You will have observed [...]Federal Reserve Chair Bernanke from Jackson Hole – August 31, 2012, German central banker said to have threatened resignation is [..]

Spain: To be forewarned is to be forearmed, Republican Convention – Mr. Romney and ‘more on Mr. Ryan’

Published on 2012-08-31 10:09:41

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Eurozone >> Spain:  Spain: To be forewarned is to be forearmed Why read:  If you participate directly or indirectly in the financial markets I suggest you read the referenced article carefully and start paying even more serious attention to Spain than you likely already are doing. Commentary:  Things can ‘collapse under their [...]Spain: To be forewarned is to be forearmed, Republican Convention – Mr. Romney and ‘more on Mr. Ryan’ is a post from: StockR [..]

U.S. Vice-Presidential Candidate Paul Ryan at Tampa Republican Convention, Watch Bolivia for developments on the country risk front

Published on 2012-08-30 09:45:59

Today’s Detailed Commentaries North America >> United States:  U.S. Vice-Presidential Candidate Paul Ryan at Tampa Republican Convention You may have watched and listened to Paul Ryan speak last evening at the Republican Party Convention.  My comments: I am sure Mr. Ryan is well-intentioned; fairly, in my view, he specifically said (early in his speech) that [...]U.S. Vice-Presidential Candidate Paul Ryan at Tampa Republican Convention, Watch Bolivia for developments on the country risk fron [..]

World shipping crisis?, Spain: where there is smoke, usually there is fire, Are hedge funds holding historic cash amounts

Published on 2012-08-28 08:50:36

Today’s Detailed Commentaries World >> Container Shipping:  World shipping crisis? Why read:  Because shipping activity arguably is a particularly good predictor of things to come in the near-term. Commentary:  Apparently German shipping experts believe two-thirds of Germany’s marine fleet is in financial distress – this in circumstances where it is said that German shipping companies [...]World shipping crisis?, Spain: where there is smoke, usually there is fire, Are hedge funds holdin [..]

China and significant new stimulus, George Soros interview in June – a ‘must watch if you have wealth to protect’, September 12 election and austerity

Published on 2012-08-27 09:08:09

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Asia >> China:  China and significant new stimulus Overview:  You might want to read this article for confirmation that China’s government seems to be increasingly concerned about growth as it announces ‘stimulus packages’.  The article includes what I think is some good ‘on site’ reporting of what is going on economically in [...]China and significant new stimulus, George Soros interview in June – a ‘must watch if you have wealth to protect’, S [..]

Chinese manufacturing index drops further in August, The Federal Reserve and quantitative easing!

Published on 2012-08-24 08:37:58

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Asia >> China:  Chinese manufacturing index drops further in August Why read:  To keep up to date with China’s apparent continuing decline in manufacturing outputs – and to focus on the importance of Chinese GDP growth in the context of world economic recovery or recession. Commentary:  The Chinese Manufacturing Purchasing Manager’s Index [...]Chinese manufacturing index drops further in August, The Federal Reserve and quantitative easing! is a post from: [..]

Views from the streets of the former East Germany, Poland, and other interesting places, U.S. Politics – how can this make sense?

Published on 2012-08-23 08:36:00

Today’s Detailed Commentaries European Union >> Eurozone:  Views from the streets of the former East Germany, Poland, and other interesting places Why read:  To learn economic ‘views from the street’ recently expressed in Copenhagen (and elsewhere in Denmark), Gdansk (Poland), Gotland and Stockholm (Sweden), Helsinki (Finland), Riga (Latvia), St. Petersburg (Russia), Tallinn (Estonia), and Warnemunde [...]Views from the streets of the former East Germany, Poland, and other interesting pl [..]

Gold infographic on world resource, and background data, Is depression inevitable?, U.S. main street standard of living

Published on 2012-08-22 07:30:29

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Gold:  Gold infographic on world resource, and background data If you hold or are considering directly or indirectly (through an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) or bank gold certificate for example) holding or investing in physical gold, you should consider reviewing the Infographic recently included on the Visual Capitalist website.  That Infographic summarizes [...]Gold infographic on world resource, and background data, Is depression inevitable?, U.S. main street [..]

Financing issues and consequences, Economic recovery – what does it mean?

Published on 2012-08-21 06:53:32

Today’s Daily Commentaries World >> Mining:  Financing issues and consequences Why read:  Because mining exploration and development can be interesting to traders and investors, but those companies have no internally generated cash flow and must rely on continual new equity injections. Commentary:  If you participate, particularly as an investor, in mining exploration and development companies, [...]Financing issues and consequences, Economic recovery – what does it mean? is a post from: [..]

High Frequency Algorithmic Trading Overviewed, Paul Krugman on deficit spending, Positive spin on U.S. trade deficits – who is kidding who?

Published on 2012-08-20 06:27:39

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Financial Markets: High Frequency Algorithmic Trading Overviewed Why Read:  If you participate either directly, or have capital invested in the financial markets that is managed by others, you ought to have a basic understanding what high frequency algorithmic trading is, what it isn’t, and generally how it works. Commentary:  High frequency algorithmic [...]High Frequency Algorithmic Trading Overviewed, Paul Krugman on deficit spending, Positive spin on U.S. [..]

So what do I worry about?, Mark-to-market rule change raises its ugly head once again, Venezuela joins South America regional trading bloc

Published on 2012-08-17 06:10:10

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Financial Markets:  So what do I worry about? John Hussman is the founder of Hussman Funds.  A former professor of economics and international finance at the University of Michigan, he is said to have predicted the 2008-2009 recession. If you invest directly or indirectly in the financial markets I suggest you read [...]So what do I worry about?, Mark-to-market rule change raises its ugly head once again, Venezuela joins South America regional trading bloc is a [..]

A positive opinion on U.S. jobs!, The Importance of Internal Consistency, Is the world economy ‘a house of cards’?

Published on 2012-08-16 05:57:38

Today’s Detailed Commentaries North America >> United States:  A positive opinion on U.S. jobs! Why Read:  To review and think in a balanced way about an optimistic (and different from my) view on the U.S. labour market. Commentary:  The Financial Post (Toronto) recently published an article written by the Eric Lascelles, Chief Economist of RBC [...]A positive opinion on U.S. jobs!, The Importance of Internal Consistency, Is the world economy ‘a house of cards’? is a post from: StockRes [..]

Return of manufacturing to America?, An investment advisor comments on this Newsletter, Chairman Bernanke’s views in February 2009

Published on 2012-08-15 08:30:05

Today’s Detailed Commentaries North America >> United States:  Return of manufacturing to America? A recent article overviews somewhat futuristic manufacturing methodologies referred to as: ‘additive manufacturing’, which uses three dimensional print electronics to manufacture products; and, molecular manufacturing. The article also says: “these advances play well into America’s ability to innovate, demolish old industries, and [...]Return of manufacturing to America?, An investme [..]

Unions at risk, The U.S. National Debt as seen in February 2009

Published on 2012-08-14 08:07:24

Today’s Detailed Commentaries World >> Employment:  Unions at risk Why read:  Because globalization is a game-changer for developed country unions and unionized workers, and this is something worth focusing on and thinking about whether you participate in the financial markets or not. Commentary:  ‘In the day’, as people now say, unions had much more power, [...]Unions at risk, The U.S. National Debt as seen in February 2009 is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

More on whether there should be a reversion to segregated banking activities, Why didn’t the forecasters figure it out?

Published on 2012-08-13 07:09:06

Today’s Detailed Commentaries World >> Banking:  More on whether there should be a reversion to segregated banking activities I concluded a commentary in my July 13 Newsletter with the following statement: “It is also why I have come to believe laws should be put in place to return the separation of commercial banking and investment [...]More on whether there should be a reversion to segregated banking activities, Why didn’t the forecasters figure it out? is a post from: StockResearchPort [..]

Corporate interest rates thwarting competitiveness – really?, President Obama in January 2009 and now

Published on 2012-08-10 07:33:33

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Eurozone >> Italy:  Corporate interest rates thwarting competitiveness – really? Why read:  To think about whether a 2.5% change in a company’s borrowing rates ought to materially affect a company’s competitive position.  Certainly that could be the ‘takeaway’ from a recent article. Commentary:  Assume a manufacturing company: that has what one might [...]Corporate interest rates thwarting competitiveness – really?, President Obama in January 2009 [..]

Consider the timing of reporting, October 2008 and now

Published on 2012-08-09 07:51:05

Today’s Detailed Commentaries World >> Statistics:  Consider the timing of reporting Last week U.S. home prices in May were reported by S&P/Case-Shiller.  The composite 20-city home price index, said to be ‘a key gauge of U.S. home prices’, was reported to be up 2.2% in May from April, and down 0.7% from May, 2011.  This [...]Consider the timing of reporting, October 2008 and now is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Update on Italy, The consequences of contagion?, Are Central Banks now emasculated?

Published on 2012-08-08 07:41:23

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Eurozone >> Italy:  Update on Italy Why Read:  Because Italy may already be ‘the next big thing’ in the Eurozone economic crisis.  Everyone needs to be aware of that, and one ‘buries their head in the sand’ on this at their own peril. Commentary:  In 2011 Italy’s GDP rang in at U.S.$2.2 [...]Update on Italy, The consequences of contagion?, Are Central Banks now emasculated? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Overview of August 2 U.S. jobs report

Published on 2012-08-07 06:10:34

Today’s Detailed Commentaries North America >> United States:  Overview of August 2 U.S. jobs report The U.S. July jobs report seems to have been favourably viewed by the financial markets.  However, at least the following things need to be factored into any reasoned view with respect to it: the reported unemployment rate increased fractionally to [...]Overview of August 2 U.S. jobs report is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

This morning’s U.S. jobs report, Mr. Bernanke’s postponement strategy?

Published on 2012-08-03 09:06:26

Today’s Detailed Commentaries North America >> United States:  This morning’s U.S. jobs report This month’s U.S. job report reported that non-farm payrolls increased by 163,000 in July, higher than the 100,000 broadly estimated.  The report also said that the unemployment rate increased by 1/10th of 1% to 8.3% in July. While this may give President [...]This morning’s U.S. jobs report, Mr. Bernanke’s postponement strategy? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

A circular problem – capital spending decision-making and unemployment

Published on 2012-08-02 09:28:38

Important Snippets From Today’s Commentaries Snippet #1: There is no good solution to this manufacturing job loss issue that I can think of in the current economic environment, where ‘a job in the hand may be worth as much as five jobs in the bush’.  Essentially, while such behavior on the part of plant personnel [...]A circular problem – capital spending decision-making and unemployment is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Brief Commentaries prompted by world headlines

Published on 2012-08-01 09:23:30

Important Snippets From Today’s Commentaries Snippet #1:  It seems very unlikely the postponement tactics adopted to date in the Eurozone are going to be curtailed or ended by the other Eurozone members in a way that results in Greece ‘running out of cash’ in August. Snippet context:  Should I prove to be wrong in this, [...]Brief Commentaries prompted by world headlines is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Can the equity markets be making sense?, Mr. Bernanke has to know!

Published on 2012-07-31 08:49:46

Important Snippets From Today’s Commentaries Snippet #1: There are two sides to every market transaction – a winner and loser.  It seems to me that a critically important question is this:  if the investment banks and hedge funds always win, who always loses? Snippet context: I have done some limited research to find good answers [...]Can the equity markets be making sense?, Mr. Bernanke has to know! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Update, Canada’s economy from 10,000 feet

Published on 2012-07-30 08:47:50

Important Snippets From Today’s Commentaries Snippet #1: To put Canada’s fiscal 2013 Federal deficit projection in some perspective, per capita (per person) it is about one-sixth of the current forecasted U.S. Federal deficit for the current U.S. fiscal year which ends on September 30. Snippet context: The idea here is that while no Federal Government [...]Update, Canada’s economy from 10,000 feet is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Mining cost increases – negatives and positives

Published on 2012-07-27 09:14:01

Today’s Detailed Commentaries World >> Mining:  Mining cost increases – negatives and positives Why Read:  Because as a generality mining capital and operating costs are increasing significantly, and because those who say the equity markets are under-pricing gold (and other) mining stocks can be far to general in their prognostications.  That said, there are always [...]Mining cost increases – negatives and positives is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Continuing UK recession, Does Nexen open the door wide?

Published on 2012-07-26 09:07:59

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Europe >> United Kingdom:  Continuing UK recession Why Read:  Because the United Kingdom is an important world economy, and because continuing recession in the UK does not bode well. Commentary:  It has been announced that: ‘preliminary estimates are that UK economy contracted by 0.7% in Q2 2012 as a large reduction in [...]Continuing UK recession, Does Nexen open the door wide? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

China continues to buy strategic assets, Updates from the Eurozone, Manufacturing returning to U.S.?

Published on 2012-07-24 09:10:10

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Asia >> China:  China continues to buy strategic assets As you no doubt know, yesterday China National Offshore Oil Corporation made a $15 billion, 61% premium to market, bid for Nexen Inc.  Nexen’s portfolio includes: conventional oil and gas assets in the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and offshore West Africa; [...]China continues to buy strategic assets, Updates from the Eurozone, Manufacturing returning to U.S.? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blo [..]

Investment Advisor Criteria, What Underlies Canadian Housing Prices!

Published on 2012-07-20 08:25:25

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Financial Markets  >> General:  Investment Advisor Criteria Three years ago I was asked to summarize the criteria I would want to find in an Investment Advisor. Given what I see as ongoing significant changes in the financial markets, and what I believe to be an even more disconcerting macro-economic environment than the [...]Investment Advisor Criteria, What Underlies Canadian Housing Prices! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Considering country risk in a balanced manner

Published on 2012-07-19 08:22:14

Today’s Detailed Commentaries World >> Mining and Oil & Gas:  Considering country risk in a balanced manner It is all too easy to see explosive media headlines pronouncing country expropriations of resource properties or companies – events that have occurred in recent weeks in both Argentina and Bolivia to name but two countries – and [...]Considering country risk in a balanced manner is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Consider possible positives, as well as possible negatives

Published on 2012-07-18 09:00:06

Today’s Detailed Commentaries World >> Mining: Consider possible positives, as well as possible negatives Mainstream and Internet media sources are increasingly, or so it seems, addressing near-term (and perhaps longer-term) problems and prospects faced by resource explorers, developers and producers in circumstances of: the ongoing economic problems faced by many of the developing countries, and [...]Consider possible positives, as well as possible negatives is a post from: StockResearchPorta [..]

The International Monetary Fund – world economic outlook?

Published on 2012-07-17 09:30:29

World >> Economy:  The International Monetary Fund – world economic outlook? Yesterday the International Monetary Fund issued both its ‘World Economic Update’ and its ‘Global Financial Stability Report’.  If you read the short Executive Summaries at the beginning of each, you effectively will have read them.  That will take you less than 2 minutes in [...]The International Monetary Fund – world economic outlook? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

China’s GDP growth and ‘dis-synergy’

Published on 2012-07-16 11:20:32

Today’s Detailed Commentaries Asia >> China:  China’s GDP growth and ‘dis-synergy’ ‘Synergy’ is a word typically thought of in ‘positive terms’, that is – 2 plus 2 equals 5.  However, consider that synergy is broadly defined as “two or more things that function together to produce a result not independently obtainable” (Wikipedia), and hence can [...]China’s GDP growth and ‘dis-synergy’ is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Spain on the brink?, Trust and the banks

Published on 2012-07-13 09:16:43

Spain on the brink? Why Read:  Because economic risk in the Eurozone and elsewhere appears to be escalating, and what is said here describes what may prove to be the ‘biggest crack yet in Humpty Dumpty’s shell’. Commentary:  It was some months ago that I began warning in this Newsletter that Spain was the country [...]Spain on the brink?, Trust and the banks is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Updated 2012 forecasts – made January 3, 2012

Published on 2012-07-10 09:51:26

Updated 2012 forecasts – made January 3, 2012 As I am sure you do, I continuously monitor what I read that is written by others, and periodically check back on any forecasts they have made to see how those forecasts compare with what actually has happened.  Based on those reviews, I decide which mainstream news [...]Updated 2012 forecasts – made January 3, 2012 is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Bank and Investment Bank credibility!, June U.S. Jobs Report

Published on 2012-07-06 11:39:37

Bank and Investment Bank credibility! Why Read:  Because current events could be a ‘logs that collectively break the camel’s back’. Featured Articles:  Two articles today jump up and beg for notice: the first reports that JPMorgan has been subpoenaed by U.S. energy regulators to produce twenty-five 2010 and 2011 e-mails in conjunction with an investigation [...]Bank and Investment Bank credibility!, June U.S. Jobs Report is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Bank related news

Published on 2012-07-05 09:08:36

Bank related news So called ‘living wills’ and Libor lawsuits Why read:  Because, while you almost certainly have read and heard in the past two days of: the so-called ‘big bank’ ‘living wills’ that were filed with U.S. Regulators this week; and, on-going reporting involving Barclays PLC, some of its executives, and the approximate U.S.$450 [...]Bank related news is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Market gains on eurozone announcement?

Published on 2012-07-03 10:32:41

Market gains on eurozone announcement? Why Read:  Because the Friday, June 29: financial markets collective positive reaction; and, concurrent large increase in the gold price to the Eurozone ‘agreement’ on bank funding and austerity measures vividly marks once again the ‘trading nature’ and volatility of those markets. Featured Articles:  See linked articles at the end [...]Market gains on eurozone announcement? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Global Economic Stalemate?

Published on 2012-06-27 10:31:55

Global Economic Stalemate? Why Read:  Because the referenced article is a well-balanced, well-written, very brief – albeit somewhat simplistic – overview of the economic models of the United States and the Eurozone.  The article also speaks to China and briefly references Brazil and India. Featured Article:  An article Monday written by Robert Samuelson, a Washington [...]Global Economic Stalemate? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

The Great Depression Again?

Published on 2012-06-26 11:11:57

The Great Depression Again? Why Read:  Because it is foolish not to consider the possibility of depression, particularly in the face of the preponderance of commentary over the past many months that rampant inflation is on the horizon Featured Article:  An article published yesterday: carries a headline that says:  “Is this 1931 all over again?  [...]The Great Depression Again? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Canadian CEO’s Hold Onto Cash!

Published on 2012-06-25 12:12:12

Canadian CEO’s Hold Onto Cash! Why Read:  Because those who operate business may well (read likely) have a better understanding of what is going on in their respective segments of the economy than do those who write in the mainstream media and on the Internet. Featured Article:  An article last week reported on a recently [...]Canadian CEO’s Hold Onto Cash! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

U.S. – More Soft Quantitative Easing

Published on 2012-06-21 11:08:03

U.S. – More Soft Quantitative Easing Why Read:  To get beyond newspaper reporting to a ‘what it may mean discussion’. Featured Article:  Shortly after noon Eastern Time yesterday, multiple articles and other media coverage began of the U.S. Federal Reserve announcement that: it would continue its current so-called ‘twist’ program to the end of 2012.  [...]U.S. – More Soft Quantitative Easing is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Euro Crisis – Impact on Asian Economies

Published on 2012-06-20 09:28:28

Euro Crisis – Impact on Asian Economies Why Read:  For a quick overview of the possible impact on twelve Asian economies, and on Australia, if the euro financial crisis intensifies. Featured Article:  An article this morning reports on the perceived strengths and weaknesses of China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, seven other Asian countries, and [...]Euro Crisis – Impact on Asian Economies is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Very Important News Today?

Published on 2012-06-19 09:37:33

Very Important News Today? Why Read:  Because if you understand how auditors and their clients function together, reporting delays seldom mean ‘good news’. Featured Article:  A brief article this morning reports that: Spain’s Central Bank has notified each of the (now reported as four) audit firms currently studying the books of Spain’s banks that their [...]Very Important News Today? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Greece – Through The Looking Glass

Published on 2012-06-18 10:46:13

Greece – Through The Looking Glass Why Read:  Because in some (and perhaps many) respects Greece can now be seen as a small, and hence comparatively easily understood, ‘microcosm’ of what may happen in other developed countries going forward. Featured Article:  Multiple articles and other media last evening and this morning have reported and discussed [...]Greece – Through The Looking Glass is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Inflation or Deflation?

Published on 2012-06-13 10:43:04

Error in Yesterday’s Newsletter! We received a barrage of e-mails advising that the reference in yesterday’s e-mails to a ‘many years old’ advertisement attributed to Charles Schwab – as in ‘When Charles Schwab speaks, everyone listens’ was wrong-headed, and properly should have attributed the referenced advertisement to E.F. Hutton.  The fact that many people took [...]Inflation or Deflation? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Read and Think Carefully About This!

Published on 2012-06-12 10:46:30

Read and Think Carefully About This! Why Read:  Because Christine Lagarde, International Monetary Fund Managing Director, is a smart woman with very broad knowledge.  She is reported this morning as having made on Monday evening a very definitive statement on the Eurozone. Featured Article:  An article this morning reports that Ms. Lagarde has warned in [...]Read and Think Carefully About This! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Spain Bank ‘Bail-out’ – Dream On!

Published on 2012-06-11 10:58:04

Spain Bank ‘Bail-out’ – Dream On! Why Read:   Because what happened Saturday in the Eurozone (and Spain in particular) had to happen, and because what happened has wide-ranging implications. Featured Articles:  Many articles on Saturday afternoon and Sunday adopted the word ‘ bailout’ in their headlines – as in “Eurozone finance ministers agree to 100 [...]Spain Bank ‘Bail-out’ – Dream On! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Yesterday’s Gold/Silver Prices – Sign of Times

Published on 2012-06-08 13:06:07

Why Read:  It is very important to think about financial market psychology, trading patterns, and risk in these volatile and uncertain times. Featured Article:  Could be any one of many articles this morning that discusses the immediate significant drop in the physical gold and silver prices yesterday following U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke’s Thursday morning [...]Yesterday’s Gold/Silver Prices – Sign of Times is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Uncleared Derivatives To Be Regulated?

Published on 2012-06-06 11:59:34

Why Read:  Because this report may prove to be of great significance over the next few months. Featured Article:  An article this morning reports that the Financial Stability Board (‘FSB) plans to issue proposals on rules encouraging banks to put derivatives trades through a central clearing house as part of a regulations aimed at reducing [...]Uncleared Derivatives To Be Regulated? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

U.S. Quantitative Easing, The Sharks Are Circling, and Gold Backed Eurobonds?

Published on 2012-06-04 09:09:23

U.S. Quantitative Easing, The Sharks Are Circling, and Gold Backed Eurobonds? Why Read:  More to focus on possible further U.S. (and other Central Bank) quantitative easing, than on the possibility of gold backed Eurobonds – but to be aware of at least some ‘talk’ with respect to the latter. Featured Article:  For reference to possibility [...]U.S. Quantitative Easing, The Sharks Are Circling, and Gold Backed Eurobonds? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Too Much Is Happening Too Fast!

Published on 2012-06-01 12:21:28

Too Much Is Happening Too Fast! Why Read:  Because if I am right, Joe Kennedy may have had his shoes shined this morning.  For any who do not understand the reference, recall Joe Kennedy (President John F. Kennedy’s father) saying that he got out of the stock market in 1929 when the person who shined [...]Too Much Is Happening Too Fast! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Gold and Gold Miners

Published on 2012-05-31 12:51:39

Why Read:  Because almost every day now there is Media and Internet commentary on the current prices at which gold mining stocks are trading: some of which is excellent: some of which isn’t so excellent; a lot of which simplistic; and, some of which seems to be written from ‘vested interest perspectives’. This commentary includes [...]Gold and Gold Miners is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Spain – Significance of Apparent Lack of Knowledge?

Published on 2012-05-29 08:41:14

Why Read:  Because no one else seems to be picking up on how quickly information coming out of Spain is changing – and what that may imply for: Spain’s near-term and longer term economic future; the Eurozone; and, Pursuant to contagion, the rest of us. Featured Article:  An article published late yesterday afternoon discusses a [...]Spain – Significance of Apparent Lack of Knowledge? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

World Economics in a Nutshell!

Published on 2012-05-25 10:58:24

Why Read:  Irrespective of what you think of the International Monetary Fund, when its Managing Director speaks you ought to listen – and then think about what she is saying ‘between the lines’. Featured Article:  A short article purports to summarize what Christine Lagarde, IMF Managing Director, said when addressing Harvard University Kennedy School of [...]World Economics in a Nutshell! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Canadians and Home Mortgages – A Surprising Statistic!

Published on 2012-05-24 10:09:15

Why Read (if you are a Canadian):  Because, if accurate, this is a surprising, and arguably foreboding, statistic. Featured Article:  An article reports that a recent Bank of Montreal survey reported that 51% of Canadians plan to retire prior to their home mortgages being paid out in full.  The article reports that Phil Soper, chief [...]Canadians and Home Mortgages – A Surprising Statistic! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Fitch on Banks!

Published on 2012-05-23 12:14:17

Why Read:  To gain an understanding of what the world’s major banks are currently said to face by way of equity requirements in the next seven years. Featured Article:  Last November, twenty-nine of the world’s largest banks were identified by the Financial Stability Board (FSB) as ‘systemically important financial institutions’. The FSB, comprised largely of [...]Fitch on Banks! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Gold Miner Requirement – U.S.$3,000 Gold Price Within 5 Years!

Published on 2012-05-22 11:32:32

Why Read:  Because it puts current escalating mining capital and operating costs into a somewhat different perspective, and arguably escalated concern. Featured Article:  A recent article reported that Aram Shishmanian, CEO of the World Gold Council has said that the physical gold price will need to reach U.S.$3,000 per ounce within five years “for the [...]Gold Miner Requirement – U.S.$3,000 Gold Price Within 5 Years! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Greek Eurozone Exit Consequences?

Published on 2012-05-21 10:31:06

Why Read:  Because possible (read likely, or even ‘virtually certain’) contagion issues arising out of a Greek Eurozone exit will be important to you – whether you invest in the financial markets or you don’t. Featured Article:  An important article with a 17 slide PowerPoint presentation was published recently by Business Insider.  Said to have [...]Greek Eurozone Exit Consequences? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Q1 2012 Europe and Eurozone GDP!

Published on 2012-05-18 12:30:10

Q1 2012 Europe and Eurozone GDP! Why Read:  Because in our fiat currency world continuing GDP growth is of huge importance. Featured Article:  An article earlier this week reported GDP growth for both the 17 country Eurozone and the 27 country European Union was 0.0% in Q1 2012.  The European Union includes the 17 Eurozone [...]Q1 2012 Europe and Eurozone GDP! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

An Accident Waiting to Happen, or ‘Ever Closer To The Cliff’!

Published on 2012-05-17 11:40:56

An Accident Waiting to Happen, or ‘Ever Closer To The Cliff’! Why Read:  Because Youth Unemployment has to be at or near the top of both near-term and long-term economic issues that must be addressed, or if they aren’t, bring the ‘edge of the economic and societal cliff’ ever closer. Featured Article:  A May 14 [...]An Accident Waiting to Happen, or ‘Ever Closer To The Cliff’! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

After Spain, is Italy Next?

Published on 2012-05-16 10:07:19

After Spain, is Italy Next? Why Read:  Because now that Spain’s economic woes are close to the center of world economic attention you need to focus on Italy – while still keeping Greece, Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands squarely on your ever more crowded radar screen. Featured Article:  A May 15 article focuses on Italy’s [...]After Spain, is Italy Next? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Spain and Spanish Bank Dilemma!

Published on 2012-05-14 10:47:47

Spain and Spanish Bank Dilemma! Why Read:  Because what is happening in Spain is happening quickly, may not be understood in a property valuation context, and may be a harbinger of things to come in other countries. Featured Articles:  Two May 11 articles raise further issues with Spain’s announcement last week that some of its [...]Spain and Spanish Bank Dilemma! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Mining Cost Escalation – Impact?

Published on 2012-05-11 10:31:26

Mining Cost Escalation – Impact? Why Read:  Because it is a good overview of some of the issues facing not just gold miners, but miners generally – all of which going forward will impact the share prices of those companies from what they otherwise might be. Featured Article:  A May 9 article speaks to the [...]Mining Cost Escalation – Impact? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

China Banking Camel In U.S. Tent?

Published on 2012-05-10 10:36:56

China Banking Camel In U.S. Tent? Why Read:  Because you should know about this if you don’t, as China banks entry into U.S. banking could prove to be important. Featured Article:  A May 9 article reported that the U.S. Federal Reserve has agreed to let three Chinese Government controlled banks set up U.S. branches and [...]China Banking Camel In U.S. Tent? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

No Alternative To Austerity

Published on 2012-05-09 10:35:06

No Alternative To Austerity Why Read:  Because this is something you need to consider carefully as you listen to and read news reports from major media and internet pundits – and monitor world economic developments both in the near and longer term. Featured Article:  A May 9 article discusses demands, widely reported in the past [...]No Alternative To Austerity is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Marc Faber On Biased Views!

Published on 2012-05-08 10:42:56

Marc Faber On Biased Views! Why read:  Because of the importance of continually focusing on possible and likely biases in mainstream and internet media. Featured Article:  Recently well known investor and regular blogger Marc Faber wrote a short article on the importance, when investing, trading, and generally thinking about world affairs, of understanding: different country [...]Marc Faber On Biased Views! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Greece – From The Horse’s Mouth

Published on 2012-05-07 10:33:33

Greece – From The Horse’s Mouth Why Read:  A Greek Newspaper article reports on the May 6 Greek election which lead to a splintered government.  Importantly, the article is a local Athens based commentary, as contrasted with commentary by persons outside of Greece. Featured Article:  A commentary in an Athens newspaper on yesterday’s Greek election [...]Greece – From The Horse’s Mouth is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Earnings Don’t Always Reflect Expectations

Published on 2012-05-01 10:30:22

Earnings Don’t Always Reflect Expectations Why Read:  Because if you participate in the financial markets directly or indirectly it is important that you understand the role earnings plays in acquisition analysis as contrasted with stock market analysis. Featured Article:  An April 20 article by a Senior Editor at Lombardi Financial is titled Earnings Reflect Expectations [...]Earnings Don’t Always Reflect Expectations is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Sprott On Economic Fundamentals (and Gold)

Published on 2012-04-30 09:00:45

Sprott On Economic Fundamentals (and Gold) Why Read:  Because the referenced article and commentary are worth thinking about. Featured Article:  In a recent article Eric Sprott and David Baker express the following opinions: they are not “seeing” a U.S. economic recovery; the U.S. housing new home sales and exiting home sales lead them to a [...]Sprott On Economic Fundamentals (and Gold) is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Decline Momentum Change In Eurozone?

Published on 2012-04-27 08:45:35

Decline Momentum Change In Eurozone? Why Read:  Because if there are signs of increasing momentum in economic deterioration in the Eurozone that needs to be recognized, and the possible consequences weighed. Featured Articles:  Two articles published today and yesterday reported on: retail sales declines in Germany, France and Italy; and, S&P’s latest downgrade of Spanish [...]Decline Momentum Change In Eurozone? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Spanish Banks – IMF Report

Published on 2012-04-26 09:25:26

Spanish Banks – IMF Report Why Read:  Because among other things this article suggests that the International Monetary Fund is interested in taking a more direct role in financially assisting private enterprise Featured Article:  An April 25 article reports that a recent IMF overview of Spain’s financial system has said the Spanish banking system “remains [...]Spanish Banks – IMF Report is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

IMF World Economic Outlook

Published on 2012-04-24 08:47:28

IMF World Economic Outlook Why Read:  Because this commentary links to the International Monetary Fund’s 2012 World Economic Outlook.  You ought to read the Executive Summary, even if you elect not to scan the entire document or listen to the 45 minute transcript of a related Press Briefing. Featured Report:  The International Monetary Fund has [...]IMF World Economic Outlook is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

April 20 IMF U.S.$ Fund Raise

Published on 2012-04-23 08:51:07

April 20 IMF U.S.$ Fund Raise Why Read:  On April 20 the IMF announced it had raised about U.S.$435 billion to further assist with ongoing Eurozone bank and Sovereign Debt issues that plague the 17 country Euro consortium. Featured Article:  An April 20 article set out (in a somewhat pretty but ‘difficult to read’ format) [...]April 20 IMF U.S.$ Fund Raise is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Commodity Production Cost Curves

Published on 2012-04-20 08:53:53

Commodity Production Cost Curves Why Read:  Because this speaks directly to mining company risk at the producer level, something that almost certainly is impacting mining company share prices in the current financial markets. Featured Article:  An April 18 article focused on cost escalations in the iron ore industry reports: until twelve years ago the ‘iron [...]Commodity Production Cost Curves is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Can Italy Be Far Behind?

Published on 2012-04-19 09:39:53

Can Italy Be Far Behind? Why Read:  Because what is going on in the Eurozone impacts, and will continue to some perhaps significant degree impact, everywhere else. Featured Articles:  Two articles, the second summarizing the first, reported that on April 17 The International Monetary Fund released its 2012/2013 forecast for Italy.  That forecast is reported [...]Can Italy Be Far Behind? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Fundamental and Simply Said

Published on 2012-04-18 09:03:10

Fundamental and Simply Said Why Read:  Because if you don’t understand this fundamental, you ought to, and ought to relate it to everything ‘economic’ that you hear, read, and think about Featured Article:  An article today quotes Nouriel Roubini, of ‘predictive 2008 financial crisis fame’ as saying: “The trouble is that the eurozone has an [...]Fundamental and Simply Said is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Must Understand Issue – U.S. Unemployment!

Published on 2012-04-17 09:01:22

Must Understand Issue – U.S. Unemployment! Why Read This:  Because it is important that when your read articles on Job Reports you understand what Structural Unemployment is, and what it means to economic growth. Featured Article:  An April 9 article by Joe Duarte discusses the April 6 U.S. Jobs Report in the context of Structural [...]Must Understand Issue – U.S. Unemployment! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Effective Today – Increased Yuan Trading Band!

Published on 2012-04-16 09:15:31

Effective Today – Increased Yuan Trading Band! Why read:  Because without continued China economic growth at high levels, developed country economic growth and recovery is less likely.  Currency exchange rates play a part in this. Featured Articles:  On Saturday, April 14 China announced that it was doubling the ‘trading band’ on the Yuan/U.S.$ exchange rate [...]Effective Today – Increased Yuan Trading Band! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Gold, Interest Rates, Price Forecasts?

Published on 2012-04-13 09:33:48

Gold, Interest Rates, Price Forecasts? Why Read This:  To observe and think about contrary views apparently expressed in the last few days with respect to the prospective physical gold price. Featured Article:  Paul Walker of GFMS Consultancy is reported to have said on April 12, 2012 at a conference in Johannesburg that: physical gold could [...]Gold, Interest Rates, Price Forecasts? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Gold, Inflation, Other Factors!

Published on 2012-04-12 08:43:49

Gold, Inflation, Other Factors! Why Read This:  Because it is a balanced article on physical gold that those who now own it, or are considering owing it, ought to read. Featured Article:  An April 11 article questions whether physical gold indeed is “the ultimate inflation hedge”.  In essence, the article says: one reason investors purchase [...]Gold, Inflation, Other Factors! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Gold – On The Way Down?

Published on 2012-04-11 09:08:52

Gold – On The Way Down? Why Read:  Because if you hold gold or are interested in its price, the article underlying this commentary conveys a current opinion contrary to that of those who foresee significant gold price upside in the near term. Featured Article:  An April 9 article makes the following point when reaching [...]Gold – On The Way Down? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Social Unrest – World Food Prices!

Published on 2012-04-10 09:32:27

Social Unrest – World Food Prices! Why Read This Article:  World and country specific food supply and prices need to be a macro-economic investor focus. Featured Article:  An April 5 article reports that according to the United Nations Food Agency global food prices have risen in each of the first three months of 2012.  The [...]Social Unrest – World Food Prices! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Country Risk Must Read!

Published on 2012-04-09 09:05:15

Country Risk Must Read! Why Read This:  Because continuous focus on, and monitoring, Country Risk is very important to all financial market participants. Featured Article:  An April 3, 2012 article begins by reiterating that risk assessment of companies in the resources sectors are “some of the most unpredictable out there”.  It then focuses on ‘Country [...]Country Risk Must Read! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Today’s ‘ Speak For Themselves’ Headlines

Published on 2012-04-08 08:30:40

Today’s ‘ Speak For Themselves’ Headlines Why Read These Headlines:  They have been personally filtered this morning from over 1,200 articles canvassing economic and resource news.   Reading these headlines will keep you better informed, and will save you time. Americans brace for next foreclosure wave.  Overview:  This article reviews the prospective state of the U.S. [...]Today’s ‘ Speak For Themselves’ Headlines is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Today’s ‘ Speak For Themselves’ Headlines

Published on 2012-04-07 09:55:54

Today’s ‘ Speak For Themselves’ Headlines Why Read These Headlines:  They have been personally filtered this morning from over 1,200 articles canvassing economic and resource news.   They will keep you better informed, and will save you time. The Coming Crisis in Europe Will Result in a MAJOR CRISIS in the U.S.? Here’s Why.  Overview:  This [...]Today’s ‘ Speak For Themselves’ Headlines is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Are American Multinationals American?

Published on 2012-04-05 10:46:07

Are American Multinationals American? Featured Article:  An April 3 article by Laura Tyson, former chair of the U.S. President’s Council of Economic Advisers and a University of California Business School Professor, discusses U.S. multinationals in the contexts of the business they do outside and inside America, and their comparative importance to U.S. economic well-being.  Statistics [...]Are American Multinationals American? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

China’s View of the World?

Published on 2012-04-04 10:55:23

China’s View of the World? Why Read This:  Because how China’s leaders view the world has to be of critical importance. Featured Article: An April 2 article presents an interesting view of perspectives attributed to the senior leadership of the Chinese Government in the context of prospective relationships and economic positions of China versus that [...]China’s View of the World? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

A Very Good Question!

Published on 2012-04-03 08:04:53

A Very Good Question! Why Read This:  To assess whether you believe there is a disconnect between the current macro-economic environment and current financial market levels and activity. Featured Article: A March 29 article presents a series of four charts that compares: the S&P 500 Large Cap Index and the Morgan Stanley Commodities Index; the [...]A Very Good Question! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Gold – Is It About ‘Price’ or About ‘Value’ – Balanced Article!

Published on 2012-04-02 09:44:57

Gold – Is It About ‘Price’ or About ‘Value’ – Balanced Article! Why Read This:  Last Friday I said “read all the balanced articles you can on gold, don’t listen to the touts”.  The article featured in this commentary is a balanced one. Featured Article:  An August 18, 2011 article titled “To the newly minted [...]Gold – Is It About ‘Price’ or About ‘Value’ – Balanced Article! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Gold – Wrongly Based Prognostication!

Published on 2012-03-30 08:31:38

Gold – Wrongly Based Prognostication! Why Read This: You should read all the balanced articles on gold you can, and keep your mind open to what is being said.  Reading this commentary might help you do this ‘by example’. Featured Article: A March 26 article suggests that we should not expect to see new highs [...]Gold – Wrongly Based Prognostication! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Worrisome – Ben Bernanke Seems Uncertain!

Published on 2012-03-29 08:30:09

Worrisome – Ben Bernanke Seems Uncertain! Why Read This:  The well being of the U.S. Labor market is fundamental to U.S. economic recovery, and it is important to keep abreast of developments and opinions related to both. Featured Article:  On Monday Fed Chair Bernanke spoke to ‘Recent Developments in the (U.S.) Labor Market’ at the [...]Worrisome – Ben Bernanke Seems Uncertain! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Trillion $ Question – Is China Faltering?

Published on 2012-03-28 08:30:17

Trillion $ Question – Is China Faltering? Why Read This: There is enormous concern with China’s prospective growth rate.  This commentary will give you a view on this you may not have considered. Featured Articles: Two recent articles among many highlight concerns over a slowdown in China’s economy. As you may know: China’s March factory [...]Trillion $ Question – Is China Faltering? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Silver, Algorithms, And The Bible!

Published on 2012-03-27 08:30:04

Silver, Algorithms, And The Bible! Why Read This: An understanding of computer trading and its implications is important.  This commentary will give you quick insight into it. Featured Article: A March 22 article reports on high frequency algorithmic trading in silver ETF SLV, claiming that “On March 20, 2012 at 13:22:33 (1:22:33 p.m. ET) the [...]Silver, Algorithms, And The Bible! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Financial Markets/Economic Events Disconnect?

Published on 2012-03-23 08:28:21

Financial Markets/Economic Events Disconnect? Joe Duarte is a widely read analyst and writer of a daily Market IQ column. His column is said to be read by thousands of investors, information seekers, intelligence aficionados, and professionals around the world.  He posted an article on March 19 that carries the sub-title ‘Investors Who Can Separate “World [...]Financial Markets/Economic Events Disconnect? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Physical Gold and Silver!

Published on 2012-03-22 08:31:03

Physical Gold and Silver! On Monday, March 12, I commented with respect to physical gold (Heading – Gold’s Price This Morning) as follows (paraphrased):             “I am particularly interested in how the Asian markets overnight (Eastern Time), and now the morning European markets, have and are pricing physical gold so far today – down from Friday’s [...]Physical Gold and Silver! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

A Critical U.S. Economic Trend Measurement?

Published on 2012-03-21 10:15:37

A Critical U.S. Economic Trend Measurement? A recent article reported that the U.S. net trade deficit increased by 4.3% in January to $52.6 billion from December’s $50.4 billion (first reported as $48.8 billion).  You may know that Stock Research Portal offers over 40 monthly updated economic charts.  These charts can be readily accessed by visiting [...]A Critical U.S. Economic Trend Measurement? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Nouriel Roubini – Downside Risks!

Published on 2012-03-20 08:30:22

Nouriel Roubini – Downside Risks! In a February 29, 2012 article, now three weeks old, Nouriel Roubini said that in his view the four biggest risks to the global economy at that point in time were (paraphrased): first, the Eurozone, which is in recession in both principal and secondary countries, whose bank system is becoming [...]Nouriel Roubini – Downside Risks! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

When Does Fiat Currency Run Out?

Published on 2012-03-19 08:31:20

When Does Fiat Currency Run Out? A March 16 article reported the “The eurozone’s temporary bailout fund has paid out a 26.6 billion euro (about U.S.$35 billion) sweetener for Greek bondholders involved in the stricken country’s debt swap”.  You can read the article for more details. My Comments:  I think one has to seriously wonder [...]When Does Fiat Currency Run Out? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

The U.S. Federal Reserve Bank Stress Tests

Published on 2012-03-16 07:33:31

The U.S. Federal Reserve Bank Stress Tests A March 14 Wall Street Journal Blog article suggests that the reviews to date on the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank Stress Tests are mixed. Some are reported as thinking that the test was less vigorous than it might have been, others seem to think the Federal Reserve failed [...]The U.S. Federal Reserve Bank Stress Tests is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Credit Default Swaps Commentary!

Published on 2012-03-15 08:20:13

Credit Default Swaps Commentary! As you undoubtedly know, on Friday, March 9, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association declared that the final Greek Sovereign Debt arrangements had resulted in a Greek debt default for purposes of determining whether those counter-parties who had insured that debt through Credit Default Swaps (‘CDS’, a form of Derivative) could [...]Credit Default Swaps Commentary! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Emerging Economies – At Lower Risk?

Published on 2012-03-14 08:22:11

Emerging Economies – At Lower Risk? A March 12 article canvasses, with multiple charts that relate to manufacturing growth, the question of whether today there is less risk in the emerging economies than there is in the developed countries.  The author has developed what he calls “a GDP-weighted manufacturing PMI” (Purchasing Managers Index), and a [...]Emerging Economies – At Lower Risk? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Bullish or Bearish on China?

Published on 2012-03-13 08:30:53

Bullish or Bearish on China? A March 12 article sets out reasons why its author perceives (I think correctly so) two distinct ‘opinion camps’ on China’s economy – one optimistic and one pessimistic.  In the end the author concludes that while there are a number of positive signs for China’s economy, “there’s also much that [...]Bullish or Bearish on China? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Daily Newsletter Commentaries and Style, Significance Of The Greece Default?

Published on 2012-03-12 08:26:04

Daily Newsletter Commentaries and Style As you might imagine, I read a large number of media articles and commentaries each day.  Included in those are many commentaries written by other Newsletter writers.  Not to make too fine a point of it, I find much of what I read to be highly repetitive.  From my point of [...]Daily Newsletter Commentaries and Style, Significance Of The Greece Default? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Gold Confiscation 1934 v. 2012?

Published on 2012-03-08 08:13:06

Gold Confiscation 1934 v. 2012? An article came to my attention this past weekend that purports to explain why the Franklin Roosevelt Administration confiscated physical gold from Americans in 1933.  The article’s conclusion “to get it out of the hands of the people” seems to me to be a rather ‘ho hum’ one. However, assuming [...]Gold Confiscation 1934 v. 2012? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Watch Spain Carefully!

Published on 2012-03-06 08:30:13

Watch Spain Carefully! I have said in recent e-mails that after Greece, my next greatest concern in the Eurozone is Spain. Last week the Spanish Minister of Finance is reported as having said that Spain’s 2011 budget deficit was equal to 8.5% of Spain’s GDP in 2011, up from earlier estimates of 8.2% and above [...]Watch Spain Carefully! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Sprott on Gold & Silver

Published on 2012-03-05 09:30:46

Sprott on Gold & Silver In an interview late last week Eric Sprott said that “no rational person could (I suspect he may have intended to say ‘should’) believe it had anything to do with the real market for silver”. Sprott was referring to the large percentage drops in the Silver price on Wednesday, February [...]Sprott on Gold & Silver is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Mark-to-Market Again!

Published on 2012-03-01 08:56:42

Mark-to-Market Again! I have frequently written in these e-mails about my concern with respect to the changes made to the mark-to-market rules in both Europe and the United States after mid-2008 – and how in my view those mark-to-market rule changes very likely have resulted in overstatements of the shareholders’ book equity of (in particular) [...]Mark-to-Market Again! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Greed versus Fear!

Published on 2012-02-29 07:20:59

Greed versus Fear! There is a simplistic old saying in the Financial Markets: “The market is driven by just two emotions – fear and greed” – or is it ‘greed and fear’.   If you have not already done so, I suggest you take 55 minutes to carefully watch and think about a PBS video titled [...]Greed versus Fear! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Greece From Main Street!

Published on 2012-02-24 07:37:16

Greece From Main Street! On February 16 Paul Jay of the Washington based RealNews.com Blog interviewed Dimitri Lascaris, a leading Canadian Class Action lawyer with an interesting background.  For 10 minutes Mr. Lascaris unemotionally and objectively discussed the current circumstances of the Greek people in the contexts of: the current economic and societal predicament of [...]Greece From Main Street! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Argentina and Chile!

Published on 2012-02-23 06:43:13

Argentina and Chile! You will have observed that you have received very few Daily Commentary e-mails from Stock Research Portal in the past 2 weeks. The reason – my wife and I spent the past 15 days in Argentina and Chile. While we visited the capital cities of both countries, we frequently were in rather [...]Argentina and Chile! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

A New Greece?

Published on 2012-02-15 12:25:26

A New Greece? I am sure you are aware the Greek Parliament in the early hours of Monday, February 13 passed a so-called ‘austerity bill’ that is said will result in private investors taking a 60% – 70% ‘haircut’ on the Greek Sovereign Debt owed to them.  Among other things, that bill calls for a [...]A New Greece? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Bernanke – February 2, 2012 – U.S. Presidential Election!

Published on 2012-02-09 07:55:34

Bernanke – February 2, 2012 – U.S. Presidential Election! I strongly suggest you read Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke’s February 2 testimony before the Congressional Budget Committee. As I read that testimony, there is comparatively little new in it. Mr. Bernanke continues to report that the Federal Reserve expects U.S. inflation to continue at 2% or [...]Bernanke – February 2, 2012 – U.S. Presidential Election! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

U.S. January Jobs Report!

Published on 2012-02-07 08:34:05

U.S. January Jobs Report! Last Friday’s U.S. job report which, as I’m sure you know has been ‘all over the news’, suggested that a net 243,000 U.S. jobs were created in January.  This report generally was greeted with great enthusiasm by the U.S. equity markets, U.S. economists, U.S. money managers, and pretty much any other [...]U.S. January Jobs Report! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

More On Greece!

Published on 2012-02-03 08:11:40

More On Greece! The International Monetary Fund’s Poul Thomsen, a Dane who currently is the Deputy Director of the IMF’s European Department and the head of the IMF’s Inspection team for Greece appears to be right in the middle of the Greek restructuring negotiations. He is reported as saying on Tuesday that the “right balance” [...]More On Greece! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Christine Lagarde – Listen Between the Lines!

Published on 2012-02-02 08:43:32

Christine Lagarde – Listen Between the Lines! I have said in a number of these commentaries that I think Christine Lagarde, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, is someone worth listening to.  I continue to believe that, but have now developed a new slant and new thoughts about ‘how to read what she [...]Christine Lagarde – Listen Between the Lines! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

World Leaders – Greek Emotion?

Published on 2012-01-31 08:00:19

World Leaders – Greek Emotion? I suggest you take 4 minutes and read what I think is an important follow-up commentary on last week’s Davos Conference. An article published by Bloomberg on January 29 reports that no world economy is safe from Europe’s debt crisis according “global finance chiefs”. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Donald Tsang, [...]World Leaders – Greek Emotion? is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Roubini at Davos!

Published on 2012-01-30 07:53:27

Roubini at Davos! Nouriel Roubini, the globe-trotting New York University Economics Professor who gained wide acclaim by predicting the economic events that transpired in 2008, continues to be in the economic predictions business. Friday in Davos, speaking in one of the final sessions of this year’s World Economic Forum, he is reported as having made [...]Roubini at Davos! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

The Baltic Dry Index!

Published on 2012-01-27 08:49:27

The Baltic Dry Index! The Baltic Dry Index tracks the cost of shipping major raw materials, and arguably is an important early measure of Global Trade. A recent article shows a chart of that index for the year 2011, and says that the index is down by approximately 40% in December from November and is [...]The Baltic Dry Index! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

Ray Dalio – October 20, 2011 Interview!

Published on 2012-01-26 07:08:53

Ray Dalio – October 20, 2011 Interview! July 21, 2011 I wrote a commentary titled ‘Neat Article – Interesting Man’ – reading time for minutes. That commentary discussed referenced a lengthy article and video interview of Ray Dalio.  Dalio is the U.S. billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest hedge funds in the [...]Ray Dalio – October 20, 2011 Interview! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

The State of The Union!

Published on 2012-01-25 09:25:09

The State of The Union! At a personal level, I feel rather sorry for President Obama.  That said, as someone who participates in the equity markets I found last night’s State of the Union address to be little more than a political speech made by a U.S. President who for reasons best known to him [...]The State of The Union! is a post from: StockResearchPortal.com Blog

December 30, 2011 Forecast – Updated to July 5

Published on 2011-07-05 14:52:58

Listen to this commentary In a December 30, 2010 e-mail commentary I set out how I then saw things unfolding economically in 2011, and in some cases beyond.  On March 31, I updated my views.  My updated views referenced by what I said on March 31,

Mauldin’s Second Half Outlook

Published on 2011-07-05 14:50:50

Listen to this commentary This past weekend John Mauldin, who recently wrote ‘Endgame: The Debt Supercycle and How It Changes Everything (NY Times List), wrote an article setting out his 2011 ‘Second Half Outlook‘ – reading ti

Failed States Index!

Published on 2011-06-30 09:29:41

Listen to this commentary While there is no universally accepted definition of a ‘failed state’, that term is said to be used to describe a State: that has lost control of its territory; that has lost its monopoly to use physical force in

Today’s Filtered News

Published on 2011-06-30 09:28:08

Listen to this commentary Today it took me 90 minutes to review about 750 articles posted on about 80 websites.  From these I posted 58 articles to the eleven Today’s Filtered News categories found on StockResearchPortal.com’s Home Page,

Real-Time Inflation Data

Published on 2011-06-30 09:25:57

Listen to this commentary An article titled ‘Real-time Inflation Data is Now Available – Finally‘ – reading time 3 minutes – says that Roberto Rigobon and Alberto Cavallo of ‘The Billion Prices Project @ MIT (The M

Peru – Gold

Published on 2011-06-29 14:33:03

Listen to this commentary I have said in a number of these commentaries, and elsewhere, that ‘country (and in some cases state-specific and province-specific) political and economic risk’ profiles are critically important when researching

Bank Owned House Consequences!

Published on 2011-06-29 14:30:33

Listen to this commentary A recent article titled ‘Bank-owned Houses: Curb Appeal Goes Out the Window‘ – reading time 3 minutes – includes what I thought was an interesting, and in due course perhaps important, point. I have f

Zimbabwe Currency!

Published on 2011-06-29 14:28:20

Listen to this commentary A recent short article titled ‘In Zimbabwe a Country of Starving Billionaires, Gold is the only King‘ includes a 3 minute video that you might find interesting – watching and listening time 3 minutes.  You

On Gold Bugs!

Published on 2011-06-27 15:49:29

Listen to this commentary An article yesterday titled ‘Taking Issue with Some Gold Bugs‘ – reading time 4 minutes – is written by Jordan Roy-Byrne of The Daily Gold blog.  In the article, Roy-Byrne, a self-confessed “go

Fort Knox Gold Count?

Published on 2011-06-27 15:47:12

Listen to this commentary An article yesterday titled ‘Fort Knox Gold Audit‘ – reading time 1 minute, with a 5 minute accompanying video – says that it has been suggested it would take 400 people six months to count (and I ass

Headlines – Internet as ‘Go To’ Media!

Published on 2011-06-27 15:45:26

Listen to this commentary A recent article is titled “What Happens in Greece Is Ultimately Irrelevant” - reading time 2 minutes.  The reason I am commenting on this article has to do: ·                     once again

Bernanke – Concern?

Published on 2011-06-25 09:10:15

Listen to this commentary When Ben Bernanke was appointed the Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve in early 2006 I then said he was the person that lost the game of Musical Chairs.  Bernanke has always impressed me as a sincere and honest man who in

Strategic Petroleum Reserves

Published on 2011-06-25 09:08:07

Listen to this commentary Bad enough, in my view, that the U.S. announced yesterday that it would release 30 million barrels of oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserves (‘SPRs).  Collectively 27 other nations have agreed to release a further

Munk Debates: China

Published on 2011-06-23 11:38:49

Listen to this commentary I am seeing, as I am sure you are, an ever increasing amount of media coverage on China’s ability to sustain its growth in the face of what many are concerned about.  This is evidenced by much-discussed China inflatio

Subscriber Contribution – On Jobs!

Published on 2011-06-23 11:30:09

Listen to this commentary Yesterday Bill Mracek, Vice-President and General Manager of Thompson Creek Metals Company Inc’s (TSX:TCM, NYSE:TC) Endako Mines, wrote to me following his receipt of my e-mail.  I have frequently said in these commen

September 15, 2008

Published on 2011-06-23 11:28:00

Listen to this commentary I first began writing commentaries, then in the form of blog posts in July, 2008, just before the events of September, 2008.  Given the current daily economic, equity market and money market predictions reported in and on c

Unfilled Jobs?

Published on 2011-06-21 22:26:34

Listen to this commentary An article yesterday titled ‘Why Are So Many Jobs Going Unfilled?‘ – reading time 4 minutes – is an article I found particularly interesting.  The article makes a number of points that I think are ve

Shrinking Resource Geopolitics

Published on 2011-06-21 22:25:17

Listen to this commentary An article titled ‘The Shrinking Pie: Post-Growth Geopolitics‘ – reading time 5 minutes – is part of a chapter from a book set to be published in August titled ‘The End of Growth’.  I sug

The Dow – The U.S. Economy?

Published on 2011-06-21 22:23:45

Listen to this commentary You might want to read ‘The Dow and the (U.S.) Economy: A Misunderstood Relationship‘ – reading time 4 minutes.  The author takes the position in the article that while the Dow and U.S. GDP growth on the s

Gartman On Gold, Etc.

Published on 2011-06-20 10:11:07

In the spirit of providing ‘food for thought’, I suggest you read an article titled ‘Dennis Gartman: Gold To Replace Euro’ – reading time 5 minutes, thinking time somewhat longer.� Gartman publishes The Gartman Letter, a daily subscrip

IMF Cuts U.S. Growth Forecast

Published on 2011-06-20 10:03:12

Listen to this commentary: IMF Cuts US Growth Forecast An article Friday titled ‘IMF Cuts US Growth Forecast, Warns of Crisis’ – reading time 2 minutes’ – says the International Monetary Fund has reduced its U.S. GDP forecast by about 10% f

Emails Last Week

Published on 2011-06-20 09:58:01

Listen to this commentary: Emails Last Week Some of you who receive these e-mails each day have written to ask why no ‘commentary e-mails’ were sent on Tuesday – Friday last week.  I have had the good fortune of seldom being ‘under the weath

U.S. Debt

Published on 2011-06-13 12:42:36

Listen to this commentary Two articles that caught my attention late last week were titled ‘Fed passes China to become largest U.S. creditor‘ (reading time 1 minute), and ‘China Agency Says US Already Defaulting on Debt‘ (read

Bullish Case For U.S. Economy

Published on 2011-06-13 12:41:11

Listen to this commentary A recent article titled ‘The Bullish Case for the U.S. Economy‘ – reading time 3 minutes – says that from 1995 to 2010 the U.S. maintained its share of the world’s GDP in circumstances where bot

U.S. State & Municipal Job Cuts

Published on 2011-06-13 12:40:21

Listen to this commentary A recent article titled ‘State, local governments set to see record job cuts, layoffs‘ – reading time 2 minutes – addresses what it says is likely to be a “record-breaking lay-off binge‘ o

OPEC Stalemate

Published on 2011-06-10 20:10:33

An article titled ‘OPEC Concludes Meeting, Arrives at a Stalemate‘ – reading time 2 minutes – reports that the OPEC meeting yesterday failed to reach agreement for the first time in 20 years.  At the meeting Saudi Arabia appa

What Constitutes Hyperinflation

Published on 2011-06-10 19:11:38

Listen to this commentary Many media commentators and newsletter writers speak to what they see, or think they see, as the possibility or probability of ‘hyperinflation‘ in the United States or on a broader world economic level.  I have

Structural Unemployment

Published on 2011-06-10 18:09:21

If you have been reading these e-mails you know I have been concerned for some time about what I think currently is a degree of Structural Unemployment in the United States.  Whether or not Structural Unemployment exists in the U.S. to any serious e

How Screwed Up Is This?

Published on 2011-06-10 16:03:40

My ‘How Screwed Up Is This? note for today has to do with the pronouncements yesterday by equity market commentators that the Dow and S&P indexes went up yesterday because of the good news that that the U.S. Net Trade Deficit for April wa

Greek Unemployment & GDP

Published on 2011-06-09 08:28:45

Listen to this commentary The officially reported U.S. unemployment rate currently is 9.1%, and is frequently said by pundits to be at about 20% if all those Americans who have ‘given up’ looking for work are counted.  Under any assumpti

Gold

Published on 2011-06-09 08:27:11

Listen to this commentary I think an article this morning titled ‘3 Conditions That Will Support The Gold Rally‘ – reading time 3 minutes – has it generally right.  The article is a synopsis of recent American Century Investm

How Screwed Up Is This?

Published on 2011-06-09 08:25:07

Listen to this commentary On what I think of as a ‘How Screwed Up Is This?‘ note for today, you might consider reading ‘Americans Conflicted on Raising Debt Ceiling‘ – reading time 4 minutes. It isn’t that American

U.S. Homeowner Attitudes

Published on 2011-06-09 08:22:20

Listen to this commentary An article this morning titled ‘Homeowners Who Will Consider Strategic Default Doubles In One Year – reading time 1 minute – says that Fannie Mae has reported that currently (or so I assume from the article

U.S. House Foreclosures / Banking

Published on 2011-06-08 12:30:10

Listen to this commentary A few days ago a U.S. newspaper carried a story under a headline ‘U.S. House Foreclosures Down‘.  My reaction when I read this: “I wonder if that is simply because U.S. Banks are not bothering to put mortg

Bernanke June 7

Published on 2011-06-08 11:56:30

Listen to this commentary As you very well may know, yesterday afternoon U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke delivered his views on the U.S. Economic Outlook to the International Monetary Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia.  You can read the

U.S. Personal Income

Published on 2011-06-07 12:41:12

Listen to this commentary Here is an article that includes what I think are interesting charts showing the distribution of income and wealth in America.  The article is titled ‘Current Economic Recovery is a Sham! Here’s Why‘ and s

Canada’s Royal Bank Divestiture?

Published on 2011-06-07 12:35:16

Listen to this Commentary � � The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) purchased Centura Banks, headquartered in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, in mid-2001 for U.S.$2.3 billion (then Cdn$3.5 billion).  Centura Banks, now named RBC Bank, subsequently a

Greatly Enhanced Stock Research Portal Site Feature

Published on 2011-06-07 12:29:23

Listen to this Commentary � � From the time we introduced StockResearchPortal.com to the Internet in 2008 our website Subscribers have had an opportunity to Compare and Rank companies in our Company Universe by creating ‘Peer Groups&#

Infrastructure Spending – Big Problem!

Published on 2011-06-02 13:39:11

Listen to this commentary I suggest you read and carefully reflect on a recent article titled ‘US Desperately Needs $2 Trillion in Infrastructure Repairs‘ – reading time 2 minutes.  This article reports on an Ernst & Young stud

Reading What I Read

Published on 2011-06-02 11:37:26

I have said in a number of these e-mails that each day I read hundreds of macro-economic and resource article headlines, and as many as 20 – 40 of those articles.  I do this not only because I myself advance my own learning curve by doing this

Important – U.S. Housing

Published on 2011-06-01 09:35:28

I think two articles this morning ‘Case-Shiller Confirms (U.S.) Housing Double-Dip’ – reading time 1 minute – and ‘(U.S.) Home Prices – How Low Can They Go?’ – reading time 3 minutes – are worthy of note.  If you have been reading

McEwen On The Gold Price

Published on 2011-06-01 09:33:50

Listen to this commentary A short King World News article with accompanying video titled ‘Rob McEwen – Once $3,000 Falls Gold will Launch Like a Rocket’ – article reading time 2 minutes, video listening time 20 minutes – in my view has a so

Simpson Interview

Published on 2011-06-01 09:31:57

Alan Simpson is the former U.S. Republican Senator from Wyoming.  With Erskine Bowles, a Democrat from North Carolina, he co-chaired the recent ‘President’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform’. James Paplava of Financial S

Fiat Currency or Gold? A Must Read

Published on 2011-05-31 19:42:02

Listen to this commentary If you follow the price of physical gold then I recommend – in the strongest of terms – that you read Another Volcker Moment at Hand? An Appraisal of $1500 Gold by John Hathaway of Tocqueville Asset Management L.

Eurozone

Published on 2011-05-31 19:39:00

Listen to this commentary Please take the time to carefully read ‘Here’s What’s Going To Happen When Greece Defaults’ – reading time 10 minutes. The article, written by John Maudlin in his weekly e-mail Thoughts From The Frontline, reviews

Debt Crisis – U.S. States?

Published on 2011-05-27 14:49:50

A Seeking Alpha article yesterday titled ‘Despite Challenges, No Debt Crisis for U.S. States‘ – reading time 3 minutes – says that Standard & Poor’s doesn’t agree with Meredith Whitney, the New York Analyst who

Gold Demand Trends

Published on 2011-05-27 14:44:06

A recent article titled ‘Gold Bullion Demand Trends – Bullish‘ – reading time 4 minutes – says the World Gold Council has reported (among other things) that global gold: demand in metric tonnes was up 11% year/year in Q1

Important – U.S. Housing!

Published on 2011-05-27 13:34:01

It appears that U.S. residential house values continue to deteriorate, with one article I read yesterday quoting an average home price deterioration rate of 1% per month.  The importance of this to Main Street America seems to me to be obvious ̵

Shareholder Rights Plans

Published on 2011-05-26 12:33:36

What are they, and why you should use our Shareholder Rights Plans tables in your research? A Shareholder Rights Plan (an ‘SRP’), sometimes referred to as a ‘poison pill’, is a formalized plan sometimes adopted by a company

Normal Course Issuer Bids

Published on 2011-05-26 12:29:09

What are they, and why should you use our Normal Course Issuer Bid tables in your research? A Normal Course Issuer Bid is a bid by a company to purchase its own publicly traded shares with the expressed intent of ‘purchasing them for cancellat

New Website Features

Published on 2011-05-26 12:16:36

This morning we are introducing two new tables to our daily e-mail, and four new tables to the StockResearchPortal.com website. Yesterday we introduced to StockResearchPortal.com four more of what eventually will be over forty automated tables of com

Euro Doom Scenario Beginning?

Published on 2011-05-25 10:06:41

Several articles and much media coverage over the past few days are pointing to what appears to me to be inexorable progress toward an escalating problem with the Euro.  In a nutshell as I have been reading things, concern over the fiscal situation

Back To 1965 – Hardly!

Published on 2011-05-25 10:00:32

A recent article titled ‘Most Common Jobs Among Lowest Paid‘ – reading time 1 minute – suggests that the U.S. economy is creating more low and high paying jobs than ‘middle class’ jobs.  A scatter chart included w

Economic Growth & Silver!

Published on 2011-05-25 09:56:51

You might want to think hard about an article titled ‘Growth is what makes Silver shine‘ – reading time 2 minutes.  The author puts forward the proposition that the real advantage of silver over gold as a place to park ‘fiat

Rick Rule on Volatility

Published on 2011-05-24 14:10:47

A commentator I haven’t met as yet, but have heard much about in the past three years – virtually all favourable – is Rick Rule, founder of Global Resource Investments.  I recommend you read an article from The Gold Report titled &

Shocking Stuff!

Published on 2011-05-24 14:03:26

Two articles, one from the Wall Street Journal yesterday titled ‘Nearly Half of Americans Are Financially Fragile‘ – reading time 2 minutes, and a second published last Saturday titled ‘Alarming US Consumer Debt StatisticsR

LinkedIn Valuation

Published on 2011-05-24 14:00:45

As most of you likely know, LinkedIn completed an Initial Public Offering last week.  I found the result truly astonishing – the stock for all intents and purposes doubled the first day out of the box in circumstances where LinkedIn has virtua

Predicting The Gold Price

Published on 2011-05-20 11:21:42

Listen To This Commentary An article this morning is titled ‘Predicting the Future Price of Gold Is All Relative – Here’s Why‘ – reading time 3 minutes.  The article suggests that predicting gold prices in U.S.$ is R

Game Over – Important Read

Published on 2011-05-20 09:41:48

Listen To This Commentary Yesterday I found an interview titled ‘Game Over: U.S. Wins, Says Mark Lapolla, But Future To See Very Little Growth‘.  It took me about 45 minutes to read it carefully.  To download this (PDF) article directly

Who Hires The Unemployed

Published on 2011-05-20 09:34:33

Two evenings ago ABC World News carried a story that reported on the increased difficulty the unemployed in the U.S. were having finding employment if they had been unemployed for some time.  That was something I had not focused on, but resonated wi

Iron Ore Pricing

Published on 2011-05-19 16:53:58

If you hold equities in iron ore, explorer or producers, I suggest you read an article published Tuesday titled ‘China to gain control over Iron ore pricing system‘ – reading time 2 minutes.  While it seems to me the article title

IMF Head Resigns

Published on 2011-05-19 16:51:33

Much has been reported since last weekend on the alleged sexual indiscretions of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, and his current ongoing incarceration in New York.  Yesterday Mr. Strauss-Kahn resigned as Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund

New StockResearchPortal.com Features

Published on 2011-05-19 16:49:14

This morning we are introducing two new features to our daily e-mail and to the StockResearchPortal.com website. About four months ago we introduced the first two of what eventually will be over forty automated tables of companies in our Company Univ

Silver’s Volatility – Significance?

Published on 2011-05-18 14:20:21

Listen To This Commentary A short article on Saturday titled ‘Silver’s Bubble and Volatility‘ – reading time 3 minutes – suggests in the context of the recent parabolic rise in the price of physical silver and its approx

John Kaiser on Gold

Published on 2011-05-18 14:17:27

Listen To This Commentary John Kaiser is the editor of Kaiser Research Online.  By way of background, over the past three years I have met quite a number of the Resource Newsletter Writers.  I had dinner with John last September.  From my vantage

MP3s

Published on 2011-05-18 14:13:29

Two weeks ago we began to generate MP3s of the commentaries set out in these e-mails.  The response has been interesting, with more Subscribers listening to them than we thought would be the case.  That said, where we make short commentaries, the M

European Sovereign Debt

Published on 2011-05-16 11:23:59

Listen To This Commentary An article yesterday by John Maudlin titled ‘Kicking The Can To The End Of The Road‘ – reading time 6 minutes – discusses the Sovereign Debt issues of Greece and Ireland in particular.  However, the

U.S. Retail Sales

Published on 2011-05-16 11:20:21

A recent article titled ‘Retail Sales: The Real Story‘ – reading time 3 minutes – says that when U.S. retail sales are adjusted for population growth and inflation the ‘rebound’ in retail sales from the reported &#

David Rosenberg – Inflation/Deflation

Published on 2011-05-16 11:18:32

If you have 30 minutes to spend with David Rosenberg of Gluskin Sheff (Toronto), I suggest you listen to a recent interview titled ‘David Rosenberg – Inflation, Deflation or both?‘ – listening time 30 minutes.  In the intervi

U.S. Fiscal Sanity

Published on 2011-05-12 18:49:56

Listen to this Commentary First, a recent article titled ‘How to Restore Fiscal Sanity to the USA‘ – reading time 5 minutes – is, I think, a sensible summary of the facts underlying the U.S. debt and fiscal position.  Given t

Where The Money Went

Published on 2011-05-12 18:48:08

Listen to this Commentary An article today titled ‘The Long, Slow Squeeze Continues‘ – reading time 3 minutes – discusses the propensity of American Homeowners to borrow against their houses, particularly in the 2000 – 2

The Hunt Brothers – and More Again on Silver

Published on 2011-05-12 18:45:48

Listen To This Commentary � First, a May 10 article titled ‘Silver rally of 1980′s and how Hunt ultimately went bankrupt‘ – reading time 4 minutes – summarizes the story of the Hunt Brothers attempt to ‘corner

John Burbank on Gold

Published on 2011-05-10 11:30:10

Listen to this Commentary An article yesterday titled ‘Passport Capital’s John Burbank On The Biggest Reason To Stay In Gold‘ – reading time 2 minutes – carries with it an 8 minute video.  I suggest this article and vid

Bin Laden – Prophetic?

Published on 2011-05-10 10:27:44

Listen to this Commentary An article published May 7 titled ‘In Death Osama bin Laden Causes Another War‘ – reading time 3 minutes – includes a number of statements I consider extreme.  However, having said that, I think the

U.S. Student Loans

Published on 2011-05-10 09:26:58

Listen To This Commentary A recent article titled (U.S.) ‘Student Debt Hits All-Time High‘ – reading time 1 minute – reports that the average student debt burden of just-graduated U.S. college students is U.S.$22,900.  That i

Adrian Day on Gold & Gold Companies

Published on 2011-05-09 19:57:33

   Listen to this Commentary I think an interview with Adrian Day by Brian Sylvester of The Gold Report titled ‘Adrian Day: Gold Prices Due for a Correction‘ – reading time 6 minutes – is worth your time and careful thought

Chinese Commodity Consumption!

Published on 2011-05-09 19:52:44

A recent article titled ‘ Some Jawdropping Facts About Chinese Commodity Consumption‘ – reading time 1 minute – says a newsletter writer has reported that “while China’s GDP is only 9.4% of the global economy, and

Resources No Longer Abundant

Published on 2011-05-05 18:39:03

   I recommend you take the time to read a recent article titled ‘Time to Wake Up:  Days Of Abundant Resources And Falling Prices Are Over‘ – reading time 45 minutes.  I took the time to read it and found that while it didn̵

Silver – Today’s Thoughts

Published on 2011-05-05 18:34:02

Given its price drop over the past three days, I thought silver was worthwhile revisiting again today.  Yesterday (Wednesday, May 4), the price of physical silver dropped for the third straight day, closing at U.S.$39.40 per ounce.  By my calculati

China Wages Rise By Double Digits In 2010

Published on 2011-05-04 19:46:01

   An article yesterday reported that ‘China Wages Rise By Double Digits In 2010‘ – reading time 1 minute.  The article says that China’s small companies increased wages by an average of 14.1% in 2010, (6.6% in 2009), while

More on Bin Laden

Published on 2011-05-04 19:42:42

An article yesterday titled ‘ Killing of Bin Laden Boosts Obama’s Political Standing, Cuts Risk of Budget Impasse‘ – reading time 2 minutes – says just that.  The article does say that in the author’s view Bin Lad

Doug Casey on Gold

Published on 2011-05-04 18:59:14

On April 29 Karen Roche of The Gold Report interviewed Doug Casey of Casey Research.  I think the interview, titled ‘ Doug Casey: Precious Metals vs. the USD‘, ought to be read by all equity investors and by holders of physical gold or t

Commentaries Now On MP3s

Published on 2011-05-04 18:56:56

    A number of Stock Research Portal Subscribers have requested that we provide an MP3 with each commentary made in these e-mails.  Beginning today, we are doing that.  Obviously anyone who listens to the commentary and who wants to read the 

O Canada!

Published on 2011-05-03 19:25:49

Last evening my wife and I watched the Canadian Federal Election returns.  We have done that same thing in Canada’s previous Federal Elections for as long as I can remember. At the onset of the television coverage, which began at 9:30 p.m. ET

The End of Al Qaeda – Hardly!

Published on 2011-05-03 19:16:16

Obviously many more articles and more media coverage than likely need-be have been written, listened to, and seen in the aftermath of Osama bin Laden’s death.  One article that may not have gotten on your radar screen is a Foreign Policy Magaz

Gallop Poll On U.S. Recession

Published on 2011-05-03 19:12:36

Many of you may be aware of the Gallup Poll results released last Thursday where Americans were asked what they thought about the current state of the American economy.  For those of you who don’t know about that Poll, you can read ‘Most

U.S. Big Picture

Published on 2011-05-02 12:09:07

A recent article titled ‘U.S. Economy? The Big Picture‘ – reading time 3 minutes – says the American Standard of Living (presumably the Main Street standard of living) has fallen over the past three years, and that the author

U.S. Unemployment Benefits

Published on 2011-05-02 12:07:41

An article Saturday titled ‘Number of the Week: Millions Set to Lose Unemployment Benefits‘ – reading time 2 minutes – says that in mid-March about 8.5 million Americans were receiving unemployment benefits, and that in coming

Corporate Crime?

Published on 2011-05-02 12:05:58

I suggest you take the time to read an article yesterday titled ‘The Global Economy’s Corporate Crime Wave‘ – reading time 3 minutes.  Written by Jeffrey Sachs and published by the Project Syndicate blog, it is eye-opening in

China > U.S. By 2016?

Published on 2011-04-29 13:26:06

I consider a recent article titled ‘IMF bombshell: Age of America nears end‘ – reading time 5 minutes – to be a ‘must read’.  The article is written by Brett Arends of Marketwatch.  The byline of the article is &

‘Experts’?

Published on 2011-04-29 13:24:34

Beware of ‘nonsense on the Internet’ and other forms of media.  As I have said in many previous e-mails:  “Don’t be taken in by the headlines, the devil is in the detail”. In the past few days I had occasion to review

Bernanke Press Conference

Published on 2011-04-29 13:23:28

On Wednesday morning Fed Chair Bernanke held a Press Conference.   You can watch 11 minutes of that 60 minute Press Conference here, and I suggest you do that if you are an investor in equities, physical gold, or physical silver. The price of physi

Net Trade Deficits – A Leading Indicator of U.S. Economic Woes!

Published on 2011-04-27 10:14:43

Many people think the root cause of the current U.S. economic problems is the sub-mortgage debacle.  I certainly think that is a major contributor both to those problems,  and to the timing of them.  However, I believe (and have believed since 200

Household Support > Tax Receipts!

Published on 2011-04-27 10:12:09

I found a recent article titled ‘Government Cash Handouts Now Top Tax Revenues‘ – reading time 3 minutes – a rather sad commentary on the current state of the U.S. economy.  The article claims that in 2010 U.S. households rec

Important Survey

Published on 2011-04-27 10:10:26

Yesterday we included a very short 3 question survey in our e-mail.  The questions are aimed a learning your views as to some of the value you perceive in our Stock Research Portal website.  It will be a big help to us if you complete this survey i

New StockResearchPortal.com Feature – Filtered News Further Expanded

Published on 2011-04-27 10:08:25

We have just introduced yet another new feature (or, better said, three new features) to Stock Research Portal.  These three new features can be found under (1) E-Learning, (2) Economic Research, and (3) Industry Research (on the Main Navigation Lin

Silver – Again and Again!

Published on 2011-04-26 12:55:00

An article this morning is titled ‘Silver Bubble: Should you keep your fingers crossed?‘ – reading time 4 minutes – recommended thinking time much longer.  This article distinguishes between (1) buyers of physical silver who

Economic Scenarios

Published on 2011-04-26 12:54:03

I strongly suggest you read an article titled ‘How Best to Invest Based on 3 Potential Economic Scenarios‘ – reading time 5 minutes.  It is one of the better short summaries of three possible unfolding world economic scenarios I ha

Short Survey

Published on 2011-04-26 12:52:16

In the past two weeks we have had Stock Research Portal Subscribers tell us that they have been able to increase their investment returns by using our website.  We are interested in determining whether others using our website have had similar exper

Inflation – Stagflation?

Published on 2011-04-25 11:19:41

I think a recent article and a recent video from BoomBustBlog are worth your time.  First, about a week ago an article titled ‘Reggie Middleton on Inflation‘ appeared on that Blog – reading time 5 minutes.  Shortly thereafter an a

Tip Of The Iceberg?

Published on 2011-04-25 11:17:19

An article last week titled ‘MLB takes over running of LA Dodgers‘ – reading time 2 minutes – reports that Major League Baseball is taking over financial control of the Los Angeles Dodgers.  The article says that ownership of

New Stock Research Portal Feature

Published on 2011-04-25 11:16:03

We have just added ‘Press Release Corrections’, another new Press Release Category, to Stock Research Portal.  You will now be able to find Press Releases posted each trading day in real time to this new category on the bottom right side

Gold & Silver – What’s Driving Their Prices?

Published on 2011-04-21 12:10:00

Gold and Silver continued making headline news yesterday and this morning, with everyone reading this likely being well aware that both breached, and so far have held above U.S.$1,500 and U.S.$45 respectively.  At 11:30 a.m. ET this morning they tra

China’s Acquisition Strategy

Published on 2011-04-21 12:06:52

An article this past weekend once again raises the question of China’s strategy with respect to acquisition of world assets it considers strategic to it.  Written by the well-followed blogger ‘Mish’ (Mike Shedlock), the article is

New Feature on Stock Research Portal

Published on 2011-04-21 12:04:29

We have just added ‘Dividends/Distributions’, another new Press Release Category, to Stock Research Portal.  You will now be able to find Press Releases posted each trading day in real time to this new category on the bottom right side o

Part-Time Employment

Published on 2011-04-20 12:15:23

A recent article on the EconomicCollapseBlog is titled ‘Is America Becoming The Land Of The Part-Time Job?: Most Of The Jobs That Are Being Created Are Part-Time Jobs And Some Companies Are Going To A “Part-Time Only Policy“‘

Gold – Inflation Hedge?

Published on 2011-04-20 12:15:05

An article this morning asks (and I think answers) the question ‘Is Gold Really An Inflation Hedge?‘ – reading time 3 minutes.  The article includes charts comparing the price of physical gold with year/year U.S. inflation, with Un

Casey Research Gold Quiz

Published on 2011-04-20 11:56:53

If you own or are contemplating owning physical gold, gold stocks, or both, I strongly suggest you review an article this morning titled ‘Can You Pass The 2011 Gold Quiz‘ – reading and review time 4 minutes.  See how many of the an

National Debt Loads

Published on 2011-04-20 11:26:01

Following from Standard & Poor’s ‘negative outlook’ on U.S. debt yesterday, the Wall Street Journal published an article this morning titled ‘Comparing Debt Loads Across Nations‘ – reading time 1 minute (or as

Commodity Prices

Published on 2011-04-19 12:37:38

There are some neat and readily understandable charts in a recent article titled ‘Commodity prices in pictures‘ – reading time 5 minutes.  A sampling of these charts are titled (1) ‘Commodity prices track world demand’,

Global Food Crisis

Published on 2011-04-19 12:36:19

I suggest you read a recent article from The EconomicCollapseBlog titled ‘20 Signs That A Horrific Global Food Crisis Is Coming‘ – reading time 3 minutes.  Things mentioned I think worth reflecting on are (1) the number of people t

China Inflation

Published on 2011-04-19 12:34:52

An article titled ‘China’s inflation battle continues, hikes rates again‘ – reading time 1 minute – reports that Sunday China announced a 50 basis points increase in its required reserve ratio for China’s large fin

Global Economic Risk

Published on 2011-04-19 12:33:28

An article this morning titled ‘How Risky is the Global Economy?‘ – reading time 3 minutes – written by the Chief Executive of PIMCO and author of ‘When Worlds Collide’ says, as I read it, that investors (and peopl

Gold & Silver – Article Timing?

Published on 2011-04-18 11:27:01

A link this morning leads to two videos.  The first is titled ‘Gold & Silver Rush Has Begun amongst Billionaires’ – viewing and listening time under 2 minutes.  While this video is interesting, it highlights for me the care on

Gold Prognostications!

Published on 2011-04-18 11:25:10

An article this morning titled ‘$5,000 Gold: Who’s Missing From This List of Peak Price Prognosticators?’, subtitled ’86 Analysts Believe Gold Will Go to (U.S.)$5,000 – or More!’ – reading time 3 minutes R

Niall Ferguson Presentation

Published on 2011-04-18 11:23:26

Here is a 56 slide PowerPoint Presentation by Harvard professor Niall Ferguson given at a Oslo Skagen Funds event this past January.  If you are an equity and/or precious metals investor, I recommend you review this Presentation.  It is titled R

Silver – Too Fast?

Published on 2011-04-16 07:12:58

I have been thinking ever more carefully about physical silver and gold over the past two weeks – in part because I own both. What to do, given the price rise in the past few days (at 12:30 p.m. ET today physical silver was U.S.$42.59, up U.S.$

China Disposable Income

Published on 2011-04-15 18:40:17

An article this morning titled ‘Chinese Disposable Income Continues To Surge‘ – reading time 1 minute – says that in Q1 2011 data shows that the disposable income of urban Chinese increased by 12.3% year/year.  The article sa

IMF World Economic Outlook

Published on 2011-04-15 18:38:47

  I suggest you take the time to read ‘Transcript of a Press Briefing on the World Economic Outlook‘ – reading time up to 30 minutes’.  This is a transcript of a talk presented by the International Monetary Fund on M

Search Engine Feature – New

Published on 2011-04-15 18:33:32

We have today added a ‘Search Engine’ to Stock Research Portal.  Our new Search Engine currently is programmed to order search results based on the number of times the word or phrase ‘searched’ appears in each document found.

Bill Gross on U.S. Treasuries

Published on 2011-04-13 12:50:24

As a follow-up to the my previous commentary on the Federal Reserve Bank, a Daily Reckoning article Monday titled ‘Why the World’s Largest Bond Fund is Now Shorting Treasuries‘ – reading time 3 minutes – quotes Bill Gros

U.S. Federal Reserve Rules Change?

Published on 2011-04-13 12:15:10

I suggest you ought to read an article titled ‘Something Evil This Way Comes – Real Soon Now!‘ – reading time 5 minutes.  The article says that on January 6, 2011 rules were changed such that if any assets held by the U.S. Fe

Inflation or Stagflation?

Published on 2011-04-13 12:05:21

A Wall Street Journal Article yesterday says ‘U.S. Can No Longer Rely on Importing Low Inflation‘ – reading time 3 minutes.  The article reports that it isn’t just rising commodity prices (oil and food stuffs, for example) th

New Website Feature – Filtered News Expanded

Published on 2011-04-13 11:51:52

We have just re-organized our Home Page ‘Filtered Daily News’ feature into eleven (11) topical news categories, up from six (6).  We did this by adding the following news categories (Financial Markets News, Coal News, and Rare Earth Elem

Bretton Woods Bear

Published on 2011-04-12 13:39:04

I recommend you read a short article titled ‘The Bear of Bretton Woods‘ – reading time 2 minutes.  As you no doubt know Bretton Woods, New Hampshire famously was the scene of the meeting in 1944 which led to the creation of the Int

The U.S. Debt Ceiling

Published on 2011-04-12 13:07:16

A Seeking Alpha article yesterday says that ‘Defaulting on Debt Is Not the End of the World‘ – reading time 2 minutes.  This short article seems to me to suggest default may be the best of a number of ‘bad courses’ for

Corporate Governance Survey Results

Published on 2011-04-12 12:45:27

Last Thursday and Friday I included what I referred to a ‘Corporate Governance Survey’ in my e-mails.  The survey also asked questions about ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’.  I am a strong proponent of both good Corporate

New Website Feature – Recent Financing Press Releases Tables

Published on 2011-04-12 12:04:56

We have just added new ‘Recent Financing Press Release’ tables to the Home Page of Stock Research Portal.  These tables, which summarize all the Financing Press Releases we have received in the past 7, 30 and 90 calendar days, can be fou

Canadian Companies Switching to ‘Defined Contribution’ Pension Plans

Published on 2011-04-11 10:51:33

A recent article titled ‘More on Canadian Companies Fleeing DB Pensions‘ – reading time 4 minutes – says that Canadian companies increasing are switching from ‘Defined Benefit’ pension plans to ‘Defined Contr

China Trade Deficit

Published on 2011-04-11 10:49:59

A Bloomberg article this morning says that ‘China Reports First Quarterly Trade Deficit in Seven Years‘ – reading time 2 minutes.  In Q1 2011 China apparently had a trade deficit of about U.S.$1 billion.  Contrast this with the cu

No Shutdown – But Just Wait For ‘Two More Shoes’

Published on 2011-04-11 10:47:48

This past Friday the U.S. Government arguably came close to shutting down, with the Democrats and the Republicans agreeing at about 11:00 p.m. to, subject to papering the deal by this coming Thursday, to cut about U.S.$39 billion from the 2011  budg

New Website Features

Published on 2011-04-11 10:44:54

We have just added three new Press Release Categories to Stock Research Portal .  These are (1) Litigation/Regulatory Issues, (2) Stock Options, and (3) Stock Warrants.  You will now be able to find Press Releases posted each trading day in real t

Corporate Governance Survey

Published on 2011-04-07 12:49:42

In yesterday’s e-mail I commented on my views on Corporate Governance and the Internet.  There were two links in that commentary.  A very small number of you – far, far less than the normal number of links to the articles and websites I

The Gold:Silver Price Ratio

Published on 2011-04-07 12:48:18

An article this morning says ‘Am I being too conservative with my silver price target?‘ – reading time 3 minutes.  In the article, the author states his current physical silver price target to be U.S.$300 per ounce, which he bases

The Revolutionary Wave

Published on 2011-04-07 12:46:11

I recommend you read an article this morning titled ‘Measuring the Revolutionary Wave‘ – reading time 3 minutes.  Written by Ian Bremmer, President of Eurasia Group (a global political risk research and consulting firm), the articl

Gold Drivers

Published on 2011-04-07 12:44:06

I suggest you read ‘Is Gold Rising Because of Inflation?‘ published yesterday on the ExpectedReturns Blog – reading time 2 minutes.  I also recommend you take the time to visit that Blog, which holds itself out as ‘an economi

Corporate Governance and The Internet – Will The Internet Play An Increasing Role In Corporate Governance?

Published on 2011-04-06 14:10:00

I received an e-mail a few days ago from a Stock Research Portal Subscriber who obviously had spent time researching my work history and reading my daily commentaries.  His e-mail dealt with the proposed Plan of Arrangement (the ‘Plan’)

As Shutdown Looms

Published on 2011-04-06 14:08:13

An article this morning titled ‘As shutdown looms, agencies brace for impact‘ – reading time 4 minutes – discusses the types of events that might occur should the U.S. Federal Government ‘shut down’ on April 8 as a

Bernanke on Inflation

Published on 2011-04-06 14:06:32

You can watch a video here – viewing and listening time 2 minutes – related to Fed Chair Bernanke’s Monday evening speech where he spoke about inflation.  What may be important is that Bernanke said that he thought what currently a

Canada – Not Exempt?

Published on 2011-04-05 11:21:04

An article two days ago titled ‘Canada’s Demographic Time Bomb?‘ – reading time 3 minutes – spells out demographic and related government spending problems facing Canada over the next few years.  Some of the numbers quo

The Great Re-balancing?

Published on 2011-04-05 11:18:18

Yesterday Dennis Lockhart, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta spoke to The International Economic Forum of the Americas in Florida.  In his speech, titled ‘The Great Rebalancing‘ – reading time 4 minutes ̵

Required U.S. Tax Rates?

Published on 2011-04-05 11:15:57

A short article in The Wall Street Journal ‘Real Time Economics Blog’ titled ‘To Contain Future Budget, U.S. Must Raise Taxes By 35%, Cut Entitlements 35%‘ – reading time 1 minute – reports on an International Mone

Gold Bubble? Is There Currently One – I Don’t Think So

Published on 2011-04-04 13:32:12

An article written by Frank Holmes, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of U.S. Global Investors, is in my view well worth reading.  Titled, ‘The Bedrock of the Gold Bull Rally‘ – reading time 7 minutes – Holmes’ article p

U.S. Mortgage Malfeasance?

Published on 2011-04-04 13:28:33

If you did not watch CBS’s 60 Minutes last evening, you missed a piece titled ‘The Next Housing Shock‘ – viewing and listening time 14 minutes.  The video is mostly about the remedial preparation of mortgage documents that, w

Country Risk – A Very Big Deal!

Published on 2011-04-04 13:17:15

An article Saturday included two what I think are very interesting PowerPoint Presentations.  The first of these, titled ‘8 chokepoints threatening the world’s key commodity supplies‘ – reading time 5 minutes – discusse

Gold

Published on 2011-04-01 14:45:50

Gold By way of background, it strikes me many media journalists and Internet newsletter writers and commentators either don’t address the correlation between what they speak or write about, and other factors that are relevant to their topic. 

U.S. Jobs Report

Published on 2011-04-01 14:44:37

U.S. Jobs Report This morning the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the U.S. March Jobs Report in an Economic News Release – reading time 4 minutes.  The U.S.$ immediately went up, and the gold price immediately dropped.  Based on the

U.S. Municipalities

Published on 2011-04-01 14:43:41

U.S. Municipalities An article today titled ‘Dimon: About 100 U.S. Local Governments Not Going to Make It‘ – reading time 1 minute – reports JPMorgan Chase Chairman/CEO Jamie Dimon as saying at a U.S. Chamber of Commerce event

Inflation

Published on 2011-04-01 14:42:27

Inflation I have often said in these e-mails and elsewhere that based on my business valuation consulting experience of over 40 years I believe ‘business operators’ are people to listen seriously to.  An article this morning titled ̵

Updated 2011 Forecast

Published on 2011-03-31 13:08:17

Updated 2011 Forecast In my December 30, 2010 e-mail I set out how I then saw things unfolding economically in 2011 and in some cases beyond.  I thought you might be interested in an objective quarterly update of the opinions I then held.  My updat

Gold – Silver Price Trend Survey Results

Published on 2011-03-31 12:12:32

Gold – Silver Price Trend Survey Results Thank you to all who participated in this survey.  For what it is worth, from prior experience I have come to believe that if 100 or more people respond to a survey there is reasonable statistical valid

Gold – Silver Price Trend Survey, Financial Markets, U.S. Housing, Silver

Published on 2011-03-30 11:09:13

Gold – Silver Price Trend Survey In yesterday’s e-mail I introduced a Gold – Silver Price Trend Survey.  So far over 90 e-mail Subscribers have completed it.  The results are interesting, with one respondent adding the comment 

Gold – Silver Price Trend Survey, U.S. ‘Values and Interests’, Nuclear Power, U.S. Banks and Dividends

Published on 2011-03-29 20:25:40

Gold – Silver Price Trend Survey As I am sure is evident from my e-mails, I think we are living in ‘interesting times indeed’.  I trust that if you are an investor in the equity markets you are reading a great deal of ‘econom

Corporate Cash, Japanese Exports, U.K. Protest

Published on 2011-03-28 12:33:38

Corporate Cash You probably have read in many of the daily commentaries available in the Media and on the Internet of the large cash balances held by many U.S. public companies.  A 60 Minute segment last night dealt broadly with the way many U.S. Co

Portugal, U.S. New Home Sales, Manufacturing Importance

Published on 2011-03-25 12:58:55

Portugal In yesterday’s e-mail I noted that Portugal’s Government had been voted down Thursday on defeat of a budget bill.  Two articles today, ‘Portugal’s government collapses: The Next Domino‘ – reading time 3 m

U.S.$ – Gold etc, Japan – U.S. Output?, Global Fiscal Positions, Commodity Prices

Published on 2011-03-24 04:24:09

U.S.$ – Gold etc. If you are a participant in the equity, money, and physical gold markets, and I assume you may be if you are reading this, I strongly suggest you take that time to carefully read an article published yesterday titled ‘In

Japanese Fuel Crisis, Europe Re-Divided?, Fiscal Policy & Challenges

Published on 2011-03-23 02:08:21

Japanese Fuel Crisis An article Monday titled ‘The Japanese fuel crisis‘ – reading time 4 minutes – comments on the fuel and other supply problems faced by Japan in the wake of the March 11 earthquake. According to the article

Libya, Economic Roadblocks, Global Supply Chain

Published on 2011-03-22 20:55:14

Libya Things in Libya are progressing much as I thought they might when I commented on the No Fly Zone agreement last Friday.  As I see things unfolding America continues to take a the position that they are providing backup (I am dubious about this

Gold, Your Assistance!, Greek Downgrade

Published on 2011-03-21 10:12:58

Gold Gold reacted in the first few days following the Japanese earthquake in a manner I think inconsistent with it being viewed as a ‘safe haven holding’.  In last Tuesday’s e-mail in a commentary that suggested the gold price then

Libya, Inside Job – The Movie, Japan Update – 03/18, Japan – Going Forward

Published on 2011-03-18 10:03:21

Libya Yesterday the U.N. spearheaded a now approved agreement for a no fly zone over Libya.  As I suggested yesterday it might, this has regained media attention on the Libyan situation. I see things this is an event with unpredictable repercussions

Japan Update – 03/17, No-Fly Zone!, Gold Hotelling?, U.K. Unemployment

Published on 2011-03-17 13:15:28

Japan Update – 03/17 Continuing from Tuesday, the following articles have been published over the past 48 hours that I think worthwhile to bring to your attention: ·        ‘Economists React: If Worst Happens in Japan, All Bets Ar

FED Report – March 15, Naill Ferguson

Published on 2011-03-16 11:40:06

FED Report – March 15 Yesterday afternoon in a very abbreviated report – reading time 1 minute – the U.S. Federal Reserve Policy Committee did little but affirm its plans to keep U.S. interest rates low, and to continue buying $75 b

Japan Update – 03/15, Gold – Japan?, Utopia!

Published on 2011-03-15 12:07:12

Japan Update – 03/15 The situation continues to unfold in Japan with further bad news on the nuclear power plant problems this morning.  As I have said in my two prior e-mails, I believe the Japanese earthquake and all the consequences that wi

New Feature, Update on Japan!, Saudi Arabia Next?, Silver

Published on 2011-03-14 12:31:59

New Feature Over the past few days readers have suggested they would like an opportunity to add their own comments to our commentaries.  Accordingly we have added an ‘SRP E-mail Forum’ to Stock Research Portal.  Only Subscribers to Stoc

Japanese Earthquake Aftermath?, Market Crash Again?

Published on 2011-03-12 12:23:27

Japanese Earthquake Aftermath? BECAUSE OF WHAT I THINK MAY PROVE TO BE THE IMPORTANCE OF YESTERDAY’S JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE TO THE WORLD ECONOMY AND FINANCIAL MARKETS GOING FORWARD, I SUGGEST YOU FORWARD THIS E-MAIL TO YOUR COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS

Trade Deficits, Economic Growth Without Housing, Crazy March?

Published on 2011-03-11 12:16:28

Trade Deficits An article yesterday titled ‘Trade gap widens 15.1% in January‘ – reading time 2 minutes – reported that the U.S. trade deficit increased to U.S.$46.5 billion in January from a (revised) December number of U.S.$

U.S. Middle Class, U.S.$, Gold

Published on 2011-03-08 10:24:08

U.S. Middle Class An article this morning for me highlights much of what I have been saying in these e-mails in what I see as a quite concise way. The article is titled ‘Financial dismantling of the American middle class in 8 charts -Peak debt,

Oil Price Significance, Dollar v. Gold, Cash Flow v. Earnings, Poverty in America

Published on 2011-03-07 08:26:27

Oil Price Significance President Obama appeared on U.S. Television yesterday and, among other things, talked about the retail price of gasoline and the possibility of tapping into the U.S. Strategic Oil Reserves as a way to help consumers deal with e

China – Wild Card?, Food Prices, China’s Overseas Investments, U.S. Jobs & Retail Sales

Published on 2011-03-04 08:15:51

China – Wild Card? An article titled ‘Kevin Kerr: China’s The Wild Card‘ – reading time 3 minutes – says just that.  If you prefer, you can watch an embedded 6 minute video which is a verbal rendition of the print

CIA World Factbook, U.S.$ – Safe Haven?, Social Instability?

Published on 2011-03-02 13:57:15

CIA World Factbook The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency website, that while out of date to varying degrees by country, has a ‘World Factbook‘ section that sets out what I think to be both interesting and relevant information investors in

China’s U.S. Debt Holding, U.S. Banks. Gold and Silver

Published on 2011-03-01 14:23:04

China’s U.S. Debt Holding According to a Wall Street Journal article this morning titled ‘China Owns a Lot More U.S. Debt Than Previously Thought‘ – reading time 2 minutes – in June, 2010 China held over U.S.$250 billion

U.S. Manufacturing Stats, Standard of Living, Marc Faber

Published on 2011-02-28 14:16:52

U.S. Manufacturing Stats An article this morning titled ‘U.S. Manufacturing: More Output, Fewer Workers‘ – reading time 2 minutes – includes two charts ‘Real Manufacturing Output Per U.S. Worker from 1970 to 2009′

World Oil Supply, U.S. Real Estate Follow-up

Published on 2011-02-25 09:50:15

World Oil Supply An article this morning titled ‘World Oil Supplies as Reported in EIA’s most recent International Energy Statistics‘ – reading time 8 minutes – sets out in 11 charts data I think ought to be reviewed and

Oil Prices, Eggs & Baskets, U.S. Real Estate Depression?

Published on 2011-02-24 09:40:38

Oil Prices I recommend you read an article today titled ‘Libya, oil prices, and the economic outlook‘ – reading time 4 minutes.  The article lists six events dating back to 1956 that caused significant oil supply disruptions, what

World Oil Markets, U.S. House Price Declines, Global Unemployment

Published on 2011-02-23 11:29:02

World Oil Markets? A recent article – reading time 3 minutes – titled ‘Geopolitical unrest and world oil markets‘ shows a map of North Africa and the Middle East.  The article summarizes events to the end of January that the

New Depression? History Produced

Published on 2011-02-22 18:32:34

New Depression? In the summer of 2005, when I first concluded the U.S. consumer was going to run out of ‘spending gas’, I began seriously studying the U.S. Trade Deficits that began accumulating in 1973 – two years after President N

Gold & Silver, China Stocks

Published on 2011-02-21 19:32:52

Gold & Silver I suggest you read a short article published last month titled Gold and Silver Investors Should Be Following China’s Moves Into U.S. Financials – reading time 2 minutes.  The article discusses the relationship between t

Global Earnings & Book Ratios, Buying Overseas Stocks, U.S. Municipal Defaults

Published on 2011-02-18 11:10:18

Global Earnings & Book Ratios A recent article shows Global PE and Price to Book Ratios – reading time 5 minutes – in an interactive map readers can click on and see comparative Price/Book, Price/Earnings, Price/Sales, 5 Year Revenue

Read Carefully, Molybdenum, U.S. Housing Armageddon?

Published on 2011-02-17 10:58:58

Read Carefully An article from The Opinion Pages of The New York Times written by Jeffry A. Frieden (a ‘professor of government’ – a title I am not familiar with) titled ‘Was the Financial Crisis Avoidable‘ – readi

Mexico To Follow Egypt?, Citizen Savings Education, Global Recovery – The Right Kind

Published on 2011-02-16 21:07:53

Mexico To Follow Egypt? I think some of the thoughts advanced in a recent article titled ‘Mexico Will Follow Egypt Into Collapse‘ – reading time 4 minutes – are worth you ‘keeping on your radar screen’ as we move f

Published on 2011-02-15 19:26:52

Food Inflation A recent article titled ‘Another Way to Look at Global Food Inflation‘ – reading time 2 minutes – includes a chart which purports to show the latest 12 month CPI for 9 countries broken down between the food comp

Yuan & Dollar, Two Currency Areas, China Data

Published on 2011-02-14 20:31:09

Yuan & Dollar A recent article I recommend you read and think hard about is titled ‘Higher Yuan Won’t Fix China – U.S. Gap’ – reading time 3 minutes, thinking time longer.  The article, published by the Wall Street Journal,  discusses

New Interview, Inside Job – The Movie

Published on 2011-02-12 11:14:01

A business valuator’s approach to mining, energy investment I recently sat down with Gavin Adamson of Investment Executive to discuss the approach mining and energy investments with my background in business valuation. View the new video on Sto

Silver, Stock Research Portal Tutorial, Bad Recovery!

Published on 2011-02-11 14:52:24

Silver An article titled ‘Silver: The Big Investment of this Decade?‘ – reading time 3 minutes – reports that Eric Sprott, Sprott Asset Management Inc., Toronto said when speaking recently at the Vancouver Resource Investment

Mark to Market – Are You Kidding?, Roubini on 2011, Economic Collapse Scenarios?

Published on 2011-02-10 10:58:24

Mark to Market – Are You Kidding? A recent article titled ‘Number of the Week: Banks Should Hold More Capital‘ – reading time 2 minutes – reports on a study that suggests Banks optimally should have a Capital:Assets rati

Gold, New Website Data Component, Who To Believe!

Published on 2011-02-09 11:07:04

Gold A recent article titled ‘Buy Gold to Protect Your Wealth – Not As Speculation! Here’s Why‘ – reading time 5 minutes – summarizes a talk given in Toronto by Nick Barisheff of bmgbullion.com.  The article begin

Leaderless, Economic Failure, Food and the Bees

Published on 2011-02-08 12:40:44

Leaderless Ian Bremmer and Nouriel Roubini made what I think is a very interesting observation in their ‘morning note’ that found its way to my e-mail inbox this morning.  I frequently talk in these e-mails about what I see as America

U.S. Jobs, New Video, Thought Provoking Presentations

Published on 2011-02-07 19:29:41

U.S. Jobs Notwithstanding the near and long term importance to U.S. economic recovery (or lack thereof) of U.S. Jobs recovery (or lack thereof) am becoming more than a little tired of writing about the U.S. Jobs situation.  I suspect you are equally

U.S. Food Stamps, Oil Dependency, Gold Video

Published on 2011-02-04 10:59:43

U.S. Food Stamps An article yesterday titled ‘Some 43 Million Use Food Stamps‘ – reading time 2 minutes – reports that 43.6 million Americans (14% of the approximate 310 million U.S. population) relied on food stamps in Novemb

The Pound – A Tragic History!, Coming Civil Wars?

Published on 2011-02-03 12:23:55

The Pound – A Tragic History! An article titled ‘The long and tragic history of the pound‘ – reading time 3 minutes – analogizes the deterioration of the pound’s purchasing power to the so-called ‘boiling-fro

Peak Oil, Caterpillar’s 2010!

Published on 2011-02-01 12:44:20

Peak Oil An article this morning titled ‘Welcome, “Peak Oil”‘ – reading time 4 minutes – is one I suggest resource equity investors take the time to read and consider carefully.  Note that neither the article titl

Video, New Book, Egypt

Published on 2011-01-31 13:44:27

Video If I were a reader of these e-mails I would be curious to know something about the person who writes them.  If you are of like mind and want to satisfy your curiosity, watch a video titled ‘A top resource analytics website you’ve l

UK Living Standards, EuroZone Bond Sale, No Government Spending = Depression?

Published on 2011-01-27 19:52:40

UK Living Standards An article this morning titled ‘Bank of England chief Mervyn King:  standard of living to plunge at fastest rate since 1920′s‘ includes a video titled ‘King: No rise in real wages since 2005′ –

Commodities, U.S. House Prices, State of the Union

Published on 2011-01-26 10:15:57

Commodities An article this morning titled ‘Reversal of Fortune in Commodities:  2010′s Laggards are 2011′s Winners‘ – reading time 3 minutes – includes two charts which show the ‘year to date’ relativ

Food Inflation, U.S. Bank Closures, Economic Optimism?

Published on 2011-01-25 14:17:09

Food Inflation An article titled ‘Quantitative Easing Is Causing Food Prices to Skyrocket‘ – reading time 1 minute – advances the proposition that aside from “a perfect storm of increased demand, (and) bad harvests from

Changes in America, No Doom & Gloom?

Published on 2011-01-24 12:00:36

Changes in America An article in January/February edition of The Atlantic magazine titled ‘How the Recession Changed Us‘ includes, I think, some very interesting ‘selected’ data (assuming it is accurate) on a variety of ‘

A Big Deal?, Asian Eurozone Support, Multigenerational Living

Published on 2011-01-21 11:56:33

A Big Deal? Here is an article I urge you to read carefully and think very hard about, as it could be a harbinger of investor problems yet to be identified.  Titled ‘Worthless Stocks from China‘ – reading time 7 minutes – the

Interesting Article Quantity, Liebig’s Law, U.S. Initial Jobless Claims, The Great Unknown

Published on 2011-01-20 15:40:28

Interesting Article Quantity While much of whether I find an article interesting and think worth commenting on is like beauty, in ‘the eye of the beholder’, I have been seeing over the past week a remarkable increasing in the number of ar

Gold Pool Accounts, State Debt Service, China & Developing Nations, Camden New Jersey

Published on 2011-01-19 10:23:24

Gold Pool Accounts An article titled ‘Are Gold Pool Accounts Safe‘ – reading time 3 minutes – describes a ‘Gold Pool Account‘ as ‘unallocated storage‘ where a ‘dealer’ holds metal owned by i

Municipalities, States & Provinces, CIM Article, U.S. Housing

Published on 2011-01-18 10:50:41

Municipalities, States & Provinces I strongly suggest you read and think carefully about a just published article titled ‘Austerity In America: 22 Signs That It Is Already Here And That It Is Going To Be Very Painful‘ – reading

Gold & Silver, Food Shortages & Consequences, U.S. Trade Deficits

Published on 2011-01-14 10:43:42

Gold & Silver A recent article titled ‘Should You Have Silver in Your Portfolio – As Well As Gold?‘, sub-heading ‘Which is Better to Own – Gold or Silver’ discusses this question under 4 headings: (1) Should We

Statistics – Percentages, 2011 Global Risks, U.S. Housing Prices

Published on 2011-01-13 10:44:20

Statistics – Percentages An article this morning says ‘German Economy Grew at Fastest pace in Two Decades‘ (reading time 2 minutes), and goes on to report that “Germany enjoyed its fastest economic expansion in two decades las

A Rock and Hard Place, Calling the ‘Big One’

Published on 2011-01-12 12:28:38

A Rock and Hard Place I think a recent short article titled ‘Would Washington, Fed Be Able to Say No to Strapped States?‘ provides interesting ‘food for thought’ – reading time 2 minutes.  As I read the article it says

Foreign Operations Risk, Giffords Shooting

Published on 2011-01-11 12:10:07

Foreign Operations Risk Two weeks ago a contributor to our Stock Research Portal Q&A Forums asked, with specific reference to a company operating in Cote d’Ivoire, “How would you estimate the value of Perseus’ Ivory Coast explor

Silver, Unemployment Statistics

Published on 2011-01-10 14:50:21

Silver I suggest a recent article titled ‘Silver Is About As Close As You Can Get To A Sure Bet! Here’s Why‘ is worth reading and thinking carefully about.  In summary, the article says a lot of the ‘usual things’ said

Rickards on China, U.S. Jobs and Unemployment

Published on 2011-01-07 13:56:32

Rickards on China In my e-mail two days ago I included a lengthy video featuring James Rickard.  I am sure anyone who watched that two hour video will also watch a video recorded December 29 titled ‘James Rickards on China‘ – viewi

China – World Bank Bonds, Transfer Pricing, Insider Trade Table Rationale

Published on 2011-01-06 11:35:15

China – World Bank Bonds An article today titled ‘World Bank issues its first-ever yuan bonds‘ – reading time 1 minute – reports that for the first time the World Bank said it is raising 500 million Yuan (U.S.$76 million

Chinese EuroZone?, China’s Economic Future

Published on 2011-01-05 16:10:07

Chinese EuroZone? I am sure you are all reading, listening to, and thinking a great deal about the EuroZone’s financial woes.  If you aren’t, and you invest in equities or physical commodities, I think you should make a point to do that.

Economics Lesson, Structural Unemployment Revisited

Published on 2011-01-04 15:59:48

Economics Lesson (Two Hours) One of my sons sent me the link to a two hour video that records a speech given by James G. Rickards of Omnis Inc, a U.S. private company “designed to be a community where highly talented researchers, engineers and