Banking Newswire
Oil climbs above $79 - CNN Money Markets - February 19, 2010
Oil rose Thursday as the dollar gave back earlier gains and the government's weekly inventory report showed a larger-than-expected drop in supplies of some refined products.
Bonds pare losses - CNN Money Markets - February 19, 2010
Bond prices pared losses Thursday after the Federal Reserve raised the rate it charges banks that borrow from the central bank when they run short of funds.
Dollar firms on Fed action - CNN Money Markets - February 19, 2010
The dollar recovered from earlier losses Thursday after the Federal Reserve hiked its discount rate, raising bets the central bank could move to tighten monetary policy soon.
Berkshire's big day: $24 billion in trading - CNN Money Markets - February 19, 2010
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway got a rousing introduction to the S&P 500 this month -- though it wasn't quite the most lavish ever.
Former Carolina First executive joins SCBT as commercial banking executive (Charleston Regional Business Journal) - Yahoo! News - February 19, 2010
Michael Spitzmiller, the former Upstate market president of Carolina First bank, has joined S.C. Bank and Trust as commercial banking executive, SCBT Financial Corp. announced today.
Texas Gulf Bank Introduces Business and Consumer Mobile Banking (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance) - Yahoo! News - February 19, 2010
HOUSTON----Texas Gulf Bank, an independently owned and operated community bank with seven locations along the Texas Gulf Coast, launched its comprehensive business and consumer mobile banking solution today – TGB Mobile.
B of A Merrill Names Global Corporate Banking Chief (Financial Planning.com) - Yahoo! News - February 19, 2010
Bank of America Merrill Lynch [ BAC ] has named Paul Donofrio head of its global corporate banking business, the bank said Wednesday. The announcement follows the recent appointment of Cathy Bessant as global technology and operations executive for Bank of America.
Payday Loan Lender Endorses New Better Banking Campaign - But Says Comparing APRS is Like Comparing "Apples and Oranges" (PRWeb via Yahoo! News) - Yahoo! News - February 19, 2010
In a statement issued today, loans industry expert Gary Miller-Cheevers (and CEO of payday loan company Speed-e-loans.com) has endorsed the Better Banking Campaign - even though his industry sector is one of the areas that has come under fire from the Campaign.
Oversea-Chinese Banking Profit Climbs 67%, Most in 11 Quarters (Bloomberg) - Yahoo! News - February 19, 2010
Feb. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. , the lender that owns Singapore’s biggest life insurer, said fourth- quarter profit rose 67 percent, the most in 11 quarters, on trading and investment gains.
German American Bancorp agrees to buy 2 banking offices in southern Indiana (Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune) - Yahoo! News - February 19, 2010
JASPER, Ind. - German American Bancorp Inc. said its banking unit is buying two Farmers State Bank offices in Evansville, Ind., to expand its presence in the southern Indiana market.
Yahoo-Microsoft search gets OK - CNNMoney - February 19, 2010
Microsoft and Yahoo said Thursday that their online search deal has received approval from U.S. and European Union regulators, paving the way for the two companies to combine much of their Internet search business.
The new green land rush - CNNMoney - February 19, 2010
Raser Technologies converts low-temperature water into power. Can this clean energy pioneer strike it rich?
Dell shares drop on lower earnings - CNNMoney - February 19, 2010
Dell reported a 5% drop in fourth-quarter earnings Thursday, but the computer maker beat Wall Street's expectations on solid sales across all its segments as businesses started spending on IT again.
After a layoff, become a consultant? - CNNMoney - February 19, 2010
Dear Annie: After my former employer laid me off last year, they offered me a chance to come back as a consultant to run some special projects. I took them up on it, thinking the work would at least tide me over while I looked for a new job. I found I really like being an independent consultant, and I'd like to try doing it as a permanent career.
Fed raises emergency funding rate - CNNMoney - February 19, 2010
The Federal Reserve raised the rate it charges banks that borrow from the central bank when they run short of funds.
$1.5 billion in housing help coming to 5 states - CNNMoney - February 19, 2010
Under pressure to do more for troubled homeowners, President Obama is expected to announce on Friday a $1.5 billion program to help borrowers in the five states hit hardest by the housing crisis.
European bank results: The brighter side - Economist - February 19, 2010
Bad debts are peaking and pay is falling at Europe’s banksTWO years ago banks began to include tables in their results announcements that were designed to reassure investors that their exposure to toxic securities was under control. The crisis has moved on. Now one European financial firm’s presentation includes a slide that pleads “limited exposure to sovereign debt [of] Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain”. Yet whatever Europe’s macroeconomic woes, a more optimistic picture is emerging from its lenders. Setting aside disappointing results from Societe Generale of France, which was hit by more write-downs on American assets, the evidence from fourth-quarter results is that the pace at which loans are souring has peaked. ...
Charges drag DirecTV to 4th-quarter loss (AP) - Yahoo! - February 19, 2010
DirecTV Inc. on Thursday reported a fourth-quarter loss after absorbing a hefty merger charge. The nation's largest satellite TV operator also added 60 percent fewer new subscribers as discounted bundles from competitors and a weak economy took their toll on growth.
Fed funds futures raise rate-hike view - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
Fed funds futures traders in after-hours trade Thursday repositioned for the U.S. Federal Reserve to begin lifting its benchmark lending rate earlier than previously thought. The move followed an announcement that the central bank would lift the rate it charges banks for emergency loans by a quarter percentage point, though officials stressed that this was not to be interpreted as a broader tightening of credit.
The Fed: Fed's Lockhart says recovery is still fragile - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
Economic growth is likely to continue but may be so feeble that the unemployment rates stays stubbornly high, says Dennis Lockhart, the president of the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank.
The Fed: Bullard: Fed funds rate likely on hold this year - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
St. Louis Fed chief James Bullard reportedly warns that, despite Thursday's surprise discount-rate hike, an increase in the federal funds rate is 'just as far away as it ever was.'
Mutual Funds Weekly: Where are the customers' yachts? - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
A classic story about Wall Street involves an out-of-towner on a tour of Manhattan with his urbane friend. The two arrive at the harbor, where the city dweller points to a line of elegant vessels.
Fed-discount-rate hike unlikely to derail yen - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
The surprise hike by the Federal Reserve sends the dollar soaring on Friday.
Mark Hulbert: Parsing reaction to Fed's surprise move - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
In the looking-glass world known as Wall Street, there may actually be a silver lining to stock index futures’ drop in the immediate wake of Thursday night’s surprise discount-rate hike.
FundWatch: Top value-stock investor launches own mutual funds - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
David Marcus, who co-managed many of Franklin Resources Inc.’s Mutual Series funds, has launched his own funds, which will use a go-anywhere approach, mixing bonds and stocks and using short-selling strategies when appropriate.
Indications: U.S. stock futures down after Fed's surprise hike - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
Wall Street will get its first chance to react to a hike in the rate the Federal Reserve charges banks for temporary loans.
5 Insurance Policies Everyone Should Have - Investopedia - February 19, 2010
Some things shouldn't be left to chance. Find out where you need coverage.
10 Sources Of Nontaxable Income - Investopedia - February 19, 2010
Taxes are often a deterrent from investing and saving. These financial practices will bring you no tax grief.
A Beginner's Guide To Hedging - Investopedia - February 19, 2010
Learn how investors use strategies to reduce the impact of negative events on investments.
Real estate maven Ross eyes banking (New York Post) - Yahoo! News - February 12, 2010
Manhattan real estate mogul Stephen M. Ross has quietly raised more than $1 billion so he can branch into banking. Ross, whose Related Cos. built the ritzy Time Warner Center in Midtown, is hoping to leverage his expertise in commercial properties to buy banks saddled with construction loans and other...
Lloyds Banking Group To Issue 3.14 Billion New Shares In Exchange Offer (Fox News) - Yahoo! News - February 12, 2010
Lloyds Banking Group To Issue 3.14 Billion New Shares In Exchange Offer
Advanced Option Trading: The Modified Butterfly Spread - Investopedia - February 12, 2010
This strategy provides traders with the flexibility to craft a position with unique risk/reward characteristics.
6 Biggest Bond Risks - Investopedia - February 12, 2010
Don't assume that you can't lose money in this market - you can. Find out how.
Filing Your First Tax Return - Investopedia - February 12, 2010
Tax time can be intimidating - but knowing these tips can ease the process and get you a hefty return.
Is Your High-Profile Job Worth The Price? - Investopedia - February 12, 2010
Certain careers can be prestigious and lucrative, but there are always costs. Find out if they're worth it.
Detroit becomes a tech center - CNNMoney - February 12, 2010
Crammed into a small Detroit office filled with pipe fittings, hydraulic tubing, and a device that looks like a gas pump combined with a supercomputer, Dave Shaw sums up how his life has changed.
Coming: Office for Mac 2011 - CNNMoney - February 12, 2010
China: Soon to be No. 2 economy - CNNMoney - February 12, 2010
China is likely to soon overtake Japan to become the world's second largest economy, a milestone that will only fuel growing fears about the economic might of the world's largest country.
The Olympics' quirkiest sponsors - CNNMoney - February 12, 2010
Olympic sponsorships don't have to cost millions. Meet 5 small companies with oddball official deals.
Cities aren't hitting panic button -- yet - CNNMoney - February 12, 2010
Cities and other municipalities are in a world of budgetary hurt. Is a wave of bankruptcies on the way?
Jobs bill advances ... or does it? - CNNMoney - February 12, 2010
The Senate's slow-moving effort to spur job creation was thrown into turmoil Thursday.
A matter of principle - Economist - February 12, 2010
Why some banks did much better than othersJPMORGAN CHASE managed to avoid big losses largely thanks to the tone set by its boss, Jamie Dimon. A voracious reader of internal reports, he understands financial arcana and subjects staff to detailed questioning. PowerPoint presentations are discouraged, informal discussions of what is wrong, or could go wrong, encouraged. These “soft” principles are supplemented by a hard-headed approach to the allocation of capital. Though the bank suffered painful losses in leveraged loans, it was not tripped up by CDOs or structured investment vehicles (SIVs), even though it had been instrumental in developing both products. Nor was it heavily exposed to AIG, an insurance giant that got into trouble.This was not because it saw disaster coming, says Bill Winters, former co-head of the firm’s investment bank, but because it stuck by two basic principles: don’t hold too much of anything, and only keep what you are sure will generate a decent risk-adjusted return. The bank jettisoned an SIV and $60 billion of CDO-related risks because it saw them as too dicey, at a time when others were still keen to snap them up. It also closed 60 credit lines for other SIVs and corporate clients when it realised that these could be simultaneously drawn down if the bank’s credit rating were cut. And it took a conservative view of risk-mitigation. Hedging through bond insurers, whose finances grew shaky as the crisis spread, was calculated twice: once assuming the hedge would hold, and again assuming it was worthless. ...
Cinderella's moment - Economist - February 12, 2010
Risk managers to the foreIN A speech delivered to a banking-industry conference in Geneva in December 2006, Madelyn Antoncic issued a warning and then offered some reassurance. With volatility low, corporate credit spreads growing ever tighter and markets all but ignoring bad news, there was, she said, “a seemingly overwhelming sense of complacency”. Nevertheless, she insisted that the firm she served as chief risk officer, Lehman Brothers, was well placed to ride out any turbulence, thanks to a keen awareness of emerging threats and a rock-solid analytical framework.Behind the scenes, all was not well. Ms Antoncic, a respected risk manager with an economics PhD, had expressed unease at the firm’s heavy exposure to commercial property and was being sidelined, bit by bit, by the firm’s autocratic boss, Dick Fuld. Less than two months after her speech she was pushed aside. ...
When the river runs dry - Economist - February 12, 2010
The perils of a sudden evaporation of liquiditySTAMPEDING crowds can generate pressures of up to 4,500 Newtons per square metre, enough to bend steel barriers. Rushes for the exit in financial markets can be just as damaging. Investors crowd into trades to get the highest risk-adjusted return in the same way that everyone wants tickets for the best concert. When someone shouts “fire”, their flight creates an “endogenous” risk of being trampled by falling prices, margin calls and vanishing capital—a “negative externality” that adds to overall risk, says Lasse Heje Pedersen of New York University.This played out dramatically in 2008. Liquidity instantly drained from securities firms as clients abandoned anything with a whiff of risk. In three days in March Bear Stearns saw its pool of cash and liquid assets shrink by nearly 90%. After the collapse of Lehman Brothers, Morgan Stanley had $43 billion of withdrawals in a single day, mostly from hedge funds. ...
Ex-Goldman programmer indicted for trade secrets theft - MarketWatch - February 12, 2010
A former Goldman Sachs Group GS computer programmer was indicted Thursday on charges he stole computer codes used for proprietary high-frequency trading program. Sergey Aleynikov, 40 years old, was charged in a three-count indictment with theft of trade secrets, transportation of stolen property in interstate and foreign commerce and unauthorized computer access.
Hedge Funds: Investors start plowing money back into industry - MarketWatch - February 12, 2010
Investors have started plowing money back into some hedge funds after the industry rebounded strongly from record losses in 2008.
Financial Stocks: Financials catch up with market, close higher - MarketWatch - February 12, 2010
U.S. financial stocks finally caught up with the broader market gains near the close Thursday and ended the session modestly higher, joining in on a rebound that saw broad indices make up early deficits.
FundWatch: Fund firms stay quiet as bankers' pay soars - MarketWatch - February 12, 2010
Despite public outcry at banker pay rises during a troubled market, mutual fund firms that are among the biggest shareholders of financial companies have been mostly silent on the matter.
Korea's Hanwha Securities to buy two Prudential units - MarketWatch - February 12, 2010
SEOUL (MarketWatch) -- Hanwha Securities Co. (003530.SE) is set to sign a contract later Friday to buy two South Korean units of U.S.-based Prudential Financial Inc. (PRU), a person familiar with the matter said.
European Stocks to Watch: Europe's IPO market hits a patch of ice - MarketWatch - February 12, 2010
The expected rebound in Europe’s initial public offering market could be as far away as autumn or even later, say industry watchers, after news of scrapped plans for three listings in two days.
Chuck Jaffe: Betting against stocks now could be stupid - MarketWatch - February 12, 2010
In a market correction, the seemingly "correct" thing to do would be to bet against the market. But for investors ready to take that step, fresh off a few weeks of nervousness and decline, they'd be making the Stupid Investment of the Week.
Surprising Jobs Data Show Jobless Down But So Are Payrolls (Investor's Business Daily, Inc.) - Yahoo! - February 12, 2010
The U.S. economy lost 20,000 jobs in January, the Labor Department said Friday, defying expectations for a slim gain. But the jobless rate...
Smart Spending: How to save on Valentine flowers (AP) - Yahoo! - February 12, 2010
It shouldn't come as a surprise that prices of red roses increase right before Valentine's Day. But Romeos on a budget don't have to fall prey; they just need to act fast, now that Valentine's is only three days away.
Rebuild finances with secured credit card? (Bankrate.com) - Yahoo! - February 12, 2010
A secured credit card would be open to debt collectors. Instead, you might try credit counseling.
Don't Get Hosed by Home Builders - Barron's - February 12, 2010
Steven M. SearsJefferies tells clients to sell out-of-the-money calls on housing stocks.
Is Greece Europe's Fannie and Freddie? - Barron's - February 12, 2010
Randall W. ForsythAs with the U.S. mortgage giants, the EU is vowing support to hold together the euro. But moral hazard looms large.
The Wide World of Dividend Stocks - Barron's - February 12, 2010
For income-starved investors, foreign companies with solid cash payouts are a good bet.
Jump Into the Big Pharma Pullback - Barron's - February 12, 2010
Credit Suisse says Pfizer and Merck have long-term upside.
Four Biotechs for the Near Term - Barron's - February 12, 2010
Morgan Joseph is upbeat on Amgen, Genzyme, Spectrum and now Isis.
Dollar down as EU meets - CNN Money Markets - February 12, 2010
The dollar fell versus major currencies Thursday as European leaders met to discuss the debt crisis in Greece and other nations.
Oil climbs above $75 - CNN Money Markets - February 12, 2010
Oil rose for the fourth straight session Thursday after European leaders pledged to help debt-ridden Greece, easing worries that a default might hurt global markets.
Stocks set to drop at open - CNN Money Markets - February 12, 2010
U.S. stocks were set to open lower Friday as investors reacted to China's central bank plan to raise the reserve requirement ratio and continued to fret about Greece's debt problems.
Buffett's Baby Berkshires: Buy or bust? - CNN Money Markets - February 12, 2010
To borrow a tag line from one of Warren Buffett's most well-known companies, buying Berkshire Hathaway is now so easy, even a caveman can do it.
Analyzing Show Biz Stocks - Investopedia - February 8, 2010
The glitz and glam of Hollywood could help put some more glitz in your pocket.
"Temporary" Taxes That Stuck - Investopedia - February 8, 2010
Taxpayers should be wary when a new "temporary tax" is introduced. Sometimes these temporary taxes are anything but.
Chase CEO gets $16 million bonus - CNNMoney - February 8, 2010
JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon will take home a nearly $16 million bonus in restricted stock and options for leading the bank to a big profit last year.
Prius brake fix near - CNNMoney - February 8, 2010
Toyota Motor notified dealers it is prepared to unveil a solution to problems with the brake system of the popular Prius hybrid sedan, as well as a public relations campaign to try to repair its battered image.
Week ahead: Markets shaky after the slump - CNNMoney - February 8, 2010
Wall Street avoided a bigger walloping late last week, with sellers finally calling it quits after a nearly 10% plunge in less than three weeks. But the week ahead could be pivotal as investors either jump back in - or retreat even further.
Super Bowl ads: An appeal to family - CNNMoney - February 8, 2010
While the themes in this year's Super Bowl ads ran the gamut from poking fun of emasculated males to take-offs on popular TV shows, experts agreed that a simple appeal to motherly love seemed to speak strongest to viewers.
ETF Investing: Free ETF trades are big draw for investors - MarketWatch - February 8, 2010
Online brokers are fighting hard for a greater share of the fast-growing exchange-traded fund business, and investors stand to benefit from lower costs.
Chuck Jaffe: Trade ETFs at no cost? No problem - MarketWatch - February 8, 2010
The evolution of exchange-traded funds took a giant step forward this week, but most investors missed it. Soon, however, it may be hard to ignore.
Jobs data, stock moves drive crisis-level trading at CME group - MarketWatch - February 8, 2010
CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Derivatives exchange operator CME Group Inc. (CME) on Friday saw trading activity on its markets jump to levels last seen at the onset of the financial crisis, amid a drop in the U.S unemployment rate and stock market turbulence driven by Greece's debt woes.
Huatai Securities to raise up to $2.5 bln in IPO - MarketWatch - February 8, 2010
Chinese brokerage Huatai Securities Co. plans to raise up to 17.26 billion yuan ($2.5 billion) in a planned initial public offering in Shanghai, marking the biggest share sale on the Shanghai Stock Exchange this year.
Stocks set for rosy start - CNN Money Markets - February 8, 2010
U.S. stocks were poised to open higher Monday, as investor concerns about the debt situation in Europe started to ease.
Markets: Shaky after the slump - CNN Money Markets - February 8, 2010
Wall Street avoided a bigger walloping late last week, with sellers finally calling it quits after a nearly 10% plunge in less than three weeks. But the week ahead could be pivotal as investors either jump back in - or retreat even further.
Regulating banks: Garrottes and sticks - Economist - January 29, 2010
The first of four articles on the implications of the Volcker rule examines reactions on Wall StreetA RECENT episode of “Mad Money” on CNBC, a financial-news network, featured the “Lloyd Blankfein pinata”. Hung from the studio ceiling to symbolise the beating that bankers—not least Goldman Sachs’s boss—have been taking lately at the hands of politicians, the effigy rained down fake gold coins when split apart. Wall Street’s predicament is the inverse of the one it faced in late 2008, says Frederick Cannon of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, a broking firm. Then, officials wheeled out weekly plans to save banks. Now they are rushing out measure after measure to punish the survivors, accompanied by increasingly fiery rhetoric. Barack Obama kept up the assault in his State of the Union address this week. Admitting that the bank bail-out was “as popular as a root canal”, he vowed to take on lobbyists who were “already trying to kill” financial reform. ...
Hedge funds and private equity: Off target - Economist - January 29, 2010
Some will benefit from curbs on the banksFEW politicians have a good word for hedge funds and private equity. In the European Union, the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive, which attempts to bring the two industries into the regulatory net, is lumbering through the system. And Barack Obama’s new plan to rein in the banks clearly sees their direct involvement in the two sectors as a source of unjustifiable risk. It is still not clear precisely what the American administration intends to do. Mr Obama said on January 21st: “Banks will no longer be allowed to own, invest or sponsor hedge funds, private-equity funds or proprietary-trading operations for their own profit unrelated to serving their customers.” At first sight, the “sponsorship” clause might seem to apply to prime brokers, the bank divisions which supply hedge funds with finance, back-office and trade-execution support, investment advice, technology and a whole lot more. Todd Groome, chairman of the Alternative Investment Management Association, an industry-lobby group, says “the language is quite broad-brush.” ...
Deutsche Bank bases new core banking system on SAP (Thaipr.net) - Yahoo! News - January 29, 2010
Deutsche Bank and SAP today announced that the bank plans to start a multi-year initiative in 2010 to replace individual software solutions in its home market by a new core banking system based on SAP
SG hires new head of UK investment banking and M&A rainmaker (eFinancial News) - Yahoo! News - January 29, 2010
Société Générale has hired a new head of UK investment banking from Royal Bank of Scotland and a former Lazard rainmaker as head of its UK financial institutions group, marking the latest move in chief executive Michel Péretié’s plan to strengthen the bank’s advisory business.
Benevolent hackers poke holes in e-banking (New Scientist) - Yahoo! News - January 29, 2010
The more popular online banking and credit-laden smartcards become, the more their security is coming under scrutiny – and being found lacking
Secret Banking Cabal Emerges From AIG Shadows: David Reilly (BusinessWeek) - Yahoo! News - January 29, 2010
The idea of secret banking cabals that control the country and global economy are a given among conspiracy theorists who stockpile ammo, bottled water and peanut butter. After this week’s congressional hearing into the bailout of American International Group Inc., you have to wonder if those folks are crazy after all.
Condo Complications: The Issues Behind Ownership - Investopedia - January 29, 2010
Being a "condo person" is just one of the issues you'll have to examine when deciding if a condo is right for you.
Measuring Management Moxie - Investopedia - January 29, 2010
Find out how the amateur investor can measure the success of management.
More Money: A debtor's revenge - CNNMoney - January 29, 2010
Apple stock in wild ride - CNNMoney - January 29, 2010
The debut on Wednesday of Apple's long-awaited tablet sent the company's stock on a wild ride.
Cries grow for banks to boost dividends - CNNMoney - January 29, 2010
With many banks posting big profits again and paying hefty bonuses, investors are starting to wonder when their bonus, a quarterly dividend, will increase.
Senate hikes debt cap by $1.9 trillion - CNNMoney - January 29, 2010
The Senate on Thursday raised the cap on how much the government can borrow to a record level.
Geithner: 'I'll carry the burden' of AIG forever - CNNMoney - January 29, 2010
A day after facing furious lawmakers on Capitol Hill, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner told CNN on Thursday that he would forever "carry the burden" of the decision to bail out AIG but defended it as the government's only option.
Yet another try at foreclosure rescue - CNNMoney - January 29, 2010
Under fire for the low number of people receiving long-term mortgage help, the Treasury Department on Thursday announced new guidelines that will require applicants to provide all paperwork before getting a trial modification.
Davos bankers quietly push back - MarketWatch - January 29, 2010
Bankers may not dominate Davos like they once did, but they’re quietly pushing back against efforts to crack down on size and scope of their activities.
Ford Posts '09 Profit - WSJ - January 29, 2010
Ford reported its first annual profit in four years. The auto maker benefited from rising sales, firmer pricing and lower costs in its home market of the U.S.
The Fed: Bernanke wins approval for second term at Fed - MarketWatch - January 29, 2010
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke survives hard-core opposition to his handling of the financial crisis and wins approval for a second four-year term.
Bond Report: Treasurys gain on sovereign-debt concerns - MarketWatch - January 29, 2010
Treasury prices rise, pushing short-term yields lower, as rising concerns about the debt of some European countries revive demand for the relative security of U.S. debt.
Economic Report: Reserve Bank of India begins monetary tightening - MarketWatch - January 29, 2010
The Reserve Bank of India increases commercial banks’ cash reserve ratio by a higher-than-expected 75 basis points to 5.75%, signaling its intent to roll back its easy monetary policy stance as inflationary pressures rise.
Asia Markets: India shares losing sheen amid tightening fears - MarketWatch - January 29, 2010
As the Reserve Bank of India appears set to begin unwinding its easy monetary policy stance, analysts are increasingly turning bearish, saying rising inflation could invite more tightening measures in the months ahead.
Mutual Funds Weekly: Adventures in the mutual-fund trade - MarketWatch - January 29, 2010
It’s the biggest mistake fund investors make when buying a fund: Basing the decision on past performance.
Calderon: Global climate deal hinges on money (AP) - Yahoo! - January 29, 2010
The success of talks this year to salvage a global climate accord hinges on money, Mexico's President Felipe Calderon said Friday, urging executives at the World Economic Forum to pay more to fight climate change.
Ohio explores ways to pay for passenger train (AP) - Yahoo! - January 29, 2010
Ohio will find a way to pay for a new passenger train system without increasing the state tax burden, transportation officials said Thursday, a day after winning a $400 million federal stimulus grant that adds the state to the national rail plan.
Has a New Price War Broken Out in Online Trading? - Barron's - January 29, 2010
Analysts argue that firms like Schwab are lowering commissions to remain competitive while building up assets.
Time for Tim Geithner to go - CNN Money Markets - January 29, 2010
The shelf life for a Treasury Secretary is often pretty short. Timothy Geithner may be nearing his expiration date.
Long-term Treasurys slide - CNN Money Markets - January 29, 2010
Treasury prices were mixed Wednesday, with longer term issues falling, as investors mulled a stock selloff and upbeat earnings reports.
Oil gives back gains as stocks tumble - CNN Money Markets - January 29, 2010
Oil prices ended slightly lower Thursday, giving back earlier gains, as a selloff on Wall Street put traders on edge and the dollar strengthened.
Dollar mixed after Obama speech - CNN Money Markets - January 29, 2010
The dollar was mixed Thursday as traders mulled President Obama's pledge to create jobs and ongoing concerns about global economic growth.
Wall Street bulls cheer the Jets loss - CNN Money Markets - January 25, 2010
Investors scored big Sunday when the New York Jets lost to the Indianapolis Colts -- at least according to the Super Bowl stock indicator.
Stocks: Trying to reverse the slide - CNN Money Markets - January 25, 2010
After the worst week on Wall Street in almost a year, investors will return to work looking for greater clarity -- from Washington, from the banks and from corporate America.
City minister Myners seeks review of how investment banking has 'permeated' society (Daily Telegraph) - Yahoo! News - January 25, 2010
Lord Myners, the City minister, calls for an independent review into the investment banking industry.
Darling Sceptical Of Obama's Banking Reform (INO News) - Yahoo! News - January 25, 2010
(RTTNews) - British Chancellor Alistair Darling expressed scepticism on Sunday towards U.S. President Barack Obama's banking reforms, saying the proposals would not have prevented the crisis and warned that they risk undermining the international consensus on reforming the financial system.
Wall Street set for a bounce - CNN Money Markets - January 25, 2010
U.S. stocks were poised for early gains Monday, as investors looked to recover from last week's big pullback.
G-7 finance officials debate banking system reform (AP via Yahoo! Finance) - Yahoo! News - January 25, 2010
Finance officials from the Group of Seven developed nations are meeting Monday in London to discuss reform of the global banking system to prevent taxpayers from bearing the brunt of any future bailouts.
Gas prices drop a bit - survey - CNNMoney - January 25, 2010
Gasoline prices fell an average of $1.4 cents per gallon over the past two weeks, but remain well above last year's mark despite high unemployment cutting into demand, according to a new nationwide survey.
Growth and hiring outlook improves - CNNMoney - January 25, 2010
Economists are optimistic that the recovery will continue in 2010, as the pace of job losses slows and hiring picks up, according to a survey released Monday.
Sam's Club cuts 10,000 jobs - CNNMoney - January 25, 2010
Wal-Mart's warehouse retail chain Sam's Club is cutting 10,000 jobs, the company said Sunday.
25 Best companies...fattest paychecks - CNNMoney - January 25, 2010
Senior account execs at Salesforce.com take home an average $249,607 annually. Who else offers big money?
Who's afraid of rising rates? Banks! - CNNMoney - January 25, 2010
Of all the things keeping bankers up at night these days, the direction of interest rates may soon rank up there with loan losses and the heavy hand of the government.
Weekend Investor: The biggest mistake you can make in picking a fund - MarketWatch - January 25, 2010
Most investors look at a fund manager’s returns before deciding to invest. The question is: Just how much can we judge a fund by its track record?
Stocks to Watch: Apple, Google, Texas Instruments in focus - MarketWatch - January 25, 2010
Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trading Monday are Apple Inc., Google Inc., Texas Instruments and Amgen.
Stock Analysts: Should You Listen? - Investopedia - January 25, 2010
If you want to find out which analysts are worth following, you shouldn't take their word for it.
Banking partition proposed (Arkansas News Bureau) - Yahoo! News - December 29, 2009
Seeking to prevent future financial crises and soothe public anger over bailouts and bonuses, lawmakers in both parties are proposing legislation similar to the 1933 Glass-Steagall Act that separated commercial and investment banking.
Greene: Ritter must hire banking watchdog now (Denver Post) - Yahoo! News - December 29, 2009
On the ninth floor of a downtown Denver office building lingers what may prove to be one of Bill Ritter's biggest mistakes. Six desks sit empty at the state Division of Banking.
FDIC orders Dallas-based Equity Bank to stop 'unsafe' banking practices (Dallas Morning News) - Yahoo! News - December 29, 2009
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has ordered Dallas-based Equity Bank SSB to halt alleged "unsafe or unsound banking practices."
Dollar drifts in quiet trading - CNN Money Markets - December 29, 2009
The dollar was little changed against major currencies Monday at the beginning of what is expected to be a quiet week.
What could go wrong in 2010 - CNN Money Markets - December 29, 2009
At the start of 2009, who could have imagined that we'd actually have reasons to look back at the year fondly? It began with much to be worried about -- the health of Citigroup, Bank of America, AIG and other big financials; looming bankruptcies at GM and Chrysler; a stock market at its lowest point since 1997; and a labor market hemorrhaging jobs.
Treasurys fall as auctions begin - CNN Money Markets - December 29, 2009
Treasury prices fell at the end of the first day of a holiday-shortened week that brings $118 billion worth of auctions.
Airline stocks lower after failed terror attack - CNN Money Markets - December 29, 2009
Airline stocks opened lower Monday after a botched terror attack aboard a Northwest Airlines flight approaching Detroit on Christmas Day disturbed the industry.
Oil hits 5-week high, nears $80 - CNN Money Markets - December 29, 2009
Oil prices gained for a fourth straight session, climbing to their highest level in more than five weeks as cold weather swept across the country and the dollar weakened.
Long-Term Investing With Equity Index CDs - Investopedia - December 29, 2009
Equity Index CDs are perfect for investors who don't mind hanging in for the long term.
Mr. Sunshine's happy economic outlook - CNNMoney - December 29, 2009
Economics is known as the dismal science, but not every economist is a pessimist.
Writing off losses in your portfolio - CNNMoney - December 29, 2009
Question: If I sell a mutual fund to write off the loss on my tax return, do I face any restrictions on reinvesting the money? -- Tom M., St. Paul, Minn.
Fannie, Freddie soar on blank checks - CNNMoney - December 29, 2009
Shares of mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac soared Monday after the Treasury Department announced what essentially amounts to a blank check for their bailouts.
Morgan Stanley said to mull pay changes - CNNMoney - December 29, 2009
Like other Wall Street firms, Morgan Stanley appears set to implement changes to its pay practices.
This Year, the Rewards Were in the Risks - Barron's - December 29, 2009
Treasury yields rose. Prices plummeted. You call these "securities?"
Online Holiday Sales Boost Retail ETFs (Investor's Business Daily) - Yahoo! - December 29, 2009
Led by online shopping, U.S. retail sales rebounded from a historically poor 2008. Sales rose about 3.6% this holiday season vs. the same Nov. 1...
3 ways to master credit cards (Bankrate.com) - Yahoo! - December 29, 2009
Your card rates are growing, and it may not be your credit that's the problem. It may be the bank's.
Before buying first home, brace yourself for costs (at MarketWatch) - Yahoo! - December 29, 2009
On his road to homeownership, Scott Leibfried has learned one thing: Expect the unexpected.
J.P. Morgan reportedly sues former executive for alleged theft - MarketWatch - December 29, 2009
JPMorgan Chase &Co. (JPM) has filed a civil lawsuit against a former executive, accusing him of stealing $2.8 million from a customer, Reuters reported Monday. The bank said it reimbursed the customer. The executive, Hernan Arbizu, who was fired in May 2008, was arrested in July of that year and charged with embezzling about $5.4 million from customers. Arbizu is in Argentina, pending extradition.
David Weidner's Writing on the Wall: The bank that couldn't shoot straight - MarketWatch - December 29, 2009
Citigroup Inc. may be out of intensive care, but it’s still in critical condition, writes David Weidner.
Asia Markets: Philippine banks, property shares to gain in 2010 - MarketWatch - December 29, 2009
The Philippine stock market might not keep pace in 2010 with its year-to-date climb of more than 60%, but it will likely continue to post gains, with the banking, consumer and property sectors leading the advance.
Egypt Banking Sector Analysis - New Report Published (OfficialWire) - Yahoo! News - December 21, 2009
When all the major economies of the world have been adversely hit by the financial crisis, the banking industry in Egypt remains largely stable, reflecting its relative isolation from and resilience to the global crisis.
(AFX UK Focus) 2009-12-21 01:47 HK shares set to fall; HSBC eyed on tougher banking rules (Interactive Investor) - Yahoo! News - December 21, 2009
HONG KONG, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Hong Kong shares may fall for the fourth day in a row on Friday, as banking stocks could take a hit after regulators said lenders will have to set aside more profit or even raise capital protection under tough new proposals..
Asciano enters new banking deal (BigPond News) - Yahoo! News - December 21, 2009
Asciano has entered into a new deal with its existing banking syndicate and several new banks.
HSBC Amanah launches the world’s first international Islamic personal banking service (Thaipr.net) - Yahoo! News - December 21, 2009
HSBC Amanah today announced the launch of HSBC Amanah Premier - the world’s first Islamic banking service aimed at internationally mobile, affluent consumers. HSBC Amanah Premier, a cross-border Islam
The 10 best stocks for 2010 - CNN Money Markets - December 21, 2009
Don't look for a mass revival, but these stocks should do well.
Oil continues rise - CNN Money Markets - December 21, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Projected Returns: Honing The Craft - Investopedia - December 21, 2009
Find out how to forecast long-term returns on the three major asset classes.
Callable CDs: Check The Fine Print - Investopedia - December 21, 2009
These offer higher returns than regular certificates of deposit, but there's a catch.
Trade Simple, Trade Smart - Investopedia - December 21, 2009
Simplicity can be a trader's best friend. Here is a simple day trading strategy which takes advantage of a stock's dynamics.
Best of the Best: 39 top companies - CNNMoney - December 21, 2009
Which companies were on the most Fortune lists - including the FORTUNE 500, Fastest-Growing and Best Companies to Work For - this year?
Insurgent automakers: What we'll drive next - CNNMoney - December 21, 2009
Of all the changes in the American economy over the past 18 months, perhaps the most startling has been the rapid collapse of the major car manufacturers.
Citadel Broadcasting files for bankruptcy - CNNMoney - December 21, 2009
Citadel Broadcasting Co., the third-largest radio group in the United States, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Sunday.
US stocks flat on banking and tech declines (MalaysiaNews.net) - Yahoo! News - December 8, 2009
Wall Street has closed flat, with stocks retreating from earlier gains as losses in banking and technology shares weighed on the market. Trading was fairly volatile overnight, with the market rallyin...
Dexia Said to Join Firms Weighing Sale of Private Banking Units (Bloomberg) - Yahoo! News - December 8, 2009
Dec. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Dexia SA is reviewing its wealth management unit for a possible sale, people with knowledge of the matter said, the latest financial institution weighing the disposal of private-banking assets after a state rescue.
Gold tarnished by dollar run - CNN Money Markets - December 8, 2009
Gold prices extended their decline for a second straight session Monday as the dollar continued to rise.
Dick Bove's bold bank call - CNN Money Markets - December 8, 2009
If you missed the rally in bank stocks this year, longtime analyst Dick Bove says not to worry. He predicts that large banks' shares will double by the end of next year.
Choppy day on Wall Street - CNN Money Markets - December 8, 2009
Stocks were mixed late Monday at the end of a choppy session impacted by a strong dollar, falling oil and gold prices and comments from Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke that cooled worries about higher interest rates.
Oil continues retreat - CNN Money Markets - December 8, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Signs That It Might Be Time To Sell - Investopedia - December 8, 2009
In the stock market, knowing when to sell is just as important as knowing when to buy.
Ivar Krueger: Businessman Or Scam Artist? - Investopedia - December 8, 2009
Match monopolist Ivar Kreuger started as a brilliant businessman, but his high-flying lifestyle led to some shady dealings.
Mortgage lenders still aren't lending - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
Boom time for books about the recession - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
First came the recession. Now come the books about the roots of the recession.
In praise of extravagance - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
As I sign up for Medicare, a few thoughts run through my little mind. There is a fabulously great quote from an Ernest Hemingway story. After the Crash of '29, a man is asked how he went broke. "Slowly," he says, "and then all at once."
Hang onto your down payment money - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
Question: My wife and I have two small kids and we're saving for a house that we'd like to buy within the next two years. We've got a significant pot of cash (more than $100,000) that we almost invested before the market tanked, but thankfully did not. I'm now wondering, however, whether I should invest some or all of it to grow our house fund more quickly or whether I should just keep this money liquid. What do you think? -- Dave, Boston, Mass.
Google rolls out real-time search - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Citizens lay down law on U.S. debt - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
When it comes to managing the country's purse strings, Washington gets a failing grade from several groups of citizens and experts across the country.
Living debt free: 5 stories of a cash-only diet - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
Credit card reform kicks in Feb. 22, but it won't matter to these 5 readers. They already cut up their cards and use cash. Here's how they did it.
Job picture rosier in 2010 - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
The New Year's resolution for most employers will be to keep staff levels stable during the first quarter of 2010, according to a report released Tuesday.
Obama: Use TARP for job creation - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
President Obama is expected to announce Tuesday that he wants Congress to redirect a certain portion of leftover Wall Street bailout funds toward job creation measures, White House officials told CNN.
Mall Traffic Looks Flat Ahead of Xmas - Barron's - December 8, 2009
December has gotten off to a slow start for retailers, says Lazard Capital Markets.
Can Credit Card Cos. Charge Higher? - Barron's - December 8, 2009
American Express, Capital One and Discover Financial all were upgraded today. Should they have been?
Energy Stocks: Petroleum shares dip in mixed energy stocks finish - MarketWatch - December 8, 2009
Shares of natural gas producers and drilling firms took the lead while equities tied to the petroleum business traded flat on weaker oil prices.
China banking group to visit Taiwan -paper (Reuters via Yahoo! Philippines News) - Yahoo! News - November 30, 2009
TAIPEI, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Hu Xiaolian, a vice governor of the People's Bank of China, will lead a group of banking executives to visit Taiwan on Monday, in the latest sign of easing ties on both sides, the Commercial Times reported.
Banking for elderly to be made easier (The New Zealand Herald) - Yahoo! News - November 30, 2009
Elderly and disabled people will have better access to banking services thanks to a new set of guidelines, the Bankers' Association says .The voluntary guidelines recommend initiatives such as low teller counters, user-friendly...
UAE banking system 'stronger than a year ago' (AFP via Yahoo! News) - Yahoo! News - November 30, 2009
The central bank of the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday the oil-rich country's banking sector is more sound and liquid than a year ago, days after Dubai asked to suspend debt payments.
Stocks ready for early post-holiday gain - CNN Money Markets - November 30, 2009
U.S. stocks were set to open modestly higher Monday as some of the fears from the Dubai debt shakeup subsided and after early reports of tepid holiday sales figures for the Thanksgiving weekend.
Dollar retreats as Dubai concerns wane - CNN Money Markets - November 30, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Oil edges higher - CNN Money Markets - November 30, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Eye on the consumer - CNN Money Markets - November 30, 2009
Wall Streeters returning Monday after an almost five-day holiday weekend better be well rested: the week ahead brings an onslaught of reports on retailers, consumer spending and the jobs market.
Overcome The Retirement "Gender Gap" - Investopedia - November 30, 2009
Learn why many women's post-work saving plans fall behind and what they can do to catch up.
Momentum Indicates Stock Price Strength - Investopedia - November 30, 2009
Momentum can be used with other tools to be an effective buy/sell indicator.
Keep Holiday Debt From Snowballing - Investopedia - November 30, 2009
Holiday expenses can drown you in debt. Find out how to avoid this festivity hangover.
Is Your Psyche Ready For A Bull Market? - Investopedia - November 30, 2009
Not all investors are mentally prepared for when a much-awaited bull market finally comes charging in.
Macs are Amazon's 'Most wished for' - CNNMoney - November 30, 2009
Google, Disney chiefs due at Obama jobs summit - CNNMoney - November 30, 2009
Executives from Google and Walt Disney will join other company chiefs, academics, labor leaders and mayors at President Obama's jobs summit this week, the White House said Sunday.
Cyber Monday: Hope for disappointed stores - CNNMoney - November 30, 2009
The good news for merchants is that more Americans this year turned out to bag Thanksgiving weekend deals than last year. The bad news, however, is that shoppers on average spent less on their purchases compared to a year ago.
BofA aims to clearly spell out credit card terms (AP) - Yahoo! - November 30, 2009
Bank of America is sending its credit card customers a one-page letter with a simple explanation of the interest rates and fees they're being charged starting Monday.
Economic Report: Euro-zone inflation sees unexpected Nov. jump - MarketWatch - November 30, 2009
Economists on Monday downplayed an unexpected 0.6% annual rise in consumer prices across the 16-nation euro zone in November, attributing the jump to comparisons with highly volatile energy prices last year.
Treasurys gain on sliding stocks - CNN Money Markets - November 20, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
The Masters of the Universe are back - CNN Money Markets - November 20, 2009
Mergers are all the rage in Corporate America again. Healthy companies are looking to take advantage of their strong balance sheets and surging stock prices to strike while the iron is hot.
Long-Term Equity Anticipation Securities: When To Take The "LEAP"? - Investopedia - November 20, 2009
Options are always speculative, but LEAPS provide a longer time frame, which may make them more profitable.
Top Tips For Sticking To A Thanksgiving Budget - Investopedia - November 20, 2009
Before buying your turkey and trimmings, plan and budget to keep costs under control.
EBITDA: Challenging The Calculation - Investopedia - November 20, 2009
This measure has a bad rap, but it's still a valuable tool when used appropriately.
Why ETFs Are A-OK - Investopedia - November 20, 2009
Exchange-traded funds provide unique opportunities for investors. Find out how.
Commodities That Move The Markets - Investopedia - November 20, 2009
Find out how the everyday items you use can affect your investments.
Mortgage loans: Record number are late - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
Mortgage borrowers are still falling behind on their payments in record numbers, despite the many foreclosure prevention efforts initiated by the government and non-profits.
10 companies that groom you for the top - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
Successful businesses make developing talent their top priority. Fortune ranks the companies that do it best. IBM, led by CEO Samuel Palmisano, takes the top spot.
Postmortem: Did the bailout work? - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
As the Obama administration considers how to approach the next phase of the $700 billion financial bailout, questions are being raised on Capitol Hill about whether it is helping the economy.
Dell misses forecasts, shares sink - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
Shares of Dell Inc. fell sharply following the stock market's close on Thursday, after the PC maker reported drastically lower quarterly profit and sales that badly missed Wall Street's forecasts.
Masters of the Universe are back - The Buzz - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
Mergers are all the rage in Corporate America again. Healthy companies are looking to take advantage of their strong balance sheets and surging stock prices to strike while the iron is hot.
Are you committing career suicide? - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
The difficult job market has forced millions of workers to downgrade into a position they're overqualified for or take a survival job to make ends meet. And while riding out the recession might be a practical strategy for now, what will become of the underemployed when the dust clears and it's time to get back on track?
He took a $0 paycheck to prevent staff layoffs - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
Most affordable city to buy a house - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
Interest on U.S. debt: $4,800,000,000,000 - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
Here's a new way to think about the U.S. government's epic borrowing: More than half of the $9 trillion in debt that Uncle Sam is expected to build up over the next decade will be interest.
Spanish banks: Savings and groans - Economist - November 20, 2009
Misery for the cajas does not mean joy for the banksSPAIN’S banks face a grim 2010. True, the listed banks made over €4 billion ($6 billion) in net profits in the third quarter of this year. But most economists predict that Spain will not emerge from recession until the middle of 2010 at the earliest. Dwindling margins and lower loan volumes will squeeze profits just as bad loans peak on the back of an expected 20% unemployment rate. One small consolation, say the commercial banks, is that Spain’s unlisted savings banks, or cajas, are generally doing even worse. Spain’s 45 cajas have been fierce competitors to the banks, steadily taking market share over the years.They are mutually owned and controlled by a mix of depositors, employees and, above all, local politicians. By riding Spain’s decade-long construction boom and taking advantage of their strong local presence, they now own 56% of Spanish mortgages. Loans to property developers make up about one-fifth of their assets. ...
Reforming financial regulation: A one-trick bill - Economist - November 20, 2009
An exercise in bank-bashing which may just please consumersCRACKING down on financial services was always likely to be a highlight of the Queen’s Speech, which sets out the government’s legislative priorities until the general election next year. With the cost of bailing out banks approaching GBP90 billion so far, lending to businesses still anaemic and bonuses once more rising, bank-bashing is now a national pastime. But the proposed new measures say more about the government’s determination to show it has bankers under control than they do about any bold new approach to financial reform. More detail was expected as The Economist went to press. The bill sets out to strengthen regulation, in four main ways. The most eye-catching concerns bankers’ pay. The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is to be allowed to tear up contracts if it thinks a bank’s bonus structure encourages risky behaviour. Its enforcement powers are likely to be strengthened in other respects too—for example, by allowing it to curb business activities as a punishment for past transgressions. Banks will be required to prepare “living wills”—blueprints for winding down the business in the event of looming bankruptcy. And a new Council on Financial Stability is to monitor risk in the system. Headed by the chancellor of the exchequer, it will include the Treasury, the Bank of England and the FSA. ...
It's Quiet …Too Quiet - Barron's - November 20, 2009
How to profit from a likely pickup in volatility
Treasury Yield Plunge Sends Warning - Barron's - November 20, 2009
Collapse in note yields suggests economic distress will keep Fed on hold well into 2010.
4 Ways to Survive a Layoff (Motley Fool) - Yahoo! - November 20, 2009
Soften the blow.
Panel votes to audit Fed's balance sheet - MarketWatch - November 20, 2009
Rep. Ron Paul, who has tried to audit the Federal Reserve for 26 years, is ever so much closer to his goal with the approval by a congressional panel of legislation requiring government audits of Fed monetary policy, as well as how much the central bank lends and to whom.
Mutual Funds Weekly: 'Halloween Effect' scares stock-market bears - MarketWatch - November 20, 2009
The seasonal pattern known as 'The Halloween Effect' has shown up on Wall Street most every year for decades and frightened away the bears. Maybe that's why they hibernate in winter.
The Stockpickers: Fund managers hunt small-caps that can grow bigger - MarketWatch - November 20, 2009
Like other mutual-fund managers who focus on the often-volatile small-cap market, Scott Tracy and Melissa Chadwick go through their stock investments with a fine-tooth comb.
Bank of Japan hikes economic view amid deflation - MarketWatch - November 20, 2009
Central bank leaves its policy interest-rate target at 0.1% as widely expected.
London Markets: British shares advance as miners, banks rise - MarketWatch - November 20, 2009
Broker downgrades weigh on shares of some firms despite the broad move higher by the FTSE 100.
NatWest offers mobile banking through Apple App Store (Computer Weekly) - Yahoo! News - November 13, 2009
NatWest Bank has put a free mobile banking application on the Apple...
Survey finds a boost in on-line banking (WWLP Springfield) - Yahoo! News - November 13, 2009
More Americans are banking on-line. Thats according to a new survey from the American Banks Association. The survey reveals that an increasing number of Americans would rather bank on-line than go inside a branch.
For retailers, Xmas is only kind of blue - CNN Money Markets - November 13, 2009
Welcome to the bizarre world of Wall Street where good news is often bad news simply because it isn't good enough.
Gold retreats from record high - CNN Money Markets - November 13, 2009
Gold fell Thursday, after climbing to a record high overnight, as the dollar rose against rival currencies and stock prices fell.
Treasurys mixed after 30-year bond sale - CNN Money Markets - November 13, 2009
Treasurys were mixed Thursday, with the 10-year note edging lower following a $16 billion auction of 30-year bonds that was met with lackluster demand.
Dollar pushes higher - CNN Money Markets - November 13, 2009
The dollar rose Thursday as ongoing concerns about the global economy boosted demand for the U.S. currency as a safe haven.
Oil slides 3% on inventory jump - CNN Money Markets - November 13, 2009
Oil prices dropped 3% on Thursday as a government inventory report showed that crude supplies jumped more than expected, the dollar firmed against its rivals and stocks cooled.
Play The Market Like Tiger Plays Golf - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
Score big by taking Tiger Woods' approach to golf and applying it to your portfolio.
Candlestick Charting: What Is It? - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
Discover the components and basic patterns of this ancient technical analysis technique.
The Plaza Accord: The World Intervenes In Currency Markets - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
In 1985, the G-5 nations signed an agreement to devalue the United States currency and correct the GDP. To an extent, it worked. But there were casualties.
How The Straddle Rule Creates Tax Opportunities For Options Traders - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
This rule allows traders to substantially reduce their risk, and possibly benefit on their tax returns as well.
Money Market Mutual Funds: A Better Savings Account - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
Forget the sock drawer - learn how to earn big bucks over the short term.
Your Financial Life: From Stressful To Stress-Free - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
Find out how to get the ball rolling on your future financial security. Then sit back and watch things unfold.
These Financial Products Are Too Complex For The Average Joe - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
Structured financial products are so elaborate that investors are unable to assess costs and risk.
5 Resources To Learn To Retire Rich - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
Find out what you need to know to plan for retirement, and which resources do the best job of showing the way.
Rumors: Verizon iPhone in 2010 - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
High security, low price tag - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
Until recently, small businesses looking for high-tech building security had few affordable options.
Housing agency running out of cash - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
The mortgage meltdown has ravaged the finances of a crucial government agency tasked with propping up the housing industry.
What sells for $4,000 a pound? Truffles - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
I take my first bite of a truffle in Franklin Garland's sunlit kitchen, which overlooks a greenhouse and an orchard of budding hazelnut trees.
My hypochondriac boss is swine-flu crazy - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
Dear Annie: My boss (who also owns the company I work for) has always been a hypochondriac, but lately he's gone over the edge.
October deficit reaches $176 billion - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
October was another costly month for Uncle Sam. The U.S. Treasury reported on Thursday that federal coffers racked up a deficit of $176.4 billion for the month.
Uncle Sam sitting on a goldmine - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
Gold is soaring to record high prices, and guess who has the biggest stash?
Obama's plan to 'put America back to work' - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
President Obama, facing a 10.2% unemployment rate, said Thursday he would hold a jobs forum at the White House in December.
Haggling over global warming - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
A recent plan offering high hopes that struggling greenhouse gas legislation might soon become law is still far from being a sure thing.
Days of big bank mergers are gone - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
The days of big bank mergers are gone. And it may be a long time before they ever come back.
Wal-Mart Sees Tough Holidays - WSJ - November 13, 2009
Wal-Mart forecast a particularly competitive holiday season as customers continue to worry about finances and rising unemployment. The retailer's earnings rose 3.2%.
An Options Antidote for Falling Dividends - Barron's - November 13, 2009
Selling calls against stocks in a portfolio can help investors make up for the lost income.
Strong Steel Outlook to Boost Coal Prices - Barron's - November 13, 2009
Credit Suisse lifted estimates in the metallurgical-coal sector.
Good and Bad News in China's Currency Shift - Barron's - November 13, 2009
Allowing the remnimbi to rise may cut global imbalances but also tighten tap of liquidity.
Two Picks in Life and Health Insurers - Barron's - November 13, 2009
FBR Capital Markets likes StanCorp Financial and Prudential Financial.
Rules for the child care tax credit (Bankrate.com) - Yahoo! - November 13, 2009
The IRS has rules for claiming the child care credit if you pay a relative to provide the care.
Fed forces banks to ask consumers to join overdraft programs (CNNMoney.com) - Yahoo! - November 13, 2009
The Federal Reserve on Thursday released a new rule to prohibit banks from automatically enrolling customers in overdraft protection programs, which charge fees when consumers spend more than they have.
Fund Times: Formerly Red-Hot Fidelity Fund Reopens (Morningstar.com) - Yahoo! - November 13, 2009
Also, a growth leader and a laggard, a Putnam manager retires, and more.
Outside the Box: Wall Street has to live with a reactionary Fed - MarketWatch - November 13, 2009
For all the pomp and circumstance surrounding exit strategies and financial industry regulation, nothing has changed -- the Federal Reserve will only react to financial market problems after they occur, writes Tomi Kilgore.
Oil climbs 3% on GDP growth - CNN Money Markets - October 30, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Your move, Ben Bernanke - CNN Money Markets - October 30, 2009
Now that the economy has broken its four-quarter long slump, will Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke be more open to the idea of raising interest rates sometime soon?
Oil slides after rally - CNN Money Markets - October 30, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Stocks set to step back - CNN Money Markets - October 30, 2009
U.S. stocks were poised to pull back at Friday's open as investors caught their breath after the previous session's rally and awaited the latest measures on the health of the consumer.
Dollar firms on questions about U.S. growth - CNN Money Markets - October 30, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Tax-free Champagne, anyone? - CNNMoney - October 30, 2009
Not even Franz Kafka could have dreamed this one up.
What banks don't want anyone to know - CNNMoney - October 30, 2009
The banks have taken some lumps since the economy went bad. But some believe their biggest headaches are yet to come.
Clunkers: White House blows a gasket - CNNMoney - October 30, 2009
The Obama administration on Thursday lashed out at a prominent critic of its Cash for Clunkers program, arguing that the popular trade-in initiative helped give the auto industry and the economy a much needed boost in the past few months.
Stocks set to step back - CNNMoney - October 30, 2009
U.S. stocks were poised to pull back at Friday's open as investors caught their breath after the previous session's rally and awaited the latest measures on the health of the consumer.
Corporate Profit Rebound Ahead - WSJ - October 30, 2009
Fourth-quarter corporate profits will have an easy comparison to last year's deep loss for S&P-500 companies, offering a healthier outlook amid third-quarter declines.
Safer Semiconductor Stocks - Barron's - October 30, 2009
J.P. Morgan likes Linear Tech, Xilinx and Altera for defensive positions.
Hedge Funds: Citadel unlocks investors, unveils big changes - MarketWatch - October 30, 2009
Citadel Investment Group ends its suspension of redemptions, freeing up investors’ money that had been locked up in the firm’s flagship hedge funds for roughly a year.
Make Your Frequent Flier Miles Go Further (Motley Fool) - Yahoo! - October 30, 2009
Tips from a seasoned traveler on making the most of your miles.
Maine bank regulators warn consumers about scam (AP) - Yahoo! - October 30, 2009
Maine and federal banking regulators are warning consumers about a "phishing"scam in which fraudulent e-mails are circulating around the state.
Asia Markets: Japan markets hint at new life; banks, yen key - MarketWatch - October 30, 2009
Japan shares look ready to extend their gains into next week after this week’s upbeat economic data encouraged investors, but analysts say financial stocks and the yen continue to hold the market captive.
Chuck Jaffe: No stupid questions, only stupid investments - MarketWatch - October 30, 2009
When it comes to stupid investments, there are no stupid questions. For proof, here are some recent queries from my mailbag:
Bank of Japan begins gradual end of credit steps - MarketWatch - October 30, 2009
The Bank of Japan announces it will end one of its special liquidity-boosting measures while extending another one.
Hong Kong sets out bankers' pay proposals - MarketWatch - October 30, 2009
Hong Kong moves to reform bankers' pay, but stops short of imposing specific limits.
Treasurys slide after strong GDP report - CNN Money Markets - October 29, 2009
Treasury prices fell Thursday after a report showed the world's biggest economy expanded last quarter after a prolonged slump.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/rss/money_markets/~4/dQYp8KA6ork" height="1" width="1"/>
Stocks surge on GDP - CNN Money Markets - October 29, 2009
Stocks rallied early Thursday in a broad-based advance as a strong report on economic growth in the third quarter reassured investors that the economic recovery is on track.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/rss/money_markets/~4/HLA3w2BdiBc" height="1" width="1"/>
Dollar retreats as U.S. economy grows - CNN Money Markets - October 29, 2009
The dollar fell against the euro Thursday, ending a 4-day advance, after the U.S. economy grew more than expected in the third quarter, leading investors to jump back into riskier assets.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/rss/money_markets/~4/FvCAuXQB3jw" height="1" width="1"/>
Exxon Profit Drops 68% as Oil Slumps - WSJ - October 29, 2009
Exxon's earnings slumped 68% from the highest quarterly corporate profit ever recorded as oil prices plunged. Refining earnings fell.
Beneficiaries of Broadband Stimulus - Barron's - October 29, 2009
Jefferies &Co. likes ADC Telecom, Occam and Adtran.
GDP report: Economy up 3.5%, topping expectations (CNNMoney.com) - Yahoo! - October 29, 2009
The U.S. economy grew at a 3.5% annual rate in the third quarter, ending a string of declines over four quarters that resulted in the most severe slide since the Great Depression. But some economists raised doubts about how long such strong growth can last.
Create the perfect bond portfolio - CNN Money Markets - October 19, 2009
You already know that to protect yourself against stock market meltdowns, you should devote more of your portfolio to bonds as you age. But as you may have discovered recently, the downside protection you get can vary dramatically depending on the type of bonds you own.
Oil retreats from one-year high - CNN Money Markets - October 19, 2009
Oil prices slipped early Monday, pulling back from the previous week's rally.
Ultra-Short Bond Funds: More Risk Than Reward? - Investopedia - October 19, 2009
These funds' risk may overshadow their returns. Find out all you need to know before you get involved.
For Maximum Market Returns, Get Creative With Hedges - Investopedia - October 19, 2009
Proper hedges help to contain your losses while still allowing profits to grow.
Save The Earth: Become A Capitalist - Investopedia - October 19, 2009
Who says that capitalism and environmentalism have to be mutually exclusive?
Wall Street braces for earnings - CNNMoney - October 19, 2009
So far, so good. But next week brings the first big test for corporate profits.
Obama aides: Wall Street shouldn't fight reform - CNNMoney - October 19, 2009
Wall Street needs to focus more on helping Main Street than self-enrichment, two of President Obama's top advisers said.
'Shockingly higher' costs on horizon - CNNMoney - October 19, 2009
It's open enrollment time at work. Prepare yourself. Starting in 2010, your employer is making sure that when it comes to paying for your health care, you're going to be sharing much more of the burden.
Banks and bonuses: Making hay - Economist - October 19, 2009
Stocks seen opening lower - CNN Money Markets - September 29, 2009
U.S. stocks were set for a lower start Tuesday as investors awaited readings on the housing market and consumer sentiment.
The end of the manic depressive market - CNN Money Markets - September 29, 2009
Wall Street will celebrate a not-so-happy anniversary on Tuesday.
Riding the bull a little longer - CNN Money Markets - September 21, 2009
With little on the docket to challenge investor optimism, the defiantly bullish stock market is looking to extend its staggering run in the week ahead.
Stocks headed for lower open - CNN Money Markets - September 21, 2009
U.S. stocks were set to slide at Monday's open, as investors pause in the recent surge on Wall Street.
Dollar bounces off 1-year low - CNN Money Markets - September 21, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Forget stock price, focus on value - CNN Money Markets - September 21, 2009
It's all too easy to think that a stock that has risen sharply is no longer a bargain -- or conversely that shares that have been cut in half must be a good deal. If only investing were that simple.
Forget stock price, focus on value - CNNMoney - September 21, 2009
It's all too easy to think that a stock that has risen sharply is no longer a bargain -- or conversely that shares that have been cut in half must be a good deal. If only investing were that simple.
Oil hovers near $71 on inventory drop - CNN Money Markets - September 11, 2009
Oil held steady around $71 Wednesday despite a weekly government report that showed crude inventories fell sharply from the previous week.
Is this rally for real? - CNN Money Markets - September 11, 2009
If you had the courage to buy stocks when the market hit bottom in March, congratulations! The S&P 500 and Dow Jones industrial indexes are near highs for the year after soaring around 50% since then.
Dollar falls to one-year low - CNN Money Markets - September 11, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Oil eases on demand doubts - CNN Money Markets - September 11, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Activist Investors: A Good Or Bad Thing? - Investopedia - September 11, 2009
When a large stakeholder is dissatisfied with a company's management, it may take matters into its own hands.
Cash Flow On Steroids: Why Companies Cheat - Investopedia - September 11, 2009
Pressure to be the best can sometimes push corporations to cheat. Learn how they do it and how to spot it.
Playing Investment Defense - Investopedia - September 11, 2009
Learn how to protect yourself from the potential risks that can impact a company's share price - and your investments.
6 Questions To Ask Before You Refinance - Investopedia - September 11, 2009
Refinancing your mortgage can be a quick way to save on payments, but it's not for everyone.
Corporate Bonds: An Introduction To Credit Risk - Investopedia - September 11, 2009
Corporate bonds offer higher yields, but it's important to evaluate the extra risk involved before you buy.
Stocks set to climb - CNN Money Markets - September 8, 2009
U.S. stocks were set to climb at Tuesday's open as hopes for a revival in deal activity bolstered traders returning from the long weekend.
Wall Street braces for September - CNN Money Markets - September 8, 2009
Sunburned and barbecued out, Wall Streeters returning to work next week face the first big challenge to the six-month-old rally.
Gold tops $1,000 - CNN Money Markets - September 8, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Stocks brace for September - CNN Money Markets - August 31, 2009
With stocks now sitting more than 50% above March lows and notorious rally-spoiler September in sight, the calls for a pullback have been getting louder.
What's next? Ask the bond market - CNN Money Markets - August 31, 2009
When it comes time to plot out your investment strategy, you probably focus most of your attention on how equities are doing and pay scant attention to the inner workings of bonds. But ignore the fixed-income market at your peril.
Chinese stocks swoon - down 6% - CNN Money Markets - August 31, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Stocks set for selloff - CNN Money Markets - August 31, 2009
U.S. stocks were poised to tumble Monday morning, after another sharp fall in Chinese stocks knocked back investor confidence.
The ABCs Of Mutual Fund Classes - Investopedia - August 31, 2009
Do you understand how the various types of shares differ? We give you the pros and cons of each.
Earn More Profit With Less Trading - Investopedia - August 31, 2009
Avoiding overtrading can save your money and your sanity. Find out how to slow your turnover and build your profits.
Highway stimulus: Just a 'down payment' - CNNMoney - August 31, 2009
Hacker pleads guilty in ID theft - CNNMoney - August 31, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Baker Hughes to buy BJ Services for $5.5 billion - CNNMoney - August 31, 2009
Property taxes: How to beat 'em - CNNMoney - August 31, 2009
You know that your home's value has tanked. So why doesn't the blasted tax man? Home prices fell 27% from the 2006 peak to the end of 2008, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Index, while the amount municipalities collected in property taxes rose 12% from 2006 to 2008.
Wall Street pro's billion-dollar woes - CNNMoney - August 31, 2009
The week of Sept. 7, 2008, started out innocently enough for J. Christopher Flowers. The billionaire, whose eponymous private equity firm invests mostly in troubled financial companies, was in Tokyo to attend a board meeting when he received a call from a senior executive at Bank of America. The executive wanted him to return to New York as quickly as possible to partner in a potential deal to buy Lehman Brothers, which was in increasingly desperate straits.
Stocks set for selloff - CNNMoney - August 31, 2009
U.S. stocks were poised to tumble Monday morning, after another sharp fall in Chinese stocks knocked back investor confidence.
Oil sinks from 10-month peak - CNN Money Markets - August 26, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Dollar gains on yen - CNN Money Markets - August 26, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Stocks set for weak start - CNN Money Markets - August 26, 2009
U.S. stocks were set for a weak open Wednesday as investors attempted to muster momentum to extend the recent rally.
Staples steps up to its rivals - CNN Money Markets - August 26, 2009
Soaring unemployment and stagnant consumer spending have stalled at office-supply chain Staples, which reported a 38% decline in quarterly profit Tuesday morning.
Focus With Exchange-Traded Grantor Trusts - Investopedia - August 26, 2009
These funds offer a very hands-off experience for the low-involvement investor.
Maximize Profits With Volatility Stops - Investopedia - August 26, 2009
Find out which type of volatility stop fits your trading objectives.
Your credit card company is watching you - CNNMoney - August 26, 2009
Postal workers: Resign or retire. Now! - CNNMoney - August 26, 2009
The Postal Service is making a total of $450 million in buyouts available to as many as 30,000 employees who agree to resign or retire this year.
The summer of (IPO) love - CNNMoney - August 26, 2009
Currency Effects Hit WPP's Net - WSJ - August 26, 2009
WPP Group reported a 48% fall in first-half net profit, as the marketing company's euro-denominated debt hit results.
S&P 500 Could Reach 1,200 by Year-End - Barron's - August 26, 2009
Prudential expects continued gains in equities in the second half.
Card issuers don't care, and they're proving it (at MarketWatch) - Yahoo! - August 26, 2009
Consumers are feeling the squeeze as credit-card issuers dig in to survive tough economic times and prepare for new operating rules.
White House forecasts $9 trillion in federal deficits (CNNMoney.com) - Yahoo! - August 26, 2009
New estimates of the federal deficit leave many questions unanswered but underscore one cold fact of life in Washington right now: Boosting the economy without making an already bad deficit worse is really hard to do.
Highway stimulus just a 'down payment'(CNNMoney.com) - Yahoo! - August 26, 2009
The government promised $27.5 billion in stimulus funds to help fix the nation's crumbling roads and bridges as part of a broader effort to save jobs. The effort is working...sort of.
Mutual fund fees on the rise - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
Textron soars on takeover talk - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
Big solar could create big jobs - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
A new report finds that ramping up solar development in Nevada could produce thousands of good-paying green jobs while generating nearly $11 billion in economic benefits.
How Apple can beat RIM - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
Mini-projectors: Tiny quality - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
I'm CEO of Playfish, one of the largest creators of video games for social networks like Facebook. Though our studios are spread around the world, we develop games collaboratively and often review them together, running our software over the company intranet and displaying it on computer monitors or through projectors.
Happy days are here again? Really? - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
I don't want to necessarily say that investors were displaying a bit of good old-fashioned irrational exuberance Thursday following Wells Fargo's projected results.
It's time to break up banks' top regulator - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Universal gets Webby with Vevo - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
Not so long ago, music companies were doing all they could to keep their music away from online video sites. Now Vivendi-owned Universal Music Group is partnering with Google's YouTube to do for music videos what Hulu.com has done for TV. After much speculation, the companies Thursday afternoon announced plans for Vevo.com, a premium music site that will feature all of UMG's artists.
Treasury to banks: Stay mum on 'stress tests' - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Oil demand forecast slashed again - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Private disability coverage worth look - Bankrate - April 10, 2009
Private disability insurance may offer extra benefits not found in employer-based coverage.
Are investors ready for risk again? - Bankrate - April 10, 2009
Signs of decent economic news are luring investors back in the market. But are they for real?
Final tax filing push is on - Bankrate - April 10, 2009
The deadline looms. If you're confused about your filing responsibilities, the IRS' rules are unambiguous.
Video: Family tax credits - Bankrate - April 10, 2009
Tax credits are available for children from birth through college.
Tax savings for educated use of bonds - Bankrate - April 10, 2009
If you used these government savings to pay college costs, the interest on the bonds is tax-free.
Staying married to save cash - Bankrate - April 10, 2009
The phrase "for richer or poorer" puts divorcing couples to the test during a recession.
The Best in Northeast Banks - Barron's - April 10, 2009
Sterne Agee lists its favorite names ahead of earnings season.
Will the Wells Fargo Rally Go Far? - Barron's - April 10, 2009
Banks are rallying but traders remain cautious on the rest of financials.
ING to sell off more operations (AP) - Yahoo! - April 10, 2009
ING NV, the Dutch bank and insurer, said Thursday it plans to sell operations it says could raise up to euro8 billion .
Peer-to-Peer Lending Pain (BusinessWeek) - Yahoo! - April 10, 2009
Once seen as the future of financing for entrepreneurs, the social-networking approach has suffered from high defaults
Oil prices rise sharply on hints of rebound (AP) - Yahoo! - April 10, 2009
Oil prices rose sharply Thursday despite more hints that energy use is way down, with traders focusing instead on a rising stock market and surprising news from retailers that suggests Americans are spending money.
Genworth says it missed TARP deadline; shares slump - MarketWatch - April 10, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Genworth Financial Inc. said late Thursday it missed a deadline to get money from the government's main bailout program, triggering a 20% plunge in shares of the life insurer during after-hours trading.
Financial Stocks: Wells Fargo provides lift for whole banking sector - MarketWatch - April 10, 2009
Wells Fargo &Co.’s early release of first-quarter results, which show record profits, helped push up all financial stocks and lead a solid rally across the board.
Currencies: Dollar gains ahead of upcoming long holiday weekend - MarketWatch - April 10, 2009
The U.S. dollar was slightly lower versus most major rivals other than the Japanese yen Thursday as equity markets posted a modest rebound, undercutting haven-related flows into the greenback.
Asia Markets: Nikkei loses its gains, as banks hit by Sumitomo Mitsui news - MarketWatch - April 10, 2009
Japanese shares fall back from their highs and into negative terriotry as a steep cut to Sumitomo Mitsui’s earnings forecast pressures banks.
Oil rose Thursday as the dollar gave back earlier gains and the government's weekly inventory report showed a larger-than-expected drop in supplies of some refined products.
Bonds pare losses - CNN Money Markets - February 19, 2010
Bond prices pared losses Thursday after the Federal Reserve raised the rate it charges banks that borrow from the central bank when they run short of funds.
Dollar firms on Fed action - CNN Money Markets - February 19, 2010
The dollar recovered from earlier losses Thursday after the Federal Reserve hiked its discount rate, raising bets the central bank could move to tighten monetary policy soon.
Berkshire's big day: $24 billion in trading - CNN Money Markets - February 19, 2010
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway got a rousing introduction to the S&P 500 this month -- though it wasn't quite the most lavish ever.
Former Carolina First executive joins SCBT as commercial banking executive (Charleston Regional Business Journal) - Yahoo! News - February 19, 2010
Michael Spitzmiller, the former Upstate market president of Carolina First bank, has joined S.C. Bank and Trust as commercial banking executive, SCBT Financial Corp. announced today.
Texas Gulf Bank Introduces Business and Consumer Mobile Banking (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance) - Yahoo! News - February 19, 2010
HOUSTON----Texas Gulf Bank, an independently owned and operated community bank with seven locations along the Texas Gulf Coast, launched its comprehensive business and consumer mobile banking solution today – TGB Mobile.
B of A Merrill Names Global Corporate Banking Chief (Financial Planning.com) - Yahoo! News - February 19, 2010
Bank of America Merrill Lynch [ BAC ] has named Paul Donofrio head of its global corporate banking business, the bank said Wednesday. The announcement follows the recent appointment of Cathy Bessant as global technology and operations executive for Bank of America.
Payday Loan Lender Endorses New Better Banking Campaign - But Says Comparing APRS is Like Comparing "Apples and Oranges" (PRWeb via Yahoo! News) - Yahoo! News - February 19, 2010
In a statement issued today, loans industry expert Gary Miller-Cheevers (and CEO of payday loan company Speed-e-loans.com) has endorsed the Better Banking Campaign - even though his industry sector is one of the areas that has come under fire from the Campaign.
Oversea-Chinese Banking Profit Climbs 67%, Most in 11 Quarters (Bloomberg) - Yahoo! News - February 19, 2010
Feb. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. , the lender that owns Singapore’s biggest life insurer, said fourth- quarter profit rose 67 percent, the most in 11 quarters, on trading and investment gains.
German American Bancorp agrees to buy 2 banking offices in southern Indiana (Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune) - Yahoo! News - February 19, 2010
JASPER, Ind. - German American Bancorp Inc. said its banking unit is buying two Farmers State Bank offices in Evansville, Ind., to expand its presence in the southern Indiana market.
Yahoo-Microsoft search gets OK - CNNMoney - February 19, 2010
Microsoft and Yahoo said Thursday that their online search deal has received approval from U.S. and European Union regulators, paving the way for the two companies to combine much of their Internet search business.
The new green land rush - CNNMoney - February 19, 2010
Raser Technologies converts low-temperature water into power. Can this clean energy pioneer strike it rich?
Dell shares drop on lower earnings - CNNMoney - February 19, 2010
Dell reported a 5% drop in fourth-quarter earnings Thursday, but the computer maker beat Wall Street's expectations on solid sales across all its segments as businesses started spending on IT again.
After a layoff, become a consultant? - CNNMoney - February 19, 2010
Dear Annie: After my former employer laid me off last year, they offered me a chance to come back as a consultant to run some special projects. I took them up on it, thinking the work would at least tide me over while I looked for a new job. I found I really like being an independent consultant, and I'd like to try doing it as a permanent career.
Fed raises emergency funding rate - CNNMoney - February 19, 2010
The Federal Reserve raised the rate it charges banks that borrow from the central bank when they run short of funds.
$1.5 billion in housing help coming to 5 states - CNNMoney - February 19, 2010
Under pressure to do more for troubled homeowners, President Obama is expected to announce on Friday a $1.5 billion program to help borrowers in the five states hit hardest by the housing crisis.
European bank results: The brighter side - Economist - February 19, 2010
Bad debts are peaking and pay is falling at Europe’s banksTWO years ago banks began to include tables in their results announcements that were designed to reassure investors that their exposure to toxic securities was under control. The crisis has moved on. Now one European financial firm’s presentation includes a slide that pleads “limited exposure to sovereign debt [of] Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain”. Yet whatever Europe’s macroeconomic woes, a more optimistic picture is emerging from its lenders. Setting aside disappointing results from Societe Generale of France, which was hit by more write-downs on American assets, the evidence from fourth-quarter results is that the pace at which loans are souring has peaked. ...
Charges drag DirecTV to 4th-quarter loss (AP) - Yahoo! - February 19, 2010
DirecTV Inc. on Thursday reported a fourth-quarter loss after absorbing a hefty merger charge. The nation's largest satellite TV operator also added 60 percent fewer new subscribers as discounted bundles from competitors and a weak economy took their toll on growth.
Fed funds futures raise rate-hike view - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
Fed funds futures traders in after-hours trade Thursday repositioned for the U.S. Federal Reserve to begin lifting its benchmark lending rate earlier than previously thought. The move followed an announcement that the central bank would lift the rate it charges banks for emergency loans by a quarter percentage point, though officials stressed that this was not to be interpreted as a broader tightening of credit.
The Fed: Fed's Lockhart says recovery is still fragile - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
Economic growth is likely to continue but may be so feeble that the unemployment rates stays stubbornly high, says Dennis Lockhart, the president of the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank.
The Fed: Bullard: Fed funds rate likely on hold this year - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
St. Louis Fed chief James Bullard reportedly warns that, despite Thursday's surprise discount-rate hike, an increase in the federal funds rate is 'just as far away as it ever was.'
Mutual Funds Weekly: Where are the customers' yachts? - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
A classic story about Wall Street involves an out-of-towner on a tour of Manhattan with his urbane friend. The two arrive at the harbor, where the city dweller points to a line of elegant vessels.
Fed-discount-rate hike unlikely to derail yen - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
The surprise hike by the Federal Reserve sends the dollar soaring on Friday.
Mark Hulbert: Parsing reaction to Fed's surprise move - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
In the looking-glass world known as Wall Street, there may actually be a silver lining to stock index futures’ drop in the immediate wake of Thursday night’s surprise discount-rate hike.
FundWatch: Top value-stock investor launches own mutual funds - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
David Marcus, who co-managed many of Franklin Resources Inc.’s Mutual Series funds, has launched his own funds, which will use a go-anywhere approach, mixing bonds and stocks and using short-selling strategies when appropriate.
Indications: U.S. stock futures down after Fed's surprise hike - MarketWatch - February 19, 2010
Wall Street will get its first chance to react to a hike in the rate the Federal Reserve charges banks for temporary loans.
5 Insurance Policies Everyone Should Have - Investopedia - February 19, 2010
Some things shouldn't be left to chance. Find out where you need coverage.
10 Sources Of Nontaxable Income - Investopedia - February 19, 2010
Taxes are often a deterrent from investing and saving. These financial practices will bring you no tax grief.
A Beginner's Guide To Hedging - Investopedia - February 19, 2010
Learn how investors use strategies to reduce the impact of negative events on investments.
Real estate maven Ross eyes banking (New York Post) - Yahoo! News - February 12, 2010
Manhattan real estate mogul Stephen M. Ross has quietly raised more than $1 billion so he can branch into banking. Ross, whose Related Cos. built the ritzy Time Warner Center in Midtown, is hoping to leverage his expertise in commercial properties to buy banks saddled with construction loans and other...
Lloyds Banking Group To Issue 3.14 Billion New Shares In Exchange Offer (Fox News) - Yahoo! News - February 12, 2010
Lloyds Banking Group To Issue 3.14 Billion New Shares In Exchange Offer
Advanced Option Trading: The Modified Butterfly Spread - Investopedia - February 12, 2010
This strategy provides traders with the flexibility to craft a position with unique risk/reward characteristics.
6 Biggest Bond Risks - Investopedia - February 12, 2010
Don't assume that you can't lose money in this market - you can. Find out how.
Filing Your First Tax Return - Investopedia - February 12, 2010
Tax time can be intimidating - but knowing these tips can ease the process and get you a hefty return.
Is Your High-Profile Job Worth The Price? - Investopedia - February 12, 2010
Certain careers can be prestigious and lucrative, but there are always costs. Find out if they're worth it.
Detroit becomes a tech center - CNNMoney - February 12, 2010
Crammed into a small Detroit office filled with pipe fittings, hydraulic tubing, and a device that looks like a gas pump combined with a supercomputer, Dave Shaw sums up how his life has changed.
Coming: Office for Mac 2011 - CNNMoney - February 12, 2010
China: Soon to be No. 2 economy - CNNMoney - February 12, 2010
China is likely to soon overtake Japan to become the world's second largest economy, a milestone that will only fuel growing fears about the economic might of the world's largest country.
The Olympics' quirkiest sponsors - CNNMoney - February 12, 2010
Olympic sponsorships don't have to cost millions. Meet 5 small companies with oddball official deals.
Cities aren't hitting panic button -- yet - CNNMoney - February 12, 2010
Cities and other municipalities are in a world of budgetary hurt. Is a wave of bankruptcies on the way?
Jobs bill advances ... or does it? - CNNMoney - February 12, 2010
The Senate's slow-moving effort to spur job creation was thrown into turmoil Thursday.
A matter of principle - Economist - February 12, 2010
Why some banks did much better than othersJPMORGAN CHASE managed to avoid big losses largely thanks to the tone set by its boss, Jamie Dimon. A voracious reader of internal reports, he understands financial arcana and subjects staff to detailed questioning. PowerPoint presentations are discouraged, informal discussions of what is wrong, or could go wrong, encouraged. These “soft” principles are supplemented by a hard-headed approach to the allocation of capital. Though the bank suffered painful losses in leveraged loans, it was not tripped up by CDOs or structured investment vehicles (SIVs), even though it had been instrumental in developing both products. Nor was it heavily exposed to AIG, an insurance giant that got into trouble.This was not because it saw disaster coming, says Bill Winters, former co-head of the firm’s investment bank, but because it stuck by two basic principles: don’t hold too much of anything, and only keep what you are sure will generate a decent risk-adjusted return. The bank jettisoned an SIV and $60 billion of CDO-related risks because it saw them as too dicey, at a time when others were still keen to snap them up. It also closed 60 credit lines for other SIVs and corporate clients when it realised that these could be simultaneously drawn down if the bank’s credit rating were cut. And it took a conservative view of risk-mitigation. Hedging through bond insurers, whose finances grew shaky as the crisis spread, was calculated twice: once assuming the hedge would hold, and again assuming it was worthless. ...
Cinderella's moment - Economist - February 12, 2010
Risk managers to the foreIN A speech delivered to a banking-industry conference in Geneva in December 2006, Madelyn Antoncic issued a warning and then offered some reassurance. With volatility low, corporate credit spreads growing ever tighter and markets all but ignoring bad news, there was, she said, “a seemingly overwhelming sense of complacency”. Nevertheless, she insisted that the firm she served as chief risk officer, Lehman Brothers, was well placed to ride out any turbulence, thanks to a keen awareness of emerging threats and a rock-solid analytical framework.Behind the scenes, all was not well. Ms Antoncic, a respected risk manager with an economics PhD, had expressed unease at the firm’s heavy exposure to commercial property and was being sidelined, bit by bit, by the firm’s autocratic boss, Dick Fuld. Less than two months after her speech she was pushed aside. ...
When the river runs dry - Economist - February 12, 2010
The perils of a sudden evaporation of liquiditySTAMPEDING crowds can generate pressures of up to 4,500 Newtons per square metre, enough to bend steel barriers. Rushes for the exit in financial markets can be just as damaging. Investors crowd into trades to get the highest risk-adjusted return in the same way that everyone wants tickets for the best concert. When someone shouts “fire”, their flight creates an “endogenous” risk of being trampled by falling prices, margin calls and vanishing capital—a “negative externality” that adds to overall risk, says Lasse Heje Pedersen of New York University.This played out dramatically in 2008. Liquidity instantly drained from securities firms as clients abandoned anything with a whiff of risk. In three days in March Bear Stearns saw its pool of cash and liquid assets shrink by nearly 90%. After the collapse of Lehman Brothers, Morgan Stanley had $43 billion of withdrawals in a single day, mostly from hedge funds. ...
Ex-Goldman programmer indicted for trade secrets theft - MarketWatch - February 12, 2010
A former Goldman Sachs Group GS computer programmer was indicted Thursday on charges he stole computer codes used for proprietary high-frequency trading program. Sergey Aleynikov, 40 years old, was charged in a three-count indictment with theft of trade secrets, transportation of stolen property in interstate and foreign commerce and unauthorized computer access.
Hedge Funds: Investors start plowing money back into industry - MarketWatch - February 12, 2010
Investors have started plowing money back into some hedge funds after the industry rebounded strongly from record losses in 2008.
Financial Stocks: Financials catch up with market, close higher - MarketWatch - February 12, 2010
U.S. financial stocks finally caught up with the broader market gains near the close Thursday and ended the session modestly higher, joining in on a rebound that saw broad indices make up early deficits.
FundWatch: Fund firms stay quiet as bankers' pay soars - MarketWatch - February 12, 2010
Despite public outcry at banker pay rises during a troubled market, mutual fund firms that are among the biggest shareholders of financial companies have been mostly silent on the matter.
Korea's Hanwha Securities to buy two Prudential units - MarketWatch - February 12, 2010
SEOUL (MarketWatch) -- Hanwha Securities Co. (003530.SE) is set to sign a contract later Friday to buy two South Korean units of U.S.-based Prudential Financial Inc. (PRU), a person familiar with the matter said.
European Stocks to Watch: Europe's IPO market hits a patch of ice - MarketWatch - February 12, 2010
The expected rebound in Europe’s initial public offering market could be as far away as autumn or even later, say industry watchers, after news of scrapped plans for three listings in two days.
Chuck Jaffe: Betting against stocks now could be stupid - MarketWatch - February 12, 2010
In a market correction, the seemingly "correct" thing to do would be to bet against the market. But for investors ready to take that step, fresh off a few weeks of nervousness and decline, they'd be making the Stupid Investment of the Week.
Surprising Jobs Data Show Jobless Down But So Are Payrolls (Investor's Business Daily, Inc.) - Yahoo! - February 12, 2010
The U.S. economy lost 20,000 jobs in January, the Labor Department said Friday, defying expectations for a slim gain. But the jobless rate...
Smart Spending: How to save on Valentine flowers (AP) - Yahoo! - February 12, 2010
It shouldn't come as a surprise that prices of red roses increase right before Valentine's Day. But Romeos on a budget don't have to fall prey; they just need to act fast, now that Valentine's is only three days away.
Rebuild finances with secured credit card? (Bankrate.com) - Yahoo! - February 12, 2010
A secured credit card would be open to debt collectors. Instead, you might try credit counseling.
Don't Get Hosed by Home Builders - Barron's - February 12, 2010
Steven M. SearsJefferies tells clients to sell out-of-the-money calls on housing stocks.
Is Greece Europe's Fannie and Freddie? - Barron's - February 12, 2010
Randall W. ForsythAs with the U.S. mortgage giants, the EU is vowing support to hold together the euro. But moral hazard looms large.
The Wide World of Dividend Stocks - Barron's - February 12, 2010
For income-starved investors, foreign companies with solid cash payouts are a good bet.
Jump Into the Big Pharma Pullback - Barron's - February 12, 2010
Credit Suisse says Pfizer and Merck have long-term upside.
Four Biotechs for the Near Term - Barron's - February 12, 2010
Morgan Joseph is upbeat on Amgen, Genzyme, Spectrum and now Isis.
Dollar down as EU meets - CNN Money Markets - February 12, 2010
The dollar fell versus major currencies Thursday as European leaders met to discuss the debt crisis in Greece and other nations.
Oil climbs above $75 - CNN Money Markets - February 12, 2010
Oil rose for the fourth straight session Thursday after European leaders pledged to help debt-ridden Greece, easing worries that a default might hurt global markets.
Stocks set to drop at open - CNN Money Markets - February 12, 2010
U.S. stocks were set to open lower Friday as investors reacted to China's central bank plan to raise the reserve requirement ratio and continued to fret about Greece's debt problems.
Buffett's Baby Berkshires: Buy or bust? - CNN Money Markets - February 12, 2010
To borrow a tag line from one of Warren Buffett's most well-known companies, buying Berkshire Hathaway is now so easy, even a caveman can do it.
Analyzing Show Biz Stocks - Investopedia - February 8, 2010
The glitz and glam of Hollywood could help put some more glitz in your pocket.
"Temporary" Taxes That Stuck - Investopedia - February 8, 2010
Taxpayers should be wary when a new "temporary tax" is introduced. Sometimes these temporary taxes are anything but.
Chase CEO gets $16 million bonus - CNNMoney - February 8, 2010
JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon will take home a nearly $16 million bonus in restricted stock and options for leading the bank to a big profit last year.
Prius brake fix near - CNNMoney - February 8, 2010
Toyota Motor notified dealers it is prepared to unveil a solution to problems with the brake system of the popular Prius hybrid sedan, as well as a public relations campaign to try to repair its battered image.
Week ahead: Markets shaky after the slump - CNNMoney - February 8, 2010
Wall Street avoided a bigger walloping late last week, with sellers finally calling it quits after a nearly 10% plunge in less than three weeks. But the week ahead could be pivotal as investors either jump back in - or retreat even further.
Super Bowl ads: An appeal to family - CNNMoney - February 8, 2010
While the themes in this year's Super Bowl ads ran the gamut from poking fun of emasculated males to take-offs on popular TV shows, experts agreed that a simple appeal to motherly love seemed to speak strongest to viewers.
ETF Investing: Free ETF trades are big draw for investors - MarketWatch - February 8, 2010
Online brokers are fighting hard for a greater share of the fast-growing exchange-traded fund business, and investors stand to benefit from lower costs.
Chuck Jaffe: Trade ETFs at no cost? No problem - MarketWatch - February 8, 2010
The evolution of exchange-traded funds took a giant step forward this week, but most investors missed it. Soon, however, it may be hard to ignore.
Jobs data, stock moves drive crisis-level trading at CME group - MarketWatch - February 8, 2010
CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Derivatives exchange operator CME Group Inc. (CME) on Friday saw trading activity on its markets jump to levels last seen at the onset of the financial crisis, amid a drop in the U.S unemployment rate and stock market turbulence driven by Greece's debt woes.
Huatai Securities to raise up to $2.5 bln in IPO - MarketWatch - February 8, 2010
Chinese brokerage Huatai Securities Co. plans to raise up to 17.26 billion yuan ($2.5 billion) in a planned initial public offering in Shanghai, marking the biggest share sale on the Shanghai Stock Exchange this year.
Stocks set for rosy start - CNN Money Markets - February 8, 2010
U.S. stocks were poised to open higher Monday, as investor concerns about the debt situation in Europe started to ease.
Markets: Shaky after the slump - CNN Money Markets - February 8, 2010
Wall Street avoided a bigger walloping late last week, with sellers finally calling it quits after a nearly 10% plunge in less than three weeks. But the week ahead could be pivotal as investors either jump back in - or retreat even further.
Regulating banks: Garrottes and sticks - Economist - January 29, 2010
The first of four articles on the implications of the Volcker rule examines reactions on Wall StreetA RECENT episode of “Mad Money” on CNBC, a financial-news network, featured the “Lloyd Blankfein pinata”. Hung from the studio ceiling to symbolise the beating that bankers—not least Goldman Sachs’s boss—have been taking lately at the hands of politicians, the effigy rained down fake gold coins when split apart. Wall Street’s predicament is the inverse of the one it faced in late 2008, says Frederick Cannon of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, a broking firm. Then, officials wheeled out weekly plans to save banks. Now they are rushing out measure after measure to punish the survivors, accompanied by increasingly fiery rhetoric. Barack Obama kept up the assault in his State of the Union address this week. Admitting that the bank bail-out was “as popular as a root canal”, he vowed to take on lobbyists who were “already trying to kill” financial reform. ...
Hedge funds and private equity: Off target - Economist - January 29, 2010
Some will benefit from curbs on the banksFEW politicians have a good word for hedge funds and private equity. In the European Union, the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive, which attempts to bring the two industries into the regulatory net, is lumbering through the system. And Barack Obama’s new plan to rein in the banks clearly sees their direct involvement in the two sectors as a source of unjustifiable risk. It is still not clear precisely what the American administration intends to do. Mr Obama said on January 21st: “Banks will no longer be allowed to own, invest or sponsor hedge funds, private-equity funds or proprietary-trading operations for their own profit unrelated to serving their customers.” At first sight, the “sponsorship” clause might seem to apply to prime brokers, the bank divisions which supply hedge funds with finance, back-office and trade-execution support, investment advice, technology and a whole lot more. Todd Groome, chairman of the Alternative Investment Management Association, an industry-lobby group, says “the language is quite broad-brush.” ...
Deutsche Bank bases new core banking system on SAP (Thaipr.net) - Yahoo! News - January 29, 2010
Deutsche Bank and SAP today announced that the bank plans to start a multi-year initiative in 2010 to replace individual software solutions in its home market by a new core banking system based on SAP
SG hires new head of UK investment banking and M&A rainmaker (eFinancial News) - Yahoo! News - January 29, 2010
Société Générale has hired a new head of UK investment banking from Royal Bank of Scotland and a former Lazard rainmaker as head of its UK financial institutions group, marking the latest move in chief executive Michel Péretié’s plan to strengthen the bank’s advisory business.
Benevolent hackers poke holes in e-banking (New Scientist) - Yahoo! News - January 29, 2010
The more popular online banking and credit-laden smartcards become, the more their security is coming under scrutiny – and being found lacking
Secret Banking Cabal Emerges From AIG Shadows: David Reilly (BusinessWeek) - Yahoo! News - January 29, 2010
The idea of secret banking cabals that control the country and global economy are a given among conspiracy theorists who stockpile ammo, bottled water and peanut butter. After this week’s congressional hearing into the bailout of American International Group Inc., you have to wonder if those folks are crazy after all.
Condo Complications: The Issues Behind Ownership - Investopedia - January 29, 2010
Being a "condo person" is just one of the issues you'll have to examine when deciding if a condo is right for you.
Measuring Management Moxie - Investopedia - January 29, 2010
Find out how the amateur investor can measure the success of management.
More Money: A debtor's revenge - CNNMoney - January 29, 2010
Apple stock in wild ride - CNNMoney - January 29, 2010
The debut on Wednesday of Apple's long-awaited tablet sent the company's stock on a wild ride.
Cries grow for banks to boost dividends - CNNMoney - January 29, 2010
With many banks posting big profits again and paying hefty bonuses, investors are starting to wonder when their bonus, a quarterly dividend, will increase.
Senate hikes debt cap by $1.9 trillion - CNNMoney - January 29, 2010
The Senate on Thursday raised the cap on how much the government can borrow to a record level.
Geithner: 'I'll carry the burden' of AIG forever - CNNMoney - January 29, 2010
A day after facing furious lawmakers on Capitol Hill, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner told CNN on Thursday that he would forever "carry the burden" of the decision to bail out AIG but defended it as the government's only option.
Yet another try at foreclosure rescue - CNNMoney - January 29, 2010
Under fire for the low number of people receiving long-term mortgage help, the Treasury Department on Thursday announced new guidelines that will require applicants to provide all paperwork before getting a trial modification.
Davos bankers quietly push back - MarketWatch - January 29, 2010
Bankers may not dominate Davos like they once did, but they’re quietly pushing back against efforts to crack down on size and scope of their activities.
Ford Posts '09 Profit - WSJ - January 29, 2010
Ford reported its first annual profit in four years. The auto maker benefited from rising sales, firmer pricing and lower costs in its home market of the U.S.
The Fed: Bernanke wins approval for second term at Fed - MarketWatch - January 29, 2010
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke survives hard-core opposition to his handling of the financial crisis and wins approval for a second four-year term.
Bond Report: Treasurys gain on sovereign-debt concerns - MarketWatch - January 29, 2010
Treasury prices rise, pushing short-term yields lower, as rising concerns about the debt of some European countries revive demand for the relative security of U.S. debt.
Economic Report: Reserve Bank of India begins monetary tightening - MarketWatch - January 29, 2010
The Reserve Bank of India increases commercial banks’ cash reserve ratio by a higher-than-expected 75 basis points to 5.75%, signaling its intent to roll back its easy monetary policy stance as inflationary pressures rise.
Asia Markets: India shares losing sheen amid tightening fears - MarketWatch - January 29, 2010
As the Reserve Bank of India appears set to begin unwinding its easy monetary policy stance, analysts are increasingly turning bearish, saying rising inflation could invite more tightening measures in the months ahead.
Mutual Funds Weekly: Adventures in the mutual-fund trade - MarketWatch - January 29, 2010
It’s the biggest mistake fund investors make when buying a fund: Basing the decision on past performance.
Calderon: Global climate deal hinges on money (AP) - Yahoo! - January 29, 2010
The success of talks this year to salvage a global climate accord hinges on money, Mexico's President Felipe Calderon said Friday, urging executives at the World Economic Forum to pay more to fight climate change.
Ohio explores ways to pay for passenger train (AP) - Yahoo! - January 29, 2010
Ohio will find a way to pay for a new passenger train system without increasing the state tax burden, transportation officials said Thursday, a day after winning a $400 million federal stimulus grant that adds the state to the national rail plan.
Has a New Price War Broken Out in Online Trading? - Barron's - January 29, 2010
Analysts argue that firms like Schwab are lowering commissions to remain competitive while building up assets.
Time for Tim Geithner to go - CNN Money Markets - January 29, 2010
The shelf life for a Treasury Secretary is often pretty short. Timothy Geithner may be nearing his expiration date.
Long-term Treasurys slide - CNN Money Markets - January 29, 2010
Treasury prices were mixed Wednesday, with longer term issues falling, as investors mulled a stock selloff and upbeat earnings reports.
Oil gives back gains as stocks tumble - CNN Money Markets - January 29, 2010
Oil prices ended slightly lower Thursday, giving back earlier gains, as a selloff on Wall Street put traders on edge and the dollar strengthened.
Dollar mixed after Obama speech - CNN Money Markets - January 29, 2010
The dollar was mixed Thursday as traders mulled President Obama's pledge to create jobs and ongoing concerns about global economic growth.
Wall Street bulls cheer the Jets loss - CNN Money Markets - January 25, 2010
Investors scored big Sunday when the New York Jets lost to the Indianapolis Colts -- at least according to the Super Bowl stock indicator.
Stocks: Trying to reverse the slide - CNN Money Markets - January 25, 2010
After the worst week on Wall Street in almost a year, investors will return to work looking for greater clarity -- from Washington, from the banks and from corporate America.
City minister Myners seeks review of how investment banking has 'permeated' society (Daily Telegraph) - Yahoo! News - January 25, 2010
Lord Myners, the City minister, calls for an independent review into the investment banking industry.
Darling Sceptical Of Obama's Banking Reform (INO News) - Yahoo! News - January 25, 2010
(RTTNews) - British Chancellor Alistair Darling expressed scepticism on Sunday towards U.S. President Barack Obama's banking reforms, saying the proposals would not have prevented the crisis and warned that they risk undermining the international consensus on reforming the financial system.
Wall Street set for a bounce - CNN Money Markets - January 25, 2010
U.S. stocks were poised for early gains Monday, as investors looked to recover from last week's big pullback.
G-7 finance officials debate banking system reform (AP via Yahoo! Finance) - Yahoo! News - January 25, 2010
Finance officials from the Group of Seven developed nations are meeting Monday in London to discuss reform of the global banking system to prevent taxpayers from bearing the brunt of any future bailouts.
Gas prices drop a bit - survey - CNNMoney - January 25, 2010
Gasoline prices fell an average of $1.4 cents per gallon over the past two weeks, but remain well above last year's mark despite high unemployment cutting into demand, according to a new nationwide survey.
Growth and hiring outlook improves - CNNMoney - January 25, 2010
Economists are optimistic that the recovery will continue in 2010, as the pace of job losses slows and hiring picks up, according to a survey released Monday.
Sam's Club cuts 10,000 jobs - CNNMoney - January 25, 2010
Wal-Mart's warehouse retail chain Sam's Club is cutting 10,000 jobs, the company said Sunday.
25 Best companies...fattest paychecks - CNNMoney - January 25, 2010
Senior account execs at Salesforce.com take home an average $249,607 annually. Who else offers big money?
Who's afraid of rising rates? Banks! - CNNMoney - January 25, 2010
Of all the things keeping bankers up at night these days, the direction of interest rates may soon rank up there with loan losses and the heavy hand of the government.
Weekend Investor: The biggest mistake you can make in picking a fund - MarketWatch - January 25, 2010
Most investors look at a fund manager’s returns before deciding to invest. The question is: Just how much can we judge a fund by its track record?
Stocks to Watch: Apple, Google, Texas Instruments in focus - MarketWatch - January 25, 2010
Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trading Monday are Apple Inc., Google Inc., Texas Instruments and Amgen.
Stock Analysts: Should You Listen? - Investopedia - January 25, 2010
If you want to find out which analysts are worth following, you shouldn't take their word for it.
Banking partition proposed (Arkansas News Bureau) - Yahoo! News - December 29, 2009
Seeking to prevent future financial crises and soothe public anger over bailouts and bonuses, lawmakers in both parties are proposing legislation similar to the 1933 Glass-Steagall Act that separated commercial and investment banking.
Greene: Ritter must hire banking watchdog now (Denver Post) - Yahoo! News - December 29, 2009
On the ninth floor of a downtown Denver office building lingers what may prove to be one of Bill Ritter's biggest mistakes. Six desks sit empty at the state Division of Banking.
FDIC orders Dallas-based Equity Bank to stop 'unsafe' banking practices (Dallas Morning News) - Yahoo! News - December 29, 2009
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has ordered Dallas-based Equity Bank SSB to halt alleged "unsafe or unsound banking practices."
Dollar drifts in quiet trading - CNN Money Markets - December 29, 2009
The dollar was little changed against major currencies Monday at the beginning of what is expected to be a quiet week.
What could go wrong in 2010 - CNN Money Markets - December 29, 2009
At the start of 2009, who could have imagined that we'd actually have reasons to look back at the year fondly? It began with much to be worried about -- the health of Citigroup, Bank of America, AIG and other big financials; looming bankruptcies at GM and Chrysler; a stock market at its lowest point since 1997; and a labor market hemorrhaging jobs.
Treasurys fall as auctions begin - CNN Money Markets - December 29, 2009
Treasury prices fell at the end of the first day of a holiday-shortened week that brings $118 billion worth of auctions.
Airline stocks lower after failed terror attack - CNN Money Markets - December 29, 2009
Airline stocks opened lower Monday after a botched terror attack aboard a Northwest Airlines flight approaching Detroit on Christmas Day disturbed the industry.
Oil hits 5-week high, nears $80 - CNN Money Markets - December 29, 2009
Oil prices gained for a fourth straight session, climbing to their highest level in more than five weeks as cold weather swept across the country and the dollar weakened.
Long-Term Investing With Equity Index CDs - Investopedia - December 29, 2009
Equity Index CDs are perfect for investors who don't mind hanging in for the long term.
Mr. Sunshine's happy economic outlook - CNNMoney - December 29, 2009
Economics is known as the dismal science, but not every economist is a pessimist.
Writing off losses in your portfolio - CNNMoney - December 29, 2009
Question: If I sell a mutual fund to write off the loss on my tax return, do I face any restrictions on reinvesting the money? -- Tom M., St. Paul, Minn.
Fannie, Freddie soar on blank checks - CNNMoney - December 29, 2009
Shares of mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac soared Monday after the Treasury Department announced what essentially amounts to a blank check for their bailouts.
Morgan Stanley said to mull pay changes - CNNMoney - December 29, 2009
Like other Wall Street firms, Morgan Stanley appears set to implement changes to its pay practices.
This Year, the Rewards Were in the Risks - Barron's - December 29, 2009
Treasury yields rose. Prices plummeted. You call these "securities?"
Online Holiday Sales Boost Retail ETFs (Investor's Business Daily) - Yahoo! - December 29, 2009
Led by online shopping, U.S. retail sales rebounded from a historically poor 2008. Sales rose about 3.6% this holiday season vs. the same Nov. 1...
3 ways to master credit cards (Bankrate.com) - Yahoo! - December 29, 2009
Your card rates are growing, and it may not be your credit that's the problem. It may be the bank's.
Before buying first home, brace yourself for costs (at MarketWatch) - Yahoo! - December 29, 2009
On his road to homeownership, Scott Leibfried has learned one thing: Expect the unexpected.
J.P. Morgan reportedly sues former executive for alleged theft - MarketWatch - December 29, 2009
JPMorgan Chase &Co. (JPM) has filed a civil lawsuit against a former executive, accusing him of stealing $2.8 million from a customer, Reuters reported Monday. The bank said it reimbursed the customer. The executive, Hernan Arbizu, who was fired in May 2008, was arrested in July of that year and charged with embezzling about $5.4 million from customers. Arbizu is in Argentina, pending extradition.
David Weidner's Writing on the Wall: The bank that couldn't shoot straight - MarketWatch - December 29, 2009
Citigroup Inc. may be out of intensive care, but it’s still in critical condition, writes David Weidner.
Asia Markets: Philippine banks, property shares to gain in 2010 - MarketWatch - December 29, 2009
The Philippine stock market might not keep pace in 2010 with its year-to-date climb of more than 60%, but it will likely continue to post gains, with the banking, consumer and property sectors leading the advance.
Egypt Banking Sector Analysis - New Report Published (OfficialWire) - Yahoo! News - December 21, 2009
When all the major economies of the world have been adversely hit by the financial crisis, the banking industry in Egypt remains largely stable, reflecting its relative isolation from and resilience to the global crisis.
(AFX UK Focus) 2009-12-21 01:47 HK shares set to fall; HSBC eyed on tougher banking rules (Interactive Investor) - Yahoo! News - December 21, 2009
HONG KONG, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Hong Kong shares may fall for the fourth day in a row on Friday, as banking stocks could take a hit after regulators said lenders will have to set aside more profit or even raise capital protection under tough new proposals..
Asciano enters new banking deal (BigPond News) - Yahoo! News - December 21, 2009
Asciano has entered into a new deal with its existing banking syndicate and several new banks.
HSBC Amanah launches the world’s first international Islamic personal banking service (Thaipr.net) - Yahoo! News - December 21, 2009
HSBC Amanah today announced the launch of HSBC Amanah Premier - the world’s first Islamic banking service aimed at internationally mobile, affluent consumers. HSBC Amanah Premier, a cross-border Islam
The 10 best stocks for 2010 - CNN Money Markets - December 21, 2009
Don't look for a mass revival, but these stocks should do well.
Oil continues rise - CNN Money Markets - December 21, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Projected Returns: Honing The Craft - Investopedia - December 21, 2009
Find out how to forecast long-term returns on the three major asset classes.
Callable CDs: Check The Fine Print - Investopedia - December 21, 2009
These offer higher returns than regular certificates of deposit, but there's a catch.
Trade Simple, Trade Smart - Investopedia - December 21, 2009
Simplicity can be a trader's best friend. Here is a simple day trading strategy which takes advantage of a stock's dynamics.
Best of the Best: 39 top companies - CNNMoney - December 21, 2009
Which companies were on the most Fortune lists - including the FORTUNE 500, Fastest-Growing and Best Companies to Work For - this year?
Insurgent automakers: What we'll drive next - CNNMoney - December 21, 2009
Of all the changes in the American economy over the past 18 months, perhaps the most startling has been the rapid collapse of the major car manufacturers.
Citadel Broadcasting files for bankruptcy - CNNMoney - December 21, 2009
Citadel Broadcasting Co., the third-largest radio group in the United States, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Sunday.
US stocks flat on banking and tech declines (MalaysiaNews.net) - Yahoo! News - December 8, 2009
Wall Street has closed flat, with stocks retreating from earlier gains as losses in banking and technology shares weighed on the market. Trading was fairly volatile overnight, with the market rallyin...
Dexia Said to Join Firms Weighing Sale of Private Banking Units (Bloomberg) - Yahoo! News - December 8, 2009
Dec. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Dexia SA is reviewing its wealth management unit for a possible sale, people with knowledge of the matter said, the latest financial institution weighing the disposal of private-banking assets after a state rescue.
Gold tarnished by dollar run - CNN Money Markets - December 8, 2009
Gold prices extended their decline for a second straight session Monday as the dollar continued to rise.
Dick Bove's bold bank call - CNN Money Markets - December 8, 2009
If you missed the rally in bank stocks this year, longtime analyst Dick Bove says not to worry. He predicts that large banks' shares will double by the end of next year.
Choppy day on Wall Street - CNN Money Markets - December 8, 2009
Stocks were mixed late Monday at the end of a choppy session impacted by a strong dollar, falling oil and gold prices and comments from Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke that cooled worries about higher interest rates.
Oil continues retreat - CNN Money Markets - December 8, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Signs That It Might Be Time To Sell - Investopedia - December 8, 2009
In the stock market, knowing when to sell is just as important as knowing when to buy.
Ivar Krueger: Businessman Or Scam Artist? - Investopedia - December 8, 2009
Match monopolist Ivar Kreuger started as a brilliant businessman, but his high-flying lifestyle led to some shady dealings.
Mortgage lenders still aren't lending - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
Boom time for books about the recession - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
First came the recession. Now come the books about the roots of the recession.
In praise of extravagance - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
As I sign up for Medicare, a few thoughts run through my little mind. There is a fabulously great quote from an Ernest Hemingway story. After the Crash of '29, a man is asked how he went broke. "Slowly," he says, "and then all at once."
Hang onto your down payment money - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
Question: My wife and I have two small kids and we're saving for a house that we'd like to buy within the next two years. We've got a significant pot of cash (more than $100,000) that we almost invested before the market tanked, but thankfully did not. I'm now wondering, however, whether I should invest some or all of it to grow our house fund more quickly or whether I should just keep this money liquid. What do you think? -- Dave, Boston, Mass.
Google rolls out real-time search - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Citizens lay down law on U.S. debt - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
When it comes to managing the country's purse strings, Washington gets a failing grade from several groups of citizens and experts across the country.
Living debt free: 5 stories of a cash-only diet - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
Credit card reform kicks in Feb. 22, but it won't matter to these 5 readers. They already cut up their cards and use cash. Here's how they did it.
Job picture rosier in 2010 - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
The New Year's resolution for most employers will be to keep staff levels stable during the first quarter of 2010, according to a report released Tuesday.
Obama: Use TARP for job creation - CNNMoney - December 8, 2009
President Obama is expected to announce Tuesday that he wants Congress to redirect a certain portion of leftover Wall Street bailout funds toward job creation measures, White House officials told CNN.
Mall Traffic Looks Flat Ahead of Xmas - Barron's - December 8, 2009
December has gotten off to a slow start for retailers, says Lazard Capital Markets.
Can Credit Card Cos. Charge Higher? - Barron's - December 8, 2009
American Express, Capital One and Discover Financial all were upgraded today. Should they have been?
Energy Stocks: Petroleum shares dip in mixed energy stocks finish - MarketWatch - December 8, 2009
Shares of natural gas producers and drilling firms took the lead while equities tied to the petroleum business traded flat on weaker oil prices.
China banking group to visit Taiwan -paper (Reuters via Yahoo! Philippines News) - Yahoo! News - November 30, 2009
TAIPEI, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Hu Xiaolian, a vice governor of the People's Bank of China, will lead a group of banking executives to visit Taiwan on Monday, in the latest sign of easing ties on both sides, the Commercial Times reported.
Banking for elderly to be made easier (The New Zealand Herald) - Yahoo! News - November 30, 2009
Elderly and disabled people will have better access to banking services thanks to a new set of guidelines, the Bankers' Association says .The voluntary guidelines recommend initiatives such as low teller counters, user-friendly...
UAE banking system 'stronger than a year ago' (AFP via Yahoo! News) - Yahoo! News - November 30, 2009
The central bank of the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday the oil-rich country's banking sector is more sound and liquid than a year ago, days after Dubai asked to suspend debt payments.
Stocks ready for early post-holiday gain - CNN Money Markets - November 30, 2009
U.S. stocks were set to open modestly higher Monday as some of the fears from the Dubai debt shakeup subsided and after early reports of tepid holiday sales figures for the Thanksgiving weekend.
Dollar retreats as Dubai concerns wane - CNN Money Markets - November 30, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Oil edges higher - CNN Money Markets - November 30, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Eye on the consumer - CNN Money Markets - November 30, 2009
Wall Streeters returning Monday after an almost five-day holiday weekend better be well rested: the week ahead brings an onslaught of reports on retailers, consumer spending and the jobs market.
Overcome The Retirement "Gender Gap" - Investopedia - November 30, 2009
Learn why many women's post-work saving plans fall behind and what they can do to catch up.
Momentum Indicates Stock Price Strength - Investopedia - November 30, 2009
Momentum can be used with other tools to be an effective buy/sell indicator.
Keep Holiday Debt From Snowballing - Investopedia - November 30, 2009
Holiday expenses can drown you in debt. Find out how to avoid this festivity hangover.
Is Your Psyche Ready For A Bull Market? - Investopedia - November 30, 2009
Not all investors are mentally prepared for when a much-awaited bull market finally comes charging in.
Macs are Amazon's 'Most wished for' - CNNMoney - November 30, 2009
Google, Disney chiefs due at Obama jobs summit - CNNMoney - November 30, 2009
Executives from Google and Walt Disney will join other company chiefs, academics, labor leaders and mayors at President Obama's jobs summit this week, the White House said Sunday.
Cyber Monday: Hope for disappointed stores - CNNMoney - November 30, 2009
The good news for merchants is that more Americans this year turned out to bag Thanksgiving weekend deals than last year. The bad news, however, is that shoppers on average spent less on their purchases compared to a year ago.
BofA aims to clearly spell out credit card terms (AP) - Yahoo! - November 30, 2009
Bank of America is sending its credit card customers a one-page letter with a simple explanation of the interest rates and fees they're being charged starting Monday.
Economic Report: Euro-zone inflation sees unexpected Nov. jump - MarketWatch - November 30, 2009
Economists on Monday downplayed an unexpected 0.6% annual rise in consumer prices across the 16-nation euro zone in November, attributing the jump to comparisons with highly volatile energy prices last year.
Treasurys gain on sliding stocks - CNN Money Markets - November 20, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
The Masters of the Universe are back - CNN Money Markets - November 20, 2009
Mergers are all the rage in Corporate America again. Healthy companies are looking to take advantage of their strong balance sheets and surging stock prices to strike while the iron is hot.
Long-Term Equity Anticipation Securities: When To Take The "LEAP"? - Investopedia - November 20, 2009
Options are always speculative, but LEAPS provide a longer time frame, which may make them more profitable.
Top Tips For Sticking To A Thanksgiving Budget - Investopedia - November 20, 2009
Before buying your turkey and trimmings, plan and budget to keep costs under control.
EBITDA: Challenging The Calculation - Investopedia - November 20, 2009
This measure has a bad rap, but it's still a valuable tool when used appropriately.
Why ETFs Are A-OK - Investopedia - November 20, 2009
Exchange-traded funds provide unique opportunities for investors. Find out how.
Commodities That Move The Markets - Investopedia - November 20, 2009
Find out how the everyday items you use can affect your investments.
Mortgage loans: Record number are late - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
Mortgage borrowers are still falling behind on their payments in record numbers, despite the many foreclosure prevention efforts initiated by the government and non-profits.
10 companies that groom you for the top - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
Successful businesses make developing talent their top priority. Fortune ranks the companies that do it best. IBM, led by CEO Samuel Palmisano, takes the top spot.
Postmortem: Did the bailout work? - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
As the Obama administration considers how to approach the next phase of the $700 billion financial bailout, questions are being raised on Capitol Hill about whether it is helping the economy.
Dell misses forecasts, shares sink - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
Shares of Dell Inc. fell sharply following the stock market's close on Thursday, after the PC maker reported drastically lower quarterly profit and sales that badly missed Wall Street's forecasts.
Masters of the Universe are back - The Buzz - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
Mergers are all the rage in Corporate America again. Healthy companies are looking to take advantage of their strong balance sheets and surging stock prices to strike while the iron is hot.
Are you committing career suicide? - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
The difficult job market has forced millions of workers to downgrade into a position they're overqualified for or take a survival job to make ends meet. And while riding out the recession might be a practical strategy for now, what will become of the underemployed when the dust clears and it's time to get back on track?
He took a $0 paycheck to prevent staff layoffs - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
Most affordable city to buy a house - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
Interest on U.S. debt: $4,800,000,000,000 - CNNMoney - November 20, 2009
Here's a new way to think about the U.S. government's epic borrowing: More than half of the $9 trillion in debt that Uncle Sam is expected to build up over the next decade will be interest.
Spanish banks: Savings and groans - Economist - November 20, 2009
Misery for the cajas does not mean joy for the banksSPAIN’S banks face a grim 2010. True, the listed banks made over €4 billion ($6 billion) in net profits in the third quarter of this year. But most economists predict that Spain will not emerge from recession until the middle of 2010 at the earliest. Dwindling margins and lower loan volumes will squeeze profits just as bad loans peak on the back of an expected 20% unemployment rate. One small consolation, say the commercial banks, is that Spain’s unlisted savings banks, or cajas, are generally doing even worse. Spain’s 45 cajas have been fierce competitors to the banks, steadily taking market share over the years.They are mutually owned and controlled by a mix of depositors, employees and, above all, local politicians. By riding Spain’s decade-long construction boom and taking advantage of their strong local presence, they now own 56% of Spanish mortgages. Loans to property developers make up about one-fifth of their assets. ...
Reforming financial regulation: A one-trick bill - Economist - November 20, 2009
An exercise in bank-bashing which may just please consumersCRACKING down on financial services was always likely to be a highlight of the Queen’s Speech, which sets out the government’s legislative priorities until the general election next year. With the cost of bailing out banks approaching GBP90 billion so far, lending to businesses still anaemic and bonuses once more rising, bank-bashing is now a national pastime. But the proposed new measures say more about the government’s determination to show it has bankers under control than they do about any bold new approach to financial reform. More detail was expected as The Economist went to press. The bill sets out to strengthen regulation, in four main ways. The most eye-catching concerns bankers’ pay. The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is to be allowed to tear up contracts if it thinks a bank’s bonus structure encourages risky behaviour. Its enforcement powers are likely to be strengthened in other respects too—for example, by allowing it to curb business activities as a punishment for past transgressions. Banks will be required to prepare “living wills”—blueprints for winding down the business in the event of looming bankruptcy. And a new Council on Financial Stability is to monitor risk in the system. Headed by the chancellor of the exchequer, it will include the Treasury, the Bank of England and the FSA. ...
It's Quiet …Too Quiet - Barron's - November 20, 2009
How to profit from a likely pickup in volatility
Treasury Yield Plunge Sends Warning - Barron's - November 20, 2009
Collapse in note yields suggests economic distress will keep Fed on hold well into 2010.
4 Ways to Survive a Layoff (Motley Fool) - Yahoo! - November 20, 2009
Soften the blow.
Panel votes to audit Fed's balance sheet - MarketWatch - November 20, 2009
Rep. Ron Paul, who has tried to audit the Federal Reserve for 26 years, is ever so much closer to his goal with the approval by a congressional panel of legislation requiring government audits of Fed monetary policy, as well as how much the central bank lends and to whom.
Mutual Funds Weekly: 'Halloween Effect' scares stock-market bears - MarketWatch - November 20, 2009
The seasonal pattern known as 'The Halloween Effect' has shown up on Wall Street most every year for decades and frightened away the bears. Maybe that's why they hibernate in winter.
The Stockpickers: Fund managers hunt small-caps that can grow bigger - MarketWatch - November 20, 2009
Like other mutual-fund managers who focus on the often-volatile small-cap market, Scott Tracy and Melissa Chadwick go through their stock investments with a fine-tooth comb.
Bank of Japan hikes economic view amid deflation - MarketWatch - November 20, 2009
Central bank leaves its policy interest-rate target at 0.1% as widely expected.
London Markets: British shares advance as miners, banks rise - MarketWatch - November 20, 2009
Broker downgrades weigh on shares of some firms despite the broad move higher by the FTSE 100.
NatWest offers mobile banking through Apple App Store (Computer Weekly) - Yahoo! News - November 13, 2009
NatWest Bank has put a free mobile banking application on the Apple...
Survey finds a boost in on-line banking (WWLP Springfield) - Yahoo! News - November 13, 2009
More Americans are banking on-line. Thats according to a new survey from the American Banks Association. The survey reveals that an increasing number of Americans would rather bank on-line than go inside a branch.
For retailers, Xmas is only kind of blue - CNN Money Markets - November 13, 2009
Welcome to the bizarre world of Wall Street where good news is often bad news simply because it isn't good enough.
Gold retreats from record high - CNN Money Markets - November 13, 2009
Gold fell Thursday, after climbing to a record high overnight, as the dollar rose against rival currencies and stock prices fell.
Treasurys mixed after 30-year bond sale - CNN Money Markets - November 13, 2009
Treasurys were mixed Thursday, with the 10-year note edging lower following a $16 billion auction of 30-year bonds that was met with lackluster demand.
Dollar pushes higher - CNN Money Markets - November 13, 2009
The dollar rose Thursday as ongoing concerns about the global economy boosted demand for the U.S. currency as a safe haven.
Oil slides 3% on inventory jump - CNN Money Markets - November 13, 2009
Oil prices dropped 3% on Thursday as a government inventory report showed that crude supplies jumped more than expected, the dollar firmed against its rivals and stocks cooled.
Play The Market Like Tiger Plays Golf - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
Score big by taking Tiger Woods' approach to golf and applying it to your portfolio.
Candlestick Charting: What Is It? - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
Discover the components and basic patterns of this ancient technical analysis technique.
The Plaza Accord: The World Intervenes In Currency Markets - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
In 1985, the G-5 nations signed an agreement to devalue the United States currency and correct the GDP. To an extent, it worked. But there were casualties.
How The Straddle Rule Creates Tax Opportunities For Options Traders - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
This rule allows traders to substantially reduce their risk, and possibly benefit on their tax returns as well.
Money Market Mutual Funds: A Better Savings Account - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
Forget the sock drawer - learn how to earn big bucks over the short term.
Your Financial Life: From Stressful To Stress-Free - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
Find out how to get the ball rolling on your future financial security. Then sit back and watch things unfold.
These Financial Products Are Too Complex For The Average Joe - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
Structured financial products are so elaborate that investors are unable to assess costs and risk.
5 Resources To Learn To Retire Rich - Investopedia - November 13, 2009
Find out what you need to know to plan for retirement, and which resources do the best job of showing the way.
Rumors: Verizon iPhone in 2010 - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
High security, low price tag - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
Until recently, small businesses looking for high-tech building security had few affordable options.
Housing agency running out of cash - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
The mortgage meltdown has ravaged the finances of a crucial government agency tasked with propping up the housing industry.
What sells for $4,000 a pound? Truffles - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
I take my first bite of a truffle in Franklin Garland's sunlit kitchen, which overlooks a greenhouse and an orchard of budding hazelnut trees.
My hypochondriac boss is swine-flu crazy - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
Dear Annie: My boss (who also owns the company I work for) has always been a hypochondriac, but lately he's gone over the edge.
October deficit reaches $176 billion - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
October was another costly month for Uncle Sam. The U.S. Treasury reported on Thursday that federal coffers racked up a deficit of $176.4 billion for the month.
Uncle Sam sitting on a goldmine - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
Gold is soaring to record high prices, and guess who has the biggest stash?
Obama's plan to 'put America back to work' - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
President Obama, facing a 10.2% unemployment rate, said Thursday he would hold a jobs forum at the White House in December.
Haggling over global warming - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
A recent plan offering high hopes that struggling greenhouse gas legislation might soon become law is still far from being a sure thing.
Days of big bank mergers are gone - CNNMoney - November 13, 2009
The days of big bank mergers are gone. And it may be a long time before they ever come back.
Wal-Mart Sees Tough Holidays - WSJ - November 13, 2009
Wal-Mart forecast a particularly competitive holiday season as customers continue to worry about finances and rising unemployment. The retailer's earnings rose 3.2%.
An Options Antidote for Falling Dividends - Barron's - November 13, 2009
Selling calls against stocks in a portfolio can help investors make up for the lost income.
Strong Steel Outlook to Boost Coal Prices - Barron's - November 13, 2009
Credit Suisse lifted estimates in the metallurgical-coal sector.
Good and Bad News in China's Currency Shift - Barron's - November 13, 2009
Allowing the remnimbi to rise may cut global imbalances but also tighten tap of liquidity.
Two Picks in Life and Health Insurers - Barron's - November 13, 2009
FBR Capital Markets likes StanCorp Financial and Prudential Financial.
Rules for the child care tax credit (Bankrate.com) - Yahoo! - November 13, 2009
The IRS has rules for claiming the child care credit if you pay a relative to provide the care.
Fed forces banks to ask consumers to join overdraft programs (CNNMoney.com) - Yahoo! - November 13, 2009
The Federal Reserve on Thursday released a new rule to prohibit banks from automatically enrolling customers in overdraft protection programs, which charge fees when consumers spend more than they have.
Fund Times: Formerly Red-Hot Fidelity Fund Reopens (Morningstar.com) - Yahoo! - November 13, 2009
Also, a growth leader and a laggard, a Putnam manager retires, and more.
Outside the Box: Wall Street has to live with a reactionary Fed - MarketWatch - November 13, 2009
For all the pomp and circumstance surrounding exit strategies and financial industry regulation, nothing has changed -- the Federal Reserve will only react to financial market problems after they occur, writes Tomi Kilgore.
Oil climbs 3% on GDP growth - CNN Money Markets - October 30, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Your move, Ben Bernanke - CNN Money Markets - October 30, 2009
Now that the economy has broken its four-quarter long slump, will Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke be more open to the idea of raising interest rates sometime soon?
Oil slides after rally - CNN Money Markets - October 30, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Stocks set to step back - CNN Money Markets - October 30, 2009
U.S. stocks were poised to pull back at Friday's open as investors caught their breath after the previous session's rally and awaited the latest measures on the health of the consumer.
Dollar firms on questions about U.S. growth - CNN Money Markets - October 30, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Tax-free Champagne, anyone? - CNNMoney - October 30, 2009
Not even Franz Kafka could have dreamed this one up.
What banks don't want anyone to know - CNNMoney - October 30, 2009
The banks have taken some lumps since the economy went bad. But some believe their biggest headaches are yet to come.
Clunkers: White House blows a gasket - CNNMoney - October 30, 2009
The Obama administration on Thursday lashed out at a prominent critic of its Cash for Clunkers program, arguing that the popular trade-in initiative helped give the auto industry and the economy a much needed boost in the past few months.
Stocks set to step back - CNNMoney - October 30, 2009
U.S. stocks were poised to pull back at Friday's open as investors caught their breath after the previous session's rally and awaited the latest measures on the health of the consumer.
Corporate Profit Rebound Ahead - WSJ - October 30, 2009
Fourth-quarter corporate profits will have an easy comparison to last year's deep loss for S&P-500 companies, offering a healthier outlook amid third-quarter declines.
Safer Semiconductor Stocks - Barron's - October 30, 2009
J.P. Morgan likes Linear Tech, Xilinx and Altera for defensive positions.
Hedge Funds: Citadel unlocks investors, unveils big changes - MarketWatch - October 30, 2009
Citadel Investment Group ends its suspension of redemptions, freeing up investors’ money that had been locked up in the firm’s flagship hedge funds for roughly a year.
Make Your Frequent Flier Miles Go Further (Motley Fool) - Yahoo! - October 30, 2009
Tips from a seasoned traveler on making the most of your miles.
Maine bank regulators warn consumers about scam (AP) - Yahoo! - October 30, 2009
Maine and federal banking regulators are warning consumers about a "phishing"scam in which fraudulent e-mails are circulating around the state.
Asia Markets: Japan markets hint at new life; banks, yen key - MarketWatch - October 30, 2009
Japan shares look ready to extend their gains into next week after this week’s upbeat economic data encouraged investors, but analysts say financial stocks and the yen continue to hold the market captive.
Chuck Jaffe: No stupid questions, only stupid investments - MarketWatch - October 30, 2009
When it comes to stupid investments, there are no stupid questions. For proof, here are some recent queries from my mailbag:
Bank of Japan begins gradual end of credit steps - MarketWatch - October 30, 2009
The Bank of Japan announces it will end one of its special liquidity-boosting measures while extending another one.
Hong Kong sets out bankers' pay proposals - MarketWatch - October 30, 2009
Hong Kong moves to reform bankers' pay, but stops short of imposing specific limits.
Treasurys slide after strong GDP report - CNN Money Markets - October 29, 2009
Treasury prices fell Thursday after a report showed the world's biggest economy expanded last quarter after a prolonged slump.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/rss/money_markets/~4/dQYp8KA6ork" height="1" width="1"/>
Stocks surge on GDP - CNN Money Markets - October 29, 2009
Stocks rallied early Thursday in a broad-based advance as a strong report on economic growth in the third quarter reassured investors that the economic recovery is on track.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/rss/money_markets/~4/HLA3w2BdiBc" height="1" width="1"/>
Dollar retreats as U.S. economy grows - CNN Money Markets - October 29, 2009
The dollar fell against the euro Thursday, ending a 4-day advance, after the U.S. economy grew more than expected in the third quarter, leading investors to jump back into riskier assets.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/rss/money_markets/~4/FvCAuXQB3jw" height="1" width="1"/>
Exxon Profit Drops 68% as Oil Slumps - WSJ - October 29, 2009
Exxon's earnings slumped 68% from the highest quarterly corporate profit ever recorded as oil prices plunged. Refining earnings fell.
Beneficiaries of Broadband Stimulus - Barron's - October 29, 2009
Jefferies &Co. likes ADC Telecom, Occam and Adtran.
GDP report: Economy up 3.5%, topping expectations (CNNMoney.com) - Yahoo! - October 29, 2009
The U.S. economy grew at a 3.5% annual rate in the third quarter, ending a string of declines over four quarters that resulted in the most severe slide since the Great Depression. But some economists raised doubts about how long such strong growth can last.
Create the perfect bond portfolio - CNN Money Markets - October 19, 2009
You already know that to protect yourself against stock market meltdowns, you should devote more of your portfolio to bonds as you age. But as you may have discovered recently, the downside protection you get can vary dramatically depending on the type of bonds you own.
Oil retreats from one-year high - CNN Money Markets - October 19, 2009
Oil prices slipped early Monday, pulling back from the previous week's rally.
Ultra-Short Bond Funds: More Risk Than Reward? - Investopedia - October 19, 2009
These funds' risk may overshadow their returns. Find out all you need to know before you get involved.
For Maximum Market Returns, Get Creative With Hedges - Investopedia - October 19, 2009
Proper hedges help to contain your losses while still allowing profits to grow.
Save The Earth: Become A Capitalist - Investopedia - October 19, 2009
Who says that capitalism and environmentalism have to be mutually exclusive?
Wall Street braces for earnings - CNNMoney - October 19, 2009
So far, so good. But next week brings the first big test for corporate profits.
Obama aides: Wall Street shouldn't fight reform - CNNMoney - October 19, 2009
Wall Street needs to focus more on helping Main Street than self-enrichment, two of President Obama's top advisers said.
'Shockingly higher' costs on horizon - CNNMoney - October 19, 2009
It's open enrollment time at work. Prepare yourself. Starting in 2010, your employer is making sure that when it comes to paying for your health care, you're going to be sharing much more of the burden.
Banks and bonuses: Making hay - Economist - October 19, 2009
Banks are paying bonuses even as shareholders make losses. That is a problem
MUCH of the recent anger over bank bonuses has been focused on Goldman Sachs, which, according to results just published, accumulated a further $5.4 billion for its staff in the most recent quarter. Yet the one thing that can be said about Goldman is that if its employees are making hay partly on the back of an implicit public guarantee, so are shareholders. In the same quarter the bank generated an annualised return on equity of 21%. Not so for some of America’s other banks. There, the owners (and in theory the controllers) of the firms seem to have been forgotten, even though pay remains relatively high. About the only consistent beneficiaries of the new boom are employees.
Take Citigroup. During the latest quarter the firm’s common shareholders suffered a loss of $3.2 billion. Some of that reflected accounting quirks: a generous interpretation of “one-offs” would suggest a small underlying profit had in fact been made, but even then the bank still only generated an annualised return on equity of 2% for its shareholders. At Bank of America (BofA) common shareholders suffered a loss of $2.2 billion, and even adjusting for one-offs they still made a loss. Yet the banks paid out a combined $13.7 billion in compensation during the same quarter. Taken together, on an annualised basis, employees received the equivalent of 27% of the core equity in the firm, whereas shareholders got a return of zero. ...
Stocks seen opening lower - CNN Money Markets - September 29, 2009
U.S. stocks were set for a lower start Tuesday as investors awaited readings on the housing market and consumer sentiment.
The end of the manic depressive market - CNN Money Markets - September 29, 2009
Wall Street will celebrate a not-so-happy anniversary on Tuesday.
Riding the bull a little longer - CNN Money Markets - September 21, 2009
With little on the docket to challenge investor optimism, the defiantly bullish stock market is looking to extend its staggering run in the week ahead.
Stocks headed for lower open - CNN Money Markets - September 21, 2009
U.S. stocks were set to slide at Monday's open, as investors pause in the recent surge on Wall Street.
Dollar bounces off 1-year low - CNN Money Markets - September 21, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Forget stock price, focus on value - CNN Money Markets - September 21, 2009
It's all too easy to think that a stock that has risen sharply is no longer a bargain -- or conversely that shares that have been cut in half must be a good deal. If only investing were that simple.
Forget stock price, focus on value - CNNMoney - September 21, 2009
It's all too easy to think that a stock that has risen sharply is no longer a bargain -- or conversely that shares that have been cut in half must be a good deal. If only investing were that simple.
Oil hovers near $71 on inventory drop - CNN Money Markets - September 11, 2009
Oil held steady around $71 Wednesday despite a weekly government report that showed crude inventories fell sharply from the previous week.
Is this rally for real? - CNN Money Markets - September 11, 2009
If you had the courage to buy stocks when the market hit bottom in March, congratulations! The S&P 500 and Dow Jones industrial indexes are near highs for the year after soaring around 50% since then.
Dollar falls to one-year low - CNN Money Markets - September 11, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Oil eases on demand doubts - CNN Money Markets - September 11, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Activist Investors: A Good Or Bad Thing? - Investopedia - September 11, 2009
When a large stakeholder is dissatisfied with a company's management, it may take matters into its own hands.
Cash Flow On Steroids: Why Companies Cheat - Investopedia - September 11, 2009
Pressure to be the best can sometimes push corporations to cheat. Learn how they do it and how to spot it.
Playing Investment Defense - Investopedia - September 11, 2009
Learn how to protect yourself from the potential risks that can impact a company's share price - and your investments.
6 Questions To Ask Before You Refinance - Investopedia - September 11, 2009
Refinancing your mortgage can be a quick way to save on payments, but it's not for everyone.
Corporate Bonds: An Introduction To Credit Risk - Investopedia - September 11, 2009
Corporate bonds offer higher yields, but it's important to evaluate the extra risk involved before you buy.
Stocks set to climb - CNN Money Markets - September 8, 2009
U.S. stocks were set to climb at Tuesday's open as hopes for a revival in deal activity bolstered traders returning from the long weekend.
Wall Street braces for September - CNN Money Markets - September 8, 2009
Sunburned and barbecued out, Wall Streeters returning to work next week face the first big challenge to the six-month-old rally.
Gold tops $1,000 - CNN Money Markets - September 8, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Stocks brace for September - CNN Money Markets - August 31, 2009
With stocks now sitting more than 50% above March lows and notorious rally-spoiler September in sight, the calls for a pullback have been getting louder.
What's next? Ask the bond market - CNN Money Markets - August 31, 2009
When it comes time to plot out your investment strategy, you probably focus most of your attention on how equities are doing and pay scant attention to the inner workings of bonds. But ignore the fixed-income market at your peril.
Chinese stocks swoon - down 6% - CNN Money Markets - August 31, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Stocks set for selloff - CNN Money Markets - August 31, 2009
U.S. stocks were poised to tumble Monday morning, after another sharp fall in Chinese stocks knocked back investor confidence.
The ABCs Of Mutual Fund Classes - Investopedia - August 31, 2009
Do you understand how the various types of shares differ? We give you the pros and cons of each.
Earn More Profit With Less Trading - Investopedia - August 31, 2009
Avoiding overtrading can save your money and your sanity. Find out how to slow your turnover and build your profits.
Highway stimulus: Just a 'down payment' - CNNMoney - August 31, 2009
Hacker pleads guilty in ID theft - CNNMoney - August 31, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Baker Hughes to buy BJ Services for $5.5 billion - CNNMoney - August 31, 2009
Property taxes: How to beat 'em - CNNMoney - August 31, 2009
You know that your home's value has tanked. So why doesn't the blasted tax man? Home prices fell 27% from the 2006 peak to the end of 2008, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Index, while the amount municipalities collected in property taxes rose 12% from 2006 to 2008.
Wall Street pro's billion-dollar woes - CNNMoney - August 31, 2009
The week of Sept. 7, 2008, started out innocently enough for J. Christopher Flowers. The billionaire, whose eponymous private equity firm invests mostly in troubled financial companies, was in Tokyo to attend a board meeting when he received a call from a senior executive at Bank of America. The executive wanted him to return to New York as quickly as possible to partner in a potential deal to buy Lehman Brothers, which was in increasingly desperate straits.
Stocks set for selloff - CNNMoney - August 31, 2009
U.S. stocks were poised to tumble Monday morning, after another sharp fall in Chinese stocks knocked back investor confidence.
Oil sinks from 10-month peak - CNN Money Markets - August 26, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Dollar gains on yen - CNN Money Markets - August 26, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Stocks set for weak start - CNN Money Markets - August 26, 2009
U.S. stocks were set for a weak open Wednesday as investors attempted to muster momentum to extend the recent rally.
Staples steps up to its rivals - CNN Money Markets - August 26, 2009
Soaring unemployment and stagnant consumer spending have stalled at office-supply chain Staples, which reported a 38% decline in quarterly profit Tuesday morning.
Focus With Exchange-Traded Grantor Trusts - Investopedia - August 26, 2009
These funds offer a very hands-off experience for the low-involvement investor.
Maximize Profits With Volatility Stops - Investopedia - August 26, 2009
Find out which type of volatility stop fits your trading objectives.
Your credit card company is watching you - CNNMoney - August 26, 2009
Postal workers: Resign or retire. Now! - CNNMoney - August 26, 2009
The Postal Service is making a total of $450 million in buyouts available to as many as 30,000 employees who agree to resign or retire this year.
The summer of (IPO) love - CNNMoney - August 26, 2009
Currency Effects Hit WPP's Net - WSJ - August 26, 2009
WPP Group reported a 48% fall in first-half net profit, as the marketing company's euro-denominated debt hit results.
S&P 500 Could Reach 1,200 by Year-End - Barron's - August 26, 2009
Prudential expects continued gains in equities in the second half.
Card issuers don't care, and they're proving it (at MarketWatch) - Yahoo! - August 26, 2009
Consumers are feeling the squeeze as credit-card issuers dig in to survive tough economic times and prepare for new operating rules.
White House forecasts $9 trillion in federal deficits (CNNMoney.com) - Yahoo! - August 26, 2009
New estimates of the federal deficit leave many questions unanswered but underscore one cold fact of life in Washington right now: Boosting the economy without making an already bad deficit worse is really hard to do.
Highway stimulus just a 'down payment'(CNNMoney.com) - Yahoo! - August 26, 2009
The government promised $27.5 billion in stimulus funds to help fix the nation's crumbling roads and bridges as part of a broader effort to save jobs. The effort is working...sort of.
Mutual fund fees on the rise - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
Textron soars on takeover talk - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
Big solar could create big jobs - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
A new report finds that ramping up solar development in Nevada could produce thousands of good-paying green jobs while generating nearly $11 billion in economic benefits.
How Apple can beat RIM - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
Mini-projectors: Tiny quality - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
I'm CEO of Playfish, one of the largest creators of video games for social networks like Facebook. Though our studios are spread around the world, we develop games collaboratively and often review them together, running our software over the company intranet and displaying it on computer monitors or through projectors.
Happy days are here again? Really? - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
I don't want to necessarily say that investors were displaying a bit of good old-fashioned irrational exuberance Thursday following Wells Fargo's projected results.
It's time to break up banks' top regulator - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Universal gets Webby with Vevo - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
Not so long ago, music companies were doing all they could to keep their music away from online video sites. Now Vivendi-owned Universal Music Group is partnering with Google's YouTube to do for music videos what Hulu.com has done for TV. After much speculation, the companies Thursday afternoon announced plans for Vevo.com, a premium music site that will feature all of UMG's artists.
Treasury to banks: Stay mum on 'stress tests' - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Oil demand forecast slashed again - CNNMoney - April 10, 2009
Read full story for latest details.
Private disability coverage worth look - Bankrate - April 10, 2009
Private disability insurance may offer extra benefits not found in employer-based coverage.
Are investors ready for risk again? - Bankrate - April 10, 2009
Signs of decent economic news are luring investors back in the market. But are they for real?
Final tax filing push is on - Bankrate - April 10, 2009
The deadline looms. If you're confused about your filing responsibilities, the IRS' rules are unambiguous.
Video: Family tax credits - Bankrate - April 10, 2009
Tax credits are available for children from birth through college.
Tax savings for educated use of bonds - Bankrate - April 10, 2009
If you used these government savings to pay college costs, the interest on the bonds is tax-free.
Staying married to save cash - Bankrate - April 10, 2009
The phrase "for richer or poorer" puts divorcing couples to the test during a recession.
The Best in Northeast Banks - Barron's - April 10, 2009
Sterne Agee lists its favorite names ahead of earnings season.
Will the Wells Fargo Rally Go Far? - Barron's - April 10, 2009
Banks are rallying but traders remain cautious on the rest of financials.
ING to sell off more operations (AP) - Yahoo! - April 10, 2009
ING NV, the Dutch bank and insurer, said Thursday it plans to sell operations it says could raise up to euro8 billion .
Peer-to-Peer Lending Pain (BusinessWeek) - Yahoo! - April 10, 2009
Once seen as the future of financing for entrepreneurs, the social-networking approach has suffered from high defaults
Oil prices rise sharply on hints of rebound (AP) - Yahoo! - April 10, 2009
Oil prices rose sharply Thursday despite more hints that energy use is way down, with traders focusing instead on a rising stock market and surprising news from retailers that suggests Americans are spending money.
Genworth says it missed TARP deadline; shares slump - MarketWatch - April 10, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Genworth Financial Inc. said late Thursday it missed a deadline to get money from the government's main bailout program, triggering a 20% plunge in shares of the life insurer during after-hours trading.
Financial Stocks: Wells Fargo provides lift for whole banking sector - MarketWatch - April 10, 2009
Wells Fargo &Co.’s early release of first-quarter results, which show record profits, helped push up all financial stocks and lead a solid rally across the board.
Currencies: Dollar gains ahead of upcoming long holiday weekend - MarketWatch - April 10, 2009
The U.S. dollar was slightly lower versus most major rivals other than the Japanese yen Thursday as equity markets posted a modest rebound, undercutting haven-related flows into the greenback.
Asia Markets: Nikkei loses its gains, as banks hit by Sumitomo Mitsui news - MarketWatch - April 10, 2009
Japanese shares fall back from their highs and into negative terriotry as a steep cut to Sumitomo Mitsui’s earnings forecast pressures banks.