Tuesday, January 31, 2006
ADVFN - Stocks A-Z
ADVFN - Stocks A-Z
Stock tip - find a stock that's trading in Tokyo and US. Follow the stock on Tokyo and identify mirroring trends in US. Trade the US stock with a crystal ball written in Japanese.
Stock tip - find a stock that's trading in Tokyo and US. Follow the stock on Tokyo and identify mirroring trends in US. Trade the US stock with a crystal ball written in Japanese.
Monday, January 30, 2006
WhisperNumber.com / Market Sentiment LLC
WhisperNumber.com / Market Sentiment LLC
This is really cool. Market surveys from the analysts and the common web surfer.
This is really cool. Market surveys from the analysts and the common web surfer.
AMG Data Services - Flows: Jan 25
AMG Data Services - Flows: Jan 25: "# Largest ETF Inflows:
$690 Mil to the Nasdaq-100 Index Tracking Stock fund;
$284 Mil to the Select Sector SPDRs Utility fund;
$137 Mil to the Select Sector SPDRs Consumer Staples fund;
$131 Mil to the iShares MSCI Emerging Market Index fund;
$121 Mil to the iShares MSCI Japan Index fund;
# Largest ETF Outflows:
-$2.319 Bil from the SPDR Trust Series I fund;
-$1.526 Bil from the Mid Cap SPDR fund;
-$1.225 Bil from the DIAMONDS fund;"
$690 Mil to the Nasdaq-100 Index Tracking Stock fund;
$284 Mil to the Select Sector SPDRs Utility fund;
$137 Mil to the Select Sector SPDRs Consumer Staples fund;
$131 Mil to the iShares MSCI Emerging Market Index fund;
$121 Mil to the iShares MSCI Japan Index fund;
# Largest ETF Outflows:
-$2.319 Bil from the SPDR Trust Series I fund;
-$1.526 Bil from the Mid Cap SPDR fund;
-$1.225 Bil from the DIAMONDS fund;"
Survivor Thestreet.com - Cramer goes long on Mark Burnett?
How many people have this in their bio?
Born in Philadelphia in 1955, Mr. Cramer has two degrees from Harvard and once lived for a short time in his car
NYO - NYTV
He lives in New Jersey, wakes at 3:45 a.m. and is worth, by his own estimate, between $50 and $100 million.
Apparently waking up at 3:45 in the morning is the key to success and wealth. Go long on thestreet.com. Up 68% this year.
Born in Philadelphia in 1955, Mr. Cramer has two degrees from Harvard and once lived for a short time in his car
NYO - NYTV
He lives in New Jersey, wakes at 3:45 a.m. and is worth, by his own estimate, between $50 and $100 million.
Apparently waking up at 3:45 in the morning is the key to success and wealth. Go long on thestreet.com. Up 68% this year.
SPWR: Key Statistics for SUNPOWER CORPORATION - Yahoo! Finance
SPWR: Key Statistics for SUNPOWER CORPORATION - Yahoo! Finance
Recommendations as a key Energy holding, something to watch.
Another one would be anything related to sugar. Sugar prices are up 92% over last year. As sugar is used in Ethanol production, and Brazil is the largest producer of sugar, this may be a good time to:
Short Krispy Kreme for increasing sugar costs.
Go long on Brazil ETF.
http://energystockblog.com/by/sector/energy/alternative-energy/
Recommendations as a key Energy holding, something to watch.
Another one would be anything related to sugar. Sugar prices are up 92% over last year. As sugar is used in Ethanol production, and Brazil is the largest producer of sugar, this may be a good time to:
Short Krispy Kreme for increasing sugar costs.
Go long on Brazil ETF.
http://energystockblog.com/by/sector/energy/alternative-energy/
ETF Investor » The Silver ETF’s Impact on Demand and Value (ETF: SLV)
ETF Investor » The Silver ETF’s Impact on Demand and Value (ETF: SLV): "This would almost certainly wipe out the entire world’s identifiable supply of above ground silver (about 550 million ounces according GFMS). Is it any wonder why the SUA (Silver User’s Association) is trying to cry “uncle” to the SEC in the hopes of putting the kibosh on the silver ETF?"
How to do the Cramer pump and dump dance
Seeking Alpha » Audience Mistakes Cramer’s Pick, Sends Unrelated Fund Up 46%
This should be done wearing a blue shirt and tie and sporting a shaven (or balding) head.
1. Place hands on head with fingers upward and palms touching temples.
2. Open mouth.
3. Scream boo-yah and buy bond funds!
This should be done wearing a blue shirt and tie and sporting a shaven (or balding) head.
1. Place hands on head with fingers upward and palms touching temples.
2. Open mouth.
3. Scream boo-yah and buy bond funds!
Stavros Niarchos - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Stavros Niarchos - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "In 1956 Niarchos acquired the important art collection of actor Edward G. Robinson and over the years put together one of the world's most significant collections with more than one hundred Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings. In 1989, he purchased Picasso's self-portrait 'Yo Picasso' for $47,850,000, plus he acquired works by Van Gogh, Goya, El Greco, and Rubens"
His grandson Stavros Niarchos III is an international playboy who has been linked with Mary-Kate Olsen and Paris Hilton.
His grandson Stavros Niarchos III is an international playboy who has been linked with Mary-Kate Olsen and Paris Hilton.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
The Internet Stock Blog » Microsoft F2Q06 (Qtr Ending Dec 31, 2005) Earnings Conference Call Transcript (MSFT)
The Internet Stock Blog » Microsoft F2Q06 (Qtr Ending Dec 31, 2005) Earnings Conference Call Transcript (MSFT)
Highlights
MS bought 7.7 billion worth of stock back & raised the dividend.
Lower than guidance Q2 2005 results.
Revenue driven by SQL
MBS grew 70% year/year
Chipping at the cash pile. (Down 5.4b (13%) from Q1)
Highlights
MS bought 7.7 billion worth of stock back & raised the dividend.
Lower than guidance Q2 2005 results.
Revenue driven by SQL
MBS grew 70% year/year
Chipping at the cash pile. (Down 5.4b (13%) from Q1)
Jeff Matthews Is Not Making This Up
Except in those days we didn’t have Excel spreadsheets: we had a centralized computer center where strange FORTRAN-literate employees created earnings models on mainframe computers, using our hand-scratched numbers.
We'd get a ream of computer paper back from the FORTRAN guys, look at pages and pages of numbers, make adjustmentss and send it back. And repeat the process any number of times, until we had a nice-looking computer-generated forecast that was basically meaningless by the time it was done.
Eventually we acquired something totally new: personal computers, which came with a cool spreadsheet program called “Lotus 1-2-3.”
What this revolutionary, time-saving device did was allow me to spend all my waking hours experimenting with complex formulas, typing in numbers, hitting the "recalc" button and playing with secretary-style formatting techniques in order to create a computer-generated forecast that was, likewise, basically meaningless by the time it was done.
Garbage in, garbage out, as they say.
We'd get a ream of computer paper back from the FORTRAN guys, look at pages and pages of numbers, make adjustmentss and send it back. And repeat the process any number of times, until we had a nice-looking computer-generated forecast that was basically meaningless by the time it was done.
Eventually we acquired something totally new: personal computers, which came with a cool spreadsheet program called “Lotus 1-2-3.”
What this revolutionary, time-saving device did was allow me to spend all my waking hours experimenting with complex formulas, typing in numbers, hitting the "recalc" button and playing with secretary-style formatting techniques in order to create a computer-generated forecast that was, likewise, basically meaningless by the time it was done.
Garbage in, garbage out, as they say.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Category:American economists - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
It would be nice to amalgamate the theories of all these economists into an all-predictive modelling tool. And then ask them all questions...
"Would Benjamin Graham buy this stock?"
"Would Steven Levitt name his child Dookie?"
"Would Benjamin Graham buy this stock?"
"Would Steven Levitt name his child Dookie?"
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Body language translated
Bill Cara: Over 40 million Stelco shares traded, Tues., Jan. 24, 2006, 2:40 PM: "It reeked so bad that in the courtroom, when the shareholders’ lawyer began to speak, the judge’s demeanour changed abruptly. His body posture sagged. He put his head in his hand, and then his cheek, and then his chin. Then he rubbed his chin, and then his ear, back to his forehead. He reached for his water glass several times. He rolled his eyes.
I can read body language as well as others, so during the lunch break I asked several Stelco union workers if they saw a change in body language at the moment the shareholders’ lawyer began to speak. To a person they said to me: “Of course we did.”"
Rolling his eyes! You don't need a body language specialist to tell you that he is laughing inside, and the remarks of the lawyer are really just an annoyance.
I can read body language as well as others, so during the lunch break I asked several Stelco union workers if they saw a change in body language at the moment the shareholders’ lawyer began to speak. To a person they said to me: “Of course we did.”"
Rolling his eyes! You don't need a body language specialist to tell you that he is laughing inside, and the remarks of the lawyer are really just an annoyance.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Canada's workforce just got older
Gone is the mandatory age 65 retirement. How will this affect companies with an older workforce?
McCarthy Tétrault LLP - Publications - Ontario Government Officially Puts an End to Mandatory Retirement: Changes Will Be Effective December 12, 2006: "Effective December 12, 2006 the definition of 'age' in the Code will be amended to read simply 'an age that is eighteen years or more.' As a result, the Code will generally prohibit employers from forcing employees to retire merely because they are 65 or older."
Often employers with mandatory retirement policies have decided to continue to employ a poor performing employee nearing age 65 with the knowledge that on his or her 65th birthday, the employee would be required to retire.
On benefit plan costs:
In fact, there are a variety of issues that employers should consider in relation to their benefit plans. For example, in the interest of maintaining strong employee relations, employers may consider allowing employees beyond the age of 65 to continue to participate in their benefit plans. However, the cost of providing benefits to older employees may have a significant impact on the cost of employers’ benefit plans.
On age discrimination:
Employers will also have to be cautious when dealing with older individuals in the context of hiring and performance evaluation. For example, individuals who are 65 years of age or older and are unsuccessful in their job applications may make a complaint of age discrimination against their prospective employers.
Conclusion (On GM, Ford, Stelco, and other companies with a larger, older workforce and huge pension plans. Will there be more job cuts?)
The new Act provides employers with a twelve-month ‘grace period’ in which to address the various issues that arise as a result of the end of mandatory retirement in Ontario.
McCarthy Tétrault LLP - Publications - Ontario Government Officially Puts an End to Mandatory Retirement: Changes Will Be Effective December 12, 2006: "Effective December 12, 2006 the definition of 'age' in the Code will be amended to read simply 'an age that is eighteen years or more.' As a result, the Code will generally prohibit employers from forcing employees to retire merely because they are 65 or older."
Often employers with mandatory retirement policies have decided to continue to employ a poor performing employee nearing age 65 with the knowledge that on his or her 65th birthday, the employee would be required to retire.
On benefit plan costs:
In fact, there are a variety of issues that employers should consider in relation to their benefit plans. For example, in the interest of maintaining strong employee relations, employers may consider allowing employees beyond the age of 65 to continue to participate in their benefit plans. However, the cost of providing benefits to older employees may have a significant impact on the cost of employers’ benefit plans.
On age discrimination:
Employers will also have to be cautious when dealing with older individuals in the context of hiring and performance evaluation. For example, individuals who are 65 years of age or older and are unsuccessful in their job applications may make a complaint of age discrimination against their prospective employers.
Conclusion (On GM, Ford, Stelco, and other companies with a larger, older workforce and huge pension plans. Will there be more job cuts?)
The new Act provides employers with a twelve-month ‘grace period’ in which to address the various issues that arise as a result of the end of mandatory retirement in Ontario.
McCarthy Tétrault s.r.l. - Publications - Recherche
McCarthy Tétrault s.r.l. - Publications - Recherche
This is one of the law firms involved in the Stelco case. Some interesting publications here....
This is one of the law firms involved in the Stelco case. Some interesting publications here....
Bill Cara: Stelco�s CEO was career exec of Brascan, Mon., Dec. 5, 2005, 2:57 PM
Bill Cara: Stelco�s CEO was career exec of Brascan, Mon., Dec. 5, 2005, 2:57 PM: "E&Y, under Hap Stephen, was also auditor of government spending that the Gomery Royal Commission found to be corruption on a major scale " the biggest in the history of Canada. Hap "
Bill links PM Martin with Stelco CEO Hap.
Now I’ll tell you a true story about my having crossed the Executive VP (Finance) of Noranda, which was the jewel of Brascan. He, the former Ontario govt energy minister and I were in an investment roundtable at the Toronto Press Club done for the Canadian Doctor magazine. At lunch afterward, I made the mistake of talking about possible illegal insider share buying. A screaming match ensued. Well actually, it was 100-pct one way. I was in the business exactly sixteen months – having joined after a solid accounting and consulting career – and already a leader of Corporate Canada was undressing me in public. Our host was gracious enough to put a stop to my quick demise.
Bill could (should) write a book on this stuff. Stranger than fiction...
And that’s how these things go. You decide early in your life, which road you are going to take, and you stick to it. Even when the going gets tough.
What all of us have to do is to fight conflicts of interest. There is no faster path to social equity.
Searching for social equity brings up Social Democracy in Wikipedia. Aka NDP.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_democracy
“Jim’s the dean of the whole area and certainly Bob Blair didn’t do this lightly,” says one litigator. “He sat on the commercial list many years with Jim. But I think some of this is also aimed at the bondholders in New York. Finance guys want certainty, so when the court steps in to the arena and starts removing directors on its own violation, you can’t do that. Directors are the company.
“So I think the language is also to reinforce that we have rule of law here, that we don’t have judges running the whole show. U.S. bondholders really do own the world. If they withdraw from our market, we’re screwed.”
This so reminds me of the movie Wall Street.
Plot Summary for Wall Street (1987)
Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) is a Wall Street stockbroker in early 1980's New York with a strong desire to get to the top. Working for his firm during the day, he spends his spare time working an on angle with with to approach the high-powered, extremely successful (but ruthless and greedy) broker Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas). Fox finally meets with Gekko, who takes the youth under his wing and explains his philosophy that "Greed is Good". Taking the advice and working closely with Gekko, Fox soon finds himself swept into a world of "yuppies", shady business deals, the "good life", fast money, and fast women; something which is at odds with his family including his estranged father (Martin Sheen) and the blue-collared way Fox was brought up.
I never caught on to this before, but Warren Buffett's company Geico Insurance's mascot is a Gecko. I wonder if Stanley Weiser & Oliver Stone took note of that, or just liked associating a corporate raider to a lizard.
Bill links PM Martin with Stelco CEO Hap.
Now I’ll tell you a true story about my having crossed the Executive VP (Finance) of Noranda, which was the jewel of Brascan. He, the former Ontario govt energy minister and I were in an investment roundtable at the Toronto Press Club done for the Canadian Doctor magazine. At lunch afterward, I made the mistake of talking about possible illegal insider share buying. A screaming match ensued. Well actually, it was 100-pct one way. I was in the business exactly sixteen months – having joined after a solid accounting and consulting career – and already a leader of Corporate Canada was undressing me in public. Our host was gracious enough to put a stop to my quick demise.
Bill could (should) write a book on this stuff. Stranger than fiction...
And that’s how these things go. You decide early in your life, which road you are going to take, and you stick to it. Even when the going gets tough.
What all of us have to do is to fight conflicts of interest. There is no faster path to social equity.
Searching for social equity brings up Social Democracy in Wikipedia. Aka NDP.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_democracy
“Jim’s the dean of the whole area and certainly Bob Blair didn’t do this lightly,” says one litigator. “He sat on the commercial list many years with Jim. But I think some of this is also aimed at the bondholders in New York. Finance guys want certainty, so when the court steps in to the arena and starts removing directors on its own violation, you can’t do that. Directors are the company.
“So I think the language is also to reinforce that we have rule of law here, that we don’t have judges running the whole show. U.S. bondholders really do own the world. If they withdraw from our market, we’re screwed.”
This so reminds me of the movie Wall Street.
Plot Summary for Wall Street (1987)
Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) is a Wall Street stockbroker in early 1980's New York with a strong desire to get to the top. Working for his firm during the day, he spends his spare time working an on angle with with to approach the high-powered, extremely successful (but ruthless and greedy) broker Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas). Fox finally meets with Gekko, who takes the youth under his wing and explains his philosophy that "Greed is Good". Taking the advice and working closely with Gekko, Fox soon finds himself swept into a world of "yuppies", shady business deals, the "good life", fast money, and fast women; something which is at odds with his family including his estranged father (Martin Sheen) and the blue-collared way Fox was brought up.
I never caught on to this before, but Warren Buffett's company Geico Insurance's mascot is a Gecko. I wonder if Stanley Weiser & Oliver Stone took note of that, or just liked associating a corporate raider to a lizard.
Canada's Election Day & Stelco - Sponsorship Ontario?
Aurora Institute - shedding light on the corporation: "That raised the possibility that Mr. Martin will have to withdraw from discussions on the issue, because Stelco is a major CSL customer. As finance minister, Mr. Martin had been required to withdraw from decisions on protecting the steel industry because of CSL's business ties with Stelco."
"How can the Prime Minister run a country when he has to run away from the cabinet table every five minutes to avoid a conflict of interest?"
"How can the Prime Minister run a country when he has to run away from the cabinet table every five minutes to avoid a conflict of interest?"
A $55 million dollar flash presentation
Hedge fund manager's $55 million gift brings expensive new flash presentations to Carnegie Mellon.
Really impressive. $55 million dollars on top of the existing $82 million they already had must have been an extraordinary surprise.
more here...
Really impressive. $55 million dollars on top of the existing $82 million they already had must have been an extraordinary surprise.
more here...
Is Canada the most corrupt country in the world?
Bill Cara upset by a corrupt Canada, Sat., Jan. 21, 2006, 11:59 PM: "I have had enough. Kaput. Fini."
I really hope that Bill Cara blogs from wherever his greener pastures are. I recommend Costa Rica, Bill. I really enjoy reading his commentary on the market and the charades played in the courtrooms of Canada.
I have not seen this story around Stelco in the news yet (they are more interested in election day), but it sounds to me like the Enron scam of Canada, perhaps worse, since this is a company that has value, and yet the shareholder loses all of theirs.
Class A shares went down 57% today. Bill says they're illegal to be traded, and yet there's been nothing said by the TSX or OSC.
So in effect the trading today is part of the fraud, and all the officers of the OSC and TSX know what's going on. They all must be held accountable.
I really doubt that is going to happen, Bill. Let's see when the new government comes to power where the loyalties lie.
I really hope that Bill Cara blogs from wherever his greener pastures are. I recommend Costa Rica, Bill. I really enjoy reading his commentary on the market and the charades played in the courtrooms of Canada.
I have not seen this story around Stelco in the news yet (they are more interested in election day), but it sounds to me like the Enron scam of Canada, perhaps worse, since this is a company that has value, and yet the shareholder loses all of theirs.
Class A shares went down 57% today. Bill says they're illegal to be traded, and yet there's been nothing said by the TSX or OSC.
So in effect the trading today is part of the fraud, and all the officers of the OSC and TSX know what's going on. They all must be held accountable.
I really doubt that is going to happen, Bill. Let's see when the new government comes to power where the loyalties lie.
From TVs to toys, the best time to buy everything - Jan. 20, 2006
From TVs to toys, the best time to buy everything - Jan. 20, 2006
Airlines
book a domestic flight at least two weeks in advance, and even further ahead for international travel or a few days before you fly, as fares from 14 to 7 days ahead of departure tend to be the most expensive.
TVs - April. Big screen tvs. Feb (after super bowl)
Houses - winter, cold.
Cars - End of the month
Video Games - Holidays, or 3 months after release
Toys - Before/afterholidays. August.
Airlines
book a domestic flight at least two weeks in advance, and even further ahead for international travel or a few days before you fly, as fares from 14 to 7 days ahead of departure tend to be the most expensive.
TVs - April. Big screen tvs. Feb (after super bowl)
Houses - winter, cold.
Cars - End of the month
Video Games - Holidays, or 3 months after release
Toys - Before/afterholidays. August.
MoneySense.ca Forums: Canadian mutual funds: Re: Thoughts on new iunits Dividend ETF...
MoneySense.ca Forums: Canadian mutual funds: Re: Thoughts on new iunits Dividend ETF...: "I don't care for this ETF....not even a little bit. Notwithstanding the limited depth and breadth of dividend payers in the Canadian market to populate such a fund, I'm of the opinion that the selection and rebalancing methodology is flawed."
Good thing I just bought that fund. Doh. Apparently it's geared towards retirees. XIU & XTR seem to be a better mix, according to the people here.
You're generating capital gains that you might just as well keep sheltered by holding the positions constant and you could actually reduce the amount of dividends paid out, in the shorter term at least.
Thanks for the clarification. I agree, determining allocation by dividend rate rather than yield is strange. I had given this one some previouus consideration, but will be sure to steer clear now for that reason.
There must be some good words for XDV....
Good thing I just bought that fund. Doh. Apparently it's geared towards retirees. XIU & XTR seem to be a better mix, according to the people here.
You're generating capital gains that you might just as well keep sheltered by holding the positions constant and you could actually reduce the amount of dividends paid out, in the shorter term at least.
Thanks for the clarification. I agree, determining allocation by dividend rate rather than yield is strange. I had given this one some previouus consideration, but will be sure to steer clear now for that reason.
There must be some good words for XDV....
Sunday, January 22, 2006
The Top 1000: Canada's Power Book - 50 Best Paid Executives
The Top 1000: Canada's Power Book - 50 Best Paid Executives
Frank has everyone beat by a long shot. Goes to prove that base salary doesn't mean squat, when you've got some 'long-term incentives' going on.
Frank has everyone beat by a long shot. Goes to prove that base salary doesn't mean squat, when you've got some 'long-term incentives' going on.
rbc ceo - Google Search
Here's a presentation I found. Has some good information around statistics in Canada up to 2005. Presented Jan 19, 2005 at the Canadian Bank CEO Conference. The Enhance Profitability slide has some points that relate to personal finances too.
Continue to improve portfolio quality
Bill Cara's Rule #6
Be cautious in fast-growing, low-margin sectors
Bill Cara's Rule #9
Eliminate value destroyer accounts through pricing and credit limits
Get out while the going's good.
Reduce costs by improving operational processes.
You can always find a better deal, and ways to save time and money.
Continue to exploit key niches such as energy lending.
Control spending and keep looking for ways to reduce monthly fees for hydro, phone, banking, subscriptions, auto, home, etc.
Continue to improve portfolio quality
Bill Cara's Rule #6
Be cautious in fast-growing, low-margin sectors
Bill Cara's Rule #9
Eliminate value destroyer accounts through pricing and credit limits
Get out while the going's good.
Reduce costs by improving operational processes.
You can always find a better deal, and ways to save time and money.
Continue to exploit key niches such as energy lending.
Control spending and keep looking for ways to reduce monthly fees for hydro, phone, banking, subscriptions, auto, home, etc.
MSFT - another ENRON?
Mini-Microsoft: "And we did get to have a crickets chirping moment: Ballmer addressed the glass ceiling on the stock and went through the rah-rah blah-blah speech about looking forward, three-year review, deliver innovation, watch the expenses, keep the faith, and deliver results. Pause for applause.
<>
Hmm, no applause. Ballmer observation: 'Awfully quiet here.' Though I have to admit another nice deflection was comparing how Microsoft runs our business vs. Enron (?!?!) and how Enron was entirely focused on the stock price and we're focused on good business fundamentals. Can we, ah, find a different company to compare ourselves to?"
Why is it that whenever I buy into a company it goes down? I buy Hemosol. Stock crashes. I buy Berkshire. Stock loses a bunch. I buy MSFT. Well... not much happening. I get pissed off & buy the iUnits Dividend ETF. The whole bloody market goes down.
Cheech Marin was saying on a recent podcast that the best investment he made was in Chicano art. He says art is around 1/4 of his portfolio.
He said the stock market was the worst.
Problem with art is you need lots of walls (if they're paintings or drawings). My wife's uncle moved out of a house in downtown Toronto, and retired into a bungalow outside of Brighton, Ontario. He is finding that much of the art he collected over the years cannot be displayed. Instead of hanging for asthetics, he is now hanging for value (to him.)
<
Hmm, no applause. Ballmer observation: 'Awfully quiet here.' Though I have to admit another nice deflection was comparing how Microsoft runs our business vs. Enron (?!?!) and how Enron was entirely focused on the stock price and we're focused on good business fundamentals. Can we, ah, find a different company to compare ourselves to?"
Why is it that whenever I buy into a company it goes down? I buy Hemosol. Stock crashes. I buy Berkshire. Stock loses a bunch. I buy MSFT. Well... not much happening. I get pissed off & buy the iUnits Dividend ETF. The whole bloody market goes down.
Cheech Marin was saying on a recent podcast that the best investment he made was in Chicano art. He says art is around 1/4 of his portfolio.
He said the stock market was the worst.
Problem with art is you need lots of walls (if they're paintings or drawings). My wife's uncle moved out of a house in downtown Toronto, and retired into a bungalow outside of Brighton, Ontario. He is finding that much of the art he collected over the years cannot be displayed. Instead of hanging for asthetics, he is now hanging for value (to him.)
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Canada's Enron?
Bill Cara: Taking issue with CCAA, Thurs., Jan. 19, 2006, 1:27 PM: "I have never been alone in making such claims. On Monday afternoon this week, the award-winning business journalist Eric Reguly stated on ROBTV that this Stelco matter is flat-out 'a billion dollar theft.'"
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Bill Cara: Asset allocation discussion, Fri., Jan. 13, 2006, 9:57 AM
Bill Cara: Asset allocation discussion, Fri., Jan. 13, 2006, 9:57 AM: "But this depends on how a trader manages his “business”. For instance, there are some pro traders who never leave the trading floor at the end of the day with less than 100 pct cash. Many in fact would never think of going over a weekend with less than 100 pct cash."
Bill Cara on weighing the pie.
Bill Cara on weighing the pie.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Let the Good Times Roll by Guy Kawasaki
Let the Good Times Roll by Guy Kawasaki: "# Obey the 10/20/30 rule. To repeat myself, your PowerPoint presentation should have approximately ten slides; you should be able to give this presentation in twenty minutes; and the smallest font should be thirty points. And yes, this means you--the guy with the revolutionary, patent-pending, curve-jumping, open-source, Google-adwords-optimized way to sell dogfood online."
Store of Evil Doom
Like I was saying, you either spend $250, $500, or $1000.
I just spent $499 on an HP Athlon 3400+ with 200GB SATA drive & 512 MB RAM. Pretty good deal, but it sounds like some of the ram gets eaten by the onboard video.
Since I'm buying it on behalf of somebody else, I'm kind of happy that I really didn't spend any money. I'm going to try out the media center capabilities before I give it away though.
I just spent $499 on an HP Athlon 3400+ with 200GB SATA drive & 512 MB RAM. Pretty good deal, but it sounds like some of the ram gets eaten by the onboard video.
Since I'm buying it on behalf of somebody else, I'm kind of happy that I really didn't spend any money. I'm going to try out the media center capabilities before I give it away though.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Jim Cramer's Real Money
When I first saw Jim Cramer's show Mad Money, I laughed my ass off. I thought his head was going to explode. Plus my wife hated it, so it couldn't be all bad.
I'm reading his newest book right now, and it has some excellent tips on investing. Here's one nugget that got me laughing again.
Oh, one other thing: please be wary of hot funds. One time, while I was working with my wife, a decade before I talked with Bogle, I opened my fund after a fantastic quarter. I took in almost the same amount of money that I was running? What happened? Well, when I was a kid, there was a game show called Supermarket Sweep. In the show contestants would have a couple of minutes to run through a supermarket with a cart, gathering as many expensive goods as they could. Whoever grabbed the highest-priced merchandise won the game -- "Look, he's going for the hams!"
The moral of the story is, don't spend all your money in one place, be patient and detached, and stay away from funds that are raking in the investors.
I used to live like his story. As soon as I got some extra cash, I would go out and spend $500 or $1000 at Future Shop. (aka Store of Evil Doom) Future Shop (& Best Buy now) always seem to work that way. You either spend $250, $500, or $1000.
BBY is up 27.57% over 52 wks.
CostCo, another $100-$500 store, is up 6.65%
Jim also recommends a few of his fund manager buddies.
Fidelity Contrafund (FCNTX) is up 14.68% /yr.
Smith Barney Aggressive Growth A (SHRAX) is up 10.59%
John Hancock Classic Value A (PZFVX) is up 7.3%
Oakmark Equity & Income I (OAKBX) is up 6.6%
Let's take a look at Contra later, since I liked the video game.
I'm reading his newest book right now, and it has some excellent tips on investing. Here's one nugget that got me laughing again.
Oh, one other thing: please be wary of hot funds. One time, while I was working with my wife, a decade before I talked with Bogle, I opened my fund after a fantastic quarter. I took in almost the same amount of money that I was running? What happened? Well, when I was a kid, there was a game show called Supermarket Sweep. In the show contestants would have a couple of minutes to run through a supermarket with a cart, gathering as many expensive goods as they could. Whoever grabbed the highest-priced merchandise won the game -- "Look, he's going for the hams!"
The moral of the story is, don't spend all your money in one place, be patient and detached, and stay away from funds that are raking in the investors.
I used to live like his story. As soon as I got some extra cash, I would go out and spend $500 or $1000 at Future Shop. (aka Store of Evil Doom) Future Shop (& Best Buy now) always seem to work that way. You either spend $250, $500, or $1000.
BBY is up 27.57% over 52 wks.
CostCo, another $100-$500 store, is up 6.65%
Jim also recommends a few of his fund manager buddies.
Fidelity Contrafund (FCNTX) is up 14.68% /yr.
Smith Barney Aggressive Growth A (SHRAX) is up 10.59%
John Hancock Classic Value A (PZFVX) is up 7.3%
Oakmark Equity & Income I (OAKBX) is up 6.6%
Let's take a look at Contra later, since I liked the video game.
Top 10 lies of a Venture Capitalist
When everything but yes means no.
“If you get a lead, we will follow.” In other words, “no.” As the old Japanese say, “If your aunt had balls, she'd be your uncle.”
“If you get a lead, we will follow.” In other words, “no.” As the old Japanese say, “If your aunt had balls, she'd be your uncle.”
Bill Gates really did lose a bet
Bill Gates has been buying a ton of Berkshire Stock lately. At around $90k/share, he isn't doing it for a 'value' investment.
It really does sound like he lost a bet now. ;)
Billionaires' Wager With Loaded Dice
It really does sound like he lost a bet now. ;)
Billionaires' Wager With Loaded Dice
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Benjamin Franklin and the law of compounding interest
Benjamin Franklin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "At his death, Franklin bequeathed 1000 pounds (about $4400 at the time) each to the cities of Boston and Philadelphia, in trust for 200 years.
The origin of the trust began in 1785 when a French mathematician named Charles-Joseph Mathon de la Cour wrote a parody of Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack called Fortunate Richard. In it he mocked the unbearable spirit of American optimism represented by Franklin. The Frenchman wrote a piece about Fortunate Richard leaving a small sum of money in his will to be used only after it had collected interest for 500 years.
Franklin, who was 79 years old at the time, wrote back to the Frenchman, thanking him for a great idea and telling him that he had decided to leave a bequest of 1,000 pounds each to his native Boston and his adopted Philadelphia, on the condition that it be placed in a fund that would gather interest over a period of 200 years.
As of 1990, over $2,000,000 had accumulated in Franklin's Philadelphia trust since his death. During the lifetime of the trust, Philadelphia used it for a variety of loan programs to local residents. From 1940 to 1990, the money was used mostly for mortgage loans. When the trust came due, Philadelphia decided to spend it on scholarships for local high school students.
Franklin's Boston trust fund accumulated almost $5,000,000 during that same time, and eventually was used to establish a trade school that, over time, became the Franklin Institute of Boston. (excerpt from Philadelphia Inquirer article by Clark De Leon)"
The origin of the trust began in 1785 when a French mathematician named Charles-Joseph Mathon de la Cour wrote a parody of Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack called Fortunate Richard. In it he mocked the unbearable spirit of American optimism represented by Franklin. The Frenchman wrote a piece about Fortunate Richard leaving a small sum of money in his will to be used only after it had collected interest for 500 years.
Franklin, who was 79 years old at the time, wrote back to the Frenchman, thanking him for a great idea and telling him that he had decided to leave a bequest of 1,000 pounds each to his native Boston and his adopted Philadelphia, on the condition that it be placed in a fund that would gather interest over a period of 200 years.
As of 1990, over $2,000,000 had accumulated in Franklin's Philadelphia trust since his death. During the lifetime of the trust, Philadelphia used it for a variety of loan programs to local residents. From 1940 to 1990, the money was used mostly for mortgage loans. When the trust came due, Philadelphia decided to spend it on scholarships for local high school students.
Franklin's Boston trust fund accumulated almost $5,000,000 during that same time, and eventually was used to establish a trade school that, over time, became the Franklin Institute of Boston. (excerpt from Philadelphia Inquirer article by Clark De Leon)"
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Bill Cara: Week #01 (2006-01-07) in Review
Bill Cara: Week #01 (2006-01-07) in Review: "Both PG and HD are in the Cara 100 Global Best Companies, but I have to agree that the PG acquisition of Gillette will prove difficult for a year, and that only the share buybacks will make the results appear o.k. HD on the other hand is by far the better choice of these two for the coming year.
I would hold off purchases of HD stock until a market pullback occurs. On extreme market weakness, put writing and share purchases are likely to generate excellent returns over the following three years."
I would hold off purchases of HD stock until a market pullback occurs. On extreme market weakness, put writing and share purchases are likely to generate excellent returns over the following three years."
Bill Cara: Week #01 (2006-01-07) in Review
Bill Cara: Week #01 (2006-01-07) in Review: "The currency most closely linked to gold, however, is the Canadian Dollar. You can basically overlay the long-term charts of those two and not see much difference. "
Bill Cara: Financial Planning Tools
Bill Cara: Financial Planning Tools: "The parts of Naviplan I use the most are the cash-flow analysis page, the Monte Carlo, the asset allocation, and the Net Worth and Income Tax pages. What is great about the cash-flow page is that you can get a report of a detailed cash-flow an choose to display up to 10 years (I believe) on one sheet. So, if you have a client who is paying off some debt in 2 years, purchasing a home in year 4, coming into some new assets in year 3, etc., it is easy to show to the client. "
EISI / NaviPlan Financial Planning Software
EISI / NaviPlan Financial Planning Software: "NaviPlan financial planning software, developed by EISI, is an integrated suite of tools developed for financial professionals who build advice-based client relationships. From simple planning concepts to in-depth financial plans, NaviPlan covers the full spectrum of wealth management scenarios. EISI's staff of 230 is solely committed to the NaviPlan product line, which is licensed to more than 70,000 financial services professionals across North America."
Recommended by Bill Cara, this $400 tool may be of use for the non-financial planner too. Let's find out...
Recommended by Bill Cara, this $400 tool may be of use for the non-financial planner too. Let's find out...
Fast Company | Chick-fil-A's Recipe for Customer Service
Fast Company Chick-fil-A's Recipe for Customer Service
I missed the free cow giveaway, but here's some of Chick-fil-A's customer service ideas. Are they on the stock market somewhere?
Mind your manners "My pleasure"
Cathy loves to add service touches that people don't expect from a fast-food restaurant. His latest is folding the last sheet of toilet paper into a triangular point. He believes it conveys a sense of cleanliness and meticulousness that customers appreciate. When he or one of the operators comes up with a new twist, he promptly sends out a voicemail message to owner-operators at the nearly 1,200 locations.
Nobody sells your business like your customers
After serving the crowd a free dinner, Cathy gives them 10 coupons for free meals and deputizes these "raving fans" to act as Chick-fil-A ambassadors. They promise to spread the word and hand out each coupon to a different person, someone unfamiliar with the restaurant.
If you want to race, build yourself a race car
In Louisville, Kentucky, owner Chris Flanagan erected a big red "drive-through wall of fame" to motivate employees. It lists the current record (110 cars an hour) and the names of the employees who achieved it. Whenever a team sets a new mark, he rewards each member with $50.
Know what matters to customers
The 20 or so questions focus on four factors that most affect loyalty according to Chick-fil-A research: taste, speed, attentiveness and courteousness, and cleanliness
You're can't be too thorough about hiring
The process of selecting new franchisees is so painstaking and lengthy (up to a year) that it's easier getting into the CIA
Operators don't necessarily have to be Christian, Cathy says, but they do have to exhibit humility, passion for service, compassion, and genuineness.
The main idea of "servant leadership," says Cathy, is that leaders serve the staff. Managers treat their employees how they want those employees, in turn, to treat customers. "If we have to keep telling people what to do, it means we're not modeling the behavior ourselves," says Cathy. "If we're living it every day, we don't need to talk about it."
Great article at FastCompany.
I missed the free cow giveaway, but here's some of Chick-fil-A's customer service ideas. Are they on the stock market somewhere?
Mind your manners "My pleasure"
Cathy loves to add service touches that people don't expect from a fast-food restaurant. His latest is folding the last sheet of toilet paper into a triangular point. He believes it conveys a sense of cleanliness and meticulousness that customers appreciate. When he or one of the operators comes up with a new twist, he promptly sends out a voicemail message to owner-operators at the nearly 1,200 locations.
Nobody sells your business like your customers
After serving the crowd a free dinner, Cathy gives them 10 coupons for free meals and deputizes these "raving fans" to act as Chick-fil-A ambassadors. They promise to spread the word and hand out each coupon to a different person, someone unfamiliar with the restaurant.
If you want to race, build yourself a race car
In Louisville, Kentucky, owner Chris Flanagan erected a big red "drive-through wall of fame" to motivate employees. It lists the current record (110 cars an hour) and the names of the employees who achieved it. Whenever a team sets a new mark, he rewards each member with $50.
Know what matters to customers
The 20 or so questions focus on four factors that most affect loyalty according to Chick-fil-A research: taste, speed, attentiveness and courteousness, and cleanliness
You're can't be too thorough about hiring
The process of selecting new franchisees is so painstaking and lengthy (up to a year) that it's easier getting into the CIA
Operators don't necessarily have to be Christian, Cathy says, but they do have to exhibit humility, passion for service, compassion, and genuineness.
The main idea of "servant leadership," says Cathy, is that leaders serve the staff. Managers treat their employees how they want those employees, in turn, to treat customers. "If we have to keep telling people what to do, it means we're not modeling the behavior ourselves," says Cathy. "If we're living it every day, we don't need to talk about it."
Great article at FastCompany.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Wall Street (film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wall Street (film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Coincidentally, these two movies came out in December of their respective years, just less than two months after the two biggest stock market crashes in American history (Wall Street Crash 1929 and Black Monday (1987).
One of my favourite movies out there is this Gordon Gecko classic.
Another one of my favourite movies of all time is Full Metal Jacket. For Christmas this year, I got the book Full Metal Jacket Diary from my brother.
This is a great book so far, written by the main character of the film, Matthew Modine aka Joker. It is almost as if you are walking into snippets of his life on and off the set of the movie. The book is unique in that it's dustcover is actually a 'full metal jacket' and has a collector # stamped in it. (I'm 4950 / 20,000)
A great gift for anyone who owns the movie.
Matthew's limited edition book, FULL METAL JACKET DIARY has been hailed as a masterwork by photographers and critics. The book was released on October 25th and will go into a second printing in December. The first edition, with it's unique, stainless steel book jacket (20,000 copies) will never be reprinted. The publisher and Matthew wanted to make the first addition a prized possession for film buffs and collectors. The publisher, Rugged Land, is considering it's second printing with an unusual Kevlar jacket. Please go to your local, independent book store and ask for a copy. Or click here.
This may seem to be getting off the topic of stocks, but not really. A friend of mine once told me that the best way to make money is while you sleep. I was a bit confused. He put it to me something like this.
If a book sells while you are sleeping, you are no longer tied to an hourly wage for money. You can sell books all night (hypothetically) and then wake up the next morning to a nice paycheque.
What Matthew has done, other than write a really nice book, is to limit the availability (or seemingly so). The key to having something of value is to build desire. Usually the more limited the supply, the more demand goes up. Hence Berkshire Hathaway not splitting shares. Or Xbox 360 selling for $1000 on Ebay. Appearances are also deceiving. The 20,000 number is a funny number to pick, don't you think?
Q) How many books would you expect a medium size publisher to sell of an Egyptian travel story.
A) I'd guess the average trade book sells about 2,000 copies the first year, maybe a couple hundred a year on backlist after that for a few years. Keep in mind the reason publishers keep doing them is they want to have the one that catches on and sells 20,000, but that's in the average, the mean travelogue probably doesn't break 1,000. I don't have any special insight in the genre, I'm using fairly standard non-fiction numbers for medium publishers.
So by printing xxxx/20,000 it is almost like a counter of how many books they would like to sell to make a good profit.
Since they are already talking about rereleasing the book (with a Kevlar cover, no less) the limited edition count itself is really for Stanley Kubrick fans, as something of a feel-good tracker of owning a share in his history.
What I really like about Matthew's writing is that he jumps right to the stereotypical Kubrickian questions that he probably heard throughout and after working with Stanley. "What was he like?" "Was he really afraid of airplanes?" "Did he really have a plane fly over his house to spray for mosquitos?"
Read the book to find out. It's worth it.
More essays and articles are available in the Full Metal Jacket links above.
Coincidentally, these two movies came out in December of their respective years, just less than two months after the two biggest stock market crashes in American history (Wall Street Crash 1929 and Black Monday (1987).
One of my favourite movies out there is this Gordon Gecko classic.
Another one of my favourite movies of all time is Full Metal Jacket. For Christmas this year, I got the book Full Metal Jacket Diary from my brother.
This is a great book so far, written by the main character of the film, Matthew Modine aka Joker. It is almost as if you are walking into snippets of his life on and off the set of the movie. The book is unique in that it's dustcover is actually a 'full metal jacket' and has a collector # stamped in it. (I'm 4950 / 20,000)
A great gift for anyone who owns the movie.
Matthew's limited edition book, FULL METAL JACKET DIARY has been hailed as a masterwork by photographers and critics. The book was released on October 25th and will go into a second printing in December. The first edition, with it's unique, stainless steel book jacket (20,000 copies) will never be reprinted. The publisher and Matthew wanted to make the first addition a prized possession for film buffs and collectors. The publisher, Rugged Land, is considering it's second printing with an unusual Kevlar jacket. Please go to your local, independent book store and ask for a copy. Or click here.
This may seem to be getting off the topic of stocks, but not really. A friend of mine once told me that the best way to make money is while you sleep. I was a bit confused. He put it to me something like this.
If a book sells while you are sleeping, you are no longer tied to an hourly wage for money. You can sell books all night (hypothetically) and then wake up the next morning to a nice paycheque.
What Matthew has done, other than write a really nice book, is to limit the availability (or seemingly so). The key to having something of value is to build desire. Usually the more limited the supply, the more demand goes up. Hence Berkshire Hathaway not splitting shares. Or Xbox 360 selling for $1000 on Ebay. Appearances are also deceiving. The 20,000 number is a funny number to pick, don't you think?
Q) How many books would you expect a medium size publisher to sell of an Egyptian travel story.
A) I'd guess the average trade book sells about 2,000 copies the first year, maybe a couple hundred a year on backlist after that for a few years. Keep in mind the reason publishers keep doing them is they want to have the one that catches on and sells 20,000, but that's in the average, the mean travelogue probably doesn't break 1,000. I don't have any special insight in the genre, I'm using fairly standard non-fiction numbers for medium publishers.
So by printing xxxx/20,000 it is almost like a counter of how many books they would like to sell to make a good profit.
Since they are already talking about rereleasing the book (with a Kevlar cover, no less) the limited edition count itself is really for Stanley Kubrick fans, as something of a feel-good tracker of owning a share in his history.
What I really like about Matthew's writing is that he jumps right to the stereotypical Kubrickian questions that he probably heard throughout and after working with Stanley. "What was he like?" "Was he really afraid of airplanes?" "Did he really have a plane fly over his house to spray for mosquitos?"
Read the book to find out. It's worth it.
More essays and articles are available in the Full Metal Jacket links above.
Fundoo Professor
Fundoo Professor: "
Management Development Institute
Post-Graduate Programme in Management (2004-2006)
Behavioural Finance & Business Valuation (BFBV)
20 December 2005
Quiz on The Letters of Warren E. Buffett"
40 questions on the letters of Warren Buffett.
Two I like. (+ my guesses)
27. The exceptional profitability of Nebraska Furniture Mart and Geico is attributable to:
* Low margins with high turnover
* High margins with low turnover
* Frequent stock buybacks which reduced capital employed
* Extremely conservative accounting
28. The exceptional profitability of See’s Candy is primarily attributable to:
* Pricing power arising out of brand loyalty
* Low-cost operations in an extremely competitive market
* Frequent stock buybacks which reduced capital employed
* Extremely conservative accounting
Management Development Institute
Post-Graduate Programme in Management (2004-2006)
Behavioural Finance & Business Valuation (BFBV)
20 December 2005
Quiz on The Letters of Warren E. Buffett"
40 questions on the letters of Warren Buffett.
Two I like. (+ my guesses)
27. The exceptional profitability of Nebraska Furniture Mart and Geico is attributable to:
* Low margins with high turnover
* High margins with low turnover
* Frequent stock buybacks which reduced capital employed
* Extremely conservative accounting
28. The exceptional profitability of See’s Candy is primarily attributable to:
* Pricing power arising out of brand loyalty
* Low-cost operations in an extremely competitive market
* Frequent stock buybacks which reduced capital employed
* Extremely conservative accounting
Friday, January 06, 2006
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Bob's Gold Price Column
Bob's Gold Price Column: "A year or two ago Jason Hommel put together a list of numbers that indicate the extent of future demand for gold and silver. They are quite striking. They put the worlds of
1.) money (something that is nobody's liability)
2.) currency (a note, financial contract, financial instrument)
3.) government fiat tokens (paper and digital bits temporarily used as money
and currency) (in the history of the world, there has never been a token that did not become worthless)
in perspective relative to each other and more specifically to gold and silver, and gold and silver shares (stocks).
Here is a sampling of 35 numbers that Jason has put together:"
1.) money (something that is nobody's liability)
2.) currency (a note, financial contract, financial instrument)
3.) government fiat tokens (paper and digital bits temporarily used as money
and currency) (in the history of the world, there has never been a token that did not become worthless)
in perspective relative to each other and more specifically to gold and silver, and gold and silver shares (stocks).
Here is a sampling of 35 numbers that Jason has put together:"
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
My (If I was Mark Cuban) Investment advice for 2006 - Blog Maverick - www.blogmaverick.com _
My Investment advice for 2006 - Blog Maverick - www.blogmaverick.com _
Search for this BlogMaverick IceRocket Cuban. ;) (I love messing with search engines.. I think Mark has a keyword bot checking out my blog.)
Mark Cuban says NO ONE knows what the market is going to do. I know what the market is going to do. Whatever I buy will go down in 2006. Look at Berkshire Hathaway. Blech. How about Hemosol. Gak. Not sure what I was thinking there.
His advice - avoid risk. Buy interest-earning investments. My advice - make the least amount of mistakes. I made 2 big ones last year that will cost me.
But I still look at my portfolio and laugh, when I think about how little I have lost compared to many others, and how much I worry about it. The first year I bought mutual funds, I called up an investment advisor during tax time. "Why has my portfolio gone down this year?" I asked. "Hmm. Let me pull up your file Mr. Xxxx. Well.... can you give us a call back when we're not so busy?"
I had lost $20 on my $250 investment. That's almost 10%!
Guess I will go back to buying into the Oprah/Cramer ETF and getting Ugg Boot stock.
More from thestreet on 25 Possible Surprises in 2006.
Search for this BlogMaverick IceRocket Cuban. ;) (I love messing with search engines.. I think Mark has a keyword bot checking out my blog.)
Mark Cuban says NO ONE knows what the market is going to do. I know what the market is going to do. Whatever I buy will go down in 2006. Look at Berkshire Hathaway. Blech. How about Hemosol. Gak. Not sure what I was thinking there.
His advice - avoid risk. Buy interest-earning investments. My advice - make the least amount of mistakes. I made 2 big ones last year that will cost me.
But I still look at my portfolio and laugh, when I think about how little I have lost compared to many others, and how much I worry about it. The first year I bought mutual funds, I called up an investment advisor during tax time. "Why has my portfolio gone down this year?" I asked. "Hmm. Let me pull up your file Mr. Xxxx. Well....
I had lost $20 on my $250 investment. That's almost 10%!
Guess I will go back to buying into the Oprah/Cramer ETF and getting Ugg Boot stock.
More from thestreet on 25 Possible Surprises in 2006.
TheStreet.com: breaking financial news, market commentary and stocks coverage that is insightful, irreverent and thorough
TheStreet.com: breaking financial news, market commentary and stocks coverage that is insightful, irreverent and thorough
Reading his new book right now.... big booyah to Jim.
Here's Jim's Search engine that I will now be putting all of my picks through.
Reading his new book right now.... big booyah to Jim.
Here's Jim's Search engine that I will now be putting all of my picks through.
Untitled Document
Untitled Document: "Web site URLDescription & Comments
http://www.fullermoney.com Fullermoney.com
http://www.frontlinethoughts.com John Mauldin's Newsletter
http://www.minyanville.com Todd Harrison's minyanville.com
http://www.worldaffairsmonthly.com World Affairs Monthly"
http://www.fullermoney.com Fullermoney.com
http://www.frontlinethoughts.com John Mauldin's Newsletter
http://www.minyanville.com Todd Harrison's minyanville.com
http://www.worldaffairsmonthly.com World Affairs Monthly"
Charting the market
Untitled Document: "Web site links
Web site URLDescription & Comments
http://www.asiachart.com/thai.html
http://www.Barchart.com Barchart.com
http://www.bigcharts.marketwatch.com bigcharts.com
http://www.bullandbearwise.com BullandBearWise.com
http://www.chartsrus.com chartsrus
http://www.futures.tradingcharts.com/menu.html Commodity Futures Charting
http://www.futures.tradingcharts.com Commodity Futures Charting
http://www.decisionpoint.com decisionpoint.com
http://www.prudential.com/yardeni Dr. Ed Yardeni's Economics Network
http://www.kitco.com kitco.com
http://fx.sauder.ubc.ca/plot.html Pacific Exchange Rate Service
"
Web site URLDescription & Comments
http://www.asiachart.com/thai.html
http://www.Barchart.com Barchart.com
http://www.bigcharts.marketwatch.com bigcharts.com
http://www.bullandbearwise.com BullandBearWise.com
http://www.chartsrus.com chartsrus
http://www.futures.tradingcharts.com/menu.html Commodity Futures Charting
http://www.futures.tradingcharts.com Commodity Futures Charting
http://www.decisionpoint.com decisionpoint.com
http://www.prudential.com/yardeni Dr. Ed Yardeni's Economics Network
http://www.kitco.com kitco.com
http://fx.sauder.ubc.ca/plot.html Pacific Exchange Rate Service
"
The Big Picture
The Big Picture
Some people argue that P/E expansion wasn't all that significant; they say it was (if anything) a function of falling interest rates. In my mind, that only partially explains why multiples expand; It certainly cannot rationalize why P/Es went from 7 to nearly 50 over the course of ~20 years.
Why might the median P/E have run from 7 to 32 during the Bull market?
My explanation is Psychology: something shifted in investor sentiment that made them willing to pay more than $7 for a $1 of earnings -- much more. That change is best explained by a sentiment shift related to perceived relative Value.
Good blog on the markets, plus some good links.
Like the Bonnie Situation
Here's the problem: Your coffee sucks. That's right, I said it: You do not know how to brew a good cup of Joe.
Some people argue that P/E expansion wasn't all that significant; they say it was (if anything) a function of falling interest rates. In my mind, that only partially explains why multiples expand; It certainly cannot rationalize why P/Es went from 7 to nearly 50 over the course of ~20 years.
Why might the median P/E have run from 7 to 32 during the Bull market?
My explanation is Psychology: something shifted in investor sentiment that made them willing to pay more than $7 for a $1 of earnings -- much more. That change is best explained by a sentiment shift related to perceived relative Value.
Good blog on the markets, plus some good links.
Like the Bonnie Situation
Here's the problem: Your coffee sucks. That's right, I said it: You do not know how to brew a good cup of Joe.
GMO LLC - Investor Information
GMO LLC - Investor Information: "The minimum investment per account at GMO is $5 million"
Looks like it will be a couple more years till I go with GMO & Jeremy Grantham.
Looks like it will be a couple more years till I go with GMO & Jeremy Grantham.
Euro Pacific Capital : Because there's a bull market somewhere.
Euro Pacific Capital : Because there's a bull market somewhere.: "Peter Schiff's
Economic Commentary
Whistling Past Graveyards
Friday, December 23, 2005
To their credit, Wall Street pundits have noted the proliferation of signs warning financial danger; to their peril most have chosen to ignore them. Four examples of such cognitive dissonance relate to General Motors, gold, pensions, and the housing bubble."
Mr. Schiff has some good opinions on REITS & the real estate bubble pop, and how even though it pops, home builders will still need to display growth and keep building in order to keep Wall St. & the banks happy.
Economic Commentary
Whistling Past Graveyards
Friday, December 23, 2005
To their credit, Wall Street pundits have noted the proliferation of signs warning financial danger; to their peril most have chosen to ignore them. Four examples of such cognitive dissonance relate to General Motors, gold, pensions, and the housing bubble."
Mr. Schiff has some good opinions on REITS & the real estate bubble pop, and how even though it pops, home builders will still need to display growth and keep building in order to keep Wall St. & the banks happy.
Dow Theory Letters
Dow Theory Letters
And if no outstanding values are available, the wealthy investors waits. He can afford to wait. He has money coming in daily, weekly, monthly. The wealthy investor knows what he is looking for, and he doesn't mind waiting months or even years for his next investment (they call that patience).
But what about the little guy? This fellow always feels pressured to "make money." And in return he's always pressuring the market to "do something" for him. But sadly, the market isn't interested. When the little guy isn't buying stocks offering 1% or 2% yields, he's off to Las Vegas or Atlantic City trying to beat the house at roulette. Or he's spending 20 bucks a week on lottery tickets, or he's "investing" in some crackpot scheme that his neighbor told him about (in strictest confidence, of course).
And because the little guy is trying to force the market to do something for him, he's a guaranteed loser. The little guy doesn't understand values so he constantly overpays. He doesn't comprehend the power of compounding, and he doesn't understand money. He's never heard the adage, "He who understands interest -- earns it. He who doesn't understand interest -- pays it." The little guy is the typical American, and he's deeply in debt.
And if no outstanding values are available, the wealthy investors waits. He can afford to wait. He has money coming in daily, weekly, monthly. The wealthy investor knows what he is looking for, and he doesn't mind waiting months or even years for his next investment (they call that patience).
But what about the little guy? This fellow always feels pressured to "make money." And in return he's always pressuring the market to "do something" for him. But sadly, the market isn't interested. When the little guy isn't buying stocks offering 1% or 2% yields, he's off to Las Vegas or Atlantic City trying to beat the house at roulette. Or he's spending 20 bucks a week on lottery tickets, or he's "investing" in some crackpot scheme that his neighbor told him about (in strictest confidence, of course).
And because the little guy is trying to force the market to do something for him, he's a guaranteed loser. The little guy doesn't understand values so he constantly overpays. He doesn't comprehend the power of compounding, and he doesn't understand money. He's never heard the adage, "He who understands interest -- earns it. He who doesn't understand interest -- pays it." The little guy is the typical American, and he's deeply in debt.
Bill Cara: The Bill Cara Rules, Sat., Dec. 24, 2005, 10:53 AM
Bill Cara: The Bill Cara Rules, Sat., Dec. 24, 2005, 10:53 AM
Rule #1: Be passionate.
Rule #2: Get a “watch list” of potential candidates.
Rule #3: Get a telescope, a wide-angle lens and a microscope.
Rule #4: Teach so you can learn.
Rule #5: Grow your portfolio by using wealth-building techniques.
Rule #6: Quality is everyday.
Rule #7: Build multiple sources of good advice.
Rule #8: Focus on the positive.
Rule #9: Take risks, not chances.
Rule #10: Make it beautiful.
Rule #1: Be passionate.
Rule #2: Get a “watch list” of potential candidates.
Rule #3: Get a telescope, a wide-angle lens and a microscope.
Rule #4: Teach so you can learn.
Rule #5: Grow your portfolio by using wealth-building techniques.
Rule #6: Quality is everyday.
Rule #7: Build multiple sources of good advice.
Rule #8: Focus on the positive.
Rule #9: Take risks, not chances.
Rule #10: Make it beautiful.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
The Royal Canadian Mint uses Microsoft Technology... :)
Object reference not set to an instance of an object.: "Server Error in '/RoyalCanadianMintPublic' Application.
Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
Description: An unhandled exception occurred during the execution of the current web request. Please review the stack trace for more information about the error and where it originated in the code.
Exception Details: System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
Source Error:
An unhandled exception was generated during the execution of the current web request. Information regarding the origin and location of the exception can be identified using the exception stack trace below.
Stack Trace:
[NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.]
RoyalCanadianMintPublic.index.Page_Load(Object sender, EventArgs e) +863
System.Web.UI.Control.OnLoad(EventArgs e) +67
System.Web.UI.Control.LoadRecursive() +35
System.Web.UI.Page.ProcessRequestMain() +714
Version Information: Microsoft .NET Framework Version:1.1.4322.573; ASP.NET Version:1.1.4322.573 "
Object reference not set to an instance of an object.: "Server Error in '/RoyalCanadianMintPublic' Application.
Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
Description: An unhandled exception occurred during the execution of the current web request. Please review the stack trace for more information about the error and where it originated in the code.
Exception Details: System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
Source Error:
An unhandled exception was generated during the execution of the current web request. Information regarding the origin and location of the exception can be identified using the exception stack trace below.
Stack Trace:
[NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.]
RoyalCanadianMintPublic.index.Page_Load(Object sender, EventArgs e) +863
System.Web.UI.Control.OnLoad(EventArgs e) +67
System.Web.UI.Control.LoadRecursive() +35
System.Web.UI.Page.ProcessRequestMain() +714
Version Information: Microsoft .NET Framework Version:1.1.4322.573; ASP.NET Version:1.1.4322.573 "
Sunday, January 01, 2006
RCM - 624106- 2006 $15 Sterling Silver Lunar Cameo Coin-Year of the Dog
RCM - 624106- 2006 $15 Sterling Silver Lunar Cameo Coin-Year of the Dog
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Harvey Chan was born in Hong Kong and came to Canada in 1976. He studied graphic design and illustration at The Ontario College of Art and Design. Since graduating in 1982, Mr. Chan has been working as an illustrator for major Canadian publications and advertising agencies. He also devotes himself to fine art, primarily of figurative work and has exhibited actively through the years.
Recent awards of Mr. Chan include: Gold medal from Studio Magazine's Annual Show (1996), Bronze from the 1996 CAPIC (Canadian Association of Photographers and Illustrators in Communications) national awards show, 1997 Ruth Schwartz Foundation Award for Canadian Children's Books. In the summer of 1997, the artist received The Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Medal from the Canadian Association of Children's Librarians at The National Library in Ottawa.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Harvey Chan was born in Hong Kong and came to Canada in 1976. He studied graphic design and illustration at The Ontario College of Art and Design. Since graduating in 1982, Mr. Chan has been working as an illustrator for major Canadian publications and advertising agencies. He also devotes himself to fine art, primarily of figurative work and has exhibited actively through the years.
Recent awards of Mr. Chan include: Gold medal from Studio Magazine's Annual Show (1996), Bronze from the 1996 CAPIC (Canadian Association of Photographers and Illustrators in Communications) national awards show, 1997 Ruth Schwartz Foundation Award for Canadian Children's Books. In the summer of 1997, the artist received The Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Medal from the Canadian Association of Children's Librarians at The National Library in Ottawa.
RCM - 624106- 2006 $15 Sterling Silver Lunar Cameo Coin-Year of the Dog
RCM - 624106- 2006 $15 Sterling Silver Lunar Cameo Coin-Year of the Dog
Buy now and get free 2005 Uncirculated Coin Set.
Orders can be placed online or by phone at 1-800-267-1871, simply use promo code 0511512B1 to get the free set while supplies last.
I redflagdeals.ca....
Buy now and get free 2005 Uncirculated Coin Set.
Orders can be placed online or by phone at 1-800-267-1871, simply use promo code 0511512B1 to get the free set while supplies last.
I
BlogPulse Tools: Trend Results
Using the blogsphere to analyze stock results, turns out to give some pretty amazing stats.
If the chart above is still available, it projects EA & Take Two far above Activision in terms of percentage of blog posts.
If the chart above is still available, it projects EA & Take Two far above Activision in terms of percentage of blog posts.
Gates Buys More Of Buddy Buffett's Berkshire - Forbes.com
Gates Buys More Of Buddy Buffett's Berkshire - Forbes.com: "Bill Gates is upping his ante in shares of bridge-partner Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, media reports have said. "
2006 New Years Resolutions:
#1 Buy more BRK.B stock
#2 Get MSFT DRIP working
#3 Learn bridge.
2006 New Years Resolutions:
#1 Buy more BRK.B stock
#2 Get MSFT DRIP working
#3 Learn bridge.
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