Archive - Jul 2010 - Blog entry

This could get interesting. A disgraced Central Banker. What a novel idea.

The funded ratio of the typical corporate U.S. pension plan fell 6 percentage points in June to 74%, its lowest level since February 2009, when the funded ratio was 73%.

The iPhone 4, arguably Apple's most important launch since the original iPhone in 2007, may very open the door to competition that Apple doesn't want and very well may have a problem pushing back if they get their foot in the door.

There is a lot to like about the 10th largest bank in Texas, but concerns about their Commercial RE portfolio are increasing. Nonperforming loans increased dramatically and early stage delinquencies have risen as well.

Rosenberg argues the nominal yield curve would be inverted right now if it were not for the fact that short term rates are essentially at zero.

For the first time in history, the world is attempting to pull off an economic recovery without an engine. Except for the US, every major economy is now simultaneously cutting spending while raising taxes, with hugely deflationary consequences. What are the consequences for asset prices everywhere? The oceans of red ink bleeding from your screen last week told the whole story.

A Chinese credit rating agency downgraded the U.S. sovereign debt rating to AA with a negative outlook, along with other major Western nations, while slamming its Western counterparts.

Why isn't the popular financial media reporting the fact that Greece's funding costs increased after the $1 trillion dollar bailout? Why isn't it pointed out the Portugal's credit rating has been dropped - post bailout? Exactly what is $1 trillion US dollars good for these days - trick question, but I dare 'ya to answer :-)

Score one for the Constitution ...

What crisis? Pensions are diving back into alternatives...

Progress?

The public generally considerers denizens of the pit as greedy, soulless, money grubbing monsters, difficult to empathize with in any setting. Any arguments? How much do you want to bet that the troubled bank starts with the letter “L”. Watch for film crews framing those dark, foreboding shots in the canyons of downtown Manhattan this summer. Hey Kevin, baby, have your people call my people and let’s do lunch!

The decline of China copper imports in recent months has caused a lot of distress among traders. Much of the focus has been on copper's eventual crash by China's property chock. However, China's property market is not the only game in copper town.

Nothing going on. Off to the beach.

Vignettes from my "Lost Weekend" in Las Vegas while I was attending Freedom Fest. Perhaps a bit off topic for ZH, but I think it has a lot to do with our perma-Boom-Bust economy. The stories of The Cabbie and The Gambler. Enjoy.