Contributing Editors' Blog Entries
PhD Economists and Economic Professors Call For Protests
Submitted by George Washington on 10/18/2009 - 20:59 You know that the government and the giant banks are not being responsive to the needs of the economy and the American people when even PhD economists and economics professors are calling for protests.
Crude Oil - Déjà Vu Year 2008, No Fundamentals Required
Submitted by asiablues on 10/18/2009 - 17:14 Crude Crude Oil Last Friday, U.S. crude oil futures finished above $78, the highest level in a year, even though the U.S. continues to sit on ample supply of petroleum. Some analysts said a sudden upward spike was still unlikely, while others are predicting an immanent correction down below $70. However, if you take a closer look, it is evident that the current crude oil market is almost entirely detached from fundamentals. Furthermore, there are several factors supporting oil rising to new levels, as fundamentals are out the window in the near to medium term.
Investor Sentiment: I Am Still Singing That Song
Submitted by thetechnicaltake on 10/18/2009 - 08:50 Investor Sentiment There is probably greater risk of a market down draft now than in past weeks.
Pensions in a Neo-Feudal World?
Submitted by Leo Kolivakis on 10/17/2009 - 21:38 The sad part in all of this is that pension contributions are funding this Casino Capitalism. Money is going to develop new ways to screw buyside clients that invest trillions in the markets. Pensioners don't stand a chance in a neo-Feudal world. I think it's time for a revolution, hopefully one without bloodshed, that will democratize the financial system by loosening the grip of the financial oligarchs.
The Best Reads of The Week That Was
Submitted by inoculatedinvestor on 10/17/2009 - 12:57 My version of link aggregation is slightly different from that of many other bloggers. I try to be highly selective in terms of what I link to and focus on themes that I think are really important for all investors. As such, I usually provide just a few links but include the most relevant excerpts and my own commentary. I hope enjoy the links I have selected for this week.
Money: A Semi Pictorial Fable
Submitted by Econophile on 10/17/2009 - 02:34 We have forgotten what money is. Here is a fable for your weekend entertainment that explains what it is. You've had a hard week, enjoy some light reading. Lots of pictures, no big words. Have fun.What Canadian Pension Crisis?
Submitted by Leo Kolivakis on 10/16/2009 - 20:50 Pension Crisis After reading all about our "solid Canadian pension system" in the mainstream media, I decided to quit Pension Pulse. What's the point? If Mercer says we are among the best pension systems in the world, then there is nothing to worry about, right? Wrong.Senator Cantwell: Congress WEAKENING Existing Derivatives Regulations
Submitted by George Washington on 10/16/2009 - 17:49 Cantwell slams derivatives bill ...Barney Frank's Bad Loans
Submitted by George Washington on 10/16/2009 - 14:07 Barney Frank Barney Frank's possible role in the mortgage meltdown . . .
Reggie Middleton on JP Morgan's Q309 results
Submitted by Reggie Middleton on 10/16/2009 - 12:36 Reggie Middleton
VWAP Reversion Algorithms: 1932-Present
Submitted by EB on 10/16/2009 - 12:10 The JPM gnomes co-located in the basement of the NYSE building at 10 Broad Street must have had their adding machines on overdrive in 1932 because, after that July low, the Dow would never trade below -24% of VWAP measured from that low. In fact, you could have made some major market calls by...Revisiting the Solvency vs. Liquidity Dilemma
Submitted by Reggie Middleton on 10/16/2009 - 02:19 I said it in 2007. I said it in 2008, and I'll say it again, the banking system is INSOLVENT!!!Cyclical Positives vs. Secular Headwinds: Which one is winning the war?
Submitted by inoculatedinvestor on 10/15/2009 - 22:26 Blackrock's Trillion Dollar Man Bob Doll claims that the impacts of current cyclical positives on the US economy are outweighing those of secular headwinds. Therefore, according to him we should all be plowing into US equties. But is he right or is he just talking his book? And if he is right, should he be making what is nothing more than a trading call on the ability of government stimulus and Fed money printing to prop up the economy? I say no.National Probe on Public Pensions?
Submitted by Leo Kolivakis on 10/15/2009 - 20:13 All U.S., Canadian and global public pension plans should disclose dealings with placement agents on their websites. Moreover, regulators should ban firms from using middlemen. For every one good placement agent, there are a hundred corrupt fools looking to line their pockets.