Economy


The Election is Over, Time to get to Work to Prepare for President Obama

There is a great deal to do before the end of the year now that we know who the next President will be. I am still seeing lots of hits from people searching for answers on how to deal with an Obama administration. As I mentioned in some other posts here, many seem to be [...]

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If You Didn’t Liquidate MONTHS Ago, Now is NOT the Time to do so

Unless, you believe the economy is going to crash, our government is going to fall and anarchy is going to reign across the land. But, if you believe that, what are you going to do with the proceeds of your liquidation?
If you sell out at this point, you are selling out near the lows. I [...]

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Wait, You Mean The Financial Markets Didn’t Crash?

Yes, actually I am being facetious.
After the House failed to pass the bailout yesterday the DOW took a 777 point tumble. Today, it regained 485 points. Yes, it is still down…
But, the world financial markets did not crash.
Many argue the market is “holding on” because everyone knows a bill will be passed later this week.
Probably. [...]

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Hoping Against Hope That the Bailout Will NOT Pass

Yes, I know the consensus is “something” has to be done. Yes, I know the dire scare tactics being used. Yes, I know it has the support of the democrats, many republicans and the President. Yes, I know it is probably a given that it will pass and be signed into law.
BUT IT SHOULDN’T BE!
What [...]

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NYT Revealed True Cause of Fannie Mae Crisis — In 1999!

In a move that could help increase home ownership rates among minorities and low-income consumers, the Fannie Mae Corporation is easing the credit requirements on loans that it will purchase from banks and other lenders.
The action, which will begin as a pilot program involving 24 banks in 15 markets — including the New York metropolitan [...]

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Three Days Of Oil Price Decline

This really is significant. This is the biggest drop in a number of years. The prices are testing a key support number, $129 a barrel. If it breaks down below $129 and then below $125 a barrel, we are likely to see prices in the $115 to $120 a barrel sometime next week.
A month ago [...]

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Have Oil Prices Peaked?

Barron’s has an interesting article on oil prices. For a couple of months many have been speculating on whether the current run-up in oil prices constituted a bubble or just normal supply and demand pricing. Barron’s is now openly questioning whether the current prices are sustainable and as is usual with Barron’s they make a [...]

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It’s A Given…

the Federal Reserve will raise rates. They have to in order to stem rising inflation.
The big question on everyone’s lips is, WHEN will they do it?
Not before late in the fourth quarter is my guess.
Why?
Because, they were very aggressive in lowering them earlier this year and the last thing they want is for anyone to [...]

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Average Gasoline Prices at $4. How Long Until $5 Now?

In early 2007 I wrote an article for the Field Guide for Investors asking how a gas price of $5 would affect real estate investors. This was at a time when gas was about $2 a gallon. The interesting thing is while many were very skeptical we would see that kind of gas price any [...]

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The Latest CPI Numbers Continue to Give the Fed Breathing Room on Rates

The core CPI numbers released are still relatively stable and point away from a rate increase in the near term. Of course energy prices and other volatile commodities continue to cause concern but so far the Federal Reserve shows no interest in reacting prematurely.
However, we need to keep Bernanke’s words from his March testimony before [...]

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You follow any advice here at your own risk, I completely disclaim any responsibility for your actions, even if based on what you read here.