Friday, December 30, 2016
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Friday, December 23, 2016
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Monday, December 19, 2016
Friday, December 16, 2016
Monday, December 12, 2016
Friday, December 9, 2016
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Monday, December 5, 2016
Friday, December 2, 2016
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Saturday, November 26, 2016
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Wednesday, November 23, 2016
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Saturday, November 12, 2016
Friday, November 11, 2016
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Monday, November 7, 2016
Friday, November 4, 2016
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Monday, October 31, 2016
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Monday, October 24, 2016
Industry Slowdown Prompts Big Merger of Discount Brokerages
Scottrade customers may be seeing changes to the discount brokerage services they receive,such as higher fees,by the end of September 2017,as TD Ameritrade,America's largest discount brokerage by trade volume,purchases the privately held Scottrade Financial Services for four billion dollars.In turn,TD Bank,Toronto Dominion Bank's US subsidiary,will then buy Scottrade Bank for 1.3 billion.
TD Bank owns nearly 42% of TD Ameritrade.*
Although based in St.Louis today,Scottrade derives its name from the fact that it was founded in Scottsdale,Arizona.Founder and CEO Rodger Riney,who suffers from multiple myeloma blood cancer,will become a member of the TD Ameritrade board post-merger.Mr.Riney has become a familiar face to Americans by appearing in several TV adverts for his company.*
The deal is expected to realise cost savings of about 450 million dollars annually for TD Ameritrade,and more than 300 million in additional longer-term opportunities.As a result of the merger,TDA will grow to 600 retail branches,but intends to slim down to about 450.*
The discount brokerage business has been hurt by intense competition and the trend of switching to passive investing rather than the day trading model,making organic growth more difficult.*
TD Ameritrade Holding Corp (AMTD)
TD Bank owns nearly 42% of TD Ameritrade.*
Although based in St.Louis today,Scottrade derives its name from the fact that it was founded in Scottsdale,Arizona.Founder and CEO Rodger Riney,who suffers from multiple myeloma blood cancer,will become a member of the TD Ameritrade board post-merger.Mr.Riney has become a familiar face to Americans by appearing in several TV adverts for his company.*
The deal is expected to realise cost savings of about 450 million dollars annually for TD Ameritrade,and more than 300 million in additional longer-term opportunities.As a result of the merger,TDA will grow to 600 retail branches,but intends to slim down to about 450.*
The discount brokerage business has been hurt by intense competition and the trend of switching to passive investing rather than the day trading model,making organic growth more difficult.*
TD Ameritrade Holding Corp (AMTD)
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Friday, October 21, 2016
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Monday, October 17, 2016
Orbital ATK Rocket Launch Rescheduled - new ISS crew to follow
Yesterday's planned launch of the Orbital ATK Antares rocket from the NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility,Virginia,was postponed about 24 hours because of a fault detected in a ground support equipment cable (GSE) during a pre-launch checkout,the company said.They have spares on hand and rework procedures are now in process.There are no technical issues with the rocket or Cygnus spacecraft.The launch has been rescheduled for tonight,17 October at 7:40 p.m. EDT.*
The Cygnus spacecraft is carrying cargo for the International Space Station.On Wednesday 19 October,a replacemet crew for the ISS is scheduled to lift off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome,Kazakhstan.Expedition 49's Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Andrey Borisenko will be joined by NASA Astronaut Shane Kimbrough and launched in the Soyuz MS-02 spacecraft at 4:05 p.m. EDT.They will take two days to test upgraded equipment on the Soyuz,docking at the ISS Poisk module at 5:59 a.m. EDT.The launch has been postponed since 23 September because of a technical issue with the Soyuz that Roscomos repaired.They will return in late February having carried out hundreds of experiments in biology;biotechnology;physial science and Earth science.*
Orbital ATK is an aerospace manufacturer and defence contractor formed from the merger in 2015 of Orbital Sciences Corp. and Alliant Techsystems.It is based in Dulles,Virginia.*
Orbital ATK Inc (OA)
The Cygnus spacecraft is carrying cargo for the International Space Station.On Wednesday 19 October,a replacemet crew for the ISS is scheduled to lift off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome,Kazakhstan.Expedition 49's Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Andrey Borisenko will be joined by NASA Astronaut Shane Kimbrough and launched in the Soyuz MS-02 spacecraft at 4:05 p.m. EDT.They will take two days to test upgraded equipment on the Soyuz,docking at the ISS Poisk module at 5:59 a.m. EDT.The launch has been postponed since 23 September because of a technical issue with the Soyuz that Roscomos repaired.They will return in late February having carried out hundreds of experiments in biology;biotechnology;physial science and Earth science.*
Orbital ATK is an aerospace manufacturer and defence contractor formed from the merger in 2015 of Orbital Sciences Corp. and Alliant Techsystems.It is based in Dulles,Virginia.*
Orbital ATK Inc (OA)
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Friday, October 14, 2016
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Friday, October 7, 2016
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Monday, October 3, 2016
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Friday, September 30, 2016
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Monday, September 26, 2016
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Friday, September 23, 2016
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Monday, September 19, 2016
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Friday, September 16, 2016
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Monday, September 12, 2016
VIDEO:The address of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Consecration of Archimandrite Bartholomew Samaras to the Episcopacy as Bishop and Metropolitan-elect of Smyrna at the Patriarchal Church of St.George in Constantinople/Istanbul;he will be enthroned in Smyrna/Izmir,Turkey in about two weeks' time as the first Metropolitan of Smyrna in nearly a century and Archimandrite Kirill Sikis will be consecrated as his auxiliary bishop Η ομιλία του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη στην στη χειροτονία του Μητροπολίτη Σμύρνης Βαρθολομαίου|Amen.gr
VIDEO: Η ομιλία του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη στην στη χειροτονία του Μητροπολίτη Σμύρνης Βαρθολομαίου|Amen.gr: Δείτε το βίντεο με την ομιλία του Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίου στον Πατριαρχικό Ναό του Αγίου Γεωργίου κατά τη χειροτονία του Μητροπολίτη Σμύρνης Βαρθολομαίου.
HP Acquires Samsung Printers,Patents
HP was spun off from Hewlett-Packard to sell personal computers,printers,ink and toner,being the leader in the desktop printing industry.Now HP wants to enter the higher growth market for large A3 printer-copier combinations.These devices are geared toward high volume office work group customers.HP is paying 1.05 billion dollars for Samsung's A3 business and thousands of patents.*
Besides the A3 line of business,HP will acquire the ability to manufacture essential mechanisms within laser printers,so they won't have to buy them from other firms anymore.Control of this core technology will help HP to shape the evolution of its laser printers,as well as raise its profit margins.*
The deal brings with it to HP more than 6500 Samsung printing patents and 6,000 Samsung employees-among them,about 1500 engineers.*
HP Inc (HPQ),Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (LSE:SMSN)
Besides the A3 line of business,HP will acquire the ability to manufacture essential mechanisms within laser printers,so they won't have to buy them from other firms anymore.Control of this core technology will help HP to shape the evolution of its laser printers,as well as raise its profit margins.*
The deal brings with it to HP more than 6500 Samsung printing patents and 6,000 Samsung employees-among them,about 1500 engineers.*
HP Inc (HPQ),Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (LSE:SMSN)
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Friday, September 2, 2016
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Monday, August 29, 2016
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Friday, August 26, 2016
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Monday, August 22, 2016
Pfizer Seeks Quick Profits From Cancer Drugs
The world's largest drugmaker,Pfizer,has purchased Medivation for 14 billion dollars,or about 81.50 a share.It's expected to be immediately accretive,adding about .05 a share in the first full year after close with additional accretion and growth anticipated thereafter,Pfizer said.It may vault the New York-based firm into a leading position in oncology.*
The addition of Medivation will strengthen Pfizer's Innovative Health business and accelerate its pathway to a leadership position in oncology,one of our key focus areas,which
we believe will drive greater growth and scale of that business over the long-term,said Pfizer CEO Ian Read.*
The big prize for Pfizer was Medivation's drug XTANDI,an androgen receptor-which blocks multiple steps in the androgen reception signaling pathway within the tumour cell of advanced metastatic prostrate cancer,XTANDI has generated about 2.2 billion in worldwide net sales the past four quarters.Other Medivation prospects in the pipeline include two development stage oncology assets,tulazuparib for breast cancer and pidilmizumab for large B cell lymphoma and other blood cancers.*
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US and in the top 10 of killers worldwide,Pfizer pointed out.*
Meivation (MEDI);Pfizer (PFE)
The addition of Medivation will strengthen Pfizer's Innovative Health business and accelerate its pathway to a leadership position in oncology,one of our key focus areas,which
we believe will drive greater growth and scale of that business over the long-term,said Pfizer CEO Ian Read.*
The big prize for Pfizer was Medivation's drug XTANDI,an androgen receptor-which blocks multiple steps in the androgen reception signaling pathway within the tumour cell of advanced metastatic prostrate cancer,XTANDI has generated about 2.2 billion in worldwide net sales the past four quarters.Other Medivation prospects in the pipeline include two development stage oncology assets,tulazuparib for breast cancer and pidilmizumab for large B cell lymphoma and other blood cancers.*
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US and in the top 10 of killers worldwide,Pfizer pointed out.*
Meivation (MEDI);Pfizer (PFE)
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Friday, August 19, 2016
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Monday, August 15, 2016
Friday, August 12, 2016
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Monday, August 8, 2016
Retail Megadeal:Should Walmart Buy Jet.com?
What does Walmart have to do with aviation,one might have been excused for asking when this morning's news of its record-setting 3.3 billion dollar purchase of Jet.com came across.Yet on visiting the relatively obscure Jet.com's website,you immediately see what Walmart's reasoning was.Jet.com isn't named for aircraft,but for jets as a means of transporting its merchandise.*
Jet.com sells a full line of groceries,including fresh meat from Rastrelli Market and Kirkland brand dairy products from Costco.As you shop,Jet.com deducts your savings from your balance.Two day delivery is standard for their groceries.*
Rastrelli Market has eight retail locations and has expanded into food processing,warehousing and distribution,building a vertically integrated enterprise that is key to their quality assurance.With direct ownership or proprietary partnerships,Rastrelli Foods Group,of South Jersey,provides hand-trimming,processing and packing of an extensive line of gourmet meats,seafood,heat and serve meals,dessert and gift packages.For example,they own their own Black Angus cattle.The vertical integration ensures the quality and safety at all points of distribution,resulting in safer,higher quality products for the consumer.*
Besides groceries,Jet.com sells books,baby products,furniture,appliances,electronics,clothing and sporting goods.Looking over the pleasant,efficient website with discount to moderate pricing and astute,branded partnerships,one begins to sense Walmart made the right move toward improved competitiveness in this age of online merchants that we are in.*
Walmart Stores (WMT)
Jet.com sells a full line of groceries,including fresh meat from Rastrelli Market and Kirkland brand dairy products from Costco.As you shop,Jet.com deducts your savings from your balance.Two day delivery is standard for their groceries.*
Rastrelli Market has eight retail locations and has expanded into food processing,warehousing and distribution,building a vertically integrated enterprise that is key to their quality assurance.With direct ownership or proprietary partnerships,Rastrelli Foods Group,of South Jersey,provides hand-trimming,processing and packing of an extensive line of gourmet meats,seafood,heat and serve meals,dessert and gift packages.For example,they own their own Black Angus cattle.The vertical integration ensures the quality and safety at all points of distribution,resulting in safer,higher quality products for the consumer.*
Besides groceries,Jet.com sells books,baby products,furniture,appliances,electronics,clothing and sporting goods.Looking over the pleasant,efficient website with discount to moderate pricing and astute,branded partnerships,one begins to sense Walmart made the right move toward improved competitiveness in this age of online merchants that we are in.*
Walmart Stores (WMT)
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Friday, August 5, 2016
Mini - documentary:Totally Stripped-ROLLING STONES IN AMSTERDAM.
Totally Stripped-ROLIING STONES IN AMSTERDAM.
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Monday, August 1, 2016
GE Begins Headquarters Relocation Process Soon
After 42 years at its Fairfield,Connecticut home,General Electric will begin moving to its new global headquarters in Boston later this month.Its executives will head for temporary offices on Farnsworth Street in the Fort Point Channel neighbourhood where the project will take shape;the bulk of the 800 headquarters staff will not arrive until 2018.Two extant brick buildings will be rehabilitated on the 2.4 acre site beginning later this year;while a new 12-storey building with 293,000 square feet of office space will be constructed there as well.A bridge and walkway will connect the three buildings.*
The new campus is to be a global epicenter of innovation,according to Ann R. Klee,GE head of Boston operations and development.Our headquarters is designed to engage and leverage the talent,technology and work ethic of Fort Point and greater Boston,while also giving back to the community through investment,rehabilitation and an inviting public space.GE expects our new headquarters will transform the existing unused site into a limb of technology,innovation and intellectual stimulation as well as become a new meaningful destination on the the city's Harbor Walk,Ms.Klee's statement said.*
The first floor and part of the second will feature a museum of GE's history and future.It will also offer a visitors' reception area and co-working space open to the public,plus a coffee bar.*
General Electric (GE)
The new campus is to be a global epicenter of innovation,according to Ann R. Klee,GE head of Boston operations and development.Our headquarters is designed to engage and leverage the talent,technology and work ethic of Fort Point and greater Boston,while also giving back to the community through investment,rehabilitation and an inviting public space.GE expects our new headquarters will transform the existing unused site into a limb of technology,innovation and intellectual stimulation as well as become a new meaningful destination on the the city's Harbor Walk,Ms.Klee's statement said.*
The first floor and part of the second will feature a museum of GE's history and future.It will also offer a visitors' reception area and co-working space open to the public,plus a coffee bar.*
General Electric (GE)
Friday, July 29, 2016
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Monday, July 25, 2016
Verizon Goes for the Core in Yahoo Purchase - transforming itself in the process
Verizon Communications has purchased Yahoo's operating business for 4.83 billion in cash.Yahoo Japan and Yahoo's stake in Alibaba Group Holding are excluded from the deal.Verizon had agreed to raise its bid last week.Believed to be strongly behind the move was Verizon AOL CEO and Chairman Tim Armstrong,who has long sought Yahoo for its digital advertising business-even before the Verizon offer came along.Verizon had made a major transformative move when it purchased AOL last year for 4.4 billion.*
By purchasing the assets,Verizon gains access to Yahoo's advertising technology tools,BrightRoll and Flurry,as well as its email,search and messenger platforms;and content such as Yahoo News and Yahoo Sports.Verizon is looking to enhance its mobile video and advertising portfolios so as to make up for the slowing wireless business now at a saturation point.They also want Yahoo's scale,which will then drive the company's audience from millions to billions.*
The remainder Yahoo will become a publicly traded holding company with a different name.It will keep its Alibaba Group Holding Ltd 15% stake and 35% of Yahoo Japan,plus its convertible notes and some minority investments.The new Yahoo will be permanently structured to hold these legacy assets.Yahoo had been pressured by activist investor Starboard Value LP to jettison the core business.*
On Verizon's side,its head of product innovation and new business,Marni Walden,will become CEO of the combined firm.*
Verizon Communications Inc (VZ),Yahoo Inc (YHOO)
By purchasing the assets,Verizon gains access to Yahoo's advertising technology tools,BrightRoll and Flurry,as well as its email,search and messenger platforms;and content such as Yahoo News and Yahoo Sports.Verizon is looking to enhance its mobile video and advertising portfolios so as to make up for the slowing wireless business now at a saturation point.They also want Yahoo's scale,which will then drive the company's audience from millions to billions.*
The remainder Yahoo will become a publicly traded holding company with a different name.It will keep its Alibaba Group Holding Ltd 15% stake and 35% of Yahoo Japan,plus its convertible notes and some minority investments.The new Yahoo will be permanently structured to hold these legacy assets.Yahoo had been pressured by activist investor Starboard Value LP to jettison the core business.*
On Verizon's side,its head of product innovation and new business,Marni Walden,will become CEO of the combined firm.*
Verizon Communications Inc (VZ),Yahoo Inc (YHOO)
Shop Talk:Vacation Time Once More
Dear Readers,
Now it's peak vacation season,and maybe you've headed out with the kids in the back seat asking if you're there yet;but at this blog,the labouring never stops.The news and videos just keep pouring through the symbolic letter slot in the door,and it has to be digested and put into the proper form for the readers.*
Won't you take a moment and click on an advert for our sponsors?It would help to make for a successful July at this publication founded in January 2007 if you do-and ensure that it adds even more years to it history.
Have a safe and successful rest of the summer.
Andrew Taylor
publisher
Now it's peak vacation season,and maybe you've headed out with the kids in the back seat asking if you're there yet;but at this blog,the labouring never stops.The news and videos just keep pouring through the symbolic letter slot in the door,and it has to be digested and put into the proper form for the readers.*
Won't you take a moment and click on an advert for our sponsors?It would help to make for a successful July at this publication founded in January 2007 if you do-and ensure that it adds even more years to it history.
Have a safe and successful rest of the summer.
Andrew Taylor
publisher
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Friday, July 22, 2016
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Monday, July 18, 2016
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Friday, July 15, 2016
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Monday, July 11, 2016
Friday, July 8, 2016
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Monday, July 4, 2016
Merger of Middle East Banking Powerhouses
The National Bank of Abu Dhabi is set on merging with FGB (First Gulf Bank) to create a 175 billion dollar institution.It will be the biggest bank in the Middle East and North Africa.The combined bank will be larger than Germany's Deutsche Bank.*
Both banks are substantial holdings of the royal families of the UAE.The deal is the first big merger since Abu Dhabi made an effort to diversify away from oil and its declining value.The merger,involving a share swap,could result in a cost savings of about 30%.The mammoth transaction,resulting in the most sizeable lender in the Middle East,could spur more financial mergers and acquisitions in the region.*
Wisdom Tree Middle East Dividend Fund (GULF)
Both banks are substantial holdings of the royal families of the UAE.The deal is the first big merger since Abu Dhabi made an effort to diversify away from oil and its declining value.The merger,involving a share swap,could result in a cost savings of about 30%.The mammoth transaction,resulting in the most sizeable lender in the Middle East,could spur more financial mergers and acquisitions in the region.*
Wisdom Tree Middle East Dividend Fund (GULF)
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Friday, July 1, 2016
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Monday, June 27, 2016
Brexit and the Investment After Effects
Financial mavens and governments immediately went to work Monday morning on understanding the aftermath of the UK's choice of the Brexit option.
Obviously this is a shock,said Jurrien Timmer,head of Global Macro at Fidelity Investments in Boston.The UK economy needs to adjust;the stock market and banks need to deal with this new reality.It's not surprising the financial sector is taking the brunt of the hit here.Somebody threw a bunch of sand into the gears.It's a period of reassessing where the growth is,how trade pacts and other agreements are going to be rewritten.*
The S&P 500 has been stuck on 1800-2100 for about a year-and-a-half.Now we have a negative catalyst that I think will lead to revaluation of US and world equities.We may see some form of stagflation,which is really more consistent with a 15x multiple.It's pretty orderly;it's just the market needs to rerate based on a new fundamental.Bascally it depends on how systemic a Brexit is.For the US investor,it's somewhat systemic.I think some degree of rerating is in order.We're a somewhat closed economy.The 15x multiple will lead to basically the lower edge of the range,but no farther.*
The Lehman moment was a liquidity crisis,a funding crisis.With central bank policy over-accommodative here,that's not going to be an issue.I don't see it necessarily as a crisis,unless the euro comes under attack,and it's too early to see that.If the Fed moves to the side,that's definitely an offset.I do think we're going to go into fiscal stimulus in the UK.The UK government could basically fund pretty aggressive stimulus.Even without a shock,some US focus on fiscal stimulus is likely in the election season.*
If we're moving into a mild stagflation environment,we could see less growth with more inflation,so some inflation-protected investing would be in order,Mr.Timmer advised.*
Responding to the Brexit vote,S&P lowered the UK's credit rating from AAA to AA with a negative outlook.*
Investors will be looking into Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities,or TIPS,a type of government bond suitable for buffering portfolios in a stagflation environment.The TIPS bonds' principal is indexed to the Consumer Price Index and rises and falls accordingly;while the TIPS bonds' coupon rate remains steady,yielding more when multiplied by the rising CPI in inflationary conditions. *
iShares TIPS Bond ETF (TIP)
Obviously this is a shock,said Jurrien Timmer,head of Global Macro at Fidelity Investments in Boston.The UK economy needs to adjust;the stock market and banks need to deal with this new reality.It's not surprising the financial sector is taking the brunt of the hit here.Somebody threw a bunch of sand into the gears.It's a period of reassessing where the growth is,how trade pacts and other agreements are going to be rewritten.*
The S&P 500 has been stuck on 1800-2100 for about a year-and-a-half.Now we have a negative catalyst that I think will lead to revaluation of US and world equities.We may see some form of stagflation,which is really more consistent with a 15x multiple.It's pretty orderly;it's just the market needs to rerate based on a new fundamental.Bascally it depends on how systemic a Brexit is.For the US investor,it's somewhat systemic.I think some degree of rerating is in order.We're a somewhat closed economy.The 15x multiple will lead to basically the lower edge of the range,but no farther.*
The Lehman moment was a liquidity crisis,a funding crisis.With central bank policy over-accommodative here,that's not going to be an issue.I don't see it necessarily as a crisis,unless the euro comes under attack,and it's too early to see that.If the Fed moves to the side,that's definitely an offset.I do think we're going to go into fiscal stimulus in the UK.The UK government could basically fund pretty aggressive stimulus.Even without a shock,some US focus on fiscal stimulus is likely in the election season.*
If we're moving into a mild stagflation environment,we could see less growth with more inflation,so some inflation-protected investing would be in order,Mr.Timmer advised.*
Responding to the Brexit vote,S&P lowered the UK's credit rating from AAA to AA with a negative outlook.*
Investors will be looking into Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities,or TIPS,a type of government bond suitable for buffering portfolios in a stagflation environment.The TIPS bonds' principal is indexed to the Consumer Price Index and rises and falls accordingly;while the TIPS bonds' coupon rate remains steady,yielding more when multiplied by the rising CPI in inflationary conditions. *
iShares TIPS Bond ETF (TIP)
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Friday, June 24, 2016
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Monday, June 20, 2016
Approaching the Brexit Vote,Hopes For Action in Europe
I'm hoping for a Sputnik moment-the collective realisation that,if we don't do something now,something bad is going to happen,said Mohamed El-Erian,referring to the Soviet Union's launch of the Sputnik satellite in 1957 that triggered the Cold War space race with the United States.Mr.El-Erian,chief economic advisor at Allianz,was commenting following the latest UK poll,which showed Britons leaning against approving the Brexit,the prospective British leaving of the European Union that goes to referendum on Thursday.*
If Brexit were to occur,it would add institutional instability and accelerate the journey to the neck of the T-junction of the global markets and the economy.Imagine this chair with one-and-a-half legs.Monetary union is complete;banking union halfway.We need to complete the regional architecture in Europe,and we need a lot better global policy engine.*
Mr.El-Erian is a native of Egypt and formerly headed the Harvard Endowment.He was most recently co-CEO and co-CIO at PIMCO.*
Allianz SE (Milan:ALV)
If Brexit were to occur,it would add institutional instability and accelerate the journey to the neck of the T-junction of the global markets and the economy.Imagine this chair with one-and-a-half legs.Monetary union is complete;banking union halfway.We need to complete the regional architecture in Europe,and we need a lot better global policy engine.*
Mr.El-Erian is a native of Egypt and formerly headed the Harvard Endowment.He was most recently co-CEO and co-CIO at PIMCO.*
Allianz SE (Milan:ALV)
Friday, June 17, 2016
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Monday, June 13, 2016
BNP Paribas Cash Management University 2016
In early June,the ninth annual BNP Paribas Cash Management University was held in Paris.The delegates were polled about what keeps them awake at night:
1.the current political situation,53%;
2.a new sovereign debt crisis,17%;
3.the ECB's struggle to lift Europe out of deflation,14%;and
4.China's slowing economic growth,10%.*
Alain Papiasse,Group Chief Deputy Chief Operating Officer at BNP,said that the global economic outlook had clouded since the previous CMU last year,with the IMF making several downgrades.Only the US was doing better,and there are fears even about its growth cycle.Europe's modest GDP growth had improved a bit,but not sufficiently to dispel fears it was becoming a second Japan with anaemic growth and near-zero inflation for over 25 years.*
Negative interest rates threaten to become more than a temporary phenomenon,creating a dilemma for companies carrying excessive cash of whether to buy back shares or increase dividends.Digitisation would change the world dramatically over the next five years,and the ways BNP Paribas works with its clients.It also affects corporate treasurers' current areas of concern:
1.reporting and regulating compliance;
2.how to invest prudently in a low interest environment;and
3.cyber security's increasing importance.*
There were 260 delegates from 20 countries at the CMU.BNP Paribas is a French multinational that was ranked as the world's third largest bank by assets in 2012.*
BNP Paribas (Paris:BNP)
1.the current political situation,53%;
2.a new sovereign debt crisis,17%;
3.the ECB's struggle to lift Europe out of deflation,14%;and
4.China's slowing economic growth,10%.*
Alain Papiasse,Group Chief Deputy Chief Operating Officer at BNP,said that the global economic outlook had clouded since the previous CMU last year,with the IMF making several downgrades.Only the US was doing better,and there are fears even about its growth cycle.Europe's modest GDP growth had improved a bit,but not sufficiently to dispel fears it was becoming a second Japan with anaemic growth and near-zero inflation for over 25 years.*
Negative interest rates threaten to become more than a temporary phenomenon,creating a dilemma for companies carrying excessive cash of whether to buy back shares or increase dividends.Digitisation would change the world dramatically over the next five years,and the ways BNP Paribas works with its clients.It also affects corporate treasurers' current areas of concern:
1.reporting and regulating compliance;
2.how to invest prudently in a low interest environment;and
3.cyber security's increasing importance.*
There were 260 delegates from 20 countries at the CMU.BNP Paribas is a French multinational that was ranked as the world's third largest bank by assets in 2012.*
BNP Paribas (Paris:BNP)
Friday, June 10, 2016
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Monday, June 6, 2016
US - China Dialogue Begins in Beijing
Chinese President Xi Xinping opened the new round of the US-China dialogue with remarks seeking to alleviate tension between the two countries over the South China Sea,80% of which China considers to be its territorial waters.He wants to see confrontation eased in the region.China and the US should talk more often to reduce tension and build more trust.The vast Pacific should be a stage for inclusive cooperation,not a stage for competition,Mr.Xi said.The Pacific shouldn't be a battlefield for different parties.*
Economically,China wants tariffs removed from cold rolled steel;and it wants market economy status,having signed on to the World Trade Organisation 15 years ago.In that status,it would be more difficult for other countries to punish China with tariffs.Mr.Xi also wants an investment treaty.*
Nonetheless,questions are being raised about China's intentions with regard to Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea,which it claims along with Taiwan and the Philippines.Will China build a military airstrip there as it has in the Spratly Islands?
Economically,China wants tariffs removed from cold rolled steel;and it wants market economy status,having signed on to the World Trade Organisation 15 years ago.In that status,it would be more difficult for other countries to punish China with tariffs.Mr.Xi also wants an investment treaty.*
Nonetheless,questions are being raised about China's intentions with regard to Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea,which it claims along with Taiwan and the Philippines.Will China build a military airstrip there as it has in the Spratly Islands?
Friday, June 3, 2016
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
Media and Entertainment News
Walt Disney is opening its Shanghai,China theme park on 16 June,2016.*
British golfer Chris Wood of England won the European PGA Championship tournament.He finished at nine under par.*
American IndyCar Series rookie driver Alex Rossi won the 100th Indianapolis 500.He drove in the Formula One series last year.*
British driver Lewis Hamilton took the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix.It was his fist win of the season.*
Walt Disney Co (DIS)
British golfer Chris Wood of England won the European PGA Championship tournament.He finished at nine under par.*
American IndyCar Series rookie driver Alex Rossi won the 100th Indianapolis 500.He drove in the Formula One series last year.*
British driver Lewis Hamilton took the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix.It was his fist win of the season.*
Walt Disney Co (DIS)
Friday, May 27, 2016
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Monday, May 23, 2016
Why Bayer is Acquiring Monsanto
German health care and chemicals titan Bayer AG,a prominent maker of aspirin,is offering 62 billion dollars for its American peer Monsanto,a seed and agricultural chemicals specialist,or 122.00 a share.It would be the biggest ever acquisition of a foreign company by a German firm.Monsanto rose 4.41% to 106.00 on the news.*
Bayer is afraid of being left out as the space is consolidating around it,said John Oxgaard,chemicals equity analyst at Sanford Bernstein.It's a good time to consolidate the industry.The big force is the end of the ag cycle.When farmers incomes are low,they just don't have the money for their inputs and will negotiate over costs.*
Bayer doesn't have the cash for Monsanto;they will have to issue equity.I am skeptical about the deal.Ultimately,I think there is a gap between what Bayer is willing to pay and Monsanto is willing to accept.*
Monsanto is one of the the most hated companies in the world,being responsible for the development and marketing of Genetically Modified Organisms.It is kind of surprising that a European company is making this bid.If they do succeed,I expect the Monsanto name will probably disappear rather quickly.Although Bayer had been in the GMO business itself before abandoning the effort in the face of withering criticism,it doesn't seem to have been tainted the way Monsanto was,Mr.Oxgaard noted.*
Agricultural chemicals would make up nearly half of Bayer's portfolio,if the deal goes through.*
Monsanto Inc (MON),Bayer AG (Madrid:BAY)
Bayer is afraid of being left out as the space is consolidating around it,said John Oxgaard,chemicals equity analyst at Sanford Bernstein.It's a good time to consolidate the industry.The big force is the end of the ag cycle.When farmers incomes are low,they just don't have the money for their inputs and will negotiate over costs.*
Bayer doesn't have the cash for Monsanto;they will have to issue equity.I am skeptical about the deal.Ultimately,I think there is a gap between what Bayer is willing to pay and Monsanto is willing to accept.*
Monsanto is one of the the most hated companies in the world,being responsible for the development and marketing of Genetically Modified Organisms.It is kind of surprising that a European company is making this bid.If they do succeed,I expect the Monsanto name will probably disappear rather quickly.Although Bayer had been in the GMO business itself before abandoning the effort in the face of withering criticism,it doesn't seem to have been tainted the way Monsanto was,Mr.Oxgaard noted.*
Agricultural chemicals would make up nearly half of Bayer's portfolio,if the deal goes through.*
Monsanto Inc (MON),Bayer AG (Madrid:BAY)
Friday, May 20, 2016
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Monday, May 16, 2016
Asia This Day:Where To Look for Asia-Pacific Success
Some rather disappointing data came out of East Asia last night.Japan's April Producer Price Index fell 4.2% on the year,versus an estimate of 3.2%;while China's industrial production grew 6.0% versus an estimate of 6.5%.China's April GDP slowed to 6.88% from 7.1% in March.Investors will naturally pause for a moment to consider these facts.*
As we move from a manufacturing-led Chinese economy to a consumption-led economy,we have to expect growth to slow down;but I still think you're going to find great assets to own in the China market,said BlackRock's Asia-Pacific Chairman Ryan Stork.
It's just going to take some time.You've got a very big economy;it's going to take years.I think the People's Bank of China is there;but we're going to be in a market of near-term volatility the next few quarters,there's no doubt.*
I think you'll see new,innovative investment solutions.I think China,India,Indonesia are three markets that we quite like at the moment.There's downward pressure on Japanese stocks-it's a bit overdone.From our perspective,Japan is still a really big part of our strategy,both from an institutional side and an individual wealth side.You look at the ability to own good companies in Asia.It's more of a fundamental story now,rolling up your sleeves and finding those companies.*
There's a lot of evolution that has to take place in Asia for the use of etfs.The Bank of Japan is a buyer of etfs.It creates a lot of awareness among wealth investors.The use of etfs and long/short investments will eventually find their way into wealth investor portfolios,the more tactical use of passive investing.In the multi-asset space,we have an enormous platform,great teams.We have been growing at an exceptional pace relative to the rest of the firm.We've expanded our team in the equity side;we'll be expanding in the alternative side,Mr.Stork explained.*
iShares Japan ETF (EWJ),iShares China Large-Cap ETF (FXI),iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA),iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF (EIDO),BlackRock Inc (BLK)
As we move from a manufacturing-led Chinese economy to a consumption-led economy,we have to expect growth to slow down;but I still think you're going to find great assets to own in the China market,said BlackRock's Asia-Pacific Chairman Ryan Stork.
It's just going to take some time.You've got a very big economy;it's going to take years.I think the People's Bank of China is there;but we're going to be in a market of near-term volatility the next few quarters,there's no doubt.*
I think you'll see new,innovative investment solutions.I think China,India,Indonesia are three markets that we quite like at the moment.There's downward pressure on Japanese stocks-it's a bit overdone.From our perspective,Japan is still a really big part of our strategy,both from an institutional side and an individual wealth side.You look at the ability to own good companies in Asia.It's more of a fundamental story now,rolling up your sleeves and finding those companies.*
There's a lot of evolution that has to take place in Asia for the use of etfs.The Bank of Japan is a buyer of etfs.It creates a lot of awareness among wealth investors.The use of etfs and long/short investments will eventually find their way into wealth investor portfolios,the more tactical use of passive investing.In the multi-asset space,we have an enormous platform,great teams.We have been growing at an exceptional pace relative to the rest of the firm.We've expanded our team in the equity side;we'll be expanding in the alternative side,Mr.Stork explained.*
iShares Japan ETF (EWJ),iShares China Large-Cap ETF (FXI),iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA),iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF (EIDO),BlackRock Inc (BLK)
Friday, May 13, 2016
Chandra Movie Captures Expanding Debris from a Stellar Explosion - NASA
Chandra Movie Captures Expanding Debris from a Stellar Explosion: Astronomers have observed the debris field from this explosion − what is now known as Tycho’s supernova remnant − using data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, the NSF’s Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) and many other telescopes.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Hostage Rescue in Afghanistan Draws Praise From Carter - Operation Freedom's Sentinel Success
Hostage Rescue in Afghanistan Draws Praise From Carter: Defense Secretary Ash Carter commended U.S. and Afghan special operations personnel for the professionalism and skill they demonstrated in a hostage rescue mission in Afghanistan’s Paktika province.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Monday, May 9, 2016
Risk Assessment:Gauging the Potential Overseas Pitfalls
Japanese companies are strong,said Geoff Lewis,senior strategist at Manulife Asset Management.We are seeing stocks that we like in Japan.We can still see reason to invest in the Japanese market.They have managed to stabilise.*
The cyclical indicator is showing improvement in the emerging markets,including Brazil.*
The polls on the UK Brexit issue are very,very close.I think for the UK the question is,will the City of London financial centre suffer,lose its allure if the UK leaves the European Union?I think the City will continue to function even if there is a Brexit,Mr.Lewis reassured.*
Manulife is a Canadian full line financial services company.Besides Canada and the world's biggest economies of China,Japan and the US,where it owns the John Hancock brand,it operates in promising Asian economies such as Hong Kong,Taiwan and Singapore.*
iShares Japan ETF (EWJ),iShares Emerging Markets ETF (EEM),Manulife Financial Corp(MFC)
The cyclical indicator is showing improvement in the emerging markets,including Brazil.*
The polls on the UK Brexit issue are very,very close.I think for the UK the question is,will the City of London financial centre suffer,lose its allure if the UK leaves the European Union?I think the City will continue to function even if there is a Brexit,Mr.Lewis reassured.*
Manulife is a Canadian full line financial services company.Besides Canada and the world's biggest economies of China,Japan and the US,where it owns the John Hancock brand,it operates in promising Asian economies such as Hong Kong,Taiwan and Singapore.*
iShares Japan ETF (EWJ),iShares Emerging Markets ETF (EEM),Manulife Financial Corp(MFC)
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Satellites to See Mercury Enter Spotlight on May 9 - rare solar transit
Satellites to See Mercury Enter Spotlight on May 9: From an Earth-based perspective, Mercury will appear to cross the face of the sun between about 7:12 a.m. and 2:42 p.m. EDT on May 9, 2016. Space-based solar telescopes on SOHO, SDO and Hinode will all observe the transit.
Friday, May 6, 2016
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Monday, May 2, 2016
Should You Invest in Abbott Labs?
A number of analysts and hedge funds are maintaining or increasing their estimation of health care titan Abbott Labs.For example,Deutsche Bank reaffirmed its buy on the stock on 19 March;BTIG Research reaffirmed its buy rating on 26 April;Credit Suisse reaffirmed on 17 April;Wells Fargo reaffirmed on 28 April,as did Jefferies Group.Overall,there were six holds and 18 buys on the stock,as well as one strong buy.*
Among the hedge funds,Neuberger Berman increased its Abbott holdings by 9.7% in Q4;DNB Asset Management hiked its Abbott holdings by 69.7%;and Cambiar Investors LLC raised its stake in Abbott by 4.6% in Q4.*
Abbott Labs was founded in 1888 by physician and drug store owner Wallace C. Abbott (People's Drug Store,Chicago),who eventually began manufacturing drugs himself.Today it employs about 73,000 in more than 150 countries.Its four operating segments and some of their products are Nutrition (Similac,Ensure,Glucerna,PediaSure);Medical Devices (glucose monitoring and laser vision-correction technologies);Diagnostics (immunoassay diagnostics,blood screening,bedside testing and companion diagnostics);and Pharmaceuticals (branded generic medications for pervasive and persistent health conditions outside the US only).*
Abbott Labs recently acquired medical device maker St.Jude Medical for 25 billion dollars-its largest ever acquisition-on the desire to gain bargaining power with hospitals.The company paid a 2.67% dividend as of Friday.It scored a double beat on Q1 earnings.Earnings per share were 0.41 versus an estimate of 0.39;revenue was 4.9 billion dollars versus the 4.77 billion estimate. *
Abbott Laboratories (ABT)
Among the hedge funds,Neuberger Berman increased its Abbott holdings by 9.7% in Q4;DNB Asset Management hiked its Abbott holdings by 69.7%;and Cambiar Investors LLC raised its stake in Abbott by 4.6% in Q4.*
Abbott Labs was founded in 1888 by physician and drug store owner Wallace C. Abbott (People's Drug Store,Chicago),who eventually began manufacturing drugs himself.Today it employs about 73,000 in more than 150 countries.Its four operating segments and some of their products are Nutrition (Similac,Ensure,Glucerna,PediaSure);Medical Devices (glucose monitoring and laser vision-correction technologies);Diagnostics (immunoassay diagnostics,blood screening,bedside testing and companion diagnostics);and Pharmaceuticals (branded generic medications for pervasive and persistent health conditions outside the US only).*
Abbott Labs recently acquired medical device maker St.Jude Medical for 25 billion dollars-its largest ever acquisition-on the desire to gain bargaining power with hospitals.The company paid a 2.67% dividend as of Friday.It scored a double beat on Q1 earnings.Earnings per share were 0.41 versus an estimate of 0.39;revenue was 4.9 billion dollars versus the 4.77 billion estimate. *
Abbott Laboratories (ABT)
Friday, April 29, 2016
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Monday, April 25, 2016
Fed Banker Sympathetic to Savers
One of this week's economic highlights is the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday to decide on whether to raise interest rates.*
I think that we are going to see an inflation increase going forward,said James Bullard,President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St.Louis and an FOMC member.There's been a longtime disconnect between what the market thinks the Fed is going to do and what it actually does,Mr.Bullard cautioned.I'm not sure why we have to have this constant disconnect.Not only have we moved at meetings;we've also moved at inter-meetings.We reserve the right to move at any time.*
I felt that quantitative easing was pretty effective in the US.If we had to go back to that tool,I think we could do it.I feel that our toolbox is not nearly as empty as some seem to describe it.*
I think we should be able to tolerate mild overshoot:2.2 inflation is probably better than 1.5.I do think that it's a tragedy of sorts that we talk about borrowers and forget about savers.We want to do better in terms of equilibrium in the market instead of always borrowing from the future,Mr.Bullard told Bloomberg Radio.*
The Wall Street consensus is,the Fed won't raise rates at this meeting.
I think that we are going to see an inflation increase going forward,said James Bullard,President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St.Louis and an FOMC member.There's been a longtime disconnect between what the market thinks the Fed is going to do and what it actually does,Mr.Bullard cautioned.I'm not sure why we have to have this constant disconnect.Not only have we moved at meetings;we've also moved at inter-meetings.We reserve the right to move at any time.*
I felt that quantitative easing was pretty effective in the US.If we had to go back to that tool,I think we could do it.I feel that our toolbox is not nearly as empty as some seem to describe it.*
I think we should be able to tolerate mild overshoot:2.2 inflation is probably better than 1.5.I do think that it's a tragedy of sorts that we talk about borrowers and forget about savers.We want to do better in terms of equilibrium in the market instead of always borrowing from the future,Mr.Bullard told Bloomberg Radio.*
The Wall Street consensus is,the Fed won't raise rates at this meeting.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Monday, April 18, 2016
Orion Progress:Engine Section Hardware Completed for First Flight of NASA's SLS Rocket
Welding Wonder Completes Hardware for First Flight of NASA's SLS Rocket: Flight hardware for the core stage of the world's most powerful rocket, NASA's Space Launch System, finishes final welding and is moved off the 170-foot-tall Vertical Assembly Center at the agency's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.
Citi's Global and US Economic Forecasts - what the risks are
In late February,Citigroup issued its global economic outlook.It cut its global expansion forecast from 2.7% to 2.5%.Global prospects are worsening further,with deterioration across advanced economies alongside previous weakness in the emerging markets,Citi's research note said.Britain's upcoming vote on whether to leave the eurozone is a key extra near term global risk that would hurt both the UK and EU economies;while more policy easing from the European Central Bank and Bank of Japan will provide only limited stimulus.*
On 15 April,Citi released its US forecast.Our US outlook has little potential to be surprised on the upside,but the risks are very evident on the downside,said William Lee,head of North American Economics.Risk is from looming uncertainty as to when the Fed will make rate hikes,as well as many important political events here and abroad scheduled in the next few months.Recently reviewed and incoming data imply GDP will grow by 0.9% in Q1 and 1.7% for the year.
Despite such tepid growth prospects,we project a slow decline in the unemployment rate to 4.6% by end-2016,and 4.5% by end-2017.We continue to believe there will be only one rate increase this year-likely in September-unless developments stir financial markets and/or dampen further growth prospects.In that event,December or a later meeting would be a more likely date for an increase,Mr.Lee noted.*
Citigroup (C)
On 15 April,Citi released its US forecast.Our US outlook has little potential to be surprised on the upside,but the risks are very evident on the downside,said William Lee,head of North American Economics.Risk is from looming uncertainty as to when the Fed will make rate hikes,as well as many important political events here and abroad scheduled in the next few months.Recently reviewed and incoming data imply GDP will grow by 0.9% in Q1 and 1.7% for the year.
Despite such tepid growth prospects,we project a slow decline in the unemployment rate to 4.6% by end-2016,and 4.5% by end-2017.We continue to believe there will be only one rate increase this year-likely in September-unless developments stir financial markets and/or dampen further growth prospects.In that event,December or a later meeting would be a more likely date for an increase,Mr.Lee noted.*
Citigroup (C)
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Friday, April 15, 2016
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Monday, April 11, 2016
Analysts Pessimistic About Q1 Earnings - where investors should look now
Wall Street analysts are not hopeful about Q1 earnings season,which began,in accordance with tradition,with Alcoa's report after the closing bell.It is supposed to be the worst earnings season since the financial crisis.They foresee a 10% drop in Q1 profit.Despair is unwarranted,however..By Q3,the Street expects a rebound into earnings growth;and,by Q4,it predicts a return to profit growth.*
Scott Wren,Senior Equity Strategist and Managing Director at Wells Fargo Advisors,recommends leaning into those cyclical sectors that have fared best since the February low:consumer discretionary;industrials;and technology.*
Alcoa reported earnings per share of 0.07 per share versus the estimate of 0.02,a significant beat.This success was tempered,though,by their revenue of 4.95 billion versus an estimate of 5.2 billion,a slight miss.The ambiguity may be ascribed to the steep decline in aluminium prices.*
Also reporting this week will be money center banks JP Morgan Chase,Citigroup and Bank of America/Merrill Lynch.*
Alcoa (AA),iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF (RXI)
Scott Wren,Senior Equity Strategist and Managing Director at Wells Fargo Advisors,recommends leaning into those cyclical sectors that have fared best since the February low:consumer discretionary;industrials;and technology.*
Alcoa reported earnings per share of 0.07 per share versus the estimate of 0.02,a significant beat.This success was tempered,though,by their revenue of 4.95 billion versus an estimate of 5.2 billion,a slight miss.The ambiguity may be ascribed to the steep decline in aluminium prices.*
Also reporting this week will be money center banks JP Morgan Chase,Citigroup and Bank of America/Merrill Lynch.*
Alcoa (AA),iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF (RXI)
Friday, April 8, 2016
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Airstrike in Som
Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Airstrike in Som: In cooperation with the Federal Government of Somalia, on Thursday, March 31, the U.S. military conducted an airstrike in Somalia against Hassan Ali Dhoore, a senior leader of al-Shabaab, who is part
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Monday, April 4, 2016
Sharp Electronics' New Parent:Hon Hai/Foxconn Technology
Taiwan-based Hon Hai/Foxconn Technology Group has purchased a controlling stake in Japan's Sharp Electronics for 2.5 billion dollars.Foxconn transferred a deposit of 100 billion Japanese yen to Sharp on 31 March.
Foxconn is the world's largest electronics outsourcing firm,manufacturing the likes of the iPad,iPhone,Kindle,PlayStation 4,Xbox One and NokiaFounded by Terry Gou (pronounced "Gwa"),it is the third largest technology company in the world by revenue.With factories that can range to gargantuan proportions in Asia,Brazil,Europe and Mexico,its more than one million workers produce 40% of all consumer electronics.The group's revenue derives mainly from manufacturing services in connection with handset production.*
Foxconn,a Fortune Global 500 firm,is the largest exporter in Greater China and the second largest in the Czech Republic.Hon Hai Precison Instrument Co Ltd of New Taipei,Taiwan is the anchor company of Hon Hai/Foxconn Technology Group.Foxconn says it is the most dependable partner for joint design,joint development,manufacturing,assembly and after-sales services to global Computer,Communications and Consumer Electronics (3C) leaders.It has over 55,000 patents in fields such as nanotech;wireless network;environmental protection;optical plating technique;precision/nano processing;and network CMOS chips.It also provides end-to-end services such as its logistic and e-supplying system adopted for global supply chain management;computer software development and programming;and sales channel solutions.*
Sharp was founded as a mechanical pencil maker,but today is the fourth largest manufacturer of LED screens.Explaining his purchase,Mr.Gou said he has deep respect for Sharp's innovation and leadership.In acuiring Sharp,he has added a creator of products to a firm known for executing the designs of others.
Although at times questions have been raised about its treatment of workers and there have been some suicides by its workers,Foxconn says it is committed to continual education,investing in people long-term and localization globally.It is a penny stock trading under the name FIH Mobile and had a dividend yield of 2.42% as of close of trade Monday.*
FIH Mobile Ltd (OTC:FXCNF),Sharp Corp ADR (OTC:SHCAY)
Foxconn is the world's largest electronics outsourcing firm,manufacturing the likes of the iPad,iPhone,Kindle,PlayStation 4,Xbox One and NokiaFounded by Terry Gou (pronounced "Gwa"),it is the third largest technology company in the world by revenue.With factories that can range to gargantuan proportions in Asia,Brazil,Europe and Mexico,its more than one million workers produce 40% of all consumer electronics.The group's revenue derives mainly from manufacturing services in connection with handset production.*
Foxconn,a Fortune Global 500 firm,is the largest exporter in Greater China and the second largest in the Czech Republic.Hon Hai Precison Instrument Co Ltd of New Taipei,Taiwan is the anchor company of Hon Hai/Foxconn Technology Group.Foxconn says it is the most dependable partner for joint design,joint development,manufacturing,assembly and after-sales services to global Computer,Communications and Consumer Electronics (3C) leaders.It has over 55,000 patents in fields such as nanotech;wireless network;environmental protection;optical plating technique;precision/nano processing;and network CMOS chips.It also provides end-to-end services such as its logistic and e-supplying system adopted for global supply chain management;computer software development and programming;and sales channel solutions.*
Sharp was founded as a mechanical pencil maker,but today is the fourth largest manufacturer of LED screens.Explaining his purchase,Mr.Gou said he has deep respect for Sharp's innovation and leadership.In acuiring Sharp,he has added a creator of products to a firm known for executing the designs of others.
Although at times questions have been raised about its treatment of workers and there have been some suicides by its workers,Foxconn says it is committed to continual education,investing in people long-term and localization globally.It is a penny stock trading under the name FIH Mobile and had a dividend yield of 2.42% as of close of trade Monday.*
FIH Mobile Ltd (OTC:FXCNF),Sharp Corp ADR (OTC:SHCAY)
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Friday, April 1, 2016
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Monday, March 28, 2016
Rockwell Collins Profile
Rockwell Collins,based in Cedar Rapids,Iowa,designs,produces and supports flight-deck avionics;cabin electronics;mission communications;information management;and simulation and training.The aerospace and defence firm has a global workforce of nearly 20,000 striving to be the most trusted source of aviation and high-integrity solutions in the world.For example,the company points out that nearly 70% of US and allied military airborne communications are transmitted on Rockwell communications systems.*
Kelly Ortberg is the Chairman,President and CEO of NYSE-listed Rockwell Collins.
From Electronic Warfare and Intelligence;Navigation and Guidance;Radar and Surveillance;to Space Components,Rockwell sees itself as a pioneer in the industry it helped create.*
Rockwell Collins Inc (COL)
Kelly Ortberg is the Chairman,President and CEO of NYSE-listed Rockwell Collins.
From Electronic Warfare and Intelligence;Navigation and Guidance;Radar and Surveillance;to Space Components,Rockwell sees itself as a pioneer in the industry it helped create.*
Rockwell Collins Inc (COL)
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Friday, March 25, 2016
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
Popular on the Street:Utilities Select Sector SPDR
The Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF had a 12-month yield of 3.43% as of this morning.To have a good single digit compound rate of return is a very nice thing to have in a portfolio,said David Kotok,founder,chairman and CIO of Cumberland Asset Management.Cumberland has the etf in its managed portfolios.The fund is insulated from central bank moves and other overseas problems,consisting of mostly domestic electric utilities,with some natural gas,Mr.Kotok,who has a BS in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business,pointed out.*
Morningstar Associates gives the Utilities Select etf five stars out of five.It is a strong,appealing option for investors who want broad exposure to defensive,high-yielding US utilities companies,Morningstar says.It also gives the etf a sustainability rating of three for average.This rating judges how well the companies in etf portfolios are managing the environmental,social and governance issues relevant to their industries.
The top five holdings of the Utilities Select etf are:
1.NextEra Energy Inc;
2.Duke Energy Corp;
3.Southern Co;
4.Dominion Resources Inc;
5.Exelon Corp. *
Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU)
Morningstar Associates gives the Utilities Select etf five stars out of five.It is a strong,appealing option for investors who want broad exposure to defensive,high-yielding US utilities companies,Morningstar says.It also gives the etf a sustainability rating of three for average.This rating judges how well the companies in etf portfolios are managing the environmental,social and governance issues relevant to their industries.
The top five holdings of the Utilities Select etf are:
1.NextEra Energy Inc;
2.Duke Energy Corp;
3.Southern Co;
4.Dominion Resources Inc;
5.Exelon Corp. *
Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU)
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Friday, March 18, 2016
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016
Multiple Sclerosis:Managing Complexity
Multiple Sclerosis is a rather enigmatic,chronic disease that damages the nerves in the spinal cord,as well as the brain and optic nerve.Sclerosis means scarring and MS patients develop multiple areas of scar tissue in response to this nerve damage,causing a broad range of potential problems with muscle control,balance,vision and speech,including:
weakness in an arm or leg;
numbness or tingling;
loss of balance;
muscle spasms;
frequent tripping or difficulty walking;
blurred vision,colour blindness,eye pain and usually temporary blindness in one eye;
slurred speech;
trouble swallowing;
decline in mental acuity,meaning difficulty in problem-solving,memory loss and poor concentration;
fatigue;
some loss of bladder control.
Each case is highly individualised as to the exact symptomology and severity,with an episodic rise and subsidence of symptoms being common.*
In MS,the patient's immune system attacks the fatty sheathing of the nerve fibres called myelin.Myelin insulates the nerves and helps them send electrical signals that control movement,speech and other functions.When myelin is destroyed,scar tissue forms and nerve messages are not transmitted properly.The cause of this autoimmune disorder is unknown;but it is more common in northern regions such as Scandinavia and other parts of Northern Europe.These areas get less sunlight,possibly implicating vitamin D deficiency as a factor.Genetics also appear to play a role.MS is twice as common in women as in men,and Caucasians between the ages of 20 and 50 are most at risk of developing it.*
Diagnosis of MS is a sophisticated process that involves considering test results,medical history and a neurological exam.More than 90% of MS patients show scar tissue on an MRI scan.A spinal tap can check for abnormalities in the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.There are also tests to evaluate the electrical activity of the nerves and lab tests to rule out other autoimmune diseases such as HIV or Lyme disease.*
There is no cure for MS,but a full spectrum approach to treatment can improve the prognosis.Disease-modifying drugs such as Avonex,Betaseron,Copaxone and Rebif can lessen the frequency and severity of attacks and partially shield the brain and spinal cord,slowing the progression to disability.Novantrone and Tysabri are also available for more advanced cases.High dosages of corticosteroids can help shorten the attacks.Other medications can manage symptoms such as muscle spasms,incontinence and pain.Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles,combat stiffness and help patients move around better.Speech therapy can aid with speaking and swallowing.Most patients remain ambulatory with the assistance of orthotic shoe inserts;leg braces;canes;and walkers.Wheel chairs are needed by those who are very unsteady or fatigued.
Though multiple sclerosis is sometimes fatal directly or indirectly through aggravation of exisiting conditions,the outlook for optimally treated MS patients is improving through intensive research,with many remaining active in the community for an extended period through a combination of effective medication,peer support,medical devices and physical therapy.
weakness in an arm or leg;
numbness or tingling;
loss of balance;
muscle spasms;
frequent tripping or difficulty walking;
blurred vision,colour blindness,eye pain and usually temporary blindness in one eye;
slurred speech;
trouble swallowing;
decline in mental acuity,meaning difficulty in problem-solving,memory loss and poor concentration;
fatigue;
some loss of bladder control.
Each case is highly individualised as to the exact symptomology and severity,with an episodic rise and subsidence of symptoms being common.*
In MS,the patient's immune system attacks the fatty sheathing of the nerve fibres called myelin.Myelin insulates the nerves and helps them send electrical signals that control movement,speech and other functions.When myelin is destroyed,scar tissue forms and nerve messages are not transmitted properly.The cause of this autoimmune disorder is unknown;but it is more common in northern regions such as Scandinavia and other parts of Northern Europe.These areas get less sunlight,possibly implicating vitamin D deficiency as a factor.Genetics also appear to play a role.MS is twice as common in women as in men,and Caucasians between the ages of 20 and 50 are most at risk of developing it.*
Diagnosis of MS is a sophisticated process that involves considering test results,medical history and a neurological exam.More than 90% of MS patients show scar tissue on an MRI scan.A spinal tap can check for abnormalities in the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.There are also tests to evaluate the electrical activity of the nerves and lab tests to rule out other autoimmune diseases such as HIV or Lyme disease.*
There is no cure for MS,but a full spectrum approach to treatment can improve the prognosis.Disease-modifying drugs such as Avonex,Betaseron,Copaxone and Rebif can lessen the frequency and severity of attacks and partially shield the brain and spinal cord,slowing the progression to disability.Novantrone and Tysabri are also available for more advanced cases.High dosages of corticosteroids can help shorten the attacks.Other medications can manage symptoms such as muscle spasms,incontinence and pain.Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles,combat stiffness and help patients move around better.Speech therapy can aid with speaking and swallowing.Most patients remain ambulatory with the assistance of orthotic shoe inserts;leg braces;canes;and walkers.Wheel chairs are needed by those who are very unsteady or fatigued.
Though multiple sclerosis is sometimes fatal directly or indirectly through aggravation of exisiting conditions,the outlook for optimally treated MS patients is improving through intensive research,with many remaining active in the community for an extended period through a combination of effective medication,peer support,medical devices and physical therapy.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Monday, March 7, 2016
Hilton To Become REIT,Two Other Companies
Hilton Hotels has decided to split into three publicly traded companies.The hospitality industry titan will divide itself into:
1.A real estate investment trust;
2.A hotel management firm;and
3.A time share company,Hilton Grand Vacations.
Hilton actually owns only a small selection of its 4600 branded hotels.With this plan,it wants to lower taxes and increase shareholder value.
About seven years ago,the company moved from Beverly Hills,California to Maclean,Virginia near Washington,DC.*
Hilton Hotels (H)
1.A real estate investment trust;
2.A hotel management firm;and
3.A time share company,Hilton Grand Vacations.
Hilton actually owns only a small selection of its 4600 branded hotels.With this plan,it wants to lower taxes and increase shareholder value.
About seven years ago,the company moved from Beverly Hills,California to Maclean,Virginia near Washington,DC.*
Hilton Hotels (H)
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Thursday, February 25, 2016
HSBC Encouraged To Stay Put
HSBC,the British banking titan,says it will remain headquartered in London.It had been unhappy with the regulatory regime,but now bank levies have been scaled back and more friendly regulators have come in after the recent Parliamentary elections.*
In London generally,home prices are up 5.4%,locking out first time homebuyers.*
HSBC still likes Hong Kong very much and says,if Great Britain leaves the European Union,they could still relocate there.*
HSBC also still plans to add 4,000 banking jobs in Southeast China,but the pace has slowed somewhat in the current economic conditions there.*
HSBC Holdings plc ADR (HBC)
In London generally,home prices are up 5.4%,locking out first time homebuyers.*
HSBC still likes Hong Kong very much and says,if Great Britain leaves the European Union,they could still relocate there.*
HSBC also still plans to add 4,000 banking jobs in Southeast China,but the pace has slowed somewhat in the current economic conditions there.*
HSBC Holdings plc ADR (HBC)
Friday, February 19, 2016
US May Sail More Ships in South China Sea, Navy Commander Says
US May Sail More Ships in South China Sea, Navy Commander Says: Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Scott Swift says Navy will be clearer with its intent for the mission in future.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Friday, February 12, 2016
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Monday, February 8, 2016
The Global Market Cave-In and Where People Are Hiding
European markets caved in 3.5 % to 16-month lows on fears of further ECB rate cuts;and US stocks followed suit with the S&P 500 slipping 1.42% as falling oil prices and Fed rate increase worries,as well as the overseas weakness,rattled investors on Monday.Concerns are that,in a climate of negative interest rates in Europe and Japan,and prolonged dovish monetary policy,banks' profitability will be squeezed,said Jaisal Pastakia,investment manager at Heartwood Investment Management.According to Michael Bell,global market strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management,the market is pricing in a 50% chance of a European recession.
Both Brent crude and light sweet crude fell about 2.5% Monday,with Brent closing at 33.20 bbl and light sweet crude subsiding to the 30.12 mark.As for the safe havens,London spot gold peaked at 1176.66 an ounce at 1104 GMT,an increase of 0.3% on top of last week's 5 % gain;while NYMEX April gold settled up 3.5% at 1197.00 an ounce,and silver climbed 0.32% to 15.36 an ounce.*
Ian Taylor,CEO of Vitol Group B.V.,the world's largest independent energy trader,believes oil will stay low for the next 10 years.Brent crude will close the year out at 48.00 bbl,Mr.Taylor predicted.The Rotterdam,Netherlands company ships more than 270 million tonnes of crude a year in its fleet of 200 supertankers and other ships.*
Gold has made a spectacular move the past 20 days,said Frank Holmes,CEO of US Global Investors.World trade is still in negative territory,and negative real interest rates are helping gold.As well,there is a strong physical demand for bullion worldwide.US gold coin dealers had their second-best year ever in 2015,despite the price of gold having declined last year.I think it's going to continue to do much better this year than last year,unless some catastrophe happens around the world.China needs to back 3% of its currency with gold,buying all new mine supply.I think 1100 an ounce is the floor price,and it could easily go to 1500 and ounce,Mr.Holmes projected.*
We think there is more upside,said ETF Securities analyst Martin Arnold.The next big level is 1200,but it may take a while to test it.*
The rare stocks that did well in the Dow Jones Industrial Average included Exxon Mobil;Chevron;Apple;Procter&Gamble;and Johnson&Johnson.*
Exxon Mobil (XOM);Apple Computer (AAPL);Procter&Gamble (PG);Johnson&Johnson (JNJ);Chevron (CVX);iShares MSCI Global Silver Miners ETF (SLVP);iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING)
Both Brent crude and light sweet crude fell about 2.5% Monday,with Brent closing at 33.20 bbl and light sweet crude subsiding to the 30.12 mark.As for the safe havens,London spot gold peaked at 1176.66 an ounce at 1104 GMT,an increase of 0.3% on top of last week's 5 % gain;while NYMEX April gold settled up 3.5% at 1197.00 an ounce,and silver climbed 0.32% to 15.36 an ounce.*
Ian Taylor,CEO of Vitol Group B.V.,the world's largest independent energy trader,believes oil will stay low for the next 10 years.Brent crude will close the year out at 48.00 bbl,Mr.Taylor predicted.The Rotterdam,Netherlands company ships more than 270 million tonnes of crude a year in its fleet of 200 supertankers and other ships.*
Gold has made a spectacular move the past 20 days,said Frank Holmes,CEO of US Global Investors.World trade is still in negative territory,and negative real interest rates are helping gold.As well,there is a strong physical demand for bullion worldwide.US gold coin dealers had their second-best year ever in 2015,despite the price of gold having declined last year.I think it's going to continue to do much better this year than last year,unless some catastrophe happens around the world.China needs to back 3% of its currency with gold,buying all new mine supply.I think 1100 an ounce is the floor price,and it could easily go to 1500 and ounce,Mr.Holmes projected.*
We think there is more upside,said ETF Securities analyst Martin Arnold.The next big level is 1200,but it may take a while to test it.*
The rare stocks that did well in the Dow Jones Industrial Average included Exxon Mobil;Chevron;Apple;Procter&Gamble;and Johnson&Johnson.*
Exxon Mobil (XOM);Apple Computer (AAPL);Procter&Gamble (PG);Johnson&Johnson (JNJ);Chevron (CVX);iShares MSCI Global Silver Miners ETF (SLVP);iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING)
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Friday, February 5, 2016
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