Articles
Baidu vs Google
Should You Invest in Baidu? Or Google?
Is Baidu really worth as much as it's trading for? Will Google leave China? If so, will other businesses follow suit, and if so, how will this affect the Chinese economy? This and more, as we discuss the ins and outs of Baidu vs Google and their role in the Chinese and world economies... read more »
Oil and Gas Royalty Trusts
What is a Royalty Trust?
You may have heard a tip from a friend that she has a great oil and gas royalty trust for you to invest in. First, we should point out that by the time a stock tip reaches you, it's usually to late. Do your own research, and inform yourself as to what your best investment is based on your financial needs, investing time horizon, etc. Second, royalty trusts aren't always all they're cracked up to be, especially when it comes to the oil and gas industries... read more »
Is Gold a Good Investment in 2009?
How Good of an Investment is Gold Right Now?
The markets are volatile - a recent run-up suggests that a full economic recovery might be closer than we think. Or does it? The recession that led to the Great Depression had several short-lived recovery periods on the way to a prolonged downturn. Will continued government intervention cause a rush from the dollar to gold? ... read more »
Starbucks on 15th Ave in Seattle
If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em
Starbucks new stab at innovation is a foray into the world of old European style coffee houses. With their opening of 15th Ave's Coffee and Tea in Seattle, Starbucks veers away from the corporate brand it has been establishing over the past few years, and focuses on replicating the atmosphere of an independent neighborhood café... read more »
Economic Stimulus Check Schedule
When Will I Get My Economic Stimulus Check?
Economic stimulus checks are typically issued by the government during difficult economic times to help spur (or "stimulate") consumer spending. 2008 was no different, being the year that bore the brunt of one of the greatest recessions of all time. 124 million households were estimated to receive a stimulus payment. If each household receives an average payment of $600, that amounts to a whopping $74,400,000,000!... read more »
Will Tech Stocks Lead the Recovery?
Tech Will Lead the Recovery
While we have no idea when the market will begin to recover, one thing appears clear - the fact that technology companies are best positioned to lead the recovery. As far as we can tell, the recent rally was a major head fake. There's still $3 trillion (according to the IMF) of write-downs coming for the major banks (so far, they've only reported $1 trillion), much more job cutting on the way, more housing troubles, major shrinkage in retail and manufacturing, and a laundry list of woes that make the light at the end of the tunnel appear farther away than it might be.... read more »
Stock market - is it time to buy again?
Are stocks on sale? Or is there more pain ahead?
First of all, there's no doubt that stocks are "on sale." Assuming that means that they've dropped significantly from their highs over the past few years. Many top blue chip companies have fetched prices not seen for nearly a decade in the past few weeks and months. The question is - is the bleeding over? Is now a good time to buy? The answer to this question is manifold... read more »
Can the Fed prevent inflation?
Can the Federal Reserve keep inflation at bay?
So far, the Fed has used $400 billion in lending programs, combined with interest rate cuts, to help keep inflation from taking over. A highly stimulative policy such as this one is similar to the approach used in 2001 following the bursting of the tech bubble. But will it be enough this time? Can the Fed prevent inflation? ... read more »
Is the Housing Market Crash Over?
The Housing Market Bubble Burst - Now What?
We're all very aware of the housing market bubble and the fact that is has burst. But where do we go from here? Have we hit bottom or is there more turmoil on the way? We're facing the same problem we faced when the tech bubble burst - the economy had not encountered the same unique combination of effects before, so in other words, we're in uncharted waters. But economists are not optimistic - some are expecting the market to continue it's decline, from 25 - 40%! ... read more »
When Will the Housing Market Recover?
For the Housing Market, the Worst Is Still Coming
The Fed's interest rate cuts in January have lifted the stock market somewhat, and gotten investors hopes back up, but those cuts are like trying to plug a dam with chewing gum. Some key questions that investors and policy makers are asking themselves during these trying times are... read more »
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