cpeterka

The Crash of 2008

This is NOT Mathematics. This is Emotions.
Until the banks start to Trust each other, Until merchants get short term capital, this will continue to fall.
Grain is piling up in the ports ( Canada, US ) because the buyers can not GUARANTEE that the money they promise for the grain they want to buy will arrive from their bank.
The traffic in the ports is down by 20%. Joe Smallshop, and Frank Big Company NEED Short Term Capital, and until the banks TRUST them, things will continue to spiral downwards.
Sorry, I'm holding my cast for better bargains.

Surviving the Financial Nuclear Winter

About "Do you have at least a few years' worth of ready cash, in case the job is lost or prices of key household items unexpectedly skyrocket?"

I used to .... now I only have 6 months.

McCain's Economics

How desparate is McCain?
They are now discussions going on that Palin would parade her daughter's wedding out before the Election... with McCain in the front row.
Have these people No Shame ?
London Sunday Times... Front Page. http:/times.co.uk

5 Failures of SEC Chairman Cox

And where was John McCain for the last 26 years ?
Fighting and passing bills for LESS Regulation.
Give me a break on the "It's the SEC's Chairman's Fault."
Who was in charge for the last 7.75 years?
What was McBush doing for more regulation over his TWO Terms with a Republican Congress?

Oh, and let's say it was Bill Clinton's fault, he's been out of office for 8 years and left us with a SURPLUS. How's that Surplus doing with the Republicans in charge?
How's your 401K doing?
Mine wants me to vote for Bill Clinton.

Gauging Market Fear: Put/Call Ratio and Volatility Index

One thing I am happy for is that the Bush plan for privatization of Social Security happened. Thank the Lord I put all my retirement money into those solid stocks, GS, AIG, FNM, FRE, WB, GE etc... Now I'm set for life.
... This cardboard box is really nice, and the overpass keeps the rain out, and it's concrete floor keeps the fires away, but the LA Smog is a bit tough on my lungs. Luckily my severance package included a free pack of aspirin.
[ Satire, folks... Yuck it up.]

The $64 Trillion Question: What's the Dollar Really Worth?

U.S. has a strong military? You have got to be kidding me. George and Dick have squandered it in Iraq, We're over extended, the equipment is getting used up, and the troops are on their 2nd, 3rd or even approaching their 4th deployment. Recruitment is down, and where it is up, they are taking in those with only 1 conviction, and lowering the standards for education. We are spent. Printing more 'paper' money is the only thing keeping us alive. We couldn't take on another war like against Syria or Iran without massive investment of our own capital (people, new equipment, etc ).
Just my own humble opinion, but with Cheney talking WAR over in the Georgia and Ukraine, Putin knows we don't have the muscle to back up his pronouncements.
Good Luck, we'll need it.

Greenspan Just Captive to Conventional Wisdom of His Time

So, why do we pay him the big bucks, if he can't see into the future?
What good is that?
Reacting to a crisis AFTER it happens, we can all do that.
He's supposed to see the crisis coming.

Hedging against My Portfolio with Ultrashort Basic Materials

Am I dense, or is this a good way to loose money?

Under The Radar News - Thursday

Concerning: "Indian credit card issuer SBI, a joint venture between GE (GE) and State Bank of India, had a default rate of 16.28% as of year-end, likely the worst in the industry."

Worse is relative: If you're invested in GE, that's GREAT News.

Roger Wiegand: The Biggest Gold, Silver Rally in History

See info about Trader Tracks at
www.webeatthestreet.co...
scroll down a tad.

and also at
www.miningstocks.com/s...

A simple Google search got me that.
I suppose, like a Harley, they are both wild rides and not for the faint of heart.

These Market Internals Make It Hard To Be a Bear

Actually, it's quite easy to be a Bear.

These Market Internals Make It Hard To Be a Bear

Actually, it's easy to be a bear.

How Counter-Productive Is Realtor Association Spin?

Thank You.
Keep up the excellent commentary.
We (the great unwashed investors) need a beacon in the wilderness.

Vox in Rama.

What Visa's IPO Means for This Market

Remember how great BX was? They grabbed our money and ran.
Now, with the Credit Crisis approaching, and soon people will start filing for bankruptcy, just like the foreclosures for the homes, next up is the credit cards that are over extended. It's all down hill from here on out.
. I may buy in about 3 years when it comes down to half or less of the IPO price.
Good Luck, I'm a pessimist on this one.

The Bernanke Fed's Next Interest Rate Cut Will Be Its Last

Way to go, Brownie.
Way to go, Paulie.

Can we have a "Do Over" on the vote for 2000?

Please?