The Big Pictures: Wilbur Ross on Geithner

Listen to the money man
The HardHead Fund — Damn, I wish I listen to Jim Rogers 2 years ago - well here he is now telling the world just hold screwed up our LEADERS ARE: Who else was right and was called a fool - Peter Shiff of Euro Pacific Capital (the man was DEAD RIGHT)

Recession for a Year. I Told You So!
Stocks and Blogs — It comes as no shock to me, that the National Bureau of Economic Research confirmed today that we have been in a recession for almost a year . In fact, it makes me laugh. I find it utterly ridiculous how long it takes for NBER to determine the point at which we entered a recession. Back in January of this year, I had written in my post titled " Stay Away from Consumer Stocks ", "Oh and by the way, we are definitely in a recession. No doubt about it. I said it last April and you will see that it will be officially announced at some point during Q1 that the US economy entered a recession back in Q3 of last year." So I guess I gave NBER too much credit. I thought that they would have got it earlier this year, that ...

Just Stop Talking
Dealbreaker —

Splish Splash, Fox Business Is Taking A Bath
MadeMan.com —

New Bernie Madoff footage
Wall Street Folly — Fox Business will be airing a Bernie special this weekend (Saturday and Sunday night at 8pm) that contains footage from a birthday tribute to long time Madoff family friend and investor Norman Levy who died in 2005 at 93. This...

Bernie Madoff: "Don't Take Anything For Granted...Such As, For Example, Ill-Gotten Gains. Ish Like That."
Dealbreaker —

Bernie Madoff's rules for success
BloggingStocks —

Bolling on Oil and Natural Gas
Todd Sullivan's - ValuePlays —

Inside Bernie Madoff's Offices
The Mess That Greenspan Made —

FOX News Video: More Regulation Needed for Hedge Funds?
Securities Docket — Newedge Group’s Kirby Daley explains why the Obama Administration should not necessarily rush to impose stricter regulation of hedge funds in the wake of the Madoff case in this Fox News video: Subscribe to Securities Docket by Email

Fox Business Video: Details and Update on the Stanford Financial Group Fraud Case
Securities Docket — Fox Business News provides a summary and update on the Stanford Financial Group fraud case, and looks at some of the red flags that may have been overlooked. Subscribe to Securities Docket by Email

Fox Business Video: Madoff Bankruptcy Trustee Will Seek “Clawbacks” Going Back Six Years
Securities Docket — Fox Business News’ Adam Shapiro reports in this video that sources close to the Madoff bankruptcy proceedings say that the bankruptcy trustee will soon seek to clawback money from investors who withdrew money from the Madoff firm over the past six years. ...

Video: Fox Business interviews Muriel Siebert
Wall Street Folly — Disclaimer: Wall Street Folly offers gossip, rumors, opinions and highlights news which we believe is important. We're heavy on humor and satire (or try to be), and often focus on the hilarious, the sordid, the salacious, the absurd and the horrific that occurs on Wall Street and beyond. The site relies heavily on reported information from other publications and sites which we hope is correct, but may or may not be -- we can't / won't guarantee it. We cite our sources where applicable. So please do your own research and draw your own conclusions. The site is not a broker, dealer, or investment advisor and any opinions are ours alone and are protected by the First Amendment.

Stanford Investor Sues SEC for Seizing all Accounts Held at Stanford
Securities Docket —

AutoNation's Mike Jackson Talks About The Industry
Todd Sullivan's - ValuePlays —

Financial Literacy on FOX
Critical Mass —

Jim Welsh on How Low Can Markets Go
The Big Picture —

Fox Business Video: “Where the SEC Went Wrong”
Securities Docket — Former SEC Chairman Harvey Pitt answers questions from Madoff victims and Fox Business on how Bernard Madoff avoided being caught by the SEC. ...

What's jail gonna be like for Bernie?: He better be prepared to adjust....
Wall Street Folly — Convicted white collar criminal Larry Levine describes what it's going to be like for Bernie Madoff on the inside.

What will Bernie's new accomodations look like? Could he room with accused fraudster Art Nadel?
Wall Street Folly — Fox Business shows us an example of what Bernie Madoff's new crib will look like. He'll be at the Manhattan Correctional Center until his June 16th sentencing. It's a 7' x 7' room with bunk beds, a desk and a...

Madoff: From the Penthouse to the Metropolitan Correctional Center
Securities Docket — This video from Fox Business shows Bernard Madoff’s new home until he is sentenced on June 16: The Metropolitan Correctional Center. Madoff goes from a stunning penthouse apartment in Manhattan to a 7.5′ x 8′ jail cell that he will share with a roommate and which contains only a bunk bed, a desk and a toilet. ...

Taking Issue with David Dremen
Todd Sullivan's - ValuePlays —

Jim Rogers: "Invest in Farms"
Todd Sullivan's - ValuePlays —

Protesters: Happy Hour interviews Lloyd Blankfein's and congressional hearings' interrupter Medea Benjamin from Code Pink ($GS)
Wall Street Folly — Protesters: Happy Hour interviews Lloyd Blankfein's and congressional hearings' interrupter Medea Benjamin from Code Pink ($GS)

From laid off Deutsche Bank bond trader to Financial Crisis Tour guide: Andrew Luan will show you where the bodies are buried
Wall Street Folly — Andrew Luan used trade structured credit bonds at Deutsche Bank before the shit hit the fan and he lost his job. Now he's turned lemons into lemonade, taking tourists on walking visits to the sites of the Wall Street meltdown.... Presented By: State of Play in Theaters April 17th In a conspiracy keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Click to Learn More stateofplaymovie.net Ads by Pheedo

Lewis Doesn't Much Care About Chairman Role Either Way
Dealbreaker —

Tom Lydon Talks Emerging Markets ETFs on Fox Business
ETF Trends — Tom Lydon Talks Emerging Markets ETFs on Fox Business

Midday Market Update: Stocks Retreat on Earnings Anticipation
ETF Trends — ETFs U.S. stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) retreated in morning trading as investors wait on earnings reports from key companies and talks of General Motors ( GM ) filing for bankruptcy strengthen. All three major indexes - the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq - were down about 1% in morning trading. Things are a little sunnier in Asia, were the MSCI Asia Pacific Index climbed 0.4% on increases in lending in China and the Japanese government’s decision to double stimulus spending. This slip in markets, in addition to an International Energy Agency report forecasting a drop in global crude demand, sent black gold prices under $50 per barrel. Many investors believe that this next week will be a good ...

4 Reasons Why Copper ETFs and ETNs Are Jumping
ETF Trends — Falling supplies. Inventories in warehouses monitored by the Shanghai Futures Exchange dropped 18% to their lowest point since early February, reports Reuters . China. They’re the world’s largest copper consumer . Excitement over the country’s $585 billion stimulus plan and its potential to spur industrial production has many optimistic about the future outlook for the metal, which is a major component in industrial production. Increased lending. New loans in China increased more than sixfold in March from a year ago. There’s speculation that increased lending will spur inflation, making copper more attractive as a hedge. More shipments. Inbound shipments of the metal to China jumped 14% in March from February as ...

iShares ETF Sale? Not So Fast
ETF Trends — iShares ETFs Barclays’ line of iShares exchange traded funds (ETFs) were sold last week to a private-equity firm. Or were they? Under the terms of the deal struck with CVC Capital Partners, Barclays is allowed to solicit new offers for the line and “potentially other related businesses” for at least 45 days, beginning on April 15, reports Joe Morris for Ignites . According to the Suday Telegraph , Barclays intends to do just that by sending out feelers to other fund managers. The list includes Fidelity , Vanguard , Schwab and Deutsche Bank . The entire Barclays Global Investors unit could be on the block, some sources are saying. The unit has nearly $1.5 trillion under management. If there were any bids ...

Why, Despite Low Prices, Natural Gas ETF Outlook Is Good
ETF Trends — [image] Natural gas prices are falling, thanks to U.S. inventories being perched at their second-highest levels ever. What does this mean for exchange traded funds (ETFs)? Forecasts for natural gas is down, or lowered, as the supply-and-demand ratio is well supplied and U.S. inventories have surged to the second-highest level ever. Worldwide, and in the United States, there is plenty of natural gas for consumers to use and consumption will lower by 1.3%, reports Tom Stundza for Purchasing.com . Natural gas consumption normally climbs in the summer as cooling demand kicks in, but it might not be enough for a price recovery anytime soon because inventories are well above where they usually are at this time of year. ...

FOX Business Video: Madoff Family Members Go to Jail School
Securities Docket — Fox Business reports in this video that Madoff family members have recently met with “prison consultants” on how to survive in prison. ...

6 Bear Market Traps and How to Avoid Them
ETF Trends — Bear Market ETFs Emotions can be our own worst enemy when it comes to exchange traded fund (ETF) investing, and bear markets can heighten them. But there are ways to avoid the traps that have sunk many a portfolio. Suzanne McGee for The Wall Street Journal says that falling into traps in bear markets is easy. Our fears and emotions are heightened. Big losses tend to be seen, especially in the current bear market, leading to “desperation” moves. Some investors get so scared, they don’t do anything. How can you avoid these pitfalls? 1. The Value Trap. Investors convince themselves that a stock or ETF makes sense because it’s cheap, making it a great value. But sometimes “cheap” can mean “trouble.” Examine ...

What’s Giving the Tech ETFs a Spark?
ETF Trends — Technology ETFs As the global recession has hurt every aspect of the economy, some sectors are thinking outside of the box to gain a competitive advantage and boost the market value of their stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs). Sony ( SNE ) has recently been in talks with Google ( GOOG ) to post movies on YouTube. As of now, no major Hollywood production company shows full-length films on YouTube, which is the Internet’s most-viewed site. By posting full-length movies on the Internet, film companies will be able to reach a broader audience and keep up with society’s changes and likes, states Andy Fixmer and Brian Womack of Bloomberg . This will not be an easy task to deal with because of the pressures that ...

How Trade Has Affected Germany and France ETFs
ETF Trends — ETF germany france The Euro zone’s two largest economies and their exchange traded funds (ETFs) have fallen on hard times as consumption both abroad and at home are down. Germany, the world’s biggest exporter of goods, reports that its unadjusted exports declined 23.1% and imports diminished 16.4% for the year in February, reports Paul Carrel for Reuters UK ...

Makeover Eyed for Emerging Markets ETF’s Index
ETF Trends — ETF emerging markets Changes in the world could soon be leading to changes in a major emerging markets index and its exchange traded fund (ETF). MSCI Barra is thinking of switching up its country lineup in its emerging markets Index, reports Sam Mamudi for The Wall Street Journal . Some fund managers think the changes could create more volatility, and more importantly, affect performance. ETF EEM In June, South Korea and Israel could be upgraded to the status of “developed markets.” These two countries would then be included into the MSCI EAFE Index, which includes Europe, Australasia and the Far East. ETF EWY ETF EIS ETF EFA In the short term, it is thought that the South Korea’s withdrawal would negatively affect the ...

Why Oil ETFs Are Here To Stay
ETF Trends — Commodity ETFs Despite Washington’s newfound green enthusiasm, oil giants, and the exchange traded funds (ETFs) that track black gold, aren’t jumping on the bandwagon. When it comes to renewable and alternative energy, most large oil companies are either sitting on the sidelines, balking at investing in new technologies favored by President Barack Obama ...

Midday Market Update: Markets In Red Despite Better Than Expected Earnings
ETF Trends — ETFs U.S. stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) are in the red in morning trad ing on unexpected declines in retail sales and producer prices, putting a halt in hopes that the economy has bottomed out. The Commerce Department reported that retail sales declined 1.1% in March, making it the biggest decline in the last three months and a far cry from the 0.3% increase that analysts had forecast. The decline was lead by a slump in auto sales, restaurant, furniture and clothing stores and electronics sales, states the Martin Crutsinger of the Associated Press ...

Should Mutual Funds Feel Threatened By Active ETFs?
ETF Trends — [image] Should the old guard of active managers of traditional mutual funds feel threatened by the actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF) coming to the market, and establishing a solid investor following? Apparently, the mutual fund industry has been given fair warning that the weakness seen in the actively managed ETF sector will not last, and that the conservative market outlook regarding active management is simply a sign of the times. As of right now, the active management debate is not in favor of this style of investing, says N.A. for The Mutual Fund Wire . But is the mutual fund industry downplaying the threat these ETFs could pose? Fund research shop FRC seems to think so. As of now, mutual fund ...

Signs of Life In China’s Economy and ETFs
ETF Trends — ETF China The tides are turning, and it looks like it may be to the benefit of China’s economy and related exchange traded fund (ETF). Early economic indicators for the first quarter are expected to contain positive news with investment flows, demand, credit and loans all increasing, according to Yahoo! News . The hefty cash injection by the Chinese government seems to be working its course and the results are showing. China is also cutting back on bond purchases with a drop in reserves of $32.6 billion in January, $1.4 billion more in February and a small rise of $41.7 billion in March, reports Keith Bradsher for The New York Times . In the first quarter, China’s foreign reserves grew ...

What’s Heating Up the Carbon Market ETNs?
ETF Trends — [image] The Obama administration proposed a new carbon cap-and-trade program within the latest budget proposal. As luck would have it, there are two exchange traded notes (ETNs) available to target this growing market sector. Carbon-efficient ETNs have gained more attention as the new administration sets forth its plan for carbon cap-and-trade , a system of emission allowances that delegates how much carbon a company can emit during production. Certain companies pollute at different rates and at different times of the year, so the carbon credits range from one company to another, reports Don Dion for Seeking Alpha . iPath Global Carbon ETN ( GRN ) is a note that represent carbon emissions ...

5 Tips for Wise ETF Investing At Any Age
ETF Trends — Retirement ETFs Many tips about investing in stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) these days seem to be targeted at the younger investor. But the truth is, it’s never too late to start doing the right thing. True, the younger you are, the better your position to build wealth and prepare for retirement. But even if you’re in your mid-40s, that doesn’t mean you should write off your portfolio as a lost cause. Young or old, here are some tips from AnnaMaria Andriotis for SmartMoney ...

Tom Lydon Discusses His ETF Portfolio on CNBC
ETF Trends — ETF Trends Daily ETF E-mail Newsletter Subscribe to our daily e-mail newsletter: Home ETF 101 ETF Book ETF Education ETF Spotlight FAQ ETF Resources Blogroll ETF Conferences ETF Providers ETF Tools ETF Portfolio Management Monthly Reports Special Reports ETF Analyzer ETF Forum In the Press About Advertising Contact Copyrights & Disclaimers Speaking Engagements Categories General Categories Extended Topics Monthly Archives Tom Lydon Discusses His ETF Portfolio on CNBC April 14, 2009 at 1:27 pm by Heather Hayes Bookmark and Share Tom Lydon ...

Why Technology/Networking ETF Is Connecting
ETF Trends — [image] During market downturns, there are certain sectors that do well despite the carnage in the broader market, and some exchange traded funds (ETFs) represent these sectors with standout performance numbers. Gary Gordon for ETF Expert selects the iShares Networking Fund ( IGN ) for his “sleeper hit” pick. The fund has shot up 42.5% over five weeks, a nice move higher in these turbulent times. The S&P 500, in contrast, is down 4.9%. Gordon makes the following arguments in favor of the sector: The tech sector overall has been a standout, with most ETFs focused on that area in positive territory. The tech sector is seen to be playing a defensive game nowadays. Companies are seen holding large wads ...

How Mexico’s ETF Can Prevail Over Challenges
ETF Trends — [image] Mexico is a country in transition right now, but what’s the outlook for their economy and exchange traded fund (ETF)? Mexico’s economy is set to shrink 2.8% this year based upon falling exports, underscoring the deep troubles that led it to seek help from the International Monetary Fund. Miguel Angel Gutierrez for Forbes reports that Mexican factories that make everything from cars to vacuum parts are reeling from the dropoff in orders from the United States, where the economy has contracted sharply in recent months. This forecast was much more bleak than a previous outlook for a 1% contraction in 2009 and was roughly in line with private-sector views. Meanwhile, Mexico’s Felipe Calderon faces a defeat ...

Two Things Fueling Commodity ETFs
ETF Trends — Commodity ETFs As with other parts of the market, certain commodities and their exchange traded funds (ETFs) have shown some signs of life and have started to recover. Part of this recovery can be attributed to President Barack Obama’s $787 billion stimulus package, which is aimed to target the construction industry, the Federal Reserve’s actions to put more spending money in the hands of consumers and businesses and other similar stimulus packages and interest rate cuts seen around the globe. Granted crude oil is a far cry from its peak of $147/barrel seen in July, but the volatile commodity has gained about 40% since February of this year. Take a look at United States Oil ( USO ...

5 Banks That Survived the Tempest In Financial ETFs
ETF Trends — ETF regional banks While we were hearing about the drowning big-name financial institutions, regional banks, along with related exchange traded funds (ETFs), were coasting along if not just afloat. The fact is that thousands of banks in the United States are doing fine, and analytic indicators like capital-to-asset ratio or liabilities-to-asset ratio paint a healthier picture for such banks, writes Martha C. White for The Big Money ...

Are You and Your ETFs Ready for the Taxman?
ETF Trends — ETFs That Give Yield, Minus Financial Exposure March 2, 2009 – "Financials" might not be a favorite word among exchange traded fund (ETF) investors right now, which makestwo of WisdomTree's newly restructured dividend funds look like great ... Continue Reading How ETFs and ETNs Are Taxed March 19, 2009 – April 15th is right around the corner and many of us are biting are nails trying to figure out just exactly how our exchange traded notes (ETNs) and exchange traded funds (ETFs) ... Continue Reading How Dividend ETFs Are Taxed February 19, 2009 – April 15 is right around the corner and all of us are biting are nails to get our 1040s filed and minimize what we owe Uncle Sam. With this in mind, be ...

Midday Market Update: Markets Fluctuate on a Vague Future
ETF Trends — ETFs U.S. stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) fluctuate in morning trading on good news from the consumer staples sector, weak performance from the technology industry and an overall belief that the economy is still struggling. In an attempt to restore confidence in the financial system and a time of transparency, the federal government has announced that it is planning on releasing data on the health of the 19 largest banks. All 19 are expected to pass the stress tests, but some are expected to score higher than others. When will this information be disclosed, those who know aren’t saying. Supporters of this decision believe that transparency is king and by releasing the data it will instill investor confidence in the markets. ...

Why Oil Refiner ETFs Deserve a Look
ETF Trends — [image] While oil has been in and out of the market spotlight, the sub-sector of energy refiners has taken a back seat. Exchange traded funds (ETFs) reveal that their performance could be worth watching. Refiners are the most ignored sub-sector within the energy sector. It seems like the broader market has also ignored the refiners, as they have not participated in the energy rally that started on March 3. Bullish Bankers on Seeking Alpha say that many investors are told to avoid the refiner area of the energy sector by advisors because of their business model, which is tough to understand on a macro-economic level. The refiners are the sub-sector of the S&P Energy Composite which go undetected. While pure-play ...

What Obama’s Cuba Moves Could Mean for a Future ETF
ETF Trends — ETF Cuba Under President Barack Obama, the new administration is seeking to open up the embargo against communist Cuba in what may help ease problems in its economy and subsequent close end fund (CEF). Obama is allowing U.S. telecommunications firms to provide services to Cuba and is lifting restrictions on family ties, according to Reuters UK ...

Could a New Platinum ETF Send Prices Haywire?
ETF Trends — [image] The United States’ first platinum exchange traded fund (ETF) is in registration. Ahead of the fund’s launch are some warnings for investors about the popular metal . Investors who are bullish on platinum now have an ETF in the works that could create demand for the metal, as each share must have a corresponding quantity of the precious metal behind it, Liam Denning for The Wall Street Journal explains . The filing for the U.S. fund was made by ETF Securities , which has a platinum fund in London right now. Since the prospective ETF first filed, platinum is up 5%, and has been up 51% since its November low. The metals had been suffering, because the auto industry hit platinum ...

How to Use Bond ETFs
ETF Trends — [image] The bond market has been getting a lot of attention. Are you aware of the multiple ways you can use these exchange traded funds (ETFs) in your portfolio? If you are searching for a bond-focused ETF to help round out your portfolio or keep assets in safety, the good news is there are about 58 different bond funds on the market. Jeffrey R. Kosnett for Kiplinger explains that this is more than enough to build any imaginable income portfolio, taxable or tax-exempt, using ETFs exclusively. Overall, bond ETFs are pretty straightforward, easy to interpret and fill investment needs expediently. Among the ways they can be used: Discuss fixed-income in our forums . How do you use these ETFs in your portfolio? A few ...

Who is Keeping Airline ETFs In Flight?
ETF Trends — Airline ETFs In a time where every sector is fighting to stay alive, the airlines and their related exchange traded fund (ETF), are unconventionally relying on consumer traffic to keep them afloat. This is unusual because, in general, the majority of airline passengers are business travelers and not recreational travelers. Additionally, when slack numbers arise they are usually a result of consumer travelers cutting back and not a decline in business travelers. However, at a time where unemployment rates are increasing at alarming rates and businesses are trying to implement lean measures to cut costs, the business traveler is starting to become obsolete. Consumer demand is still relatively low, but many are starting to splurge a ...

What Russia Is Doing to Fix Its Economy and ETF
ETF Trends — ETF Russia borrowing Russia might soon have its hand out in order to cover its budget deficit so as to shore up its economy , along with subsequent exchange traded fund (ETF). For the first time in a decade, Russia could borrow from foreign banks to help ease next year’s budget deficit, reports Andrew E. Kramer for The New York Times . This may signal a longer-than-anticipated recession after funds from oil boom years start to dry up . Finance minister Aleksei L. Kudrin has assured that the government is not in desperate need of financing, but is open to holding a road show in allowing foreign investors to get acquainted with Russian finances. Foreign borrowing is seen as a way to help the ...

5 Things Impacting Water ETFs and the Industry Right Now
ETF Trends — Water investments will gain attention as the economy falters. Water is beginning to be recognized as an alternative store of value, and water won’t be as badly affected by the crisis as other investments. There will be a renewed focus on the environment . There is heightened interest in water and the environment overall, thanks to the Obama administration . The industry is eagerly watching for what affect the stimulus plans will have on the industry over the next few years. Our water infrastructure is dilapidated. Water and global food production will get more attention. Food prices are rising quickly, causing many to take a look at how we’re using water. Are we being efficient ? Could we be doing better? Water ...

How to Access Value Using ETFs
ETF Trends — [image] The strategy for retailers throughout this recession has been value, as the larger stores are staying on top of the markets and exchange traded funds (ETFs) by adjusting advertising and marketing strategies, accordingly. The major stores have gotten the message, and the value aspect of whatever they are selling is what makes the sale. Despite a healthy dose of numbers for the month of March in the retailers earnings reports, consumers are sticking with the basics, such as food, gas, vitamins and candy, reports Stuart Elliot for The New York Times . Read my blog post at CNBC about how to play value in a recession. Although value means more than low prices, the consumer is proving that they are ...

4 New ETFs Triple Treasury Exposure
ETF Trends — Treasury Bond ETFs Direxion , the provider of revolutionary triple-leveraged exchange traded funds (ETFs), is out with a new set of funds. This time, they come with exposure to Treasuries. These new funds allow investors to go three times long or short on 10-year and 30-year Treasury bonds, essentially making a bet on rates. The indexes give 300% the daily performance, or 300% the inverse, of the NYSE Current 10- and 30-year U.S. Treasury indexes. The new funds are known as: The current rate on a 10-year bond is 2.76%; on a 30-year, it’s 3.66%. Treasuries were mixed after Wednesday, and longer-term bonds saw their yields rise slightly, reports Nick Godt for MarketWatch . Signs of improvement in the economy, however ...

Midday Market Update: Markets Fluctuate on Earnings and Unemployment
ETF Trends — ETFs U.S. stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) oscillated between positive and negative territory this morning on better-than-expected earnings reports by JP Morgan Chase ( JPM ) and an unexpected drop in jobless claims. JP Morgan beat analysts’ expectations, reporting earnings of $0.40/share as compared to the $0.32/share forecasted. Additionally, the firm posted record fixed-income trading revenue and siad that it can repay U.S. rescue funds. This report, in combination with last week’s earnings release by Wells Fargo ( WFC ), suggests that there could be a little life left in the financial sector. Unfortunately, the financials are still not completely in the clear. JPMorgan says that it still expects loan ...

What India’s Changing Face Means for ETFs
ETF Trends — [image] India is a country in transition - its population is booming, they’re trying to feed it, the country is getting more attention globally and it’s in the midst of a five-week long election process. What will these changes mean for their exchange traded funds (ETFs)? Since the 1960s-1970s, farmers in the state of Punjab have been part of a “Green Revolution”, backed by advisers from the United States and other countries. Indian farmers started growing crops the American way — with chemicals, high-yield seeds and irrigation. But recent studies indicate that this old method is going to collapse under pressure, reports Daniel Zwerdling for NPR . Apparently, the lack of water and the endless search for ...

Where Do U.S. Dollar ETFs Go From Here?
ETF Trends — [image] Although there have been growing calls for the U.S. dollar to be replaced as the world’s reserve currency , there are still reasons to watch the movements of the greenback. Experts weighed in with their opinions. The dollar has healed itself against the euro over the past six months, however, a major currency trader is not feeling bullish toward the U.S. dollar. George Soros is a major currency trader and has stated that the dollar remains vulnerable and could be replaced as the world’s reserve currency by a basket of denominations , including the euro, yen and British pound. David Sherchuk for Forbes reports that the world’s financial system needs to be reformed so the dollar is subject to the ...

Why Brazil and Canada’s ETFs Are Poised to Ride Out Downturn
ETF Trends — [image] Some countries are poised to ride out this economic downturn better than most, and they can offer exchange traded fund (ETF) investors some good options for their portfolios once potential long-term uptrends emerge. Brazil and Canada are in good positions for the economic meltdown, because of these areas of strength: Falling interest rates Operating on long-term double surpluses They possess items other countries fund valuable, i.e. commodity-rich Imari Love for Morningstar reports that with the major instability we’ve seen recently in currency exchange rates, a country with a current account surplus offers investors an important source of protection. A current account surplus also signals an ...

Why ETF Investors Are Shying Away From Stocks
ETF Trends — [image] A recent survey took a look at where we’re putting our investment dollars - stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds - and the results were telling. The AAII Asset Allocation survey breaks both stock and bond investments into two subcategories: the percent invested directly in a stock or bond, and the percent allocated to a stock or bond fund. According to the most recent survey, the percentage of overall assets in single stocks are at an all-time low, says Two Cents Editors for CNN Money . The low is at 13% compared to an average of 31%. The investment in stock funds right now is around 27%, pretty much in line with the long-term average of 29%. The steadiness can likely be attributed to people ...

Why Wind Energy and Green ETFs Are Catching On
ETF Trends — [image] Of all the 52 states within the United States, which ones are leading the crusade for alternative energy sources, and in the best position to help related investments and exchange traded funds (ETFs) prosper? Texas appears the be the leader when it comes to wind power, however, Iowa is blowing out the competition past California, generating the most wind energy. According to Dirk Lammers for Associated Press , The Lone Star state’s 7,118 megawatts dwarfs Iowa’s 2,791 megawatts and California’s 2,517 megawatts, but wind power has grown into a key part of the energy infrastructure in Minnesota and Iowa. Each state generates more than 7% of energy from wind turbines, and many of them are trying to lure energy ...

What Britain’s ETF Needs to Get Back On Track
ETF Trends — ETF Britain Britain’s economy , and subsequent exchange traded fund (ETF), may be stuck and the country might have to turn to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for aid. As Britain continues to grapple with an ongoing recession, job losses are growing and the burden of debt is piling on, reports Landon Thomas Jr. for The New York Times . Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has even suggested that the government should look for loans from the IMF like it did back in Britain’s deep recession of 1976. Speculation that Britain may go to the IMF depends on the severity of debt and faltering banking sectors . Back in 1976, foreign investors unloaded sterling holdings after a collapse in confidence ...

Is It Time to Look at Technology ETFs?
ETF Trends — ETF Tech sector The technology sector, along with related exchange traded funds (ETFs), have also been hit hard in this recession. But has it dipped low enough to entice investors back into this sector? There are proclamations from Intel ( INTC ) that the PC market has “bottomed out,” according to Aaron Task for Yahoo! Finance . Many tech stocks, like Intel Corp., have quite attractive valuations notes Scott Bleier, president of CreateCapital. Bleier particullary notes Intel as “the closet thing to a legal monopoly” in America and that tech stocks like this one are “dirt-cheap.” Tech stocks are seen as an “anti-financial” play. These companies have lots of cash on hand and have relatively large cash ...

How Compounding Impacts Leveraged and Short ETFs
ETF Trends — Long-Short ETFs Over the past few weeks, the financial sector has made a run, but the levered versions of this sector and its exchange traded funds (ETFs) have truly defined the affects of compounding. Since March 9, the Russell 1000 Financial Services Index has gained nearly 62% on positive news from analysts and improving economic data. Now compare that to a more concentrated fund that tracks the financials, the Direxion Financial Bull 3X ( FAS ...

Midday Market Update: Markets Unsure of Earnings Reports
ETF Trends — ETFs U.S. stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) fluctuated making modest moves and then dabbling in the red on better-than-expected earnings by Citigroup ( C ) and a better-than-expected consumer confidence report. Citi, considered to be one of the most troubled banks, posted a quarterly loss of $1 billion and actually turned a profit of $1.6 billion before paying dividends, outperforming analysts’ expectations. This translated to a loss of $0.18/share compared to analysts’ forecast of a loss of $0.32/share. Despite this outperformance, the bank was down 8% in intraday trading on concerns that headwinds in credit markets are persisting, states Jeff Kearns of Bloomberg . The Financial Select SPDR ( XLF ) , was ...

Can Commercial Real Estate ETFs Survive the Tempest?
ETF Trends — Commercial Real Estate ETF A big bankruptcy in commercial real estate announced this week raises questions about the health of the sector and its related exchange traded funds (ETFs). General Growth Properties ( GGP ), the second-largest operator of shopping malls, filed for Chapter 11 on Thursday. This makes it the biggest retail casualty of the recession, says Paul R. La Monica for CNNMoney . This development could affect a number of other U.S. companies. One of the largest unsecured creditors of General Growth is Bank of New York Mellon, although the bank is listed as a trustee for other creditors. But the big worry is that as this recession drags on, is General Growth an anomaly, or the start of a larger trend? One ...

Why Steel ETF Is Showing Renewed Strength
ETF Trends — ETF Steel After a severe drop in orders last year, steel, along with related its related exchange traded fund (ETF), may start to pick up as large economies increase consumption. China, the world’s largest consumer of copper and steel, looks to be recovering and demand for steel is likely to grow, according to Forbes . During the sudden reversal of economic conditions last year, steel plummeted on reduced orders from automotive, construction and industrial equipment markets. Prices for steel have been steadily dropping and steel companies are cutting production. Some investors fear higher Chinese export subsidies may cut global steel prices. Outside of China, production has dropped 37% compared to last year, and it has ...

How to Beat the Bear Using ETFs
ETF Trends — [image] The market has rallied and many investors are wading back into the market, but there is still a long, tough road ahead for equities and the exchange traded funds (ETFs) that hold them. Are we embarking on a continuation to the painful sideways bear of 1968-1982? As history has indicated, stocks may not be the best road to take for an investors, but the lure of the “Wall Street Hype Machine” brings many back to the single stock trading table, Paul B. Farrell for MarketWatch reports . Why are stocks looking lifeless these days? How long will this go on? Occasional short-term cyclical bull markets and dead-cat bounces could continue to take the economy, market and taxpayers on an uncertain ride. How can ...

How the ETF Industry Is Showing Its Strength
ETF Trends — [image] First-quarter numbers are out for exchange traded funds (ETFs), and the data is setting up the industry for some rapid growth when the market heals. ETFs in the United States produced net outflows of $1.5 billion in the first quarter, according to data collected from Strategic Insight, reports Index Universe . The firm has predicted that ETF assets globally will top $1 trillion within two years. As of March of 2009, there were 735 ETFs in the United States — with assets totaling approximately $482 — and they were managed by 22 ETF managers. Assets within the industry were up 6.8% or $30.8 billion, reports State Street’s ETF Snapshot . This is adding to the competition for market share within the ...

Why Oil Refinery Closings Can Make ETFs Attractive
ETF Trends — [image] U.S. oil refineries are suffering from the simple outcome of supply versus demand, and numbers indicate that certain refineries will be forced to shut down soon, possibly leading to the streamlining of related exchange traded funds (ETFs). Many analysts are making their picks as to which refineries will be the first to call it quits and how many may close, as oil and gasoline demand peaked around 2007. Many expansion projects at U.S. refineries are still under way. leaving the nation with more refining capacity than it needs, reports Susan Daker for The Wall Street Journal . There are many factors that determine which refinery will close , such as whether a plant can run on high-sulfur, cheaper ...

How Discount Shoppers Are Helping Retail ETFs
ETF Trends — [image] Cheap is the new black. The changing face of consumerism is America is leading to a value-oriented shopper, leaving low-cost retailers in a position to prosper, and it is displayed in the performance of retail exchange traded funds (ETFs). The Family Dollar Store ( FDO ) is a low-cost retail chain that has fared well in this down economy. It has outperformed other retailers such as Macy’s ( M ) and J.C. Penney ( JCP ), as consumers are trading down and wanting their dollar to go a lot further. Most items sell for under $10 in these shops. Suzanne Kapner for Fortune on CNN Money reports that during this recession most retailers have slashed their earnings, while the Dollar ...

Our Most Popular ETF Stories This Week
ETF Trends — Our Most Popular ETF Stories This Week March 28, 2009 – We know that during the week, it’s easy to fall behind on your blog reading. So, in case you missed them, here are our five most popular stories for the week of March 23. Who Wins ... Continue Reading Our Most Popular ETF Stories This Week March 21, 2009 – We know that during the week, it’s easy to fall behind on your blog reading. So, in case you missed them, here are our five most popular stories for the week of March 18. What the ... Continue Reading Our Most Popular ETF Stories This Week March 14, 2009 – We know that during the week, it's easy to fall behind on your blog reading. So, in case you missed them, here are our five most ...

What Obama’s Power Grid Plan Means for Utility ETFs
ETF Trends — [image] Electric utilities are left vulnerable to computer-based attacks from foreign countries and hackers, a government-authorized regulatory group recently reports; will this leave related investments and exchange traded funds (ETFs) unprotected as well? President Barack Obama has just unveiled a $4 billion plan to fund new power-transmission technology, reports Ian Talley for The Wall Street Journal . Obama wants to spur the development of a new artificially intelligent “smart” grid that could increase the efficiency of the nations electrical infrastructure. Benefits of the smart grid include better use of renewable energy and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. power grid has been woefully ...

How Can Islamic Banking System Help Our Economy and ETFs?
ETF Trends — [image] Can the Islamic banking system be a model for the United States, and if the overseas system had been in place domestically prior to the market meltdown, would stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) have been better off? While consistency and sustainability are the foundation to the Islamic banking system, the proof is in the fact that the current market meltdown did not take the system down with it. A sustainable growth was witnessed in the system and the subject to which, 27 Muslim and 15 non-Muslim nations invited the Islamic banks in hopes of getting sustainability in their financial sector. The principal basis of this economic system is the Islamic law - Sharia, explains 8000 Credit.org . Muslims are ...

Our Favorite ETF Stories in the Media This Week
ETF Trends — Our Favorite ETF Stories In the Media This Week March 15, 2009 – While we're writing stories, we're also taking notice of well-written and informative articles about exchange traded funds (ETFs) and the broader economy that we see elsewhere. ... Continue Reading Our Most Popular ETF Stories This Week April 18, 2009 – We know that during the week, it’s easy to fall behind on your blog reading. So, in case you missed them, here are our five most popular stories for the week of April 10. Bear ... Continue Reading 5 Things Impacting Water ETFs and the Industry Right Now April 16, 2009 – What's been flowing within the water industry during the past year of market and exchange traded fund(ETF) ups ...

How New Muni Bond ETF Will Capitalize on a Trend
ETF Trends — New Bond ETF Capitalizing on the increased interest in muni bond exchange traded funds (ETFs) , State Street Global Advisors has filed for a new one of their own. The SPDR S&P Municipal VRDO fund will track an index of variable rate demand obligations, reports Index Universe . VRDOs are debt issues by states, local governments and other agencies that pay interest exempt from federal income taxes. Last year, VRDO issuing volume shot up after the collapse of the auction-rate securities market. Those issues are similar to VRDOs in that they have long-term maturities, but VRDOs are considered more flexible since they allow put options as rates change. The new fund will hold VRDOs that, on average, reset weekly. The ...

Why the Case For ETFs In 401(k) Plans Just Got Stronger
ETF Trends — [image] The 401(k) market is the last frontier for exchange traded funds (ETFs) to fully break into, and the latest market upheaval may lead to an easier road for these funds to break into this segment of the market. Many individual investors are switching their retirement savings plans over to a pure ETF platform. Murray Coleman for Index Universe showcases one example, the owner of Lafayette Copier Sales & Service Inc. in Lafayette, Indiana. The owner had been using a 401(k) plan only offering mutual funds. But about a month ago, the plan’s service provider worked out a system that allows participants to create their own portfolios and freely transact using any iShares ETFs currently on the market. The ...

FOX Business Video: Plea Deal May Be in Works for Madoff Auditor
Securities Docket — FOX Business’ Adam Shapiro reports in this video on a possible plea deal in the works for Madoff auditor, David Friehling. ...

Midday Market Update: Markets Down Despite Better-Than-Expected Earnings
ETF Trends — ETFs Stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) fell sharply in morning trading as many investors dumped financials, grab their returns from a six-week rally and head for the hills. Many believe that credit losses are worsening and lower commodity prices are dragging down the energy and materials producers. In fact, this sector dropped more than 3% as crude oil and copper dropped the most in three weeks. This decline in the markets is despite Bank of America’s ( BAC ...

Why Shipping ETF Stands to Move Again
ETF Trends — ETF shipping The dry bulk shipping sector, along with its related exchange traded fund (ETF), could experience growth as companies seek out opportunities. Danish shipper Norden’s Chief Executive Cartsen Mortensen thinks the dry bulk shipping sector stands to benefit from a global slowdown , which should leave the stronger and more efficient companies hanging on in the end, reports Polina Devitt for guardian . They are currently seeking to acquire other struggling firms in the downturn. In India, Chief Executive Officer Arvind Bhatnagar of Gateway Terminals acknowledged increase in volumes going through their port as a result of improved productivity, better infrastructure and value-added services, writes P. Monoj for ...

Why Financial Sector and ETFs Have a Ways to Go
ETF Trends — Financial ETFs The banks are reporting better-than-expected earnings numbers, so that means all is finally right with the financial system and exchanged traded funds (ETFs), right? Hold on there. Bank of America ( BAC ) is the latest bank to come back with positive earnings to the tune of $4.2 billion in the first quarter. The bank said its earnings were lifted by its acquisitions of Countrywide Financial and Merrill Lynch, reports Louise Story for The New York Times . It turns out that banks still aren’t as lending-friendly as the government had believed, even though they’ve received bailout money intended to help them do just that. Bob Moon for Marketplace states that President Barack ...

Bill Fleckenstein isn't so fond of The Fed; It's dangerous to be too long or too short the market; longer term he's bullish on gold
Wall Street Folly — Bill Fleckenstein isn't so fond of The Fed; It's dangerous to be too long or too short the market; longer term he's bullish on gold

Video-o-rama: Investors “look past the valley”
The Big Picture —

Buffett/Munger Weekend in Video
Todd Sullivan's - ValuePlays —

Fox Business News Video: Harvey Pitt Weighs In on Recent Changes at the SEC’s Enforcement Division
Securities Docket — Fox Business News interviews Harvey Pitt on recent changes at the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, including its new specialization initiative. Subscribe to Securities Docket by Email

Fox Business News: “Crazy Eddie” the Movie?
Securities Docket — Fox Business News reports in this video that actor Danny DeVito plans to make a movie about the life of “Crazy Eddie” Antar. Victims of Antar’s fraud and others, including his cousin, former Crazy Eddie CFO Sam Antar, are not happy about it. Subscribe to Securities Docket by Email

Crazy Eddie movie not cool with fraud's former CFO
BloggingStocks —

David Rosenberg on the "End of the Recession" (video)
Todd Sullivan's - ValuePlays —

Chocola on Fox Business
Club for Growth —

Fox Business Video: SEC Report Confirms DOJ Told SEC to Back Off Stanford Investigation
Securities Docket — Fox’s Adam Shapiro reports in this video that an internal SEC report confirms that the DOJ told the SEC to back off of its Stanford investigation, which the SEC agreed to do until the Madoff scandal broke. ...

Christine de la Villehuchet thinks Bernie Madoff is a murderer (and she doesn’t think Ruth knew about the scam)
Wall Street Folly — Rene-Thierry de la Villehuchet’s widow doesn’t mince words. She thinks that Bernie Madoff is a murderer and holds him responsible for her husband’s suicide death in December, 2008 after the revelation that his firm, Access International Advisors, had lost as much as $1.4 billion with the Ponzi schemer. And of Ruth: she doesn’t think that Bernie’s Mrs. knew about the scam, but she’s “not gonna feel sorry for her”….. [image] Tagged as: Bernie Madoff , feeder funds , ponzi schemes , scammer , Videos Categories: Bernie Madoff , Legal , Scandal , Videos , WSF

Warren Buffett Makes the Rounds Today...
Todd Sullivan's - ValuePlays —

Buffett on lunches, the economy, and inflation
The Mess That Greenspan Made —

Video: Allen Stanford’s perp walk
Wall Street Folly — Allen Stanford made his way to court this morning, cuffed and dressed in the classic orange jump suit. He’s pleaded not guilty. The big question: will he get bail? Here’s the perp walk, courtesy of FBN: \ Sponsored Topics: Allen Stanford - United States - Business - Fox Business Network - Ponzi scheme ...

Tuesday's Links
Todd Sullivan's - ValuePlays —

FOX Business Video: Paying for Allen Stanford’s Legal Defense
Securities Docket —

Russia: Gov't Administration of Oil Markets "Impossible"
Todd Sullivan's - ValuePlays —

Dick Bove Compares Citigroup To The Yankees, Among Other Things
Dealbreaker —

Why You Really Have To Be Prepared To Do A Fox Business Interview
Capital Gains and Games —