Description: Algae producers like Algenol — backed by Bill Gates, Exxon Mobil, Dow Chemical and the U.S. government, among others — work with the green plant to convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into biofuel. Steve Gelsi reports. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 03/15/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/converting-algae-to-ethanol-and-into-money/78B02C2E-F227-4F8F-A952-3B5225E440E5 Questions for discussion: Do you think this sort… Read more »
Monthly Archives: March 2010
Consumer watchdog may be too weak, advocates say
Description: Far-reaching legislation aimed at overhauling the nation’s financial-services regulatory system is moving forward in Congress, but advocates say some of the proposed consumer protections are too weak. Source: Marketwatch.com  Date: 03/25/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/will-bank-reform-proposals-protect-consumers-2010-03-25?siteid=nwtwk Questions for discussion: Do you believe consumers need a high level of legislation to protect them from the financial services… Read more »
U.S. Economy: Profit Surge May Help Broaden Expansion
Description: The fastest pace of economic growth in six years during the final three months of 2009 fueled a surge in corporate profits that may set the stage for job gains and a broadening of the U.S. recovery. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 03/26/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aorqXG5sfGeY Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons given for economic and stock… Read more »
F.D.A. Says Millions Got Unapproved Heart Pills
Description: Doctors in the United States wrote more than four million prescriptions last year for nitroglycerin tablets, heart drugs placed under the tongue to reduce the chest pain angina or to stop a heart attack. Source: NYTimes.com Date: 03/26/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/27/business/27nitro.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Why do you think the F.D.A. is only now acting on… Read more »
Why a $14/hour employee costs $20
Description: You probably cost your boss a lot more than you think you do. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 03/26/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/26/smallbusiness/employee_costs/index.htm Questions for discussion: In general, do you think these taxes (costs) are fair to employers and employees? Why would any exemptions for employment taxes be considered an unfair competitive subsidy by other businesses who must… Read more »
Digits: Who Stands to Win if Google Exits China?
Description: Hopes are fading that Google will be able to reach an agreement with China to remain in business there. With an exit by Google, a big chunk of the search market would be up for grabs, Ben Worthen reports on Digits with Stacey Delo, Eric Savitz and Marcelo Prince. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report… Read more »
Palm shares may hit $0: Analysts
Description: Palm’s future already looked bleak. But after reporting worse than expected results for the third quarter Thursday, some analysts think the company’s stock is now essentially worthless. Source: CNNMoney.com  Date: 03/19/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/19/technology/palm_target_price_zero/index.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for Palm’s demise. Do believe there is hope for the stock?
Nike jumps to record high as results promise strong demand
Description: Shares of Nike Inc. jumped to an all-time high Thursday after the No. 1 athletic-shoe company reported unexpectedly strong profits and product orders for its fiscal third quarter, driven by improved demand in Western Europe and China. Source: Marketwatch.com  Date: 03/18/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nike-jumps-after-results-promise-continued-demand-2010-03-18 Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for the growth in… Read more »
At Lehman, Watchdogs Saw It All
Description: Almost two years ago to the day, a team of officials from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York quietly moved into the headquarters of Lehman Brothers. They were provided desks, phones, computers  and access to all of Lehman’s books and records. At any given moment, there… Read more »
Avoid Negative-Net-Worth Stocks Like the Plague: John Dorfman
Description: I rarely buy a stock whose debt is greater than stockholders’ equity, or corporate net worth per share. In effect, that means I won’t give a second look to about one third of U.S. stocks. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: 03/15/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&sid=aReZz0vi1B5U Questions for discussion: In general, do you agree with this analysis and strategy… Read more »
