jstratt's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.comuser/137151/comments http://seekingalpha.com/article/175111-eliot-spitzer-on-how-geithner-was-fleeced-by-wall-street?source=feed#comment-783392 783392 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:32:18 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/175437-case-shiller-still-predicts-massive-45-fall-from-todays-values?source=feed#comment-780854 780854
That said! I dont fully agree with it based on my observation of the market. First point however is what would a house be valued at today if we had average long term interest rates. Lets all agree that 5% mortgages are far below average. Just averaging the highs and lows in my lifetime from my head would suggest 8.5% is closer to the average. That would significantly reduce real estate valuation.

Another commenter made the point that 20% down used to be required and that is much different than today. It has a huge effect on demand for housing.

One other thought is that perhaps some of the home equity loan money added value to houses that isnt in the data.

Regardless as to the reason, I would suggest from various data including auction prices for homes that a bottom is not 45% below current prices.

In todays world a person at work declared bankruptcy after medical issues and lost his 900 sq ft house. Then he went looking and found a 1600 sq ft house on 3 acres. The real estate agent didnt think it would be a problem, and it wasnt.

As long as anyone breathing is the qualification for financing, prices are not going to approximate past history.]]> Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:47:21 -0500
That said! I dont fully agree with it based on my observation of the market. First point however is what would a house be valued at today if we had average long term interest rates. Lets all agree that 5% mortgages are far below average. Just averaging the highs and lows in my lifetime from my head would suggest 8.5% is closer to the average. That would significantly reduce real estate valuation.

Another commenter made the point that 20% down used to be required and that is much different than today. It has a huge effect on demand for housing.

One other thought is that perhaps some of the home equity loan money added value to houses that isnt in the data.

Regardless as to the reason, I would suggest from various data including auction prices for homes that a bottom is not 45% below current prices.

In todays world a person at work declared bankruptcy after medical issues and lost his 900 sq ft house. Then he went looking and found a 1600 sq ft house on 3 acres. The real estate agent didnt think it would be a problem, and it wasnt.

As long as anyone breathing is the qualification for financing, prices are not going to approximate past history.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/175060-another-crisis-looms-right-around-the-corner?source=feed#comment-777957 777957 The best strategy is to sell everything and buy gold and silver coins.
Get a jack hammer and chisil out the concrete in your basement and make a bunker.
Buy MRE's and lots of ammo
Be prepared for the government to try to take everything
Quit your job and guard your belongings
Buy an extra toothbrush to take care of your remaining tooth
Convince your woman to crawl down in the hole once a week for practice.
Begin learning morse code
Remove your kids from school so their minds dont get further polluted.
make sure to buy a good chamber pot

Finally think about when you have to crawl out of your hole hungry and penniless. Figure out how you can look anymore pittiful so that you can maximize the pity for you and your family and make more income so you can eat.

or maybe just come to your senses now. Recognize that if this article is being used for guidance you shouldnt be managing your families financial future. ]]> Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:33:24 -0500 The best strategy is to sell everything and buy gold and silver coins.
Get a jack hammer and chisil out the concrete in your basement and make a bunker.
Buy MRE's and lots of ammo
Be prepared for the government to try to take everything
Quit your job and guard your belongings
Buy an extra toothbrush to take care of your remaining tooth
Convince your woman to crawl down in the hole once a week for practice.
Begin learning morse code
Remove your kids from school so their minds dont get further polluted.
make sure to buy a good chamber pot

Finally think about when you have to crawl out of your hole hungry and penniless. Figure out how you can look anymore pittiful so that you can maximize the pity for you and your family and make more income so you can eat.

or maybe just come to your senses now. Recognize that if this article is being used for guidance you shouldnt be managing your families financial future. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/175312-fdic-data-reflects-continued-economic-slump?source=feed#comment-777892 777892
Articles such as this play to investor fears and cause investors to react in a way that loses them money. Lets inject some reality into the perspective.

When a market drops the "negative end of the world" doomsayers come out with every imaginable logic and reason on why the world is coming to an end. Armigeddon only comes once and your chances of survival arent good so come back to reality.

In the 1980s unemployment in my area was near 20% and inflation was 15% and everyone said sell sell sell sell and I sold my meager holdings. Turns out the people who maintained a long term positive perspective were the huge winners.

Instead of investing like a largemouth bass viewing a worm, begin to think a little. Think about what is in the worlds best interest. Think about what is in the US best interest. Stop thinking that the modern world is about to end after 200+ years.

World leaders like to get reelected and not get overthrown so it is in their best interest to have the worlds largest economy help grow their own economies. What does that mean? It means that low interest rates that help the US economy recover is a good thing for China, Germany, and the world.

The irrational doomsayers will always take it as evidence that the US dollar is coming to the end and will fall off a cliff. I think this is the 15th cliff in my lifetime.

The last 3 years have been great years using an outlook that is something other than blind fear. The biggest signal to buy is a time like in the past year when a positve post on SA would generate 20 negative responses for every positive response. Then the end of the world crowd can have rule of the roost.

If you havent made the right financial moves this past 2 years perhaps you should not be reacting blindly to posts such as this. The negativity makes sure that maximum readership occurs as well as minimum investment returns.

In conclusion I should say that we are still in a time that should give you caution. It is a much better time to invest than at DOW 14000. December is also the best month of the year for investing. So I think I will stay 100% invested for now.

I feel sorry for your gains if you are following the doom crowd. However someday they will be correct. I wont be surprised if you dont profit on that prediction either.


]]> Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:03:43 -0500
Articles such as this play to investor fears and cause investors to react in a way that loses them money. Lets inject some reality into the perspective.

When a market drops the "negative end of the world" doomsayers come out with every imaginable logic and reason on why the world is coming to an end. Armigeddon only comes once and your chances of survival arent good so come back to reality.

In the 1980s unemployment in my area was near 20% and inflation was 15% and everyone said sell sell sell sell and I sold my meager holdings. Turns out the people who maintained a long term positive perspective were the huge winners.

Instead of investing like a largemouth bass viewing a worm, begin to think a little. Think about what is in the worlds best interest. Think about what is in the US best interest. Stop thinking that the modern world is about to end after 200+ years.

World leaders like to get reelected and not get overthrown so it is in their best interest to have the worlds largest economy help grow their own economies. What does that mean? It means that low interest rates that help the US economy recover is a good thing for China, Germany, and the world.

The irrational doomsayers will always take it as evidence that the US dollar is coming to the end and will fall off a cliff. I think this is the 15th cliff in my lifetime.

The last 3 years have been great years using an outlook that is something other than blind fear. The biggest signal to buy is a time like in the past year when a positve post on SA would generate 20 negative responses for every positive response. Then the end of the world crowd can have rule of the roost.

If you havent made the right financial moves this past 2 years perhaps you should not be reacting blindly to posts such as this. The negativity makes sure that maximum readership occurs as well as minimum investment returns.

In conclusion I should say that we are still in a time that should give you caution. It is a much better time to invest than at DOW 14000. December is also the best month of the year for investing. So I think I will stay 100% invested for now.

I feel sorry for your gains if you are following the doom crowd. However someday they will be correct. I wont be surprised if you dont profit on that prediction either.


]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/174423-bill-gross-anything-but-0-01?source=feed#comment-768229 768229
]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:22:44 -0500
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/174329-middle-class-bankruptcies-on-the-rise?source=feed#comment-768216 768216
On the other hand many backruptcies are the result of spending every last dollar earned. Buying expensive cars and huge homes with added vacations. I actually do feel sorry for that group a little as well. However more for their lack values that will create a tougher life as they grow older. They just didnt know any better or thought the world owed them a living. I also pity what they taught their children.

Some people did without an ostentatious lifestyle for many years. Those people are in much better shape. We all know people who earn 30K and save religiously and people who earn 300k and cant save a dime.]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:06:03 -0500
On the other hand many backruptcies are the result of spending every last dollar earned. Buying expensive cars and huge homes with added vacations. I actually do feel sorry for that group a little as well. However more for their lack values that will create a tougher life as they grow older. They just didnt know any better or thought the world owed them a living. I also pity what they taught their children.

Some people did without an ostentatious lifestyle for many years. Those people are in much better shape. We all know people who earn 30K and save religiously and people who earn 300k and cant save a dime.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/174231-historical-bull-market-returns-duration-suggest-more-upside-for-the-current-rally?source=feed#comment-766905 766905
Can the market go higher? You bet it can. Personally I find the market about 5% overvalued on trailing earnings and about 10% undervalued on 2010 earnings and 25% undervalued on 2011 earnings.

]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:24:47 -0500
Can the market go higher? You bet it can. Personally I find the market about 5% overvalued on trailing earnings and about 10% undervalued on 2010 earnings and 25% undervalued on 2011 earnings.

]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/172864-the-decline-of-credit-cards?source=feed#comment-756363 756363
Unfortunately most of the people that I see today are unable to control themselves.

Old thinking: Expensive Cars, boats, motorcycles, RV's or huge homes... prosperous

New Thinking: probably broke]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:35:21 -0500
Unfortunately most of the people that I see today are unable to control themselves.

Old thinking: Expensive Cars, boats, motorcycles, RV's or huge homes... prosperous

New Thinking: probably broke]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/172223-the-complete-list-of-russian-adr-stocks?source=feed#comment-756356 756356 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:24:03 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/172146-watching-the-usd-drop-here-s-what-you-should-really-be-watching?source=feed#comment-756354 756354
You should discard the hogwash of the dollar declining to its demise. What has happened since WWII is what is in the best interest of the world economy. For now that will continue. It will continue because it is in the worlds best interest... and that prevents revolutions.

Think IMF, World Bank, G20, Bank of International Settlements... ]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:19:51 -0500
You should discard the hogwash of the dollar declining to its demise. What has happened since WWII is what is in the best interest of the world economy. For now that will continue. It will continue because it is in the worlds best interest... and that prevents revolutions.

Think IMF, World Bank, G20, Bank of International Settlements... ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/172833-wal-mart-executives-there-are-families-not-eating-at-the-end-of-the-month?source=feed#comment-756338 756338
I love a fair free market system as it unlocks great human potential to excel. When it is not fair and politicians allow huge gains to the chosen few (primarily huge bankers) at the expense of all, then things will change. It may take a lot of pain but the forces of change are being put in place. The only choice longer term is the amount of pain.

In the current system Corporate executives are looting shareholders. We live in a system where owners get losses while the managers get wealthy. That also will change and the only questions are when and the amount of pain.

I am lucky as I will live most of my life in a free world with a strong middle class. I am living in perhaps a very brief moment in history. Many of the people who work for me for never experience financial freedom.

Just a few thoughts]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:03:05 -0500
I love a fair free market system as it unlocks great human potential to excel. When it is not fair and politicians allow huge gains to the chosen few (primarily huge bankers) at the expense of all, then things will change. It may take a lot of pain but the forces of change are being put in place. The only choice longer term is the amount of pain.

In the current system Corporate executives are looting shareholders. We live in a system where owners get losses while the managers get wealthy. That also will change and the only questions are when and the amount of pain.

I am lucky as I will live most of my life in a free world with a strong middle class. I am living in perhaps a very brief moment in history. Many of the people who work for me for never experience financial freedom.

Just a few thoughts]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/170583-cit-group-s-bankruptcy-plan-goodbye-common-and-preferred-stock?source=feed#comment-741468 741468
Geithner is nothing but a thief stealing from taxpayers money he would rather cheat than pay himself. If you are an investor always bet against the taxpayers. You can't help but win. It is like throwing money on the sidewalk outside a restaurant. After you eat go see if it is still there.

Make sure no bondholders lose any money. Rush in with taxpayer money first at all cost. Both Dems and Repubs are equally bought/bad.

Finally I have some great recommendations for treasury. I think Dick Fuld, Jimmy Cayne and Ken Lewis are available. They are the only ones who measure up to the excellence of Geithner that I can think of.]]> Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:37:26 -0500
Geithner is nothing but a thief stealing from taxpayers money he would rather cheat than pay himself. If you are an investor always bet against the taxpayers. You can't help but win. It is like throwing money on the sidewalk outside a restaurant. After you eat go see if it is still there.

Make sure no bondholders lose any money. Rush in with taxpayer money first at all cost. Both Dems and Repubs are equally bought/bad.

Finally I have some great recommendations for treasury. I think Dick Fuld, Jimmy Cayne and Ken Lewis are available. They are the only ones who measure up to the excellence of Geithner that I can think of.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/169404-bill-gross-six-month-rally-is-at-its-pinnacle?source=feed#comment-736394 736394
I would likely remove my money from the market before I would invest in your theory of expect minimal returns for life.

Lets see if in April I had taken your advise I could have a negative return instead of 40%. I know you are just talking your book (ie invest in bonds) but your advise sucks.

I kind of think the new normal is a suggestion to invest without expectation of return. We have had a crash I think I will stay with stocks. Enjoy hibernating with Mohammad! Hope you have plenty of blankets. ]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:36:39 -0400
I would likely remove my money from the market before I would invest in your theory of expect minimal returns for life.

Lets see if in April I had taken your advise I could have a negative return instead of 40%. I know you are just talking your book (ie invest in bonds) but your advise sucks.

I kind of think the new normal is a suggestion to invest without expectation of return. We have had a crash I think I will stay with stocks. Enjoy hibernating with Mohammad! Hope you have plenty of blankets. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/169748-eight-reasons-the-market-is-going-down?source=feed#comment-736386 736386
I was working in the Oil tool industry and we fell down laughing when we heard mention of an Oil glut. Everyone knew that the only way it could go was up. A few month later the company was almost defunct and Oil would drop to $9 or less.

I am not suggesting Oil will drop today below last years lows. What I am suggesting is that you should not believe all of the gibberish about the dollar being dead. Of gold going to the moon etc.

Just realize that capitalism works because governments around the world make it work. They realize that it creates a better political environmet at home and a higher standard of living throughout the world. A move to the G20 means the 20 most economically important nations will work to create a better economic world in the next year.

In the meantime many knuckleheads will postulate about how the world or the dollar or a country will fall off a cliff. Diversify your assets and invest. If the fools convince you to bury your money in the back yard you are the loser. Investing in treasuries at 0.5% is the equivalent.

I offer this opinion for what it is worth to you. Contain your fears and contain those around you who are scared. Scared money is always a loser.

]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:28:02 -0400
I was working in the Oil tool industry and we fell down laughing when we heard mention of an Oil glut. Everyone knew that the only way it could go was up. A few month later the company was almost defunct and Oil would drop to $9 or less.

I am not suggesting Oil will drop today below last years lows. What I am suggesting is that you should not believe all of the gibberish about the dollar being dead. Of gold going to the moon etc.

Just realize that capitalism works because governments around the world make it work. They realize that it creates a better political environmet at home and a higher standard of living throughout the world. A move to the G20 means the 20 most economically important nations will work to create a better economic world in the next year.

In the meantime many knuckleheads will postulate about how the world or the dollar or a country will fall off a cliff. Diversify your assets and invest. If the fools convince you to bury your money in the back yard you are the loser. Investing in treasuries at 0.5% is the equivalent.

I offer this opinion for what it is worth to you. Contain your fears and contain those around you who are scared. Scared money is always a loser.

]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/169272-goldman-dissembling-dark-pools-et-al?source=feed#comment-733067 733067
I would add that disguising markets is thievery.
Flash trading is thievery

At least in a casino there is an honesty about what is taking place.

Dark pools appear to me to be a way to give special advantage to some institutions.

Flash trading is even worse as your individual buy order is being transmitted to others so that they can profit directly at your expense. It was amusing to see when a major investment bank had their code stolen and they revealed that in the wrong hands it could be extremely dangerous. I would add that in their hands it is extremely dangerous.

They are able to pay congressmen and senators enough that they own them so things will not likely change.

What you can do for yourself is buy quality long term investments and hold them. If you are a trader you better be darn good... because the odds are stacked against you more every time you trade. ]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:06:53 -0400
I would add that disguising markets is thievery.
Flash trading is thievery

At least in a casino there is an honesty about what is taking place.

Dark pools appear to me to be a way to give special advantage to some institutions.

Flash trading is even worse as your individual buy order is being transmitted to others so that they can profit directly at your expense. It was amusing to see when a major investment bank had their code stolen and they revealed that in the wrong hands it could be extremely dangerous. I would add that in their hands it is extremely dangerous.

They are able to pay congressmen and senators enough that they own them so things will not likely change.

What you can do for yourself is buy quality long term investments and hold them. If you are a trader you better be darn good... because the odds are stacked against you more every time you trade. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/169281-almost-all-assets-appear-to-be-overvalued-bill-gross?source=feed#comment-733011 733011
It is a great time for long term investors. Many quality long term stocks are still at or near 10 year low PE ranges.

In the last big recession around 1980 every kook came out with their opinion on why the world was ending and why you have to sell everything and why the US was in decline. As a young investor I foolishly allowed myself to sell my meager holdings.

Stocks may or may not be great values but they are better than when they were 4000+ points higher on the DOW.

For Bill Gross however an article like this may save a few billion in assets under mangement from leaving. If I was him I might continue to write articles like this.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:30:33 -0400
It is a great time for long term investors. Many quality long term stocks are still at or near 10 year low PE ranges.

In the last big recession around 1980 every kook came out with their opinion on why the world was ending and why you have to sell everything and why the US was in decline. As a young investor I foolishly allowed myself to sell my meager holdings.

Stocks may or may not be great values but they are better than when they were 4000+ points higher on the DOW.

For Bill Gross however an article like this may save a few billion in assets under mangement from leaving. If I was him I might continue to write articles like this.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/168138-at-t-q3-beats-estimates-activates-3-2-million-iphones?source=feed#comment-726410 726410
ATT is a hidden growth story. By that I mean in an environment of large revenue declines, near even is growth. I translate that to an equivalent 10% increase when the rest of the world stablizes.

My estimation is that the stock is now worth in excess of $30 per share and a 5.2% dividend yield. The dividend is not in danger with the rise in cash flow and a 6% dividend return is more than is now justified.

Dual reasons for increased share price make T an attractive investment with significant return potential. ]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:21:33 -0400
ATT is a hidden growth story. By that I mean in an environment of large revenue declines, near even is growth. I translate that to an equivalent 10% increase when the rest of the world stablizes.

My estimation is that the stock is now worth in excess of $30 per share and a 5.2% dividend yield. The dividend is not in danger with the rise in cash flow and a 6% dividend return is more than is now justified.

Dual reasons for increased share price make T an attractive investment with significant return potential. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/166335-is-the-s-p-500-overvalued?source=feed#comment-721415 721415
Stocks in many ways are fairly valued based on earnings potential. Where a case for overvaluation can be made is in the increased risk for equities.

1) We are no longer in a US dominated world and that has negative economic implications.

2) The macro structure and leadership of the world economy is beginning to change in ways it hasnt changed in our lifetime.

3) The dollar? It probably isnt going to be the sole reserve currency 15 years from now.

So risk is higher and PEs perhaps should be lower.

PG at a 13.5 PE with huge support from a declining dollar seems cheap

IBM at 12+ PE and the wind at its back seems cheap

T with a 12.8 PE and a 6.4% dividend seems cheap. Especially when a huge recession is masking the real growth in its business opportunities.

These are just a few of my favorite things.]]> Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:06:16 -0400
Stocks in many ways are fairly valued based on earnings potential. Where a case for overvaluation can be made is in the increased risk for equities.

1) We are no longer in a US dominated world and that has negative economic implications.

2) The macro structure and leadership of the world economy is beginning to change in ways it hasnt changed in our lifetime.

3) The dollar? It probably isnt going to be the sole reserve currency 15 years from now.

So risk is higher and PEs perhaps should be lower.

PG at a 13.5 PE with huge support from a declining dollar seems cheap

IBM at 12+ PE and the wind at its back seems cheap

T with a 12.8 PE and a 6.4% dividend seems cheap. Especially when a huge recession is masking the real growth in its business opportunities.

These are just a few of my favorite things.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/166296-johnson-johnson-q3-beats-earnings-raises-guidance?source=feed#comment-714280 714280
That said I did move back into JNJ ahead of earnings because I thought they would excel. JNJ will do well over time as a long term holding. They will also do well on a relative basis with any correction.

Still a believer]]> Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:16:15 -0400
That said I did move back into JNJ ahead of earnings because I thought they would excel. JNJ will do well over time as a long term holding. They will also do well on a relative basis with any correction.

Still a believer]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/165088-the-g20-time-for-a-u-s-attitude-adjustment?source=feed#comment-709721 709721
Why? The US has controlled money, and military. But not anymore. Partly the world has changed and partly our military supremecy is diminished. Our money is not the sole currency anymore.

The practical effect is we cannot spend the worlds dime anylonger. It will be a more equal world. That is a big change to us. It may mean that we have to use money in a smart way. It may mean that we dont unilaterally decide to start wars. It may mean that others have to carry a heavy burden of defense spending.

Whether we know it or not we have spent money at the worlds expense. That has been a great thing but we have been responsible for protecting the world economy. Both things have changed.

Historically speaking we are entering into an unstable period that likely will affect risk assets greatly by adding risk and reducing values.

On the other hand we remain the most powerful military and we are going to remain economically the most powerful. In my view that means that we will be in good shape. We just wont own the world anymore.

That is my opinion and investing philosophy. I offer it for what it is worth...

The significance to me is you might want to save a little more for a rainy day. We dont own the world anymore... then get over it.]]> Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:55:14 -0400
Why? The US has controlled money, and military. But not anymore. Partly the world has changed and partly our military supremecy is diminished. Our money is not the sole currency anymore.

The practical effect is we cannot spend the worlds dime anylonger. It will be a more equal world. That is a big change to us. It may mean that we have to use money in a smart way. It may mean that we dont unilaterally decide to start wars. It may mean that others have to carry a heavy burden of defense spending.

Whether we know it or not we have spent money at the worlds expense. That has been a great thing but we have been responsible for protecting the world economy. Both things have changed.

Historically speaking we are entering into an unstable period that likely will affect risk assets greatly by adding risk and reducing values.

On the other hand we remain the most powerful military and we are going to remain economically the most powerful. In my view that means that we will be in good shape. We just wont own the world anymore.

That is my opinion and investing philosophy. I offer it for what it is worth...

The significance to me is you might want to save a little more for a rainy day. We dont own the world anymore... then get over it.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/158579-the-dog-that-ate-ken-lewis-s-homework?source=feed#comment-699414 699414
The Securities Extortion Commission (SEC) needs to be obliterated and replaced by a regulatory body.

Seriously the SEC commissioners should be hauled before a court or public body to testify about why they arent a fraudulent group of conspirators. Perhaps they could explain why it only appears they are a fraudlent treasonous body.

What is their thinking?
What are they trying to accomplish?
Are they proud of their achievements?
What recommendations do they have?
How do they think their actions meet public goals?
Do they think their actions allow citizens pensions to be looted?
What do they think about flash trading?
Is allowing an advanced look at trading data and ability to trade to some special entities stealing from the US citizens? Why or Why not?
Do they think they are acting in citizens best interest?

Perhaps the appropriate name is the Securities Extortion Club!
]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:32:03 -0400
The Securities Extortion Commission (SEC) needs to be obliterated and replaced by a regulatory body.

Seriously the SEC commissioners should be hauled before a court or public body to testify about why they arent a fraudulent group of conspirators. Perhaps they could explain why it only appears they are a fraudlent treasonous body.

What is their thinking?
What are they trying to accomplish?
Are they proud of their achievements?
What recommendations do they have?
How do they think their actions meet public goals?
Do they think their actions allow citizens pensions to be looted?
What do they think about flash trading?
Is allowing an advanced look at trading data and ability to trade to some special entities stealing from the US citizens? Why or Why not?
Do they think they are acting in citizens best interest?

Perhaps the appropriate name is the Securities Extortion Club!
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/164185-ken-lewis-rip?source=feed#comment-699398 699398
To give Lewis a 53 Million severance package is an outrage. The US cannot survive with a middle class when this sort of crap is common place.

The shareholders are fleeced at every turn by managements insulated by hand picked boards. The result is 0 for shareholders and huge bonuses for managements from inside picked boards.

When will people wake up? Doesnt an owner get anything in the US anymore? If you settle for this and the farce of an entity called the SEC you deserve to retire to dogfood.

Ken Lewis deserves to be in Jail.

The BOD needs to be ousted and jailed if they knew of the hidden bonuses.

A severe example needs to be made in one of the most treasonous acts of a company in history

My point is great companies have made it a practice to fleece shareholders by paying the entire gains to management. The result is people are happy with poor retirements while the executives earn huge outlandish salaries and bonuses even when they destroy a company.

Wake up people!]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:11:44 -0400
To give Lewis a 53 Million severance package is an outrage. The US cannot survive with a middle class when this sort of crap is common place.

The shareholders are fleeced at every turn by managements insulated by hand picked boards. The result is 0 for shareholders and huge bonuses for managements from inside picked boards.

When will people wake up? Doesnt an owner get anything in the US anymore? If you settle for this and the farce of an entity called the SEC you deserve to retire to dogfood.

Ken Lewis deserves to be in Jail.

The BOD needs to be ousted and jailed if they knew of the hidden bonuses.

A severe example needs to be made in one of the most treasonous acts of a company in history

My point is great companies have made it a practice to fleece shareholders by paying the entire gains to management. The result is people are happy with poor retirements while the executives earn huge outlandish salaries and bonuses even when they destroy a company.

Wake up people!]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/163303-sec-charges-bofa-for-merrill-bonuses?source=feed#comment-690097 690097
The SEC is supposed to serve a great purpose of maintaining a set of free and fair markets. It has deserted its purpose in a treasonous manner.

It is managed by a disgusting set of leaders that need to be expunged, its political overseers need to be expunged and integrity needs to be restored.

The proper penalty for BAC is to pay back the government with an appropriate return added. Merrill Lynch should be seperated and sold off. Finally Ken Lewis and the entire board needs to be removed.

When fraud and graft is accepted in a BAC like manner, the US has downgraded itself to a 3rd world country that cannot be trusted.]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:17:20 -0400
The SEC is supposed to serve a great purpose of maintaining a set of free and fair markets. It has deserted its purpose in a treasonous manner.

It is managed by a disgusting set of leaders that need to be expunged, its political overseers need to be expunged and integrity needs to be restored.

The proper penalty for BAC is to pay back the government with an appropriate return added. Merrill Lynch should be seperated and sold off. Finally Ken Lewis and the entire board needs to be removed.

When fraud and graft is accepted in a BAC like manner, the US has downgraded itself to a 3rd world country that cannot be trusted.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/161972-five-questions-for-william-k-black?source=feed#comment-688455 688455
Black brings much credibility and reason into discussions of financial malfeasance. He creates value in helping to keep all the illegal and unethical behaviors from being swept under the carpet.

That said also look critically at the support for his conclusions. You will likely agree with most but not all of them.]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:03:22 -0400
Black brings much credibility and reason into discussions of financial malfeasance. He creates value in helping to keep all the illegal and unethical behaviors from being swept under the carpet.

That said also look critically at the support for his conclusions. You will likely agree with most but not all of them.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/160463-the-fha-meltdown?source=feed#comment-678417 678417
In todays world the government is asking you to do what huge political contributors want. That in short means a slick well designed plan to separate you from your money.

A good investment strategy is to let government inspired bubbles pop and buy after the asset has dropped off a cliff.]]> Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:47:00 -0400
In todays world the government is asking you to do what huge political contributors want. That in short means a slick well designed plan to separate you from your money.

A good investment strategy is to let government inspired bubbles pop and buy after the asset has dropped off a cliff.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/161118-what-s-a-home-really-worth-these-days?source=feed#comment-678410 678410
The mansions never made sense in the best of times. After heating, cooling, maintaining and paying taxes on huge homes little is left. Much like in the 80s the huge homes will likely lose 40% of their value. They may lose more!]]> Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:35:42 -0400
The mansions never made sense in the best of times. After heating, cooling, maintaining and paying taxes on huge homes little is left. Much like in the 80s the huge homes will likely lose 40% of their value. They may lose more!]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/160619-the-coming-consequences-of-banking-fraud?source=feed#comment-671242 671242
However Kim could make alot more money if he tried to be another Oliver Stone.

The truth is markets are manipulated to create a better world economy. It serves the world to allow the US to recover faster, or to help Europe or to help the 3rd world to grow at this point for the greater good of all.

In short the world economy is managed. Now go make money!]]> Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:03:31 -0400
However Kim could make alot more money if he tried to be another Oliver Stone.

The truth is markets are manipulated to create a better world economy. It serves the world to allow the US to recover faster, or to help Europe or to help the 3rd world to grow at this point for the greater good of all.

In short the world economy is managed. Now go make money!]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/160415-verizon-raises-dividends-but-is-it-enough?source=feed#comment-669737 669737
VZ has invested heavily reducing current free cash flow but increasing longer term prospects. I think it is an excellent buy at 6%+ dividend and good forward prospects.]]> Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:12:44 -0400
VZ has invested heavily reducing current free cash flow but increasing longer term prospects. I think it is an excellent buy at 6%+ dividend and good forward prospects.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/159443-pimco-continues-its-campaign-for-the-new-normal?source=feed#comment-657397 657397
The result is that it may take several years of PIMCO bond returns to reach the results of the past 6 months in the market.

Perhaps now is a good time to take huge returns and move some into Pimco bond funds. Then again perhaps not as stocks are still rather low incomparison with the lofty levels prior to the recession.]]> Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:46:44 -0400
The result is that it may take several years of PIMCO bond returns to reach the results of the past 6 months in the market.

Perhaps now is a good time to take huge returns and move some into Pimco bond funds. Then again perhaps not as stocks are still rather low incomparison with the lofty levels prior to the recession.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/159216-u-s-auto-loan-losses-continue-rising?source=feed#comment-655627 655627 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:46:21 -0400