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Why Are Investors Returning to the Dollar?

We have witnessed a "War on Poverty," which has only muliplied the number of people, living in poverty. We have seen a "War on Drugs," which has only increased the profits and violence, associated with drugs. Now, we have a "War on Terror," which is inflaming and angering masses of people, worldwide... If there was only some way, to have a "War on Wars." Every political solution, only multiplies our problems. The more extreme the effort, the greater the consequences. I hate fear, worse than I fear hatred. We must resist those, who use fear as a weapon.

Obviously, I haven't panicked and sold my shrinking portfolio. I'm not quite sure what a treasury is, but it sounds like "the government," to me. So, I too am still grasping for falling knives... Five times, I have bought shares in POT, each time lower than the time before. I broke open my last CD, in order to handle a margin call, and to buy more POT. I like American companies, be it North American, Central American, or South American. As long as it's American, I don't discriminate, at least not by latitude. Solid companies, with great long-term outlooks and wise management teams, have a peculiar appeal to me. Potash fits the description. Earnings will be out, 10/23.

Crash Opportunities: Part II

Your graph of gold prices, caused me to think back... The last time gold spiked to these levels, was approx. 1980. Gold is not the only safe-haven, so are CD's... In 1982 or so, I bought a CD, which payed 11.5%. Now, I have one paying 3.3%. Obviously, the price of gold and the interest payed on CD's, must have absolutely no relationship, or something is very different, this time around.

Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News

It's entirely possible, that we will see some more downside, before the regional banks start up. However, their share prices ought to reflect their future potential. To me, I see capitulation in the share prices of these banks... Everyone who was going to sell has had ample opportunity to get out. Now, I see buying by Directors and other people who have a vested interest in the success of these banks, as well as our country, in general. These are not just speculators, like myself.

Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News

David, I'm sorry, that was a bad joke... I was referring to Marshall & Isley (MI). I have my money market and a large CD, there. I like the fact that they sold their data-processing unit last year, in order to raise capital. They didn't wait for a crisis to develop, as some others have. Also, they raised their dividend to $0.32 qtrly and insiders have been making large puchases, as recently as last week.

Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News

This is the buying opportunity of the decade, for select regional banks... There is an atmosphere that nothing (financial) is any good and nothing could be furthur from the truth... There is at least one regional, that is responsibly, plugging along, just as it always has. It's a "baby," which was "thrown out with the bathwater." I wouldn't doubt it, if this growing bank were to purchase some of the others, at pennies on the dollar and be huge, within 5 years! The name of this bank is... Gee, I seem to have momentarily forgotten, but I'm absolutely certain, that it will come back to me. :-)

Stay Clear of Traditional Asset Classes

Although, this near-Armageddon scenario may not occur, so it may. This is the clearest and most coherant "big-picture" of the possible reaction, which I've seen (read). While I would stress that this may not occur, it appears plausible and anyone would be wise to devote a portion of their investments, to address this contingency... Many things could change to make this picture somewhat better, or, even worse. I doubt whether I will have a flat tire, over the next year or two, based on my experience, however, I devote 25% of my investment in tires to address the possibility of a failure (4 active and one spare)... I would not hesitate to devote 25% of my financial investments to a defensive strategy, addressing the issues which the author raises. Are the speciific investments that he recommends, the best? I don't know, just as I don't know what brand of tires might be best, but I sure believe in carrying a spare, even though I haven't had a flat in many years.

Excellent analysis of the elements of risk, contained within our national economy! Not a very pretty picture, but "good job" on revealing the underlying pathology, of our economically-challenge... patient, indeed! I'm not sure about the treatment options, but the prognosis is sobering and ought to affect the patients lifestyle, so long as the patient still desires to live.