It Figures

Does True Competition Among Credit Card Issuers Exist?

The most transparent and objective measure of competition in an industry is the profitability of the participants. Sustained above average profitability is a sign of lack of competition - think drug companies in the '80's and '90's, or MSFT a decade ago.

Given that most credit card issuers are losing money right now, and have for the last year or so, it is hard to characterize the sector as lacking competition in any economic sense.

Folks would benefit from trying to separate their personal "beefs" with these companies from their economic/investment analysis

Not Even Delinquencies Inspire Capital One Financial Shorts

Quit whining. Maybe you should reconsider being short a company you consider to be "completely idiot-proof".

Investing isn't about what you feel should be. I'ts about what is.

Lower Credit Card Fees = Lower Credit Card Profits

After a several month period of adjustment the card issuers will have new profit models from which to operate. These will probably include new and higher fees, smaller credit lines, higher interest rates and reduced availability for less creditworthy borrowers. So the price of limiting sometimes egregious fees for the late and non-payers is higher costs and less convienence for all of us. And less and much more expensive credit for those who need access to credit most.

Good job, Washington!

Adding to Capital One Financial Short Position: Gotta Love the Stress Test

Not clear from this why you are short, and continue to short, this stock, other than because "the system" is all screwed up. The little substance you do provide - regulators seem to be on their side, recent stock performance - suggest it's a better long.

You would do much better, I think, shorting some of the past 6 month's winners that are now pretty tired and are not participating in this rally.

Capital One Defies Even Constanza Logic

Most of your facts are approximately accurate but your conclusion is wrong. Those paying attention knew all these terrible things were coming months ago. That's why the stock trades in the teens today instead of near $50, where it was in the fall when they sold stock to bolster their capital. You are too late.

Moody's Sees Stress on Credit Card Industry Through 2009

juggerMan got it right. Moody's/S&P now blindly negative to try to make us forget their mammoth ineptitude leading up to all this. Amazing anyone pays them any attention at all anymore.

Moody's Sees Stress on Credit Card Industry Through 2009

juggerMan got it right. When's the last time Moody's/S&P made an accurate forecast? Beyond me that anyone takes them seriously anymore.