capgain

'AAA' Rated Companies: And Then There Were Six

Let's put things in proper perspective; this is like Joe's Luncheonette lowering their rating on McDonalds.
Jeff Imelt could take a few bucks out of the petty cash drawer and buy S & P!

Bank of America / Merrill Lynch Propose New Scenario for 'MicroHOO' Deal

Once again, "analysts" have exhibited their value.....somewhere between dandruff and pigeon droppings! If I'm long YHOO I'm checking my mailbox every day for the form to check "YES". However, if I'm long MSFT I'm looking at this suggestion as being comparable to Custer giving all his arms to the indians "just to hold for awhile."

These "analysts" have too much idle time on their hands.

The Most Dangerous Place to Get Investing Advice

Thank you for such a well-written and simply stated article. It is chock full of basic common sense advice. I consider myself a fairly sophisticated investor and as I read this article I kept saying to myself..."I wish I had seen this forty years ago; I would have avoided so many stupid mistakes."

Your initial point re chartists is so spot-on! Whenever I see one spouting their "expertise", I see a driver steering his vehicle by firmly grasping his rear-view mirror!

Also, your advice to understand what a company does before investing is so basic and yet so often ignored. But it has served Uncle Warren well over the years, hasn't it? As has his advice to panic when others are greedy and be greedy when others are in panic.

You are, however, very forgiving of stockbrokers. My experience of them over forty plus years of investing is a bit less charitable. I define a broker as someone who will likely make you moreso.

Overall, a very good article. Thank you.

Microsoft / Yahoo: Dead? Dithering? Drunk?

Steve Ballmer didn't call me to ask for my advice, but he would be well advised to let the offer lapse as of Saturday as previously promised, with a further notice that a new, lower offer will be proffered next week. Then, sometime mid-week, offer YHOO shareholders a choice...either $29 cash or the equivalent of $31 in MSFT stock, with a window of 60 days to let them get on management's ass. At this point, YHOO shareholders should be smart enough to realize that the world is fresh out of white knights!!