Go West

Collapse of the Yield Curve

what do you mean collapse of the curve. Steeping, I understand. Going back to a more normal shape, Yes. Can the author explain what they are talking about? Thanks.

Real Estate Brokers Must Hate Economists

Strange article. I'm not sure about this, but isn't the fee structure generally 6-7% on first $100,000 then 1-2% on the rest?

Technical Breakdowns May Call For More Hedging

Very good. So you look for the 200 DMA to turn down? Don't most look for the daily one year chart to cross this indicator?

Lululemon Athletica: Heading for Single Digits

Writer has made some good points. However, as an investment manager who just happens to live a couple of blocks from the original store, I might have some unique insight. The Lulu store in Kitsilano Vancouver is something to be witnessed. Madhouse, is the word I'd use to describe it. Hundreds of shoppers and the stuff is flying off the shelves.

An upstart competitor called "Lotus Wear" setup shop right next door and that shop seems completely empty.

Lulu is on to something that is more than just a silly trend likes Crocs. Young women (and men) in my part of the world are truly buying into the "lifestyle" that Lulu is promoting. I see young women walking around everyday with their yoga mats to the studios in Kitsilano and sporting their Lulu bags carrying their lunch to work downtown. Maybe the yoga lifestyle will never catch on on the East Coast, but if it does Lulu will continue their Starbucks like growth.

15-20 years ago, nobody ever heard of Starbucks outside of Seattle & Vancouver. This will be an interesting story to watch. Management will be key.

Look What They're Saying About the Housing Market

What on earth are you talking about? Who exactly is saying that house prices have not declined in some areas?

Why Do Bears Always Have the Best Arguments?

What really bugs me is the crackpots who make claims each and every year that the markets will go down. However, perma-bulls do tend to be more vacant upstairs.

For a good laugh, have a look at this prema-bear's site: thelongwaveanalyst.ca

Book Review: 'What Works on Wall Street'

I saw a presentation by this guy a few years back, apparently he dumps his entire portfolio and then rebuilds the entire portfolio once per year. Kookey, in my view. However, he has managed to convince the Royal Bank of Canada that his is a valid strategy.

Growth is Cool, Value is for Nerds

Todd, it sounds like you are a very conscious investor. However, is anyone else out there sick to death of value guys quoting Buffet?? Everyone knows that value investing is a very credible strategy, but the implementation of value investing is another story. It is very difficult to do, but value firms ride on marketing coat-tails of Buffet. I am not talking about Todd, but Canada's AIC is a good example, Lee Chin even named former retail arm: Berkshire.

ETFs Are the Easiest Option for Currency Exposure, For Now

Good article. A British firm (CMC Markets) has setup a retail shop in the lobby of my building in Vancouver and they are advertising some crazy leverage on currency trades in a product called CFDs. They are clearly marketing to retail investors, but I havn't really investigated what these CFDs are about.

The Asymmetry of Emotion and the Uptick Rule

Good thinking, but your conclusions are incorrect. Markets are efficient when all information regarding a security(s) is known and reflected in the price. Anything that impedes information being immediately reflected in the price reduces efficiency. The uptick rule was an impediment.

Naked Short Selling: The Scales Are Rigged

Maybe 10 years ago this article (rant) would have been insightful.

Canadian Royalty Trusts: Cash in On High Oil Prices

Retail investors should be cautioned that this analysis is crude (no pun intended). Several Canadian brokerage firms have some very in-depth research coverage on this sector for those interested. The tax holiday ends in 3 years (I believe) and all Canadian trusts have been forced to convert to corporations by then.

Let the Markets Crash

Nice writing, did you actually graduate from high school?

Risky Business: Hedge Funds Can Freeze Redemptions

You are embarrassing yourself with this blog, I thought this site was for professionals

Risky Business: Hedge Funds Can Freeze Redemptions

Try reading an OM buddy.