Wadhamite

10 Reasons to Believe That We're in a Depression

The Great Depression ended with a world war. Now that America has invaded the Muslim world, events are lining up for a repeat. Do we want international strife and conflict to replace economic grief? Isn't there something beautiful in the Buddhistic non-materialistic, non-competitive, non-stressed lifestyle? Going forward, America isn't going to be at the top any more; but everyone may be better off spiritually and emotionally.

Buyer Beware: 30 Biggest Bankruptcy Risks

Humbling news, but appreciated and more accurate than we want to admit.

The Oil Business Could Be Worse (But Not Much)

All of the oil companies made money. Say the same for the auto companies? Where would you rather invest?

Good times will return. Buy low and watch the profits rise.

Should You Buy an American Car?

After this economic crisis, I can't afford ANY new car, American or otherwise. I guess I'll keep my old Ford putting several more years.

Obama's New Mileage Standards: Let's Wait and See How the Final Rules Shake Out

I don't like the government meddling into mileage standards and emissions levels. I believe that when the Orient produces such vehicles at competitive prices, the public will buy them and the made-in-America mantra will fizzle. It's not a question of IF but WHEN.

Exxon's High Valuation Is Hard to Comprehend

ExxonMobil makes 70 percent of its money outside of North America, and the economics of the world are better at the moment than the economics of America. To a substantial extent, ExxonMobil is a play on the world's overall financial strength. Remember also that Mobil has a substantial position in premium lubricants worldwide and significant plays in China and southeastern Asia. It's a pretty safe stock.

'Government' Motors or Ford: Which Automaker Will Remain Viable?

I've been driving Fords for all the right reasons for years. I don't intend to change. I do wish, however, that Ford would compete head-to-head with the likes of Smart Fortwo and Geo Metro -- which increasingly will become the cars of the future due to environmental and financial necessities.

Prepaid Wireless Is the New Cheap Chic

I wish there was a cheap-cheap prepaid option. I carry a deactivated Verizon phone which is good just for calling 9-1-1 but has no monthly fee at all, only the odd battery recharge. I wouldn't mind the option of being able to place a local call once every couple of months, even if it cost a dollar a minute. But I'm not willing to pay $100 or more for the handful of calls I might make in a year. Any providers listening?

The Bull Case for Big Oil

Interesting to compare the price of oil with the economy; but it's not completely reliable. In summer 2008, oil hit new highs but the economy certainly didn't. Going back to the early 1970s, oil was trading at 10% of today's price but the economy in general was well above that. The direction may be indicative, but not the amount.

Regarding COP and other oil majors, I am attracted to the triple-A credit rating of XOM (Exxon Mobil) in today's shaky market and feel it should be a strong consideration in purchasing and holding shares.

Ford a Likely Survivor of the Auto Industry Crisis

I agree that Ford is strongest of the Detroit Three at the moment. I do wonder if that means strong enough to survive. I am a cautious optimist, seeing how Ford withstood two world wars and the Great Depression; but moving forward will be tough and Ford will need to make strategic and risky decisions at times. I'm hopeful they wil avoid government money and will prove that American capitalism ultimately will work.

GM Bankruptcy: Who Stands to Gain

Southeast Asia will gain. America will lose. Who really doubts that?
Washington has no money tree. All those billions of ill-spent dollars will need to be repaid. There will be no return on that repayment. It's just as bad as fighting wars, except fewer dead people. But people need cars to drive . . . and Asia will produce them with one-third of the world's population waiting for the opportunity to build and sell them. America's day is over, and Asia's day is brightening. In the long run, justice runs its course. (And, though I wish financially-responsible Ford Motor well, they remain the best of a very bad lot.)

GM's Pending Bankruptcy: How Buying a Car Is Going to Change

Society is starting to change, and it will not all be bad. The U.S. has built an entire infrastructure based on gasoline consumption -- suburbs, bridges, expressways, parking lots -- and now most major players won't be there playing. When the public learns that fast and flashy is not really important, that human values matter more, that stopping and smelling the roses along the way is easier from a bicycle or a pair of shoes, and that the environment is desperate for change . . . well, the time for Chrysler and G.M. to depart has come. It won't be the end. It might be a new beginning!

Fed Considers GM Buy-In: Digging a Deeper Hole

The Constitution does not allow for government ownership of horses, buggy companies, bicycle factories, or automobile manufacturers. Copying socialist Europe is no way to go. I doubt "Renault is doing very fine now"; it's certain Lada isn't, nor Dacia or Trabant.

Should either or both Chrysler and General Motors go down to bankruptcy, the proper thing to do is let Ford and the other domesticated imports pick up market share and do what they obviously have done better to this point.

Nine Reasons for Dow 6000

I would like to know if the prediction of "oil in the 20s" is an indicator of oil weakness or dollar weakness. If the latter, I understand the rise in gold. If the former, world demand has softened significantly already and OPEC will at some point cry foul. Question is, at what point . . . and another 30 to 40 percent lower than today would not look good for America.

Markel's a Buffett-In-Waiting - Barron's

We need to keep in mind MKL does not pay a dividend. Capital appreciation is the only way to gain. I'm hoping this insurer moves ahead soon.