chris coonan

Drooping Vietnam Dong Devalued

It is amazing to think that at 18000 Dong to the Dollar, a trip to McDonald's costs a quarter million! (in Dong)...

Why Should We Overweight Eurozone Government Bonds?

I think that the possibility of future turmoil in the global economy is very great. I would like to see what the Vegas odds are.

Can the Fed Defeat Dollar Carry Trade?

I think that the damage is already done, with regard to the carry trade. What we are just waiting for now is the popping sound.

Case-Shiller Up Again, But Cracks Showing

If you read the related article, noted as an editor's pick, you will find that with Seasonal Adjustment, the Index is showing not as positively. There will likely be another leg down, I think we will see that happening with the November and December data.

Debt Financing 'Crowding Out': A New Challenge for Retailers

I think that a significant amount of Developers have gotten over the tips of their ski's, and will be leading the wave of CRE foreclosures in 2010. Their has been a huge contraction in Retail spending, and it is affecting tenants ability to pay rent, and poorly performing malls to crack below the break even point. If you can't service your debt, or find new credit, there isn't much hope. The crowding out is just one of the many things that will play havoc in the CRE market next year.

Expect a Spring of Retail Bankruptcies if Holiday Sales Don't Materialize

I am seeing that Black Friday will likely be strong, and then it tapers off every week afterward. I think the author is correct, that Retail Bankruptcies are likely in early 2010. I also see unemployment taking a hit, due to Retail disappointment.

Investors Beware: Taxes on Stock Trades Are Getting Closer

It is too easy to say, taxes bad....Your article needs more discussion about why the taxes are being proposed, what responsibility Wall Street has in in, and what would be a better alternative. I credit you for raising the issue, but fault you for an incomplete thought.

Investors Beware: Taxes on Stock Trades Are Getting Closer

Why do you think Congress would consider such a tax? Could it be punishment for excesses on Wall Street? Right or wrong, you have to understand the reason behind it.

Investors Beware: Taxes on Stock Trades Are Getting Closer

Hey spammer, I think you are on the wrong website.

Almost-Cheery Thoughts on the 2010 Stock Market

Sitting next to the exit, as the author notes, is not exactly what I would call a bright, cheery assessment of the 2010 market.

Seasonal Bump in Case-Shiller Home Price Index Abates

The foreclosure rate, coupled with the unemployment problem will weigh housing down. In addition, we are now in Winter, and the Holiday season is never a good time to sell a house. So there will naturally be a slowdown in the housing market. Most realtors, if they are honest with you, rarely....will let you know that sales don't pick up again until after the Superbowl.

Spring is better, Summer is best. It will always be that way. People don't want to plan a move over the Holidays, and if you live in the North, seeing snow covered lawns isn't the best time to check out a house.

Seasonal Bump in Case-Shiller Home Price Index Abates

I agree with this article. The other articles from the day, which announce a rosy picture in housing and homebuilding are not looking at enough data.

The Credit Markets: Too Far, Too Fast?

Answer to headline, Yes.

Case-Shiller Home Price Index Rises Again

I watched an interview with Shiller recently, and he was confused as to what was going on in the housing market, so it lowered my faith in the index a bit. (see Tech Ticker interview)

Will We See an Uncontrolled Decline in the Dollar?

The Fed's comments are just lip service, and so the value of the dollar will continue to decline.

It is time for a change in leadership.