The Patriot's Comments The Patriot's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.com/user/535058/comments Coal (KOL) has been gaining on natural gas in U.S. power generation, but coal producers aren't enjoying the benefits, buffeted by headwinds including increased regulations. Simmons analysts say most coal names do not screen as cheap, and the firm sees near-term volatility as investors trade around macro events; its sector favorites are Cloud Peak Energy (CLD) and Walter Energy (WLT). http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1043551?source=feed#comment-19172301 19172301 Thu, 23 May 2013 14:11:33 -0400 Coal (KOL) has been gaining on natural gas in U.S. power generation, but coal producers aren't enjoying the benefits, buffeted by headwinds including increased regulations. Simmons analysts say most coal names do not screen as cheap, and the firm sees near-term volatility as investors trade around macro events; its sector favorites are Cloud Peak Energy (CLD) and Walter Energy (WLT). http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1043551?source=feed#comment-19168611 19168611 Thu, 23 May 2013 12:54:27 -0400 With their healthcare costs ballooning, many companies have started to penalize fat employees with regards to healthcare coverage, raising all sorts of legal, privacy and discrimination questions. Michelin North America, for example, plans to cut healthcare credits for staff who fail to meet requirement for waistline and other metrics, and don't sign up to health programs. Other companies making similar moves include Mohawk (MHK), CVS and Honeywell (HON). http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/929481?source=feed#comment-17330071 17330071 Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:52:51 -0400 EIA Natural Gas Inventory:  -95bcf. Futures -0.21% to $4.06. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/915141?source=feed#comment-16941371 16941371 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:00:02 -0400 U.S. oil, natural gas and coal industries are bracing for the release of new standards that could derail, postpone or at least create new legal hurdles for some of the country's largest planned energy projects, including interstate pipelines, LNG export facilities and refineries. The new standards likely will advise companies to consider the effects a project would have on climate change, such as emissions from exports. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/913931?source=feed#comment-16908731 16908731 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:04:43 -0400 YPF signs a preliminary shale agreement with Dow Chemical (DOW) towards a 50-50 JV for the development of the El Orejano block in Argentina's Neuquen province, one of the first areas to boast discoveries in the Vaca Muerta formation. YPF already partners with Dow in downstream ventures including Argentina's Bahia Blanca petrochemical complex. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/911241?source=feed#comment-16857291 16857291 Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:16:05 -0400 An increasing push to substitute natural gas for oil and improvements in fuel economy could lead to the end of growing oil demand much sooner than expected, Citi's Seth Kleinman forecasts. The last decade's structural bull market was a result of surging global oil demand and weak non-OPEC supply growth; the outlook has now reversed, meaning Brent prices are likely to hover at $80-$90/bbl by decade's end. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/911171?source=feed#comment-16850231 16850231 used, supply of one, will shrink with lower prices until it becomes more profitable to substitute with another. The more one resource is used, the higher the price. We cant rely soley on one. Should be a predictable cycle.]]> Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:37:33 -0400 used, supply of one, will shrink with lower prices until it becomes more profitable to substitute with another. The more one resource is used, the higher the price. We cant rely soley on one. Should be a predictable cycle.]]> Cyprus passes two of the measures necessary to secure a €10B bailout. Notably, the Cypriot parliament has approved the use of capital controls, which may limit the amount depositors can withdraw once banks reopen. The measure may also restrict fund transfers, limit debit card transactions, and ban redemptions of time deposits, among other possibilities according to The Guardian. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/905961?source=feed#comment-16676981 16676981 deposits will never be the same. ]]> Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:28:33 -0400 deposits will never be the same. ]]> Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF -4.3%) plunges near four-year lows, capping a 40% YTD decline. Cowen analysts see CLF's move to idle its Wabush Pointe Noire pellet plant as prudent but accompanying cost guidance seemed "aggressive." Given recent action in Chinese steel prices, the firm sees further downside risk to iron ore prices which could add increased pressure to CLF shares. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/885991?source=feed#comment-16234691 16234691 Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:34:53 -0400 Now that Washington looks to have accepted the $85B sequestration, GOP legislators are looking to see where they can apply the scalpel rather than the machete. Programs at risk include one for robotic squirrels that helps researchers understand how squirrels interact with rattlesnakes, and Nasa's research on feeding astronauts on Mars. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/878541?source=feed#comment-16094601 16094601 citizen would get $1 to spend on the funding. ]]> Sun, 10 Mar 2013 11:14:34 -0400 citizen would get $1 to spend on the funding. ]]> Company-specific risk for tech stocks is at its highest level in 5 years, claims Morgan Stanley's Adam Parker. He thinks this "typically this bodes well for alpha generation in the technology sector," and suggests investors focus on individual equities rather than sector/thematic plays. Meanwhile, Bespoke observes 28 out of 70 S&P 500 tech stocks (40%) now yield more than 2%, giving them a payout above that of 10-year Treasurys. STX tops the list at 4.9%, followed by INTC at 4.35%. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/853841?source=feed#comment-15552791 15552791 best of breeds.]]> Tue, 26 Feb 2013 20:26:52 -0500 best of breeds.]]> Vietnam (VNM) has been one of 2013's hottest markets, but many of its state-owned companies are so broke they can't pay their employees. It's estimated 60K "zombie workers" in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City alone show up for work without getting regular pay. "If I quit, I will lose the six months' salary that they owe me," says one. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/839061?source=feed#comment-15263971 15263971 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:15:56 -0500 The intense smog situation in Beijing forces the government in China to curb the usage of state cars and appears to be increasing dialogue on broad policy changes regarding fuel emissions. How bad is it? Areas around Beijing saw only five smog-free days in January with auto emissions blamed for over 25% of the pollution in the air. The issue plays into the strength of foreign manufacturers (GM, F, VLKAY.PK) able to produce modern low-emission vehicles in the region at a steady clip. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/805331?source=feed#comment-14626431 14626431 Tue, 05 Feb 2013 20:33:22 -0500 BP tallies up claims made by state and local governments on the Gulf coast for economic and property damages from the Macondo oil spill, and believes the $34B in claims is "substantially" overstated. BP says proving a loss of tax revenue by local governments would be difficult given its response to the spill led to 40K people being hired and more taxes paid. Local reaction: BP has been "incredibly difficult to deal with." http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/806451?source=feed#comment-14625861 14625861 Tue, 05 Feb 2013 20:14:06 -0500 The intense smog situation in Beijing forces the government in China to curb the usage of state cars and appears to be increasing dialogue on broad policy changes regarding fuel emissions. How bad is it? Areas around Beijing saw only five smog-free days in January with auto emissions blamed for over 25% of the pollution in the air. The issue plays into the strength of foreign manufacturers (GM, F, VLKAY.PK) able to produce modern low-emission vehicles in the region at a steady clip. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/805331?source=feed#comment-14618461 14618461 be an easy sell.]]> Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:24:35 -0500 be an easy sell.]]> The revival in U.S. manufacturing isn't yet showing up in the numbers, says Daniel Meckstroth, noting plant closings continue to outnumber new openings (data is only through 2012 Q2). News about the occasional return of a plant from overseas makes for a nice headline, but there's nothing in the data showing it's more than a trickle, he says. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/801931?source=feed#comment-14551301 14551301 political stability,decreasing union influence, to name a few.]]> Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:37:44 -0500 political stability,decreasing union influence, to name a few.]]> Wal-Mart (WMT +0.5%) says it's working with suppliers as increased demand for gun ammunition has shelves nearly empty in its gun sections. The company will ration ammunition sales to three boxes per customer for the short term until supplies catch back up. Analysts think the gun demand rush has brought a marginal benefit to Wal-Mart's store sales with buyers presumably picking up incidental items along the way to checkout. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/795921?source=feed#comment-14409551 14409551 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:35:29 -0500 China’s coal use grew 9% in 2011, rising to 3.8B tons, meaning the country is burning nearly as much coal as the rest of the world combined. China relies on coal to fuel nearly 80% of its power plants, vs. ~40% (and falling) in the U.S. And by 2017, India likely will become the world’s second-largest coal consumer, surpassing the U.S. The issue of climate change isn't going away any time soon. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/790081?source=feed#comment-14348161 14348161 http://bit.ly/14v3a0W]]> Wed, 30 Jan 2013 08:00:51 -0500 http://bit.ly/14v3a0W]]> China’s coal use grew 9% in 2011, rising to 3.8B tons, meaning the country is burning nearly as much coal as the rest of the world combined. China relies on coal to fuel nearly 80% of its power plants, vs. ~40% (and falling) in the U.S. And by 2017, India likely will become the world’s second-largest coal consumer, surpassing the U.S. The issue of climate change isn't going away any time soon. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/790081?source=feed#comment-14330421 14330421 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:21:48 -0500 A federal appeals court has invalidated President Obama's "recess" appointments to a labor board last year, ruling that they were both unconstitutional and "invalid from their inception." The case was seen as a test of the limits of the president's ability to make appointments during a Senate recess, and deals a blow to the White House's strategy to bypass Senate Republicans. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/784141?source=feed#comment-14249931 14249931 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:53:30 -0500 "I only hope those in charge of managing my retirement accounts aren't among the Japan-bulls-come-lately," writes William Pesek, having lost count of the number of pump-priming, money-printing, devaluation rodeos Japan has been through over the past 20 years. Don't forget this is Shinzo Abe's second time as PM, and his first attempt was a crashing failure. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/783801?source=feed#comment-14175401 14175401
Thats why I manage my own. "Hoping" others did the right thing wasnt working for me.]]> Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:23:36 -0500
Thats why I manage my own. "Hoping" others did the right thing wasnt working for me.]]> A federal appeals court has invalidated President Obama's "recess" appointments to a labor board last year, ruling that they were both unconstitutional and "invalid from their inception." The case was seen as a test of the limits of the president's ability to make appointments during a Senate recess, and deals a blow to the White House's strategy to bypass Senate Republicans. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/784141?source=feed#comment-14175081 14175081 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:16:31 -0500 Paul Krugman on the federal deficit: "The budget deficit isn’t our biggest problem, by a long shot. Furthermore, it’s a problem that is already, to a large degree, solved... The case for urgent action now to reduce spending decades in the future is far weaker than conventional rhetoric might lead you to suspect... So, no big problem in the medium term, no strong case for worrying now about long-run budget issues." http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/771441?source=feed#comment-13923771 13923771 projections are meaningless.

http://bit.ly/VeNTMC]]> Sat, 19 Jan 2013 17:41:47 -0500 projections are meaningless.

http://bit.ly/VeNTMC]]> Paul Krugman on the federal deficit: "The budget deficit isn’t our biggest problem, by a long shot. Furthermore, it’s a problem that is already, to a large degree, solved... The case for urgent action now to reduce spending decades in the future is far weaker than conventional rhetoric might lead you to suspect... So, no big problem in the medium term, no strong case for worrying now about long-run budget issues." http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/771441?source=feed#comment-13918051 13918051 http://bit.ly/T1fgg7

Quite a divergence]]> Sat, 19 Jan 2013 13:46:07 -0500 http://bit.ly/T1fgg7

Quite a divergence]]> Paul Krugman on the federal deficit: "The budget deficit isn’t our biggest problem, by a long shot. Furthermore, it’s a problem that is already, to a large degree, solved... The case for urgent action now to reduce spending decades in the future is far weaker than conventional rhetoric might lead you to suspect... So, no big problem in the medium term, no strong case for worrying now about long-run budget issues." http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/771441?source=feed#comment-13914351 13914351
http://bit.ly/U9dE1H]]> Sat, 19 Jan 2013 11:46:56 -0500
http://bit.ly/U9dE1H]]> Paul Krugman on the federal deficit: "The budget deficit isn’t our biggest problem, by a long shot. Furthermore, it’s a problem that is already, to a large degree, solved... The case for urgent action now to reduce spending decades in the future is far weaker than conventional rhetoric might lead you to suspect... So, no big problem in the medium term, no strong case for worrying now about long-run budget issues." http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/771441?source=feed#comment-13913491 13913491 If everyone does it, what will change. Is a 20 trillion dollar debt any worse than a 16 trillion dollar debt ?? Many say no - many say yes.
High(increasing) debt levels go on for years,decades or it could collapse overnight. ]]> Sat, 19 Jan 2013 11:17:57 -0500 If everyone does it, what will change. Is a 20 trillion dollar debt any worse than a 16 trillion dollar debt ?? Many say no - many say yes.
High(increasing) debt levels go on for years,decades or it could collapse overnight. ]]> Jan. Philly Fed Business Outlook: -5.8 vs. +6.0 expected, +8.1 previous. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/767651?source=feed#comment-13831481 13831481 Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:31:31 -0500 Is Dow Chemical Worth The Risk? http://seekingalpha.com/article/1113971/comments?source=feed#comment-13799931 13799931 where CNX is selling some cheap methane gas to DOW. A win/win]]> Wed, 16 Jan 2013 18:32:00 -0500 where CNX is selling some cheap methane gas to DOW. A win/win]]> Is Dow Chemical Worth The Risk? http://seekingalpha.com/article/1113971/comments?source=feed#comment-13782741 13782741
If I remember right, DOW is one of the largest nat gas users in the county. Low gas prices are a HUGE savings. ]]> Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:13:12 -0500
If I remember right, DOW is one of the largest nat gas users in the county. Low gas prices are a HUGE savings. ]]> EIA Natural Gas Inventory: -201 bcf. Futures +1.30% to $3.15 http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/755441?source=feed#comment-13547911 13547911 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:16:19 -0500