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Financial Stocks Are Ready for Their Pullback

"sand castles of purchasing power" sounds like a Danielle Steele novel.

U.S. Credit Card Industry Moving into Uncharted Territory

is this Moody's report before or after the computer glitch?

A Reason To Be Cautious on Visa, Mastercard

so they legislate domestic fee caps. last time I heard our economy is growing less rapidly than others, so do you think it is possible for fee increases in BRIC? Comparison to AXP/DFS is inane and useless since they are in a different business. Since banks continue to reduce equity and heloc products, credit cards will show increased usage and regardless of outstanding balances usage could actually increase. I assume Mr Cullen bought AXP last summer in the $60's.

The Market Domino Effect: Staying Ahead of the Curve

Every time we have a domino theory for some reason the unbroken chain of collapse never seems to make it all the way to the end or become what was envisioned i.e. Vietnam; Communism; Iraq; Tech bubble; any bubble. I simply can not understand why everyone limits their thinking to the USA when most of the stocks and fear have a world wide market and our puny population is dwarfed by the BRIC. No less that 10 times in the past week, observers point out they have recently returned from (pick a country) and have seen no evidence of the slow downs being reported. We all know our media does not check its fact before reporting and relies on other news agencies for their information. Our financial reporting is less than transparent, especially banks and real estate and most financial programs are more interested in selling a service rather than actual reporting. The analyst don't analyze and the ratings agencies don't rate. Negative news sells better than positive and 95% of homeowners pay their mortgage and credit card on time. Those that can't or won't can go BK and pay on a workout for 5 years or liquidate. Loss reserves will probably cover. Even though banks write off the mortgage loan balance in foreclosure, when the property ultimately sells those proceeds go to recovery over a period of years. Seems to me if you buy good companies with a good history and track record and management without options backdating or other reasons to take advantage of stockholders you should be ok and although we probably don't like it, the illegal workers do provide a lower cost basis for those jobs our high school educated teens will not do. We also know the President did not make this mess, but the Congress certainly did as well as the States and their insatiable demand for money.

U.S. Credit Card Performance Deteriorates - Again

there was a report yesterday to the effect that the termination of unused HELOCs by many banks, actually shifted use to higher interest credit cards.

Mastercard, Visa: Q1 Earnings May Be Fine, But Guidance Will Be Weak

Mr. Miller,
Without your bio it is impossible to evaluate your opinion about this industry or this stock. I recommend you visit creditcards.com to get a better handle on the magnitude of this market, its users and debt loads. I read that Moody's reported an increase in cc debt during the first quarter since some individuals may no longer access their HELOCs or be able to refi the piggy bank. Please share your sources of information supporting your opinion.

Mastercard, Visa: Q1 Earnings May Be Fine, But Guidance Will Be Weak

not withstanding a "slowdown" there is never a discussion of new card accounts with new users for the services of V and MA. Everything I read (except for the doom and gloom cr**) says lending is increasing here in the US, the EU and I assume the emerging BRIC markets. If 10% of the holders default, stay delinquent, go bankrupt, then 90% don't. Many will continue to use their cards for necessities (food, gas, meds) while repaying as able to ride out the storm(s). Most people have multiple cards (both MA & V) plus debit cards for banking and continue to use for convenience. While retail sales may have slowed, they have not stopped and neither have sales of food or gasoline. If I can't afford to fill up, I can still purchase $10.00 at a time and swipe my card, the effect is the same.

Visa, Mastercard Risk Ramped Up Competition

Ed, were you recently declined by Visa?