prisser

Palladium: The New Platinum

2009 Palladium Canadian Maple Leafs are in production and are available to buy from dealers , some offer them at about $30 over spot.

Private Equity Releverages with a Vengeance

The banks have learned plenty. This is a prime example of the consequences of moral hazard. If their bet pans out, they win big. If it fails, the taxpayer rides to the rescue.

Financial System Losses Drop Dramatically: Is Policy Vindicated?

The S&l problem in the 1980's is dwarfed by this crisis. . This recession was caused by a financial crisis not seen since the 1930's. Recessions caused by massive financial crises are qualitatively different from usual recessions and it will take many years like the 30's to recover from this.


On Jul 26 12:39 PM dividendmachine1 wrote:

> Consider this fact from the late Bill seidman
>
> He said if there was mark to market accounting in the mid 80s during
> the S&L bailout EVERY major US bank would have gone under
>
> Fact is they didnt ,so relaxing the rules was obviously the way to
> go
>
> I am NOT saying bankers have now or then been RESPONSIBLE or am excusing
> their stupidity
>
> However as an accountant i find mark to market as being not practical
>
>
> If you own a house that you have no plan of selling that decreases
> in value by half according to what your neighbor sold his for, showing
> a LOSS on your taxes is not only UNFAIR but inaccurate

Financial System Losses Drop Dramatically: Is Policy Vindicated?

No, you do not put your home value loss on your income tax because it is unrealized! If you don't think it is a true loss. talk to the millions who have seen their 401k's down by 40% and are 60 years of age and see if they think they have suffered a loss. The idea that one has not suffered a loss until it is realized may be true to those accountants living in a dream world but for real people living their lives, those "unrealized losses" are nothing short of disastrous.


On Jul 26 12:39 PM dividendmachine1 wrote:

> Consider this fact from the late Bill seidman
>
> He said if there was mark to market accounting in the mid 80s during
> the S&L bailout EVERY major US bank would have gone under
>
> Fact is they didnt ,so relaxing the rules was obviously the way to
> go
>
> I am NOT saying bankers have now or then been RESPONSIBLE or am excusing
> their stupidity
>
> However as an accountant i find mark to market as being not practical
>
>
> If you own a house that you have no plan of selling that decreases
> in value by half according to what your neighbor sold his for, showing
> a LOSS on your taxes is not only UNFAIR but inaccurate

Insiders Preparing for Major Drop in Oil Prices

Your statement "But demand for crude has not doubled between the Fall of 2007 and Summer of 2008. Prices have… and then some.", infers that oil price doubling is out of whack because world wide demand has not doubled. Suppose insulin supply was slightly in excess to demand, as is oil. If supply was to drop even slightly below demand where some people could not get some, the price would go up astronomically driven by those bidding against each other to make sure they are not one of the few without.

Marshall

Congress Expresses Holiday Spirit By Waiving 'Debt Forgiveness' Tax

If this new law also applies to those homeowners who have taken out large amounts of home equity "MEW" , it is a horrible change. The money withdrawn is income upon a short sale and should be classified as such.