Google's new mobile payment system, using NFC technology, was unveiled today- many analysts believe the mobile wallet using NFC will replace debit and credit cards- we shall see:
http://techcrunch.com/2011/05/26/google-wallet-offers/
Who knew Ashton Kutcher was a VC, and a pretty good one as well?
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/26/technology/26ashton.html?ref=business
New service being dubbed as the TiVo for radio- interesting idea:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/26/technology/personaltech/26pogue.html?ref=business
Looks like Amazon is going to eventually have to pay sales taxes, especially if the fed's regulate out of state sales. There are two parts of running an efficient operation, increasing revenues and decreasing costs. Government always has problems with the second issue- finding more revenue sources makes sense, but the second part matters too. In my opinion, from a cost point of view, every level of government should have every service possible on line, especially for cell phones. Most people, including lower socio-economic areas, have access to cell phones and the proliferation of services using mobile devices via the government would help government find revenue faster- a big if as government is the least efficient sector ever. Hope everyone has a great long weekend- here is the amazon link:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015116166_amazon22m.html
As always, on any company mentioned here, past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. One should research any investment and make sure it is suitable with your objectives, risk tolerance, risk profile liquidity considerations, tax situation, and anything else pertinent to your financial situation. Also, the CFA credential in no way implies investment returns will be superior for any charterholder.
Yale Bock, CFA
President, Y H & C Investments