Monday, September 30, 2013
Government Shutdown Begins As Deadlocked Congress Flails (DEFAULT on Oct 17!) $dust $nugt $spx $spy $xly $tbt $tlt $vxx
Government Shutdown Begins As Deadlocked Congress Flails $dust $nugt $spx $spy $xly $tbt $tlt $vxx
The U.S. government began a partial shutdown at midnight for the first time in 17 years, putting as many as 800,000 federal employees out of work today, closing national parks and halting some government services after Congress failed to break a partisan deadlock.
No further negotiations were immediately planned, raising concerns among some lawmakers that the shutdown could bleed into a fight economists consider even more consequential: how to raise the nation’s debt limit to avoid a first-ever default after Oct. 17.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
$aapl $goog $msft An Apple iSmoke detector for your home? By Design Chief of Apple
$aapl $goog $msft An Apple iSmoke detector for your home? By Design Chief of Apple
Tony Fadell made a name for himself as one of the design chiefs of the Apple iPod, and he's made it into your home on his own as the man behind the smart thermostat from NestLabs. And he's just getting started on raising the IQ of those boring residential measurement devices that you barely ever think about. Next up—if you believe a bevvy of press reports this past week and ignore the company's no comment—is a smart smoke detector from Nest: Dare we say, the iSmoke?
Former Wall Street Journal reporter turned renegade tech blogger Jessica Lessinbroke the news that Fadell's company has been developing a new smoke detector, which could go on sale before the end of the year, a report picked up byAllThingsD, PC Magazine and The Verge, among others.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
J.C. Penney's Horrible, Atrocious Week $jcp $shld $wmt $gs $tgt $xly
J.C. Penney's Horrible, Atrocious Week $jcp $shld $wmt $gs $tgt $xly
What exactly happened?
On Wednesday, a Goldman Sachs report raised concerns about the firm's liquidity position, suggesting it would be too tight for comfort in the current quarter. Equity shareholders didn't like the sound of that, and they sold the stock down by 15% (which turned out to be the right thing to do).
The following day -- after the market close -- J.C. Penney responded by announcing a highly dilutive share offering to raise up to $932 million; keep in mind that this is a company with a current market value of less than $3 billion. The offering of 84 million shares was priced at $9.65 apiece, a 7.4% discount to the previous day's closing price.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
$bx $kkr $c $ms $bac $jpm $wfc $gs Blackstone, KKR Say Buyout Good Times Just Starting
$bx $kkr $c $ms $bac $jpm $wfc $gs Blackstone, KKR Say Buyout Good Times Just Starting
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Why Apple ios7 Gets Music Playing Wrong! $aapl $goog $msft $bbry $p $nok
Why Apple ios7 Gets Music Playing Wrong! $aapl $goog $msft $bbry $p $nok
"When Apple released the first iPod, in 2001, listening to music became an entirely different proposition than it was in the days of the Discman, or the Walkman before it, or the boom box before that. Rather than the physical insertion of a music-bearing artifact into a player, the iPod came with music already loaded—much more music than anyone had previously been able to imagine. The largest, the hundred-and-twenty-gigabyte model, could hold roughly forty thousand songs, far more than the average music consumer owned. With that unnecessary limit reached, the philosophy of the device shifted. The iPods, originally external hard drives, became considerably smaller but more stable flash-memory devices, and were eventually absorbed into iPhones. Local storage increasingly gave way to cloud storage.
There’s a parallel history, though, one that focusses not on the devices but on the interface through which music is presented, and that’s what I was thinking about last week, when I downloaded iOS 7. I had heard about the new thin font, the command center that you pulled up from the bottom of the home screen, and the pull-down search. Not much of the advance publicity for the operating system discussed the native music player. And, in a way, that turned out to be the biggest shock of all."
“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” - William Arthur Ward -
“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”
- William Arthur Ward -
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Security Concerns Abound Over Unofficial Android iMessage App That Uses Chinese Servers To Process Data $aapl $goog $msft $nok $bbry $bidu $sohu $yoku
Security Concerns Abound Over Unofficial Android iMessage App That Uses Chinese Servers To Process Data $aapl $goog $msft $nok $bbry $bidu $sohu $yoku
"An unauthorised app that lets Android users chat on Apple’s closed iMessage network is causing a big stir. It’s had viral downloads in the tens of thousands amid claims that it could be spreading malware; but the Chinese developer who developed the app tells us everything is cool."
"An unauthorised app that lets Android users chat on Apple’s closed iMessage network is causing a big stir. It’s had viral downloads in the tens of thousands amid claims that it could be spreading malware; but the Chinese developer who developed the app tells us everything is cool."
Monday, September 23, 2013
Get over the anti-Apple backlash already
$aapl $goog $msft $nok $crus $bbry $tqnt $rfmd $aapl Get over the anti-Apple backlash already
Sunday, September 22, 2013
despite pleas from Catholic bishops and evangelicals, the Republican-dominated House passed a bill that would deprive 3.8 million people of assistance to buy food next year $sfd $mjn $abt $pep
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
Berkshire Founder Buffet: $BRK.A $BRK.B $DVA - Hard to find new items to buy
Berkshire Founder Buffet: $BRK.A $BRK.B $DVA - Hard to find new items to buy
Warren Buffett on CNBC: Stocks now 'more or less fairly priced'
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Stratasys Rival Voxeljet Files IPO $ssys $ddd $jpm #germany
Stratasys Rival Voxeljet Files IPO $ssys $ddd $jpm
Although Voxeljet is relatively smaller than its publicly-traded peers (Stratasys and 3D Systems) with revenues of $11 million, its portfolio boasts 170 U.S. and international patents and applications. Moreover, its clientele includes the likes of 3M(MMM), BMW, Daimler and Ford (F).
The 3D printing market presents a favorable long-term opportunity. According to the 2013 study by Wohlers Associates in 3dprintingindustry.com, 3D printing is expected to become a viable alternative across several market segments. The research firm expects this industry to continue to show double-digit growth over the next few years.
Thus, Wohlers Associates believes that the sale of 3D-printing products and services will reach $6 billion worldwide by 2017. The industry is expected to touch $10.8 billion in revenues by 2021.
The initial years were tough for the industry as it took 20 years to reach the $1 billion mark. However, the industry touched the $2.0 billion mark In the next five years. It is expected to double again and reach $4 billion by 2015.
$jpm $ssys $ddd What JP Morgan Thinks About the 3-D Printing Industry
$jpm $ssys $ddd
What JP Morgan Thinks About the 3-D Printing Industry
Feinstein Battles With Obama Over Casinos Using 1934 Law $lvs $czr $mpel $mgm
Feinstein Battles With Obama Over Casinos Using 1934 Law $lvs $czr $mpel $mgm
As leverage, Feinstein and other senators are using a 2009 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Carcieri v. Salazar, that jeopardized the legal standing of about 50 tribes because they weren’t recognized by the Department of the Interior before 1934. Congress could undo the ruling. So far, it hasn’t.
The Federal Reserve isn't just inflating markets but is shifting a massive amount of wealth from the middle class and poor to the rich, according to billionaire hedge fund manager Stanley Druckenmiller. $spy
The Federal Reserve isn't just inflating markets but is shifting a massive amount of wealth from the middle class and poor to the rich, according to billionaire hedge fund manager Stanley Druckenmiller. $spy
$dss interesting post on Ronaldi shares
"For god sakes, that is all Ronaldi owns, thats crazy that the CEO owns so few shares....or its crazy I own almost as much. Not sure which at this point..lol. The CEO needs to own much more than 100k shares of small stock....and if he is confident in his own leadership, he will buy a lot more."
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
$aapl Apple's New iPhone Color Could Strike Gold in China $qcom $rfmd $crus $tqnt $goog
$aapl Apple's New iPhone Color Could Strike Gold in China $qcom $rfmd $crus $tqnt $goog
"Gold-colored gadgets are popular among high-end consumers," James Yan, an analyst at IDC in China, wrote in an e-mail. "We are not surprised that some handset vendors have designed such products."
China's upper-class often treats gadgets like jewelry. On the streets of Shenzhen or Beijing, you can find stores selling gold-colored mobile phones from Nokia or street vendors carrying gold cases for iPods. These aren't actually made of real gold. (Though, that exists, too.)
"Chinese consumers generally have the 'buying-for-face' culture," Yan wrote. "This phenomenon is more obvious in consumer electronics."
The iPhone 5s -- also available in silver and gray colors, similar to the previous model -- is the first Apple phone to come in gold. It'll cost at least 5,288 yuan ($864). The gold 5s already looks to be a hit in China and Hong Kong, with pre-orders quickly selling out, according to state-run news website Eastday.com.
China is one of the most important regions to Apple's business, and growth is slowing. With the new phones set to come out tomorrow, Apple still hasn't announced a deal with China Mobile, the nation's largest carrier. Analysts expected the iPhone 5c to be Apple's savior in emerging markets. That was until they heard the price.
Israeli Terror Victims Win Right to Have Case Against Bank of China Heard in U.S. Court $BACHY
Israeli Terror Victims Win Right to Have Case Against Bank of China Heard in U.S. Court $BACHY
The Appellate Division held that the trial court will apply Israeli law in hearing the case. The defendant had argued that Chinese law should apply as the BOC is headquartered in Beijing. Applying Israeli law, which differs from the Chinese law, would make it easier for the plaintiffs to prove that BOC officials had illegally violated banking regulations and U.S. criminal statutes by carrying out money transfers for Palestinian terror organizations.
The civil action, brought on behalf of the victims and family members of victims of terror attacks perpetrated between 2004 and 2007 in Israel, alleges that, starting in 2003, the BOC executed dozens of wire transfers for terror groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad totaling several million dollars. These transfers were initiated by the PIJ and Hamas leadership in Iran and Syria, were processed through BOC’s branches in the United States and were sent on to a BOC account in Beijing administered by a senior operative of Hamas and PIJ. From there, the funds were transferred to Hamas and PIJ leaders in the Gaza Strip and West Bank and used to carry out terrorist attacks.
According to the plaintiffs’ complaint, in April 2005, Israeli counter terrorism officers met with officials from the Chinese Ministry of Public Security and China’s Central Bank regarding these wire transfers. The Israelis demanded that the Chinese officials take action to prevent BOC from making any further such transfers. Despite the Israeli warnings, the BOC – with the Chinese government’s approval – continued to wire terrorist funds for Hamas and PIJ.
No taper brings back talk of CURRENCY WAR
No taper brings back talk of CURRENCY WAR
Speculation over the onset of a global currency war first came to a head at the start of the year when dramatic falls in the Japanese yen prompted widespread criticism from other world economies, amid concerns the yen's weakness would put Japan's exporters at an unfair advantage. However, the rhetoric abated after Japan was given the go-ahead to pursue its radical policies at a G20 meeting in April.
But the Fed's decision on Thursday has reignited talk of a currency war, after thedollar index, which measures the greenback's value against other major currencies slid to levels not seen since February at 80.06 on Wednesday.
Risk-on currencies got a boost; the Australian dollar rallied above the $0.95 handle in Asia on Thursday, a high not seen since mid-June, while the sterling surged to around $1.61, its highest level since January, and the euro reached highs not seen since February of around $1.35.
Chinese reverse mergers are not toxic: Study
Chinese reverse mergers are not toxic: Study
However, the study found that Chinese reverse mergers outperformed their peers from inception through 2011, even after including most of the firms accused of accounting fraud.
However, the study found that Chinese reverse mergers outperformed their peers from inception through 2011, even after including most of the firms accused of accounting fraud.
(Read more: Asia's high-yield bonds still a premium play: HSBC)
"Despite the negative publicity (some from short sellers), we find little evidence that U.S. capital markets have been harmed by the admission of CRMs," the study authors wrote.
According to the study, while reverse merger companies are speculative in nature and are prone to bankruptcy, Chinese firms tend to be more mature and less speculative than their U.S. peers.
"They are larger, less levered, more profitable, less likely to have a qualified audit opinion, and more likely to be at the Growth or Mature stage of the business life cycle," the study said.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Here It Comes: Obama Calls For Gun Control, Again, In Aftermath Of Shipyard Shootings $rgr $cab $swhc
Here It Comes: Obama Calls For Gun Control, Again, In Aftermath Of Shipyard Shootings $rgr $cab $swhc
"The bodies of the casualties from yesterday's latest mass shooting incident have not been buried yet, but already the president, fresh from his embarrassing foreign relations defeat with Russia and not to mention the ongoing NSA snafu, is back in 'distract em with a campaign-cum-crusade mode' after calling, once again, for Congress to pass gun control legislation this time in an interview with Noticias Telemundo.
One can only assume the president was himself too distracted by all his recent scandals and/or was just spying too hard on the American people to recall that it was only in April that theDemocratically-controlled Senate killed an amendment to a Democratic gun control bill, which was the first and biggest slap in the face of the freshly re-elected president so far in 2013 (little did we know it was only downhill from there), and made a mockery of Obama's crusade to enact gun control."
$aapl $goog Apple: Is Now A Value Trap - Doug Kass
$aapl $goog Apple: Is Now A Value Trap - Doug Kass
"Apple has become a value trap," the founder of Seabreeze Partners Management said. "This is a company with no growth, and profit margins that are way too high vis a vis the competition."
Indeed, at its latest media event, Apple disappointed many investors but not releasing a much cheaper iPhone, as some had been pining for. Instead, Apple released more high-end phones that will keep profit margins high, but threaten to do further damage to the company's already-declining market share.
(Read more: At a crossroads, Apple must make one huge decision)
"We remain disappointed with Apple's decision to remain a premium priced smartphone vendor," Credit Suisse analyst Kulbinder Garcha wrote in a note that downgraded the stock to "neutral" from "outperform" after the event. "On our new estimates, Apple's smartphone share will decline to 15.5 percent/13.1 percent this year and next from 18.1 percent last year."
But Kass says that there's a second issue at work: While Apple's prices have stayed high, the company has not delivered innovation to keep pace.
Adobe Sales, Profit Miss Estimates as Subscriptions Grow $adbe
Adobe Sales, Profit Miss Estimates as Subscriptions Grow $adbe
The results are validating Chief Executive Officer Shantanu Narayen’s strategy of pushing the maker of Photoshop and Illustrator software deeper into Internet services. While that’s crimping near-term revenue and profit, the transition to a suite of online tools called Creative Cloud positions Adobe for more predictable growth in the future, according to Josh Olson, an analyst at Edward Jones & Co.
“All eyes are really on this shift to the subscription pricing model and that’s ahead of schedule,” said Olson, who has a hold rating on the shares. “The sales miss is a reflection of a successful transition to the cloud.”
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