Yesterday was one fo the best days ever for the stock markets: What does it mean? I think it ultimately depends on factors unrelated to the move itself. Econompic provides us with some context: Obviously large one day moves in and of themselves tell us little about what is to come. So, let us...
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MBIA has been downgraded by Moody’s all the way to A2. Ambac is AA3. That makes their insurance useless, and in all probability that means they are now nothing more than vehicles for paying off the claims of their existing contracts. The Muni issuers will terminate their contracts, the underlying credits are already better...
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We should start out with some humor: A robber in a ski mask blamed the bank for what he was about to do, The Associated Press reported Feb. 22. “You took my house, now I’m going to take your money!” the assailant hollered. Talk about a reverse mortgage! The FBI plans to review the...
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Bad news for the monolines. FGIC just got downgraded today to AA. That pretty much puts them out of the business of insuring municipal bonds. NYS Commissioner of Insurance has suggested splitting the Muni bond business from the rest of the insurers. FGIC seems to now think that isn’t a bad idea. Of course,...
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The GDP numbers came out yesterday. For a breakdown, including the inflation component, go here. For the announcement from the BEA go here. The Fed also cut rates by 50bps. Here is the Journal’s story. Reactions: Barry Rithotlz- Q4 GDP: El Stinko! • Consumption slowed to 2% from 2.8% in Q3; I suspect that...
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Morningstar takes a look at the Long/Short category of mutual funds. They, like I, appreciate John Hussman. China turned in yet another double digit year: China’s economy grew by 11.4 per cent in 2007, the highest pace in 13 years, but the trend of decelerating exports to a slowing US recorded in the final...
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It seems world markets see the stimulus plan in the US as evidence for panic, not joy. Stock markets around the world plummeted Monday, prompted by pessimism about U.S. President George W. Bush’s plans to boost the U.S. economy. Share prices in Asia, Europe and the Americas all plunged by significant amounts; Wall Street...
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Can I ask for some applause for this from Crossing Wall Street? I have to agree with Frederic Mishkin of the Fed: I think there is too much focus on what decision will be made about the federal funds rate target at the next FOMC meeting. What is important for pricing most financial assets...
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To start off James Hamilton reviews last weeks depressing economic data, and its effect on the stock market. Which leads to the next question. Trying to get defensive? The Wall Street Journal notices some of the same things we have been talking about that make it difficult, while the New York Times picks up...
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