Friedman and Automotive Critics are Being Disingenuous

I listened to Friedman’s rant on how wrong the big three are and that they should not get any money, yada, yada, yada…

Folks, I have been involved both directly and indirectly in the automotive industry since 1985! My father used to a VP/Plant Manager for Magna, and Grammer. I myself have worked for multiple car parts suppliers. And I have had many friends who have worked in the automotive industry.

So what I am going to do is lay down some facts!

China Bad BUT Walmart Good?

Here is what you have to wonder about. China is a country that is suffering, and is a country that will collapse. At least that is what people are thinking. For example here is a quote that I heard in the media (CNBC Squawkbox). "China is a construction story, and you have to wonder why (more…)

On Long Term Investing, Presidents, and the DOW

I was doing some thinking on the new American President and the current president. In particular I wanted to know how the market did for some presidents. So I looked back at the DOW and looked at the dates when each president was in office. I came up with the following table.

Oh, Our Next Problem: The Market is Orderly!

Oh where, oh where, is the capitulation. As I said before it ain’t gonna happen! And the reason is algorithmic trading. At IB there is the vwap algo, and its purpose is:

To achieve the Volume-Weighted Average price (VWAP), calculated from the time you submit the order to the close of the market.

In other words an algo that is available to retail can make strategic purchases. On the other side of the coin are algos that will sell at certain values, UNLESS you have to sell.

My Hats Off To You Colin Powell

I have always admired Colin Powell ever since the first Gulf War. Colin Powell being a proud American reminds me of all the good that America can be. Just like Warren Buffet! These two individuals represent the good and what America can be. The following comment he said, says it all and should be taken (more…)

Want To Know Why Microsoft is a Value Trap?

People look at Microsoft stock and think, "hey this is cheap." Yet it turns into a value trap. Want to know why? I think I can sum it with one blog entry.

There’s been a lot of lively discussion since I confirmed yesterday that the official name for the next version of the Window client operating system will be "Windows 7" about how we got to the number "7."

A Bullish Conversation With My Brother

My brother who lives in Russia, and travels all over the former Soviet countries gave me a call on Skype. He timidly asked, "how is your portfolio?" I replied some good some bad. Not complaining.

Donald Trump’s Best Words…

When asked, "Do you consider yourself a free market supporter?" "Yes, and that’s why I feel uncomfortable, even though I think this action [Bank bailout] is great" I have a love hate relationship with Donald Trump. But for someone to say, "hey you know I am not crazy about this, but it had to be (more…)