The Dow moves above 13,000, but closes 0.1% down instead

| February 27, 2012

The Dow once again inches past the 13,000 market, but somehow can’t quite close above this psychological level. For a few moments Monday, it looked like it was finally happening. But the Dow Jones Industrial Average failed yet again to close above 13000. The average ended down 1.44 points, or less than 0.1%, at 12981.51. […]

Has natural gas hit a bottom. If so, how to invest?

| February 15, 2012

Besides trading in an out of the depressed Natural Gas market in the past month, I’ve been pondering how to “eventually” capitalize on what I see as a bottom in the commodity price for NG and a possible upside down the road. How far down the road, who knows?   I’ve been doing some reading […]

Getting a mention on CNBC can sometimes move up a stock

| February 13, 2012

Every once in a while those interviewed on widely watched financial television channels have an opportunity to mention individual stocks … not a big deal when the companies are larger. Unfortunately mentioning a couple lessor known companies can move the prices. Today CNBC’s Bill Griffeth on his Closing Bell segment interviewed an analyst from Oppenheimer […]

How current environment impacts the financial institutions

| January 21, 2012

I’m archiving the comments of guest Doug Dechille (First Principles Capital Management LLC) on CNBC’s Squawkbox this week. It gave me pause as our politicians and media debate the capital system which helped grow our country. Dechille brought light to the problems financial institutions have with government involvement and the heavy hand of the Federal […]

The one word is now three words: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

| December 22, 2011

Once upon a time, the word “Plasitcs” was uttered by Mr. McGuire as “enough said” advice for The Graduate in 1967 … nowadays I think we need to start thinking three words or perhaps just the acronym … UAV?   The Graduate (mp3) … one word for you, plastics All I can say is find […]

Markets rise and lift “almost” all boats – Santa Claus rally?

| December 20, 2011

A very positive day for a broad swath of Wall Street and U.S. based companies. The stock market saw trading return the Dow Jones Industrial Average back over the psychologically challenging 12,000 mark. Those watching the ups and downs realize that one day up 300+ points doesn’t mean all that much … especially when considering […]

Markets jump after Fed banks agree to unlock liquidity

| November 30, 2011

The financial markets woke up to a jolt this morning as several central banks including the U.S. Federal Reserve unified to shore up the global financial system. The debt crisis in Europe has continued to put downward stress on world markets and economies; the cheaper U.S. denominated loans available to European banks is expected to […]

Investors tried to digest more than one kind turkey

| November 26, 2011

I not the only one with indigestion … and it isn’t from the Thanksgiving day eating or the leftovers (or even the Black Friday frenzy) … but the crushing financial markets that have haunted investors since Halloween.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average has turned in its “worst Thanksgiving week performance since markets began observing the […]

The wipeout of saving and our economy

| October 4, 2011

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About the only thing “certain” is that tax rates are “uncertain”

| September 23, 2011

Much of the political debate coming from Washington DC is focused on cutting the deficit, reforming the tax code and generating more revenue for the federal government. Hopefully those who currently pay federal income taxes (only 52%) are going to be given the loudest voice, but that may not be the case now that we’re […]

Netflix splits streaming & DVD business – CEO says he messed up

| September 19, 2011

After talking with a few disgruntled NetFlix subscribers (and ex-subscribers) this morning, I can attest that I’m not the only one thinking “spin-off” after CEO Reed Hastings relays the news that their new DVD-by-mail service will be a dying “wholly owned subsidiary” being called Qwikster. Netflix Inc. Chief Executive Reed Hastings said in a blog […]

Archive: 10 Biggest Money Wasters (2011 edition)

| June 15, 2011

Saw this and thought it might be good to talk about with my kids … or add to that Life Lessons Learned advice book I’ve always talked about writing. 10 Biggest Money Wasters CNN Money lists the 10 biggest money wasters as follows: ATM fees Lottery tickets Gourmet coffee Cigarettes Infomercial impulse buys Brand-name groceries […]

Brokerage software continues to improve for investors and traders

| February 17, 2011

On the days that I am connected to the Internet during Wall Street’s market close, I often stream a tiny Slingplayer window of CBNC’s Closing Bell. Today I chuckled at someone on the trading desk holding up a “Hi Mom” sign (left). Also changes in technology has helped investors and traders in recent years by […]

Stock markets in a sea of red do to unrest in Egypt

| January 28, 2011

As the middle east boils and Egypt joins Tunisia in a public uprising against their governments, world markets grow nervous seeing oil rise 4% today on worry over disruption. Not only is our U.S. stock market giving back it’s gains from the past few days, but the political unrest a half a world away reminds […]

Strong technology pushed the stock market higher

| June 15, 2010

After dipping below the 10,000 mark for early June, the Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 213.88 points, or 2.10%, to 10404.77 today breaking out of the closely watched 200-day moving average. The S&P 500 was also up 2.35% seeing every sector moving in the up direction. The biggest gains 2.76% were over at the Nasdaq, […]

The yellow metal is at a record high and climbing

| May 12, 2010

Gold, the investment that rises when risk becomes too great has reached its highest level trading up on Tuesday and continuing to push record areas on Wednesday morning. The $1240 per ounce price has investor’s worried about markets and inflationary pressures. The stock market is opening higher today renewing a bit more confidence that the […]

Consumers beware: Plastic Money regulations will impact you

| February 22, 2010

If you are like me, you like having a regular routine to start the day; for me it’s the newspaper, the Gordon Deal podcast, a large cup of coffee and review of my email inbox, although I won’t encourage the large cup of coffee. Today, one of the lead stories in the news pertains to […]

Book: Comeback American by David M. Walker

| February 5, 2010

Books about fixing America’s dysfunctional economy are trendy again and partisan finger pointing is probably the most notable component in most books. The book by David M. Walker called Comeback America is no exception when it comes to the frustration and anger he shares when in particular chastising President George W. Bush. Irritation aside, Walker […]

Global coordination by central banks around the world

| October 8, 2008

In an attempt to get money/credit flowing around the world, six central banks in coordination moved to cut interest rates on Wednesday. The goal is to offset a global economic slowdown that has been rippling through the financial and business world. This half-point rate cut included the central banks in the U.K., Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, […]

Financial Markets reflect economic fears in America

| October 6, 2008

The financial crisis is rippling around the world and that fear is being reflected on Wall Street as the DJIA dropped a full 800 points during trading on Monday, although recovered somewhat to close off only 370 points at 9955.50. Almost all stocks took a beating again today shrinking all who invest for college or […]

Market up; drugstore stocks hammered

| October 1, 2007

The stock market had a solid day of gains today with the Dow Jones Industrials up 190+ points and setting a new record, but not all segments were stellar. Hardest hit were the drugstore chains as that segment suffered heavy selling pressure. Three of the leading companies that I track and trade were down significantly […]

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog