RichC | August 22, 2013
At about the noon hour today stocks on the NASDAQ stock exchange were halted without much news besides a “technical issue.” According to CNBC, the markets should reopen at 3:30 although a few stocks will be reopened as a test around 3PM. (Quotes “only” for other Nasdaq listed stocks begins at 3:10PM) I’ve been eyeballing […]
RichC | August 14, 2013
Way to go Ohio State Treasurer Josh Mandel. Let’s keep the pressure on reforming Ohio and to make our state a model of openness and transparency. For those in SW Ohio … watch to the end when he compares Cincinnati to Detroit. Concerning?
RichC | August 13, 2013
New devices, September dates, bigger screened iPhones, Carl Icahn taking a position in $AAPL stock. As the Mazda ad goes … zoom, zoom. Reportedly, Apple Inc (AAPL) will unveil its much anticipated next generation iPhone on Sep 10. The device tentatively called iPhone 5S (can be 6 also) is rumored to feature a larger screen, […]
RichC | August 5, 2013
… what about employees and retirees of private companies – those who still have a pension plan? Almost everyone realizes that public pensions are going to remain a major problem for our country, but not as many realize just how underfunded pensions are for most large corporations. A report published by S&P Dow Jones shows […]
RichC | July 18, 2013
Intel (INTC) has been a core “buy and hold” technology stock for many independent investors over the past decade or so, but a long hard look at returns makes that strategy puzzling. Back in the day, if you wanted to be in “technology,” INTC was a must have stock, particularly if you believed in personal […]
RichC | July 1, 2013
I’ve voted for two of the listed small startup ventures that the WSJ editors believe could be worthy of going public and have listed in their WSJ Startup of the Year pages. Personally I’m pulling for PlanetReuse Marketplace seeing it as a way to use technology to network recycled building materials to those who could […]
RichC | June 15, 2013
Every year we see and hear of charities wasting money and the generous gifts given by their donors and unfortunately some charities and their hired solicitors are just out and out crooks (and unfortunately able to get away with it year after year). If you intend to give to organizations that you are not intimately […]
RichC | June 4, 2013
There sure seems to be a disconnect between what my gut tells me about the economy and what the financial markets have been doing … and I know I’m not the only one growing concerned as evident by the growing number of articles. Europe is clearly in recession, China is slowing, U.S. consumer spending and […]
RichC | May 30, 2013
Although there might be a way to improve on the “hatch” in order to store a phone, wallet, car remote, etc … these Stash Waterproof Pocket Shorts are a great idea for beach-goers, water sport enthusiasts or … cough, cough … sailing. I’d like to think the new upstart company will raise the funding, but […]
RichC | May 17, 2013
May 16, 2013 You could end up with a lot less savings at 65 than you ever anticipated because of fees charged by the financial institutions managing your retirement accounts. Robert Hiltonsmith, who researches retirement security, says those fees were disclosed to 401(k) plan participants until only recently. NPR AUDIO LINK
RichC | May 15, 2013
A Motley Fool financial advisory email arrived in my email box this week which caught my eye with a subject line reading “The death of diesel.” While this seems to predict dire news for those of use who are advocates for compression ignition engines, I’ll paraphrase Mark Twain and say that announcement of diesels death […]
RichC | May 1, 2013
Erskine Bowles gave his pitch on CNBC’s Squawkbox Wednesday morning although doesn’t seem to be making much headway with the politicians who refuse to face reality. Neither Republicans or Democrats seem willing to negotiate our future solvency — looks like we’ll need another crisis before real reform is made in Washington DC. I found it […]
RichC | April 29, 2013
RichC | April 23, 2013
In Tuesday’s conference call Apple had reasonably positive news, or at least as expected news. The fact that they are increasing their dividend and hinted at something new in the second half of 2013 wasn’t all that surprising, but they are obviously convinced AAPL stock is a good investment. Management announced it was increasing its […]
RichC | April 17, 2013
Who is calling for Tim Cook’s head? Apple shares were down 4.7% to $406 this morning and nearing the psychological $400 mark. If it drops below that point, Apple executives better start circling the wagons if they haven’t already. The stock has not traded below the $400 mark since late December 2011 and have slid […]
RichC | April 11, 2013
If you are the average healthy American who is working or independently seeking a job, you might be as unknowledgeable as I am when it comes to knowing anything about government benefits. I’ve generally assumed that those who are “disabled” are not capable of functioning or were disabled on the job due injury. What I […]
RichC | April 9, 2013
With Apple struggling to keep its stock price from dipping any lower (although it really doesn’t look like they care), analysts and tech watchers speculate that there will be an Apple HDTV offering and a less expensive (cheaper) iPhone, but who knows what the new product(s) will be? I’m in the camp that sees the […]
RichC | April 5, 2013
We’re hardly sputtering along when it comes to getting Americans back to work. One wonders why we bother to spend so much money on government when our over compensated bureaucrats only add to the problem. If it were not so frustrating and painful, government’s adding “programs,” meddling with tax rates and monetary policy and out […]
RichC | April 2, 2013
Apple shareholders have a lot to grumble about when it comes to stock price and a lack of immediacy in addressing investors. Some are questioning if “they still know what they are doing” and I can’t help but be a little bit disappointed with rumors that next quarter’s iPhone release will maintain the “smaller” form […]
RichC | March 8, 2013
In talking with a long suffering customer the other day he asked me, “why are the stock market averages rising to all time highs, but business seems slower than ever?” I thought about that a bit since business wise I’ve felt pretty much the same way … as do most Americans with depleted savings, depressed […]
RichC | March 6, 2013
As the self-appoint nation’s problem solver [that’s worth a chuckle], I’ve been thinking about our underfunded Medicare and soon to be underfunded Social Security programs. For those needing a little primer, I will start by regurgitating some background information on these two taxpayer supported entitlements. Both Social Security and Medicare are supported by working citizens […]
RichC | March 5, 2013
The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged Tuesday to its highest closing level ever jumping 125.95 points to finish above the previous record of 14164.53 set on Oct. 9, 2007. The low was a year and a half later bottoming out at 6547.05 on March 9, 2009. For those holding or buying “long” and in the […]
RichC | February 27, 2013
I find it difficult to listen to “the sky is falling” coming from special interest groups with the politicians looking out for them … or for that matter President Obama “crying wolf” once again. If it is so difficult to trim a few percent federal budget (something that was suppose to be done several years […]
RichC | February 14, 2013
The coming government cuts, either by choice or sequester and their economic impact is bound to be felt by all of us. The President for his part Tuesday night in the State of the Union address offered a warning, but little that addressed the ominous across the board cuts coming on March 1st if nothing […]
RichC | January 24, 2013
Hmm, not much in the immediate future to put a smile back on shareholders’ faces. If Tim Cook has something up his sleeves, it might be a good time to turn on the magic. ($AAPL trading at $450 down 12% Thursday morning) Posted via email from RichC’s posterous
RichC | January 23, 2013
Apple Inc. (AAPL) will report results for its first fiscal quarter this afternoon. Investors are on pins and needles wondering just how business has been going with slowing computer sales and increased pressure from Android devices on iPhone and iPad sales. Apple stock has already been beaten down and if the numbers are lackluster could […]
RichC | January 22, 2013
Pulitzer-Prize winning historian and biographer Jon Meacham made a few comments that had me nodding my head Monday evening in a discussion with Bill O’Reilly. I snagged a bit of audio while replaying for my wife. He was able to succinctly communicate the fiscal issues facing our nation and the seeming lack of urgency President […]
RichC | January 16, 2013
It is becoming increasingly clear the the answer the federal government’s excessive spending is to “broaden the base” … but before the attacks from Democrats begin, let me clarify my reasoning (highlighted below) and explain. The current debate in Washington DC is whether to address the deficit (and mounting debt) by raising taxes on the […]
RichC | January 12, 2013
One would expect some of the conservative western or southern states to adopt deterrents when it comes to criminals targeting gun free zones like public schools, but the Montpelier Exempted Village School Board of Education has been quick to adapt here in Ohio. They approved (5-0) to permit four of their janitors to carry handguns […]
RichC | January 2, 2013
Well the “fiscal cliff” has been averted for the time being … a sort of a “kick the can down the road” decision was made in Washington DC … to use two of the banished terms for 2013 (link). The deal with hardly dealt with spending, the deficit or the looming under-funded entitlements which are […]
RichC | December 28, 2012
Those old enough and wise enough to know how the sausage is was made in Washington DC have noticed a change in recent years. Politicians of different stripes and philosophies are no longer coming together for the common good … and the lack of a leader (aka: POTUS) willing guide congress is shocking. Here we […]
RichC | December 11, 2012
Those of us watching the “dance” in Washington DC over the looming taxes and possible spending cuts closing in on every American can make one’s head spin. What we all know is that our government spends too much and seems unable to even come close to balancing their budget or coming up with a plan […]
RichC | December 10, 2012
While following the Kabuki Theatre between President Obama and congress in Washington DC focused on increasing the top tax rate, cutting government spending and dealing with what has become known as the “fiscal cliff,” it was interesting to hear what European’s think of our latest governing hurdle. The BBC offered up a video interview with […]
RichC | December 1, 2012
This past week, I talked to a younger friend of mine about his growing family and making fiscally sound decisions. He politely told me how much he respected my opinion as he asked for some advice … and my head swelled with the less than deserved accolades (but who doesn’t appreciate complements?) His primary question […]
RichC | November 30, 2012
Playing the tax game as a big business or 1%-er investor must be a challenging problem to have? [sarcasm] Here’s a Wall Street Journal op-ed commenting on Costco’s recent “early” dividend announcement. Uncertainly in the tax code, along with the credits, deductions and complexity, slows economic growth, deters job creation and demonstrates that the more […]
RichC | November 30, 2012
I started a post earlier in the week with the intent to demonstrate my ability to “Rise Above” and to recommend a compromise solution that would address the fiscal cliff, but I realized that I was banging my head against a wall even when dealing with people I get along with. I can’t imagine reaching […]
RichC | November 27, 2012
Be careful when selling (missing dividend) or holding stocks (fiscal cliff) — they could potentially payout a one-time dividend in 2012 before the expected tax changes in 2013 or they could suffer share price losses if congress and President Obama fail to come together. Fearing a tripling of dividend tax rates next year, some companies […]
RichC | November 19, 2012
After 40 years at the helm of Intel ($INTC), CEO Paul Otellini intends to retire in May of 2012. The announcement has delayed the opening of Intel’s stock today and after a significant downturn in stock price will be another concern for investors. Intel Corp. (INTC) President and Chief Executive Paul Otellini intends to retire […]
RichC | November 17, 2012
There is a Rise Above movement afoot and it is being promoted by business news network CNBC. Supporters and business leaders from both political parties agree that politicians must work together to focus on the financial health of our country and rise above partisan politics. We have yet to see progress and the stock market […]
RichC | November 16, 2012
Hostess Brands Inc., an 82-year old business with household brands such as Twinkie, Ho-Hos, Ding-Dongs and Wonder Bread will close its doors and liquidate assets after a bitter battle with unions and millions of dollars from venture capital in hopes to save the company. This morning CEO Greg Rayburn talked for 10 minutes with […]
RichC | November 7, 2012
I’ve unfortunately been watching the financial markets react negatively to the re-election of “less than business friendly” President Obama this morning and I am struggling to decipher what the future holds for investors and those saving for college or retirement. In the middle of a 300+point DOW drop is probably not the time to form […]
RichC | October 16, 2012
Once again, our tax dollars were squandered on another failed green energy company. This time the once promising A123 Systems Inc. (AONE -74.67%) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. A123 was one of the Obama Administrations’ handpicked companies to be given a handout … free money … and took nearly $250 million taxpayer dollars […]
RichC | October 5, 2012
The unemployment numbers were released this Friday morning and looked 4 tenths better than August (7.8% from 8.2%) drawing suspicion from those who suspect a political conspiracy. Since the numbers are generated in questionable ways including phone polls, who knows? This is still good news for President Obama who will who will point to economic […]
RichC | October 4, 2012
I started a post on the Presidential Debate last night, but figured if I’m tired of tweeting, reading and hearing about it, others may be too … so will pass on opining. I will say that Mitt Romney looked well prepared and was able to comfortably manhandle President Obama on the subject of the economy, […]
RichC | October 3, 2012
Most of America is waiting to hear from President Obama and his challenger Mitt Romney tonight for the first Presidential Debate. The president must defend his 4 years of leadership and stop offering excuses or pointing at Republicans; he needs to either convince the majority that his policies are working or that the changes that […]
RichC | September 27, 2012
After three rounds of Federal Reserve quantitative easing and the pumping money into the system, the economy remains depressed and there is growing concern over eventual inflation. The buying power of the U.S. dollar is noticeably weaker for those with stagnate earnings — most of middle-class America. Who knows when government inaction on trade, deficits, […]
RichC | September 14, 2012
While the financial markets here in the U.S. climb due to Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke initiating QE3 and adding more dollars to the economy, the Muslim fanatics in other parts of the world protest, breach U.S. embassies and kill Americans. The current response from the Obama Administration has been cautious and seemingly sends mixed messages […]
RichC | September 13, 2012
I’m finding a nutty pricing structure for for my morning newspaper and a questionable explanation (or lack of one) from Dow Jones in my attempt to renew my Wall Street Journal subscription. It sort of reminded my of a Twitter conversation last week on how Amazon sells some paperback and hardback books cheaper than they […]
RichC | September 7, 2012
I read a simple article reviewing where Apple ($AAPL) makes their money … product mix, not geographic location. Anyway, I thought it was interesting that they make over 70% of their total sales (trailing 12 months) on the iPhone and iPad … that in comparison to Macintosh computers, software and services and even their Music […]
RichC | August 25, 2012
It’s no secret that I’m a long time Apple user and have done my part in supporting the company as computer and gadget buyer and as an $AAPL shareholder, but I’m also rebellious when their eco-system boxes out competitors. I dislike Apple telling me what software I can and can’t install on my computer devices […]
RichC | August 6, 2012
At this point I’m still happy to be an Apple shareholder, although worry the current two week 10% stock price rise could be a little much for $AAPL. That said, the demand for their superior technology products coupled with their above industry profit margins … and devoted buyers … should keep the company flush with […]
RichC | August 4, 2012
Some of us try to maintain a positive mindset in this questionable economy and are hoping for a turn in the second half of 2012. Perhaps there are a few others besides me hunting for any good news since the Dow fought off several down days to end the week back up over 13,000. With […]
RichC | July 31, 2012
This morning on CNBC there was a discussion about the long term changes that investors and savers are looking at without the growth potential of the past. We are in a new high debt world and the workforce is growing far slower than in the past. Robert Arnott discussed the expected returns we’ve all been […]
RichC | July 27, 2012
I spend a few hours each day focused on trading and inventing and have been regularly asked about my opinion on buying Facebook stock. My reply has often been that it is a great company and is one of the leaders (if not “thee” leader) in social networking, but Mr. Zuckerberg and Company hasn’t figured […]
RichC | July 27, 2012
Peter Fisher, the head of Blackrock Global‘s fixed income, made a few observations this morning regarding economic slowness worldwide. One of the important conclusions that I’ve been hearing from experienced voices is that the U.S. is the safest bet when securing capital and inching out returns. In other words, investors globally move to the security […]
RichC | July 23, 2012
I’ve noticed that Americans have been buying a few more new cars this year and that after a few lean years car manufacturers “were” starting to feel the recession ending. Now that sounds like good news, eh? (below: first half 2012 sales increase or decrease based on a new car sales price … all up […]
RichC | July 19, 2012
When someone who suggests they are a “social liberal” like Barry Sternlicht (Chairman and CEO Starwood Capital Group) mentions that he is concerned regarding the direction the U.S. and Europe are going when it comes to business, capitalism and taxes … it is time to listen. Some excellent commentary comes after the Verizon comments — […]
RichC | July 15, 2012
A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to its investors from their own money or the money paid by subsequent investors, rather than from profit earned by the individual or organization running the operation. The Ponzi scheme usually entices new investors by offering higher returns than other investments, in the form […]
RichC | July 10, 2012
A down day for the markets after slowing earning from big companies like Cummins and Alcoa … but it was the day CNBC announces the top states for business. Of course it is no surprise that Texas was the top state for the 3rd time in 6 years. The other states to make the top […]
RichC | July 10, 2012
Unless politicians “create an environment” that encourages risking capital and investing in American businesses, it will continue to be a struggle to grow our economy. I’m seeing more cities and counties running out of tax revenue and many more will be forced to declare bankruptcy unless thing change soon. Out of work and financially stressed […]