Inflation expectations have dropped (for now). ( Real Time Economics )
The FedEx ( FDX ) indicator hints at slower growth ahead. ( WSJ.com , Calculated Risk )
Somebody had to win betting against Bear Stearns ( BSC ) . ( WSJ.com )
Rumbling of shareholder opposition to the $2 deal. ( Minyanville.com , DealBook )
“ Collective action ” and the ongoing mystery of Bear Stearns’ stock price. ( Dash of Insight )
What lies ahead for Visa ( V ) ? ( Marketwatch.com , Market Movers )
Visa aside, the number of IPOs has dropped off the charts. ( Bespoke Investment Group )
However, SPACs are picking up the slack. ( DealScape )
Fannie and Freddie are going to have to raise “significant capital” as a part of their loosened capital requirements. ( NYTimes.com , MarketBeat , DealBreaker.com )
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Safe havens against stagflationFrom: abnormalreturns.com
Post Date: 2008-03-04 12:17:26
The markets are currently dealing with any number of cross-currents. One need only look to the fixed income markets to see how fears of stagflation are playing out in real time. Investors in search of a safe haven against stagflation are rapidly running out of options.
First, yields on the five-year TIPS are now below zero! In short, investors desperate for a “safe” way to play higher inflation have bid the bonds to levels not previously seen. (via Calculated Risk ...
more Tuesday links: corporate cash cacheFrom: abnormalreturns.com
Post Date: 2008-03-04 09:03:37
U.S. corporations are flush with cash . Net debt ratios hover around zero. ( NYTimes.com )
Will a weak economy prompt more corporate divestitures ? ( Financial Week )
“(N)ow both the bond market and foreign exchange show acute concern for the US economy .” ( FT Alphaville )
Investors are increasingly turning to currencies as an asset class . ( Capital Spectator )
Have commodity index investors pushed prices too hig...
more Wednesday links: follow the FedFrom: abnormalreturns.com
Post Date: 2008-03-05 08:56:08
“In standard models of asset pricing, negative real interest rates are most likely to arise if growth expectations are particularly low or if uncertainty is particularly high.” ( Mankiw Blog )
Why are other central banks not playing follow the Fed ? ( WSJ.com , NYTimes.com )
How much attention should central banks pay to commodity-led inflation ? ( FT Alphaville )
Searching for safe havens in times of stagflation. ( Market Blog...
more How to lie with statisticsFrom: abnormalreturns.com
Post Date: 2008-03-05 12:40:35
“ How to Lie With Statistics ” by Darrell Huff is a venerable book on the many ways we as end-users of statistics can be misled by “the numbers.” As participants in the capital markets we are bombarded with various statistics on a daily basis. From various governmental sources we receive data on the state of the economy. From companies we receive earnings report that purport to tell us how the firm is doing.
This post is not about the deliberate manipulation of ...
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