Dollar drops like a rock

February 29, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The dollar has plunged drastically over the last couple days, falling to all-time and multi-year lows against several major currencies.  While dollar sentiment has been low for some time, its most recent decline has been largely attributed to growing concern over potential stagflation.  Stagflation is a combination of flat economic growth and rising consumer prices. Read more

Posted by livewire admin | Filed Under LiveWire Features and Articles 

Did Mr Bernanke’s Speech To Congress Mislead The People?

February 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Mr Bernanke went to congress to deliver the semi annual Monetary Policy Report today. For those of us who have the stomach to read the text of his speech it can offer some deeper insight into how the Fed is thinking. Read more

Posted by livewire admin | Filed Under LiveWire Features and Articles 

Stagflation concerns face US economy

February 27, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The US economy is facing what financial experts call ‘stagflation.’ Stagflation is a combination in which consumer prices rise faster than is desired, while the economy slows at the same time. Stagflation is a double edged sword and it is definitely not desirable. Read more

Posted by livewire admin | Filed Under LiveWire Features and Articles 

Get Ready - Here Come the Gold Stocks!

February 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment

You’d have to be a monk living in isolated penury to miss the fact that gold is on a tear. Specifically, it has risen from $277.75 on January 4, 2002 to $950 last week, a gain of 242% in just over 6 years. Over the same period, the trembling S&P 500 is up an anemic 22%. Read more

Posted by livewire admin | Filed Under LiveWire Features and Articles 

A Junk Bond Collapse Is Bullish For Stocks? Someone Better Tell Citigroup

February 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Yes, you guessed it. Someone out there in Fantasy Finance Land is of the opinion that a collapse in junk bonds is a signal to be bullish on stocks. I am really struggling not to start ranting about the stupidity contained in such a thought. Read more

Posted by livewire admin | Filed Under LiveWire Features and Articles 

US economy still sluggish

February 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Following a reading of the Federal Reserve Central Board meeting minutes from January, analysts are pricing a likely rate cut as high as .5 basis points into the financial markets.  Discussion during the meeting suggests the Fed intends to remain aggressive in its moves to combat the struggling economy. Read more

Posted by livewire admin | Filed Under LiveWire Features and Articles 

Whoever Heard Of A Risqué Virgin

February 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment

It was that hour between the FTSE cash closing and FTSE futures closing and I was bored. I don’t trade that hour, it’s too illiquid and can cost you a days earnings if you aren’t careful. So I did what I normally do and checked my emails, deleting the adverts and out of date stuff - as you do. Read more

Posted by livewire admin | Filed Under LiveWire Features and Articles 

Oil closes above $100 for first time ever

February 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Oil futures closed above $100 per barrel for the first time ever today (February 19).  US equities gave up huge early gains in large part because of heightening inflation concerns.  While much of the government and Central Bank efforts have been focused on stimulating the stale economy, several members of the Fed have recently expressed growing concern for inflation. Read more

Posted by livewire admin | Filed Under LiveWire Features and Articles 

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