The American Diabetes Association estimates that there are currently 23.6 million diabetics in the U.S. (7.8% of the total population, including 17.9 million diagnosed cases, 5.7 million undiagnosed, and 57 million pre-diabetics. Diabetes results in an estimated $174 billion in costs from diagnosed cases of diabetes in the U.S. (2007).[More...]

It's that time of quarter - when the whales of investing have to reveal what they are doing on the long side to the SEC (they can still keep secret their shorts).  There are a lot of websites that will be looking at these disclosures in the next 48 hours so we'll just focus on a few.  When I did some "Googling" on George Soros last night I was taken aback how controversial a figure this guy is; there are more stories about his politics than investing.   I could care less about his politics, he is a smart guy who uhhh... admittedly plays the gray side of the rule book at times, but Goldman Sachs (GS) is worshiped for the same behavior.[More...]

Ah, bailout nation beckons for yet another group - insurers. Our pockets are endless.... the Wall Street Journal takes a look at the decision ahead by government on whether to bailout insurance companies. It appears they aren't under as strict rules as the banks to mark their assets properly so a ticking time bomb sits in the closet. If/when they are required to price things "accurately" - well that's where your tax dollars might be coming in. Interestingly, this was an area where Ken Heebner of CGM Funds fame was putting his money last quarter... Anyhow, please break open your child's piggy bank - the government needs more of your money. This TARP fund appears to be endless - I thought it was $700 Billion but it seems company after company is going for the second $350 Billion - and somehow the fund never empties ;) Magic. Since[More...]

We long ago identified Walmart (WMT) and McDonald's (MCD) as two havens to hide out in as the longer term "Pooring of America" intersected with "the recession" played out. (Dec 26, 2007: Target Shoppers Turning into Walmart Shoppers) (Apr 22, 2008: McDonalds, DuPont Continue the Trend - Overseas Strength Mitigate Weakness at Home) (Jul 23, 2008: McDonald's Continuing to be Dinner of Choice for Pooring Americans) That was the play about 15-18 months ago - but what is interesting[More...]

Before the main story there is an excellent (but lengthy piece) in the New York Times 'From Midwest to MTA, Pain from Global Gamble' which outlines some examples of the interconnections of the global finance eco-system; and current fallout. It actually parallels the exact same situation many individuals in America were faced the past decade - facing a shortfall in budget people "got creative" to fill the gaps - and "enablers" were ready, willing, and able to sell them the product to get them there. Granted the enablers are paid on volume of transactions only so if they blow up after the fact - who cares? No different than mortgage brokers the past half decade. It's a long story but thought I'd highlight it since it shows you how even local school boards were taking this gamble to make up for holes in their budget. And why I have been saying[More...]