This weekend’s cover story on Barron’s was a bullish piece on trading-exchange stocks. They mentioned four big players in the article: NYSE Euronext (NYSE:NYX), IntercontinentalExchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE), NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (NASD:NDAQ) and CME Group Inc. (NASD:CME). The article[More...]

There is a long and glorious history of transatlantic cross-fertilization when it comes to television programs and other forms of entertainment. Staples of the US television landscape such as Sanford and Son (Steptoe and Son), American Idol (Pop Idol), and The Office (The Office) all started life on the British airwaves. It appears as if US policymakers have seized on the idea, re-incarnating the popular UK radio show I'm Sorry, I Haven't a Clue.<br[More...]

As I posted late last week, it is time to begin making a list of those beaten down sectors and individual securities that may bring life back to your portfolio(s) in the future. I am not, repeat -NOT - recommending immediate purchase. The markets are still too destabilized for considered actions unless your objective is [...]

Once AIG goes, its really over!By Hugh SonSept. 16 (Bloomberg) -- American International Group Inc.'s credit ratings were downgraded by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service, threatening efforts to raise emergency funds to keep the company afloat. The ratings reductions occurred after two people familiar with the situation said that the biggest U.S. insurer by assets is seeking $70 billion to $75 billion in loans arranged by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. to replenish capital. AIG Chief Executive Officer Robert Willumstad has tried to raise cash to prevent the cuts, which may trigger more than $13 billion in collateral calls from debt investors who bought swaps, the insurer said in an Aug. 6 filing. AIG's shares plunged 61 percent yesterday in New York trading, dragging the company's market value to $12.8 billion. Wall[More...]

AIG is having another terrible day. Markets certainly aren’t being patient with the New York based American International Group (AIG). Despite the co.’s announcement of new strategic plans set to be introduced Sept. 25 the insurer’s shares continue to sin[More...]