01-07-2008

by Priya Nigam

The job market figures reported on Friday conveyed a dismal picture of the US economy. With higher unemployment and declining job growth, the economic slowdown is very visible. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said in its latest report that there was no growth in economic activity in the manufacturing sector in December, following ten consecutive months of expansion. Norbert J. Ore, C.P.M., chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, said, “Slower demand appears to be more of a problem than excessive inventories based on the respondents’ comments.” Against this gloomy backdrop, one sector that stands out ... Continue

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01-07-2008

by Brian Kline

With real votes turning into political clout for the national nominations, it is time to look closely at where the leading candidates stand on economic issues. Both party winners of the Iowa caucus tout change at the federal level but the change offered from each is very different. Iowa Caucus Results Barack Obama (D) 38% John Edwards (D) 30% Hillary Clinton (D) 30% Mike Huckabee (R) 34% Mitt Romney (R) 25% Fred Thompson (R) 13% John McCain (R) 13% Plan to Strengthen the Economy “I'm in this race to take those tax breaks away from companies that are moving ... Continue

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01-05-2008

by Dan Blacharski

After spiking to over $100 a barrel on the first day of trading for the New Year, the price of crude dropped back down yesterday to settle at $99.19. This, after a year of analysts trying to downplay the rapid year-long rise of crude, saying it wouldn’t last. All through 2007, oil companies, and those who invest in their stock as well as in oil futures, have been seeing nothing but greenbacks, and 2008 will be no different. The fact that crude briefly hit $100 in and of itself isn’t that significant, but what is important ... Continue

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01-03-2008

by Lester Young

Brooke Credit Corporation (OTCBB: BRCR; BRCRW; BRCRU) announced today the launch of an extensive identity and re-branding campaign that is designed to better position the lending company for recognition by its target markets. In conjunction with the unveiling of its new web site (www.aleritascapital.com), the company will now be known as Aleritas Capital, effective immediately. To go along with the re-branding efforts, the company also announced an aggressive goal for 2008 of growing its loan portfolio balance to $1 billion. Under the original Brooke name, the company was primarily a franchise lender, providing funds to local ... Continue

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01-03-2008

by Brian Kline

Nanotechnology is to manufacturing what bioengineering is to genetics. Penny stock investors seek to find the right business in its early stages to become a shareholder before it explodes onto the AMEX or NASDAQ with share values multiplying hundreds or thousands of times. A good way to begin evaluating potential stocks is by considering emerging market segments like nanotechnology. Emerging market sectors have risen to dominate the investment markets before and nanotechnology shows the prerequisites of former market segment strongholds. Consider the likes of the internet age, pharmaceuticals, and bioengineering. Before those came plastics and autos. Further back in time, ... Continue

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01-02-2008

by Priya Nigam

Yes, the markets are bearish. No doubt there are concerns about the future of the US economy. Yes, OTCBB stocks are not without risks. While all this may be playing on your mind, and this may be a time to play it safe, it is definitely not the time to pull out completely from investing in equity. Warren Buffett advises that investors “should try to be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful.” At the same time, he also advises investors to buy equities only after careful analysis. So, the idea of today’s column ... Continue

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01-01-2008

by Brian Kline

Customers want products ands service right now and they want it done in an environmentally friendly manner. From tire stores to shoe stores, customers demand instant information and service. Whether it is specialty tires for their new hybrid car or winter shopping in Minnesota for the perfect sun sandals to pack for a Caribbean getaway, customers expect to learn instantly if products are in stock and in the right size. For some retailers, it is salespeople on the sales floor with handheld computers relaying information from the storeroom. For others, it is a customer friendly Kiosk. Disappearing are the days ... Continue

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01-01-2008

by Dan Blacharski

End-of-the-year retail numbers were somewhat disappointing to mainstream retailers. Christmas sales were lower than expected, in part due to a credit crunch due to the ongoing housing crisis. Several of the major retailers, including Wal-Mart, Target, and Sears Holdings, ended the year down, as did the S&P Retail index. But in a surprising turn of events, online retailers ended the year on a positive note, with comScore reporting that nearly $18 billion was spent online between Thanksgiving and Christmas this holiday season, up 21 percent over the previous year. The jump in online spending can ... Continue

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