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• The Fed's new role: Sugar daddy

  Posted Sep 16 2008, 03:15 PM by Andrew Horowitz
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  Filed under: Merrill Lynch, Lehman Bros, Andrew Horowitz, AIG, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac
  Money Blog: Top Stocks Blog - MSN Money

  Since when do we rely on government to intervene in every case of a failing business? If anyone wonders why we have such a mess on our hands, look no further than our boneheaded government that has obviously forgotten its way.  Think of this week's action within the financial markets as a result, not the cause of our problems.

  AIG is in a battle for its very existence, Merrill has been absorbed and Lehman is bankrupt. And we're only part way through the week. What's next?

  These days, many people are wondering what our government will do to stop the insanity. Yet, in a capitalistic society that relies on a free market system, we should only look to the government to guide and regulate against fraud and the manipulation of the system. Sometimes known as a laissez-faire philosophy, the government has a role, but it   Read More...

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• Ready for a $1.7 million car?

  Posted Aug 29 2008, 07:32 AM by Andrew Horowitz
  Rating:
  Filed under: Merrill Lynch, Ford, Andrew Horowitz, automotive
  Money Blog: Top Stocks Blog - MSN Money

  Aston Martin is shaking up (not stirring) the automobile market with the introduction of a new coupe that is all about the prestige. Even as the industry is in a slump, this company believes that 77 of this newest addition to their line will sell. If you recall, Ford sold off the company for a substantial loss only last year and now this yet-to-be-named car will probably become the latest trophy for the rich and famous. Come to think of it, I bet that Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle will be one of the first in line as he will be in looking to spend some of that estimated 37% pay raise he is slated to receive.

  Of course, Ellison deserves the $72 million annual salary, possibly even more than Merrill Lynch's John Thain who is reported to be making upwards of $74 million per year. I am unsure who will get one of these beauties first, but the real question is whether they are going to buy or lease...   Read More...

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• Waddle be next for the Financials?

  Posted Jun 02 2008, 04:32 PM by Andrew Horowitz
  Rating:
  Filed under: Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Lehman Bros, JPMorgan, credit crisis, Andrew Horowitz
  Money Blog: Top Stocks Blog - MSN Money

  What took them so long? S&P finally trimmed their outlook on Lehman Brothers Corp and other key financials today. It has become clear that the problems facing the financial sector is far from over. Financial stocks and the markets in general were hit hard as investors were spooked after S&P announced that they would be lowering ratings and their outlook on these companies. Is this any surprise to anyone?

  So now, the long term ratings on these three went from A+ to A and the short term rating went to A-1. The concerns seem to be focussing in on residential mortgage loans and residential construction slow downs. Timely, hey?

  According to the S&P release shown below, “The downgrade primarily reflects our concern that the pace and extent of earnings improvement could be considerably more muted than we previously assumed.” And "muted" is codeword for....?   Read More...

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