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• Solar Energy Surging Ahead as Alternative Energy Option - 4 April 2013

A recent Gallup poll revealed that three out of four Americans are in favor of the United States government increasing the use of solar energy, with up to 71 percent of those surveyed being in favor of developing wind power. The expansion of oil production received the thumbs-up from 46 percent, with only 37 percent approving of expanding nuclear power and less than 30 percent approving of increasing coal production as a means of generating energy. While results of the survey revealed trends associated with geographic location and political affiliation, the overall result was in support of solar power as an alternative source of energy. These finding are supported by activity taking place on Wall Street as solar energy costs come down and more home and business owners take advantage of the option to lease the equipment for solar power generation.

• Eurozone Hopes, Mortgage Rates, Corporate Earnings in Week Ahead - 10 October 2011

With the "Occupy Wall Street" protests continuing to gain ground, America's financial system and economy remain hot topics for debate on both Wall Street and Main Street. Calling themselves "the 99 percent" these protestors, among other issues, are highlighting the fact that ordinary Americans are battling to cope, and their call has resonated with supporters around the world. Investors are painfully aware that the economy is significantly affected by consumer spending, which has been dramatically curtailed due to the ongoing jobless situation. Moreover, a recent survey revealed that workers are taking huge pay cuts to secure employment, with little hope of receiving increases, certainly not to the extent of raising them back to the pay level they may have been at before losing their jobs – all of which has a negative effect on disposable income and the economy.

• Safer Than Fort Knox - 3 March 2011

The term 'safer than Fort Knox' is readily equated with security that cannot be breached – and for good reason. The United States Bullion Depository is more commonly referred to simply as 'Fort Knox', in reference to its location adjacent to the Fort Knox army post in Kentucky. It is used to house more than 4,603 tons of gold bullion, representing a significant portion of the official gold reserves of the United States. Fort Knox is also used to store other highly valued items, such as historical documents.

• Cash for Clunkers Boosts New Car Sales - 6 August 2009

In an ongoing effort to rejuvenate the U.S. auto manufacturing industry, an additional $2 billion has been allocated to CARS – Car Allowance Rebate System – more commonly referred to as "Cash for Clunkers". This is over and above the amount of $1 billion which was originally allocated to the program, giving consumers between $3,500 and $4,500 on the trade-in of older model gas-guzzling vehicles. Cash for Clunkers not only promotes going green and reducing motorists' carbon footprint, but at the same time is boosting new car sales which have been hard hit by the current recession.

• Mosaic Theory for Stock Picks (Part 2) - 14 December 2007

Mosaic Theory for Stock Picks (Part 1)

Adaptive Practice Makes Your Stock Picks Better!

There is much to commend domain expertise when it comes to making stock picks. Each sector, industry, and country has its own drivers and characteristics of stock value. It is best to understand the business model of an enterprise before investing in its stocks. What are the key factors for success? Which are the main threats? Secondary sources of such insights are rare, and not trustworthy when available. It takes years of experience to generate primary information, but focusing on a defined and narrow area can expedite matters. That is why large and professionally managed financial institutions typically employ banks of industry experts.

• Stocks to Quench Your Thirst (Part 1) - 28 November 2007

The financial rewards of holding stocks of companies that make and market beer may be considerable, but there are other joys as well-except for teetotalers! Beer does more than quench thirst, and is a wonderful social phenomenon of our times. Many countries have their own quaint customs and festivals that involve plenty of beer, with major sports events being other occasions to enjoy this delightful beverage. Though people of other nationalities may object, it is widely believed that the British are amongst the top beer lovers in the world. Certainly, most folk of this normally sedate land, change character at the very sight of a tankard!

• The Government as Benefactor for Selected Stocks (Part 2) - 9 November 2007

The Government as Benefactor for Selected Stocks (Part 1)

Competencies for Durable Government Support for Stocks

Though the United States is promoted as a model of free enterprise, the ground realities are that the government has pervasive influence on all sectors of commerce and industry. Stocks may lose most if not all their values simply because entrepreneurs fail to recognize the regulatory and discretionary powers of administrators and politicians. The pattern is repeated or even worse in most other countries. Executives need to appreciate how government departments function, and the intricacies of the relevant rules, whether or not they seek to build revenue streams from this large customer segment.