2011

The Absolute Return Letter, March 2011 By Niels Jensen “Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes” Oscar Wilde A remarkable month Two remarkable events unfolded during the month of February. One cleared…

By Marc Chandler The government submits a budget. Their majority in one house allows it to be passed there. The opposition is trying to obstruct it and it is raising concern about the world's largest public debt. This is not the US, but…

Sheen is definitely a funny character and has some great quotes. But personally, I think the guy is seriously delusional. Take a look at the Today Show video below. Jeff Rossen is very direct in it. It's a great interview. What do you…

By Win Thin Russia central bank First Deputy Chairman Ulyukayev confirmed that it has widened the so-called “floating corridor” for the ruble basket to 32.45-37.45 vs. 32.95-36.95.  The band is now 5 rubles wide, and continues a slow…

I am excited about the opportunities ahead that social networking presents. Right now, Facebook is shooting itself in the foot by compromising user trust with dubious moves on privacy issues. However, if Facebook plays its cards right and…

The February 2011 Manufacturing ISM Report On Business came out today confirming the strong manufacturing reading we got yesterday from the Chicago PMI. The National PMI came in at 61.4%, ahead of consensus expectations for 60.5% and up…

Here's a morning note from UBS' Andy Lees in London on core inflation that made me think. Andy writes: Opinion – By focussing on core inflation rather than headline inflation, central banks are making a major policy mistake. Because…

Highlights The US dollar remains under pressure as the divergent outlook in monetary policy across central banks continue to underpin currency movement. The euro extended its recent gains, just ahead of the yearly high near $1.386,…

By William K. Black I write to contrast four recent stories about Countrywide. Here are their headlines and brief synopses provided in the initial paragraphs of the stories. U.S. drops criminal probe of former Countrywide chief Angelo…

By Claus Vistesen As the debate between the inflationistas and deflationistas appears about to rev up again, I thought that I would try to put pen to virtual paper and sketch out my thoughts on the matter. The specific catalyst for…