Twas the Night Before Expiration by: Michael Chupka (With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore) www.poweropt.com
Month: December 2008
Investing Options in Recessionary Education
With unemployment approaching 7%, people are going to be looking for new ways to enhance their credentials and make themselves more attractive to employers. One of the most popular ways to do this is by going back to school or continuing your education. Employers are always looking for skilled workers who have some formal education in their background. Since most individuals who are being laid off are not likely to attend a typical four-year college or university, most will turn to a more convenient, and in most cases a more cost-effective option; online universities.
Trade Bullish Companies for Bearish Times
During a recession, the types of companies that usually perform well are grouped in a category called Consumer Staples. These companies make products people will use no matter what the state of the economy, and are usually located in what is known as the Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry (FMCG). Products included in this category are: cleaners, toothpastes, toilet paper, paper towels, detergents, and soaps. The leading companies who engage in the production and sale of these products are Clorox (CLX), Colgate-Palmolive (CL), Proctor & Gamble (PG), Unilever (UN), and Chattem (CHTT).
Auto Manufacturers: Dust Biters or Potential Investments?
In a market where General Motors (GM), Ford (F) and Chrysler collectively known as the Big Three were once part of the booming American auto industry, we could be standing witness to one or more of their final days. On Thursday, CEO’s from the Big Three requested $34 billion in government loans in an effort to avoid filing for bankruptcy. Although declaring Chapter 11 would devastate these brands, as the companies argue, it could spell the takeover of foreign automakers in the United States, and an opportunity for new investments.
Investing in Financials: Who Will be Left Standing?
Bankruptcies, bailouts and bad loans have rocked the financial industry. For investors, this bad news may provide good opportunities to buy low. Let’s take a look at some companies that look to be in the best shape to survive the current crisis and profit once it’s passed. CITIGROUP INC. (C) A discussion of the current financial crisis must include Citigroup. With over 200 million customer accounts in more than 100 countries, Citigroup provides consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions with a broad range of financial services.