The New York Times (NYT), perhaps bowing to criticism, but more likely seeing the error in their online revenue model has chosen to make the online version of its publication free. Rupert Murdoch has reportedly been toying with the idea of doing the same with the Wall Street Journal. Does this mark the ‘tipping point’ for the pay for access model some online publications have been experimenting with?
Author: admin
Airline News – American may Sell-Off Frequent Flyer Program and British Airways Buys from both Boeing and Airbus
There’s quite a bit of news surrounding Airlines recently. British Airways (OTC:BAIRY.PK) announced they would be buying 24 of Boeing’s (BA) new 787 Dreamliner while favoring 12 of Airbus’ (Privately held) larger A380 Superjumbo over Boeing’s stalwart 747.
The Companies We Love to Hate – Microsoft and Wal-Mart Covered Calls
Two bits of news caught the PowerOptions‘ blogs attention today: Microsoft (MSFT) releases Halo 3 with over $170 million first day sales and Wal-Mart (WMT) is expanding its $4 generic drug program.
Is Everyone Bullish on Big Oil?
Chevron (CVX) announced today a $15 billion stock buy-back in an attempt to return some of its profits to shareholders. This news coupled with projections of oil prices reaching $90 or even $100 per barrel has us thinking there may still be price gains in big oil stocks.
Home Improvement Profits Slump – Bear Call Credit Spreads
For those thinking the housing slump will continue to drag down retailers like Home Depot and Lowes, this blog is for you. Lowe’s reported today sales are trending lower than forecast and the company is likely to have numbers at the low end of its announced spectrum.
The Dollar Weakens Against Foreign Currency – A Look at US Exporting Industries
The dollar reached a record low against the 13 nation Euro in trading Monday. Greenspan, while out promoting his new book, and economic experts have expressed worry over both recession and/or runaway inflation. Also, if you haven’t seen Jim Cramer’s Fed-Rate meltdown from earlier this month on youtube, it is an entertaining (if not somewhat disturbing) commentary on the US prime rate. (cramer)
3.2% to 61.3% September Results for the PowerOptions Blog
September was a good month for bear positions on the housing sector (this is where we potentially returned 61.3%) and for Biotech and automakers. Daimler Chrysler and GM have seen over 10% in stock price gains over the past month.
The FOMC Rate Cut Positively Affects a Bullish Tech Sector
The rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee announced it would be lowering rates from 5.25% to 4.75%. This is the first rate cut the committee has made since June of 2003. The Federal Reserve Committee also cut the discount rate it charges banks for short term loans by one-half a percentage point.
Apple Chooses iPhone Carrier for German and English Markets
T-Mobile (DT), a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, has landed the iPhone contract for the German Market. The German based company seemed a natural fit to provide service for the phone. Germany provides a potentially robust market for Apple as the country currently leads the world in exports and is Europe’s largest economy.
Title Companies and the Declining Housing Market
Title companies are engaged in the ethereal business of real estate contracting. A basic description of their function is they insure a homeowner is the rightful owner of a property. This seems like a relatively unnecessary administrative function, but without these companies real estate ownership and transactions would likely be more chaotic and risky.