Mountain View, California-based Google Corporation (GOOG), best known for its white page search engine and recently its Chrome web browser, announced on Tuesday (07-08-09) that it is working on a PC operating system called ChromeOS. Google is currently aiming the OS at the relatively new netbook segment that is served mostly by Microsoft’s (MSFT) Windows operating system at the moment. However, Google has expectations the ChromeOS will eventually make its way onto other computer systems such as laptops and desktops. Initial reactions to this announcement have varied greatly, and considering Google hasn’t released much information about the new operating system, or how it intends to market it, much of what is said is speculation.
Making Money in Neutral Markets with Stock Options and How to Calculate the Profits
A method for making money in a neutral stock market is with the iron condor. An iron condor is a neutral stock options strategy and consists of a combination of a bull-put credit spreads and a bear-call credit spreads. A credit spreads trade is entered by selling stock options and simultaneously purchasing stock options.
Steve Jobs Back at Work: Now what for Apple and Competitors?
In late June 2009, Steve Jobs returned to work as Apple Inc.’s (AAPL) CEO. His return comes following a surprise five-month hiatus, which Jobs claimed he needed as the result of “complex” health issues. We now know he had a liver transplant at a Memphis hospital in April. Speculation about Jobs’s health and the future of Apple has swirled for months, ever since he appeared gaunt at public appearances last summer. Given his and his company’s prior dissembling about his health, can we now trust assurances that he is recovering well? And what does this all mean for Apple and its competitors?
When is the best time to sell Covered Calls?
In my experience, the best time to sell a covered call is really based on the performance of the stock. For example, I have a few low priced stocks that are trading around the $6.00 range. I cannot sell the 7.5 strike calls as there is little or no premium, and I do not want to sell the 5 strike call as I do not want to get it called away.
Home Construction is Rebounding: Time to Invest?
In light of the slight upswing of the national economy, the housing market has begun to follow suit. According to the Commerce Department, construction of new homes has risen 17.2 percent in the last month, higher than the rate economists predicted following April’s record low. This, combined with the steady increase of building permits issued, is a good indication that home construction is and will be experiencing resurgence in the near future. The construction of multi-family homes has seen the greatest increase in the last month at 61.7 percent with single-family homes rising 7.5 percent. Further positive news, is that the wholesale price remains in check, despite this increase in construction. As the market slowly improves, well-established major homebuilders have demonstrated the smallest quarterly losses throughout the economic downturn.
What about the “Cash for Clunkers” program?
President Obama has introduced “Cash for Clunkers,” a subsidy program designed to help the automotive industry, the environment, and drivers with older, less fuel-efficient cars. Formally named the Customer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) program, “Cash for Clunkers” is designed to stimulate the purchase or lease of brand new cars.
Microsoft’s Bing and Monthly Income with Stock Options
Recently, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), known for their Windows operating system, MS Office suite and Office Live online services has decided to re-brand their Live web search service to Bing. At first look, Bing already appears different then the traditional web search engines. The layout is considerably different then what most are used to with the popular Google Search engine from Google Corporation (GOOG). Instead of just offering a plain white page with a list of possible matches, Bing offers the user with results, and a menu of other possible actions. For instance, a search for Mustang pulls up pictures of Ford Mustangs, listings for the car, and a menu with such options as parts, sale, and accessories.
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and Stock Options
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), the failing textile manufacturing company transformed by Warren Buffet into an extremely successful and diverse conglomerate holding giant, began trading stock options of its Class B shares on June 18th. Its strike prices begin at $2,800, $2,900, $3,000 and $3,100 for the first expiration cycle, ending in March of next year. Its core business being insurance, Berkshire has expanded under Buffet’s leadership to include ownership of a wide range of industry – from vacuum cleaners to regional gas and electric utilities and just about everything in between. Buffet’s notable decision to avoid splitting shares has ultimately contributed to their reputation of high per-share price and low liquidity, alienating the prospect of short-term speculators. A reluctant Buffet eventually created a system of Class B shares with a value of approximately 1/30 of the original Class A shares, allowing Berkshire to function in both short and long-term investment realms….
Microsoft’s Free Anti-virus Software Morro
Having recently announced the upcoming release of its first free anti-virus software, Microsoft (MSFT) has put itself on the path of patching the yawning holes in its security, swooping at the same time into the territory of multi-billion dollar anti-virus companies Symantec (SYMC)and MacAfee (MFE). Morro, named after Brazil’s Morro de Sao Paulo beach, will replace Microsoft’s first foray into the anti-virus world. You may remember Live OneCare, Microsoft’s fizzle-and-flop attempt at virus protection, whose threat to industry leaders was far more bark than bite. Morro’s exact release date is unknown, though Microsoft says it will launch the free product by the end of 2009. Microsoft employees are currently testing an early version.
Investing in Restaurants with Stock Options
Consumers may be cutting back on a lot of unnecessary spending these days, but many people still see eating out as a “treat.” The average American considers going to a restaurant with family and friends as a relatively inexpensive form of entertainment and pleasure, and a nice break from cooking and cleaning at home. And, after all, everyone has to eat.