Commentary Index by Topic

Latest Dispatches

Recent posts in this blog
The chocolate maker hopes to compete against Kraft's $16.7 billion bid. The Hershey Trust endorses the idea.
Posted by Charley Blaine on Friday, November 20, 2009 9:38 PM
The Dow ends down 14 as markets finish the week off slightly. Hewlett-Packard earnings and housing reports will dominate next week.
Posted by Charley Blaine on Friday, November 20, 2009 5:22 PM
The payout, due in January, is the first for the beverage company since it went public in April 2008.
Posted by Charley Blaine on Friday, November 20, 2009 4:26 PM
But losses are modest, despite earnings misses for the computer maker and homebuilder. The dollar may end the week higher.
Posted by Charley Blaine on Friday, November 20, 2009 3:58 PM
Terry Watanabe says the casino operator plied him with booze and drugs.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Friday, November 20, 2009 1:35 PM
In 13 of them, unemployment exceeds the national average of 10.2%.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Friday, November 20, 2009 11:51 AM
But the PC-maker sees a better quarter ahead. The European Central Bank chief says the crisis is not over. The Fed's Plosser does not see rate increases anytime soon.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Friday, November 20, 2009 10:10 AM
Wall Street might continue its decline after a 54% drop in Dell's Q3 profit.
Posted by TheStreet.com Staff on Friday, November 20, 2009 8:42 AM
Her departure from daytime is nothing short of a tectonic shift, especially for local TV stations. What happens now?
Posted by John Davenport on Friday, November 20, 2009 1:26 AM
Shares fall 6% after hours as earnings miss estimates. A big problem: Sales to businesses are down.
Posted by Charley Blaine on Thursday, November 19, 2009 7:56 PM
Old Navy sales give the company a boost. 2008 results were hammered by the financial crisis.
Posted by Charley Blaine on Thursday, November 19, 2009 7:50 PM
The Nikkei index is down 11% since August as the yen has moved higher against the dollar. Here's why it's an issue.
Posted by Charley Blaine on Thursday, November 19, 2009 4:48 PM
Dell earnings disappoint. The Dow falls 94 on a rising dollar and investor concerns about the economy. A downgrade slams chip stocks.
Posted by Charley Blaine on Thursday, November 19, 2009 3:59 PM
The new report also shows foreclosures continue to rise. The weak labor market is the biggest problem, it says.
Posted by Charley Blaine on Thursday, November 19, 2009 2:34 PM
The Treasury secretary, speaking on Capitol Hill, says Congress must create a 'more stable' system.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Thursday, November 19, 2009 12:34 PM
The bank's CEO talks about the financial crisis of last fall.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:58 AM
The cuts will come after the company spins off from Time Warner.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Thursday, November 19, 2009 10:42 AM
The problem is fixed, but passengers are experiencing delays.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Thursday, November 19, 2009 10:23 AM
Tech stocks fall after a chip downgrade. Jobless claims are unchanged at a 10-month low. The dollar gains ground. Leading economic indicators show a small improvement.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Thursday, November 19, 2009 10:04 AM
Economists expect the number of first-time applicants for unemployment benefits to be unchanged from the previous week. Sears, Dell and Gap are scheduled to report quarterly results.
Posted by TheStreet.com Staff on Thursday, November 19, 2009 8:41 AM
The 20 biggest US metros suffer differently. Sun Belt markets are hit by construction collapse.
Posted by Charley Blaine on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 8:44 PM
The banking giant will buy back $1.4 billion in auction-rate securities frozen by the credit crisis.
Posted by Charley Blaine on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 4:50 PM
The Dow slips 11 as housing starts show a surprising drop in October; apartment construction is weak. Apple and Research In Motion drag techs lower.
Posted by Charley Blaine on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 4:07 PM
The food company cites flooding in one of its plants.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 3:18 PM
The government hopes GM can go public again a year from now. GM's chairman wants to repay government debt first.
Posted by Charley Blaine on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 2:13 PM
A Canadian company plans to turn the Silverdome into a soccer arena.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 1:41 PM
AAA says more people will be driving for the holiday this year, while air travel will drop.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 11:51 AM
The level is at its lowest since April. Building permits also fall. Gold hits another record. Hershey might team up with Ferrero for Cadbury.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:08 AM
The financial-services giant is teaming up with the Oracle of Omaha to help 10,000 U.S. companies.
Posted by Elizabeth Strott on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 9:26 AM
Wall Street will look for data on consumer prices, housing and oil inventories today. BJ's, Chico's and Limited Brands are scheduled to report earnings.
Posted by TheStreet.com Staff on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 8:30 AM

Smart Spending

Recent posts in this blog
Californians aren't the only ones saddled with higher college costs.
Posted by Karen Datko on Friday, November 20, 2009 6:42 PM
The gratuity was mandatory for large parties, but what if the service stinks?
Posted by Karen Datko on Friday, November 20, 2009 2:38 PM
The Dough Roller explains why this approach to retirement savings works for him.
Posted by Karen Datko on Friday, November 20, 2009 12:35 PM
Discount coffee and chocolate for shoppers, plus Quiznos coupons.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Friday, November 20, 2009 12:17 PM
When times are tight, small luxuries feel -- or taste -- particularly swell.
Posted by DonnaFreedman on Friday, November 20, 2009 12:03 PM
They may be in short supply, but it's a frozen waffle, folks.
Posted by Karen Datko on Thursday, November 19, 2009 7:35 PM
The emotional side of our brain often gets us in a financial fix.
Posted by Karen Datko on Thursday, November 19, 2009 5:18 PM
Retail theft rising, with more middle-class shoplifters, study finds.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Thursday, November 19, 2009 2:18 PM
Here are steps you can follow if a merchant isn't treating you right.
Posted by Karen Datko on Thursday, November 19, 2009 1:19 PM
Trent is making a list -- and sticking to it.
Posted by Karen Datko on Thursday, November 19, 2009 12:14 PM
There's seemingly no limit to airlines' attempts to generate revenue.
Posted by Karen Datko on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:04 PM
Distributing a huge catalog no longer makes sense in the Internet world.
Posted by Karen Datko on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 7:06 PM
The way we pay for cell phone service doesn't make sense.
Posted by Karen Datko on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 5:26 PM
Target, Wal-Mart have the bargains to beat this year
Posted by Melinda Fulmer on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 5:00 PM
Is the rising werewolf a victim of the recession or an empowered creature fighting back?
Posted by Teresa Mears on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 3:42 PM
Plus 4 secret spendthrift confessions.
Posted by Karen Datko on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:53 PM
Some deals good only today or through Thursday.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:22 PM
Airlines experiment with onboard shopping.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 4:51 PM
USDA study shows a sharp increase in the number of households that run out of food.
Posted by Karen Datko on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 3:55 PM
New study says people get smarter with money only to a certain point, usually around age 53.
Posted by Kim Peterson on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 3:16 PM
DIY isn't the only way to reduce holiday spending.
Posted by Karen Datko on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 11:49 AM
Take these steps to see if you'll be happy living cable-free.
Posted by Karen Datko on Monday, November 16, 2009 8:12 PM
You may be able to find cheaper alternatives.
Posted by Karen Datko on Monday, November 16, 2009 4:38 PM
Fees and expiration dates would have to be disclosed clearly.
Posted by RPrichard on Monday, November 16, 2009 1:44 PM
Bank teller offers an insider's look at how young people manage their money.
Posted by Karen Datko on Monday, November 16, 2009 11:42 AM
Some of the best deals may also be online in one-hour sale.
Posted by Teresa Mears on Monday, November 16, 2009 12:27 AM
Shining your shoes with a banana peel is just one of the low-cost tricks you can learn.
Posted by Ryan MacClanathan on Friday, November 13, 2009 9:40 PM
Find out where smart gamers go to find bargains.
Posted by Ryan MacClanathan on Friday, November 13, 2009 6:46 PM
Doorbusters include extra games bundled with Xbox, PS3
Posted by Melinda Fulmer on Friday, November 13, 2009 4:54 PM
When do you cross the line from being frugal to being a thief?
Posted by Ryan MacClanathan on Friday, November 13, 2009 2:25 PM

Top Stocks

Recent posts in this blog
Still up for the month but some weakness this week
Posted by Jim Van Meerten on Saturday, November 21, 2009 12:55 PM
Each week I scour the investment landscape looking for thoughts and insights from the best and brightest minds in the market.
Posted by John Reese on Saturday, November 21, 2009 8:56 AM
Out of the dark and murky world of sovereign credit protection, a warning light flashes red
Posted by Anthony Mirhaydari on Friday, November 20, 2009 8:03 PM
The third in a 3-part series on the steroidization of our economy.
Posted by V.N. Katsenelson on Friday, November 20, 2009 7:21 PM
Coach is a well-known fashion brand, but the company lives and breathes production and infrastructure.
Posted by Jim J. Jubak on Friday, November 20, 2009 5:26 PM
New management tries to improve the quality and buyer perception of cars as company regroups.
Posted by Kim Peterson on Friday, November 20, 2009 2:21 PM
AIG's plan to sell Nan Shan Life to a group of investors in Hong Kong has drawn scrutiny from Taiwan regulators.
Posted by TheStreet.com Staff on Friday, November 20, 2009 2:01 PM
Warren Buffett helps Goldman out by participating in a $500 million philanthropic plan for small businesses.
Posted by TheStreet.com Staff on Friday, November 20, 2009 12:00 PM
AnnTaylor swings to profit in the third quarter, ending a positive week for women's retailers.
Posted by TheStreet.com Staff on Friday, November 20, 2009 11:36 AM
The market has calmed down since introducing Top Stocks to Sell for 2009. How do those stocks look now?
Posted by InvestorPlace on Friday, November 20, 2009 11:36 AM
Shareholders forgot who tripled the value of the stock
Posted by 247 wallst on Friday, November 20, 2009 8:05 AM
The second in a 3-part series on the steroidization of our economy.
Posted by V.N. Katsenelson on Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:27 PM
Equities show signs of exhaustion as volume, breadth and other indicators weaken.
Posted by Anthony Mirhaydari on Thursday, November 19, 2009 7:59 PM
Wisconsin company banks on military contracts to defend itself against the recession.
Posted by TheStreet.com Staff on Thursday, November 19, 2009 4:19 PM
Peak gold isn't nearly the force some might lead you to believe. That doesn't mean it isn't real, however.
Posted by Jim J. Jubak on Thursday, November 19, 2009 4:15 PM
Don't knock the 401k yet. The real culprit might be our issues with saving and investing.
Posted by Kim Peterson on Thursday, November 19, 2009 3:05 PM
The maker of the Keurig coffee-brewing system tops the list.
Posted by Kim Peterson on Thursday, November 19, 2009 2:32 PM
These options trades might make you even more gravy for the holiday.
Posted by InvestorPlace on Thursday, November 19, 2009 1:59 PM
A summary of current leading economic indicators
Posted by Jim Van Meerten on Thursday, November 19, 2009 1:49 PM
The first in a 3-part series on the steroidization of our economy.
Posted by V.N. Katsenelson on Thursday, November 19, 2009 1:19 PM
A well-known banking analyst says greed didn't cause the problem. Our reliance on China did.
Posted by Kim Peterson on Thursday, November 19, 2009 1:05 PM
With JPMorgan and U.S. Bancorp back to business as usual, pressure is mounting on other companies to right the ship.
Posted by TheStreet.com Staff on Thursday, November 19, 2009 12:56 PM
UBS says Google's ad prices have rebounded. New target suggests shares undervalued by more than 20%.
Posted by TheStreet.com Staff on Thursday, November 19, 2009 10:40 AM
Sony had a chance to help its consumer electronics image, but now it can't guarantee its e-reader by Christmas.
Posted by 247 wallst on Thursday, November 19, 2009 8:08 AM
Qualcomm CEO talks about chips, smart books and Apple during a trip to Hong Kong this week
Posted by Jim J. Jubak on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 2:51 PM
Swiss giant Nestle isn't about to roll over and let Starbucks steal customers
Posted by Kim Peterson on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 2:31 PM
The rally is on. There are reasons for worry, but until the Fed changes policy, the party is inescapable.
Posted by K. Wright on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 2:05 PM
The weak dollar has a surprising upside. It is sending China stocks soaring. Here are two to take advantage.
Posted by Louis Navellier on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 1:47 PM
Overcommunication and its effects on society.
Posted by Minyanville on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 11:47 AM
The collective wisdom of an online community finds out-of-favor companies that could command more respect.
Posted by Caps Editor on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 6:30 PM

Currency Center

Recent posts in this blog
Negative economic news takes a toll.
Posted by MSN Money on Monday, November 2, 2009 9:34 PM
The United States economy might not be doing so well, but local economies are fighting back.
Posted by MSN Money on Monday, November 2, 2009 9:30 PM
The mighty U.S. dollar has tumbled over the past five years and is likely to keep falling. Here's how it could change your life.
Posted by MSN Money on Monday, November 2, 2009 9:27 PM
Or francs. Or pounds. Whatever protection you gain by investing outside the U.S., you get that much more by investing outside the dollar.
Posted by MSN Money on Monday, November 2, 2009 9:22 PM
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