While Microsoft seems to be making some solid progress, the regime of Steve Ballmer has been further tarnished by today’s announcement that the company is writing off $6.2 billion in their online services division.  This loss is the result of Ballmer’s $6.3 billion acquisition of AQuantive which was an internet-advertising software provider.  Ballmer was given...Read More

The U.S. economy is slowing quickly and nowhere is it more apparent than the ISM’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index plunging to 49.7% in June.  A reading below 50% shows contraction and this is the first time the number has been below 50% since July 2009.  Problems in Europe and a slowdown in the United States...Read More

Further evidence that the economy is weakening can be seen as Berkshire Hathaway’s (BRK/A) rental furniture unit saw a slowing of demand from business clients in the second quarter.  Businesses are reluctant to invest in growth because of a lack of confidence in the overall economy.  While the Federal Reserve has been extremely loose, the...Read More

Corporations are issuing debt aggressively taking advantage of these record low interest rates.  JP Morgan (JPM) is taking advantage of their tremendous financial strength and is gaining market share as the number one underwriter.  Because JP Morgan has been able to stay in tact after the “Great Recession” they have benefited greatly as their competitors...Read More