While 2012 has been quite a good year for investors long the market, it has really been the market climbing a “wall or worry,” as opposed to real enthusiasm of the economy or the business environment.  The worst thing one can do is now pile in because they feel they need to catch up, having...Read More

I believe that Credit Suisse put out a credible plan on how Spain and Italy’s funding costs could be drastically reduced in the near term through leveraging the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).  While it certainly seems like we are getting closer the point where we need to find a firm resolution, history has told us...Read More

The European crisis continues to dominated markets all over the world and Moody’s Investor Service dimmed its outlook on Germany further exasperating the situation.  Rising bond yields in Spain and Italy are a function of the European leaders not doing enough to promote confidence and resolve the crisis.  By the constant posturing and threatening, European...Read More

Euro leaders produced some tangible results over the night through extended discussions.  They agreed to set up a single banking supervisor to oversee the industry, and this will enable funding from the ESM, which takes pressure off the peripheral countries economies that are struggling to raise cash at reasonable prices.  Finance ministers are targeting a...Read More

This article outlines some of the upside opportunity in Spain.  Their problems primarily reside in the banking and private sectors but this weekends bank recapitalization should help things considerably.  It will be interesting to see how credit markets react to the deal but my gut feeling is that it will be positive.  I think there...Read More

I’m glad to see that the Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is ratcheting up pressure on the German’s to be more flexible in aiding peripheral Europe.  I really don’t think the Germans have any choice if there wish is to save the European Union.  With the current disruptions in Spain due to the restructuring of...Read More

This article highlights the divergent paths that both Spain and Ireland have taken.  Where Ireland was quick to realize the severity of their problems, Spain has been living in a delusional state believing that by doing little the situation will somehow correct itself naturally.  To me this is really microcosm for the E.U. which has...Read More

This is a helpful little article to put things in perspective in Spain.  They have a much better chance of succeeding the Greece did, but the core economy will be the key determinant. http://news.morningstar.com/articlenet/article.aspx?id=547798 INVESTING IN THE FINANCIAL MARKETS INVOLVES RISKS. OPTIONS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS.Read More

It looks like renowned hedge fund manager John Paulson is betting against European debt.  It would be interesting to know if he is using credit default swaps against countries or specific companies.  Paulson made most of his money through buying credit default swaps on subprime CDO’s so this type of situation is right up his...Read More

In what can only be described as grand theft, Argentine President Christina Kirchner is proposing to steal 51% of the country’s largest oil producer YPF.  This is a company that prior to this action was majority owned by Spain’s Repsol YPF (REPYY, REP.MC), and it is a clear warning shot to investors seeking opportunities in the...Read More