Tag Archives: spending

Decrease in Consumer Spending Alarm Goes Off.

I’ve hinted many times over the years that the most robust leading indicator is the ISM (Institute for Supply Management) manufacturing index.  Last Friday, the report was – not surprisingly – dismal.  May is likely to be even worse. We’re … Continue reading

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Will demographics worsen the debt crisis?

In prior postings, I’ve illustrated that a by-product of the financial mayhem in recent years has been shrinking employment in the financial services sector.  It got me thinking – perhaps there’s more to it than just the single volcanic-like eruption ignited by the … Continue reading

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Encana: it’s a gas! Good Management 101

Encana has been under fire from the investment community for some time now. In the past I’ve been critical of the pressure public companies have to suffer nowadays (see past posts on short selling, a short term obsession with ‘growth‘ … Continue reading

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US stocks show promise; Canada not so much!

Once (or perhaps I should say “if”) the political bickering about the U.S. deficit is resolved, it should take very little time for the stock market south of the 49th to rally. Fundamentally, things are looking pretty good. As you … Continue reading

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Vancouver’s loss – an omen for Canada?

Vancouver’s loss to Boston for the coveted Stanley Cup may prove to be a turning point in the fortunes of Canada – our dollar and economy.  Coming out of the financial crisis less battered than many other countries, and enjoying … Continue reading

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MARKET CORRECTION — The day after you buy stocks!

FORECAST – Sunny with Chance of Showers I was asked to speak at the Alternative Investment Conference in Calgary over the weekend. As you know, I don’t believe in predictions (for reasons covered at length in my new book); I … Continue reading

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Robust earnings, slower economic growth, FED benign…what to do?

  Biker signal for “Slow Down” “WASHINGTON, April 28 (Reuters) – U.S. economic growth likely braked sharply in the first quarter as higher food and gasoline prices crimped consumer spending, but the setback will probably be fleeting given a firming … Continue reading

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