Topic: Financial Markets

Buffett’s new shareholder letter: Bankers’ advice biased toward earning fees

Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett writes in his annual shareholder letter that bankers offer advice that is biased by the fees they might earn from transactions. 

Global debt crisis: The killing of paper money

The euro may be struggling right now, but it's long-term outlook is promising.

Housing bubbles consistent around the world

Countries around the world tend to see consensus in their property markets and housing bubbles.

Are index funds for you? Assess your investor passion.

Investors can do better than index funds, but the time commitment is substantial.

The difference between Republicans and Democrats? Enthusiasm.

Republicans are heading into the mid-term elections with an enthusiastic, energized base. Democrats can't say the same.

The Greek debt fallout

It took ten years for Troy to fall in Homer's telling of the Trojan War. The euro is roughly ten years old. Coincidence?

Greek debt crisis: High stakes game of financial chicken

The European Union is pushing Greece into deep economic reforms as a way to end the Greek debt crisis and stabilize the weakening euro.

How to enjoy an economic depression

There are rules for making the most of a depression. Most important – cash is king.

Stock market basics for new investors

Thinking of investing in the stock market? Here's a primer to get you started.

Biden task force: Protect retirement savings by regulating 401k advice

Vice President Biden seeks to regulate the type of advice financial planners offer American workers.

Rolling Stone: Wall Street’s con is alive and well

Rolling Stone Magazine's Matt Taibbi blames the financial crisis on Wall-Street greed. 

Korean markets slow as Olympics 'queen' Kim Yuna spins to gold

As Olympics 'golden queen' Kim Yuna won gold for herself and unalloyed joy for Koreans, financial markets slowed and Kim's own webpage crashed from too many viewers.

Did Woodstock hippies lead to US financial collapse?

A conservative activist says hippies-turned-boomers are responsible for excessive spending, the mortgage crisis, and recklessness on Wall Street. He tells the story in his film, 'Generation Zero.'

Hamas assassination: Are Dubai police getting investigation right?

The Hamas assassination in Dubai and accusations from police there that a vast and coordinated team of hit men was involved has been embarrassing for a country that relies on a safe atmosphere to lure tourists and businessmen. But analysts say Dubai is getting some things right.

Deficit hypocrisy from the left and the right

Liberals and conservatives alike have flip-flopped on the issue of the growing deficit. 

The Monitor's View: At Toyota hearing, echoes of Wall Street's mistake: profits over safety

The Toyota recall and now its apology are reminders of the risk in pursuing market dominance and profit maximization. Wall Street is still learning the lesson of growth at any speed without regard to the safety of shaky mortgages.

US housing bounce officially over

With data from the country's strongest selling months now reported, it's clear that the government sponsored housing bounce is over.

Misguided regulations caused the financial mess

Did regulations intended to improve the operations of banks unintentionally cause the financial crisis?

Consumer confidence hits six-month low. Wall Street bonuses up 17 percent.

Consumer confidence fell sharply in February, according to the Conference Board. But Wall Street bonuses are up.

Market rally like the 1970s?

In the 1970s, a bear market was disguised by a series of market rallies. Some think a similar phenomenon might be occurring now.

Five thoughts about the SEC’s short-sale vote

The SEC is expected to vote this week to restrict short sales of stocks that are plunging.

What if Germany exited the euro area?

Garden trends: what's in and out for 2010

An industry observer showcases seven garden trends for 2010.

Pennsylvania's state capital considers filing for bankruptcy

Harrisburg, Pa., is debating whether to declare Chapter 9 bankruptcy. As cities struggle to balance their budgets, more may consider the option.

Is China Turning Bearish on the U.S. Treasury?