While the world’s attention has been focused on Europe, the price of oil has risen more than 33% from its October low. West Texas Intermediate Crude is now trading above $100 per barrel. Much of the rally in West Texas crude is due to technical factors as Brent crude, which is more of a global benchmark is only up 14% from its October low. But oil’s resilience in the face of a euro-area economy that is either in recession or about to enter recession is impressive nonetheless. Imagine where oil could be trading in a more robust global economic environment. Scary wouldn’t you agree? … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2011
Best Buy Annuities
You don’t want to forget your sunglasses. I made that mistake before going in to a Best Buy recently. Blinded by the bright lights, I felt like I was in an airplane hangar with a wall of TV echoes to match. It’s no surprise to me the stock is off by 50% in five years. The same HD marketing blitz reminds me of the sales tactics used for annuities. A major provider of annuities is using HD in its ads to lure investors—“HD” in this case meaning highest daily value. It’s a flashy-red sales gimmick that takes your eye off of the costs you’ll incur or the time you’ll waste trying to understand … [Read more...]