| Buffett's BNI Purchase: Bearish Bet on the Economy? I apologize for how quiet it's been around here. I wanted to hop on and discuss Warren Buffet's purchase of BNSF.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Transport ETF Provides Clues to Recovery Invest With An Edge submits: By Brandon ClayInvestors typically favor stocks and sectors that they view as somehow glamorous or sexy. This could mean high-flying tech stocks like Apple (AAPL) or Google (GOOG) or high-beta commodities and materials stocks like Freeport-McMoRan (FCX). Such an approach can be rewarding, but if you’re looking for exposure to the real economy, the transportation sector is a good place to look.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
U.S. Airlines Lose Millions a Day on Closed European Airports Robert Herbst submits:AirlineFinancials.com, estimates the five US passenger airlines with European operations are collectively losing $35.8 million in revenue per day since Friday, April 16 (losses for Thursday, April 15 and the start of the European shut-down are estimated at $17 million). After accounting for savings from unused fuel, landing fees not paid, lower labor costs, less maintenance, etc. the estimated operating loss for all five airlines comes to approximately $21.9 million per day with half that amount for Thursday.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Auto Sector Gets an Upgrade Trader Mark submits:It is strange to see auto suppliers gapping up and such. Such a staid business, but in "student body left" trading as long as the market is happy (almost) all stocks are the same stock to the computers.On days like today when countless stocks gapped up, it was difficult to discern that there actually was a catalyst other than "everything must be bought," but the sector -- including fund holding BorgWarner (BWA) -- was upgraded by both Morgan Stanley and UBS. TRW Automotive (TRW), which was another name in the group I considered, also was upgraded and both have bounced smartly lately and look much better technically now. (Click to enlarge)Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
September Auto Sales Sashay Wall Street Strategies submits:By David SilverLooking back at September auto sales there are two things to keep in my mind. First is that it is cycling an "easy " comparison going up against the hangover month of September 2009, the month following the cash for clunkers program. Second is that data has pointed to a weakening economy, or at least an economy that saw its growth rate fall from the first six months of the year. We fully expected to see mid-teen to low 20's percent growth compared to the previous September, however, the biggest surprise in our mind was Chrysler. Last year, the Company was one of the biggest losers from the cash for clunkers program as the Company doesn't have many small, more fuel efficient vehicles. As a result, the "hangover effect" was relatively muted and the 60.9% growth blew away my expectations (+34.1%). Additionally, while there is historically a drop from August to September sales, Chrysler was able to keep sales rate flat from the previous month. Taking a look at the rest of the industry it was another so-so quarter, with sales dropping from August for most companies. Ford (F) and Chrysler (and a select few luxury brands) were the only two to see sales improve from the previous month. A portion of the benefit during the month (for the industry) can be attributed to the Labor Day Holiday. Yes, Labor Day always falls in September, however, it was so late this year that sales were not likely to be pulled forward into August.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |