February 2007 Archives

Cultural Crossover on a Sword's Edge - 2007-02-28
In the critically acclaimed film "Letters from Iwo Jima," the central character is an embattled Japanese general with an intimate understanding of the Americans he is about to fight. But having traveled throughout the United States, Tadamichi Kuribayashi's sense of cultural amity doesn't prevent him from doing his military duty.

Profit from Oil in 2007 - 2007-02-26
Last week, crude oil prices jumped to the highest level so far this year. This latest increase is attributed to a recent Energy Department report speculating that fuel inventories will drop sharply because refineries are operating at lower levels.

Is the Fed Finally Losing Its Credibility? - 2007-02-23
Since higher interest rates are typically bearish for gold, the metal has dipped on signs of elevated inflation. However, Wednesday's $20 surge indicates that something meaningful may have changed.

An Open Letter to Wealth Daily Readers - 2007-02-22
Brian Hicks introduces Justice Litle, who comes to us from Agora Financial. As lead editor of Outstanding Investments, Justice's readers saw some great years. But that was only the beginning...

How to Beat the Market Every Year - 2007-02-21
Executive Publisher Brian Hicks shares a recent and very profitable trip he took to the Rocky Mountains, where he learned how you can beat the market this year...and every year thereafter.

South America's New Drug - 2007-02-20
At the upcoming Biofuels America Conference and Expo in Cartagena, Colombia, I will bear witness to a crucial development in Latin American history - the development of alternative energy.

The New Bionic Man - 2007-02-20
For countless evenings during the 70s, Americans found themselves in the iron grip of one Steve Austin, a fictitious but very expensive bionic man. Barely alive due to a fiery crash, the astronaut's life was not only saved, but radically improved.

Billions Buried on the Seafloor - 2007-02-19
Underwater mining is still in its infancy. There are only two companies exploring the potential of offshore mining. But the current boom in metals may cause the undersea hunt to explode.

Russia Draws the Lines - 2007-02-16
Cease-fire line, battle line or pipeline? With the Russian presence in Georgia's breakaway regions, lines are blurred.

Selling our Cows to Buy Milk - 2007-02-16
On Tuesday of this week we learned that in 2006 Americans racked up a record $763.6 Billion trade deficit, and that two Australian mining firms, Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, were each contemplating $40 billion bids for U.S. aluminum giant Alcoa.

In the Crosshairs - Bankers Called Before Congress - 2007-02-15
Amy Womble's story is a sad one and unfortunately it is all too common. In fact, it has become so common that Congressional hearings have been convened because of it.

Tech's Ultimate Bellwether - 2007-02-14
As a longtime watcher of Cisco Systems, I have always known that the tech giant was a bellwether company in more ways than one.

600 Years of Energy is Right Under Our Noses - 2007-02-12
Imagine a source of energy that could reduce the world’s oil obsession. The impact of peak oil will be felt over the next five to ten years. And although renewable energy solutions haven’t advanced far enough to take over, this fossil fuel can help ease the burden.

Irrational Exuberance in China - 2007-02-09
Recently voiced concerns from the Chinese government that their surging domestic stock market was crossing into bubble territory helped to set off last week's sharp decline, including a single day plunge of 6.5% (the equivalent of more than 800 points on the Dow Jones). While a bubble may indeed be forming in Chinese stocks, my guess is that there is room for a lot more air before it finally pops.

The Devil is in the Details - 2007-02-08
When it comes to mortgage finance, the devil is definitely in the details. And those hard-to-read disclosures that are sprinkled throughout your loan application spells them all out just like they are required to do.

Welcome to the Surveillance Society - 2007-02-07
Out of the smoking ruins of 9/11, a new world emerged. Part scared and part determined, governments around the world are increasingly turning to surveillance of anyone and everyone in hopes of preventing the next attack. And while you may not realize it, your movements are being watched, tracked, and catalogued every day because of it.

Iraq Is A Hard Place - 2007-02-07
Musings on where we go from here.

Taking Stock of New Global Markets - 2007-02-06
Last week's announcement of a strategic alliance between the New York Stock Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange wasn't just a handshake between peers - it was the opening bell of a new era of investing.

Canada's Secret Natural Gas Crisis - 2007-02-05
Peak gas will become a major problem over the next decade. Canada's natural gas industry is in jeopardy. And with the U.S. being so dependent on Canadian gas, this puts our economy at risk from the resulting shortfalls.

Roping the Energy Bull with Moly - 2007-02-02
The future of molybdenum is very promising, especially with the recent surge in the energy sector. Consumption of moly will increase over the next decade. And its wide applicability will increase demand.

Not Much Left to Protect - 2007-02-02
This week, during his testimony before the hostile Senate Banking Committee, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson sought to justify the Bush administration's China policy.

David Lereah's Last Wish - 2007-02-01
David Lereah could use a rabbit's foot or two. Or perhaps he ought to consider combing through the grass in search of a four-leafed clover. Either way, he could use all the help he can get.