The Sub-Prime Inferno
Written by Brian HicksPosted March 2, 2007What started as a mere brush fire in the sub-prime mortgage market has now quickly turned into a five-alarm blaze. Fed by tinder-dry bundles of risky loans, the fire has now singed the fingers of investors and lenders alike on one bad deal after another, as the notices of defaults begin to pile up in mailboxes around the country at a record pace.
Opportunity Amid the Carnage
Written by Brian HicksPosted March 1, 2007Tuesday morning started just like all of the rest of them: the cat woke me up, my wife had taken all of the covers and the kids were carrying on and getting ready for school. But after tuning into to CNBC in those early morning hours, one thing was perfectly clear - this wasn't going to be an ordinary day for the markets. Dow futures were down over 80 points.
Sign Your Country on the Dotted Line
Written by Brian HicksPosted March 1, 2007Old research habits die hard. Actually, it's my belief that knowledge should not be compartmentalized - you know what you know, and latent awareness can only help. Now, why does my linguistic training apply to fossil fuel?
Cultural Crossover on a Sword's Edge
Written by Brian HicksPosted February 28, 2007In 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
Written by Keith KohlPosted February 26, 2007Last 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?
Written by Brian HicksPosted February 23, 2007Since 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
Written by Brian HicksPosted February 22, 2007Brian 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...
The New Bionic Man
Written by Brian HicksPosted February 20, 2007For 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.
South America's New Drug
Written by Brian HicksPosted February 20, 2007At 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.
Selling our Cows to Buy Milk
Written by Brian HicksPosted February 16, 2007On 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.
Russia Draws the Lines
Written by Brian HicksPosted February 16, 2007Cease-fire line, battle line or pipeline? With the Russian presence in Georgia's breakaway regions, lines are blurred.
In the Crosshairs - Bankers Called Before Congress
Written by Brian HicksPosted February 15, 2007Amy 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.
Uranium Prices
Written by Luke BurgessPosted February 14, 2007Since the beginning of 2001, uranium prices have mushroomed 900% selling today for a multi-decade high of $75 per pound. But because of severe supply constraints, we think the energy metal still has plenty of room to grow.
Tech's Ultimate Bellwether
Written by Brian HicksPosted February 14, 2007As 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
Written by Keith KohlPosted February 12, 2007Imagine a source of energy that could reduce the worlds oil obsession. The impact of peak oil will be felt over the next five to ten years. And although renewable energy solutions havent advanced far enough to take over, this fossil fuel can help ease the burden.