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« Previous EntriesInvestment challenge: Alcoa vs. GM
Written by Michael Vass
Let’s take a trip through time. Back in February 2009 I purchased Alcoa (symbol AA) at $5.55. It was an investment that I bought with a 2 year timeframe. And I further used this purchase to provide an example of the benefit of investing versus trading.
Today, Alcoa closed at $12.94, down from [...]
Does the Dow at 11,000 mean the economy is improving?
Written by Michael Vass
Recently we were asked by an associate
“If the economy is so bad, if the Stimulus is to blame, why is the stock market running higher?”
It’s a good question. Here is our answer.
The economy is in a bad place. The unemployment rate has yet to decrease below 9.5%, the underemployment rate is increasing, [...]
Fact check - Stimulus “exactly what was needed”, success
Written by Michael Vass
In the Vestal Public Library, Dan Lamb, speaking on behalf of Rep. Maurice Hinchey for the night [video to follow shortly], made a statement about the Stimulus. He stated that the Stimulus was “exactly what was needed” at the time. He also stated that supporters of his boss should be as proud [...]
How close were the predictions of 2008?
Written by Michael Vass
Recently the past came up in a conversation. Specifically the predictions made on November 11, 2008 about the Obama Presidency. That prediction was focused on the fiorst 100 days. But in fairness (and in no small part the fact we have been busy) let’s look at the array of things that we [...]
M V Consulting, Inc. Announces Milestone at its Online Political Commentary Division
New York, NY (PRWEB) August 31, 2010
Today M V Consulting, Inc., president Michael Vass announced the achievement of the milestone 1000th article at the Company’s political commentary blog site - http://www.mvass.com (VASS). In celebration the Company has planned a month long sale at its online store.
“We are pleased to have achieved this milestone. It [...]
Where does the Dow Index go after 10,000?
Written by Michael Vass
Earlier today I had an interesting conversation with a former colleague of mine. In the past we had both been stockbrokers, and my colleague wanted to find my opinion on the economy. Specifically it was the likely outcome of the Dow Jones Index dropping below 10,000.
It’s not new to hear that many [...]
Wag the dog Mr. President
Written by Michael Vass
I have no problem stating that I believe President Obama is an intelligent and accomplished man. In terms of his politics, that is another matter. But I believe that credit must be given to the President for what he has done this summer.
The summer of 2010 was set up to be a [...]
The next economic bubble
Written by Michael Vass
For all the stimulus, the deficit spending, the promises of “saving” jobs the economy has not improved. Unless you count the 400,000 temporary Census jobs as growth. Otherwise things are not better off for the average American or business. In fact they may be getting ready to get worse.
Paul Krugman wrote in [...]
Sneak preview: Central New York Business Journal - Financial Quarterly edition
Written by VASS
If you are in the Central New York area, you may want to pick up the May 14th Financial Quarterly edition of the Central New York Business Journal. In that edition will be found the views and projections of this writer. It is a proud addition to the citations this blog and writer [...]
Stock investments: how are we doing?
Written by Michael Vass
Back a year ago I discussed my impressions about the stock market. It was a terrible time. There was blood on the streets, and as an investor I loved it. I saw it as the time to step in and buy.
I choose Alcoa (AA) as my intial purchase. I was able to [...]
It the economy stupid - 2010
Written by Michael Vass
I realize that most people are getting ready for the holidays and time with family and friends. But for those of us with small businesses this is the time when we start trying to total up the year and plan for next year. To that end, I offer some thoughts.
I have confirmed [...]
Did you think about your 2009 tax bill yet?
Written by Michael Vass
So I was just thinking about something interesting. Obviously President Obama has made a big todo about his Stimulus package. He gave everyone who receives a paycheck (and only those people) some $500 - over several months. In addition his Administration gave out $4500 to those that bought a Government approved vehicle.
But [...]
Success of the Obama Stimulus
Written by Michael Vass
Since there have been so many that are imploring everyone to just be happy with the success of the Obama Stimulus, I thought I might take a moment to list the benefits that have come to the nation. The gains since President Obama enacted the stimulus package have been numerous and widespread.
Besides [...]
The Stimulus didn’t work because of consumers
Written by Michael Vass
As I scanned thru the news I ran into something that caught my eye. A minor article that spoke about the economy, President Obama, and his approval rating. One year on, Obamamania cools to luke warm support says nothing new really, but it hints at something I had not suspected before.
It hit [...]
Examining President Obama and his Stimulus
Written by Michael Vass
I almost feel bad for President Obama. He came out strong with plans to change America. He dove head first, leaping without looking, into Guantanamo Bay, the economy, healthcare, and Afghanistan. He promised a transparent Government, with accountability, and decisive action.
So far he has failed at every turn to provide a single [...]
Don’t believe the facts, believe in President Obama
Written by Michael Vass
I think I get it now. President Obama and leading Democrats are embarrassed. With the complete failure of the Obama Stimulus, Democrats look as dysfunctional and incompetent as their detractors have claimed. So the story has to change.
From before the onset of the Obama Stimulus, I have said it was a bad [...]
The 2nd stimulus - out the corner of your eye
Written by Michael Vass
Michael Scherer of TIME had an article today that I thought was quite interesting. The article Is the White House Planning a Second Stimulus Payout? outlines what the prospects are. And I agree straight down the line, as I did months ago.
The fact is that more and more of Washington DC analysts [...]
How effective is the Obama Stimulus?
Written by Michael Vass
So just before the White House comes out with its victorious cries of success on the Obama Stimulus, I suggest we all look at what really is happening. Yep, time for a bit of math. Something I’m sure President Obama’s supporters will hate.
Right now several States have released the numbers being submitted [...]
Democrats are planning to buy your vote, again
Written by Michael Vass
In the not so far off past, long time readers will recall that I had a post about then candidate-Senator Hillary Clinton. The title was Senator Clinton tries to buy cheap votes with baby bonds.
The issue at the time was the polispeak pitch by then-Senator Clinton to families across the nation. She [...]
CBO confirms the problems with Health Care Reform
Written by Michael Vass
It’s a victory, if you are a Democrat. Then again, the Democrat-led Congress has yet to read any of the Bills being voted out of Congress since the Obama Administration took over. So I doubt they really know what the CBO has just said.
The review by the CBO of the Baucus Bill [...]
Obama Stimulus saved your job - or did it?
Written by Michael Vass
It’s almost funny how the Government can make you feel less intelligent than a 5th grader. I mean if you thought you knew how to add, the Government makes you seriously question that. Because the math they use for some of the things they state is either wrong, or so advanced to [...]
Alcoa - my investment update
Written by Michael Vass
Back on Febrary 24 of this year I was discussing the stock market and economy. At the time I was mentioning my expectations for a continued drag on the market, and that there were several opportunities to be had. One of those opportunities was Alcoa (AA on the NYSE).
At the time Alcoa [...]
American economy: 2nd half 2009 to 2Q 2010
Written by Michael Vass
Once again I am looking forward in time at what I expect to see happen to the American economy in 2009 and the first half of 2010. In past years such reflections have always wound up being 62% or more correct. Something I am of course happy to say, though considering the [...]
Sen. Schumer responds to Michael Vass
Written by Michael Vass
On August 11, 2009 I sent email and written letters to Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer, Representative Hinchey, and President Obama about the proposed Health Care Reform Bill currently in Congress. To date there has been only 1 response, from Senator Charles Schumer.
The entire email from Senator Schumer can be seen in the [...]
Results of my 2009 first half economic predictions
Written by Michael Vass
Back in 2008 I made a couple of predictions about how the economy would fare through the 2nd quarter of 2009. That was over a year ago, before the election, before the mortgage crisis really took hold, and before all the bailouts and stimulus packages we now have. How good was I?
The [...]