2011/06/24

DC Men's Stock Skate Shoe

DC Men's Stock Skate ShoeEvery shoe wardrobe needs onea€?a simple, go-with-everything sneak you can wear just about anywherea€?so DC created the Rob Dyrdek Men's Stock Skate Shoe. In addition to the Stock's streamlined good looks you'll enjoy a cushy foam-padded collar and tongue with a spandex tongue holder, as well as vent holes in the upper that prevent heat build-up. The performance wrap cup sole and abrasion-resistant sticky rubber outsole with DC's famous 'pill' pattern delivers the performance you need for serious riding in the park, too.

Product Features
  • Upper Material: (Colored) Suede, (White) Leather
  • Waterproofing:
  • Sole: Sticky Rubber
  • Construction:
  • Lacing: Standard
  • Midsole:
  • Footbed:
  • Arch Support:
  • Weight:
  • Recommended Use: Skating, casual
  • Manufacturer Warranty: 30 Days

Price: $65.00


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Coby CA-745 Wireless FM Car Transmitter with Digital Display and DC Car Cigarette Lighter Adapter

Coby CA-745 Wireless FM Car Transmitter with Digital Display and DC Car Cigarette Lighter AdapterCoby Electronics CA-745 Wireless Car FM Transmitter CA745 FM Transmitters

Price: $17.99


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2011/06/23

Stock Analyzer Software

Stock Market Technical Analysis And Charting Software, Stock Technical Scan, Trading Signal, Stock Trading Guide and Course


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Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel

Mario Kart Wii with Wii WheelMario Kart Wii Game With Wheel The worldwide race is on with a whole new set of tricks, tracks, and ways to play! Place first in Grand Prix circuits or clear skill-based missions. Wii Wheel: Transform your Wii Remote in to a steering wheel that feels natural in anyone's hands. Worldwide Racing: Play with up to three friends locally or challenge up to 11 friends via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in the biggest Mario Kart race yet! All tracks and modes of play are available for online races.

Price: $49.99


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SwingTraderGuide.com - Premium Stock Trading Course

Profit with the longest running stock trading course on CB! Attractive to stock, penny stock, Etf, and Forex audiences. Promote a reputable trading course with high conversions, low returns, and mass appeal. Tons of affiliate resources available.


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Exclusive: Maple confident of regulatory nod on TMX bid (Reuters)

TORONTO (Reuters) – An all-Canadian consortium expects its $3.8 billion bid for the Toronto Stock Exchange's parent to win regulatory approval even though the group would also absorb TSX's main competitor, a source close to the proposal said on Wednesday.

As part of its TMX Group (X.TO) takeover proposal, Maple Group Acquisition Corp would swallow Alpha Group, operator of the No. 1 alternative trading system, as well as CDS, a clearinghouse for stock trades.

"We're confident we would be able to affect a transaction," said the source, who insisted that the group had no intention of dropping Alpha from the proposal even though critics say it could lead regulators to veto the deal.

The source also said Maple had no plans to sweeten its C$48-a-share offer or alter any other terms of its bid.

Maple officially launched the hostile bid on Monday, about two weeks before a June 30 shareholder vote on a friendly, $3.5 billion offer for TMX from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSE.L).

"I can say that all of the Maple investors are committed to the idea of creating a vertically integrated exchange and clearing business and therefore being able to combine CDS and Alpha with TMX is critically important to the vision that is being established," the source said.

Maple - comprising 13 Canadian banks, pension funds and financial services firms - would control some 80 percent of Canadian stock trading by volume if its plan succeeds, raising monopoly concerns that require a regulatory review.

Maple sees a decision by Canada's Competition Bureau by September or October, the source said.

Even with after folding Alpha into a new TMX, Canadian markets would still have alternative trading venues.

The source said other TSX competitors such CHI-X and Pure Trading were viable options, and that others were likely to enter the Canadian market.

"If I just deal with CHI-X and Pure Trading, those two ATSs have the bandwidth and capability to absorb all of the Alpha volume if all of a sudden the traders decide for whatever reason that they don't like it (Alpha) being part of TMX," the source said.

"That's why we don't believe that competition is an issue at the end of the day," the source said, adding that Maple would likely operate Alpha as a separate brand.

A poll on Wednesday showed shareholders warming to the bid after Maple's 13 members outlined details of the offer in a circular this week and addressed valuation concerns surrounding Alpha and CDS.

Representatives of the group are meeting with institutional investors in Canada this week before moving on to the United States, where 40 percent of the stock is held.

Maple aims to draw their attention to what it says are benefits of a vertically integrated institution -- a one stop shop for equities, bonds, energy products and derivatives in exchange-traded and over-the-counter markets. Germany's Deutsche Boerse (DB1Gn.DE) and others have already had success with that model.

($1=$0.98 Canadian)

(Reporting by Solarina Ho and Pav Jordan; editing by Frank McGurty)


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Pampers SoftCare Unscented 10x Wipes, 720 Count

Pampers SoftCare Unscented 10x Wipes, 720 Count

Contains 10 resealable packages of 72 wipes each
Contains pure water and natural aloe
With thousands of soft, cleansing buds that leave your baby's skin feeling perfectly clean
Hypoallergenic for gentle cleansing

Price: $25.00


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DC Men's Stock Skate Shoe

DC Men's Stock Skate ShoeEvery shoe wardrobe needs onea€?a simple, go-with-everything sneak you can wear just about anywherea€?so DC created the Rob Dyrdek Men's Stock Skate Shoe. In addition to the Stock's streamlined good looks you'll enjoy a cushy foam-padded collar and tongue with a spandex tongue holder, as well as vent holes in the upper that prevent heat build-up. The performance wrap cup sole and abrasion-resistant sticky rubber outsole with DC's famous 'pill' pattern delivers the performance you need for serious riding in the park, too.

Product Features
  • Upper Material: (Colored) Suede, (White) Leather
  • Waterproofing:
  • Sole: Sticky Rubber
  • Construction:
  • Lacing: Standard
  • Midsole:
  • Footbed:
  • Arch Support:
  • Weight:
  • Recommended Use: Skating, casual
  • Manufacturer Warranty: 30 Days

Price: $65.00


Click here to buy from Amazon

2011/06/22

Summer Stock [VHS]

Summer Stock [VHS]Judy Garland managed to subdue her ongoing medical problems long enough to make Summer Stock in 1950, her last film with MGM and longtime collaborator Gene Kelly. In a throwback to Garland's "let's put on a show" films with Mickey Rooney, Kelly plays a theater director who sets up in Garland's barn to prepare his musical, but Garland has other ideas. Romantic entanglements ensue, of course, and Eddie Bracken, Phil Silvers, and Marjorie Main are on hand to lend comedic support. Following his mostly forgettable score in 1949's The Barkleys of Broadway, Harry Warren contributes another mostly forgettable score, though it's complemented with a few ringers from other songwriters. There are many enjoyable moments, however, including a lot of tap from Kelly. He and Garland share a tap duel at a square dance turned lindy hop, and Garland performs her classic "Get Happy" routine in a black jacket and fedora. Kelly also performs a solo number to "You Wonderful You" with no gimmicks--just a darkened stage, a squeaky floorboard, and a sheet of newspaper. --David Horiuchi

Price: $19.98


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How to Sell Stock Photos

Earn $28.00 per sale on a great new product that has been selling for 12 weeks on a test basis (77 copies sold at time of writing) and has received 0 returns! This eBook shows anyone how to earn a great income with their camera regardless of experience!


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Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes

Baby Einstein Take Along TunesThe brand new GYRO S107 3.5CH Mini RTF RC Helicopter comes with the greatest advancement in Helicopter Technology, a Gyro. No more crashing, no more replacing parts, the GYRO has changed the Helicopter industry completely, making this RC Helicopter super easy to fly and maneuver. Great for people of all skill levels, this bad boy features a coaxial rotor a single rear rotor for precise movement and a GYRO for increased stability whether flying or hovering. This RC helicopter has a metal body making it strong yet light weight so you don't have to worry about breaking anything when you land it a bit too rough. It can go forward, backward, up, down, left, right and hover. What really makes the Mini GYRO S107 stand out is the built in gyroscope making it automatically stabilize allowing you to focus on flying instead of trying not to make it crash. This product is ready to run, there is no assembly required. Just put in 6 AA batteries into the transmitter/charger and charge the helicopter and you are good to go. Small enough to fit on the palm of your hand, be the coolest kid on the block by getting the GYRO S107 3.5CH Mini RTF RC Helicopter!

Price: $9.99


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Portfolio Management - The Key to Investment Success

An investment portfolio is a collection of various financial assets held by an individual investor or a group of investors acting as one. The assets in the portfolio range from stocks and bonds to futures contracts and gold certificates. The point of investment is to increase existing finances over the long run, and the point of an investment portfolio is to achieve this by minimizing risk and maximizing gains. Proper portfolio management becomes essential to the smart investor.

In the big bad world of high finance, a mistake can cost you your life savings while a good choice and an opportunity seized can win you a fortune. While a financial institution can undertake its own investment analysis, the lone investor can be easily stumped by the intricacies of portfolio management, unless they hire this service with the experience and knowledge to do all the work for them.

Good portfolio management is all about choice, deciding which assets to acquire and which to divest, and at what time to do so. Before taking such decisions this service will typically conduct performance measurement of the various assets on offer. Past performance can give a fairly accurate idea of whether an investment will yield profit in the future.

The investor need not worry about a portfolio management service running wild with their money and building a portfolio with high expected gain and the high risks to go with it. This service will treat their clients with the respect deserved, and give due attention to their client's needs. They understand that every individual investor has circumstances and a personality unique to him or her, and as such build portfolios to deliver exactly what their clients want.

Being up to date about everything that is happening in the financial world is what makes or breaks an investment portfolio. As changes sweep through the market, the portfolio will have to be adjusted to avoid loss or even boost profit when a chance to make a fortune presents itself. The average individual investor with his own job and life will have no time for this, but a professional portfolio management service will.

Often overlooked but incredibly valuable is the fact that it will also take care of the paperwork and errand running for you. This cuts down the hassle and inconvenience of doing portfolio management yourself, freeing up more of your time for leisure or if you're a workaholic more time to earn even more money to invest.

A portfolio management services is a true godsend for the individual investor, streamlining the whole process of investment and ensuring expert attention without the investor having to be a financial expert himself.

Portfolio management services help to take decision at what time to buy bonds, institutional equities or other financial things and sell to achieve financial goal.


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10 Percent Can Make You Rich!

Do you think a person earning $20,000 per year can become a millionaire? Absolutely! Anyone can do anything they set their mind to it and if they develop a realistic plan and stick to it. Let's take a look how.

John is a hard working man earning $20,000 per year in his job. He has learned to reduce the money he is spending on taxes, life and health insurance, health care, food, and cars. He has also learned the importance of planning for retirement and purchasing his own home. He is 35 years old, and has set a goal of having $1,000,000 when he retires at 65. What must he do?

First, by reducing many of his living costs, John has worked into his budget a 10% savings plan. This means he will be able to invest $2000 per year into a tax sheltered Retirement Account (which by the way, further reduces his taxes). He might even use a self-directed account, therefore even further controlling the investment vehicle. John knows he MUST earn a minimum of 15% a year on his investments. So, he may select tax liens in Florida (18% a year), stock investing (Dogs of the Dow-17% since 1973), or real estate investments, with rates of return (cash on cash) of 15%.

There are several ways to get 15% or greater on investments, as well as cash flow strategies. Bottom line he is going to get at least 15%! His investments gains an average of just 15% per year over the course of 30 years. How much do you think this has earned him?

$2,000/year x 15% return on investment (compounded) x 30 years = $739,066.

Well, John has not quite reached his goal yet. But remember, he is also investing in a new home. He knows that real estate will appreciate on average at 5% per year (national average). John finds a nice home that suits his taste at 10% below fair market value using the rules of this course for $80,000. The house is actually worth $88,000.

Starting value of $88,000 x 5% annual appreciation x 30 years = $393,161.

So, at age 65, John has $393,161 in equity + $739,066 in his mutual fund, which equals $1,132,227. You see, John has surpassed his goal.

A simple plan can work. The key is being disciplined and saving for your future. Your objective is to make available for savings, 10% of your income. If you cannot achieve this simply by reducing your expenses, you must increase your income.

SUPER CHARGE THE PLAN

Now if we want to supercharge this plan, we have to increase the amount of starting money, or more importantly, get a better rate of return.

For example, if we start with a small amount of money, granted "small" may differ for everyone, so I did a table with various amounts. Added 30 years, at some aggressive rates of return, and you have some unbelievable future wealth. Even Trillions!

30 Years of Investing at different ROI

Amount - 15 percent - 25 percent - 50 percent

$1,000 - $66,212 - $807,794 - $191,751,059

$5,000 - $331,059 - $4,038,968 - $958,755,296

$10,000 - $662,118 - $8,077,936 - $1,917,519,592

$25,000` - $1,655,294 - $20,194,839 - $4,793,776,480

Now the reality, is that we are not going to hit a TRILLION dollars, but it does illustrate the point. Strong rates of return over time, give you outstanding results over time.

My magic number is 15%! In fact one of my favorite trading systems is credit spreads. A high probability system, with outstanding returns. Often, you can earn 5-10 percent per month. No guarantees, investing has risk, but highly probable. You should check it out.

Hi. My name is Jim Francis. I would like to create a financial miracle in your life. I have had the good fortune to spend time with 50 plus millionaires and 2 billionaires. Each of these MENTORS, gave 2 wonderful gifts. Number 1: Philosophy. Number 2: Strategy. Each are equally important. After studying with them for over 2 decades, I created the Millionaire Matrix. A vehicle for financial freedom. Specific strategies, in business, real estate, investing and wealth protection that can make a major difference in your life.

Take a step today, by enjoying one of my strategies, and then visit my web sites.

http://www.jimfrancis.com/
http://www.creditspreadsystem.com/


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Asian markets down amid rate hike expectations (AP)

BANGKOK – Asian stock markets mostly fell Wednesday as investors anticipated rate hikes by central banks in India and China to contain stubbornly high inflation.

Oil prices hovered above $99 a barrel after a report showed U.S. crude inventories fell more than expected, suggesting demand may be improving. The dollar was lower against the yen but up against the euro.

Japan's Nikkei 225 stock average rose 0.1 percent to 9,561.30. Honda Motor Corp. gained 1.3 percent a day after the company announced that vehicle production in Japan is expected to be back at nearly normal levels by later this month and, outside of Japan, by August or September.

Japanese manufacturing was disrupted by a huge earthquake and tsunami on March 11 but analysts say the recovery at Honda and other Japanese automakers has been remarkable

Other markets fell amid expectations that China's central bank will go ahead with at least one more interest rate hike this month or next.

China's May's inflation rate of 5.5 percent was the highest since July 2008. Beijing has made taming price increases a priority but its measures could also slow growth in the world's second-largest economy.

Inflation is also buffeting India's economy, the third largest in Asia. The Reserve Bank of India, which has raised key policy rates nine times since March 2010 in an effort to tame inflation, is expected to raise rates again at a monetary policy review Thursday.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell 0.2 percent to 22,445.70 and South Korea's Kospi dropped 0.4 percent to 2,069.10. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.3 percent to 4,569.80.

In New York, a government report Tuesday on retail sales in May was better than expected, driving stocks higher. The government said retail sales edged down 0.2 percent last month, but economists had expected worse.

Excluding weak car sales, retail sales rose 0.3 percent. Americans bought fewer cars during the month, but that was more a reflection of production disruptions caused by the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 1 percent to close at 12,076.11. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 1.3 percent to 1,287.87. The Nasdaq composite index rose 1.5 percent to 2,678.72.

Benchmark oil for July delivery was down 11 cents to $99.26 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract gained $2.07 to settle at $99.37 on Tuesday.

In currencies, the euro dropped to $1.4419 from $1.4468 late Tuesday in New York. The dollar slipped to 80.42 yen from 80.52 yen.


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2011/06/21

The Economy Hurts Cash Up-Front Judgment Prices

Because I am a judgment broker, I witness a vast quantity of judgment sales and many more attempted judgment sales. It seems every week, the amount of cash anyone is willing to pay for any judgment is declining.

The value of a judgment depends solely on the status of the judgment debtor. With the economy shrinking, almost everything and everyone's assets are downsizing or losing value. Wages are down, home prices are down, employment and opportunities are reduced, saving rates are down. When a debtor has nothing, a judgment is worth nothing.

Even if your judgment was for fraud, where the debtor stole a lot of money from you, most frauds do not do very well in the long run. Many people that were rich a few years ago are no longer rich. Most people are not doing so well now, and most debtors are doing even worse.

Buying a judgment is always a risk. In an upward economy the risk was smaller, because most debtors (or their families) often made more money in the future. In a growing economy, buying a judgment would be a moderate risk.

Now, buying judgments is much more risky. Here are my top ten reasons selling judgments for cash up-front, brings much lower cash prices now, because of the increased risks:

1) Job loss and business failures. Debtors may find work under the table, for instance selling drugs or being an unlicensed contractor, etc. Such income sources are very difficult to verify or recover.

2) With home prices going down, liens are much less likely to pay off.

3) Debtors are now more likely to file for bankruptcy protection. In the overwhelming majority of cases, bankruptcy wipes out most judgments. Note that even if your judgment was for fraud, it takes a lot of time and money in bankruptcy court to bring this to the court's attention. Also, if the debtor is poor, you still will not get paid, or recover your extra costs to make your judgment non-dischargeable.

4) Debtors are now more likely to try to appeal or to set-aside/vacate judgments. If you buy a judgment outright and the debtor wins a motion to vacate, your judgment is gone.

5) Recovery costs are always rising. Courts and sheriff often raise their fees.

6) Laws are changing to better protect debtors, protecting their privacy and increasing their exemptions from a creditor's levy.

7) Every year it becomes more difficult to recover a judgment against debtors better than 65 years old.

8) Because asset values (vehicles, property, etc.) are declining, the economics of sheriff auction sales are making less sense.

9) As the economy slides, more and more people want cash now for their judgments, which drives cash up-front pricing for average judgments down.

10) The same risks that have always kept cash up-front prices low still remain. If the debtor dies, becomes disabled, poor, moves far away, or goes "underground", the judgment becomes worthless.

Sometimes good things happen to debtors, for instance they might inherit property or win the lotto. Cash up-front buyers cannot count on such rare potential luck.

However, future pay recovery specialists can take advantage of such lucky breaks, and then share the luck of the judgment debtor with you. Unless your debtor is rich, you are always better off with a future-pay judgment enforcer or a contingency collections lawyer.

Mark D. Shapiro - Judgment Enforcement Expert - good for all judgment owners, Judgment Enforcers and contingency collection attorneys:
http://www.judgmentbuy.com/ - where Judgments quickly get Purchased or Enforced!


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From the Perspective of an Angel Investor

One of the ideal ways to begin a search for startup funding offered by angel investors is to view the process as if you are one. Investors have plenty of money they are willing to invest in new businesses, but they will first want some assurances that risk is as low as possible given that new companies have an inherently higher risk to begin with. If you imagine yourself as the investor, then the risk becomes much easier to assess in advance while searching for business funding. The first step is to insure you provide answers in the business plan to what would be logical and normal questions about risk.

Any business plan that is prepared for the purpose of finding business funding can use this approach. It doesn't matter if you are looking for equity partners, angel investors or venture capital. Read your business plan with a critical eye and ask yourself if you would be inclined to approve funding if it was your own money at risk. If you follow a typical business plan format, you have covered the obvious issues like marketing and profit projections, but have you really thought through the plan in the same way a funder would?

It's difficult to be objective when you have a great idea for a new business, and you believe that it will take the market by storm. Yet it's important to remember that no one will fund your business until the business concept and plan have been thoroughly scrutinized. Considering your request for funding from the viewpoint of the angel investor can help you keep a sharp edge on the proposal so that it remains focused and on target.

Ask the Question: Am I the Only Investor?

Pretend you are an angel investor who has been asked for money for an untried business. The first questions that will be asked include the following.

· Are there other types of funding that would be more suitable for the business?

· Are business loans an option?

· Has the entrepreneur been searching for funding for a long period of time?

· Have other investors shown an interest in the business?

· Could the risk be minimized by bringing in multiple angel investors?

· Can the entrepreneur prove he or she is qualified to operate this business and able to provide a well developed business plan?

These are the kinds of questions you need to ask yourself as you analyze your business idea and plan. Angel investors willing to provide startup funding will want a wealth of information that includes financial projections, a marketing plan, names of qualified managers, organizational chart, analysis of strengths and weaknesses, and potential long-term funding needs.

Ask the Question: When Can I Expect to Break Even?

It's a fact that entrepreneurs will have trouble attracting a variety of investors that include angel investors, venture capital and equity partners when they fail to consider the needs of the business after startup. In the excitement of actually starting the business, the new business owners fail to focus on the level of investment needed to keep the business going. The Small Business Administration is the first to say that a capital shortage is a major reason businesses fail.

Ask yourself this question: When can the new business expect to break even?

Ask the Question: Are You Ready with Answers?

Pretending you are the investor as you develop a business plan makes good sense. Answer the questions you would ask if it was your money that would be used to make business loans or other types of investments. If your business plan leaves too many questions unanswered then you can be certain that angel investors will label the venture as too risky.

Get more info about finding angel investors for your business venture at the Funded website or visit the Funded blog at http://www.funded.com/blog.


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A Brief Word On Binary Option Trading

Binary option trading is slowly gaining more ground as opposed to conventional trading. Unlike its traditional counterpart where a buyer needs to analyze so many things before engaging in trade, it is simple and almost anyone can engage in it. This simplicity makes it ideal for people looking to invest some money on the market even if a person doesn't have extensive knowledge. If you're raring to start investing your money, here are some pointers to keep in mind.

Ask yourself what you know about binary option trading

If you're only idea about it is the possible "all or nothing pay out" then you may need to know more. You need to know other terms involved in the trade so you'll avoid confusion and know exactly where you'll be heading. For example, you need to know what kind of trading you'll be involving yourself because there are at least two kinds: European and American style.

In the European style of trading, a person will "win" the trade if the price determined falls or rises on a designated level at a particular date agreed. For instance, if you say that Stock A will fall below its stock price at 10 o'clock and it does, then this means you gain profit. In American trading, the trade will pay out if the price passes a certain level up to any point in an agreed date. When you know these options, it will be easier to determine the style you'll be trading.

Familiarize yourself with the markets

Trading involves several platforms you can choose in trading such as foreign exchange rates, commodities, stocks, and stock index. You can trade in foreign exchange market for EUR/USD, actual commodities such as crude oil and gold, or in stock index for individual companies like General Electronics, or stock index like NASDAQ.

Becoming familiar with these trading options should let you get a better vantage on how a particular stock, commodity, or market behaves. For instance, if you observed that a stock index like NASDAQ falls each Friday, then you can call your seller and make the necessary trade. If you don't know the market you're playing in, then chances are you'll lose your investments faster.

Know the companies offering binary options

Many companies offering binary option are purely web-based, while some online companies that offer this trading may require you to download a program. It is important to note this especially if you wish to trade via the net.

When searching for companies, make sure that they operate a legitimate business. The internet is at times home to many unscrupulous individuals and companies that are out to ruin your credit so be careful. Make sure to make thorough research before signing up with any company particularly if you intend to engage in trading using your credit card or bank account. You may want to check consumer trade websites or various online advocacies regarding binary options before giving any information.

The said information stated is here to help you in case you want binary option trading. If you feel that you're still not ready, then just sit back and relax because there's really no pressure to trade. Remember, while this is a good opportunity to earn income, it's still up to you whether to trade or not.

Mark Oberg is a financial advisor that always tells his clients to look at writeups regarding option broker before acquiring the services of an expert in binary options.


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Kevin Plank: Builds a Billion Dollar Brand

After a few years of sweating profusely as a walk on full back on the University of Maryland's gridiron, Plank found his niche. A natural born hustler, Plank realized he was better suited up as a business man and not an athlete after creating his own jobs to make money during the football season. Soon he set out on a path to create performance underwear that can remain dry or relatively dry during high impact sports after being dubbed "the sweatiest guy on the football field."

Plank single handedly created his company by running through various prototypes and testing fabrics to determine which types held the best qualities of water repellant, durability, and comfort. Plank finally discovered the perfect under shirt to keep the modern athlete dry and it was a far from your basic sweat drenched cotton t-shirt. It was the first form-fitting, moisture wicking Under Armour shirt. From the shirt came the compression shorts, then the sports bras, then a full blown athletic gear empire that has teams ordering from little league to the pros.

Under Armour's humble beginnings started in his grandmother's townhouse in Washington D.C. in 1996. His cushion was about $20,000 he made during another business venture while in college, Cupid's Valentine where he sold roses for Valentine's Day. He sent samples of his shirts to his former teammates that went on to play professional football. His days consisted of calling athletic equipment managers for sales. When sales didn't take off after his shirt being modeled on the cover of USA Today, Plank realized it was going to take real work and not fools luck to create a great business. It was indeed a slow climb to major profit for Under Armour. Plank went from depending on credit cards to level the company month to month, to netting $1 billion in 2009. Notably, Plank was not on the payroll until three years after the birth of Under Armour. Under Armour is now a household name.

Under Armour's target market is now children. Reaching them as young as possible is of most importance. As far as Plank is concerned if he can get an 8 year old in Under Armour that child will wear the brand forever and may even become the world's next sports sensation. The youth is marketing for the future. With the company's next goal being to hit hard in the footwear apparel market, the youth is a good place to start.

Plank's endorsers have been Brandon Jennings, Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, and most recently Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton. Planks favorite slogans which are used in most of Under Armour's advertisements are, "We must protect this house" and "We will."


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A Smart Investment Strategy For Conservative Investors

Are you a conservative investor? Almost everyone is to some degree but if you are always concerned about not losing, about retaining your hard-earned cash, then you probably fit the mold for a true conservative investor. The good news is that there are sound strategies for conservative investors that can still grow your money, maybe not like a bamboo tree but surely like a solid oak tree.

And there is nothing wrong with saying you are conservative investor, that you want to leave the risky stock investing to others. When retirement comes, or a rainy day, conservative investors are confident they have money to meet their future needs.

There are degrees of conservative investing and it is important to recognize where you stand. These degrees include:

1. Totally concerned and committed to just about not risking a penny of your cash but desiring to at least keep even with inflation.
2. Committed to minimal risk of your money but desiring to see it grow a little more than inflation.
3. Conservative in most cases but willing to use a small portion of your cash to grow faster than inflation but not to the extent of taking wild risks.

If you fall in the #1 category, safe investments can be found:

‧ Bonds, bond ETFs or bond mutual funds
‧ Some stocks (companies) with a 10 year or longer history of paying strong dividends, ETFs or mutual funds based on dividend paying stocks
‧ US treasuries, ETFs or mutual funds based on treasuries

If you fit the profile for the #2 category you should invest similarly to those in the #1 category but put more of your funds into dividend paying stocks, funds or ETFs. This will enable your portfolio to grow a bit more than inflation as dividend payouts from strong companies are usually greater than inflation and there is also a good likelihood the price of the stock or ETF or fund is also appreciating.

For those of you in the #3 category of basically conservative investors, the majority of your portfolio should be invested as if you were in category #1. But like those in category #2 you should hold investments in dividend paying stocks, funds or ETFs to help grow your portfolio and beat inflation, but in your case this portion of your portfolio should be a strong minority.

You should also invest a smaller minority of your cash into strong, stable companies whose growth may be slow but sure. This can be achieved by either investing directly in stocks or ETFs or mutual funds based primarily on large companies (called large caps).

Another option for those in category #3 is to take that small minority of funds and invest in ETFs or mutual fund sectors which represent those portions of the economy that are growing.

In all situations, for all conservative investors it is still important that you keep on top of the market to some degree. Do you have to watch it daily? No, but taking a glance every week or for sure every three or four weeks is a good idea.

Just because your investments are conservative doesn't mean that once you buy them you should hold on forever. Situations change and you may need to make adjustments. For example, you may want to switch from long-term bonds to short or mid-term bonds. Or maybe one of your dividend paying stocks is paying 3.5% but there is another paying 4.7%.

You can place your investments yourself; work with an investment advisor firm, or a financial planner. If you want to do it yourself, I would suggest using a software program based on technical analysis, not necessarily just charts, which gives you recommendations that can be set to fit these three categories and your particular objectives. By spending a few moments and updating such a software program every week or few weeks you will keep up with your choices and be able to make changes that protect your money while allowing it to grow at the pace you desire.

Author Raymond Dominick is the designer of Dynamic Investor Pro investment software for stocks, ETFs and mutual funds. He has been investing in the markets since his teenage years. An experienced business manager and journalist, he has been a registered investment advisor representative, also a professional photographer who loves escaping to the wonders of Glacier National Park in Montana.

View his software at: http://www.dynamicinvestorpro.com/


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Should You Invest In Comic Books?

Comics were once thought of as "kids stuff," and that may have some truth. I started collecting comics as a kid. I remember all the great stories and artwork I enjoyed while growing up, but nowadays, comic books aren't just "kids stuff" anymore. Certain comics are becoming extremely valuable.

Should you invest in comic books? To answer this question, I have to tell you a short story. While growing up there was this extremely tiny comic shop in the town I grew up, and it was the only one in town. I remember seeing an Amazing Spider-Man #1 on the wall as well as an X-Men #1.

Both were in very good (VG) condition, no doubt. I remember specifically that the Amazing Spider-Man #1 was being sold for $800 and The X-Men #1 went around $300. I also remember back then how I tried to persuade my pops to buy them. Of course, he refused.

Now, I'm pretty sure to remind my dad that those very comics in the same condition are now valued at $3,000 and The X-Men #1 at $1700, and they will only continue to rise in value. When the new Overstreet Price Guide comes out next June. You'll see those values have once again increased.

Even now my dad agrees comic book investing can be quite profitable. With CGC grading and the new technologies in digital arts to make comic movies possible, record setting sales have been set for various rare comic books.

Action Comics #1 sold for 1.5 million in early 2010, beating it's old record of $1 million and the new record of $1, 075,00 set by an 8.0 CGC graded Detective Comics #27, the very first appearance of Batman.

To further that comic books are a gold mine, this year saw a CGC graded 9.6 Amazing Fantasy #15 (1st appearance of Spider-Man) sold for $1.1 million!

However, let's come back down, shall we? I mean, how many of us have that much cash to get those pedigree "Holy Grails" of comics. I don't know about you, but I don't. You may not either, but this doesn't mean that you can't make some great investment choices in comics to profit from.

I've been collecting and investing in comics for 15 years, and have always made great profits from them. I'm no millionaire, but comic investing can be profitable if you know how to make the right investment choices, which comic issues to invest in, where to buy, and where to sell them.

Still think comic books are just for kids? If you don't and want to learn more on how to make the right choices in investing in comics, visit my blog below by clicking the link, and you'll learn exactly what comics are hot investments right now and why you should invest in comic books


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2011/06/20

Investment Strategies: Minimizing Losses and Calculating Risk

In an ideal world of investment strategies, we all basically want to achieve the same goal. We want to minimize our losses while enjoying the benefits of high payoffs. Looking at these two, they seem to be pitted at opposite ends of the pendulum, so what's the answer? Is it possible to minimize our potential for loss while steadily increasing our profit? The answer here lies in having the right perspective. Let's take a look:

Minimizing losses when it comes to investment strategies operates much the same as anything else in life. It involves understanding risk. That's the key.
With anything, there is a certain amount of risk involved. It's all around us and we are calculating our risk vs. return with every decision we make. For example, at the most basic level, walking across the street involves a certain amount of risk. Is the risk worth it? There is potential for danger (or losses) but we make the internal decision based on our observations, our past experience, and our internal calculations of 'what could happen' and how probable an adverse or positive outcome would be.

Now, transfer that knowledge over to investment strategies and you'll see the same basic principles at work. Risk assessment in investing, just as in any other decision in life, can be defined as: what you are willing to bear for the expected return.

If you are new to investing, you may not have past experience, observations, or internal calculations to go by. This is where many individuals who begin retirement planning fall short, since assessing investment risk is a bit more complex than simply crossing the highway. Securing your financial future while taking probable risk factors into account involves:

Market timing - Many investors jump on and invest in stocks at the wrong time. Often. investing in a hot sector that has already done well involves a great deal of risk. It may have already had its run and is on its way down. According to a study conducted by William F. Sharpe, a Nobel Prize-Winning economist, attempting to time the market is not a safe bet. The investor needs to be right approximately three out of four times to match the investment strategy of the buy-and-hold investor. We all know that unexpected events often cause great shifts in the market, so solid investments that perform well over time are key.
Diversification and Asset Allocation - Spreading your investment dollars across several types of investments and understanding how they move in relation to one another minimizes your overall risk factor while maximizing returns. This proven principle also works the same in life decisions. If you are a business owner who relies solely on one major client, you may reap huge financial benefits for a short amount of time, but your risk factor is great. If losing this one client will fold your business, then you have not planned wisely. It is safer, and more profitable to have several clients that can safely balance your profits while minimizing your risk. Same basic principle with diversification and asset allocation.

These are just a few variables to take into consideration, but you get the idea. The bottom line here? Everything in life involves a certain amount of risk, and investments are no exception. The key to overcoming this risk in order to succeed financially is accomplished by having the right perspective.

Investment strategies don't have to be overly complicated or impossible to understand. By learning to calculate your personal factors (which include your age, how much you can reasonably expect to see as a return, and your current financial situation) against investment factors (such as interest rates, inflation projections, and market performance) you can come up with an investment strategy that is the perfect fit for your personal risk tolerance.

For more information on retirement planning and investment strategies, check out: 6 Pitfalls of Retirement Planning and The 7 Deadly Traps of Investing. We bring clarity to the most common gray areas and stumbling blocks that keep investors from experiencing success. An enjoyable, financially stable future can be yours, regardless of where you are starting from. We will put you on the path to success.


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Consumer Guide To Cash Child Trust Funds

The government-sponsored Child Trust Fund (CTF) has been very instrumental in ensuring that there is adequate supply of cash to support the child when need arises. Every newborn child receives a £250 Child Benefit voucher, to be invested in a child trust account. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds get an additional £250. The parent is at liberty to invest the money on behalf of the child in any of the listed financial organisations.

With the announcement comes the possibility of cancellation of Child Benefit. After discontinuation of the fund, you as a parent can ensure that your child is well protected by a trust fund that they can use in the future. If you have already received the child trust fund voucher from the government, there are three CTFs you can invest it in: savings account, shares account or a stakeholder account.

The stakeholder account is the best of the three. It has the lowest level of risk and also the lowest charges - it attracts only 1.5% in rates per annum. The backbone of the stakeholder account is investment in shares. Part of the cash you pay into the account is invested in shares, thus guaranteeing high returns by the time your child is 18. The company considers where to invest wisely as not every company shares do well in the market. They have years of experience in the industry so this is not really a problem. What is important is that your child gets a guaranteed amount of money as agreed during sign up.

At some point, the type of investment will be changed for security purposes. The company invests in shares for about 13 years, and then changes that to fixed interest and cash in the last five years. This ensures that all the money in the first 13 years is protected and does not run the risk of losing value during trade. If the possibility of share value going down worries you, you might want to choose a regular savings account where the capital is secure, protected and guaranteed.

Parents can grow their children's cash child trust funds by depositing additional money into the account either regularly or whenever they can. There is an upper limit to how much can be added into the account per year, a maximum of £1,200. Adding up to this amount every year will help the trust fund grow even faster. Anyone can top up the child's account with as little as £10.

If your child has just turned seven, they are eligible for a Child Trust Fund. You can follow up the voucher on the Government Trust Fund website or any child welfare offices near you. If they are older than seven and eligible, you can open private cash trust fund for them. The only difference between your child's account and that of a child who got the government sponsorship will be the voucher. Otherwise they are similar in every other aspect.

I am interested in the world of tax free savings and investments in order to help families to achieve financial independence and make the most of their money. If you are interested in reading more information cash child trust funds and tax free investment plans then please visit the following links:

Financial Services Authority - this is a useful site that provides unbiased money advice to help you manage your money better.

Scottish Friendly - mutual societies such as Scottish Friendly supply financial services products. Mutual societies are owned by customers, or members. As a result they have no shareholders to pay dividends to, or to account to, so they can concentrate on delivering products and services that meet the needs of their customers.

Association of Financial Mutuals - here you can find out useful information about mutual and friendly societies


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Trade Lesson - Benefits of Automated Trading for Retail Traders

Automated trading is becoming increasingly popular in the retail trading space.

This is largely because of the development of personal computing power, the simplification of computer software trading language, and the recognition that in order to be successful in the markets a mechanical and disciplined approach is essential.

Through education, retail traders are becoming increasingly aware that trading on a discretionary or subjective basis is almost impossible to sustain in the long-term.

There are some people out there who have both the requisite ability and the necessary control over their emotions to be successful discretionary traders, but these people are most definitely the exception to the rule.

Most of us mere mortals get caught up in the emotion of trading, i.e. fear and greed plague our decision making. We may be able to avoid the consequences of these largely uncontrollable emotions for some time but they eventually they catch up with us and destroy our capital and our resolve.

In my early trading days I distinctly remember suffering a string of losses. Seeing my capital erode I foolishly and fearfully decided that I would significantly increase my position size on the next trade in order to try and make my money back in one hit...I'm sure you can guess how the story ends.

The beauty of a mechanical/automated trading system is that it eliminates the subjective elements of trading, which are indeed the ones that will likely get you into the most trouble when in the heat of battle.

Mechanical trading systems can range from basic charts patterns or simple indicator triggers used to enter and exit trades, all the way up to advanced mathematical algorithms which control all aspects of the trade and which are executed automatically through a trading platform.

What form an automated system takes isn't really all that important. What is important, however, is that it is, in fact, a 'system'; a predefined set of rules and conditions which govern trading behaviour.

By having a well defined system that will tell you exactly how to act in any given situation, and applying that system consistently and constantly, it will ensure that no decision needs to be agonised over. Indeed the more and more automated you can make your trading, the less and less you will ever have to worry or fret over a decision.

This all sounds rosey but how does one go about developing, testing, and applying a trading system?

In regards to the development, this needs to be done prior to trading commencing. That sounds quite obvious but you would be surprised how many novice and even some experienced traders try to develop a system on the fly (i.e. whilst they are already trading).

The thinking about and development of the system needs to be done beforehand and you need to be quite specific as to what your conditions/rules will be, particularly in relation to your entry, trade management, exit, and capital management/position size.

Having laid out your rules and conditions, the system then needs to be backtested. Provided the results are sound, it is then ready to be traded.

Once the system is developed is ready to be traded, it then needs to be strictly applied, i.e. there can be no deviation from the plan/rules.

This is one area that many traders struggle with for a number of reasons.

Firstly, they may attempt to cherry pick trades in order to increase their performance. Cherry picking involves trying to pick the 'best' trades and avoiding the 'bad' trades. As you may well appreciate, this entirely defeats the purpose of having an automated system by inserting your personal bias back into the process. This is, of course, the very thing you are trying eliminate by automating your trading.

Usually, cherry picking ends in disaster with traders picking the 'wrong' trades (ones that lose them money) and missing the 'right' ones (those that make them money). As Murphy's Law states...what can go wrong, will go wrong.

Secondly, the system may be beyond the logistical capabilities of the person trying to implement it. For example, there is no point in someone who works 9-5 and who can't always access a computer trying to implement an intraday FX system which requires trades to be taken at any hour of the day.

It is not practical and it will not work.

A system needs to be designed with the end user in mind, i.e. the person who is actually going to be placing the trades, so that they are actually capable of sticking to the rules (unless, of course, it is all done by computer, but this is only applicable to experienced traders).

Most people will be looking at an end-of-day data driven system which can see orders placed outside of market hours, after someone comes home from work for example.

Once a system is implemented and trading is under way, the next part of the process involves managing the system.

Inevitably any system, no matter how robust it is, will have negative or 'drawdown' periods in which the system may suffer a string of losses. These periods not only reduce a trader's account but will also challenge the trader emotionally.

In my opinion, the best way to handle a drawdown period is to remain confident, trust the system and, above all else, don't deviate from the process or adjust your money management rules.

You haven't spent weeks or months developing a system just to throw it out after the first string of losing trades. If you have tested your system correctly, you will know what is likely and not likely and should be both mentally and emotionally prepared for this scenario.

The only time you might worry is if the results start falling outside of your system's expectations; for example, your system test might have shown that over a 10-year period the longest number of consecutive losing trades was four in a row. If, suddenly, your system loses eight trades in a row, you would consider reviewing your system.

It should be noted that systems can and do suffer system death from time to time. Good traders will be in tune with both their system and the rhythm of the market to know when changes/refinements to the system are necessary.

Without going into more specific detail about how to build a system and programming language, that's about all I can tell you about automated trading via this article.

Mechanical, automated systems that are well researched, developed and tested over varying markets conditions will almost always lead to better, more profitable results than discretionary trading.

Over the longer-term, there is no doubt that a mechanical system will ensure that you engage with the market in a consistent and disciplined manner.

This will allow you to minimise the emotional stress and subjective element of your trading, which should, in turn, lead to better results.

Learn to develop a trading plan for yourself at a Stock Market Workshop and get trading tips from Chris with your Free Report Trial.

Chris completed a double degree in Law and Economics before deciding his interest lay in financial markets rather than the judicial arena - and who can blame him? Working for an independent stock market research company for the last four years, Chris has developed his skill set as a financial analyst and trader. Through personal study, accredited learning and time in the industry, Chris has a well rounded skill set for analysing many types of financial instruments including stocks, indices, currencies, and commodities.

Chris' passion lies with technical analysis and he has completed a Diploma in Technical Analysis (ATAA) and has a Certified Financial Technician (IFTA) accreditation.

Chris supports his strong technical skills with a solid understanding of economic relationships and fundamental influences.


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What Are the Best Investments for 2011?

Since the beginning of the year, a lot of investors have been asking themselves what are the best investments for 2011? It is such a delicate question, as 2010 was a very volatile year. A lot of investors who starting to pour their money into areas they thought would be strong, got hurt.

Before asking yourself what the Best Investments for 2011, you must sit down with yourself and work out what goals and desires you have. You must also do a bit or research to ensure you put the odds in your favour. Not doing do can have dire consequences.

If you cannot spend time to do some research, it is better to hire or outsource someone to do this for you. This will cost you some money, but it will save you time, and will only increase the chances of seeing handsome profits down the track.

So what are the best investments for 2011?

1) Invest in Gold & Silver

No matter what you think, gold and silver have been very popular investments. Although whenever the economy suffers, these commodities do extremely well. They always have. Normally they are extremely volatile in price, and it is not advisable to buy futures or paper contracts. However you can watch the spot price of these commodities online and buy physical gold and silver bullion. They have real value and you do not have to deal with leverage like you do on the futures exchange. A lot of investors have realised this is one of the best investments for 2011 and that is why we have seen prices skyrocket.

2) Invest in Mutual Funds

These are some of the best investments for 2011. With many people now scared about the stock market and trying to make money themselves. Mutual funds that have a good track record in the past are a good option. The best part about these companies is that you get to diversify your money in many investment vehicles. That way you are not putting all your eggs in one basket. It is a low risk, high reward way to invest, without doing the hard work yourself.

3) Invest in commercial and residential real estate

With the recent real estate collapse, it is no surprise that real estate investments will be one of the best investments for 2011. If you are a good negotiator you can get even better deals. This does require a little time and patience but the rewards are very good. With prices so low, and the market recovering it is now very easy to spot a bargain. Look to do a bit of research on evolving towns or those towns under massive development, close to schools and shopping centres. These are the are guaranteed to do well in the years to come, and are likely to be the best investments for 2011 and 2012.

Want a looking glass into the future? World Recognised for their past trend forecasts and accurate stock market calls, Forecast For Tomorrow provides regular updates to help you make BIG profits in any economic climate. Find out what are the best investments for 2011. Visit http://www.forecastfortomorrow.com/


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Communicating With Investors

First Contact...Now What?

When you decide to join a funding network that has been accredited by the BBB, you will first create a profile and make some edits to your business plan to hone your funding request. After the business plan is uploaded, it's time to begin communicating with investors. So you wait for investors to show interest in your request and eventually that is exactly what happens.

The first investor contact provides an initial only for the last name and the full first name. A second investor provides a business name. The third investor leaves a first and last name, but there is no company name. The fourth contact is the only one that leaves a telephone number.

Now what do you do?

The Next Step...

The first step is to consider the types of investors that usually join accredited funding networks. Funding networks are attractive to funding providers because they simplify the process of locating quality start-up companies. The investor doesn't have to wade through dozens or even hundreds of funding requests that are of no or little interest. It is up to the investors to decide on when and how they want to promote funding availability and will often maintain anonymity until locating promising investments.

Investors also have the option of requesting that you mail, post online or send an electronic version of your business plan. You may be asked to send the business plan to an email address. Some investors will hold off requesting an emailed copy until able to obtain additional information about your business goals. The goal is avoid wasting time on requests that are unlikely to be funded.

To Non-Disclosure or Not to Non-Disclosure...

A common concern of entrepreneurs is the possibility of someone stealing their idea. You send your business plan to a potential investor and now he or she has your "secret". This is an honest concern, but that is precisely why you are using a BBB accredited funding network. The investors who join this type of network are looking for real opportunities that will provide a hefty return on investment. They must look at a number of possible deals to find the right one. Their goal is to earn money on legitimate businesses through investments and not by stealing ideas.

You have the option of requesting the investor sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), but don't be surprised if the investor refuses or counters with one the investor normally supplies.

Pre-Qualified Investors Add Trust

There are plenty of funding networks you can access, but most of them should be avoided. What you want is a trusted funding network that pre-qualifies its investors. Pre-qualification includes interviews by telephone and verification of legitimacy through internet research. The pre-qualification process is purposely not too extensive because even small investors are encouraged to join the network. An investor with $20,000 to spend on a business idea can offer much needed funding to small businesses. The limited pre-qualification process also enables larger investors to remain anonymous.

The limited prescreening interview and research will eliminate most of the scammers trying to use the network for advertising purposes or to collect fees. It is always up to the business person to practice due diligence though and not pay any upfront fees until completely comfortable this is the real deal.

The types of funding providers found on a trusted and accredited funding network are varied which is why they are beneficial to those needing funding. These investors include Venture Capital, Individual Investors, Angel Investors, Foundations, Institutional Investors, Brokers, Banks and even Micro Lenders.

Verifying Investor Legitimacy

There are signs that point to the fact an investor may not be legitimate, and you must learn to recognize them. One sign is the lack of successful investing history. Another sign someone is not legitimate is when you are unable to find any information on the business after contacting the country or state in which the business is registered. A third sign, as discussed, is an investor that demands an upfront fee. It is important to note though that successful brokers may require a small fee upfront, but if you did your research, the broker has been verified and has a proven track record.

As a means of protection, people seeking new funding will hire an experienced attorney to complete some research on likely investors before accepting any money. This will help you avoid getting caught in a shady deal or one that is too expensive. Large deals that are worth over $1 million will usually require that you pay some type of fee into an escrow account. This money is held while the in-depth research is completed including appraisals and title searches. If a fee is paid, the written agreement should clearly state the terms under which the funds will be returned.

Prepare in Advance

The postings you have placed online defining your business needs should clearly state the terms you are seeking. In this way, when you contact the interested investor there is no misunderstanding as to what you are looking for in the way of funding. An investor may decide to negotiate new terms, but you will be able to defend your position based on the postings.

The key to success is being patient. Let the investor take the lead because you may discover an even better deal than you had imagined.

Get more info about communicating with investors for your business venture at the Funded website or visit the Funded blog at http://www.funded.com/blog.


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Merger And Acquisition Fever Likely To Continue

In 2011 so far, we have globally seen over US $700b worth of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This shows some momentum following a rebound in 2010, after a lean period on the corporate activity front.

M&A activity was rife during the economic boom a few years ago. Takeovers, mergers and hostile debt-fuelled bids for companies by private equity firms were regular occurrences in the business pages leading up to late 2007. This was an extremely busy time for markets, and was profitable for both investors and investment bankers alike, with many takeovers executed at high prices.

During 2007 to 2009, M&A activity fell by almost 60% in Australasia. Management teams were all of a sudden more focused on defending their existing market positions instead of worrying about growth and there was so much uncertainty clouding the outlook that businesses began to take shelter and to try and ride out the storm as best they could.

It was no longer considered ideal or efficient to have a balance sheet with a lot of debt. It had become a threat to corporate survival. Companies went to their shareholders to raise new equity and reduce their reliance on debt funding.

Economic conditions improved dramatically during this period. There are still challenges, but banks are willing to lend money to those that can repay it, economic growth is stable and the high levels of uncertainty from the peak of the crisis have reduced. Company profits show growth in the US and the confidence to invest returns.

What remain quite subdued in many cases however, are sales. The easy gains have been made from cost cutting, as businesses have streamlined operations, improved efficiencies and emerged from the crisis much leaner.

Another driver of companies looking to expand and potentially grow by acquisition is shareholder pressure. Shareholders expect to see the money they have invested being put to use. If no such opportunities exist, many companies will look to return those unused funds to shareholders, either by increasing dividend payouts, paying special dividends or engaging in on-market share buybacks.

There is always an element of danger and risk when investing in stocks simply in the hope that a takeover bid will emerge, although it can provide a nice windfall when it happens to companies that we want to own anyway for their stand-alone fundamentals.

I would not expect companies to return to levels of indebtedness that were seen a few years ago, as I feel a more conservative slant to capital management will prevail, which is a good thing for investors. However, with confidence improving and plenty of balance sheet capacity, further merger and acquisition activity could well continue as the year goes on.

This is a modified article from Mark Lister. To read the complete article visit http://www.craigsip.com/. Craigs Investment Partners Limited (formerly ABN Amro Craigs.) is an NZX Firm that was established in 1984. It is one of New Zealand's largest and most established investment advisory firms.


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2011/06/19

Guide to Analysing the Value of a Company Via Their Financial Statements

There are many ways to analyse the value of a company, but the most effective is to look at the company's financial statements. A company releases its financial statements as part of its half-year and full year reports required by ASIC.

There are three main financial statements; Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Financial Performance and Statement of Cash Flows.

We give a brief outline of each of these below.

Statement of Financial Position

This is more commonly referred to as a Balance Sheet, and details the company's assets (what it owns), liabilities (what it owes) and shareholder's equity.

The Statement of Financial Position is a snapshot, and reflects the company's assets and liabilities at a specific date - usually at the end of, or half way through, a financial year.

This statement provides a range of information such as how much cash the company has in the bank, how much stock it has on hand, how much money the company is owed by customers, how much the company owes its suppliers, and of course how much it owes the bank.

The final figure at the bottom of the statement represents the net value of the company, once all assets are sold and liabilities paid off.

Statement of Financial Performance

This is more commonly referred to as a Profit & Loss Statement, or Income Statement, and details how much money the company made or lost during the year.

The Statement of Financial Performance reflects how much money the company has made or lost over a period of time, usually 6 or 12 months.

The statement is broken up into two parts; Income (sales and other revenue) and Expenses (costs).

This statement provides a range of information such as the value of sales during the period, other income such as bank interest, staff costs, marketing costs, research costs, and interest paid to the bank.

The final figure at the bottom of the statement represents the company's profit or loss for the year (or period).

Statement of Cash Flows

This is more commonly referred to as a Cash Flow Statement, and details cash flowing in and out of the company.

The Statement of Cash Flows reflects where the company is generating or leaking cash over a period of time, usually 6 or 12 months.

The statement breaks cash flows into three parts; Operations (normal business activities), Investing (buying and selling of assets) and Financing (mostly loans and interest).

Many beginners confuse this statement with the Statement of Financial Performance, but they are quite different.

A clear is example is when a company buys a new piece of machinery. The company has not made or lost any money, but the transaction meant cash changed hands.

This statement provides a range of information such as money received from customers, money paid to suppliers, money paid to buy equipment, money received from selling assets, and money received or repaid to the bank.

The final figure at the bottom of the statement represents the company's bank balance at the end of the year (or period), and how much it changed over the period.

Learn how to pick the best companies to invest in at a Stock Market Workshop and get trading tips from Stan with a Free Report Trial.

Stan attained his Bachelor of Commerce at Rhodes University and then completed his Master of Commerce in Finance & Financial Planning at Deakin University.

Stan is also a qualified Mining Investment Analyst and has extensive knowledge of resources. Stan has been with the Australian Stock Report since 2005. He employs his exceptional analytical and communication skills as a Research Analyst. Drawing on both his academics and previous roles, Stan conducts extensive research on Australian stocks and is involved in investments and fundamental analysis.

Stan is committed to helping investors make responsible investment decisions.


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Smith's PP1 Pocket Pal Multifunction Sharpener

Smith's PP1 Pocket Pal Multifunction SharpenerTapered round diamond coated rod for sharpening serrated and standard edges. Pre-set carbide blades quickly set your edge. Specially shaped ceramic stones give you a razor sharp edge. Reversible and replaceable carbide and ceramic stones for extended sharpening. Lanyard hole for carrying.

Price: $12.49


Click here to buy from Amazon

Roku 2100X XDS Streaming Player 1080p

Roku 2100X XDS Streaming Player 1080pRoku is a little box that allows you to instantly stream tons of entertainment on your TV. Watch over 100,000 movies and TV shows from Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, Hulu Plus and more. Listen to music on Pandora, or listen to your own iTunes playlists. Watch major sports, news, or original Internet programming. It's all available whenever you want it.

Price: $99.99


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Baby Einstein - Numbers Nursery

Baby Einstein - Numbers NurseryA playful and interactive introduction to numbers!
-- Exposes little ones to the concept of counting
-- Reinforces number recognition using simple patterns

Between 12 and 24 months, little ones become increasingly interested in more complex ideas and begin to explore numbers and counting. Numbers Nursery introduces little ones to numerals 1 through 5 in a captivating, interactive way that invites them to join in, clap their hands and count out loud. Using baby-friendly images of brightly colored toys, plus puppets, children and familiar real-world objects set to beautiful music, this dynamic program is a fun and age-appropriate way for you and your child to discover the exciting world of numbers and counting together!

DVD Features
-- Repeat play
-- Language tracks (Spanish, French and English)
-- Discovery cards - Count 1 to 10 in seven languages
-- Count-along activities
-- How many?
-- Story time with See and Spy Counting book
-- Toy chest

Price: $19.99


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Top 100 Baby Purees: 100 Quick and Easy Meals for a Healthy and Happy Baby

Top 100 Baby Purees: 100 Quick and Easy Meals for a Healthy and Happy BabyBabies grow more rapidly in their first year than at any other time in their lives, so how you feed your newborn will be one of the most important decisions you make for your new baby.

Making your own baby food is not only more economical than buying commercial brands, it also assures that your child consumes only the freshest, top-quality ingredients. British television personality and children's nutrition expert Annabel Karmel's essential collection of best-ever purees grants new parents their wish: one hundred quick and easy recipes that will make for a healthy and happy baby. From first tastes and weaning, right through to meals for older babies, all the recipes are suitable for children aged six months and older. And with all these fruit and vegetable favorites, and innovative fish, meat, and chicken purees, the dishes are so tasty you will want to eat them yourself!

In addition to easy and delicious recipes, Top 100 Baby Purees also includes information on:

  • Weaning your baby and transitioning to solid foods
  • Food allergies
  • Time-saving food preparation tips
  • Freezing and reheating your homemade baby food
  • Tricks on finding the hidden nutrition in everyday foods

Featuring a preface by Dr. Michel Cohen, New York pediatrician and author of The New Basics: A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parent

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Sound Conditioner Sound Screen SleepMate Electro-Mechanical White Noise Machine

Sound Conditioner Sound Screen SleepMate Electro-Mechanical White Noise MachineThis Sleep Mate Sound Conditioner product produces the sounds of nature and surround you with an environment of "conditioned" sound. Are loud neighbors, your spouse's snoring or other irritating noises keeping you awake at night? This is no longer a problem when you have this noise sleep machine. These sleep machine devices employ the latest technology to create soothing, natural sounds that effectively mask out unwanted noise that may interfere with your ability to sleep, relax, meditate or concentrate on work or studies. The sound from this sound sleep machine is continuous and pleasant, and works like a balm to soothe and relax. Sound conditioners create a consistent, smooth sound of rushing air. The tone and volume of the sound of this sleep aid are controlled by simply rotating the "cap" and "collar" of the housing. This white noise machine sound effectively masks unwanted noises and creates a sense of calm, making it easier to concentrate, relax and/or sleep.

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2011/06/18

Timex Women's T5J151 1440 Sports Digital Watch

Timex Women's T5J151 1440 Sports Digital WatchThis mid-sized Timex Sports digital watch (model T5J151) features a durable pink and silver resin watch case with easy-to-access side buttons and quickly readable large digital display. Sport timing features include a 24-hour chronograph and 24-hour countdown timer. Other features include a daily alarm, dual time zone display, and water resistance to 50 meters (165 feet). It's completed by a comfortable gray polyurethane strap with a tapered profile.

The Indiglo night-light uniformly lights the surface of the watch dial using patented blue electroluminescent lighting technology. It uses less battery power than most other watch illumination systems, enabling your watch battery to last longer.

Price: $19.95


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The Samurai Strategy

The Samurai Strategy(Bantam 1988)

"A financial thriller right out of the headlines." Adam Smith

A high-finance, high-tech thriller of Wall Street, murder, currency manipulation. A mysterious Japanese industrialist begins a massive 'hedging' in the US markets. Two weeks later, in Japan's Inland Sea, divers working for him recover the Imperial Sword, given to Japan's first Emperor by the Sun Goddess. Can a lone American lawyer stop him from bringing down the US?


Price: $0.99


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Penny Stock Profit- A Scientific Approach to Penny Stock Trading

Learn the formula behind the trading success. Get real time alerts on hot penny stocks in the market. Everything you need to know about making money with trading penny stocks.


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Top Dividend Stocks

Dividend Stocks Online provides top dividend lists to highlight the best dividend stocks. Top 100 dividend stocks, ex-dividend ratings, high yield ratings, monthly reports and more. Pays 40% per sale to affiliates. Membership renews each month.


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Blue's Clues - ABC's and 1,2,3's [VHS]

Blue's Clues - ABC's and 1,2,3's [VHS]The popular Nickelodeon Jr. show for the 2-4 age group does an excellent job of introducing simple vocabulary and numerical concepts in these two episodes. In the first, Steve and his dog Blue's house is labeled to discover what book Blue wants to have read to her. The labels (everything from "refrigerator" to "wall") are treated lightly, Steve mostly asking the audience to name the first letter of each word. Steve and Blue also work on constructing a simple sentence.

In the second episode, Blue wants to buy something. Simple counting games and a shopping trip to The Present Store make for a solid exploration of numbers. Addition, subtraction, and even fractions are on the menu. --Doug Thomas

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American Baby Company 100% Cotton Value Jersey Knit Porta-Crib Sheet

Cooks healthy flavorful meals, fast and easy. The smart choice for preparing today's lower calorie foods. Cooks 3 to 10 times faster than ordinary cooking methods. Saves time, energy, and money. Pressure cooking preserves flavors and nutrients, and even tenderizes lean cuts of meat. The pressure regulator maintains the proper cooking pressure automatically. Ideal for use on regular and smooth top ranges. Luxurious stainless steel for long lasting beauty and easy cleaning. Cover lock indicator shows at a glance if there is pressure inside the cooker. Includes cooking rack and complete 64 page instruction recipe book. Extended 12 year limited warranty. No. 01341: 4 quart (3.8 liter) No. 01362: 6 quart (5.7 liter)

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How the major stock indexes fared Thursday (AP)

Better-than-expected reports on home building and jobs pushed two of the three major stock indexes higher Thursday. The broader market ended mixed.

The pace of new home construction quickened last month and the number of people who applied for unemployment benefits fell last week.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 64.25 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 11,961.52.

The S&P 500 rose 2.22, or 0.2 percent, to 1,267.64.

The Nasdaq composite lost 7.76, or 0.3 percent, to 2,623.70

For the week:

The Dow is up 9.61, or 0.1 percent.

The S&P is down 3.34, or 0.3 percent.

The Nasdaq is down 20.03, or 0.8 percent.

For the year to date:

The Dow is up 384.01, or 3.3 percent.

The S&P is up 10.00, or 0.8 percent.

The Nasdaq is down 29.17, or 1.1 percent.


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Kindle 3G, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 3G Works Globally, White, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology

Kindle 3G, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 3G Works Globally, White, 6

The all-new Kindle has a new electronic-ink screen with 50 percent better contrast than any other e-reader, a new sleek design with a 21 percent smaller body while still keeping the same 6-inch-size reading area, and a 15 percent lighter weight at just 8.7 ounces. The new Kindle also offers 20 percent faster page turns, up to one month of battery life, double the storage to 3,500 books, built-in Wi-Fi, a graphite color option and morea€?all for only $189, and still with free 3G wirelessa€?no monthly bills or annual contracts.

Price: $189.00


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