Crew Capital Management Thoughts on Investment

Welcome to the Crew Capital Management Thoughts on Investment blog. At Crew Capital, investment education is key to how we work with our clients. We hope our conversation and analysis entice you to think further on your investment strategies and planning. For further discussion, please contact us at rjung@crewcapital.com

Thank you!
Robert F. Jung, CFA CPA*

*CPA inactve

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Financial News Headlines

Report: U.S. reliance on foreign capital leaves it vulnerable
America's reliance on foreign central banks and sovereign-wealth funds for funding may restrict Washington's policy options, according to a report from the Council of Foreign Relations. "This does not mean foreign creditors are certain or even likely to use their financial assets as a weapon. It does mean that they could do so if they want," said Brad Setser, fellow for geoeconomics at the council. Reuters (09 Sep.)

Buffett's Berkshire caps insurance level of bank deposits
Kansas Bankers Surety, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, will quit insuring bank deposits for more than the amount guaranteed by the U.S. government, according to the Wall Street Journal. Reuters (10 Sep.) A significant indication of just how worried Buffett, and likely others, are about future bank failures.

Greenspan applauds government takeover of Fannie, Freddie
Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan applauded the U.S. government's bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Greenspan had urged Congress to empower the government with authority to manage large companies in crises to protect taxpayers, although he proposed that the Fed should not be relied on for handling bailouts and that the process needs to be transparent. CNBC (09 Sep.)

Stunted shopping means difficult Q3. Consumer spending will take a decided turn for the worse in Q3, economists say. "The seemingly resilient U.S. consumer is finally buckling." The slump will slow GDP growth to 1.2% - less than half of the prior quarter's 3.3%. Factors: Eight months of falling employment; weakening consumer confidence; and falling property values. seekingalpha.com

Pending Home Sales fell 3.2% in July vs. June, and 6.8% vs. a year ago - worse than the -2.1% M/M consensus. The drop indicates that the U.S. housing market may continue to weaken over the coming months. "Pending home sales are oscillating month-to-month, with the long-term trend essentially flat," NAR's Lawrence Yun said. "Overly stringent lending criteria imposed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the past month no doubt held back contract signings," implying the recent Treasury move to free up mortgage funds may be a net positive for the industry. seekingalpha.com

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