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

Monday, November 24, 2008

Headline Financial News

Paulson flip-flops on TARP reserve. As recently as last week, Treasury's Henry Paulson said he wouldn't use the $410B of remaining TARP funds, preferring to save the money for unforeseen emergencies and to allow the new administration flexibility. Apparently, things have changed since then, as Paulson is now considering a more active role for his final weeks in office and may use the second half of the TARP funds to roll out new programs after all. Sources say that as market conditions deteriorate, Paulson is looking for ways to stem foreclosures and to make it easier for households to borrow money. A Treasury spokesman confirmed "we're looking at a variety of programs to support the market and we'll implement them as soon as they're ready," and said Paulson had never ruled out tapping the remaining funds. The Treasury is also considering another capital-injection program aimed at financial institutions beyond banks.

Obama's oh-so-big stimulus plan. President-elect Obama is crafting an aggressive economic stimulus plan that could see $500B-$700B in federal spending and tax cuts over the next two years, according to several of his senior aides. Lawrence Summers, a recent addition to Obama's economic team, indicated a stimulus of that magnitude was indeed possible, adding any stimulus will need to be "speedy, substantial, and sustained." He also warned that "we're going to need impetus for the economy for two to three years." Democrats are hoping to rush a stimulus bill through Congress after New Year's so Obama can sign the bill immediately after his January 20 inauguration. Obama is expected to release more details of his plan during a press conference later today to introduce Tim Geithner as his choice for Treasury Secretary.

Builders ask for billions. Automakers struck out, but that hasn't deterred home builders from trying to get government rescue money. The builders' lobby is pushing for a $250B stimulus package it calls "Fix Housing First," arguing financial markets won't recover until housing markets stabilize. The package includes tax credits for home purchases and a federal subsidy on mortgage rates. Critics say the proposal is too expensive and overemphasizes home purchases vs. loan modifications, and warn that any government intervention will have to find a way to stimulate housing demand without artificially propping up property values.

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