Protest at Tata Plant Evidence of Indian Identity Crisis

At a price of just $2,500 each, Tata Motors Ltd.’s (TTM) Nano was billed early in its development as the world’s cheapest automobile and the only car that was both affordable and practical enough for India’s quickly burgeoning middle class. But the…

THE REAL COST OF A FULL BAILOUT

A recent study from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has zero credibility. It pegged likely taxpayer losses in the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bailouts at $25 billion. For those with a sense of history, it is worth remembering that…

THE BATTLE FOR INVESTMENT SURVIVAL

An introduction to the principle of compound interest shows that, an investment that returns a 5% or even 3% rate, over centuries, eventually attains a colossal sum. A million dollars - a decent house these days - invested at a mere…

Pledge to Hedge: An Ancient Trick For Cooling Can Save Big Bucks

“You’re going about this the wrong way,” said my friend and architect Fredrick Zal.

“What you really need is a cold air stack.”

I had asked Fred for some easy, cost efficient ways to cool our house. It was a logical step…

Looking for the Innovators

The “I” Cycle

While in Vienna last month, I grabbed hold of the international edition of The Wall Street Journal. Over a classic Viennese breakfast of coffee, a boiled egg and pastry, I stumbled across an interview with Ted Forstmann, titled,…

Colombia: Latin America’s Hidden Gem for Investors

I have to admit it: When it comes to investing in such emerging markets as Latin America, I’m generally a cynic.

It’s partly because of my experiences as a young banker there in 1979-82. But I’m just as troubled by the…

The Next Victim in the Banking Fiasco

A New Short Idea in the Banking Sector

“You know, you saw subprime go first, and then, on a slight lag, you saw home equity, and now in the lag, you’re seeing prime go. And it’s exactly the same loss factors.…

Chrysler Considers Sale of Gas-Guzzling Viper

With the U.S. auto market increasingly focused on practicality and fuel-efficiency, Chrysler LLC announced yesterday (Wednesday) it was entertaining offers for its Dodge Viper sports car.

“We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper,”…

The National Debt: The Biggest Threat to Your Financial Future

I don’t ordinarily watch horror flicks. So I certainly don’t recommend them. But today I’m making an exception.

Take everyone over 15 in your household to see Addison Wiggin’s new movie “I.O.U.S.A.” at your local theater. It’s an eye-opening experience. And…

Resources Hit the Dog Days

Oil is selling in the range of $113 per barrel, down from its recent high of $146. Gold is selling below $800 per ounce, down significantly from its springtime high of over $1,000. With a drop in excess of 20…