China's Lending Woes a Caution for Investors
February 9th, 2012
in contributors
by Guest Author Gregory Hines
As politicians, institutional investors, and policy makers grapple with the current sovereign debt crisis and its effect on global markets, another problem 
half a world away is threatening to shake global financial markets in a similar manner. In its Global Financial Stability Report, the IMF reported that China is facing an impending credit crisis due to its loose lending policies to local governments.
Prior to 2008, China experienced a credit and construction boom fueled by low rates and easy lending policies to local government authorities. According to the IMF, China experienced one of the highest rates in credit expansion from 2009-2010. In addition, China has an extremely high level of gross debt which is roughly 173 % of GDP as of the end of June.
Robo-Signing Mortages is Not the Only Documentation Problem for Banks
February 8th, 2012
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by Guest Author Shah Gilani, Money Morning
What may be good news for delinquent credit card holders may also be really bad news for banks.
It turns out the "robo-signing" of foreclosure affidavits is just the tip of the iceberg.
In what one judge called "robo-testimony," falsely attested-to statements by bank document custodians have been submitted in courts around the country by banks trying to win judgments against delinquent credit card debtors.
Apparently, tens of millions of credit cards issued by banks have not been accompanied by good recordkeeping, either.
Intermarket Analysis: Perspective on Inflation, Deflation
February 7th, 2012
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by J. Clinton Hill, The Market Direction at hillbent.com
Some friends/professional peers sent me a couple timely and interesting articles related to topics on bonds, inflation, and liquidity traps. If you have the time, I highly recommend reading them:
Bill Gross On Minsky’s Take Of The Liquidity Trap: From “Hedge” To “Securitised” To “Ponzi”
Huggies Price Cut Shows Why Bond Market Backs Bernanke QE3
One friend is a professional trader based out of Europe and the other is a CFA analyst on the east coast. Both more or less wanted to know my take on either of these articles, so today’s post essentially shares my earlier reply to their communication. I answered with the following email comments:
Buy Timber Stocks, Money Does Grow on Trees
February 6th, 2012
in contributors
Article of the Week from Money Morning
by Don Miller, Contributing Writer, Money Morning
Chances are you've never considered timber stocks in your investing strategy. But if that's the case, then you've been missing out.
Timber is a long-term investment that can reward your portfolio in good times, and protect it in bad.
In fact, investing in timber has proven to be more profitable - and less risky - than any other asset class for almost 100 years. Investing in timber stacks up well against stocks, bonds, oil and other commodities-even gold. Here's why...
The Week Ahead: Time for a Breather?
February 5th, 2012
in contributors
by Jeff Miller
After last week's data and the recent market run, I sense that it might be time for a deep breath.
There have been solid reasons behind the market rally, including all of the following:
- Improving economic reports
- Progress in Europe
- Reasonable growth in earnings
- A backdrop of low P/E multiples
Last week I accurately suggested that it would be all about the avalanche of economic data with a big focus on Friday. This was correct.
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