“In the end, alchemy, whether it is metallurgical or financial, FAILS.”
-Warren Buffet
Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!
Till next time,
Bill
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A disclaimer: None of the content published on billtatro.com constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. None of the information providers or their affiliates will advise you personally concerning the nature, potential, value or suitability of any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, investment strategy or other matter. To the extent any of the content published as part of BillTatro.com may be deemed to be investment advice, such information is impersonal and not tailored to the investment needs of any specific person.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Person of the Year?
Beginning on June 18th 2002 in East Central Arizona, a wildfire burned and was not controlled until July 7th 2002. It was the worst forest fire in Arizona’s recorded history to date, consuming 467,000 acres of woodland. In addition, several local communities were threatened and had to be evacuated. In actuality, there were two separate fires that combined into one. The first was set by a stranded motorist, trying to signal to a news helicopter. Understandable but stupid. The second, the Rodeo fire, was set by an arsonist who worked as a seasonal fire fighter. He told investigators he set two fires that morning (the first was quickly put out) in hopes of getting hired by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for a quick response fire crew position. He had previously worked as a BIA fire crew member, and was indeed among the first to be called in order to fight the Rodeo fire.
Now, let’s shift gears for a moment. The Federal Reserve, a clandestine and questionable organization at best, has created every bubble since the mid 1990’s. (I don’t have time to tell you what they’ve done since inception, that’s another story.) First, it was the dot com expansion with semi-loose lending practices. Next, it was the encouragement of subprime lending, with interest rates at a ridiculously low 1%. Now, it’s the Wall Street big banks world-at-large-printing-press-gone-crazy-carry-trade-bailout, with interest rates again at 1% to 0.25%.
The maestro of this financial catastrophe was Allen Greenspan. But in lock step, as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, and now Chairman of the Federal Reserve, was the newly chosen 2009 Time Magazine Person of the Year, Ben Bernanke. It seems as though the job of the Fed is to create a bubble, and then become the rescuer by creating an even greater bubble. It would appear the thinking is that the American public will only be looking backwards and grateful and not looking forward to what is coming next. Well, maybe they’re right. Did you see the dot com crash coming? Did you foresee the subprime meltdown? Do you believe the credit crisis is about to implode, and be worse than either of the past two bubbles combined? Of course not, you’re hopeful and optimistic. So am I. But facts are facts.
I’m sure the fireman in Arizona didn’t imagine what havoc he created. Perhaps he thought it was all in everyone’s best interest. We know the result. I’m sure Ben Bernanke is hopeful, but Person of the Year? Maybe they should have named the arsonist as Fireman of the Year. Oh well, Obama got the Nobel Peace Prize, and rumor has it that Tiger Woods will be named Husband of the Year!
Till next time,
Bill
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
A disclaimer: None of the content published on BillTatro.com constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. None of the information providers or their affiliates will advise you personally concerning the nature, potential, value or suitability of any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, investment strategy or other matter. To the extent any of the content published as part of BillTatro.com may be deemed to be investment advice, such information is impersonal and not tailored to the investment needs of any specific person.
Now, let’s shift gears for a moment. The Federal Reserve, a clandestine and questionable organization at best, has created every bubble since the mid 1990’s. (I don’t have time to tell you what they’ve done since inception, that’s another story.) First, it was the dot com expansion with semi-loose lending practices. Next, it was the encouragement of subprime lending, with interest rates at a ridiculously low 1%. Now, it’s the Wall Street big banks world-at-large-printing-press-gone-crazy-carry-trade-bailout, with interest rates again at 1% to 0.25%.
The maestro of this financial catastrophe was Allen Greenspan. But in lock step, as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, and now Chairman of the Federal Reserve, was the newly chosen 2009 Time Magazine Person of the Year, Ben Bernanke. It seems as though the job of the Fed is to create a bubble, and then become the rescuer by creating an even greater bubble. It would appear the thinking is that the American public will only be looking backwards and grateful and not looking forward to what is coming next. Well, maybe they’re right. Did you see the dot com crash coming? Did you foresee the subprime meltdown? Do you believe the credit crisis is about to implode, and be worse than either of the past two bubbles combined? Of course not, you’re hopeful and optimistic. So am I. But facts are facts.
I’m sure the fireman in Arizona didn’t imagine what havoc he created. Perhaps he thought it was all in everyone’s best interest. We know the result. I’m sure Ben Bernanke is hopeful, but Person of the Year? Maybe they should have named the arsonist as Fireman of the Year. Oh well, Obama got the Nobel Peace Prize, and rumor has it that Tiger Woods will be named Husband of the Year!
Till next time,
Bill
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
A disclaimer: None of the content published on BillTatro.com constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. None of the information providers or their affiliates will advise you personally concerning the nature, potential, value or suitability of any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, investment strategy or other matter. To the extent any of the content published as part of BillTatro.com may be deemed to be investment advice, such information is impersonal and not tailored to the investment needs of any specific person.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Dear Clients and Friends,
This has been a difficult year economically and emotionally for many people. In the spirit of holiday giving, all of us here at Eagle Steward LTD. have decided rather than throw a Christmas party for clients or send Christmas gifts to clients, we would like to support an organization that in turn can provide shelter, love and comfort to those in need.
In the past Caprice and her staff have supported the White Mountain Safe House in Pinetop, Arizona, and this year we would like to offer them our support.
White Mountain Safe House is a place where victims of domestic violence can find shelter for up to 120 days, and where families can learn better ways of relating and getting along. Anyone who has been in a situation of physical, emotional or sexual abuse can use the services. Family violence is a way of life. It happens in all religious and ethnic groups and occurs among the rich and poor alike. 95% of all victims are women. Every 12 seconds in America a woman is beaten by her partner. 63% of all boys between the ages of 11 and 20 who commit murder kill the man who abused their mother. Children that observe their parents fighting often exhibit severe emotional/behavioral problems, and children raised in violent homes are 74% more likely to commit assault. Children learn what they live. And in tough economic times, when jobs are lost and money is tight, domestic violence rises.
We believe in not only the sanctuary White Mountain Safe House provides for domestic abuse victims, but also applaud the domestic violence education programs that prepare the residents to break the cycle of fear and abuse by fostering confidence and independence, providing assistance in finding employment and assistance creating an independent living environment that is conducive to the safety for which every mother yearns, and the love and trust every child deserves.
We need your help! On Christmas Eve, Caprice and I will be delivering a Christmas Pajama Tree to the adults and children of this very special shelter. Pajamas and slippers are needed for toddlers, girls and women of all ages, and boys up to the age of 12. On Christmas Eve the women and children will be able to select a gift, your gift, from the tree, and greet Christmas morning wrapped in the fuzzy comfort of warm slippers and cozy flannel and cotton PJ’s. We have set up the Pajama Tree in our office lobby in Phoenix, and you can mail your donations of Pajamas and Slippers between now and December 18th to the following:
Bill Tatro
2701 E Camelback Rd. Ste. 170
Phoenix, AZ 85016
This year we will also be making a financial donation to the Healing Hearts Animal Sanctuary which provides a similar type of shelter and love to abused animals
So please join us in giving of ourselves to those in need, and help us provide love, warmth and a little magic at Christmas.
For you and yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, and much Health, Happiness and Prosperity for the New Year.
Eagle Steward LTD
Bill, Caprice, and Staff
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
A disclaimer: None of the content published on BillTatro.com constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. None of the information providers or their affiliates will advise you personally concerning the nature, potential, value or suitability of any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, investment strategy or other matter. To the extent any of the content published as part of BillTatro.com may be deemed to be investment advice, such information is impersonal and not tailored to the investment needs of any specific person.
This has been a difficult year economically and emotionally for many people. In the spirit of holiday giving, all of us here at Eagle Steward LTD. have decided rather than throw a Christmas party for clients or send Christmas gifts to clients, we would like to support an organization that in turn can provide shelter, love and comfort to those in need.
In the past Caprice and her staff have supported the White Mountain Safe House in Pinetop, Arizona, and this year we would like to offer them our support.
White Mountain Safe House is a place where victims of domestic violence can find shelter for up to 120 days, and where families can learn better ways of relating and getting along. Anyone who has been in a situation of physical, emotional or sexual abuse can use the services. Family violence is a way of life. It happens in all religious and ethnic groups and occurs among the rich and poor alike. 95% of all victims are women. Every 12 seconds in America a woman is beaten by her partner. 63% of all boys between the ages of 11 and 20 who commit murder kill the man who abused their mother. Children that observe their parents fighting often exhibit severe emotional/behavioral problems, and children raised in violent homes are 74% more likely to commit assault. Children learn what they live. And in tough economic times, when jobs are lost and money is tight, domestic violence rises.
We believe in not only the sanctuary White Mountain Safe House provides for domestic abuse victims, but also applaud the domestic violence education programs that prepare the residents to break the cycle of fear and abuse by fostering confidence and independence, providing assistance in finding employment and assistance creating an independent living environment that is conducive to the safety for which every mother yearns, and the love and trust every child deserves.
We need your help! On Christmas Eve, Caprice and I will be delivering a Christmas Pajama Tree to the adults and children of this very special shelter. Pajamas and slippers are needed for toddlers, girls and women of all ages, and boys up to the age of 12. On Christmas Eve the women and children will be able to select a gift, your gift, from the tree, and greet Christmas morning wrapped in the fuzzy comfort of warm slippers and cozy flannel and cotton PJ’s. We have set up the Pajama Tree in our office lobby in Phoenix, and you can mail your donations of Pajamas and Slippers between now and December 18th to the following:
Bill Tatro
2701 E Camelback Rd. Ste. 170
Phoenix, AZ 85016
This year we will also be making a financial donation to the Healing Hearts Animal Sanctuary which provides a similar type of shelter and love to abused animals
So please join us in giving of ourselves to those in need, and help us provide love, warmth and a little magic at Christmas.
For you and yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, and much Health, Happiness and Prosperity for the New Year.
Eagle Steward LTD
Bill, Caprice, and Staff
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
A disclaimer: None of the content published on BillTatro.com constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. None of the information providers or their affiliates will advise you personally concerning the nature, potential, value or suitability of any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, investment strategy or other matter. To the extent any of the content published as part of BillTatro.com may be deemed to be investment advice, such information is impersonal and not tailored to the investment needs of any specific person.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Get Serious
Credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service has warned that the United States and Great Britain may have their triple A (AAA) credit rating jeopardized due to “deteriorating public finances.” Are they serious? This is the same group that rated subprime slime triple A (AAA), and the same group that got paid by the underlying issuer, as opposed to an independent third party. They bluster after the horse has left the barn.
However, the real issue could be the country of Greece, whose potential bond defaults could lead to a cascade of other countries following suit. Yes, major trouble might be on the horizon, and yes, the U.S. financial position is bad. But for the sham ratings agency to acknowledge it now makes their actions ludicrous.
Till next time,
Bill
P.S. – Don't forget to listen to “It’s All About Money” right here on billtatro.com.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
A disclaimer: None of the content published on BillTatro.com constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. None of the information providers or their affiliates will advise you personally concerning the nature, potential, value or suitability of any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, investment strategy or other matter. To the extent any of the content published as part of BillTatro.com may be deemed to be investment advice, such information is impersonal and not tailored to the investment needs of any specific person.
However, the real issue could be the country of Greece, whose potential bond defaults could lead to a cascade of other countries following suit. Yes, major trouble might be on the horizon, and yes, the U.S. financial position is bad. But for the sham ratings agency to acknowledge it now makes their actions ludicrous.
Till next time,
Bill
P.S. – Don't forget to listen to “It’s All About Money” right here on billtatro.com.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
A disclaimer: None of the content published on BillTatro.com constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. None of the information providers or their affiliates will advise you personally concerning the nature, potential, value or suitability of any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, investment strategy or other matter. To the extent any of the content published as part of BillTatro.com may be deemed to be investment advice, such information is impersonal and not tailored to the investment needs of any specific person.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Risk Trade is Alive and Well Until it Isn't
As the Nikkei approached 40,000, or the NASDAQ approached 5000, shouts rang out like the man eating plant in Little Shop of Horrors: “Feed me, feed me.” So it is today, as gold, the Dow, and oil, move aggressively and parabolically onward and upward. Excess liquidity and momentum have been the rocket fuel to transport prices ever higher. Borrowing to leverage the trade has been as American as apple pie. Central bankers have slashed interest rates and poured billions into their systems to prevent the inevitable collapse. However, in their efforts to save themselves, they have ignored the populous, as foreclosures run rampant, unemployment shoots higher, and bankruptcies are a matter of course. But, oh, how bonuses will be grandiose on Wall Street this Christmas.
The common denominator of all the market participants, from Shanghai to Luxembourg, Wall Street to Main Street, bankers, hedge funds, sovereigns, or just plain folk, it’s one foot out the door. You see, all know it will end, and could end badly, but each think that he or she can get out before the other. This strange situation of fully invested bears could create the real possibility that some negative event could precipitate a route like 1987, as everyone heads for the exit at the same time.
Dubai, Afghanistan, Iran, anyone?
Till next time,
Bill
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
A disclaimer: None of the content published on BillTatro.com constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. None of the information providers or their affiliates will advise you personally concerning the nature, potential, value or suitability of any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, investment strategy or other matter. To the extent any of the content published as part of BillTatro.com may be deemed to be investment advice, such information is impersonal and not tailored to the investment needs of any specific person.
The common denominator of all the market participants, from Shanghai to Luxembourg, Wall Street to Main Street, bankers, hedge funds, sovereigns, or just plain folk, it’s one foot out the door. You see, all know it will end, and could end badly, but each think that he or she can get out before the other. This strange situation of fully invested bears could create the real possibility that some negative event could precipitate a route like 1987, as everyone heads for the exit at the same time.
Dubai, Afghanistan, Iran, anyone?
Till next time,
Bill
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
A disclaimer: None of the content published on BillTatro.com constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. None of the information providers or their affiliates will advise you personally concerning the nature, potential, value or suitability of any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, investment strategy or other matter. To the extent any of the content published as part of BillTatro.com may be deemed to be investment advice, such information is impersonal and not tailored to the investment needs of any specific person.
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