About Mark Cohen's Blog:


Mr. Cohen has a great reputation when it comes to building and training elite sales teams, as well as, speaking at many local and national financial events.

This blog will serve as a place for Mr. Cohen to share financial news and information going on in world.

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Who's richer than you? Blackstone's $690M man

The Blackstone Group's CEO paid its CEO a bounty that made him stand out from Wall Street's big money pack.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Fed's Fischer: 'It's about time' for rate hike

The Federal Reserve's Stanley Fischer told CNBC that there is a "high probability" of a rate increase this year.

Novogratz performance lags, but cash keeps coming

Problems with a small but high-profile macro hedge fund belie Fortress managing more money than ever.

Great month for stocks, what's next?

Nearly everything is up five percent

This is the Fed's biggest economic headache

The central bank is willing to wait for inflation to catch up to employment before hiking rates.

Biggest problem for start-ups ... too much money?

Bill Gurley, general partner at Benchmark, said Friday what he believes is the biggest problem presented by start-ups.

Fines, selloffs, cuts: Life under cash-squeezed ISIS

Recently, ISIS has been dealing with financial hardships—here's how it is dealing with it, the Financial Times reports.

Fed's Fischer: Rate rise seen 'sometime this year'

Both the FOMC and markets are expecting that rates will be raised "sometime this year," the Fed's Stanley Fischer said.

Meet the man who beats the market without fail

In one of the most astounding situations in the financial world, Max-Herve George has a way to invest with 20-20 hindsight.

Influential group urges Fed to wait on raising rates

The Fed should keep interest rates lower for longer than planned and then tighten aggressively, according to new findings.

Germany backs Greek plan but bailout fatigue grows

Germany's parliament approved an extension of Greece's bailout but a number of dissenters underscored growing skepticism in Berlin.

Dudley: Why Fed may need to get 'more aggressive'

The Fed may have to get even more aggressive if its efforts to tighten aren't reflected in short-term rates, he said.

Careful: Earnings are turning negative

Investors should be cautious as earnings for this year's first quarter are lower than last year's.

AmEx returns to its roots: The wealthy

American Express is catering to the affluent once again after taking several blows to its business, the NYT reports.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

US probe delays Barclays forex settlement

A New York banking regulator's probe of Barclays' forex business is holding up a settlement of currency rate-rigging allegations, the FT reports.

Greenspan: Effective demand weak as Depression-era

Effective demand is extremely weak, probably tantamount to the later stages of the Great Depression, Alan Greenspan said.

Battle over Herbalife takes to New York streets

A group of eight or so anti-Herbalife protesters gathered for a vigil to oppose Carl Icahn's support of the stock.

All analysts want you to do is buy; here's proof

Most analysts have rarely met a stock they didn't like, or at least weren't willing to hang out with for a while.

The oil selloff created this buying opportunity

Some energy-linked stocks have sold off unfairly, presenting a good buying opportunity, according to a renewables pro.

The Top 10 lies told on Wall Street

With all the fibbers we've outed lately, Turney Duff takes a look at the top 10 lies told on Wall Street.

Don’t chase unicorns, chase dragons: Expert

VC's should steer away from the "unicorn" start-ups roaming the world nowadays and go after dragons, one expert said.

Markets at new highs, but earnings keep slipping

Stocks must trade at some multiple of earnings acceptable to investors, and the numbers are coming down faster than usual.

These 7 companies bleed cash like crazy

These seven Russell 1000 companies have bled through at least $2 billion in free cash flow in the last calendar year. The USAToday reports.

How IBM plans to win back investors

At the annual IBM investors' meeting, CEO Ginny Rometty and her lieutenants lay out a plan for winning back investors.

Musk's Hyperloop moves closer to reality

Elon Musk's Hyperloop is now one step closer to becoming a reality, and here is why.

Bullard: Fed should lose its 'patience' on rates

St. Louis Fed President James Bullard says the word "patient" should come out of the next Fed policy statement.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Don't sweat retail earnings, yet

Retail: good or bad?

Doubleline's Jeff Gundlach enters the ETF business

Doubleline's Jeff Gundlach has entered the ETF business. His DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF had a respectable debut Tuesday.

Four survivor CEOs since Nasdaq last hit 5,000

Almost 15 years have passed since the Nasdaq first broke the 5,000 mark. Now, the index is poised to pass that again.

Uh-oh: Charging bulls a 'major worry' for stocks

The 45.4 point difference between bulls and bears is above levels that signaled near-term market tops.

Nice rally, but major indices seem stretched

Big indices are far above their 50-day moving averages. When these indices get too far from that average, there is a reversion to the mean.

Private equity to open up, include 401(k)s: Exec

David Rubenstein said he saw PE opening to a larger client base, including 401(k) investments, the NYT reports.

Lowe's tops quarterly estimates, shares rise

Lowe's posted quarterly earnings and revenue that topped Wall Street expectations Wednesday, sending shares higher in premarket trading.

HSBC execs face grilling by lawmakers over tax

HSBC bosses Stuart Gulliver and Douglas Flint will face tough questions from U.K. politicians over tax evasion at the bank's Swiss subsidiary.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Yellen keeps the markets calm

The regular session saw a fairly broad rally, even as Janet Yellen talked about rates.

JPMorgan discloses $9 in Iran fees...yes, $9

Federal law requires JPMorgan Chase & Co to disclose Iran-related transactions, which the bank did Tuesday ... all $9 of them.

Hedge fund: 'Distressed cycle' for energy coming

Another big hedge fund manager is getting ready to make money on the crash in energy prices.

JPMorgan CFO: Bigger is better...for now

"Our synergies are real," said Marianne Lake, pointing to some $15 billion in revenue and $3 billion in cost savings.

JPMorgan to close 5% of bank branches

The expense of teller transaction and popularity of online banking leads company to cut brick-and-mortar locations.

New oil rush? Private equity starts buying energy

Private equity companies are looking in to oil, according to execs at Berlin PE meeting.

Yellen takes it slow, and that pleases markets

Say what you will about the Fed being behind the curve, Yellen has mastered the art of managing expectations.

JPMorgan exec downplays benefits of bank split

Executives made their case for why the bank should remain whole as it continues to pare down some businesses. USA Today reports.

Fed won't raise rates at all in 2015: TrimTabs CEO

Forget a few meetings — the Fed won't raise rates at all this year, says TrimTabs CEO Charles Biderman.

What to expect after Yellen's statement: Analyst

Fed Chair Janet Yellen's prepared statement shows the central bank will not raise rates in June, Diane Swonk told CNBC.

Right on, Janet Yellen!

Janet Yellen's comments about keeping rates low for a while are right on the money, says Ron Insana.

Wall Street to companies: Get off your cash!

Wall Street has a message for CEOs: start spending all that cash, and not on what the activists want.

Yellen's prepared testimony to Senate panel

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen's delivered testimony on the U.S. economy and monetary policy to the Senate Banking Committee.

Cramer: Yellen can tap-dance around rate hike

Ahead of Janet Yellen's testimony, CNBC's Jim Cramer says the Fed can stall on raising interest rates.

JPMorgan eyes $1.4 billion in cost savings in 2015

JPMorgan Chase said it is aiming to save around $1.4 billion in annual expenses by cutting costs and simplifying businesses.

Yellen faces grilling on rate policy, transparency

The Fed chair is expected to face pointed questions this week from U.S. lawmakers aimed at revealing details about the Fed's timing on rate hikes.

US probes banks over metals pricing: Report

U.S. officials are investigating at least 10 banks for the possible rigging of precious-metals markets, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Senate to hold Fed reform hearing March 3: Aide

The Senate is expected to hold a hearing next week on reforms aimed at the Federal Reserve, according to an aide.

You should support Obama's new broker rules

New rules would require brokers to follow "fiduciary" standard.

Hedgies all-in on stocks; here's how to play it

Allocations in the industry have turned to their most bullish positions ever, with a net-long exposure of 57 percent.

Watch out for this Turkish company, Jeff Bezos!

The Abraaj Group has taken a 25 percent stake in Turkish online retailer Hepsiburada.com in a bid to help it grow.

Cramer: Goldman will regret bet against Boeing CEO

CNBC's Jim Cramer explains why investors should not bet against James McNerney, Boeing's CEO.

While waiting for Yellen, markets hit new highs

Investors are looking for clues about the Fed's interest rate hike. They're sounding a bullish note in the meantime.

Janet Yellen's got some explaining to do

The normally chummy relationship the U.S. central bank she runs has with Wall Street hit a bump last week.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Rothschild eyes early bonuses to avoid possible tax

Rothschild, the investment bank, is considering paying its 2014 bonuses early to avoid the extra taxes Labour has vowed to introduce, the FT reports.

Friday, February 20, 2015

These banks likely to fail Fed stress test: Report

US divisions of Deutsche Bank and Santander will likely fail the Fed's stress test over faults in predicting risk and losses, The Journal reported.

Another Greek bailout on the way?

More assistance for Greece?

Greek bailout extended for four months: Eurogroup chairman

Greece and its Europe creditors have reached a deal for a four-month extension to its bailout, the Eurogroup chairman said Friday.

Dan Loeb bets on future Geico of Greece

Dan Loeb has a new bet on a Greek recovery, insurance company Hellas Direct.

Cowen values Instagram at $33B—here's why

Here's why Cowen's valuation of Instagram is at $33 billion, according to one of its analysts.

Conflicting reports suggest Greek deal at hand

European finance ministers were meeting as time ran short to solve Greece's lingering financial problems.

Mass. liberals to Warren: Don't run for president

The Massachusetts senator has repeatedly rebuffed suggestions that she will or should enter the 2016 race.

Warren Buffett's latest venture ... biker gear?

Warren Buffett signed a 400-million euro deal to acquire a Hamburg-based retailer of motorcycle apparel and accessories.

Hedge fund rips into this swanky auction house

Marcato Capital Management accused the auction house's board and management of "willful neglect."

Cramer: Zuckerberg proving skeptics wrong

Jim Cramer said Friday that Instagram's latest valuation shows Mark Zuckerberg was right all along about Instagram.

Stifel in talks to buy Sterne Agee: Report

The transaction would combine the two largest U.S. brokerage firm outside of New York.

Citigroup cuts CEO pay by 7% to $13.1M in 2014

Citigroup cut CEO Corbat's pay by about 7 percent in 2014, a year in which the bank's profit nearly halved due to higher legal costs and a slump in bond trading.

Pimco's chief economist, managing director resigns

Pacific Investment Management Co. on Friday said Paul McCulley is stepping down as chief economist and managing director.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

US urges Greece, creditors to end impasse

The U.S. is "closely" monitoring Greek talks with creditors as they have increased global uncertainty, a Treasury official said.

Another wild day for oil

Someone mentioned to me that there were more than a dozen conference calls Thursday in the energy sector, including calls by EOG, Marathon, and Noble Energy.

Meet's Europe's newest austerity-hating politician

As Europe's debt talks with the Greek government continue, another austerity hater is finding support.

Why value hunters are headed to Greece

Greece is once again a bet reserved for the bravest of investors, including Third Point, York, Greylock and Alden.

Wal-Mart wage hike may be economy's missing link

When the biggest retailer in the world talks wages, other companies are going to listen.

Who's at risk in the LA port slowdown

As the dispute between union workers and shippers drags on, the impact is spreading to apparel and footwear.

Jim Cramer: Thumbs up for Wal-Mart pay hike

CNBC's Jim Cramer explains why Wal-Mart's latest move will help the company in the long term.

Here's Greece's bailout extension request letter

Following is the text of a letter sent by Greek Finance Minister to his Dutch counterpart Jeroen Dijsselbloem, president of the Eurogroup.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Fed minutes show little rush to hike rates

Policymakers voted in unison not to raise interest rates, but the discussions saw hand-wringing over the course ahead.

The hedge funds that investors love—and hate

Find out who gets an "A" or an "F" from investors in the hedge fund world.

Why there's a growing call for law firms to go public

A financier is calling for law firms to go public rather than have partners provide equity. The NYT reports.

Banks aren't lending to consumers; here's who is

Though bank lending to consumers has slowed, there is one place people can go to get a cash infusion.

Here's a softer move the Fed could make: Insana

Here's an idea of how the Fed could test the water on raising rates without making a market-rattling move, says Ron Insana.

Where have all the profit takers gone?

Investors appear unconcerned that markets are overvalued or geopolitical risks present a threat to stocks.

How to invest like a hedge fund whale on the cheap

Hedge fund investing is expensive, but following what the big-name managers do is not.

How to invest like a hedge fund whale on the cheap

Hedge fund investing is expensive, but following what the big-name managers do is not.

Swiss to search HSBC in money-laundering inquiry

A Swiss prosecutor said it is ordering a search of HSBC in Geneva and opening an inquiry into allegations of aggravated money-laundering.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Is the market indifferent to possible Greece exit?

The market seems to have convinced itself that Greece leaving is no big deal.

Epic battle underway in the private equity world

An all-time high of 2,209 private equity funds are currently seeking $811 billion from investors, according to new data.

Hike in 100 mph winds ends in death for trader

A BNP Paribas trader died while hiking in extreme cold over the holiday weekend in the mountains of New Hampshire.

Cramer: Greece situation unlike the old days

"This is not like the old days," CNBC's Jim Cramer says about the Greek-EU standoff.

Despite problems, trend followers are happy

Fundamentals have gotten more confusing since the financial crisis, and traders have turned to technical analysis.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Foreign banks plan India boost in growth revival

Foreign private banks are bulking up in India, anticipating new opportunities to advise eager Indian millionaires and on signs of economic revival.

Greece rejects EU bailout deal, talks stall

Greece rejected a proposal to accept a six-month extension of its bailout in return for austerity, casting talks on its debt into disarray.

Who gets paid more: Asset managers or investment bankers?

Bankers' pay has fallen sharply since the onset of the financial crisis -- while asset manager salaries have climbed steadily.

Friday, February 13, 2015

'Audit the Fed' would bend monetary policy: Fisher

Richard Fisher criticized the proposed bill that would subject the U.S. central bank's policy decisions to scrutiny.

Investing in energy? Consider these criteria first

Some companies have a better chance than others at managing the fallout from plunging oil prices.

'Machine' Dalio takes on 'Man' Ackman

It was man versus machine when Bill Ackman interviewed Ray Dalio yesterday in New York.

7 companies getting hammered by rising dollar

The strengthening greenback is taking its toll on many companies. Here are seven hard-hit ones.

Valentine's stock pick? Go for the obvious choice

Do any stocks move around Valentine's Day? It may be a cliche, but chocolate sales are good news for chocolate giant Hershey's.

Cramer: Jack Ma has an existential crisis

CNBC's Jim Cramer said Jack Ma's latest statement shows he has an existential crisis.

Stealth rally continues on Europe, China easing

The US market rally continued Friday as US stocks kept rising on European numbers and easing China regulations.

The Drexel collapse, 25 years later

Drexel Burnham, the investment bank famous for the "junk" bonds it pioneered, filed for bankruptcy on Feb. 13, 1990.

A legendary scandal: Where are they now?

Drexel collapsed 25 years ago, but alumni of the investment bank are now in some of Wall Street's most powerful posts.

Bad workers? Fire them: Jamie Dimon

The JPMorgan Chase CEO criticized bad workers and D.C. politicians for slowing down the economy on Thursday.

Nike's CFO Blair to retire; finance chief to succeed

Blair will remain as the company's CFO until July 31.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Ackman: Fannie 'best trade ... in capital markets'

Bill Ackman professes big belief in the stock of housing giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Top picks from billionaire hedge fund pro

Larry Robbins of Glenview Capital Management gave investment ideas at a charity stock picking event in New York on Thursday.

High oil could be bad for stocks: Paulsen

Wells Capital Management's James Paulsen explained Thursday why high oil prices could be bad for the stock markets.

Beware an art market bubble, Roubini warns

Nouriel Roubini believes it's time for investors to consider art an asset class, like stocks, bonds and commodities.

Summers: Why the Fed should not raise rates

The former director of the National Economic Council said Thursday why the Fed should hold off on raising rates.

Hedge fund fight! UK riled up over tax rate on 1%

Hedge funds and the amount of taxes they pay are center stage in U.K. politics right now.

Yikes! Here's another reason to fear US stocks

Deep-pocketed investors believe U.S. stocks will be the best place to put money this year. So far, they've been wrong.

Cramer: Tesla's Musk should be on 'SNL'

The Three Stooges could have done a better conference call than Tesla's Elon Musk did, CNBC’s Jim Cramer says.

Greece, euro zone may be in a stalemate, but...

European markets are doing well, despite the recent clashes between Greece and the euro zone.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Expert: Markets will survive Greece crisis, but…

While markets will pull through it, the Greek crisis could set off a dangerous precedent, according to one expert.

In the CEO battle of the sexes, women are winning

If activist investors are picking on women CEOs, they might want to look elsewhere to start a fight.

This will be the key to oil’s bottom: Analyst

RBC Capital's Helima Croft told CNBC what she thinks will determine oil's bottom.

A big part of the market is headed for the rocks

Banks have had a tough start to 2015 and could face even more difficult sledding if current conditions hold up.

BofA reportedly helped clients avoid taxes

Bank of America used one of its units to finance trades that helped clients avoid taxes, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Tensions grow between Trian, DuPont—here's why

Tensions between Trian and DuPont grow as Trian urged the chemical company to name Nelson Peltz to the board.

Cramer: How Apple could grow bigger

CNBC's Jim Cramer explains how these two initiatives could help Apple reach new heights.

This woman is rocking the hedge fund world

The most powerful woman in hedge funds is off to a red-hot start at the helm of her own firm.

Slow start to IPO biz, but may be heating up

The IPO business could gain momentum despite its slow start in 2015.

Apple who? 6 stocks that are beating the tech giant

Theses six stocks are actually outperforming Apple's stock.

Fisher: Change Fed policy rules to fix NY/DC bias

The Fed should change rules to address conflicts of interest in the power centers of New York and Washington, the outspoken Fed official said.

Time Warner profit beats as Turner, HBO grow

Time Warner reported a better-than-expected profit, helped by fees for channels offered by its Turner Broadcasting and Home Box Office units.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Japan's MUFG to introduce US-style board - sources

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group aims to add more directors to its board from outside the bank, revamping its management structure, says sources.

Leon Cooperman bullish despite fund loss

Billionaire investor Leon Cooperman of Omega Advisors is still bullish on stocks despite a rare losing streak.

Another murder-suicide hits JPMorgan

Another JPMorgan Chase employee was involved in an apparent murder-suicide, but it's not clear it's a trend.

Where is oil going? Even the IEA doesn't know!

What to expect for energy

2 voting Fed members see rate hikes looming

The Federal Reserve may be close to raising interest rates, two top Fed officials voting on this year's policy committee said.

Markets move on hopes for Greek compromise

S&P futures moved on reports of Greece bailout extension.

Cramer: This stock is on the right track

CNBC's Jim Cramer explains why Coca-Cola is on the right track after its latest earnings report.

This how Goldman is doing 'God's work' now

One CEO presents the argument that the investment giant is a seller of stability, despite its embattled reputation.

Here's the G-20's plan to stimulate world economy

The G20 leading economies pledges the following to combat international economic stagnation.

HSBC could face US legal action over Swiss accounts

HSBC faces investigation by the U.S. and U.K. after admitting failings by its Swiss private bank that may have allowed some customers to dodge taxes.

Monday, February 9, 2015

UBS reports fourth-quarter net profits of $1.08 billion, doubles dividend

Singapore's DBS profit misses on China bad loans

Singapore's biggest bank, DBS, posted a small rise in core Q4 net profit but fell short of analysts' estimates on loans in China and Singapore.

Hedge fund star gives warning for road ahead

Kenneth Griffin, whose Citadel hedge funds manage $24 billion in assets, said he is approaching 2015 with "vigilance."

When—and where—will oil bottom?

Citi calls the recent rise in oil "a head-fake."

Powell slams proposals for deeper Fed oversight

The Fed could be hamstrung in its response to any future crisis if the US deepens its oversight of the central bank, Jerome Powell said.

Uh oh—US authorities may reopen HSBC 2012 case

HSBC could be in hot legal waters once again as U.S. authorities could reopen its 2012 deferred prosecution deal.

Apple basically saved this earnings season

It's a good thing for Apple, because otherwise the U.S. profit picture would look a lot different.

Analyst picks these as big Internet stock themes

These are the biggest themes affecting Internet stocks, analyst Colin Sebastian tells CNBC.

Cramer: We need some good news overseas

CNBC's Jim Cramer explains why the world markets need some good news.

Greece calls Europe's bluff; won't extend bailout

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said Monday Greece will not seek an extension of its current bailout.

Morgan Stanley wants out of hedge fund: Report

Morgan Stanley is looking to reduce its hedge fund assets by selling its stake in Lansdowne, according to a report.

Here's why companies are really leaving the US

Many companies may not be leaving the U.S. because of high taxes, according to one Reuters analysis.

Nissan revs up profit guidance on cost cuts, forex

The Japanese automaker is now expecting its highest operating profit in seven years.

TurboTax state tax return filings resume after halt

Intuit's electronic tax return filing software was back in action following a temporary halt.

Sunday, February 8, 2015

HSBC admits Swiss bank failings over client taxes

HSBC admitted failings by its Swiss subsidiary that helped wealthy customers dodge taxes and conceal millions of dollars of assets.

Why is the Fed easing again?

The Fed's puzzling return to aggressive asset purchases continued amid mounting concerns about interest rate increases in the U.S..

Analysts to Buffett: 'Tell us more, please'

Analysts who cover Berkshire Hathaway are seeking more data, The Financial Times reports.

This trend means the end of college as we know it

How the growing popularity of online learning could hurt universities down the line.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Ex Goldman chair, Reagan official Whitehead dies

The man who helped mold Goldman Sachs into a powerhouse has died, the bank said Saturday.

Friday, February 6, 2015

How cocaine crushed my trading skills

Turney Duff, now five years sober, talks about how cocaine crushed his trading skills—and cost him and his firm millions.

Fed officials criticize Rand Paul's audit bill

Federal Reserve officials characterized Sen. Rand Paul's "Audit the Fed" bill as misguided and politicized in recent interviews.

Here's why stocks are flat on good jobs report

Market after the jobs report

Fed 'running out of excuses' for zero rates

When will the Federal Reserve stop acting like the economy is in crisis?

Fed's Lockhart: Inflation, wages still 'worrisome'

Dennis Lockhart said he thinks the US economy continues to grow strongly enough to justify an initial interest rate hike later this year.

Some ATMs: Here's a $20 for your loyalty

When Wells Fargo customers open up their profile at one of the bank's ATMs this week, they'll find a new option.

Can stocks handle job growth and wage growth?

The jobs report gives the Fed reason to cut rates, and bears say equities have had problems in recent years when rates begin to rise.

Son pleads not guilty in financier's death

Thomas Gilbert Jr. is accused of murdering the 70-year-old founder of Wainscott Capital in a dispute over a cut on his allowance.

Plosser: Strong jobs show 'fairly normal' economy

The Philly Fed president tells CNBC he'd argue for raising interest rates sooner, especially after the strong jobs report.

ICE commits to New York Stock Exchange...for now

The New York Stock Exchange's owner said it will give it at least two years to deliver better performance, quashing speculation the NYSE is for sale.

As investors get passive, stockpickers get creative

Mutual fund companies rolled out 193 "niche" funds last year to provide investors an alternative to ETF investing.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

This reeling sector is flashing a buy sign: Expert

The financial sector's drop provides a window to snatch up stocks at cheap prices, an analyst said.

Should US investors worry about Europe? Pros debate

Markets experts debate whether or not U.S. investors should be overly concerned with Europe's latest developments.

Why floor-based options trading still holding on

Floor-based options trading is a complicated business.

Death of dividend stocks? Don't bet on it

With each passing year the dividend trade continues to go strong, and 2015 is shaping up as no exception.

This hedge fund absolutely killed it in January

Cantab Capital Partners' main hedge fund gained 13.4 percent over January, making it a top-performing hedge fund for 2015.

Cramer: Twitter-Google hookup ‘gigantic’

CNBC's Jim Cramer said Thursday this new deal could help Twitter bounce back.

Auto stocks are on a roll, but retail is mixed

AutoNation, Group 1 Automotive, and O'Reilly reported strong earnings, but retail is mixed.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Buffett: Buying in Western Europe, eyeing Russia

Business magnate Warren Buffett said Wednesday he is planting his flag in Western Europe.

Mortgages: the next threat for Japanese banks?

Japanese banks are being helped by stimulus efforts, but analysts warn that weak demand and stiff competition drive mortgage rates to record lows.

Buffett: Fed rate hike not feasible

Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett said Wednesday he thinks it is not feasible for the Fed to raise rates.

Big money looking for smart plays on energy

Hedge and private equity funds are worked up about the energy opportunity—and investors are starting to listen.

Fed's Mester: Here's when US is likely to hike rates

The Federal Reserve should likely raise interest rates to account for a continued recovery, the Cleveland Fed president said.

Low rates helping fuel a huge muni debt run

Muni bond issuance soared past $27B for the biggest January in five years and a harbinger for a huge year.

Cramer: Everyone has to own this stock

CNBC's Jim Cramer explains why investors have to own this particular stock.

'Grand Theft Auto' publisher ups full-year forecast

Take-Two said it now expects adjusted revenue of $1.65 billion to $1.70 billion, up from its previous forecast of $1.4 billion to $1.5 billion.

Macau drags Wynn Resorts 4Q earnings down

A crackdown in corruption in China that has hushed the once frenzied Macau casino business took its toll on Wynn Resorts in the fourth quarter.

ADP tops 2Q profit forecasts

Automatic Data Processing on Wednesday reported fiscal second-quarter profit of $331.5 million.

Whirlpool profit drops due to acquisition costs

Whirlpool on Wednesday said its fourth-quarter profit fell due to costs from recent acquisitions, but excluding costs, the results beat expectations.

Fed looking to ease burden on small banks: Powell

The Fed continues to consider ways to ease the regulatory burden on small financial institutions, a top Fed official said on Wednesday.

Signs of bottoms, but watch earnings revisions

Commodity prices and bond yields might be finding a floor, but falling earnings estimates create concerns for Q1.

Next stop for Islamic finance… Africa?

The U.K. and Hong Kong opened their doors to Islamic finance with high-profile sukuk debuts in 2014. This year, Africa might create market waves.

Crowdfinance 50 Index: top US deals to watch

The CNBC Crowdfinance 50 Index represents the most active private companies raising capital through equity crowdfunding platforms.

Welch: Fed hike would do 'nothing' for the economy

Former General Electric chief Jack Welch tells CNBC the Fed would be "crazy" to increase interest rates soon.

Ralph Lauren misses estimates; stock drops

The results did not meet Wall Street expectations, and its shares dropped in premarket trade.

World bank investigates $1 billion China loan

The World Bank is investigating the handling of a $1 billion loan from China after the bank's treasurer queried the process, the FT reports.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Don't call it a comeback: Steve Cohen rebrands

The troubled hedge fund billionaire tries reputation management with a new website.

Disney posts huge earnings beat

Disney blew past Wall Street's most optimistic expectations, reporting adjusted earnings of $1.27 a share on revenue of $13.39 billion.

'Currency war' to be 'lose-lose' game: Strategist

With each fresh headline of a central bank cutting rates comes concerns over the global race to the bottom.

State Street just slashed costs for 'Spider' ETFs

State Street Global Advisors is slashing expense ratios across 41 of its SPDR funds that track a variety of market indexes.

Bullard downplays Fed's 'international' comment

A Fed official said at an event that the Fed always takes international events into account.

The Times beats Street 4Q forecasts

The New York Times Co. reported fourth-quarter net income of $34.9 million.

ADM profit jumps as US harvest boosts ag services

U.S. agribusiness Archer Daniels Midland reported higher earnings as a record-large U.S. harvest boosted grain volumes and supported strong exports.

Health insurer Aetna raises 2015 profit forecast

Aetna raised its 2015 forecast for operating earnings after enrollment increased 6 percent last year.

Cramer: UPS has a ‘logistics problem’

CNBC's Jim Cramer siad the company needs to take several measures in order to regain credibility with investors.

Are commodities really bottoming out?

The news on oil is still mostly bearish but analysts and strategists are again trying to call a bottom.

Breakup: Activist fund looking to split Lear

Nearly three years after taking a substantial stake in the auto supplier, Marcato Capital is agitating for a breakup.

Monday, February 2, 2015

New 'bond king' Jeff Gundlach raking in the cash

Jeff Gundlach's DoubleLine Capital is raking in cash despite uncertainty about the bond market.

Paul Singer: Economy stinks and Obama, ECB to blame

Surprise, surprise, hedge fund manager Paul Singer of Elliott is deeply pessimistic on the state of the developed world.

Bill Ackman takes a break—for now

Bill Ackman appears set to take it easy for a few months after knockout performance in 2014.

The $4 trillion question for the US economy

Companies are predicting tepid profit growth, with a cornerstone being a drop, not a rise, in capex.

Cramer: Exxon Mobil stocks going lower

CNBC's Jim Cramer explains why investors should be worried about lower Exxon Mobil share prices.

ExxonMobil's earnings, buyback send a bad signal

ExxonMobil reported fourth quarter earnings per share on Monday that were down about 18 percent from the same period a year ago.

Julius Baer says launches $108M savings program

Swiss bank Julius Baer has launched a $108-million cost-savings program in response to the recent appreciation of the Swiss currency.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

And the likely next regional Fed presidents are...

A U.S. Treasury official and a director at the New York Federal Reserve are among those who being considered to replace two hawkish Fed policymakers.