Stopping Identity Theft

Identity Theft is a crime so common that if it hasn't happened to you personally, you probably know a victim. So why are so many people still being victimized?

Cutting Cooling Bills

Air conditioning is an expensive way to stay cool, but there are ways to chill your house without burning up your bank account.

Nintendo's game plan

Grand Theft Auto IV may be a big hit but its not the only game in town.Big crowds may have turned out for the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV, but Nintendo and its family friendly games are attracting a lot of attention, and sales, as well. Bobbi Rebell reports.

4-30-08 Research in Motion Limited (RIMM)

We’re pretty hung up on these sweet berries. Research in Motion Limited (RIMM)

Visa (V)

It is everywhere you want to be ..in debt. Visa (V).

More Stocks to look at

4-25-08 Apple Inc. (AAPL)

How do you like them Apple Inc. (AAPL)?

Home Improvement Price Improvement

When it comes to food and fuel, prices, they're going through the roof. But what about the roof itself? There the news might be a little better.

Some stocks to look at

Shopping Car Loans

Last month general motors announced the biggest annual loss in their history. And dark clouds for car manufacturers mean blue skies for buyers, as dealers get desperate. But if you're thinking of buying a car anytime soon, don't forget the financing.

Some stocks to look at

• NRT North European Oil Royalty Trust (NRT)

• WESTERN ASSET EMERGI (EFL)

• Pride International Inc. (PDE)

• CEC ENTERTAINMENT (CEC)

Yahoo under search test scrutiny

Apr 23 - The US Justice Department is investigating possible antitrust implications of Google's 2 week test with Yahoo. A source tells Reuters that the Justice Department is concerned the test might violate anti trust law. A second source said the concern was about a longer term deal. Bobbi Rebell reports

Tech optimism fuels stock rally

The tech-heavy Nasdaq jumped more than 1 percent ahead of better-than-expected results from Apple and Amazon.The Dow gained 42 points to 12,763. The S&P 500 rose 3 points to 1,379. The Nasdaq gained 28 points to 2,405. Crude oil prices rose to $118.30.

Conway Gittens reports from New York.

Wall St. tumbles; oil nears $120

Apr 22 - U.S. stocks were knocked down as oil flirted with a record of $120 a barrel, which added to investor angst over the health of corporate profits. The Dow fell 104 points to 12,720. The S&P 500 fell 12 points to 1,375. The Nasdaq fell 31 points to 2,376. Crude oil surged to a record close of $119.37 a barrel.

Conway Gittens reports from New York.

4-23-08 Steel Dynamics Inc. (STLD)

Some stocks to look at

• HASBRO INC (HAS)

• AGFEED INDUSTRIES (FEED)

• JAMES RIVER COAL NEW(JRCC)

• MCMORAN EXPLOR CO SC (MMR)

Negotiating with Your Lender

You're behind on your mortgage, and you want to save your house. It's time to talk turkey with your lender. But what do you say and who do you say it to?

4-21-08 Exelon Corporation (EXC)

We are all a product of our environment. Exelon Corporation (EXC)

Mortgage Help: Talk is Cheap

With foreclosures and bankruptcies soaring nationwide, both government and private industry have been promising help to homeowners. But is that help materializing?

Giraffes get married in Rio

Two giraffes tied the knot in a Rio de Janeiro zoo in Brazil much to the delight of zoo officials and visitors.
The only problem---the happy couple has yet to consummate their vows. Pavithra George reports.

Saving Green: Paperwork

The average American family throws away about a ton of paper every year. So if you can figure out a way to put less paper in your trash, you could figure out a way to put more of it in your wallet.

Earnings stream continues

Apr. 17 - Merrill Lynch reported a $2 billion loss along with job cuts. Pfizer's results were even worse than expected as sales of its cholesterol drug slumped. Bobbi Rebell reports.

Middle class housing woes

Apr. 17 - Real estate agents in the NYC area hardest hit by foreclosures are preparing for a more challenging market this year as more sellers than buyers prepare for the peak spring selling session.

4-18-8 XM/Sirius Merger

Are two of the most useless companies in the world finally ready to merge? XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (XMSR) and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (SIRI)

Stocks rally; Oil near $114

U.S. stocks crept higher on Monday with energy shares bouyed by record oil prices and moods lifted by better-than-expected corporate profits.The Dow jumped 60 points to 12,362. The S&P 500 rose 6 points to 1,334. The Nasdaq rallied 10 points to 2,286. Crude oil settled at a record of $113.90 a barrel.

4-16-08 Frontline Ltd. (FRO)

Their boats are bigger than yours. Frontline Ltd. (FRO)

Saving Green: Entertainment

Everybody wants to save the planet... and most of us also want to save some money for ourselves. Is it possible to do both at the same time?

Elective Surgery Loans

You'd like to get some expensive elective surgery, but you don't really have the money... and there's no insurance. What do you do?

Can you hear me now?

Apr 14 - Cell phones went on sale in Cuba to the general public for the first time. Raul Castro has moved quickly to ease restrictions in the country since succeeding his ailing older brother Fidel Castro as president in February. And it's not just cell phones, Cubans are now allowed to buy DVD players, computers and other electronic goods, and they can stay stay at tourist hotels previously reserved for foreigners.

Lipper Fund winners' outlooks

Apr 14 - Lipper Fund Award winner Lauriann Kloppenburg, Chief Investment Officer of the Equity Group and Loomis Sales, recommends being flexible and taking a long term approach.

Wachovia reports unexpected loss

Apr 14 - Earnings season is in full swing as the week began with more bad news from the nation's fourth largest bank. Oil prices hit a record high thanks to a weak dollar and supply disruptions. Meanwhile, markets were caught off guard by Blockbuster's offer to buy struggling electronics retailer Circuit City for $1.3 billion.

Bobbi Rebell reports.

4-14-08 Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNI)

The train kept a rollin’!

Spring Break Volunteers

The highways and beaches are filling up with college kids as Spring Break gets into full swing. But there are students who find better things to do with their time off than get sunburned.

4-11-08 Stepan Company (SCL)

Stepan Company (SCL)…they put stuff in stuff.

4-9-08 Omniture Inc. (OMTR)

The best way to find out no one watches your show. Omniture Inc. (OMTR)

Chaos for American Airlines

Apr 9 - More than 1,000 flights were cancelled by American Airlines -- as the carrier conducted mandated safety inspections of its MD-80 aircraft. Wednesday's cancellations at American will likely cost the airlines tens of millions of dollars -- a financial hit to the carrier and a major headache for infuriated passengers. Jon Decker reports.

Oil surges past $112

Apr 9 - Crude oil prices jumped above $112 for the first time after an unexpected drop in American crude inventories stoked supply fears.

Oil adds to Wall St angst

Apr 9 - U.S. stocks fell on Wednesday after oil touched a record $112 a barrel and a warning from United Parcel Service added to profit and economic jitters. The Dow fell 49 points to 12,527. The S&P 500 lost 11 points to 1,354. The Nasdaq shed 26 points to 2,322. Crude oil settled at record of $110.87 a barrel. Conway Gittens reports.

Smartphones carry security risk

Apr 8 - Smartphones are gaining popularity but new users may not be aware of the possible security breeches of mobile devices that connect to the web.Like their larger personal computer and laptop predecessors, smartphones are vulnerable to viruses and malware, but software companies like Microsoft, Symantec and McAfee are hoping to minimize those risks with new products. Conway Gittens reports from New York.

WaMu worries push stocks lower

Apr 8 - US stocks moved lower on Tuesday after bad news form the nation's top savings and loan company.The Federal Reserve's minutes show serious concerns about the US economy and inflation, and indicate they are not ruling out a severe downturn in the US economy. Bobbi Rebell reports.

Home Equity vs Line of Credit

While the credit crunch has made borrowing for... or against... your home more difficult, home equity loans and lines of credit remain popular for those with equity. Stacy Johnson explains what these loans do and if you should consider them.

Stocks mark time ahead of earnings

U.S. stocks posted small moves in either direction as Alcoa prepared to kick-off first quarter earnings season.
The Dow rose 3 points to 12,612. The S&P 500 rose 2 points to 1,372. The Nasdaq was down 6 points to 2,364. Crude oil closed just above $109 a barrel.

Conway Gittens reports from New York.

Bush urges patience on surplus plan

Apr 7 - President Bush met with small business leaders on Monday, and expressed confidence in his economic plan.President Bush says his economic stimulus plan will work given enough time. For the nation's retailers, the checks that Americans will receive could be a big boost to their businesses. Bobbi Rebell reports.

4-7-08 Microhoo

Microsoft has set a three week ultimatum- time for Yahoo to decide if the King of Redmond’s their Mr. Right… or Mr. Right Now.

The Cost of Summer Camp

Summer camps aren't college, but they have a lot in common. Picking the right one can be complicated...and expensive. But there are some tips that can make the process easier.

As economy slows consumers trade down

Apr. 3 - More American consumers are trading down where they shop and in what they buy. They're also collecting coupons, buying in bulk, and willing to drive farther to a big discount store if that means saving more money. Fred Katayama reports from a Wal-mart store in Secaucus, New Jersey.

Bear Stearns CEO in hot seat

pr. 3 - Bear Stearns CEO Alan Schwartz was in the hot seat on Capitol Hill as lawmakers review rescue plan. In the days leading up to the fire sale of investment bank firm Bear Stearns, the company was the topic of rumors, speculation and fear that led the venerable Wall Street firm to the brink of ruin.

Bear Stearns CEO Alan Schwartz, testified about those uncertain days before the Senate Banking Committee.

Deborah Lutterbeck reports.

Speakers:
Bear Stearns CEO Alan Schwartz
Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke
New York Senator Charles Schumer

Empty shelves at Food Bank

Apr. 4 - For the first time in its 25 year history, most of the shelves at the Food Bank's warehouse in New York are barren. A sputtering economy and rising food prices have hiked demand for food aid while food donations have sharply dropped.

Fred Katayama reports.

Making money from music

Apr. 4 - New business models from Live Nation and MySpace hope to resuscitate the ailing recording industry. Rapper businessman Jay-Z is reportedly set to make a $150 million deal with Live Nation but the company will have to prove to its shareholders that he is worth the historic investment. Manoush Zomorodi reports.

Stocks calm despite big job loss

Apr. 4 - U.S. stocks finished the week with small moves in either direction after the economy suffered its biggest monthly job declines in five years. The Dow lost 16 points to 12,609. The S&P 500 gained 1 point to 1,370. The Nasdaq rose 7 points to 2,370.

Speaker: Brian Fabbri, chief economist, BNP Paribas

Conway Gittens reports from New York.

Prudent rescue or Wall Street bailout?

Apr. 3 - The rescue of Wall Street giant Bear Stearns is now in the spotlight on Capitol Hill as lawmakers question deal. The collapse and forced sale of Wall Street giant Bear Stearns exposed the dangerous interconnection of financial markets and faulty oversight, raising more questions on Capitol Hill examine the deal.

Speakers:
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd
SEC Chairman Christopher Cox
Treasury Undersecretary Robert Steele

Deborah Lutterbeck reports

Economy the key to Pennsylvania

Apr. 2 - White House hopefuls try to convince voters that they would be the best steward of the U.S. economy. With a predominantly blue-collar electorate and an economy that's trying to stay out of recession, the Keystone state seems to be ready-made for a Hillary Clinton victory.

Jon Decker reports from Washington.

Octopus love

Apr. 2 - Scientists from the University of California, Berkeley report a new finding: the love life of the octopus is quite complex. Male octopuses guard the dens of their mates for several days, warding off rivals and even strangling them if they get too close. Katharine Jackson reports.

Recession not depression

Apr. 2 - Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said he sees a possible slowdown in the first half of year -- but no signs of a replay of the Great Depression. While the economy may be in fragile shape and financial markets under stress, Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke, a Great Depression Scholar told a congressional panel history is not repeating itself.
Deborah Lutterbeck reports.

Stocks drift on recession talk

Apr. 2 - U.S. stocks posted modest losses on Wednesday after the head of the Federal Reserve said an economic recession was still possible. The Dow lost 48 points to 12,605. The S&P 500 dipped 2 points to 1,367. The Nasdaq slipped a point to 2,361.

Speaker: Ben Bernanke, chairman, U.S. Federal Reserve

Conway Gittens reports from New York.

Two Excellent Stock Screeners

1. FinViz Stock Screeners



Link: CLICK HERE ==>





2. Google Finance Stock Screener


CLICK HERE==>

Gaming the system: Are Hedge Fund Managers talented?

Hedge funds are key players in the world's financial markets, but no one knows exactly what they're up to.

Critics and supporters, tend to share one assumption: that hedge funds are managed by some pretty talented people. Otherwise, investors would not pay the hefty management fees, typically 1% to 2% of assets and 20% of profits.

But new research by Wharton statistics professor Dean P. Foster and Brookings Institution senior fellow H. Peyton Young questions that assumption, arguing that it's easy for hedge funds to fool their investors into believing the managers are better than they really are. If so, investors cannot distinguish good managers from bad.

While it's not possible to determine how many hedge fund managers are scammers, if there were many it would suggest that hedge funds are doing more harm to the financial markets than good. According to the researchers, the industry "risks being inundated by managers who are gaming the system rather than delivering high returns, which could ultimately lead to a collapse in investor confidence."


CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ===>

Credit Counseling or Debt Settlement?

You've seen the ads: credit counseling companies say they can help by getting your payments and interest rates lowered. Others claim they can get your debts wiped out entirely by settling them for pennies on the dollar. Money reporter Stacy Johnson takes an inside look at these companies.

4-2-08 Phase Forward Incorporated (PFWD)

PFWD: Keeping clinical trials safe from your doctor’s lousy handwriting

Scoping out cool art

Apr. 1 - Emerging art fair Scope has found a niche in the cutting edge multimedia and high tech world of art.The Scope art fair pushes the envelope of conventional art fairs. As the economy softens, its more accessible emerging artists are attracting attention. Bobbi Rebell reports.

Stocks gain on banks, economy

Apr 1 - Wall Street posted sharp gains of more than 3 percent on optimism investment banks are cleaning up their balance sheets and hopes the economy is stabilizing. Blue chips surged 391 points, or nearly 3.2 percent, to 12,654. The S&P 500 jumped 47 points, or about 3.6 percent, to 1,370. The Nasdaq rallied 83 points, or roughly 3.7 percent, to 2,362.