July 2009

TOM SULLIVAN: Even though the FHFA House Price Index improved in May for the third time in five months, it only reports on mortgages in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  My best guess is the mortgages above those limits will worsen dramatically over the next year.read more

TOM SULLIVAN: We will not go back to the moon. The massive federal deficit will restrict funding for it. Also, been there, done that. Scientific exploration will not be as sexy but will be done with robots. CHRIS COTTER:Over the weekend, Buzz Aldrin spoke of NASA visiting Mars by 2035…Ain’t gonna happen. We have no NEED to go there, not right ... read more

Ten days from now I will be competing in the Nautica NYC Triathlon: http://www.nyctri.com/site3.aspx After doing four marathons and four half-marathons I wanted something different, and a new way to challenge myself. Now, I realize I can do much more. My Father, Joe Casone, is currently ... read more

TOM SULLIVAN: The credit problems at major banks will increase for the next year, primarily from commercial loans and commercial real estate loans. CHRIS COTTER: I’m guessing that Pope Benedict the XVI is the toughest Pope we’ve had in quite some time… Broken wrist, still has breakfast AND A.M. mass before going to the hospital and having ... read more

Tuesday was the blowout quarter from Goldman Sachs, and both Tom and myself  had basically the same take on the future of the bank and the guidance. TOM SULLIVAN: great earnings from Goldman Sachs, combined with the absence of a former competitor Lehmann Brothers, will cause Washington officials to question former Treas Secty Hank Paulson’s role. DUNSTANJ PRIAL: SEC Chief Mary Schapiro's ... read more