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ISSUE 13
19 November 2008
Financial Markets in a Tizzy
But This Reporter Sees the Light
Like so many experts, this reporter is shaking her head at the turmoil in the financial markets - and while she is many things, she is no expert. Perhaps that is not such a bad thing in such dire market conditions. She notes that though she has often declared herself as a bit green, the color green has taken on a whole new meaning in recent weeks. This reporter likens it to a shade formerly best recognized in the moments following a topsy-turvy, herky-jerky roller coaster ride.
Investors are looking for certainty, but alas, there is none. Benjamin Franklin, the astute chap that he was, did not hesitate to point to this fact when he said, "Certainty? In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes." Yet even this reporter - often chastised for her eternal and rather mad sunny disposition, maintains that while she doesn't wish to comment on the matter of death, she has plenty to say about the latter. Indeed, she has fixated on a ray of sunshine so bright that she has been seen dashing pell-mell through the Harvard Square offices, begging ICLUBcentral staffers to come to their senses and don their sunglasses, lest they be temporarily blinded by the intensity of this mysterious golden light. On that note, on to this week's headlines...
HEADLINES PROCLAIM CONSUMER SALES ON THE REBOUND
2008 TAX PRINTER PRE-SALES COMMENCES
If taxes be one of life's certainties, then this intrepid reporter-under the palpable threat of her very life-dares to point out that the intermittently clairvoyant sources inside the ICLUBcentral headquarters in Harvard Square-certainly a spot once visited by the most astute Benjamin Franklin himself-recently announced a boon for all StockCentral members. Yes, years from now, perhaps even decades, you will remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard this momentous announcement: Hear ye, hear ye, the pre-sale of the 2008 Tax Printers has begun!
Indeed, this reporter has yet to find a club treasurer anywhere-and she has searched both high and low, far and wide-who would quibble over the proclamation that there is a necessity so necessary as the Club Federal and State Tax Printer for Club Accounting Online. Both Tax Printers work right from your Club Accounting Online web site at www.myiclub.com.
Times may be tough, but could the Club Tax Printer get any easier or more convenient? This reporter casts her ballot as a "no, certainly not." Indeed, the Club Tax Printer works right from your Club Accounting Online web site at www.myiclub.com to generate IRS partnership tax forms (Federal Form 1065, Schedule K, and Schedule D for your club, plus Schedule K-1 for each member). Ditto for the State Tax Printer, which, for those club treasurers who serendipitously reside in one of eleven states, produces official partnership tax forms for the club and each member.
All of this, and perhaps, a discount to boot? Ah, it is so. This reporter, who incessantly reminds anyone who might ask (and many who don't), is privy to all that would otherwise remain top-secret within the walls of the ICLUBcentral headquarters. She has received confirmation from one of a myriad of her very own anonymous sources that StockCentral members can receive an additional $30 discount off the purchase of either the Club Federal or State Tax Printer - or, as luck and many an overworked (dare we say overtaxed) and geographically fortunate club treasurer would have it - both!
As soon as any more news breaks, your indefatigable reporter will be the first on the scene. In the meantime, keep your eyes on your e-mail box and check in at www.iclub.com for updates.
Meanwhile, the clamor continues for the ongoing series of free Webinars:
Registration is limited, so don't dare tarry! And, while you're at it, give a gift of the season and tell a friend!
One final note: The Introduction to Toolkit 6 Webinar and an Overview of StockCentral Webinar is available in its entirety, soon to be followed by the other not-to-be-missed topics in the series. Check the Learning tab of ICLUB.com for updates.
IS IT STILL A BUY?
STOCKCENTRAL MEMBERS DEBATE 3M'S FUTURE
Back in June, which, though only a few months ago, feels like eons to many investors amid the profound status change in the economic climate, Patrick Landers pondered whether or not 3M was worthy of consideration. Even then, Stephen Phillips-in a moment of fortuitous clarity-urged Patrick to "search for Doug Gerlach's 4/16/08 thread entitled "Where are stock P/E ratios headed" and maybe consider something between (Patrick's) 14.5 and 11.8 for added safety."
In postings to the 3M forum just this week, Henri Russell looked to Patrick for advice, noting, "Our club is looking at 3M for our meeting next month. The Stock Study still looks good, with our projected low of $48. What are your thoughts during this roller coaster stock ride?"
Henri got two for the price of one, as both Patrick and Stephen posted responses. Noting that 3M had a very good third quarter, Patrick posed two questions: "Has the stock market stabilized at the current level, or will it drop lower?" And, "With the current economic slow down affecting not only the U.S. but also Europe and Asia, will 3M be able to grow sales and earnings enough to make shares purchased today more valuable in the future?" Adjusting his SSG for a recession that may be "more than typical," Patrick sees light at the end of the tunnel. "The Company will most likely have a difficult year in 2009, but may grow after that. If you and your club have 3 to 5 years to hold the shares, they may be a good buy now."
How do other shareholders feel? Does 3M show promise for long-term investors? If you have an opinion on the matter, this is no time to be shy. Enlighten your fellow investors by clicking the above link and posting your own wisdom and insight on the matter. While you're at it, check out Patrick's 3M stock study and chart.
THIS JUST IN!
STOCKCENTRAL RELEASES CUTTING EDGE DATA TOOL
To thunderous, almost ear-splitting applause, StockCentral announced the release of a brand-new, sparkling data/research tool: Industry Averages for Key Ratios. Now, studious and dedicated StockCentral members can view key averages for all industry groups-not to mention (for those of you who can't resist the urge to push buttons) sort and resort the list by industries or companies in ascending or descending order. ICLUB Prez and Investment Guru Douglas Gerlach notes, "Click an Industry name, and you can see all the component companies of that Industry group-as well as the averages for that Industry group itself at the top of the page. This makes it easy to compare the company to its peers and to the averages for those companies."
This spiffy new tool resides under the Data tab of the StockCentral site, under Sector/Industry.
To check out Guru Gerlach's sage perspective on this miraculous tool's greatest features and perhaps add some banter of your own, go to the community section of StockCentral.
TODAY'S ENTIRELY RELEVANT QUOTATION
"I think we need to do what we need to do to keep the U.S. credit system working and to try and create a recovery in the financial system."
-Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke