MORE ON THE STRESS TEST

Whenever you break down a story there are only a couple of plots. 

Most boil down to: man against the elements; man against man; man's inhumanity to man and man against himself which is just another way of saying man's stupidity or failure to learn.

Never make the mistake of limiting your definition of elements to things like waves, weather or storms. Greed is one of the most powerful elements man wages war against.

 And then there is fear. Read H.G. Wells' short story The Red Room.

Here's some intelligent comments about the folly of the Fed's newest toy, the financial stress test for banks. Part of this story centers on man against the elements, building the unsinkable Titanic. Another part is more about the DNA of bankers, do-gooders and politicians. 

http://www.dailyspeculations.com/wordpress/?p=9213

RESEARCH UPDATE

Here's an update to our recent blurb about big pharmaceuticals and their research. We're not implying anything about the researchers in this study, just getting the information to you. As always you decide for yourself.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/do-you-take-statins-if-not-you-may-have-to-2014-03-27

OXY UPDATE

When one insider purchases shares it's usually insignificant.

What most followers look for is several insiders stepping up to buy window. And we don't have a problem with that. But all insider data should be placed in context and Occidental has been much in the news lately for what many believe (including us) are positives: exiting California and breaking the behemoth up. 

http://www.minyanville.com/trading-and-investing/stocks/articles/Insiders-Buy-at-Opko-Health-Occidental/3/27/2014/id/54356

RESEARCH

There's research. Then there is research. We've mentioned before how big pharmaceutical pays researchers to produce the research the big boys crave. It's neither new nor uncommon. If anything, it's much more widespread than the mesmerizing media reveals.
http://www.propublica.org/article/double-dip-doctors-paid-to-advise-promote-drug-companies-that-fund-research

BRACE YOURSELF

US NUCLEAR PLANTS

Higher utility prices on the way?

With all the ballyhoo about energy independence and abundant natural gas supplies and the ranting against the evil duo, coal and nuclear power, one might postulate: why higher energy or utility bills on the horizon?
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-26/high-utility-costs-to-linger-after-winter-s-chill-fades-energy.html

TWO SIDES OF STORY

Normally we'd post this under Voices. But this is an important read because you get the chance to decide for yourself and, as such, deserves broader exposure.

In the end, that's what investing comes down to, deciding for yourself and accepting the consequences without bickering. Some people call it doing your homework. But even that term has its oxymoron qualities: too complicated for some, too simple for others.

http://www.minyanville.com/sectors/global-markets/articles/will-China-Debt-Bomb-Trigger-US/3/26/2014/id/54329

GETTING THE MESSAGE: MORE CHINA?
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/26/us-china-debt-idUSBREA2P07Q20140326

SO FAR SO GOOD

Commodities Up So Far In 2014

We talked about commodities earlier, specifically beef and hogs and grains and cocoa. Much is being made about the China perfect slowdown that many fear will turn out not so perfect. But 2014 so far has been so good if you owned some commodities.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/101523319

A LITTLE BUFFETTOLOGY

The 10 worst places to retire included Mr. Buffett's beloved Nebraska. How Mr. B gets remunerated, you can be sure most of these tax bites don't bite him.

Buffett pays himself a pittance of a salary and takes most of his billions in capital gains taxes, taking further advantage of the state being the second least expensive place to retire.

So The B man profits two ways.
http://www.topretirements.com/blog/great-towns/10-worst-states-for-retirement-for-2014.html/

BANKS WILL BE BANKS

Run on banks not new in most places. But this is China where things for many are beginning to appear grim. Despite all claims to the contrary, the last word is perception rules. http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/25/us-china-banking-yancheng-idUSBREA2O0R520140325

OXY FOLLOW UP

Though this story first ran a little over a month ago, it's very much center stage. A growth-by-shrinking trend is afoot not just in the energy business. It's too bad that most governments don't take the hint.

http://www.energytribune.com/80345/will-oxys-divorce-spur-the-break-up-of-big-oil#sthash.DVFHaVvK.dpbs