Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Fix up the US healthcare
While me might all argue about why US healthcare is broken and how to fix it, I guess the fact of the matter is clear – US healthcare is broken. In fact it is ridiculously broken. There are plenty of research works out there with generous stats. In almost every health stat, US looks extremely poor.
- US healthcare spending/GDP is the second highest in the world (next to Marshall islands)
- US spending for healthcare of $6102/percapita is almost double than most other OECD countries – $3165 in Canada and $3043 in Germany and $1149 in Korea – highest in the world
70% of Small investors turned bearish – Indication of bottom?
70% of small investors are bearish. This could mean that the temporary bottom is getting closer. While I still believe that the long bottom is much lower, maybe even below 5000 for Dow, we might be due for a bear rally based on various indicators.
Image source:http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/aaii-bears.png
Globe mail article on this Retail Investors say “Run”
Barron says this might indicate a bottom:
Also see:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2009/03/panic-equals-op.html
Ford – A relative bright spot in Detroit
Ford is substantially transforming its company and only major car company not asking its government for support (even Toyota is asking Japanese government). To be sure, it is still has a long way to go, but atleast they are going in the right path.
Here is a relevant Forbes article on this:
Ford has put its two Detroit rivals on the spot. Chrysler and General Motors are already on the hook to the U.S. government for some $18 billion between them, and pleaded for more last month.
In return, they’re supposed to be striking deals to reduce their liabilities with stakeholders – unions, dealers and lenders. But Ford (F, Fortune 500), which hasn’t tapped Washington for aid, is beating them to it.
Here is a Wall Street Journal interview with its CEO:
Auto Sales screwed up everywhere
A slew of bad news is hitting the world auto markets. Three of the biggest markets – Japan, Europe and USA are simultaneously hit with problems.
Source: BusinessWeek
Funny Math Video
Who said recessions must be gloomy. Enjoy the fun with the recession math:
Short story: Max Claus goes to New York
I have always wanted to do fiction, but never got around to complete my dreams. Except for a small science fiction that wrote in the college, I have never finished any of my fiction works. I have three novels in various stages but got into writers block every time. This time, I converted an unpublished novel into a short story and I was particular to release it today. Since it was converted in a hurry, I didnt do a lot of proofreading. If you like or hate the story, do send me a mail.
Blog will be refreshed back from Jan 1
Sorry for keeping the blog stale the last 2 weeks. I was traveling around Europe and India and then fell sick. I will be in hospital the next couple of days and hoping to get normal shortly. I will then fill up posts for the last 2 weeks.
Happy Holidays!
Regards,
Balaji Viswanathan
