Priceline.com was up 14% yesterday after beating Q2 earnings estimates on strong sales and bookings and guiding above expectations for its current third quarter. The company noted that its results have been and continue to be helped by strong demand for leisure travel this summer, which has been spurred by lower prices via heavy discounting. Read More
Whither stocks? We are overbought, but that doesn't mean the markets will drop. Traders have been worried that the market rally is showing signs of aging; for example, the percentage of stocks below their 10-day moving average is faltering. Read More
Freddie Mac up nearly 100 percent after reporting its first quarterly profit in nearly two years (excluding the dividend payment to the government). A change in accounting rules, lower funding costs, lower provisions for credit losses, and gains on the company's derivative portfolio were all factors. Read More
The recovery in general is spotty. I believe it is underway, but "less-bad" news is losing its ability to inspire stock-buyers. The recession is over, in my mind, but the nature of the recovery is still to be determined. Read More
Those of you who know me, know I love the world of competitive eating. I'm credited with bringing the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest to ESPN (I did sideline reporting for the live broadcast for two years) and I'm recognized by most of the stars of the Major League Eating tour. Read More