A year ago, spreads between the long bond and the 2-year note were close to zero.  At the start of February 2007 we were looking at a slightly inverted yield curve, often a predictor of a recession.  Now, a year later, the spread is approaching 300 basis points, hitting 292 on Friday.  We haven't hit spreads that wide since 2004.  Here is a 10 year history of treasury yields...   Read More

CNBC's signature morning program, "Squawk Box," (6AM-9AM ET) is hitting the road for "Squawk Across America." 'Squawk Box" co-anchors Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Carl Quintanilla travel to Miami Beach, FL, Washington, DC, Atlanta, and Boston where they will meet with the biggest names in business and politics in some of the most important cities.   Read More

As a wrap for the year 2007 and a look ahead into 2008, A Fund Affair takes a look at the outlook for thematic funds.  Our guest writer, Mah Ching Cheng, Research Manager at Fundsupermart.com examines what drives five themes in particular: Agribusiness, Global Climate Change, Luxury, Infrastructure, and Islamic Investments. Mah explains whether these investment themes are sustainable in the longer term, and how they can fit in an investor’s portfolio.    Read More