Want to start an altercation at Oktoberfest? Inform the people in your tent that Germany does not lead the world in beer consumption.   Read More

Talking to the beer producer at Oktoberfest there is definitely angst, as they say in Germany.   Read More

The brewing industry has faced tough times of late. Traditionally a defensive sector, brewers are facing stiff competition from wine and spirits.    Read More

There are two types of seating at the Oktoberfest tents: reserved and unreserved. My attempt at entering the reserved seating was blocked by security, press pass notwithstanding.   Read More

Oktoberfest is in full swing in Munich Monday and there are few signs that the credit crunch and Germany's economic slowdown is impeding the celebrations. But traveling tells a different story.   Read More

If the decline in Commerzbank's share price this morning tells us anything about investor sentiment towards the $14.5 billion deal to combine Commerzbank and Desdner, the market thinks they overpaid.   Read More

There is an adamant little Frenchman, Jean-Claude Trichet, and his merry band of monetary lawmakers drawing the line on inflation ... how'd THEY become the bad guys? Hmmm...   Read More

As economies around the world struggle, it's best to stay in defensive areas like health care, according to Markus Ratz, fund manager at Lupus Alpha.   Read More

Not an ENTIRELY serious blog about the ECB, monetary policy and Eurozone rate prospects. Correction: an entirely UNserious blog in vague connection with the ECB and no connection with monetary policy at all. Although... you never know. (And, sorry: no juicy tales about Playgirl of the Month being introduced to spice up ECB monthly reports, either.)   Read More

Warren Buffett tells reporters in Switzerland he can "guarantee" he won't buy a European company by the end of his tour this week.  It's another indication his visit is designed to lay the groundwork for potential deals in the future, rather than actually pick up a company on the spot.   Read More