Ian Bruk: Investing

I knew I'd get a quote in about Greek Tragedies somewhere:

From the Prudent Bear Fund:

The idealized model extolled on Wall Street today has certainly not incurred a human cost comparable to communism, but in their cult of efficiency and reason, their ignorance of history and their willful contempt for other kinds of economic models, the champions of the American model embody the same kind of hubris and arrogance that have marked the central traditions of other false Utopias of the 20^th century. And as any student of Greek tragedy knows, the presence of hubris usually means that nemesis – the righteous retribution of the Gods – is not far behind.

When Alan Greenspan talks I tend to try to listen. I have searched for the text of the question and answer portion of his testimony to the Senate Committee. Unfortunately I have not found anything available. From what was shown on TV he seemed to show concern about the ongoing availability of natural gas in the U.S. He said the supply from both the U.S. and Canada is insufficient and that that environmental concerns have delayed the build up of natural gas distribution facilities in American ports. This coupled with a report that world oil production will peak in 2003 seems to portend a growing shortage of fossil fuels.

I'm working on a research report on Fannie Mae right now. There have been several articles ranging from the most respected to, shall I say, a little "quacky" questioning the strength of the U.S. economy. In wondering how exactly to play the possible scenario of a correction to the U.S. economy I stumbled across Fannie Mae which basically guarantees home mortgages in the U.S. There are many aspects related to this play but mainly focus on the strength of the U.S. housing market and a possible shift in the yield curve in U.S. bonds.