A REAL ECONOMIST IN RICK SANTELLI AT CNBC

THE REAL ECONOMIST BLOGSPOT SEES RICK SANTELLI AS A REASONABLE ECONOMIST
Astoria, New York
" You can't find a better expert in the field than Rick Santelli of CNBC " said FPG. " Rick Santelli, a regular business anchor from the Chicago bond desk, is known as one the economic newsman that says things that are the way they really are. We don't need people like his counterpart Larry Kudlow, chief economist, who find objections and are politically minded. Rick is reasonable and knows a lot in the field of economics. True economics is the way to go and the sweeping things under the rug style embraced by Larry Kudlow has been used for a long time. I believe that Santelli has a wide range of ideas to offer politicians and in my opinion, he may be a presidential candidate oppurtunity himself. Immagine Rick Santelli as future president of the United States? For Rick's interview please go to yahoo finance.

FEDERAL REGULATORS TAKE IN MORE BANKS IN 2010 THAN 2009

* REAL ESTATE, THE MAIN CAUSE OF BANK FAILURES
* LAWRENCE ( LARRY ) KUDLOW OF CNBC DID NOT ANYTHING ABOUT REAL ESTATE IN 2006
* NY REAL ESTATE IS THE BACKBONE OF THE US ECONOMY AS MORE PEOPLE LIVE OFF REAL ESTATE IN NEW YORK
ASTORIA, NEW YORK
With 125 banks taken over by the FDIC in 2010, we wonder what is happening to the United States Banking system. Last year at this time it was 94banks and we thought that was bad. This is worse and you use calculus, you will feel the marginal propensity of destruction of the free banking system. Larry Kudlow did not want to understand the importance of real estate. When asked the question " Are Americans borrowing too much aginst the value of real estate? " he made up the reasoning that valuations went up and that was okay. He refused to discuss real estate valuations and predictions. So, I asked myself " Who is responsible to answer that question? " A Real Estate broker? He told me that prices are going up and if you don't buy now, you will loose out. A banker? He told me that banks are giving out money and that you need to apply for a loan. A lawyer? He said that he was busy and that he has many closings. An Insurance agent? He said that you need to get insurance just in case something happens to you? A politician? I did not ask since the our chief in Washington answered that during his radio addresses. A seller of a property? After getting his price, he confidentially told me. I am happy what I got but I feel sorry for who bought the property. He is going to work harder than I did to keep up with the payments. An economist like LARRY KUDLOW??? Why didn't Larry understand the problem. From Economics 101 to International Trade to Economic Law to Calculus and Statistics, what was he thinking about Real Estate? He couldn't study the problem. Specializations is okay with Medicine, Teaching or Technical work but not with Economics. If you are a Senior Economist, then you have to be prepared to answer questions from A to Z. Larry apologized in 2008 for his mistakes but it was too late. The economy had gotten a real estate sickness that could last for a long time. Living off Real Estate is nice but eventually you will pay the price if you don't undersatnd the fundamentals of it.

BILLIONAIRES THAT ARE FRUGAL, BECOME RICHER

Astoria, New York
In an article posted on Yahoo,we can learn from some frugal billionaires who save in a very frugal manner, even though they can afford anything. In response to that article, this blogspot of the real economist can explain why some billionaires are so frugal. " The answer is personal character. " said FPG. " Some billionaires come from the old school and that is a plain fact. Carlos Slim of Mexico is the richest one of them all. He is old. He lived in the harsh times after World War II. His mentality is to save to the last penny in order to make more money. He preferred to live in his house of 40 years because it's probably sentimental to him. But he knows that by doing so, he would avoid buying another one at today's market prices, a hefty increase since he bought his first one. " Frugal billionaires may be very price conscious and therefore they hesitate in moving forward if not needed. Why buy a new car if an old one is comfortable and still works well? On the other hand, Silvio Berlusconi is not mentioned in the article. " Berlusconi is probably a good spender. He likes to live the rich life, spending left and right. His spending has caused him problems too. His latest divorce with his wife was because of his spending on young pretty girls as well as call girls." continued FPG. " I believe that spending depends on the individual. There are people who like to spend more and others that like to spend less. But it's how you spend and what you get out of it that determines your level of frugality" finalized FPG.
For the article on frugal billionaires please go to: http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/110550/tips-from-frugal-billionaires?mod=bb-budgeting

FROM MICROCAPSTOCK.BLOGSPOT

DOUBLE DIP SCARE HAS MARKETS ON THE EDGE
*WILL MICRO CAPS BE A BETTER BET?
*IN A WORLD OF HIGH DEBT,LESS ROOM FOR EQUITIES
Astoria Heights, New York
It may be better being careful than aggressive in these periods. An orrendous 2008 to early 2009 followed by some kind of recovery that has vanished as the Dow dipped deeper in the 9000 levels. FPG believes that after the rebound in the markets that we expereienced since March 2009 we have now been under pressure for many reasons. "In a market that is under pressure like this, we have serious doubts in sustained growth and therefore we are seeing some chaotic period. Micro caps are also under pressure and therefore forecasting on the all is impaired. Slow hand picking cheap situations is a better bet." said FPG. In a world of high debt there less money available for equities. Only smaller money and fewer people will be able to take risks. "Unless governments come out with better solutions, we can be in this status quo for a while. Micro caps will always be there and companies that are committed in doing the right thing by the investor, will have the upper hand. " finalized FPG

THE DOW GOES DOWN DEEP BELOW 10,000, NOW BELOW 9,700

*JOBS, OIL SPILL, EUROLAND WOES TAKE CREDIT FOR DOW SINKING
*THE US SHOULD SAVE MONEY, NO SPORADIC FIREWORKS ON THE JULY 4TH WEEKEND

GREEK FINANCE MINISTER SAYS GREECE IS NOT ARGENTINA

* MINISTER SAYS GREECE IS NOT DEFAULTING AND THAT MEASURES TAKEN WILL WORK
Astoria, New York
George Papaconstantinou, the Greek Finance Minister has spoken to Bloomberg reporter in reference of the downgrade of Greek bonds. He had strong words for the markets telling the investing community that austerity measures taken will yield to fruition. Stay tuned on Bloomberg TV for more developments.

BREAKING NEWS: THE DOW GETS WHIPPED TO BELOW 10,000 AFTER YESTERDAYS BIG DROP

*EURO ZONE PROBLEMS BECOMING MORE CONTAGIOUS
*JOBLESS APPS INCREASE
*SENATE PASSES SWEEPING WALL STREET BILL
STAY TUNED FOR DEVELOPING STORIES.........

MARKETS SOAR ON IMF'S EUROPEAN BAILOUT PACKAGE

*EURO RETURNS TO 1.30 AREA
*WILL THE PARTY LAST?
Astoria, New York
A nearl 1000 pt scare last week after a computer glitch sent the Dow tumbling in seconds and persisting European debt worries have translated in a strong rally on all bourses today. The reason is the IMF's committment in stabilizing Europe and the rest of the world. " This can been seen as quick fixes as well as trying to calm fears in the markets, but long term solutions are needed to create a more transparent environment for investors. " commented FPG. The Dow quickly slid to just below 10,000 on Thursday after stabilizing in 10,300 area on Friday. Today an early 400 point rally took it into 10,700 area, still a bit away from the 11,000 zone. The real economist will continue to monitor the situation.

SPAIN JOINS IN EUROPE'S WOES, EU TO WORK OUT A GREEK DEBT DEAL

* SPAIN'S DEBT DOWNGRADED
* EU CHIEF SAYS WORKING ON GREEK DEBT DEAL BAILOUT BUT NO ASSURANCES GIVEN
Astoria, New York
More jitters for Europeans after a downgrade of Spain's debt. The country joins Portugal and Greece in Europe's credit crisis. Today, EU chief Herman Van Rompuy has said that his council is working on solving the Greek financial crisis but cannot assure on that. The deal should close in the next few days. He also is enforcing a 2 month ban restricting short sales on the Athens Stock Exchange. This was good enough to send European shares higher today. US shares have rallied yesterday from a decline on Tuesday that took the Dow below 11,000. Yesterday's close saw the Dow above 11 k again. The euro is a bit higher today above 1.32 against the dollar.

EUROPEAN DEBT JITTERS PUSH DOW BELOW 11000

*PORTUGUAL JOINS GREECE IN DEBT WATCH WORRIES
*EURO SLIDES TO NEW 2010 LOWS
Astoria, New York
The greek debt status cut to junk as Portugual's rating downgrade took aim at the world markets. Markets across the globe saw new fresh 2010 peaks clubbered a bit on Tuesday as the European credit crisis deepens a bit. Even a rescue package for Greece did not seem to save it from junk status. But a Portugual downgrade opened the door to a possibility that other European countries such as Spain could follow Greece. These countries are the southern portion of Europe. Historically Southern Europe has been a weak spot for Western Europe. Italy, another country in the area, has been a bit stronger lately thanks to the center right government of billionaire Silvio Berlusconi. The euro currency has been on a slide lately and
Tuesday's events took it to new 2010 lows near the 1.30 area against the US dollar. The real economist will continue to monitor further developments on the European debt crisis.

GOLDMAN SACHS FRAUD PROBE MAY SEND RIPPLES THROUGH THE FINANCIAL MARKETS

Astoria,New York
Goldman Sachs, the jewel of the financial banking system, is under the gun as allegations of fraud are arising. This blogspot will keep updating the situation.
Initially, shares of the company have fallen a bit, but news of good earnings report have baAslanced this situation. "The ongoing investigation and testimony in Congress may be damaging to a degree and we will need to continue to monitor all of this" finalized FPG.

THE DOW CONQUERS THE 11000 MARK,WILL IT HANG ON TO IT?

*LONG AWAITED 11000 TOOK A WHILE BUT ARRIVES BY MID APRIL
*THE REAL ECONOMIST STILL SEES NEGATIVE ECONOMIC ISSUES
Astoria, New York
The Dow reaching 11,000 was like the Roma soccer team of Italy getting past Inter. It took time and hard work but it was achieved. Even though negative economic data are lurking around, positive signs of stability and decrease in unemployment have helped indices push higher. With interest rates near and at lows of the year, investors have returned to large and small cap companies as flocks of birds do when come back from the winter migrations. The Fed has said that interest rates are historical lows but they expect rates to go back higher sooner than later and real estate is in a dormant stage. In the meantime, hungry investors are sliipping back to risky investments. If you look at them, some investments are less risky than one's eye or immagination may suggest. Low priced stocks with low capitalization and good financials could be some of the ingredients for an investor's recipe.

SPRING BLOOM MAY BRING DOW TO 11K

*The Dow has not seen 11000 since 2008
Astoria, New York
The markets hanging in the 10K range for most of the winter are about to crack at the 11K area for the Dow. April begins as a lamb for the holidays, after a snowy February and a wet March. "Even though we still see problems with the economy, it has stabilized in the short giving investors a vote of confidence. This in turn is giving investors a chance to buy stocks with alternate investments not bearing fruit" finalized FPG.

MERGER AND LENDING ACTIVITY FAVORING SMALLER CAPS IN 2010

Astoria, New York
Many small companies with good balance sheets and loss carryforwards in the Small Cap and Micro Cap World are in the driver's seat for 2010. With mergers and takeover activity starting to pick up coupled with better lending for the smaller companies, we have the potential for these tiny companies to outperform their larger counterparts. The capital gains rate, steady in 2010, is expected to rise by percentage points in 2011. Also tax rates for corporation is expected to go higher as government budgets need to find ways to solve their credit crunches. Thus, there is a rush to look for bargain small companies that can offer increased sales and loss carryforwards for the larger companies. Mergers among small companies could take place for various reasons too. Cost constraints, need to consolidate to save money and diversification to stay alive could be reasons for the micro caps to decide on a merger or a privatization. One of the interesting takeovers was Sirit ( SI.TO ) of Canada by Federal Signal. Sirit is a Rfid company that uses its technology for highway and bridges tolls. The initial takeover price was 30 cents Canadian currency but yesterday the offer was finalized at 46 cents, a whopping 53 plus percent premium. It signals the markets that many small and micro caps are undervalued and after thorough due diligence, it can lead to unleash higher values on these tiny companies. Also, lending towards smaller companies with good balance sheets and good stories has been favorable. " With less money out there to lend, it probably is better for the investment lenders to spread it out on a few favorable smaller companies than on a single larger cap. You are simply diversifying the risk and could be reaping on much higher rewards" finalized FPG.
Posted by FPG at www.MicroCapStock.blogspot.com 1:47 AM

ALL EYES POINT TO DOW 10,000

CAN IT BREAK IT AND FIND SUPPORT?
Astoria, New York
The idea of returning back to 10,000 and just below it, in late 2009 comes back in February ahead of the Superbowl. A mixed bag of negative news continues to plague the markets even though hope of a quicker recovery and demand for lower valued stocks have supported a short term Dow above 10k market. This blogspot will continue to monitor the developing situation. Stay tuned.

ITALIAN VICE IN NEW YORK ON FEBRUARY 4TH

Astoria, New York
Dinner in Honor of Gianfranco Fini, President Italian Chamber of Deputies
Thursday, February 4, 2010The Grand Hyatt Hotel (Park Avenue at Grand Central, New York)
Reception begins 7:00 pm - Dinner begins 8:00 pm
On Thursday, February 4, 2010, the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Gianfranco Fini, will be in New York during a visit to the United States. On this occasion, the Italian American Community of the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will organize a dinner in honor of the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies on Thursday, February 4th at the Grand Hyatt Hotel (Park Avenue at Grand Central, New York). The reception will start at 7:00 p.m. and dinner will follow at 8:00 p.m. We look forward to a warm participation at this important event and count on your commitment to ensure that members of your organization will participate in the highest possible number. Thank you in advance for your support of this important initiative. Reservation Form
Please list below the name, phone number, e-mail address and organization of those attending I am enclosing a check for $..........for……Golden Seating Table(s) of ten at $2,000 each I am enclosing a check for $..........for……Golden Seating Ticket(s) at $200 each I am enclosing a check for $..........for……Silver Seating Table(s) of ten at $1,300 each I am enclosing a check for $..........for……Silver Seating Ticket(s) at $150 each Checks should be made payable to: The Consulate General of Italy (Pres. Fini) Please mail this form and your check to: Mr. Giorgio GoriniConsulate General of Italy690 Park AvenueNew York, N.Y. 10065For security reasons all tickets are non-transferable and all attendees must present a photo I.D.To ensure that you are seated with members of the Italian American Museum please contact: Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa at (917) 642-4922

COMMENCING 2010 WITH HOPE AND REGULATION

*REASONABLE REGULATION IS THE KEY TO STABILITY
*LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM PAST POLICIES OF THE LAST DECADE
Astoria, New York
We start 2010 on a hopeful footing. We hope that things will be different and better than the previous decade. We learned that regulation is a necessary evil. But we have learned that reasonable regulation is necessary for capitalism to survive. When Larry Kudlow, show host at CNBC, says that we need the FED to get out, we plainly want to laugh at him. He is the guy who said to a bunch of investment professionals that he was sorry that he had made a mistake in 2008.
Free capitalism does not work. Tough regulations don't work either. A blend of reasonable regulations have to be implemented and the FED has to act upon any anomalies in the economy with speed. And we mean it when we say reasonable. When interest rates went down in 2001, I believe it was unreasonable from the economic point view. When bank companies executive were getting large bonuses even though banks were loosing money and overlending, I believed that to be unreasonable too. Anomalies of any kind ruin the stability of the economy at the macro level. We need the FEDS to look more at the macroeconomics and less at the microeconomics so they can make sure that the events of the past decade don't occur again anytime soon.