Stories of the Day 12/8/2010

Here is an interesting video about the female factor in finance.  It is not a completely feminist talk.  She isn't saying that women are better, instead she is saying they are different.  That difference creates a resistance to the type of herding behavior that has created bubbles and gotten us into trouble.  Great video (here)

The Men's Bonnies won a huge game yesterday at Carnasecca Arena in New York City.  Another late jumper from Nicholson put the Bonnies over the Johnnies in an exciting game.  The article is (here) and you can link to video on ESPN 3.  I also want to be the first to let you know that you should be checking the Bonnies website all day thursday in anticipation of an announcement.  One of my teammates and roomates will receive credit that is well deserved.  He has asked that I not share, so I won't but stay tuned to Gobonnies.com tomorrow to see the news.

How bad is this really getting?  In an attempt to support Wiki Leaks, hackers have attacked websites like Mastercard and Visa.  These two, along with a number of others who are outspokenly against what Julian Assange is doing are victims of these hackers attacks.  They used twitter to own up to their attacks.  Keep voting on the left whether or not you think Wiki Leaks is good four our country.  Read the article (here).

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Now, for those who aren't new to reading financial blogs, you have most likely heard of Nassim Taleb, and black swans.  However, for some newer readers, we have decided to put the following video on the website.  The video is a recent TIME interview with the author and academic.  He discusses a couple of his ideas past and present.  Get used to this guy, because his work is not only brilliant, but it is defining a new side of finance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3bu_7Bfatg

Enjoy,

Kevin and Shane

Equity Analyst Coverage Pt. 1

At the bottom of the page, I have posted my most recent paper.  This paper is for Dr. Mahar's MBA-Behavioral Finance class.

The paper is a preview and introduction to the following topic: the value of equity research analysts and the information they pass along to their clients.  It mentions a number of older studies on similar topics, and then gives light into the research that I have been performing.  The second part, which will include the results of that research will be posted within the next week.

Kevin

Weekend Reads 11/7//2010

St. Bonaventure Men's Soccer team clinches post-season birth (here)

Women's Soccer finishes up one of the most successful seasons in program history (here)

Quick October review of hedge fund results (here)

Trade deficit is expected to shrink thanks to weaker dollar (here)

Christian the Lion (here)



Kevin

Monkey Business

Below is the video we watched in 401 yesterday of a couple of problem solving monkeys. We love this video too much not to post it. Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAFQ5kUHPkY

Kevin and Shane

Is Behavioral Finance a Growth Industry?

In our most recent advanced corporate finance classes (401) we have been discussing Behavioral Finance. I have found it to be some of the most interesting material covered thus far. But then again who wouldn't love watching youtube videos of monkeys instead of listening to a lecture (sorry Prof. Mahar). Anyways here's an article I found that particularly tickled my interests in the field. Enjoy.

http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=444

Shane