The Stock Market and Investing

ljflx

Ah - but according to Obama a lot of the IRS targeting was from a tiny handful of low level employees. And why exactly would anyone do such a thing when they have nothing to gain and everything to lose?? Now I don't care if Obama keeps up the stupiditity of the things that got him re-elected with a constituency foolish enough to believe him - witness a smear campaighn against Romney that was as low class as anything I ever saw - but please stop insulting people who know better about these things.

ljflx

Even in the powerful 429 HP V8 in the S-class I get 32mpg if I drive at that average speed. MB improved MPG in many of their engines in 2013.

fintail

7 speeds have to help a lot, too. I bet a diesel S could approach 40mpg if driven properly.

gagrice

I think this Dow article gives some insight to the rise of GOOG and the fall of AAPL.

Worldwide mobile phone sales increased slightly in the first quarter as solid growth in the Asia-Pacific region compensated for a slowdown elsewhere, while South Korea's Samsung Electronics (005930.SE) gained further market share and extended its lead over rivals, research firm Gartner Inc. (IT) said Tuesday. MAIN FACTS: -Worldwide mobile phone sales to end users totalled nearly 426 million units in the first quarter of 2013, a slight increase of 0.7% from the same period last year. -Worldwide smartphone sales totalled 210 million units in the first quarter of 2013, up 42.9% from the first quarter of 2012. -The Asia/Pacific region was the only region to show growth in mobile phone sales this quarter, with a 6.4% increase year-on-year. -Sales of mobile phones in the EMEA region declined 3.6%. The North America and Latin America's mobile phone market fell 9.5% and 3.8%, respectively, while Japan saw its mobile phone sales drop 7.3%. -Smartphones accounted for 49.3% of sales of mobile phones worldwide. This is up from 34.8% in the first quarter of 2012, and 44% in the fourth quarter of 2012. On the other hand, sales of feature phones contracted 21.8% in the first quarter of 2013. -"Feature phones users across the world are either finding their existing phones good enough or are waiting for smartphones prices to drop further, either way the prospect of longer replacement cycles is certainly not a good news for both vendors and carriers looking to move users forward," Gartner analyst Anshul Gupta said. -Samsung Electronics maintained its market leading position as its mobile phone market share increased to 23.6% from 21.1% a year earlier. -Nokia Corp's (NOK) mobile phone market share fell to 14.8% from 19.7%. -Apple Inc's (AAPL) mobile phone market share rose to 9% from 7.8%. -Android remained the dominant smartphone operating system. Its share of the smartphone operating system market rose to 74.4% from 56.9% a year earlier.

cyclone4

It looks like Fanny May is rising back from the dead. Does anyone have any opinion? Is it a good investment now?

cyclone4

There is a lot more to this story than how it appears. I'm not sure who wrote the article that you show above, but take a look at this. It puts things into perspective:

http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2013/05/14/apple-samsung-android-gartner/?source=yah- oo_quote

gagrice

I think there are a lot of people in the World that cannot afford $110 per month for a smartphone with 2 yr contract. Samsung sells cell phones and smart phones. That gives them a bigger share to start with. Apple only sells smart phones. I don't see that monthly price for a smartphone coming down anytime soon. I am cancelling my Verizon Jetpack contract. Just not worth $50 a month to be connected 24/7.

anthonyp

That is an interesting thought.....Makes sense as the housing recovery is well under way.......Monster volume, and a giant jump today.....Tony

laurasdada

That's why I'm a Virgin Mobile customer: $35/month for 300 minutes talk, unlimited text and web. Of course, Virgin is on the old Sprint WiMax network, so not fantastic voice coverage and limited 4g. But, it meets my needs and the money I save pays for gas (premium!) for the XK!

gagrice

I cancelled my Verizon JetPack service yesterday. Will cost me $135 to get out of the contract. She told me I could get prepaid Verizon data for as little as $15 per GB. Over my 3 week road trip I only used about 300 MB. So that would be the way to go in the future. I also returned the Samsung Note 10.1 to Costco. Too big. I will get the Note 8.0 as soon as they come down a bit in price. I played with them side by side. The iPad Mini is not as bright, I prefer the Note 8.0.

anthonyp

This sure is bleak Some people thinking it will go in the two hundreds, and others don`t think it can keep up the earnings.....Market keeps going up---nicely---even nasd , but when I look at apple down.....Surely they can do better than this for the shareholder....Maybe when Mr Cook testifies next week the cloud will be lifted I hope Tony

anthonyp

I was looking at the new s --in pictures--and they had quite a number of the with the black and white design o like Len`s new one....The were some very atttractive pictures, so I can surely see what attracted him to the one he chose......What do you think of the new S class looks? Tony

fintail

I don't mind it, but don't adore it. As typical for MB lately, it is an evolution, not revolution - going to softer lines, which I don't 100% agree with as I like some of the more angular styles. The new car looks opulent inside, and even outside has some Maybach to it. But the grille is oversized, and from some side angles looks too much like the old car. There's also a lot of discussion in Germany about this car, as it apparently shares some structure with the old car (something about a technicality of changing AC chemicals, IIRC) that makes it not an entirely new platform. Overall, it's a nice car - but will be polarizing for a bit. Something that will grow on people as time passes, and will no doubt sell.

anthonyp

I`l have to see it in person....The looks are attractive in my eye, but I`m not so sure about the instrument cluster....I like the idea of a larger screen for the right side, and don`t see a solution other than what they did...The Audi has a folding screen which I thought bmw copied, but when i looked at the 6 it was fixed...I leave mine up most of the time, but do close it up to get rid of it on occasion....

I think for cars this expensive an evolution is the thing.....Tony ps I, by chance, got to see a Mayback and the interior of the one I saw was outstanding...Had a bit of an Art-Deco look...I was really taken with it.....Unfortunately for some reason Mercedes dropped the ball on mechanical problems.....I think that is absolutely the best interior on a new car, I have ever seen...

fintail

The screen will be fantastic. Even in my E - the screen isn't huge, but the resolution is excellent. I don't trust the folding screens - seems like something that will break and be expensive to fix (especially in an Audi). Will be interesting to see how they function on a 10 year old car.

Maybach was kind of wasted potential - cool interior, but too anonymous outside, and maybe a little too expensive.

anthonyp

Some of the cars are very expensive --in my world---My wife has the e estate wagon, and the screen is a bit cluttered as far as I am concerned...It wouldn`t be if I were driving it every day....My audi has just the right height , and is easy to read, but miserable for the mapping and direction....The old Lexus had a touch screen and it was an easy one to use....

I bet you are enjoying the diesel.....If I were to get the S either the 6 cyl and the diesel would my choices...I really don`t drive aggressively as the roads are clogged with others...Just regular acceleration is good enough for me....t

cyclone4

Blasphemy!! I actually agreed with the comments from a right wing Republican yesterday during the Senate hearing about the Apple taxes and the overseas cash hoard. However, I am not the only one. Take a look at this:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-real-apple-tax-scandal-2013-05-22?siteid=yh- oof2

gagrice

Looks like we found something to agree on. The very Congress that is moaning about Apple, wrote the loopholes into the tax code for their corporate buddies to take advantage of. This is what CA conservatives think about the culture of Liberal elites that are destroying this state and chasing companies off to greener pastures.

http://www.calwatchdog.com/2013/05/22/apple-right-to-avoid-ridiculous-taxes/?utm- _source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

fintail

Before anything changes, one needs to admit that both useless broken parties simply pass the rules and loopholes demanded by their corporate sponsors. Government in 2013 represents corporations, not people, as they aren't people. It's not just the dumb liberal elite, the arrogant pseudo-conservative fake capitalists do it too.

And in the next election, IMO, none of it will change no matter the victor.

Fun comments on that link, I wonder if they'd admit our insane military-industrial machine and the ever-expanding Praetorian class are just wasteful socialism, too.

fintail

The screens often have settings to remove some of the needless data. I have mine set in 3D view with no ancillary sidebar data, just a map. I usually know where I am going, I just like to see where I am. I don't like touch screens, I am a little OCD, and fingerprints annoy me. The big Lexus screens are nice, though.

My car has been mechanically perfect, I love the engine - so smooth and mellow, never has to work hard, you get a little mechanical input, it's a good combination.

anthonyp

Please tell me some details about the engine ..and the transmission...Today I`v just been running a diesel and they really have the torque...Big old tractor with huge cylinders , but my God the lugging power in sixth gear....The smaller diesels seem to be fine, but of course not nearly so powerful..Tony

fintail

It's a turbo V6 with a 7 speed. The torque is noticeable, there's sometimes just a little turbo lag too. ~210hp is unimpressive, but 400 lb/ft makes up for it. It makes some diesel noise at cold idle (outside temp below 60 seems to make it run faster when cold), but once warm, the noise is slight, and when moving, is indetectable. It seldom needs to go over 2K rpm in normal driving.

Later in the year, a 4cyl diesel will be available. Probably a little rougher - especially in cold/fast idle, but almost identical power, and better mileage. Should be able to approach 50mpg in highway cruising, when I can hit 45 in my car.

kathyc2

Hey, Fin. Awhile back you had recommended a polish/wax for dark paint, but I can't remember what it was. Looking to get the 5 shined up with weekend and want it to look excellent after I've invested the time! Thx.

laurasdada

I'm sure Fin will reply, but I'd recommend (the cult of) Zaino. Zainostore.com, for dark paint Z-5 (w/ZFX).

anthonyp

I`l second that...Tony

anthonyp

Charlie----You sure picked a hot one....Up twenty percent just today...:) Good hit Tony

gagrice

10,000 shares of FNMA bought on the 15th would be looking mighty good about now. Too bad I was not paying attention to Charlie.

anthonyp

I tried to buy some , just for the fun of it, and join Mr Charlie, but could not execute with Scottrade.....I bet it goes up alot more, or at least tried to :-) Good Luck Charlie Tony

kathyc2

Thx, every review I've found on it is good. The only problem is I was looking to detail the car this weekend, but I'll keep it in mind.

cyclone4

I've been busy the last couple days and have not had a chance to look at the Forum until now. Yes, I bought 4,000 shares a few days ago at 1.45. So, doubling my money was a good trade. I sold 1000 of the shares today at about 2.90.

Once in a while even a blind squirrel will land on his spot when jumping. Now if I could only make AAPL do the same thing.

anthonyp

How did you buy it? I Couldn`t on Scottrade---that i know? Tony

fintail

Yes, Zaino has a cult behind it, and generally scores very high marks.

Myself, I use Meguiars products - after the surface has been decontaminated, I would treat with a cleaner wax, then a final wax. Maintain it with a spray detailer and spray wax. I use Meguiars NXT on my modern car, natural carnauba wax on the old car. I think Meguiars has a product specifically for dark cars, too.

cyclone4

Tony,

I bought all the shares this time through my broker accounts. However, I just checked on E-Trade to see if it would accept trading FNMA and everything appears like it certainly would. I will test it again on Tuesday when the market is open.

Are you sure you used the correct symbol with Scottrade?

cyclone4

Am I the odd ball here for never having waxed my car? I do take it to a fantastic carwash here frequently and once in a while I tell them to put on what they call N-1 wax (costs an extra $dollar with a monthly package) as it goes through the wash at the end of the cycle just before it is blown dry and finally hand dried for the remaining wet spots. My car still pretty much look like new. I pay $40 per month for unlimited washes and interior cleaning and vacuuming.

kyfdx

Same here..

I've never waxed a car..

gagrice

Am I the odd ball here for never having waxed my car?

No I keep planning to wax my Sequoia. It is a 2007 model. I am trying to get all the Midwest bugs off the front end after my trip to Indiana and Ohio. I use the $6 car wash place about once every 6 months. It does stay in the garage 90% of the time. Taken out for trips. I was thinking of splurging and having it detailed. I have never done that to a vehicle. Worked too hard for the money to waste it like that.

circlew

What?? Now you need to clay bar!! :sick:

Using a clay bar will remove embedded surface contamination that still remains after a maintenance wash. Sometimes the contamination removed is not always visible on the paint to the naked eye. After using a clay bar on your paint you will be left with a surface that is as smooth as glass and properly prepped. It is now ready for polish or for you to apply layers of protection. Not only can you clay your vehicles paint, but glass, wheels, lights and more. A common misconception about using a clay bar is that it has an impact on removing swirls and scratches, it does not.

We recommend using a clay bar roughly twice a year, or before details where you plan on polishing the paint. If your car is subject to industrial fallout or heavily contaminated areas, using a clay bar more often may be required.

kyfdx

If I'm not going to wax it, why clay bar it?

Mine goes through an automatic wash about once per month.. they hand dry, and wipe down the alloys, so it's worth it, just for the wheels.. and, garaged at home...

7 years old, and it still looks pretty darn good.

houdini1

I have a neighbor who seems quite normal in most respects...however, he is absolutely obsessive about keeping his cars washed and waxed...or I should say completely detailed. For instance:

1. He always raises the truck and cleans the nooks are crannies with an old tooth brush on a weekly basis.

2. Upon returning from any trip, no matter what time or how tired he is, he gives his car, or wife's car the full treatment.

3. He is almost 70 years old, but cold/hot weather does not stop him from his weekly hand washes/details, etc.

I just think that he truly enjoys the car wash experience.

In contrast, I hit the brushless car wash maybe once every couple of weeks, and a half hearted wax job once every year or two.

cdnpinhead

consider their car an art object, or an expession of, well, I'm not sure what.

I drive mine. I consider it a means to an end, which is the drive itself. What did I see through the windshield, and how did it feel going down the road? Finding a pleasant road without traffic, with the time to enjoy it, is my idea of a well-spent day (or hour, or week if I'm lucky). I change the oil regularly and make sure the running gear is in good condition.

Cleaning the car, not so much.

Different strokes. . .

fintail

Not odd at all - the odd ones are the meticulous people like me. Most people don't ever wax their car, nor even go to any lengths to keep it clean. I wax my car once a year when I visit at mother's day - if it wasn't for that, I don't know if she would even wash it - she'll just clean it so I won't nag her when I visit. My brother washes his truck twice a year, IIRC. None of my friends have ever mentioned waxing their cars either.

But, there are enough of us out there to make an industry out of it. I do find some enjoyment in the cleaning process. I also have no desire to pay someone else to detail my car, and when I take it in for service, I actually tell them not to wash it - I like to do it myself.

kathyc2

I'd been using Meguiars 5 step in the red bottles for years, but always on the look out for something better. Started with the clay bar, then Ultimate Polish (when they say wipe it away b4 it dry's they aren't kidding) and then finished w/ the NXT. It's like a mirror and really pulls out the Indigo shades in the Carbon Black.

Even w/ my son helping, it took a good chunk of the afternoon. On to the interior and wheels today and then avoiding rood construction areas the rest of summer.

gagrice

I am not one to be caught up in conspiracy theories. Though the last few years have made me question the safety of our money in the banks.

Who could ever forget, John “the Don” Corzine and his former company, MF Global? MF Global, a shell corporation beholding to Goldman Sachs, was led to the slaughter by the former Goldman Sachs executive and former New Jersey Governor and senator, John Corzine. Corzine’s criminal actions have directly victimized 150,000 Americans by stealing an estimated $900 million dollars of his clients’ money from their supposedly secure private account. There is also another $600 million missing dollars from MF Global. Meanwhile, Corzine avoids sharing a prison cell with Bernie Madoff by purchasing a “get-out-of-jail card” through the sponsorship of a $35,000 per plate fundraiser for that great Wall Street puppet and Criminal-In-Chief, Barack Hussein Obama.

What are the government watch dogs doing to protect our money from this new generation of robber barons? The short answer is that the feds are partners with Goldman Sachs in this monumental violation of the public trust. In fact, Goldman Sachs and friends have taken over the government.

http://www.thecommonsenseshow.com/2013/05/22/the-government-theft-of-retirement-- accounts-has-begun/

fintail

Meguiars ultimate spray detailer and ultimate spray wax are excellent products, too. It helps maintain the NXT wax, and the spray wax can hide swirl marks. I spray waxed my car yesterday, I like the stuff as it makes the car very slippery.

fintail

And isn't Goldman Sachs the group who loaned Tesla the money to pay off their loans? Funny, a group dependent on a publicly funded bailout loaning money to pay back a publicly funded loan.

Regarding the taking over of government, that makes me regress to being a 10 year old, and say "no duh" :shades: It's not a new development. Corporations, the FIRE cabal especially, owns government via the lobbying system. It's not the other way around. And it's been this way at least as long as the Federal Reserve scheme has existed.

circlew

Excellent work!

That's how you make paint glow! What others miss in the non-polished paint on their cars would be an epiphany if they followed your lead!

laurasdada

I'm only mildly ocd regarding my car. I'm just happier when it is clean and shiny... So, New England winters are tough on me car-wise, especially when I had the Abyss Blue TL. My current ride is silver, hides the dirt better. But, still, I know it's not clean... :sick:

I've been using Black Magic on my daughter's '02 white Lexus. I spent about three hours yesterday simply to wash and wax it, brought back a good shine. She, of course, does not seem to care.

ljflx

Wow that's $480 a year- I have a better deal at the local MB dealer than I realized. They wash my car for free, and clean the interior in about 20 minutes and I can bring it in anytime I want. While waiting I usually browse the cars in the showroom but they also serve beverages, donuts and danishes and have a lounge for internet browsing.

I don't think the clearcoats need wax. My cars look great after a wash. I haven't waxed a car in many years now.

fintail

The dealer group where I bought my new car has a 4-bay automatic car wash free for people who buy cars there. It's no more than 10 mins or so from me, even in traffic, so I use it when the car is even a little dirty, and I see a dry stretch of weather ahead. They also have vacuums. No free food though.

I polished and waxed my car within a week of purchase, and have waxed it again, since. I can see a difference in gloss, and I just like the smooth paint feel.

houdini1

I am sick and tired of the U.S. whining about China hacking into our security systems and stealing valuable info, etc. and doing nothing about it.

We should just say, fine, you stole it, now you are going to pay for it. We are squaring the books on all that money you have loaned us and as of now, we owe you nothing. Enjoy those secrets you stole.