Monday Moments

So I was scanning headlines, articles and such and came up with a bit of an idea for a post. Kind of like a snap shot for investing, things to come, and research.

So, here it goes.









From the article "Growth IPOs, Mergers, Acquisitions and Consolidations" by James Rickman at Seeking Alpha.

He mentions a really cool little device that Novatel Wireless (NVTL) has a portable wireless router that will deliver wireless 3G data network access to multiple users in a small area. Much the same size as a credit card, the sleek looking MiFi will let users select access to EVDO or HSPA high speed data networks.

This "cloud" of high-speed Internet connectivity that MiFi offers can be shared not only between users, but between devices such as laptops, cameras, gaming devices and multimedia players. Perfect for business or carpooling and relieving boredom in the back seat during that long road trip with kids - think Nintendo DS (NTDOY.PK) or Sony PSP (SNE) - the MiFi will support up to five users simultaneously.

He also talks about future IPO's (due to the ongoing Financial restructuring) and Verizon (VZ) selling their landline business in 14 states to Frontier Communications Corp (FTR).


As Detroit Crumbles, China Emerges as Auto Epicenter













The face of the auto industry is changing. And companies, regardless of their line of business, need to have the ability to adapt to change in order to survive.

- Italy's Fiat is on the verge of taking control of Chrysler. Last year India's Tata Motors, already famous for its $2,000 Nano, acquired Jaguar and Land Rover.

- Detroit's annual auto show in January was somber, but Shanghai's show dazzled attendees with throngs of models, rock bands and light shows. This year, Nissan skipped Detroit and attended the Chinese event in April. Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche all unveiled new-vehicle models in Shanghai.

- In April, China's vehicle sales jumped 25 percent, compared with a year earlier, to a record monthly high of 1.15 million units. It was the third consecutive month that China has surpassed the United States in sales; and this year China is projected to displace Japan as the world's largest car producer.

- Some of China's bigger manufacturers, such as Chery Automobile, have trumpeted their intent to export Chinese-made vehicles to the United States in the next few years. To get there, they'll need to revamp their products to meet stringent U.S. emissions and safety standards. That's no simple problem. Previous plans to ship Chinese cars to U.S. soil have crumbled. There's little doubt among analysts that Chinese automakers are interested in the United States and that Detroit's automakers are interested in them. Buying up iconic brands such as Hummer or Saturn could supply Chinese automakers with the technological expertise to help them leapfrog past long-established competitors


Amazing Auto Deals













Historically one of the worst investments anybody can make is purchasing a brand new car. On average a new car looses 20% of it's value as soon as you drive it off the lot.

But with today's economy, the incentives may be as good as it gets.
With Chrysler going into Bankruptcy (and GM likely to follow) and hundreds of dealerships forced to close, there are literally tons of inventory sitting out there that simply has to move.

But it is not just Chrysler and GM that have inventory issues. With sales down. With gas prices down. Manufacturers such as Toyota have an excess of inventory of their Green Hybrid Models. This is because after last years astronomical rise in gas prices pushed demand for these cars through the roof, these manufacturers ramped up production. And now the same conditions no longer exist.

Add to this that congress is likely to pass a "Cash for Clunkers" incentive plan and you have the makings for some great deals, and some cash back from both dealers and congress that push prices often below dealer costs (in the case of Chrysler and GM) and get pretty close to that magical 20% number.

You can find the list of dealerships closing here.

You can search Edmonds.com for incentives offered in your area.