22 February, 2015 by The TZ Newswire Staff Comments Off on U.S. refinery strike affects one-fifth of national capacity
U.S. refinery strike affects one-fifth of national capacity
The largest U.S. refinery strike in 35 years entered its fourth week on Sunday as workers at 12 refineries accounting for one-fifth of national production capacity were walking picket lines. Sources familiar with the negotiations said talks may resume by mid-week to end the walkout by 6,550 members of the United Steelworkers union (USW) at 15 plants, including the 12 refineries. The refinery work stoppage began on Feb. 1 when talks for a new three-year contract between the USW and lead oil company negotiator Shell Oil Co broke down.
22 February, 2015 by The TZ Newswire Staff Comments Off on This Won’t End Well
This Won’t End Well
With the S&P 500 now in positive territory for the year and the mainstream media back in normal cheerleading mode, it is worth noting that 1) “Most shorted” stocks have outperformed the broad market this year, 2) the last 3 weeks have seen the biggest short squeeze in almost 4 years, and 3) Hedge funds are now at a record high 57% net long. We suspect, given the looming Humphrey-Hawkins and March FOMC and the short-term ‘gap’ between the market and fun-durr-mentals, volatility will be on the rise again.
22 February, 2015 by The TZ Newswire Staff Comments Off on Trickle-Down QE
Trickle-Down QE
Everyone’s heard of trickle down economics, but how about “trickle down QE”?
22 February, 2015 by The TZ Newswire Staff Comments Off on Wow! The IRS Will Pay Out This Much in Fraudulent Tax Refunds By 2016
Wow! The IRS Will Pay Out This Much in Fraudulent Tax Refunds By 2016
Can you guess how much the IRS will pay out in fraudulent tax returns by 2016? My bet is that your estimate will be less than the IRS’s prediction.
22 February, 2015 by The TZ Newswire Staff Comments Off on Arquette wins best supporting actress for Boyhood
Arquette wins best supporting actress for Boyhood
Two veteran actors walked away with their first Oscars for supporting roles at the 87th Academy Awards, while Poland won best foreign-language film.
22 February, 2015 by The TZ Newswire Staff Comments Off on Euro loses steam after rising on Greek debt deal
Euro loses steam after rising on Greek debt deal
The euro held steady following a conditional loan extension deal for Greece, but losing steam as caution towards the debt saga persisted.
22 February, 2015 by The TZ Newswire Staff Comments Off on Global stocks and euro start cautiously after Greece deal
Global stocks and euro start cautiously after Greece deal
Stock markets and the euro started the week on a cautious note on Monday as a Greek debt deal struck last week remained in the balance until Athens drew up a list of reforms to satisfy its creditors. Although an initial relief over the last-minute deal boosted Wall Street shares to record highs late on Friday, Asian markets saw little follow-up buying. Australian shares dipped 0.2 percent (.AXJO) on disappointment over corporate earnings, while MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan also eased 0.2 percent. U.S.