Archive for September 2010
Wave Theory is all wet
Dear Mr. Berko:
Back in June, you said the Dow Jones industrial average could fall to 8,500. Please explain this. What do you think of Robert Prechter, who says the Dow will crash to 1,000? …
Read MoreAvista is a pleasant sight
Dear Mr. Berko:
About a month or so ago, you recommended five or six electric utilities, and believe it or not, I own at least 65 to 90 shares of each. I like utility issues …
Read MoreIsraeli company backs away from Albaugh Inc.
Makhteshim-Agan Industries Ltd., the world’s biggest maker of generic crop chemicals, last week canceled negotiations to buy Ankeny-based Albaugh Inc. for about $1 billion. Iowa native Dennis Albaugh founded his namesake company in 1979.
Makhteshim …
Read MoreAll of a sudden, Casey’s takeover gets serious
The Canadian-based suitor of Casey’s General Stores Inc. let it be known that its intentions were serious last week when it sweetened its offer for the convenience store chain to $38.50 a share, a $1.75 …
Sometimes, it’s better to retreat
Millions of Americans live near the oceans, and as Hurricane Earl headed up the East Coast last week, we were reminded once again of what a problem that is. It’s not likely that we’ll do …
Unemployment rate rises as governments shed jobs
The U.S. unemployment rate rose 0.1 percent to 9.6 percent in August from July as the economic rebound shows clear signs of a slowdown, the New York Times reported.
However, according to the U.S. Department …
Read MoreThe cost of spilling oil
BP Plc’s cost of dealing with its recent oil spill disaster has risen to $8 billion, Reuters reported.
On April 20, the Deepwater Horizon offshore rig, which BP was leasing from Transocean, exploded and sank. …
Read MoreEmployers will kick in more
The unemployment contribution rate for employers will be adjusted on Jan. 1, Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) announced Thursday. The contribution rate, which is based on wages, will be set at $24,700 for 2011. Noting that …
Read MoreBroadband report is issued
Gov. Chet Culver and the Iowa Utilities Board have announced what they say is a major step forward in the Connect Iowa initiative. A new, 58-page assessment details current broadband availability and usage in the …
Read MoreFirst Bank makes changes
First Bank’s board of directors has announced three changes in its leadership. Rick Messerschmidt has been promoted to chairman of the board and executive vice president of First Bank, and Jeffrey Rose was promoted to …
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