5 Classic Asset Bubbles That Should Make Bitcoin Buyers Beware
The value of digital crypto-currency Bitcoin has skyrocketed thanks to eurozone worries. But skeptics say its a bubble destined to pop, much like these five historic bubbles.
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World Stocks Surge; Dow Breaks All-Time High
World stock markets rose Tuesday as investors applauded China's pledge to stick to economic growth targets for its economy, the world's second largest. Outgoing Premier Wen Jiabao said the government would spend what it needs to meet the target of 7.5 percent enshrined in the latest five-year development plan.
Markets Cautious Ahead of Debt Ceiling Vote
Stock markets traded cautiously on Wednesday ahead of a U.S. vote on raising the nation's borrowing limit temporarily. The House is set to vote on a motion to increase the nation's $16.4 trillion borrowing ceiling for three months.
U.S. Stock Prices Dip Ahead of Earnings Season Kickoff
U.S. stocks fell Tuesday as traders awaited the start of the corporate earnings season. Market-watchers expect the quarter's results could include many surprises because of events like Superstorm Sandy, the presidential election, and the narrowly avoided "fiscal cliff."
Stocks Close Higher as Hope Rises for a Fiscal Cliff Deal
Stocks gained on signs that lawmakers are edging toward a deal that would help the U.S. avoid the "fiscal cliff." Indexes shrugged off an early loss and rose in afternoon trading Wednesday. The Dow closed up 106.98 points at 12,985.11. It had been down as much as 112 points in early trading.
Stock Markets Bounce Back as Hopes Rise for a Fiscal Cliff Deal
Hopes that President Barack Obama and U.S. lawmakers will be able to avoid a budget crisis helped world stock markets recover from earlier losses on Wednesday. European stock indexes, which were trading lower all day, closed higher, and the Dow and S&P rose.
Fiscal Cliff Impasse Pushes World Stock Markets Lower
Fear that congressional Republicans and President Obama will fail to steer the United States away from the fiscal cliff before a January deadline sent world stock markets lower on Wednesday. Britain's FTSE, Germany's DAX, Japan's Nikkei and France's CAC-40 all fell, and on Wall Street, both the Dow and the S&P 500 opened lower.
Markets Nervous as Eurozone Finance Ministers Meet on Greece
Concerns that European finance ministers will again fail to reach an agreement on handing over more bailout cash to Greece weighed on markets Monday. In addition, an election in Spain's Catalonia region that saw separatists gain ground is also adding to global investor worries.
World Markets Still Feeling Good About ECB's Bond-Buying Plan
A unlimited bond-buying plan from the European Central Bank continued to buoy financial markets on Friday while worse-than-expected U.S. jobs data lifted expectations that the Federal Reserve will back another monetary stimulus.
European Stocks Slip on Greek Political Turmoil
European and U.S. markets sank Tuesday as investors worried whether Greece, after an inconclusive election, would be able to form a new government to save it from financial disaster.
Nikkei Slides with Tokyo Electric as Boss Faces the Boot
In Asia Monday Japan's Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.6% to 9,479 and in Hong Kong the Hang Seng Index lost 0.4% to close at 23,068, China's Shanghai Composite Index added 0.2% to end the day at 2,984.
Rebuffing Warren Buffett: Japan Is Not a 'Buying Opportunity'
Despite the recent calamitous events in Japan, Warren Buffett sees a "buying opportunity" in the country's stocks. Beware of taking his advice, however. If you are investing for a short-term killing, you are likely to be disappointed.
Chinese Reserve Ratios Escape Recent Hike, Asian Markets Rise
Investors in Asia were quick to react to a report that China has canceled its last round of reserve ratio hikes, sending markets up on Tuesday. The Hang Seng rose 1.7% in Hong Kong, the Shanghai Composite inched up 0.1%, and in Japan the Nikkei 225 Index gained 0.2%.
Asian Markets Are Mixed as Investors Eye U.S. Elections
In Asia on Tuesday, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 0.1%, China's Shanghai Composite inched down 0.3%. and in Japan, the Nikkei 225 crept up 0.1%. Investors are closely monitoring the U.S. midterm elections, with many predicting that if the Democrats lose their majorities in both the House and the Senate, the dollar will continue to slide.