Bullish Blog

When Democrats take control of Congress in January, Rep. Barney Frank will set the agenda on policies that affect public companies.  He's pushing for extraordinary reforms and supersized shareholder power -- including say over executive pay.

AP - Wall Street ended an erratic session little changed Thursday as strength in energy stocks offset a weak manufacturing data and a disappointing forecast from Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Government reports see a healthy economy. Energy stocks jump as crude tops $62. Tiffany sees great business, and shares soar. More than half of Ford's hourly workers voluntarily leave. Pfizer slashes 20% of its sales force.

Investor's Business Daily - NYSE stocks took hump day to task, riding slightly higher volume to launch early and late ascents. The NYSE composite gained 1.1%; the S&P 500 rose 0.9%.

For the first time in years, pay climbs faster than the cost of living.

That 38,000 hourly workers chose to take Ford's buyout offer means people closest to the company would rather run than take their chances on its future.  Investors should heed the lesson.

The buyouts represent almost half of the company's U.S. factory work force. The company also announces a $17 billion cash outlay in the next three years.

AP - Wall Street opened higher Wednesday after a report showed the economy is in better shape than expected during the third quarter, easing concerns that growth was moderating too sharply.

Reuters - U.S. stocks rose sharply on Wednesday as shares of Exxon Mobil Corp. and other energy-related companies climbed on rising oil prices, and after the U.S. government raised its estimate of third-quarter economic growth.

Workers are rediscovering the value of face-to-face communications at one company where 'no e-mail Fridays' have improved productivity and teamwork.