Home prices in the 20 US urban markets tracked by the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index fell 14.1 percent in the first quarter of 2008. That’s the worst decline in house prices since S&P began publishing the index; most pundits agree that this is the worst real estate downturn in more than 20 years. Read More

From recent discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico to escalating tensions over oil under Arctic waters, it’s becoming clear that offshore fields represent the final frontier for exploration and production in the age of Peak Oil. Read More

Over the past fifteen years, wine has come to play an increasingly prominent role in our nation's imagination and drinking preferences, a cultural phenomenon highlighted--and perhaps to some degree fermented--by the success of Sideways, an Oscar-nominated film set in California's wine country. Read More

Bonds have steadily gained favor with investors this year; falling interest rates and a reduced risk appetite have made longer-term issues especially attractive. Read More

Uncertainty regarding inflation continues to adversely affect the markets. High energy and food prices in the face of a weakened US dollar have weighed heavily on investors of late. And recent consumer confidence data show no signs of boosted morale, falling again in May to hit their lowest level since October 1992. Read More

US stocks plummeted on speculation that rising inflation would prompt central banks to raise interest rates. These concerns combined with surging oil prices to deliver a reeling blow to investor sentiment. Read More

Cash Cow Western Asset Emerging Markets (NYSE: EFL) has delayed its previously announced plan to seek shareholder approval for a merger with the Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund (NYSE: ESD). Read More

After a volatile day of trading, US stocks finished mixed. Lower oil prices, which typically boost investor sentiment, were offset by statements from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke indicated that rising inflation is becoming a matter of increasing concern. Read More

“You’re trading the commodities markets all wrong. It’s not about you making money; it’s about us making money.” So go the words of the old guard of the commodities markets. Read More

The three major US stock indexes finished the day mixed, recovering for the most part from Friday’s selloff. Lower oil prices buoyed investor sentiment, while share prices in the financial sector continued to struggle amid ongoing concerns over additional mortgage-related losses. Read More