Archive for April, 2008
« Previous EntriesPrivate equity goes green
Wednesday, April 30th, 2008Private equity firms are renowned — and occasionally denounced — for squeezing costs out of companies they buy. Their investors say buyout funds help the economy become more efficient, and build shareholder value. Their critics allege that they do so by exploiting workers, avoiding taxes and polluting the planet.
Starbucks meets reduced expectations
Wednesday, April 30th, 2008Coffeehouse chain Starbucks reported a 28% drop in fiscal second-quarter earnings Wednesday, saying charges resulting from CEO Howard Schultz’s ongoing plan to transform the business hurt profits.
Prudential’s financial services income plummets
Wednesday, April 30th, 2008Read full story for latest details.
Wall Street wilts after Fed
Wednesday, April 30th, 2008Stocks ended lower Wednesday, erasing earlier gains, as investors took a ’sell the news’ reaction after the Federal Reserve cut a key short-term interest rate, as expected, and signaled it may not cut rates again anytime soon.
Fort Worth’s natural gas rush
Wednesday, April 30th, 2008“If you don’t have a gas well, GET ONE!” implores the billboard on the interstate through Fort Worth, Texas. And in this amiable community (where, as it happens, I make my home), many neighborhoods are getting a gas well - whether they like it or not.