| Playing too many dummies
Any bond investor knows that money invested in government paper is safer than that in even the best ranked AAA corporate papers. This is the reason why in India, millions of investors still swear their savings to such government schemes as the leitmotif one, the Public Provident Fund (PPF). This is reflected in the difference in yield between government debt and that of corporate bonds. The higher returns on corporate papers, therefore, compensate for the higher risk, and the difference is called the risk premium. If there were no risk, the returns on these too would be the same as on government securities. This logic, however, does break down, as has happened in the Indian bond market. Just scan the yield data on the benchmark 10-year triple-A rated papers in the US, their counterparts in India, and that of Indian government securities.
Tree Trimmer Killed In Palm Tree
FALLBROOK, Calif. -- A man trimming a towering palm tree in a rural North County neighborhood died Friday after heavy palm fronds collapsed around him, a sheriff's official reported. The accident in the 4300 block of Sleeping Indian Road in Fallbrook was reported about 10:45 a.m., Lt. Sylvester Washington said. It took emergency crews about three hours to reach the man's perch several stories above the ground. Firefighters pronounced him dead at the scene. .
Opposing view: Let consumers choose
When it comes to cracking down on violations of consumer protectionlaws, we're all for it. The American Financial Services Associationstrongly opposes abusive practices and believes all credit consumersdeserve a clear disclosure of product terms. We disagree, however, with the suggestion that there is no role forcards with small lines of credit — even when they carry higher fees.Pricing for risk means that riskier customers (those with a limited orless-than-perfect credit history) typically pay a higher premium toborrow money. This is a fair method of compensating lenders forextending lines of credit that carry a higher probability of default. While many Americans qualify for credit cards with few or no fees, less creditworthy consumers may choose to have a basic card with a smaller line of credit and higher fees.
Black forced to hock his Warhol
NEW YORK: Disgraced media baron Conrad Black had another 15 minutes of fame as he prepared to go to jail when a portrait of him by Andy Warhol was sold to pay off debt. The 100x100cm silk-screened image, one of four he commissioned from the pop artist in 1981, fetched $US240,000 ($267,000) at Christie's. The silver portrait once hung outside Black's office in Toronto, but he was forced to part with it to settle debts as he awaits trial in the US for fraud and obstruction of justice. He will be sentenced on November 30. Warhol approached the then 37-year-old Black through the wife of a former US ambassador to Canada after seeing his photo in a magazine article about prominent Canadians. Black, who was to build a global newspaper empire, hosted a dinner for Warhol, where the artist took his picture with a Polaroid.
Call 4 Action: Your Information Could Be In Danger With Stores Using Wireless
A security firm that helps retailers protect your credit card information has discovered many stores are doing anything but. The firm found half of the retailers it tested are leaving some of your personal information out there for anyone to steal. So, how might this revelation affect your shopping plans? .
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