“We have no doubt if China’s market continues to spike up, the stage will be set for a very violent drop.”

China’s all-time high equity market needs “cool water and cool heads” after taking a 7-day Golden Week breather, otherwise the stock bubble runs the danger of a quick bust, experts said. via China Daily

Original post by China Daily

The Toronto Stock Exchange’s main index was up more than 100 points at noon on Monday and resting at another record high as news of Alcoa’s US$27 billion hostile bid for Alcan Inc. via Sympatico Finance

Original post by Sympatico Finance

“Mining stocks are looking very good, particularly the platinum stocks following a spike in platinum price”

Leisure Regulars Tiisetso Motsoeneng Johannesburg, South Africa 07 May 2007 01:08 The JSE retained its firmer tone at noon on Monday, supported by solid buying of platinum stocks, while media reports that BHP … via Mail & Guardian

Original post by Mail & Guardian

“The approach for LaSalle was largely expected, though the price could have been pitched higher to ensure the knockout blow”

European stocks ticked higher in early trade on Monday, underpinned by firm Asian markets and mergers and acquisition activity but volumes are expected to take a beating with UK markets closed for a holiday. via CNN

Original post by CNN

“There’s very little land, and a lot of people looking to buy.”

Private equity firms are starting to look for profits on the farm.

In the last year, the soaring price of farmland, fueled by demand for corn and ethanol _ which is created from corn _ and increased popularity of ranch land has attracted a small but budding group of private equity investors.

A number of deals for private equity firms to buy farm and ranch land have closed or are in negotiations in states like Illinois, which has some of the nation’s best farmland.

Obstacles remain. Quality farmland is difficult to find, the investment isn’t liquid, and not everyone is convinced that the ethanol craze won’t burn out, despite massive investments by some agricultural giants. Read more

Original post by The Associated Press