Greece's Tragedy and Naked Swaps

It never ceases to amaze how political leaders can shamelessly blame free markets and faceless speculators for the consequences of their lousy financial decisions.

Lithium Index rises, buoying stocks

The recent earthquake in Chile forced Pan American Lithium (TSX.V: PL) to stall its report while investors continued to show positive interest in the sector with Byron Capital Markets Lithium Index rising.

AIG restructuring: Can taxpayers recoup bailout funds?

The bailed-out insurer AIG is restructuring. This gradual make-over holds the best hope for US taxpayers to recover bailout money, say analysts.

February car sales in China soar

Car sales in China soared in February, despite the Lunar New Year holiday period, to 942.900 vehicles, an increase of 55% from the year-ago period.  The unexpected increase in China auto sales came from strong demand for smaller cars and sport utility vehicles.

Trade Deficit Threatens a Second Recession

The trade deficit, along with the credit and housing bubbles, were the principal causes of the Great Recession. Now, a rising trade deficit and continued weakness among regional banks threatens to stifle the emerging recovery and keep unemployment near 10 percent through 2011.

Scotiabank reports unexpected 1st quarter profit, up 17 per cent

The Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX: BNS) reported first quarter profit of C$.91, compared to C$.80 in the year-ago period for a gain of 17 per cent, surprising analysts.

Apollo Gold and Linear Gold announce merger

Apollo Gold Corp. (TSX: APG; Amex: AGT) and Linear Gold Corp. (TSX: LRR) announced a merger valued at $C$102 million.  The business combination will make Apollo Gold a mid-tier Canadian gold producer.  The share offer by Apollo places a 20% premium on the price of Linear Gold's shares.

Gold price hits week low while some gold stocks will fight the downward trend

Gold prices fell to their lowest level in a week Tuesday morning as investors lost interest in gold as a safe harbor investment, yet some gold stocks are sure to show gains when the market opens.

Month-long oil rally ends

Crude oil prices have risen 18% over the last month, but early Tuesday morning in New York, April futures dropped to nearly $80 per barrel as investors stepped back from the market, unsure over the speed at which the US economy was recovering.