Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Strategies & Market Trends : Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: mishedlo who wrote (14195)	10/28/2004 1:16:38 PM
From: RealMuLan	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 116555

US company pension issue-- I read from Forbes that the Federal Pension Benefit Guaranty corp., shortfall could balloon to $50 billion or more if likely-to-fail plans actually bite the dust (like United Airline). It has a deficit of $11 billion as of last year. And underfunding for corporate pension plans as a whole exceeds $300 billion. amazing.

To: mishedlo who wrote (14195)	10/28/2004 2:02:56 PM
From: TH	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 116555

mish, Some anecdotal automotive stuff from this week. 1. I inquired about the new Ford Mustang at the local dealership. I informed them I get X and A plan (industry and family discounts below dealer invoice). Response from the salesman: I'm at lunch right now and dealers don't have to accept those plans (this was news to me). Mustang is going to be like PT Crusier and you can get on the list. Paraphase this as F* Y! I mentioned I was also interested in an SUV and he bolted out of his chair. Completely different guy in 15 seconds. 2. At the Lincoln Mercury dealer I was confused by the amount of information they were willing to share with me. I was told that they would give me the bigger rebate if they are announced during the 8 weeks or so it takes to build my order. I asked if they expected that to actually happen. His exact words were, "they are going to have to do something cause this stuff is not moving". Both showrooms were DEAD. I mean no one in the place. I require an SUV for a work reason, otherwise I would not be interested in these gas hogs. I think the incentives for this segment of the market are going to increase dramatically in the next few months. GT TH