Sample some of the recent headlines in WSJ or the NYT business section. It's all doom and gloom. The housing market is in a slump. The credit crisis is just the tip of the iceberg. Inflation is looming around the corner just like a drug peddler loafing around a dark alley. Yada, yada, yada.....

But amid all these din is Mr. Warren Buffett. Buffett announced yesterday that he would enter the bond market, which is certainly a good sign. Mr. Buffett knows how to make money and when to strike the chord. The world's third richest billionaire knows a thing or two about when to approach the industry. If Mr. Buffett is plunging into the scene, then one can assume the credit crisis might not be as much of a crisis. Mr. Buffett is a man with a clear vision, he knows to strike the iron when it's hot. By investing in the bonds market and going through a series of acquisitions and partnerships, Mr. Buffett is flexing his muscle when Wall Street Analysts are scurrying for cover. It's a clever ploy but one that carries quite a risk. However, from what I learned, if Mr. Buffett's bonds are in the muni bonds market, then those are the least liquid and that can offset some of the risk associated in the other bond markets.

So far, his bonds have been given the Triple-A rating and it remains to be seen how these bonds perform and how far the credit crisis has plunged.
Image courtesy: www.hurjagblevrik.se

Fantasy Update

I was the underdog going into the final week, even though I had the best record in the whole league. What turned out was something similar to what's happening in the NFL right now. This year isn't the year of the underdog. There are no tearjerkers like Hurricane Katrina and the New Orleans Saints' renaissance.
And I started off on the wrong foot or should I say one foot as Willie Parker broke his leg and was out even before he could give me any points. On a whim, I changed Joe Addai who has been phenomenal throughout this season and I penciled in Fred Taylor who had the 62-yard rush for a TD. Those were the only bright moments this past Sunday afternoon as everyone else performed like the 2007 Dolphins and just caved in. My WRs Plaxico Burress and Anthony Gonzalez were busts and Jason Witten had a mundane game. My opponent deservedly won but I still hold the best record in the league, but that counts for zilch.
But there's always baseball. Will keep you posted about it.

Fantasy Football

Finally, got a chance to play America's Favorite Pasttime. (No, it's not baseball.) I am talking about Fantasy Football. I am pretty tensed right now since I play my Super Bowl tomorrow. Already, one of my running backs is out. Willie Parker was out for the season in the first quarter itself and I am already on the back foot since I have to get the best performances out of everyone in my team to beat my opponent who's got a dream line-up that includes Peyton Manning, Chad Johnson, Ryan Grant and Willis McGahee.
Overall, I have been proud with my performance. For a novice, I made it to the final. If I get to have a highlight, it would be the 3-0 record I had against a particular opponent who had Tom Brady as his quarterback and the Patriots Defense.
My final team is:
Matt Hasselbeck - QB, Joseph Addai and Willie Parker - RB, Plaxico Burress, Bobby Engram and I am contemplating whether I should have Arnaz Battle or Anthony Gonzalez as my 3rd WR, Jason Witten - TE, Mason Crosby - K and the Colts defense.
For first timers, I would recommend playing at NFL.com. It's free and you can make unlimited substitutions. It gets you a start. I will update you with my performance after tomorrow.
Keeping my fingers crossed. Wish me luck.

What can you expect from this blog

I thought I should give a little introduction about myself. I was a writer before I came to the United States to pursue my options. So I thought what better way to start off rather than having an interview with myself to kick-off this blog.
Who am I?
Currently I am pursuing a Master's in Business Administration, majoring in Finance, from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. However, I came here with an aim to become a sports writer. The whole MBA thing was an avenue to scout for jobs and as it turns out the first few months were different. And difficult. It was tedious to study business when you think BS to be bullshit rather than balance sheet. However, that was a while ago and I have successfully completed my fourth semester and have picked up a genuine interest in finance as much as sports. Now, I am interested to talk about WACC as much as YAC. That's Weighted Average Cost Of Capital and Yards After Carry for people who aren't into finance or football.
What can you expect from this blog?
Don't expect anything computer related stuff. Cos I am not a geek, let me tell you that. If you want to read about my opinions on the finance world or thoughts on the sporting universe, you will enjoy it. Or may be you might have a point to crib.
How often would I write?
It depends. I want to write a lot but balancing reading, working on campus, watching television and spending time with my lovely wife, I would post possibly once a week.