A.E. Feldman Blog

Democratic presidential contender, Sen. Barack Obama, says he will call for the creation of a “National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank” that would invest $60 billion over 10 years in highways, technology and other projects, according to the Associated Press.  Obama says his plan would be an effort to “rebuild America” and create 2 million jobs in [...]

The subprime mortgage meltdown has resulted in a loss of liquidity in the debt markets.  Now, in an attempt to address the needs of clients facing a liquidity crisis or those searching for value opportunities, law firm are staffing up subprime teams.  According to a recent Crain’s article, “Not since the savings and loan crisis [...]

Despite worries over a possible recession, accounting firms are set on hiring the same number of people, or more, as they did last year, according to Accountancy Age.  Among the driving forces behind the growing trend: Sarbanes-Oxley.  The fact that public companies have been forced to pay two CPA firms to do a typical audit [...]

Competition for talent remains a key concern among CEOs, according to a new survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC).  The vast majority of all CEOs say their time is best spent dealing with “people issues.”  ”Making sure that their companies have the right talent in place remains a core issue for CEOs around the world.  Regardless [...]

In the midst of volatility within the credit markets, corporate treasurers are looking to minimize risk, according to a survey by JPMorgan Asset Management and the Association of Corporate Treasurers.  The survey finds that this year, a much greater proportion of corporate treasurers are using asset management, trade finance, consultancy and advisory, risk management and [...]

Money keeps flowing into distressed investing.  Like bargain hunters, hedge funds and so-called “vulture investors” are on the hunt for opportunities in troubled situations.  Hedge World reports that many hedge funds and other managers are raising new distressed investment vehicles and moving portfolio allocations into this area, according to a survey by Debtwire.  Nearly 100% [...]

Middle Eastern markets are booming, unlike those in Europe and the U.S.  Now, the Gulf is attracting investors seeking to tap into the vast resources of the region.  Wall Street banks are also expanding overseas in search of high-growth markets with the potential to boost revenue and offset volatility at home.  Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley [...]

Emerging markets, led by China and India, are on track to remain hot destinations for investors this year, according to a recent survey by KPMG Corporate Finance LLC.  ”There is a clear indication that growth investors have become more global, spreading their capital worldwide.  Not surprisingly, they continue to be bullish on emerging markets and industry [...]

The market for highly leveraged transactions in the U.S. and Europe has hit a plateau, but deals in the bankruptcy, workout, and restructuring markets will pick up significantly, and investors will demonstrate continued interest in industries with long-term growth prospects, such as energy and healthcare, according to global accounting and consulting firm, KPMG Corporate Finance [...]

Fitch Ratings says fair value measurement will remain the central accounting focus for analysts and investors, according to its newly released 2008 Accounting and Financial Reporting Global Outlook report.  The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) voted in favor of implementing FAS 157, Fair Value Measurement, back in November for financial assets and liabilities like derivatives, as [...]