Jim Puplava interviews Matthew Simmons, energy investor and author of the book, Twilight in the Desert, on the Financial Sense Newshour. Their talk centers on the current state of energy use and demand in the world, and the mistaken notions held by many regarding cheap, abundant hydrocarbon energy. Audio interview and transcript available at the above link.
S&P cut Nasdaq's credit rating to junk status citing debt burdens and its questionable strategy to buy a controlling interest in the London Stock Exchange. Financial Times reported that the exchange's counterparty credit & bank loan rating were lowered fromm BBB- (lowest investment grade rating) to BB+. The change will increase Nasdaq's borrowing costs should it wish to pursue aquisition targets. For an earlier look at the exchange consolidation trend that brought about Nasdaq's push for a stake in the LSE, please see "Exchange fever" .