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Are Finance Guys Losing Their Mojo on the Dating Scene?

staff — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:33:35 +0000

It’s tough to tell when an internet phenomenon reaches actual meme status. But, in the case of the “creepy finance guy,” I think we can finally call it.

This week saw yet another jaw-dropping tale of Wall Street prattishness, this time in the form of a post-date survey. Yep, a finance dude went on a date with a lady. And then he asked her for constructive feedback.

The culprit in this tale is a 24-year-old “finance guy” in Philadelphia named Mike, according to Deadspin, which doesn’t outline his career much beyond Does Things With Money. (This is the case with a lot of these confessional, finance-date posts.) After going on a handful of dates, the tipster (a woman) says the pair parted ways — at which point she received a “Date Response Form.” It was a post-mortem review sheet, courtesy of Mike.

It included questions like “Mike is very self conscious about his hair. Does he have reason to be?” “Who paid for dinner?” (coupled with “Are you a feminist,” amusingly enough) and “How are Mike’s conversation skills? He didn’t talk about himself the whole night… did he?” Were it not for these tinges of sincere(-sounding) insecurity, you’d easily write off the “Date Response Form” as a big, elaborate prank. It reads like the dialogue from a mediocre, experimental one-act play. But as far as anyone can tell, the questions are deadly serious.

(MORE: ‘Gordon Gekko’ Joins FBI Battle Against Wall Street Fraud)

And this kind of anecdote floats around constantly.

Consider last month’s Spreadsheet Romeo. An idiotic (this time, New York-based) Finance Guy entered each of his Match.com dates into a spreadsheet, meticulously rating each woman he went out with and chronicling every contact he had with them (including text messages). “Dave,” as he’s known, wrote things like “mixed bag of pictures, but great bod” and “OK girl, but very jappy; one and done for me)” for his reviews. It was awful.

In this case, Dave actually forwarded the spreadsheet to one of his dates — who then passed it along to her friends who later passed it along to Jezebel, which published a highly censored version of the document. It’s worth mentioning that more than one person from wildly different sectors of my personal life forwarded the document to me as well. Was an acquaintance of mine on there? No — I have no tight affiliation with the gentlemen of Wall Street. The stupid thing had reached old school meme-itude, that’s all.

As long as we’re on the subject, there’s this post from Gawker that included a hedge funder’s lengthy email to a woman he was dating after being turned down for a second date. (To summarize, its point is why don’t you want me?) And there’s the “Breakup Quiz” (also courtesy of Gawker), which reads like a more hostile version of good ol’ MIke’s “Date Response Form.” In each of these instances, any jerkiness is accompanied by sad insecurity. Why don’t you want me? they all seem to scream.

Why is this happening? Why are these real-life stories published over and over? Are 20-something finance guys really that bad? Or are we just that angry at Wall Street?

It’s hardly any surprise that Gordon Gekko and Patrick Bateman were each conceived within roughly five years of each other. Gekko splashed onto the screen mere months after the late ’80s-early ’90s market crash, while Bateman arose in the pages of Bret Easton Ellis’ famed “American Psycho” toward the tail end of the malaise. These characters encapsulated the collective attitude toward Wall Street’s villains at the time — a mixture of fear and a little amusement. These characters were terrifying, yes. But who doesn’t recite the phrase “greed is good” without a smirk? Who doesn’t reference the infamous business-card standoff without a chuckle? Despite their fictionalized malice, both Bateman and Gekko are borderline campy figures today. Wall Street scared us — now, we laugh at it.

(MORE: The E.U. Wants Airlines to Cut Carbon, But Other Nations Are Balking)

And it’s with this mix that we approach the “creepy dudes of Wall Street.” Sure, none of these guys are Gekkos. And maybe the flood of “guess what just happened on my date with this trader!” is more a resurgence than anything else. I’m certainly not excusing the arrogant ways of our accidental internet punching bags. But to write off this trend as “all finance guys are assholes” is too flippant. And men in other quote-un-quote prestige fields rarely suffer the same stigma. “Creepy doctor” dates? That’s not really a “thing.” Sure, they happen — but rarely is the phrase “that’s what you get for going out with a doctor!” uttered when someone recounts a terrible date with an MD.

This, of course, would be the optimal time for a writer to recount some simultaneously juicy-yet-unsavory experiences she’s had with the Wall Street set. Some appalling, backhanded compliment at a crowded bar that’s emblematic of A Larger Problem Among Men And Wall Street. But that’s not really the point, is it? I’ve gone on loads of crummy dates, with men of all professional backgrounds. And yet, in the 20-something zeitgeist, the confessional “Once I went on a date with a Wall Street guy” reigns supreme, in social circles and online. Discrimination doesn’t exist just on Wall Street.

In the post-2008 world, we’ve passed fearing the instruments of our economy’s destruction. We’re laughing at them now. And maybe it’s because, on some level, we feel we need to.

Amy Tennery is the Managing Editor of The Jane Dough, which provides news and insight on women in the business world and political arena.
Read More from the Jane Dough:
How Much Are You Supposed To Tip, Anyway?
Another Reason Not To Get Shared Checking: 31% Of You Lie To Your Partner About Money

Article source: http://business.time.com/2012/05/18/the-creepy-dudes-of-wall-street-are-finance-guys-losing-their-mojo-on-the-dating-scene-too/?xid=rss-topstories

Fitness and Weight Loss Portal Added to Online Shopping Mall MyReviewNow.net

staff — Sun, 20 May 2012 23:07:48 +0000

New Portal is the Ideal Place to Shop for Weight Loss Management Solutions, Fitness Equipment and More. Access is Free, and there’s No Membership or Registration Required.

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) May 15, 2012

People looking for the Internet’s leading edge fitness equipment, weight loss management solutions, workout gear and more can now start their online shopping journey at the new Fitness and Weight Loss Portal at MyReviewsNow.net.

Featuring products and services from leading fitness and weight loss affiliate partners including Pace Express, Medifast, Bowflex Jillian Michaels, Thinner-U and many others, MyReviewsNow.net’s new Fitness and Weight Loss Portal also invites online shoppers to read consumer reviews that they won’t find anywhere else. They can also leave feedback based on their online shopping experience to help others make smart decisions.

“At MyReviewsNow.net, our goal is to connect the thousands of people who visit our online shopping mall each day to the Internet’s hottest products and services,” commented Lina Andrade, Press Director of MyReviewsNow.net. “And now through our new Fitness and Weight Loss Portal, our visitors can access the very best in weight loss management solutions, fitness equipment, workout gear and more. Plus, they can shop from home and avoid the hassle of going malls or speciality stores. It’s like having a personal online shopping mall that’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!”

People looking for fitness equipment, weight loss management solutions, workout gear and much more, can visit MyReviewsNow.net’s Fitness and Weight Loss Portal right now and start their online shopping journey. Access is free, and there’s no registration or membership required.

For more information or media inquiries, contact Lina Andrade at info(at)myreviewsnow(dot)net. Press release issued by SEOChampion.com.

About MyReviewsNow.net

A virtual shopping mall of services, products and publications available online, MyReviewsNow.net is a business directory that sets itself apart from similar sites by offering both professional reviews and customer testimonials on the Internet’s hottest offerings in a fun, simple format that is easy for visitors to shop and enjoy.

About SEO Champion

SEO Champion was started in 1999 and is owner operated by Michael Rotkin, SEO Specialist for over 17 years. Michael Rotkin’s goal for his clients is to “own” keyword placements for the top 3 slots organically, so that his clients can earn a higher return on investment from their advertising dollars. Rotkin realizes the value of SEO over Pay-Per-Click campaigns, where click-throughs are generally more expensive and harder to convert into sales. SEOChampion’s intense work ethic can be seen in daily and weekly reports that show progress through organic keyword gain. This effort is the reason his SEO firm has been able to build a loyal client base for many years. Learn more at SEO Champion.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebonline/shopping/prweb9509461.htm

Article source: http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/business/press-releases/article/Fitness-and-Weight-Loss-Portal-Added-to-Online-3560095.php

Fitch Affirms RPI Finance Trust's Ratings at 'BBB-'

staff — Sun, 20 May 2012 02:51:36 +0000

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Fitch Ratings has affirmed RPI Finance Trust’s (RPI FT) ratings in light
of incremental bank borrowings of $500 million as follows:

–Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘BBB-’;

–Senior secured bank loan rating at ‘BBB-’.

The Rating Outlook is Stable. The ratings apply to approximately $2.73
billion of outstanding debt.

Leverage to Increase Temporarily

RPI FT’s leverage (total debt to EBITDA) will rise to 3.4 times (x) at
the end of 2012 from pro forma leverage of 3.2x at the end of 2011 as a
result of incremental secured term loan borrowings of $500 million.
Leverage will remain below Fitch’s expectation of 3.5x. Fitch
anticipates that leverage will decrease quickly due to exceptional
EBITDA generation and excess free cash flow recapture provision in the
company’s $2.75 billion secured term loan B facilities. By the end of
2013, Fitch anticipates that leverage will fall to 3.0x as the 25%
excess cash flow requirement will be triggered at the end of 2012 and
the resulting term loan borrowings paid in early 2013. Proceeds of the
incremental debt may be used for general corporate purposes, notably new
asset purchases.

EBITDA Generation Remains Strong

EBITDA margin was exceptional in 2011 resulting from RPI FT’s low
operating expense base. On a pro forma basis, EBITDA margin of 97.3% in
2011 paralleled Fitch’s expectation of 97% for the year. Fitch
anticipates operating costs to remain low yielding sustained high EBITDA
margins through the ratings horizon.

Asset Portfolio Recently Restocked

RPI FT is the sole beneficiary of any asset purchase starting this year,
while sharing a portfolio of 35 royalty-bearing interests with RP Select
Finance Trust due to an investment event that occurred in August 2011.
So far, in 2012, RPI FT recently acquired around $900 million of new
assets including the recent purchase of an interest in an earn-out
pertaining to the potential multiple sclerosis medicine Biogen’s BG-12
for $761 million. In February, RPI FT also completed the purchase of
royalty-bearing interests in UCB’s Cimzia, and Roche’s Mircera for $124
million from Nektar Therapeutics. Fitch sees the company maintaining a
weighted average useful life of the diversified asset portfolio
commensurate with the debt load and maturity schedule.

Solid Free Cash Flow Sustained

Fitch believes that RPI FT will maintain free cash flow margins above
30% over the ratings horizon despite generous distributions to equity
holders. Fitch estimates that around 45% of EBITDA will be returned to
equity holders during this timeframe. A special distribution to unit
holders upon the completion of actions in August 2011 related to the end
of an investment period negatively affected free cash flow in 2011. RPI
FT had cash and cash equivalents of $768.5 million at the end of 2011.

Guidelines for Further Rating Actions

Positive rating action is unlikely for RPI FT as any reduction in
leverage presages acquisition activity. However, negative pressure on
the rating would result from RPI FT’s intention to completely wind down
the royalty-bearing assets and, accordingly, the average weighted useful
life of the royalty asset portfolio falls such that it is no longer
commensurate with the debt maturity schedule would also pressure the
rating.

Additional information is available at ‘www.fitchratings.com‘.
The ratings above were solicited by, or on behalf of, the issuer, and
therefore, Fitch has been compensated for the provision of the ratings.

Applicable Criteria and Related Research:

–’Corporate Rating Methodology’ dated Aug. 12, 2011.

Applicable Criteria and Related Research:

Corporate Rating Methodology

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=647229

ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND
DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING
THIS LINK: HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS.
IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE
AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY’S PUBLIC WEBSITE ‘WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM‘.
PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS
SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH’S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS
OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES
AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE ‘CODE OF CONDUCT’ SECTION OF
THIS SITE.

Article source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/fitch-affirms-rpi-finance-trusts-142700713.html

China's e-shopping market to be world's biggest

staff — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:10:03 +0000

Beijing, May 19 (IANS) Online shopping transactions in China will surpass those in Japan in 2012 and the US by 2013 to become the world’s top most, a report has forecast.

The China Business Development Report Forecast (2011-2012) was released this week by the National Academy of Economic Strategy under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the China Daily reported.

The report, however, said that the thriving online market was not enough to cover up the problems in the general circulation industry.

Jing linbo, vice-president of the organisation, said the reasons behind this were enterprises scattered with low concentration, less competitive market, lack of theoretical research, and the need for improvement of personnel training.

Article source: http://in.news.yahoo.com/chinas-e-shopping-market-worlds-biggest-073150262.html

7 Types Of People Who Fail In Finance

staff — Fri, 18 May 2012 23:49:21 +0000

To earn a career (or even a job offer) in finance, you needed to have sufficiently impressed your interviewers. The finance setting in the real world is competitive. Occasionally, Human Resources will let in finance professionals with über personalities. They have spark, personality and commendable accomplishments. Unfortunately, as their peer group begins to work with them, these peers come to a realization that there are certain dysfunctional behaviors that serve as roadblocks to teamwork, realizing team objectives and smooth execution. Here are seven personality types that you find that can inject poison into finance’s unique corporate culture.

SEE: 4 Ways To Get A Head Start On Your Financial Career

The Pontificator
Pontificators tend to lurk around and blow their own horn at inopportune times, usually when you have a report due in two hours, right before the meeting starts or when you are rushing to the bathroom. Pontificators are focused on themselves, and spend less time thinking about the organization or team goals. They also tend to tear down colleagues with biting remarks and suck up to the boss, but when they meet someone with significantly higher standardized test scores, or in a well-regarded position within the firm, they worship that person.

Why They Fail
Pontificators waste people’s time and irritate everyone. They sap the group’s energy through de-motivating and aggravating remarks, and teamwork suffers as a result. A well-functioning organization can boot these people out after input from members of the team. Unfortunately, pontificators can be high performers and some managers are reluctant to let them go.

The Selfish Jerk
“Selfish jerks” can occasionally profess to care about the organization and team goals – if this opportunistically helps with their image within the company. These people are really only aligned with their personal desires. When the company experiences some kind of adversity – when it becomes critical for each worker to rise to the occasion – the selfish jerk takes off for a new organization in a heartbeat or works at protecting his or her job. The selfish jerk is typically well-versed in financial subjects and industry benchmarks, is obsessed with researching industry statistics on salary and bonus and runs a covert operation trying to figure out what co-workers are making in terms of salary and bonus.

Why They Fail
These types of personalities repel managers. Finance professionals who show promise as potential leaders possess managerial and leadership characteristics. The underpinning of leadership is service in the interest of the company and the team. Selfish behaviors lead to a nasty corporate culture that nobody wants, that includes “one-upmanship,” territorialism, back stabbing, sabotage and lack of teamwork.

The Nerd or Doormat
The nerd or doormats have succeeded in a plethora of academic subjects in high school and college. They are widely read, but unfortunately, doormats have completely ignored their communication skills and have difficulty conveying even simple issues in a succinct and understandable manner. Because doormats are usually bright individuals, they can reject receiving training or courses that will help improve communication or management skills.

Why They Fail
The doormat’s desire to be left alone – and avoid co-workers when the need for teamwork arises – produces costly miscommunication and disconnects. Often, if there is conflict within the group, the doormat cannot muster the necessary backbone to stand up for what is right. They are passed over for promotions for more assertive colleagues.

The Procrastinator
Procrastinators have succeeded in school and in prior work experiences. This track record of success leads them to believe that their successes were more of a function of individual personality rather than hard work, insights and sheer execution. The procrastinator has become complacent, and waits for quasi-emergencies before stepping up.

Why They Fail
Being late with monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports is unacceptable in finance. Alternatively, when procrastinators turn work in on time, the quality suffers significantly. In finance, bottlenecks produce missed deadlines or poor work product. In an effort to make the team more efficient and effective, managers fire the procrastinator.

SEE: Time Management Tips For Financial Professionals

The Excel Lightweight
The Excel lightweight excelled in college accounting and finance classes. The lightweight’s prowess in understanding the theoretical concepts, however, is no longer sufficient in the real world. In a finance setting, a practical skill such as advanced Excel knowledge is a driver for garnering increased responsibilities, higher productivity and spreadsheet formula accuracy. How can you succeed in finance without excelling in its major form of communication, spreadsheets? The Excel lightweight doesn’t understand much about keyboard shortcuts, macros, advanced formulas or add-ins.

Why They Fail
The Excel lightweight causes blow ups from time to time in the form of inaccurate Excel numbers and formulas. Those with little or no prior real world experience think that their superior knowledge of finance theory translates into practical application on the job. The Excel lightweight can cause tremendous amounts of re-work as well as an investigation into the root cause of the spreadsheet or database problems, especially with large projects. They can also torpedo careers. Embarrassment and anger runs amok and is directed towards the Excel lightweight’s managers by higher-up executives or clients.

SEE: Microsoft Excel Features For The Financially Literate

The Error-Prone Dummy
The error-prone dummy is typically a junior analyst or junior associate that had connections and got into the firm through the back door. He or she went to the same college as the interviewer, or has a dad who is an investor in the company. You won’t find senior people that are error-prone dummies because they’ve already been ushered out, even with their connections. Accuracy, dependability and reliability are critical success factors in finance. Unfortunately, the error-prone dummy spends time daydreaming about prospective nighttime activities or is more interested in college football scores than work. His or her work product suffers, and the team is stuck wasting time doing re-work or researching what went wrong.

Why They Fail
They get fired because doing so is an effective cost-saving correction action. Error-prone dummies are not able to catch redundant adjustments, incorrect industry assumptions, overly optimistic forecasts and missed calculations. If finance is viewed as a game of football, then the error-prone dummy is equivalent to a player who never catches a pass or fumbles the ball when he or she does catch it.

The Apathetic Cyborg
Apathetic cyborgs do not care; they will work only as much as needed to prevent being fired – nothing more. In a setting where people are rushing to meet deadlines, the apathetic cyborg never displays passion. Don’t bother telling him or her anything of importance, as it’s going out the other ear.

Why They Fail
The apathetic cyborg is perpetually uninformed. It doesn’t matter if the CFO repeatedly blasts emails about the importance of complying with Sarbanes-Oxley, or that 12% is the new cost of equity for the company. The apathetic cyborg risks non-compliance with critical regulatory statutes, or provides field operators with the wrong cost of equity percentages to use to evaluate new projects. Because the apathetic cyborg is out of the loop, pretty soon he or she will be out of the company.

Conclusion
If you want to succeed in finance and within your organization, constantly gather feedback from your peers and managers. There are unique issues and objectives that are critical within finance: teamwork, meeting deadlines on reports, alignment with organizational objectives, excel prowess and a clear understanding of initiatives (Sarbanes-Oxley compliance). If you know where you stand, you will be in a position to take concrete action to improve certain areas. Finance is a competitive field and there are not that many chances given to those who are on the radar for getting the boot.

More From Investopedia

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Be A One-Stop Shop For Your Clients

5 Services To Usher In New Clients

Article source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/7-types-people-fail-finance-142819386.html

Online Shopping Mall MyReviewsNow.net Launches The Model Smile Store and Offers Teeth Whitening Products, Skin Care …

staff — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:52:35 +0000

MyReviewsNow.net’s new The Model Smile online store lets people shop at home for high quality skin care and teeth whitening products at great prices. The Model Smile also offers free shipping on orders over $50.

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) May 18, 2012

MyReviewsNow.net, a leading online shopping mall that features the Internet’s hottest brands, products and services, has launched The Model Smile online store, which offers a wide selection of teeth whitening products, skin care treatments, cosmetics and more at remarkable prices.

All of the products in the Model Smile online store have been hand-selected for quality and effectiveness, and feature top brand names like Kollagen Intensiv, Lady Emily and more, Plus, online shoppers can explore specially-selected featured products, and enjoy free shipping on orders over $50.

“MyReviewsNow.net is very excited to launch The Model Smile online store, and bring to our loyal community of online shoppers the best in skin care treatments, teeth whitening products, cosmetics, anti-aging solutions and more,” commented Todd Maxwell of MyReviewsNow.net. “Plus, since the store is completely online, people can enjoy the convenience of being able to shop at home and avoid crowded and stressful malls. And with free shipping on purchases over $50, The Model Smile is the ideal online shopping destination for people who want exceptional products for themselves, or who are searching for terrific gift ideas.”

Online shoppers who want to browse The Model Smile’s wide selection of teeth whitening products, skin care treatments, cosmetics, anti-wrinkle remedies and more – and enjoy remarkable prices and free shipping on orders over $50 – can visit themodelsmile.com. Access to the Model Smile is free, and there’s no membership or registration required.

For more information or media inquiries, contact Lina Andrade at info(at)myreviewsnow(dot)net. Press release issued by SEOChampion.com.

About MyReviewsNow.net

A virtual shopping mall of services, products and publications available online, MyReviewsNow.net is a business directory that sets itself apart from similar sites by offering both professional reviews and customer testimonials on the Internet’s hottest offerings in a fun, simple format that is easy for visitors to shop and enjoy.

About SEO Champion

SEO Champion was started in 1999 and is owner operated by Michael Rotkin, SEO Specialist for over 17 years. Michael Rotkin’s goal for his clients is to “own” keyword placements for the top 3 slots organically, so that his clients can earn a higher return on investment from their advertising dollars. Rotkin realizes the value of SEO over Pay-Per-Click campaigns, where click-throughs are generally more expensive and harder to convert into sales. SEOChampion’s intense work ethic can be seen in daily and weekly reports that show progress through organic keyword gain. This effort is the reason his SEO firm has been able to build a loyal client base for many years. Learn more at SEO Champion.

Lina Andrade
MyReviewsNow
702-462-6311
Email Information

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/online-shopping-mall-myreviewsnow-net-launches-model-smile-153615236.html

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. to Present at Wells Fargo Securities Specialty Finance Symposium

staff — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:49:47 +0000

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire -05/17/12)-
Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (the “Company” or “ARI”) (ARI) today announced Stuart Rothstein, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is scheduled to present at the Wells Fargo Securities Specialty Finance Symposium on May 23, 2012 at The Waldorf Astoria in New York, NY. The ARI presentation is scheduled to begin at 8:00am ET.

The presentation and question and answer period will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by all interested parties through the Company’s website at www.apolloreit.com in the investor relations section. There will be a replay available following the presentation which will remain on the Company’s website for thirty days.

About Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc.
Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (ARI) is a commercial mortgage real estate investment trust that primarily originates, invests in, acquires and manages senior performing commercial real estate mortgage loans, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other commercial real estate-related debt investments throughout the U.S. The Company is externally managed and advised by ACREFI Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, LLC, a leading global alternative investment manager with over $86 billion of assets under management at March 31, 2012.

Additional information can be found on the Company’s website at www.apolloreit.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided by the same. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives. When used in this release, the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continue,” “intend,” “should,” “may” or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking: the return on equity; the yield on investments; the ability to borrow to finance assets; and risks associated with investing in real estate assets, including changes in business conditions and the general economy. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements, and other risks, uncertainties and factors are based on the Company’s beliefs, assumptions and expectations of its future performance, taking into account all information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements are not predictions of future events. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT:
Hilary Ginsberg
Investor Relations
(212) 822-0767

Article source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/apollo-commercial-real-estate-finance-130000802.html

Online Shopping Giant MyReviewsNow.net Adds New “Designer Marque” Store for Handbags, Gifts and More

staff — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:40:36 +0000

New Online Store Features Luxury Designer Handbags, Gifts, Accessories and More from the World’s Hottest Designers. It’s the Ideal Internet Destination for People Who Want to Shop at Home or Work and Avoid Crowded Malls.

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) May 16, 2012

Online shopping for luxury designer handbags at fantastic prices has just become more enjoyable and rewarding, now that MyReviewNow.net has added the “Designer Marque” store to its popular virtual shopping mall.

Offering a huge selection of handbags, gifts, accessories and more from top name designers including Gucci, Dior, Valentino, Burberry, Fendi and more, Designer Marque also features an interactive blog to help online shoppers connect with great fashion tips, hot deal alerts, and exclusive promotions and giveaways.

“MyReviewsNow.net is delighted to add Designer Marque to our virtual shopping mall,” commented Todd Maxwell of MyReviewsNow.net. “Now, people can shop for luxury designer handbags, gifts, accessories and more without having to deal with crowded malls. They can also bring home some of the world’s hottest products, and all with the click of a mouse. It’s an easy, enjoyable, rewarding and fun way to shop!”

Designer Marque, the new online store that features luxury designer handbags, gifts, accessories and more is now open via MyReviewsNow.net’s Apparel Fine Jewelry Portal. Access o the virtual mall is free, and there’s no registration or membership required.

For more information or media inquiries, contact Lina Andrade at info(at)myreviewsnow(dot)net. Press release issued by SEOChampion.com.

About MyReviewsNow.net

A virtual shopping mall of services, products and publications available online, MyReviewsNow.net is a business directory that sets itself apart from similar sites by offering both professional reviews and customer testimonials on the Internet’s hottest offerings in a fun, simple format that is easy for visitors to shop and enjoy.

About SEO Champion

SEO Champion was started in 1999 and is owner operated by Michael Rotkin, SEO Specialist for over 17 years. Michael Rotkin’s goal for his clients is to “own” keyword placements for the top 3 slots organically, so that his clients can earn a higher return on investment from their advertising dollars. Rotkin realizes the value of SEO over Pay-Per-Click campaigns, where click-throughs are generally

more expensive and harder to convert into sales. SEOChampion’s intense work ethic can be seen in daily and weekly reports that show progress through organic keyword gain. This effort is the reason his SEO firm has been able to build a loyal client base for many years. Learn more at SEO Champion.

Lina Andrade
MyReviewsNow
702-462-6311
Email Information

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/online-shopping-giant-myreviewsnow-net-adds-designer-marque-162219488.html

Future of Housing Finance Will Be Top Issue for Next President

staff — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:49:36 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire -05/16/12)-
The future of housing finance in the U.S. will be a key issue facing the winner of the upcoming presidential election. That’s what a panel of industry experts told several thousand Realtors® gathered at a symposium, Housing Policy in 2013: Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions, during the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings Trade Expo.

The National Association of Realtors® supports a comprehensive reform strategy for the secondary mortgage market to help maintain a level of certainty in the marketplace and not further disrupt the still fragile housing market recovery.

“As leading advocates for homeownership, Realtors® want to make sure that everyone who wants to own a home and is able to afford one can do so,” said NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi Associates Inc., in Miami. “Without a secondary market, mortgage interest rates would be unnecessarily higher and unaffordable for many Americans, and products like the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage would likely be inaccessible for most borrowers.”

During the symposium, Federal Housing Finance Agency Acting Director Ed DeMarco noted progress made toward recovery, but cautioned that more remains to be done.

“We all are cautiously optimistic that the signs of stabilization, and in some places, strength, that have begun to emerge in various housing markets are true signals that a long-awaited recovery is taking place,” said DeMarco. “While FHFA will keep its focus on foreclosure alternatives, refinancing, and ongoing liquidity in the marketplace, it is time for policymakers to begin work in earnest on the future housing finance system.”

DeMarco outlined several public policy goals to ensure a more effective and efficient housing finance system, including building a new infrastructure for the secondary mortgage market; establishing standards that promote a safer and more efficient housing finance system; and increasing private capital while retracting government participation in the secondary mortgage market. FHFA assumed conservatorship of the government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2008, and DeMarco said the entities have played a critical role in ensuring access to mortgage capital following the market downturn when private lenders left the market. Since 2008 the GSEs have bought or guaranteed approximately 75 percent of mortgages originated in the country.

DeMarco noted that FHFA has completed more than 1 million loan modifications since 2008 and helped millions more families avoid foreclosure through a short sale, deed-in-lieu or other alternative. He said changes to the agency’s refinancing program has created more opportunities for homeowners who current but underwater on their mortgages to take advantage of low interest rates and refinance into more affordable terms.

Also speaking at the symposium was Federal Housing Administration Commissioner and Assistant Secretary for Housing Carol Galante. “Future generations deserve the same home buying opportunities as past generations,” said Galante.

Toward that end, Galante noted that FHA helped ensure access to safe, affordable financing in the absence of private market involvement following the economic downturn. She said the agency is working to preserve its mission of providing liquidity while ensuring its continued viability, and has increased premiums to compensate for losses that resulted from increased foreclosures. Galante said the long-term financial health of the agency looks good and that loans originated in recent years are performing well.

Following Galante’s speech, a panel of industry experts debated the future of the GSEs and the government’s role in promoting the American dream of homeownership.

Moody’s Analytics Mark Zandi identified an uncertain regulatory environment as a key issue facing the industry. After rules like the Qualified Mortgage (QM) and the Qualified Residential Mortgage (QRM) are defined, private participation in the market might increase. Zandi warned however, that without a government backstop there would be no 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, which most consumers currently use to finance home purchases.

Wharton School of Business Professor Susan Watcher agreed that there is tremendous uncertainty in the market about the future of housing finance and suggested that policymakers lack a clear vision. She said that without the right system in place, the country could face a similar market downturn in the future.

The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Information about NAR is available at www.realtor.org. News releases are posted in the website’s “News and Commentary” tab. The National Association of Realtors® supports public policies and policymakers who support the positions of Realtors® and their clients and customers on private property rights, housing issues and homeownership, regardless of political party affiliation.

For further information contact:
Sara Wiskerchen
202-383-1013
Email Contact

Article source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/future-housing-finance-top-issue-133100474.html

'Malaysians are shopping online more'

staff — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:39:36 +0000

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Consumers in Malaysia are shopping online more and have become confident about online security, according to the findings of the MasterCard Worldwide Online Shopping Survey conducted last year in 25 countries.

Five hundred Malaysians aged between 18 and 64, took part in the survey which was also carried out between Dec 5, 2011 and Jan 12, 2012.

The survey also revealed that the number of people who shopped online in Malaysia grew 12 per cent compared with 55 per cent in 2010.

“This increase is partly attributed to the Malaysian consumer’s increased confidence level in online shopping – 36 per cent in 2011 were concerned about security versus 39 per cent in 2010,” said MasterCard Worldwide in a statement.

It added that with the cumulative growth in confidence to make purchases online, the survey also showed an increase in spending across various categories.
Vice-President and Senior Country Manager (Malaysia and Brunei) MasterCard Worldwide, Jim Cheah said local consumers were increasingly getting more sophisticated and savvy in making online purchases, and coupled with that, the Internet had also become a vital part of their lives.

“Although a majority (71 per cent) of respondents said they would rather use their laptop for shopping, the mobile phone is rising rapidly as the device of choice for Asian shoppers in emerging markets.

“Mobile shopping is also slowly gaining traction in Malaysia with 25 per cent of Malaysian respondents carrying out transactions through their mobile phone in the past three months,” he was quoted as saying in the statement. — Bernama

Article source: http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20120516154553/Article/