Posted on 02/26/2008 11:31:36 PM PST by Kellis91789
The US economy will avoid recession as the housing market begins to recover this spring, according to billionaire investor Sam Zell.
Speaking on "Squawk Box" this morning, Zell attributed much of the current economic troubles to fear-mongering and politicking by Democratic presidential contenders Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama.
"Obviously what we have going on is an attempt to create a self-fulfilling prophecy," said Zell, chairman of Equity Investments Group and owner of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times and other companies. "We have two Democratic candidates who are vying with each other to describe the economic situation worse.
"The reality is that if you live on Wall Street and you're in the credit markets the world couldn't be worse. If you're a farmer and you're getting $25 for your wheat, you're having a great time. If you're a CEO and you've got a balance sheet that's bullet-proof, you're in a great position. This whole thing is way out of control, way out of hand."
Zell said that although he doesn't try to pick bottoms in markets he believes housing has hit its nadir and will turn around this spring as inventory clears out.
As for the credit situation, he projected that once markdowns are out of the way banks will begin to regain their footing.
In the wide-ranging interview, Zell also voiced support for Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.
"I think he should be renewed when his term is up. I think one of the positives of the United States is having people in the position of the Federal Reserve (chairman) for long periods of time," Zell said.
"I think Bernanke's reduction in interest rates has been spot-on, because basically we're going to fix the credit markets by creating a big enough spread between the risk-free cost of capital and what's available so that greed overtakes fear and the game begins again.")
bookmarked for morning
self ping .....got a few thoughts in the a.m. on this....
Good news is not welcome.
Whatever you want to say about Sam Zell, you cannot deny he nailed the absolute top in the real estate market dead on the money & sold out with perfect timing.
Shush, be quiet. Good news is not good for socialists.
Do you think the leftist resumes are flying out the door at the Tribune and LA Slimes.
In the wide-ranging interview, Zell also voiced support for Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.
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ugh no
“Zell” as a first or last name must carry with it a degree of common sense.
What is bad for America is good for our enemies, the democrats.
Seems to be. Time will tell whether he can keep enough good, healthy pitchers on the staff.
Sam Zell, the king of the grave dancers.
Buy low, sell high.
Sam Zell: “I think Bernanke’s reduction in interest rates has been spot-on, because basically we’re going to fix the credit markets by creating a big enough spread between the risk-free cost of capital and what’s available so that greed overtakes fear and the game begins again.”
BTTT...........folks read this
There are also a lot of people in the financial industry pushing this hysteria so they can stampede the idiots in DC into having the government pick-up the tab for their losses.
bttt............this needs seen by everyone who votes
bttt
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