Tuesday, November 29, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks

Bonus bucks answers for 11/30

1. How many United States cities are included in CNBC.com’s The World’s Best Places to Live 2011?

ANSWER: None


2. UK mortgage approvals rose more than expected in October although the overall picture for lending remained depressed. Mortgage approvals in October were:

ANSWER: the highest since Dec 2009


3. Since September, how many billion dollars worth of Hong Kong listings have been shelved because of volatile markets, according to the story Hong Kong IPO Rush Is a Sign of Bearishness: Strategist

Answer: more than $ 4 billion

Monday, November 28, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks

Bonus bucks answers for 11/29

1. Research conducted by financial services recruitment firm Astbury Marsden showed City workers were expecting what average bonus this year?

ANSWER: £19,920


2. Morgan Stanley has cut global growth forecasts for 2012 once again, nearly three and a half months after cutting them in august. What is the firm's new forecast?

ANSWER: 3.5%


3. Which of the following is NOT one of three things to watch in Europe this week, according to PIMCO’s Mohamed El-Erian?

Answer: Stock market performances

Sunday, November 27, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks

Bonus bucks answers for 11/28

1. In the story " Investors Short HK Property Stocks On China Slowdown" analysts expect property prices in Hong Kong to fall by how much next year?

Answer: 10-15%


2. The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee member Ben Broadbent said there is a risk of recession in the UK in what period?

Answer: in the fourth quarter


3. According to the CEO of DBS Bank, Piyush Gupta, how large are the bank's savings deposits in Singapore dollar terms?

Answer: S$80 billion

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks

CNBC Bonus Bucks Answers for 11/23


1. Independent think-tank Reform said the UK needs how many years of austerity to resolve its debt problems?

ANSWER: at least 10


2. Mr Yen, or Eisuke Sakakibara, expects the Japanese authorities to intervene in the forex market once again when the yen reaches what level against the dollar?

ANSWER: 75


3. In a recent interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, trader Kevin Ferry of Cronus Futures Management compared long-term interest rates to a:

Answer: “Hot, sexy girl”

Sunday, November 20, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks

Bonus bucks answers for 11/20

1. Occupy London Stock Exchange demonstrators announced on Friday they had “repossessed” a building belonging to an investment bank. Which bank owns the building the activists gained access to?

ANSWER: UBS


2. Consumers in Hong Kong and mainland China will make up what percentage of global luxury sales by 2020, according to CLSA Asia Pacific Markets' research.

ANSWER: 44%


3. According to a DuPont report for 2011, what is the most popular color for new car buyers in North America?

Answer: White/pearl

Thursday, November 17, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks

Bonus bucks answers for 11/18

1. On Wednesday, the Bank of England predicted that inflation would fall to what level in two year's time?

ANSWER: 1.3 percent


2. Despite the U.S. consumer confidence at recession levels, Smead Capital Management believes its time to buy shares of consumer discretionary stocks. Which ones does it suggest?

ANSWER: Walgreen, Starbucks, Nordstrom


3. According to Hiring For Attitude, one of CNBC.com’s best books for the holidays, what percentage of newly hired employees fail within 18 months?

Answer: 46 Percent

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks

Bonus bucks answers for 11/17

1. According to Darren Rovell’s calculations, how much of their own money did NBA players put on the line with their announced intention to disband their union?

ANSWER: $3.3 billion


2. According to chartist Daryl Guppy, the upside for Nymex oil over the next few weeks is capped at?

ANSWER: $110-115


3. According to CNBC.com's guest writer Shaun Rein, which luxury brand is getting too popular for its own good in China?

Answer: Louis Vuitton

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks

Bonus bucks answers for 11/16

1. UBS Wealth Management expects a fall of how many barrels in global crude oil consumption next year?

ANSWER: 500,000


2. Which 2011 member of Congress has an estimated minimum net worth of $44.21?

ANSWER: Rep. Vern Buchanan (R.-Fla.)


3. UK Chancellor George Osborne and other ministers are drawing up plans for a big increase in infrastructure spending in the country. How much money will be involved for the projects?

Answer: $80 billion

Sunday, November 13, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks Trivia Answers

Bonus bucks answers for 11/14


1. Interest rates from the Bank of England are at a historic low, and on Thursday, November 10th the BoE decided to keep them there. Where do rates stand?

ANSWER: 0.5 percent


2. Selling your house on the Internet isn’t easy and trying to sell it without photos of the front of the house or the interior makes it even more difficult. What three-time presidential candidate forgot to include these photos on their official home website?

ANSWER: Ron Paul


3. According to CNBC.com’s rankings based on the World Bank’s “Ease of Doing Business” study, what is the “worst” country for business?

Answer: Venezuela

Friday, November 11, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks Trivia Answers

CNBC Bonus Bucks Answers for 11/11.

1. While questioning former News Corp executive James Murdoch in UK parliament on Thursday, Labour MP Tom Watson compared James, the son of Rupert Murdoch, to what?

ANSWER: a "mafia boss"


2. According to the author of a book about the history of MTV, the cable channel’s relationship with the record labels passed through these four distinct phases:

ANSWER: Disdain, resentment, dependence, indignation


3. The stock market of which emerging economy is the worst performer of the year, but still holds long-term promise, according to CNBC's guest writer Michael Yoshikami of YCMNET Advisors.

Answer: India

Thursday, November 10, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks Trivia Answers

Bonus bucks answers for 11/10

1. Greg Dove of the National Flea Market Association, noted that the flea market industry has estimated annual sales of how much?

ANSWER: $30 Billion


2. What is the Dow's target for January according to chartist Daryl Guppy?

ANSWER: 12,600


3. With companies in the S&P 500 stock index reporting record profits, why aren’t stock prices also hitting record highs, according to Fast Money’s Karen Finerman

Answer: “The expectation is that earnings may decline if Europe can’t get out of its own way.”

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks Trivia Answers

Bonus bucks answers for 11/9

1. Where is CNBC’s Republican Presidential Debate being held?

ANSWER: Oakland University, Rochester, MI


2. British parliamentarians this week took the unusual step of interviewing a revenue and customs lawyer under oath over an alleged "sweetheart" tax deal with what U.S. bank?

ANSWER: Goldman Sachs


3. China's clampdown on bank lending has been a boon for banks outside China, according to Standard & Poor's Equity Research. Which Asian bank stock did the firm recently upgrade?

Answer: DBS

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks Trivia Answers

Bonus bucks answers for 11/8

1. There has been mounting talk that the troubles in Greece will cause the Euro zone to break up. According JP Morgan Asset Management will this happen?

B. No


2. What US retailer said on Monday that it is scrapping plans for a chain of European superstores, and announced that it is buying out its British partner in a mobile phone initiative?

A. Best Buy


3. What luxurious holiday gift comes with a price tag of $5,000?

A. Johnnie Walker Private Scotch Tasting

Monday, November 07, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks Trivia Answers

Bonus bucks answers for 11/7

1. Mining company Anglo American agreed on Friday to buy a majority stake in what other miner?

ANSWER: De Beers


2. Out of the world's 50 largest economies, which is the worst place to do business in?

ANSWER: Venezuela


3. In a live interview on CNBC, how did Ken Langone describe the Occupy Wall Street demonstrators in downtown Manhattan?

Answer: "Babies in adults' bodies"

Saturday, November 05, 2011

Veteran's Day Promotions for Active Duty and Military Veterans: 25 Free Things on Veteran's Day and Veteran's Day Weekend

From free food to free entry to our Nation's parks, here's a summary of freebies for Active Duty Military and our Nation's Veteran's this Veteran's Day Weekend.

1. Applebee’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Last year, Applebee’s served 1,024,000 million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veteran’s Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. There will be 7 entrées to choose from. Military ID or proof of service required. Find locations here.

2. Chili’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 6 meals. This offer is available during business hours on November 11, 2011 at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

3. Golden Corral – Free meal, Monday Nov. 14. The 10th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will be held on Monday, November 14, 2011 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants nationwide. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. For more information visit there site. Special thanks to Golden Corral: To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.5 million free meals and contributed over $4.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

4. Hooters – Free Meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Hooter’s is serving up a free meal to military veterans all day on Veterans Day. Offer good for all veterans and active duty military personnel. Choose one of the new specialty items on the Hooter’s menu. Offer valid at participating Hooters only; open to all active duty and military veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service. Drink purchase required. For more information, visit their site.

5. Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on Friday November 11th. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.

6. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – free lunch or dinner, Sunday Nov 13th. McCormick & Schmick’s is celebrating their 13th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 13th. Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée. Veterans must provide proof of military service. Be sure to contact your local McCormick & Schmick’s as this is valid at participating restaurants only. Also, Space is limited and reservations are highly recommended. For more information visit here.

7. Outback Steakhouse – A week of Free Bloomin’ Onions and Cokes Monday Nov. 7 – Friday Nov. 11. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola product during the week leading up to Veteran’s Day. This offer is available to Military Personnel who have one of the following forms of identifications: U.S Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), DD form 214 Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), Photograph in Uniform, Wearing Uniform. For more information, visit here. The Outback understands commitment. For the past two years, The Outback, with the help of their patrons, has donated $2 Million to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization providing everyday and emergency support for active troops, wounded warriors and their families.

8. Subway – Free Six Inch Sub. Select Subway locations offer a FREE six inch sub to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. However, Subway restaurants are franchises, so this offer may not be available everywhere. Please call ahead.

9. Texas Roadhouse – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Offer varies by location; our local Texas Roadhouse is offering a free meal from opening until 4pm. Other locations may vary in offer, hours, or availability. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information.

10. T.G.I. Friday’s – Buy one get one free Nov 11-14. At participating locations for anyone with an old or current military ID. November 11-14.

11. Uno Chicago Grill, Friday, Nov. 11. Uno’s is offering a free entree or individual pizza with a purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value. Offer good for all military for veterans and active duty military. ID or proof of service required: Show up in uniform (if your service permits), provide military ID, show a picture of yourself in uniform, or have other ID showing proof of service.

12. Home Depot and Lowes Coupon Updates. Home Depot and Lowes 10% Military Discount Available Everyday.

Home Depot: The Home Depot(R) is offering all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10 percent discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum of $200 and is available at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center(R) locations. The 10% discount is available everyday for active duty and retirees, but not all veterans. Home Depot makes this offer available to all veterans on most military holidays. You can also find Home Depot discounts online.

Lowes: Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store U.S. purchases made during the Veterans Day holiday. The discount is available Nov. 7 – Nov. 11. The discount is available on in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards. Like Home Depot, Lowes offers this discount daily to active duty military members, but not to veterans. However, they extend the offer to military veterans on military holidays.

13. Anheuser-Busch Parks. Anheuser-Busch Parks offers Active Duty Service Members free admission for them and up to 3 dependents to any of their parks once a year. Throughout 2011, members of the military and as many as three direct dependents may enter SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day complimentary admission. The Here’s to the Heroes program is only available to Any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman. Eligible parks include: Adventure Island, Busch Gardens (Tampa Bay or Williamsburg), SeaWorld (Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio), Sesame Place, and Water Country USA. Not valid at Discovery Cove and Aquatica. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. is not included as part of this program. For more information and to register, visit: Free admission summary, and ticket application.

14. Colonial Williamsburg Free Admission. Colonial Williamsburg offers free weekend-long admission tickets to active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and their immediate dependents from Friday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13th. The complimentary ticket incudes admission to Colonial Williamsburg exhibition sites, art museums, and most daytime programs, as well as free parking and use of the shuttle bus system. Tickets are only available at on-site ticket sales locations. Tickets are also available to families of deployed servicemembers. Tickets available on the following dates: Nov. 11-13.

15. Historic Jamestowne – Free Admission. The National Park Service commemorates Veterans Day with Fee Free days at Historic Jamestowne November 11-13. Free admission for everyone. See events calendar.

16. Knotts Berry Farm Military Tribute Days – Free Admission. Knott’s Berry Farm has an annual Military Tribute event in which they offer military members past and present by offering free park admission. This year the Military Tribute Days run from November 1 – 24 November (Thanksgiving Day). Veterans or current serving military personnel plus one guest get in FREE with proper ID presented at Knott’s turnstile (DD214, Veterans Administration Hospital ID or Active Military Service ID). Purchase up to six additional tickets for just $17 each. More info.

17. Fee Free Day at National Parks. To honor America’s service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that areas managed by the National Park Service would not charge entrance fees for Veteran’s Day weekend – November 11-13, 2011. Over 100 national Parks will be participating in this event.

18. San Jacinto Monument and Museum (La Porte, TX). November 7-13: Free admission to the theatre, Observation Floor, and (on November 12-13) the special exhibit to all veterans and their families. More info here.

19. Bed and Breakfast for Vets In the third year of the program, B&Bs for Vets has organized over 485 (and counting) participating Bed and Breakfasts and Inns across the US and Canada which will be offering veterans a free night’s stay on November 10th, the night before Veterans Day. This offer is available to both active duty military members and veterans with ID, but space is limited. Each Inn and B&B has at least one room available for this promotion and reservations must be made directly through the participating Inns and B&Bs. For more information visit B&Bs for Vets.

20. Sam’s Club® locations nationwide will distribute 36,000 Hugo® canes free of charge on November 9th, 10th, 11th, 2011 to U.S. military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Limited quantities available, while supplies last. Sam’s Club® Membership is not required, but proof of military service may be required. For more information, visit HugoSalutes.com.

21. Here are some additional Veteran’s Day Discounts. In all cases, be sure to provide proper ID or proof of service. In addition, some of these stores are franchises, so verify participation before assuming the discount is in place.

Free Car wash. Thousands of car washes around the country are offering vets a free car wash on Veterans Day. Find a list at Grace for Veterans, which helped veterans receive 101,537 FREE Washes on Veterans Day in 2010.

Amazon.com – Discount “Veterans Day Honor” MP3 album download. This downloadable album includes 12 songs as performed by the military bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces. Visit Amazon on Veteran’s Day to download the album.

Netflix – One Month Free Trial.

Sport Clips – FREE haircut to active-duty military & veterans. Offer only available at select locations. Please call to verify local participation.

Tim Hortons – all US locations are offering a free donut to all veterans (check out the Star Spangled donut!).

Friday, November 04, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks Trivia Answers

Bonus bucks answers for 10/4

1. Which of the following is NOT one of the “10 Biggest Mistakes Made by Small Business Owners?”


ANSWER: Relying too much on friends and family


2. According to Matthew Kidman, Author of Bulls, Bears & A Croupier, the Dow Jones Industrial Index will reach what level in 20 years?


ANSWER: 100,000


3. BT, the UK telecom giant that reported quarterly financial results on Thursday, has seen its shares rise more than 100 percent since it began a turnaround. When did it begin that turnaround?


Answer: April 2009

Thursday, November 03, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks Trivia Answers

Bonus bucks answers for 10/3

A UK court ruled on Wednesday that what prominent figure should be extradited out of the country for questioning overseas?

D. Julian Assange


According to Chartist Daryl Guppy, shares of Japanese camera maker Olympus are expected to fall by how much more?

C. 20%


What was Robert Zoellick’s top position during his time at Goldman Sachs?

B. International Vice-Chairman

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks Trivia Answers

Bonus bucks answers for 11/2

1. In a live interview on CNBC, Fifth Third Bancorp CEO Kevin Kabat said the bank increased its third quarter earnings through:

Answer: “Loan growth, expansion of the margin”


2. How much did UK gross domestic product grow in the third quarter, according to a report from the Office for National Statistics released this week?

Answer: 0.5 percent


3. Inflation in China is still running high but latest manufacturing data shows slowing growth. What do analysts at HSBC and RBC say should be China’s monetary stance?

Answer: Targeted Easing

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

CNBC Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge - Bonus Bucks Trivia Answers

Bonus bucks answers for 11/1

1. According to the Bank of England, how many mortgage approvals took place in the United Kingdom in September?

A. 50,967


2. What is the net worth of Asia-Pacific's richest family, the Ambanis, founders of India's Reliance Industries.

C. $37.6 billion


3. Why does Uwe Parpart think Japan's strength as an industrial society is fading on the international stage?

D. Over regulation