Calling All Addicts!
Wall Street addicts that is… Sorry for the misleading title, but this post needs a little attention. The purpose of this blog is to write about my life here at Loyola, yet as a student in the school of business, the market is a significant part of my life.
For those of you who follow the markets, you’re well aware that this year has been anything but tame. Volatility is the name of the game with the Dow Jones rising or falling nearly every session in triple-digit increments. Housing markets are slumping and banks are literally hemorrhaging money linked to mortgage backed securities. Gold has surpassed its all time high of $1000 per ounce and oil is north of $100 per barrel.
What does this mean for the average student? If you drive, you’ve certainly noticed the unabated rise of gasoline, nearly $4 in some places. And other than beautiful, gold is an indicator of inflation. So I ask, how much can you buy with $20? These days I’ve noticed that the $100 bill is the new twenty. America’s falling dollar hurts all of us, just think back to when you could buy a Snickers for 50 cents. Boy, that makes me feel old.
One good thing, the rates on student loans are staring to fall. Yes! If you’re anything like me, that’ll make you smile. A low fed funds rate means more money in our pockets, which is a nice side-effect of this economic chaos. As my student loans begin to mount I just want to say, thank YOU, Mr. Bernake.
But enough boring finance. Whatever your major, the market affect us all and I just think you should be aware of its current condition. We’re living in exciting times, where fortunes are being made and lost on a daily basis. Dow Jones soars 400 points! S&P up 4%!
Stay tuned – I think we’re still in for a wild ride.
March 11, 2008
No School!
Another spring break, another wasted week. It seems like everyone I know went to Florida or Mexico, but I stayed right here in Chicago. The weather didn’t break the 40 degree mark once, nor did I expect it to. I did notice that spring break came way too early this year. In fact, I think Loyola was one of the few universities to even have break this week. Just about all of my friends still had school, making me one bored person.
So how did I pass the time? Well, I did watch a lot of T.V. but at least I managed to be minorly productive. I filed my taxes earning a whopping $350 in the process! Not bad for a week’s work, but when you think about it, it’s really money that was already mine. Nonetheless, I love the surprise of seeing just how fat my tax return will be. I used some of my free time to spend the refund over break as well. I went to the mall and out to eat. Just doing my part to keep our economy moving along.
So there you have it, my fantabulous spring break (and yes I did misspell fabulous on purpose). I hope next year’s proves more exhilarating. For all those of you who shared my experience, don’t feel so bad, you’re not alone!
See you next week,
Jake
February 29, 2008
Spring Break!
So today is the final day before Spring Break and I couldn’t be happier! After going through 3 back-to-back midterms I’m mentally exhausted. Sound familiar? I’m sure this describes just about every student here at Loyola. We’ve all been hard hard at work and now it’s time to take it easy.
I’m staying right here in Chicago this Spring Break, ugh. I wish I was going somewhere warm like Mexico or Florida, but I’m not jealous. Actually I’m super jealous. I have never been so sick of winter in my life. Who agrees with me??? If it snows one more time I may just kill myself. Anyways, enjoy Florida, enjoy Mexico, and I’ll hold down the fort here in Chicago.
Enjoy the Break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and GO WILD
February 18, 2008
Making the Most of Halas
For those of you who don’t know, Halas Sports Center offers a wide array of intramural sports for all students. I joined an indoor soccer team a few weeks ago and love it. We play every Sunday for about an hour. While we’re not the most skillful team, we boast a record of 2-0, so keep your fingers crossed. My particular team, JFRC Calcio, is just a group of students I studied with in Rome last semester. Loyola’s intramural soccer league is our way of recreating the weekly calcio (soccer) games that we had in Italy. The games get intense and even a little bit physical. Our season is off to a nice start, and I can’t wait to see how we finish. While the 2nd floor of Halas doesn’t quite match the fields in Rome, it’s home for now.
February 12, 2008
Networking
Just yesterday I attended Management Night, one of a series of events put on by the Dean’s Advisory Council (DAC) to promote engagement between students and the business community. The event was a great success and provided all attendees with some new insight on managing people. The lineup of panelists included the likes of Northwestern Mutual, Lake Forest Sportscars, Manpower, and Hospital Corporation of America.
One of the night’s more influential speakers was Rick Mancuso, founder of Lake Forest Sportscars. Rick captured the audience with his lively personality, frank interpretations, and colorful work history. A graduate of both a Jesuit high school and college, Rick touts the ability to write and speak clearly as the most critical things he learned. His words of advice to students, "Follow what you love." This is the attitude that has led Rick to success in the auto industry since 1983.
Other highlights of the night included the teriyaki chicken and delicious brownies, but the resounding message of the night was crystal clear, take advantage of your resources. Come to think of it, Loyola is full of resources. Just take the Business Career Center (BCC) for example; every week I receive alerts of internship opportunities and career workshops. And for those of you who missed Management Night, you’re in luck. The DAC has two more events planned for February 19th and 20th in Kasbeer hall at 25 E. Pearson. I’ll be there when the conference begins, 5pm, and if you’re ready to do some of your own networking, maybe I’ll see you there too.
Jake
February 8, 2008
Hello!
My name is Jacob Munoz but most people just call me Jake. This is my sophomore year here at Loyola University Chicago, and I’m a proud student in the school of business. Originally from LaGrange, IL (20 minutes west) I consider myself a Chicago native. At the moment I’m a finance major with a 2nd possible major in economics.
When I’m not in class, I’m a busy member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, the Dean’s Advisory Council, and the Italian Club. This past semester I studied abroad at the John Felice Rome Center and strongly recommend it to any of you looking to experience Rome. In what spare time I have left I’ve held internships with UBS and Smith Barney.
My interests, well, where to start? I’m a huge fan of CNBC and follow the markets daily. I’m a regular at the Halas Sports Center, a former high school wrestler, an avid traveler, and love just about any car/bike powered by a motor. If you see me around campus don’t be shy and say "Hi," meeting new people is one of my favorite things.