The tales of murder, conspiracy, and corruption that are leaking out from China regarding the Bo Xilai scandal have been remarkable to follow. Truth can often be much stranger than fiction and the scandal surrounding this ousted politician has managed to rock the Chinese government. Prior to his ousting, Bo was seen as somewhat of a populist … Continued
On Monday, following Sunday’s first-round of presidential elections in France, the CAC 40 index (which is largely representative of the French equity markets) fell nearly 3%. The presidential incumbent, Nicolas Sarkozy, who has been on board with Germany’s austerity plans to tackle the European financial crisis, came in second place in the first-round vote to … Continued
I have a confession. I was once a democrat. The first presidential election I was eligible to vote in, I voted for Jimmy Carter. I never told anyone this before because frankly, I was embarrassed. But, today, 30 years later, I have learned much, and I have many intelligent, successful friends who are democrats and I … Continued
The emotional desire to “get even and get out” does not translate into a wise investment strategy. Rather, it is a recipe for disaster over the long term. The equity markets continued their march upwards throughout the first quarter of 2012 with many indices and individual stocks approaching their previous all-time highs. Since then, the … Continued
President Obama announced today that his administration is interested in “curbing speculation” in the oil markets. Is this a laudable goal? We have to remember how speculation fits into the overall transactional marketplace. Many businesses rely on speculators speculating to reduce their risk. For example, a farmer has to commit to purchasing seeds, fertilizer, equipment … Continued
In a Knox College Commencement Address in June, 2005 Mr. Obama stated, “Our economic independence depended on individual initiative. It depended on a belief in the free market; but it has also depended on our sense of mutual regard for each other, the idea that everybody has a stake in the country, that we’re all in … Continued
A good friend of mine was recently complaining about being tired. He had to be at work at 6 AM that morning and had stayed out way too late at a party the evening before. I said the party must have been a good one, and he replied that it really wasn’t that much fun … Continued
Copyright © 2025 - Sigma Investment Counselors