One of the key tenants of successful investing is an ability to determine which ‘facts” are relevant. Consider recent headlines noting that U.S. Covid-19 deaths had surpassed total deaths attributable to the 1918-19 flu pandemic. This statement is clearly factually correct. But how relevant is this data when one recognizes that the U.S. population is … Continued
The Wall Street Journal recently published a review of a new book by Gregg Easterbrook, “The Blue Age: How the U.S. Navy Created Global Prosperity—And Why We’re in Danger of Losing It”, that highlights the relative peace and tranquility on the seas, courtesy of the U. S. Navy. The importance of ocean shipping has been … Continued
This is a well-known proverb, meaning that one of the primary driving forces behind most new inventions is need. Today, much of the world is focused on efforts to combat climate change, largely by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, increasing the use of reusable energy sources, and converting motor vehicles from internal combustion engines (ICE) … Continued
It is becoming increasingly apparent that governments, throughout the world, are in the process of mandating electric vehicles (EVs), whether or not consumers want them. Auto maker strategies vary widely. Looking at the two largest domestic manufacturers, GM and Ford, it is clear that they are focusing on strategies that build on their strengths to … Continued
It recently came to my attention that a growing number of large employers have teamed with Operation Hope to address, what they believe is one of the country’s greatest challenges: the lack of knowledge and understanding of how money, and everything that revolves around it, works. The coalition, “Financial Literacy for All”, hopes to reach … Continued
Apparently, some younger, would-be investors (speculators) have become increasingly enamored with, what they believe, are the easy money opportunities offered by Robinhood and others. Some are using money provided under various unemployment programs. While they may believe that they are investing, day trading and a casino atmosphere are not investing. It appears that many may … Continued
There are numerous definitions of what qualifies as a zombie company, but generally speaking, “zombie company” is a name for companies that should go belly up but are allowed to continue. Typically, these companies have so much debt that any cash generated is being used to pay interest on the debt, with no spare cash … Continued
Currency is typically defined as a system of money in general use in a particular country. This is the case in most countries today. Historically, periods of exceptional turmoil or circumstances, such as WW II, have given rise to reversions to barter and tangible substitutes for currency. In some instances, even today, individuals have sought … Continued
It has been evident for a number of years that there is very little chance that the electric utility industry will resume construction of large nuclear reactors because of cost overruns, delays, permitting and NIMBY. However, there does seem to be some interest in miniature nuclear reactors as a source of steady energy that can … Continued
Recently, two articles crossed my desk that provide some insight into the extent and complexity of attempting to compete with China. The first article addressed the issue of labor and introduced, at least to me, the number 996. Apparently, this is shorthand for the schedule that has become the workplace norm at many Chinese companies: … Continued
The whole process of simply paying employees has become increasingly politicized with competing agendas shifting the focus away from the fundamental idea of a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. We have advocates for a higher minimum wage, federal, state and local versions, for a competitive wage, for a living wage and so on. … Continued
Humans are generally not constructed to deal well with uncertainty. Investors need predictability in key areas such as accounting, regulation, taxation and political whim, to mention a few. While no system is perfect, investors in U.S. based companies enjoy a relatively greater degree of consistency than is the case for many other jurisdictions. The most … Continued
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