For the last several years, there has been an increase in the political rhetoric relative to wages, and more specifically, the national minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which was last changed in 2008. However, there has been some movement by state and municipal governments to establish local minimum wage rates at levels well above … Continued
We have previously discussed the importance of labor-force participation (see blogs from 09 Jan 2018 , 16 Mar 2018 and 18 May 2018 ). Recent data suggests that the labor-force participation rate has started to improve, probably thanks to a strong economy and significant increases in the de facto minimum wage, to approximately $15 per … Continued
Dependence on subsidies entails significant, and potentially existential, risk factors. A case can be made in favor of subsidizing new technology, for limited periods, in order to mitigate early, low volume related costs, as potential participants seek to reach critical mass. However, subsidies are generally of limited duration, as the long term costs are not … Continued
Ride sharing startup Lyft’s move to the public market, has rekindled the issue of shareholder voting rights. Lyft’s plan for dual-class voting shares has caught the attention of pension funds, which suggests that investors should be aware that corporate governance is not a one-man one-vote democracy. Lyft co-founders will receive 20 votes per share while … Continued
For investors, market volatility can be a painful thing, particularly on the down days. No one likes to see the value of their portfolio go down, but every downturn comes with potential opportunities. However, as emotions can run high, along with volatility, it is important to maintain portfolio discipline, staying with your long-term game plan, … Continued
There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that suggests that we tend to age at different rates. Tom Brady may be Exhibit A on the plus side. The importance of the apparent differences in aging rates clearly varies with career choices. We know that human faculties decrease with age. Declining vision, hearing and cognition can affect … Continued
This is a concept that suggests that improvements in the general economy will benefit all participants. All well and good, but what if you don’t have a boat. A strong economy can benefit workers, with improving wages and expanded employment opportunities. Investors can benefit through rising asset prices, as witnessed by the very strong recovery in … Continued
“Consent of the Governed” is a phrase found in the United States Declaration of Independence. In political philosophy, the phrase, consent of the governed refers to the idea that a government’s legitimacy and moral right to use state power is only justified and lawful when consented to by the people or society over which the … Continued
“Brain Drain” is a slang term describing a substantial emigration or migration of individuals, particularly a core portion of highly educated individuals such as; doctors, healthcare professionals, scientists, engineers or financial professionals. A brain drain can result from turmoil within a nation, the existence of favorable professional opportunities in other countries, or from a desire … Continued
Last June we posted a blog titled, “Is Cash Obsolete?”. Apparently, cash is becoming obsolete in certain situations, particularly for some smaller establishments, such as bars, restaurants, hair salons and coffee shops. While no specific data is available, anecdotally, it appears that many businesses are no longer willing to, and are not equipped to, accept … Continued
As employers face increasing difficulties in attracting entry-level workers, some companies have been pursuing more constructive strategies for developing opportunities for the disabled. Along with low unemployment levels and a gradual increase in work force participation, the available data indicates that the disabled are now also part of the trend. The average unemployment rate for … Continued
We have previously commented on proposals by economists and political scientists that would substitute universal income policies as credible alternatives to existing social programs such as unemployment insurance. (see blogs dated 2015-12-17, 2016-11-22 and 2018-05-02,) The idea is straightforward: Provide citizens with a minimum allowance, without means-testing, that would give everyone the wherewithal to live … Continued
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