April 23, 2012: Wall Street Journal headline – “Scandal Spurs Indian Coal Auction” “India is the world’s third-largest producer of coal, after China and the U.S. But it has become increasingly reliant on imports from countries such as Indonesia because of slumping domestic production. This year, demand is expected to outstrip production by about 100 … Continued
Sadly the early hope for an Arab Spring that would fuel the populous to societies with greater freedoms, including the right to free elections, freedom of speech, freedom of religionand equal rights for women, which would ultimately lead the region to job growth and economic prosperity, now appears to have failed the people and the … Continued
Several weeks ago I received a solicitation from a local community foundation officer suggesting that we might want to recommend to our philanthropically minded clients an investment in their donor-advised fund. They showed investment returns that, on the surface, appeared quite solid. As I studied their performance data though, I learned that a material segment … Continued
Reading an essay this morning on the demographic challenge currently facing several South American nations (aging populations), I came across one of those obvious, but often ignored assertions (like the one, “Wear clean underwear, you never know when you’re going to be in an accident”; the ignoring part is not about wearing clean underwear, but … Continued
Have you received a lump sum offer on your Ford pension? Do you know what factors to consider before making a decision? Do you want to learn more about your options? Beware! Other advisers may recommend everyone take the lump sum! It might not be your best option! Our team of advisers will give you straightforward … Continued
August 10, 2012: www.wikianswers.com– “What percentage of Greece’s population is government employed? 1 in every 3 workers, 33.33% of the working population.” August 9, 2012: Wall Street Journal headline – “Greek May Unemployment Rate Hits Fresh High of 23.1%” August 9, 2012: Stephen Henderson, Detroit Free Press– “For unions and the whole idea of collective … Continued
The Detroit Free Press reported in its August 10, 2012 issue that the CEO of General Motors, Dan Akerson,is growing frustrated with the lack of progress at the company (Click here to see article). “You shouldn’t stand around waiting for somebody to tell you where we’re going to go,” Akerson said in a conference call … Continued
Last week Sigma had the honor of hosting nine students from Shanghai University. The students are visiting Southeast Michigan through the Macomb Cultural and Economic Partnership, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering relationships between southeast Michigan officials, businesses and schools and the rest of the world. These students are spending two months in Michigan visiting … Continued
“I Can Hear the Bells” is a wonderful song from the musical Hairspray, sung by Tracy Tumblad as she “hears the bells” when thinking about her fantasy love with heartthrob, Link Larken. Yes, even after all these years bells still ring when I think about my husband. However, each time I hear someone bemoan or … Continued
Is there actually anyone out there who still believes that an email from some unknown person in Nigeria, who claims to have access to a fortune that can be shared with a timely financial partner, is true? How obvious does a scam have to be? Yet “obvious” is still the technique of choice used by … Continued
That was probably good advice in William Shakespeare’s day, but is not applicable in a modern society. Advanced economies require liquidity and seamless credit, which in turn requires responsible lending and borrowing. At any given time, nearly all of us are either borrowers or lenders, often both at the same time. If you have a … Continued
Former Senator George McGovern, Congressional Record, 102nd Congress (1991-1992): “My own business perspective has been limited to that small hotel and restaurant in Stratford, Conn., with an especially difficult lease and a severe recession. But my business associates and I also lived with federal, state and local rules that were all passed with the objective … Continued
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