Periodically, someone points out that an investment of a small amount, say $10,000, in a major successful company such as Amazon, Microsoft, Berkshire Hathaway, etc., twenty or thirty years ago, would have provided an exceptional investment return. Isn’t hindsight wonderful? The real question is how should you invest $10,000 now? Realistically, correctly identifying the next … Continued
Paul Vigna, in a recent Wall Street Journal article, pointed out that “digital currency fans are partying like its 1999.” Perhaps Mr. Vigna may want to look further back than 1999, to 1637. That is when, according to Wikipedia, during a period in the Dutch Golden Age, the contract prices for a single tulip bulb … Continued
Successfully managing a company and attracting investors is not easy. But thumbing your nose at prospective investors, by issuing shares with no shareholder rights, and then refusing to provide any guidance respecting management’s operating expectations, may not be the best approach. Under these circumstances it shouldn’t come as a big surprise if investors conclude that … Continued
In recent blogs we have noted that there has been an increase in large investor concerns over a trend toward a reduction in shareholders’ rights. Now we have the managers of the S&P 500 taking a stand in favor of shareholders’ rights by announcing a new policy that would bar new admissions to the index … Continued
Healthcare is, or more correctly, continues to be the topic of the day. We are all, as patients, providers and/or tax payers, necessarily involved in the whole issue of how best to provide reasonable and universal access, on an affordable basis, to quality healthcare. Big pharma, and therefore, investors, are directly involved. Media commentary likes … Continued
It is hard to come to terms with one’s own mortality. In an ideal world, everyone would live to be 100 years old and die peacefully in their sleep. Unfortunately, life surprises us with many unpleasant things. At Sigma, we try to prepare our clients for the future. However, we are only as good as … Continued
To varying degrees, commentators and economists are suggesting that the U.S. economy seems to be struggling to sustain a growth rate on the order of 2%, while most observers believe that growth on the order of 3% would be highly beneficial and, is also generally considered to be a reasonable target. June unemployment has fallen … Continued
In our March 15th blog, we commented on the apparent deterioration in shareholders’ rights in connection with the initial public offering of Snap, Inc. shares, which have no voting rights. This issue is garnering increased attention from institutional investors. State Street Global Advisors recently urged the U.S. financial regulator to block companies from adopting controversial … Continued
On June 5, 2017, Bloomberg News reported that, “China plans to halt issuing permits to produce electric vehicles because of concern that additional approvals may lead to a glut in the world’s biggest auto market, according to people with knowledge of the matter.” On June 19, 2017, Bloomberg News reported that, “Tesla, Inc. is close … Continued
Recently released data from Freddie Mac revealed that nearly 50% of Americans, who have recently refinanced their homes to take advantage of lower interest rates to reduce borrowing costs, are taking cash out. This means that the home owner is increasing the principal balance, and reducing equity. This is the height of folly. Apparently, people … Continued
It is beginning to look like the answer is yes. Historically, conventional wisdom held that China’s low wage rates were the trump card in manufacturing location decisions. Things are changing. While low wages were certainly a major factor in China’s economic competitiveness, low taxes were also a material factor. Today in China, wages are going … Continued
Is China moving towards using coal to power cars and trucks? Consider: China is the world’s largest importer of oil. China is the world’s largest producer of coal. China has a chronic shortage of electricity. In 2016 57% of China’s electric generating capacity was coal fired. China continues to build new coal generated electricity capacity. … Continued
Copyright © 2026 - Sigma Investment Counselors