The recent election has continued a trend toward the legalization of marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use. Legalization and celebrity glamorization have tended to reduce social restraints relating to pot and appear to be increasing use. In addition to any of the other controversial issues relating to the use of marijuana, investors may want … Continued
Over the last several years, increasing attention has been directed toward the relative merit of temporary work, often referred to as the gig economy. Wikipedia describes temporary employment as an employment situation where the working arrangement is limited to a certain time period based on the needs of the employing organization. Temporary employees are sometimes … Continued
Both presidential campaigns emphasized their support for increased infrastructure spending, suggesting that this should not be materially controversial now that the election is over. However, before rushing out to make a big bet on construction industry investments, it might be appropriate to consider some of the obstacles to a rapid build up of infrastructure spending. … Continued
Today is a good opportunity to remind our clients and other readers of the recurring impact on the financial markets of major elections in the US. As we have seen over the past few days, election news and related uncertainties act as a catalyst for short term common stock price movements. But, over the long term, … Continued
According to Wikipedia, American exceptionalism is one of three related ideas. The first is that the history of the U.S. is inherently different from other nations. The second is the idea that the U.S. has a unique mission to transform the world, as Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg address. The third is the sense … Continued
Retirement means many different things to everyone. It’s generally the goal for most people to do something they love with the last quarter of their life. It should be an exciting time, but when you hear that most Americans won’t be able to afford retirement, it can be worrisome. There are certain aspects that can’t … Continued
Despite a panoply of investor concerns, domestic equity markets continue their march higher. Many of these concerns focus on the uncertainty of the post election world. Not only are investors keeping a close watch on which candidate is elected as our next president, equally important is whether there is a change in control within the … Continued
British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced that the UK would trigger the process of disentangling itself from the European Union (EU) by the end of March 2017. This would set the stage for Britain to leave the EU by March 2019. Once the process is started, the UK has a two-year window to negotiate its … Continued
This is a critical question that frequently crops up in job interviews. Connecting able and willing workers with potential employers is a major challenge in urban America. This may also account for some of the unusually low level of work force participation. It is not unreasonable for someone with no realistic way to get to … Continued
During the years 1815-1914, when Britain, through the Royal Navy, was the de facto world’s policeman, some leaders of smaller countries would see how far they could provoke Britain, without precipitating serious consequences. In other words, “twisting the lion’s tail.” Currently, we have the Philippines recently elected President, Rodrigo Duterte, threatening to distance his country … Continued
Corporate tax rates, both in the U.S., and abroad, have gained increasing visibility following the EU assessment of a $15 billion penalty relating to Apple and Ireland’s tax strategy, and the ongoing U.S. election rhetoric. Incentives get less publicity and are generally promoted as a jobs policy or the pursuit of some other social good, … Continued
My colleague, Walter Kirchberger, does a lot of world travel and recently brought back with him not a tee shirt or other souvenir, but an article he had read on the ship titled, “The millionaires next door.” It was an Associated Press piece by Liz Weston. Many years ago, a book was written of the … Continued
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