As a father of three high school and/or college-aged children, I am much attuned to the high cost of a college education and I have some deep rooted opinions regarding its value.  As a starting point, I think the experience can be extraordinarily rewarding for those who take full advantage of the complete experience.  This … Continued

In a Knox College Commencement Address in June, 2005 Mr. Obama stated, “Our economic independence depended on individual initiative.  It depended on a belief in the free market; but it has also depended on our sense of mutual regard for each other, the idea that everybody has a stake in the country, that we’re all in … Continued

We at Sigma believe that understanding inflation is an important element in effectively managing our client portfolios. In the that regard, we note that according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics report, consumer prices in January increased 2.9% over the past 12 months. At approximately the same time, J. M. Smucker Co. announced that … Continued

2008 Democratic primary debate in Philadelphia, April 16, 2008: on Tax Reform Barack Obama: Raise capital gains tax for fairness, not for revenue Q: You favor an increase in the capital gains tax, saying, “I certainly would not go above what existed under Bill Clinton, which was 28%.” It’s now 15%. That’s almost a doubling … Continued

At the onset of the Great Depression, a loss of confidence among bank depositors would often lead to bank runs. Because banks only held a fraction of their overall deposits in reserves (with the majority having been lent out), even the slightest rumor of a bank’s potential insolvency became a self-fulfilling prophecy. As a result, … Continued

Following the conclusion of the GM/UAW contract negotiations, it was revealed that one component of the contract was that each worker would get a “signing bonus” of $5,000 each if the contract was approved by the rank and file. Does it strike anyone else as a bit disturbing that the company would be passing out … Continued

Yes, but there are some difficult and potentially contentious hurdles. In the interest of perspective, it would be helpful to consider the public and the private sectors separately. The Federal Government, through State or local governments, could simply begin hiring, or provide funding for non-federal hiring. The problem with this approach is that it requires … Continued

On Friday, September 2, 2011, President Obama announced that he was suspending the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule tightening air quality standards, recognizing that the regulation was certain to impair job creation in an already poor economic and employment environment. Last December, President Obama also signed legislation extending lowered tax rates enacted during the Bush Administration. … Continued

In light of the highly charged commentary regarding recent progress made in Washington, we believe it is critical to consider all potential risks pertaining to the country’s current financial woes. While similar topics and themes continue filling up news venues, a large piece of the puzzle is being overlooked; the effect on the value of … Continued

George Soros recently announced the closing of his hedge-fund and his plans now to focus on running his own family office. A public philanthropist, Soros has donated over $8 billion within the last 30 years, a significant portion to the nonprofit MoveOn.org. MoveOn.org is funded solely by individuals and is recognized for its support of … Continued

A Wall Street Journal article dated July 2, 2011, titled “Did Someone Say Tech Bubble?”, indicated that entrepreneurial idea flow continues unabated in the US. Given the dour headlines dominating the newswires over Greece’s debt problems and the US’ own budget problems, it is easy to lose sight of what is going on “off of … Continued

Representative Paul Ryan, R – Wisconsin, Chair of the House Budget Committee released a fiscal policy blueprint for the US on April 5. The blueprint called for a materially different vision of the size and role of the federal government than what has been in place for the past several decades. Importantly, the document projects … Continued