Looking at recent earnings reports from the country’s major retailers, it is apparent that some have been very successful, handily beating expectations, while several have reported disappointing results and provided reduced guidance, with surprisingly few in between. Has retailing devolved into success based on grabbing market share? To some extent, this may be the case. … Continued
Reversion to the mean is not a new concept and we most recently discussed the principle in a blog, Reversion to the Mean, posted on 11/1/2017. With the popular averages up some 30% in 2019 it might seem logical to expect a sharp reduction in the near future. This may occur, but it is important … Continued
This was a major talking point in Gretchen Whitmer’s successful campaign for Governor of Michigan. The problem of a deteriorating infrastructure is not limited to roads or to Michigan. Infrastructure has been a recurring theme in state and national politics for years, and phrases like “shovel ready” raised hopes that the political class would finally … Continued
We live in uncertain times. Domestically, we are confronted with a divided Congress, impeachment of our President, an annual deficit that is now greater than $1 trillion and a national debt that has topped $23 trillion. Overseas, we are engaged in a trade war with China, we are under a constant nuclear threat with Russia, … Continued
Extended power outages, which are likely to recur in California, are revealing an inconvenient truth about modern telephones: no power, no phone service. Power outages cut service to cell towers and to cable providers that sell home voice services, often advertised as land lines. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of households may be cut off from … Continued
According to Wikiquote, this was ranked as #39 of the 100 most memorable American movie quotations of all time. In the film, Field of Dreams, an Iowa corn farmer builds a baseball diamond, and storied deceased baseball players emerge from the cornfields to play ball. This concept works well for the movie, but may prove … Continued
No, this not about bombs. It’s about investing in new and developing companies. Investopedia defines critical mass, in a business context, as the point at which a growing company becomes self-sustaining and no longer needs additional investment to remain economically viable. Over the last several years, a number of rapidly growing companies have entered the … Continued
Peter Navarro, Assistant to the President, and Director of Trade and Manufacturing Policy, recently suggested that the Dow Jones Industrial Average could reach 30,000 in 2020. While there is nothing wrong with what is essentially a short prediction, investors should continue to work with their advisor(s) and stay focused on the long term. Markets are … Continued
Albert Einstein is reputed to have described compound interest as “the most powerful force in the universe” and “the greatest invention in human history.” Whether he did or didn’t use these phrases, capitalizing on the positive attributes of compound interest is a very important part of any wealth-building strategy. Investopedia defines compound interest as interest … Continued
Regardless of how you may feel about climate change, it is probably useful to understand the issue of carbon taxes. According to Wikipedia, a carbon tax is a tax levied on the carbon content of fuels and, like carbon emissions trading, is a form of carbon pricing. The term “carbon tax” is also used to … Continued
Corroboration is generally defined as evidence which confirms or supports a statement, theory or finding. We now live in a world where almost anyone, can say almost anything, about anything or anyone, often on social media. Investors should be careful to assess commentary and seek corroborating information that might affect an existing or potential investment. … Continued
We have previously commented on the importance of regulations that are clear, concise and broadly acceptable (see our blog posted 14 Sep 2016). A new Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule requires brokers and financial advisors to describe their services, fees and conflicts of interest in “plain English” in a maximum of four pages. This … Continued
Copyright © 2024 - Sigma Investment Counselors