By now it is clear that energy prices are going to be quite a lot higher this winter than last. It is already visible at the gas pump with motor fuel prices running well ahead of a year ago. Natural gas prices have skyrocketed as the world faces significant shortages and home heating oil prices … Continued
Historically, motor fuel taxes have been a significant source of revenue, with most of the receipts committed to road construction and maintenance. Today, governments are aggressively promoting the development and purchase of electric vehicles (EVs). As the number of EVs on the road increases, motor fuel tax receipts have started to dwindle. Over the next … Continued
This line from Kenny Roger’s song “The Gambler”, summarizes the most difficult part of the investment process, admitting you made a mistake and taking your losses. Many investors often tend to close their eyes rather than confront the facts. This problem is not limited to individuals. The financial pages are littered with examples of some … Continued
According to Wikipedia, money is any item of verifiable record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts, such as taxes, in a particular country or socio-economic context. As a practical matter, money is what the government says it is, or isn’t. The People’s Bank of China recently said … Continued
Subjective: based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes or opinions. Objective: expressing or dealing with facts or conditions as perceived without distortion by personal feelings, prejudices or interpretations. In politics and academia, but not sports, there seems to be an increasing trend toward subjective evaluations when objective results don’t provide the desired outcomes. That … Continued
We have previously discussed the issue of definition for funds purporting to offer an emphasis on focused investment themes. See our blog of April 14, 2021 titled How Many Raisins in a Box of Raisin Bran, in which we suggest that the fund manager decides what is a raisin and what isn’t. Now the European … Continued
This comment was attributed to a Wyoming company in February 1973. Energy prices were rising, but toughened environmental laws prevented finding more energy sources. Various iterations, some of which were not suitable for general viewing, became popular in Texas during the 1973-74 energy crisis. Now we seem to be seeing Deja vu all over again, … Continued
One of the key tenants of successful investing is an ability to determine which ‘facts” are relevant. Consider recent headlines noting that U.S. Covid-19 deaths had surpassed total deaths attributable to the 1918-19 flu pandemic. This statement is clearly factually correct. But how relevant is this data when one recognizes that the U.S. population is … Continued
This is a well-known proverb, meaning that one of the primary driving forces behind most new inventions is need. Today, much of the world is focused on efforts to combat climate change, largely by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, increasing the use of reusable energy sources, and converting motor vehicles from internal combustion engines (ICE) … Continued
It is becoming increasingly apparent that governments, throughout the world, are in the process of mandating electric vehicles (EVs), whether or not consumers want them. Auto maker strategies vary widely. Looking at the two largest domestic manufacturers, GM and Ford, it is clear that they are focusing on strategies that build on their strengths to … Continued
It recently came to my attention that a growing number of large employers have teamed with Operation Hope to address, what they believe is one of the country’s greatest challenges: the lack of knowledge and understanding of how money, and everything that revolves around it, works. The coalition, “Financial Literacy for All”, hopes to reach … Continued
Apparently, some younger, would-be investors (speculators) have become increasingly enamored with, what they believe, are the easy money opportunities offered by Robinhood and others. Some are using money provided under various unemployment programs. While they may believe that they are investing, day trading and a casino atmosphere are not investing. It appears that many may … Continued
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