First, thanks to Alfred E. Newman and Mad magazine. The conventional wisdom among economists has generally held that people don’t like uncertainty and the unknowable.  When faced with the prospect of disruption and changes without clear outcomes, they become less confident and more cautious about making big decisions, particularly as they relate to finances. Over … Continued

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) recently announced an agreement to reduce oil production by approximately 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd), or about 4%.  Markets responded with a 10% increase in prices. While OPEC no longer has the almost dominant position it enjoyed during the oil embargo of 1973-74, the group remains in … Continued

According to the National Coffee Association, between 2008 and 2016, the share of 18-24-year-olds who said they had bought a gourmet coffee beverage the day before rose to 36% from 13%. This may account for a Starbucks project to launch high-end coffee shops that would charge as much as $12 for a 12 ounce cup … Continued

Many market and economic forecasters like to tie some of their predictions to changes in the political scene, particularly when there is a material change in control.  Typically, projections tend to examine historical market action and compare key data points to the current situation, in an effort to provide insight as to possible future market … Continued

Approximately a year ago we noted that there had been a number of proposals by economists and political scientists relating to the concept of universal basic income.  (Click here to read our Universal Basic Income blog from 17 Dec 2015)  A few days ago, Tesla Motors CEO, Elon Musk, suggested that universal basic income, or … Continued

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