President Obama announced today that his administration is interested in “curbing speculation” in the oil markets.  Is this a laudable goal?  We have to remember how speculation fits into the overall transactional marketplace.  Many businesses rely on speculators speculating to reduce their risk.  For example, a farmer has to commit to purchasing seeds, fertilizer, equipment … Continued

On the plane ride home from my recent spring training baseball trip, and while discussing the prospective presidential candidacy of Republican contender Mitt Romney, my baseball loving, left-leaning travel companion noted wryly, “I am concerned about his compassion.” As he said it, I recalled that just a few weeks earlier, another friend who is also … Continued

What do you get when you trap four middle-aged, baseball-loving friends (three liberals/progressives – a real estate lawyer from Michigan, a general practice lawyer from Washington DC, and a pediatrician from Chicago, and one conservative – that would be me, an investment advisor from Michigan) in a car for a several hours, traipsing across Florida … Continued

President Obama has suggested it is time to raise income taxes for “millionaires and billionaires” but beyond the rhetoric, this applies to anyone earning over $200,000. The two “Warrens” (Buffet and Elizabeth) have also recently weighed in on the merit of an income tax increase and with this avalanche of support, it reminded me of … Continued

During the first eight months of 2011, the Detroit Three auto manufacturers have enjoyed a 16% increase in unit volume as industry sales increased 10%. These results reflect, in part, an improving economy and inventory problems for two of Detroit’s primary competitors, Toyota and Honda. Detroit’s market share increased to 49% (up from 44%) while … Continued