According to Wikipedia, “freedom of the seas” is a principle in international law and law of the sea.  It stresses freedom to navigate the oceans. Like any law, enforcement is sometimes required.  Historically, during a period of relative peace (1815-1914), often referred to as “Pax Britannica”, the Royal Navy was, in effect, the guarantor of … Continued

Our Chief Investment Officer, Denise Farkas, and I were at the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute’s Annual Conference earlier this week.  We thought that it would be a good idea to share some insight with our readers on trends and changes in the global oil market. First, the global oil market is experiencing a structural … Continued

It is fairly well established that no one has been able to consistently pick market tops and bottoms.  Of course, that is not stopping people from trying.  One anecdotal clue, that has some currency in the investment community, is the concept of cyclical companies announcing headquarters upgrades and expansions at or near the top of … Continued

This is a country music song written by David Allan Coe and popularized by Johnny Paycheck.  Perhaps you should be careful what you ask for. Between the increasing use of automation and rising minimum wages, the potential for reduced employment opportunities may make it increasingly important to hang on to the job you have. There … Continued

Money not only talks, but it sings and dances.  Therefore, when the Federal Reserve Bank talk’s people not only listen, but they analyze, strategize, speculate, and more.  The Fed’s power has significant influence over global financial markets and the world, making their words and actions of the utmost importance to us all. Given the recent … Continued

Investing in industries that enjoy significant subsidies may carry additional risks.  Subsidies, typically granted by government to support desired public policy, can also be revoked or materially altered. For example, home solar panel systems have seen considerable growth, particularly in states that have mandated large payouts to residents who generate more renewable energy than they … Continued

According to Wikipedia, the term saber-rattling, was based on an incident in Chilean history that took place on September 3, 1924, when a group of young military officers protested against the political class and the postponement of social measures by rattling their sabers within their scabbards. The term is now applied generally to cover an … Continued

The world is awash in irresponsible borrowing.  Governments, companies and individuals borrow money without a clear path to repayment.  In addition, governments and companies commit to long-term obligations, primarily in the areas of retirement and health care, without appropriate funding.  Unfunded liabilities are, for all practical purposes, debt. This tendency has been exacerbated by unusually … Continued

Attempting to predict the stock market can be hazardous at best and usually unsuccessful.  However, there is an old, and frequently accurate, adage that suggests that the market tends to fool most of the people, most of the time. In that regard, data recently published by LPL Research, suggests that there are fewer bulls today … Continued

Most consumers’ interest in better vehicle fuel economy is limited to saving money at the gas pump and the environmental damage associated with burning fossil fuels.  With significantly cheaper gasoline, the economic incentive to reduce fuel consumption is materially diminished.  The environmental issues remain the same. With average U.S. fleet fuel efficiency approximating 25 miles … Continued

The administration has proposed a $10 per barrel tax on oil producers to fund a sweeping set of green transportation initiatives.  The tax would be phased in over a period of five years and is being billed as part of the fight against climate change. Investors should note that this is, in effect, a $0.25 … Continued

California’s drought conditions continue to reflect the effectiveness of conservation measures and increased precipitation.  The state’s second snow survey indicated that the snow pack was at 130% of average at the measurement point in the Sierra Nevada.  Reservoir levels are up, but still well below desired levels.  El Niño-fueled storms have delivered January rainfall at … Continued