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

Today is a good opportunity to remind our clients and other readers of the recurring impact on the financial markets of major elections in the US.  As we have seen over the past few days, election news and related uncertainties act as a catalyst for short term common stock price movements.  But, over the long term, … Continued

According to Wikipedia, American exceptionalism is one of three related ideas.  The first is that the history of the U.S. is inherently different from other nations.  The second is the idea that the U.S. has a unique mission to transform the world, as Abraham Lincoln stated in the Gettysburg address.  The third is the sense … Continued

Despite a panoply of investor concerns, domestic equity markets continue their march higher.  Many of these concerns focus on the uncertainty of the post election world.  Not only are investors keeping a close watch on which candidate is elected as our next president, equally important is whether there is a change in control within the … Continued

This is a critical question that frequently crops up in job interviews.  Connecting able and willing workers with potential employers is a major challenge in urban America.  This may also account for some of the unusually low level of work force participation.  It is not unreasonable for someone with no realistic way to get to … Continued

Most individuals recognize the need for some regulations.  However, the key question is, at what point do regulations stop providing a path to an orderly arrangement for community cooperation and become the sand that brings the machinery to a halt? In order to be truly useful, regulations are likely to be the most beneficial when … Continued