The Census Bureau recently reported that 62.9% of households owned a home in the second quarter.  That is the lowest level in 51 years, equaling the home ownership rate in 1965, when the census began tracking the data. Home ownership peaked in 2004 at 69.2%, amid the late and unlamented housing bubble. Is the reduction in … Continued

Demand for electricity tends to peak in the early evening.  Managing peak demand in an environmentally and economically sound matrix is difficult. Load balancing has always been a problem for electric power systems, both because most large scale electric generators operate most efficiently at constant rates and the cost of creating a system that is … Continued

A number of well known companies, such as Tesla, Google, Apple and the auto companies, have demonstrated a significant interest in developing autonomous vehicles ostensibly as a path to reducing human input, which is generally considered to be the primary cause of vehicular accidents.  Considering that more than 30,000 people lose their lives on America’s highways … Continued

Recently released second quarter data suggest that the economic recovery continues to be somewhat lackluster with a seasonally and inflation adjusted increase of 1.2% for the period.  The economy appears to be growing at a 1% rate in 2016 and 2.1% since the end of the recession, the weakest expansion since at least 1949. There … Continued

On the one hand, we have an unemployment rate of 4.7%.  On the other hand, we have essentially record low work force participation of less than 63%.  There are a number of suggested explanations, usually with little or no definitive substantiation. Employers tend to focus on the lack of potential employees with the appropriate skills. … Continued

It is generally accepted that politics and religion are not suitable topics for discussion in polite company. That is probably good advice, but media coverage of politics and the election is going to intensify over the next three months.  This is normal, although this election cycle is generally considered to be unusual.  Both candidates have … Continued

For those of us who live in Cleveland, the Republican National Convention (RNC) this week is yet another exciting event for our city.  For two+ years Cleveland has been hurriedly preparing for this coming week. New hotels, new freeways, a new public square, endless rerouting of traffic etc., etc.  The only hiccup so far has … Continued

Adjusting prices to reflect shifts in demand is hardly a new concept.  However, the concept seems to have gained an increase in visibility with Uber’s introduction of “surge pricing”, an effort to match demand with the availability of drivers.  Unlike traditional enterprises, Uber depends on their driver’s making themselves available.  Presumably, surge pricing would encourage … Continued

The issue of pay day loans has been in the news lately with a recurring theme that suggests that the industry is an exploiter of the less well off.  Typically, pay day loans average approximately $400, with a duration of about two weeks.  The annualized cost of these loans, including fees and interest, has been … Continued

As we know, the price of oil is generally quoted in dollars, and the most common reference points are Brent and WTI (West Texas Intermediate).  Due, in part, to increased press coverage and continuing consumer interest in the price of gasoline, most investors are generally familiar with current oil prices. Economists will tell you that … Continued

Something we all use and probably don’t think too much about, except when the bill comes or someone talks about renewable energy and climate change. It is probable that electricity consumption will increase, at least in total if not on a per capita basis. Investors should consider how we are going to meet demand while … Continued