It is beginning to look like the answer is yes. Historically, conventional wisdom held that China’s low wage rates were the trump card in manufacturing location decisions. Things are changing. While low wages were certainly a major factor in China’s economic competitiveness, low taxes were also a material factor. Today in China, wages are going … Continued
Is China moving towards using coal to power cars and trucks? Consider: China is the world’s largest importer of oil. China is the world’s largest producer of coal. China has a chronic shortage of electricity. In 2016 57% of China’s electric generating capacity was coal fired. China continues to build new coal generated electricity capacity. … Continued
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is the official export credit agency of the U.S. federal government. Operating as a government corporation, the bank finances and insures foreign purchases of U.S. goods for customers unwilling or unable to accept credit risk. The bank’s cost and effectiveness are controversial, and, like any policy … Continued
This quote, attributed to George Santayana, can be applicable to a wide range of human experiences and endeavors. While it is impossible to list all of them, recent press coverage of China’s air pollution problems represents an interesting example. China’s pollution crisis has been attributed to decades of unrestrained industrialization. While improving the economic outlook … Continued
We have previously commented on the importance of “freedom of the seas” (17May16) and the significance of the Strait of Malacca to international trade. Recent news reports and satellite photos suggest that China has introduced powerful anti-aircraft and anti-missile weapons systems on all seven of the islands it has built in the South China Sea, … Continued
The election is over, but both candidates campaigned against trade agreements, such as the North American Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). What is this all about and why is it important to consumers and investors? Wikipedia defines a trade agreement as a wide ranging tax, tariff, and trade treaty that often includes … Continued
British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced that the UK would trigger the process of disentangling itself from the European Union (EU) by the end of March 2017. This would set the stage for Britain to leave the EU by March 2019. Once the process is started, the UK has a two-year window to negotiate its … Continued
During the years 1815-1914, when Britain, through the Royal Navy, was the de facto world’s policeman, some leaders of smaller countries would see how far they could provoke Britain, without precipitating serious consequences. In other words, “twisting the lion’s tail.” Currently, we have the Philippines recently elected President, Rodrigo Duterte, threatening to distance his country … Continued
Keep Calm and Carry On was a motivational poster produced by the British government in 1939 in preparation for WWII. Considering the short lived furor over Brexit, and all of the disquieting news from around the world, this may still be good advice. Prior to the actual Brexit vote, nearly all of the pundits, pollsters, … Continued
Historically, uncertainty has led to increased market volatility. Even though the Brexit vote is now behind us, the uncertainty surrounding the exit process is likely to continue to contribute to market volatility. If that’s not enough, remember, the US has a presidential election coming this November that may prove to be one of the most … Continued
I received an inquiry from a local business reporter today, asking about the “Brexit” vote, whether clients were panicking, if this would prove a major market turning point, and what, if anything, we were doing in portfolios. I provided the following response and share it here with our blog readers. I’ve had just one call … Continued
A famous line used in the inaugural address of Franklin D. Roosevelt may provide some insight as to the background for the recent vote against Britain remaining in the European Union and the ascendance of politicians, on both sides of the aisle, that speak to disgruntlement. The common thread appears to be an ascendance of … Continued
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