Reach into your wallet, and pull out a Dollar. Since 1914, it has been the official currency of the United States. And since 1971, when the US Note was discontinued, it has been the only currency in the US. Considered by most to be the most stable currency on the planet, it is also the World's reserve currency. Meaning that most international transactions are priced in US Dollars. Giving the US a tremendous advantage in all international trade. Stable, safe and secure: that's the US Dollar. Or is it?
Read moreAny good businessman will tell you that you often learn more from people's actions rather that what they'll tell you. Watch what they do, not what they say, is the old saw. And it really does work. So today I thought we'd look at what some in the Government are doing, right now. Because it doesn't seem to fit with the accepted narrative, of a Joe Biden Victory.
Read moreWell, if we can translate that speed and movement into our monetary system. We would see, that in an active, expanding economy the money itself moves from person to person. Little time is spent in some one's pocket. (metaphorically speaking) And this ability for money to move from person to person in the shortest time possible is an important component of our economy.
Read moreToday, many remain concerned about the great concentration of wealth and influence that the Federal Reserve Board wields today. Beginning with the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, it has been the Fed which has become the chief weapon used to stave off recession. Almost over-night it has become accepted economic doctrine that the Fed's new strategy of “stimulating” the economy through vast purchases of financial assets would somehow translate into increased economic activity. And thereby stave off a recession or depression.
Read moreThe big news this week was the dramatic decline in new hires. And this gets to the very heart of this economic recovery. People who were laid off earlier in the year, combined with new employees has been the hallmark of the economic recovery so far.
Read moreThe big news this week was the dramatic decline in new hires. And this gets to the very heart of this economic recovery. People who were laid off earlier in the year, combined with new employees have been the hallmark of the economic recovery so far. And this creates the virtuous cycle that economists like to talk about. New workers power the consumer sector of the economy going forward, and that all powers the economic growth cycle.
Read moreWall Street is a place of rumor and hype. And, I suppose, that understandable, given that the first person to make a trade always has an advantage over all those who follow.
Read moreThe past few months have been among the most divisive in our Nation's History. And that's saying a lot for a nation that actually went to war with each other, back in the mid 1800's. We live with two sides of the political spectrum which increasingly seem unable to agree on just about anything. And each side seems to be increasingly hostile toward one another. I believe there are some fundamental economic reasons that underlie these difference. And by exploring them, perhaps we can come closer to understanding what each side of this political debate feels.
Read moreOur primary mission for this podcast is to bring to your attention the unexpected events, that may affect your investments. After all, it's those “out of the blue” occurrences that often have the largest impact on the financial markets. These are the so-called “Black Swans.” And it's a critical element in your financial management.
Read moreI believe that the key to this economy, is the retail shopper. Consumer sending, after all, in a normal year, represents over 2/3rds of the business activity in the nation. But this year you can feel a decided cooling in the normally hottest time of the year for sales: This Holiday Shopping time.
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