As someone who sees the world economy as a fascinating and almost living organism, it is rare that I can take my eye of it.  But, I have been shocked and saddened by the senseless massacre in Orlando.  The heavy fog of sorrow has fallen over Orlando, just like it did over DC and New … Continue reading Shocked and Saddened

It is important to remember that recessions and bear markets are different.  Recessions happen in the economy, while bear markets happen on Wall Street.  There is a relationship but not a tight one.  We like to think that, since the average IQ on Wall Street is higher than the average IQ on Main Street, bear … Continue reading 5.79 Million Useless People

One of my closest relatives is retired from law enforcement.  I am quite proud of him!  He has handled investigations from “routine, run-of-the-mill” murders to real headline-making mass murder.  Now in retirement but as a courtesy to a long-time friend in the funeral home business, he will occasionally get a request to attend funerals — … Continue reading Coffin Fights?

Earlier this year, I had to take a 22-hour course on behavioral finance, which is about peoples’ attitudes and misconceptions about money and investing.  After all, there is considerable ongoing research in this field.  Frankly, it reminded me of Art Linkletter’s 1957 classic book, Kids Say the Darndest Things!However, one important point in that course … Continue reading Investors Think the Darndest Things

On average, there are about 160 economic reports each month.  Those are just the reports from the Federal government, various state governments, agencies, and trade associations.  That doesn’t include reports from the many banks, brokerages, and other commercial companies.  I would guess the combined total approaches a thousand reports per month. Can the average person … Continue reading Jobs, Interest Rates, and Libertarians