2012-08-31
As the summer comes to an end, markets, investors, politicians and the news media are bound to get distracted by the grand themes of the season: Elections in the United States, crisis in Europe, civil war in Syria and, of course, the looming US fiscal cliff. But I want to remind investors that there are always opportunities out there for the long-term investor.
Three things I like and three things I don't like
As the summer comes to an end, markets, investors, politicians and the news media are bound to get distracted by the grand themes of the season: Elections in the United States, crisis in Europe, civil war in Syria and, of course, the looming US fiscal cliff. But I want to remind investors that there are always opportunities out there for the long-term investor.
2012-08-28
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is typically filled with ranchers, tourists, climbers and skiers. But this week, the Teton resort will be filled with journalists, global finance ministers and economists of worldwide renown, on hand to attend the Kansas City Federal Reserve’s annual economic symposium.
It is typically at the end of August that the world turns its attention to the conference. This year investors will focus on the conference for clues as to whether the markets should expect more actions from the titans of money. They will watch for news on the fate of Greece and hints of future monetary easing.
High drama and finance in the Tetons
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is typically filled with ranchers, tourists, climbers and skiers. But this week, the Teton resort will be filled with journalists, global finance ministers and economists of worldwide renown, on hand to attend the Kansas City Federal Reserve’s annual economic symposium.
It is typically at the end of August that the world turns its attention to the conference. This year investors will focus on the conference for clues as to whether the markets should expect more actions from the titans of money. They will watch for news on the fate of Greece and hints of future monetary easing.
2012-08-23
When meeting with clients, I'm frequently asked what keeps me up at night. My unequivocal answer is Iran.
Iran has moved in and out of investors' focus through the years as it has developed nuclear facilities and threatened to destroy Israel. As I hear the rhetoric between Iran and Israel growing more heated, Iran, given its ability to block access to the Strait of Hormuz, has moved to the front and center of my radar.
Dire strait
When meeting with clients, I'm frequently asked what keeps me up at night. My unequivocal answer is Iran.
Iran has moved in and out of investors' focus through the years as it has developed nuclear facilities and threatened to destroy Israel. As I hear the rhetoric between Iran and Israel growing more heated, Iran, given its ability to block access to the Strait of Hormuz, has moved to the front and center of my radar.
2012-08-21
A client recently asked me if the wealth he had worked for was going to eventually be taxed and redistributed to cover government entitlement programs. His is a very valid worry, and he is wondering if he should alter his investment strategy to take this possible redistribution of wealth into effect.
The greatest problem that the United States is facing right now is Medicaid, Medicare and other health care programs. In order of magnitude, the biggest future checks the US government has to write to keep its promises are for Medicare payments to the elderly, Medicaid supplements though the state medical plans, and finally the still unclear, but growing liability of the Affordable Health Care Act. Add these costs together and the debates about unemployment insurance, welfare, road building or even wars in the Middle East seem small by comparison.
The malpractice of medicine
A client recently asked me if the wealth he had worked for was going to eventually be taxed and redistributed to cover government entitlement programs. His is a very valid worry, and he is wondering if he should alter his investment strategy to take this possible redistribution of wealth into effect.
The greatest problem that the United States is facing right now is Medicaid, Medicare and other health care programs. In order of magnitude, the biggest future checks the US government has to write to keep its promises are for Medicare payments to the elderly, Medicaid supplements though the state medical plans, and finally the still unclear, but growing liability of the Affordable Health Care Act. Add these costs together and the debates about unemployment insurance, welfare, road building or even wars in the Middle East seem small by comparison.
2012-08-10
Back in June and July we were warned about the havoc the Olympics would bring to London. People worried about traffic, overflowing hotels, the dearth of tickets, and the seemingly endless rain. Residents were even uneasy that the United Kingdom might not win any medals on its home turf.
But, alas, the worries were overblown – the sun shone; traffic flowed; and medals were won.
Central banks won’t let financial system derail
Back in June and July we were warned about the havoc the Olympics would bring to London. People worried about traffic, overflowing hotels, the dearth of tickets, and the seemingly endless rain. Residents were even uneasy that the United Kingdom might not win any medals on its home turf.
But, alas, the worries were overblown – the sun shone; traffic flowed; and medals were won.
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