Secular Trends – Rent Seeking
There is definitely a higher cost of living in certain areas of the United States. This can be because an area is geographically desirable, the beauty and climate of the California coast or the cosmopolitan setting of Manhattan; it can be because an area is economically desirable, Silicon Valley or Cambridge, MA. Everyone has their .. read more
Tactical Update
This week, one particular article sparked an intense internal dialogue about some of the global economic realities that have us concerned. The article is from Peking University’s Professor Michael Pettis. Prof. Pettis opines that Chinese citizens would rather save than spend and that Japan, who has recently run a current account deficit, would prefer to .. read more
Romney and Obama Agree on Progressive Taxation: Are They Correct?
Thinking Things Over March 4, 2012 Volume II, Number 9: Romney and Obama Agree on Progressive Taxation: Are They Correct? By John L. Chapman, Ph.D. Washington, D.C. Do we want to keep these tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans? Or do we want to keep our investments in everything else – like education and medical .. read more
The Commanding Heights
We gather tonight knowing that this generation of heroes has made the United States safer and more respected around the world. (Applause.) For the first time in nine years, there are no Americans fighting in Iraq. (Applause.) For the first time in two decades, Osama bin Laden is not a threat to this country. (Applause.) .. read more
Revenge Of The Bankers
Germany got a wake up call last week when an auction of 10 year government bonds failed to get bids for 35% of the bonds offered. While German bond auction failures are not as infrequent as one might imagine – six of the last eight auctions received fewer bids than the maximum amount of bonds .. read more
What is the Right Answer on Taxes?
By John L. Chapman, Ph.D. Washington, D.C. November 23, 2011 With a U.S. Presidential election less than a year away, and a still moribund economy struggling to climb out of a long period of sluggish growth, high joblessness, and a burgeoning fiscal debt burden, the issue of tax policy will be front and center in 2012. With the .. read more
How To Make The American Economy Fly Again
I hope everyone had a good week and I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving this Thursday. I’m sensing a general perception that the economy is broken. Yes, unemployment is high and markets are volatile; but, to categorize this as economic malaise is not correct. My friends, the real economy is not broken. It yearns to .. read more
Contrarian Alert
I hope everyone had a fine week. This week’s roller coaster ride tested the most seasoned investor’s fortitude. Europe sat center stage. The news each day was not just significant for markets. This week may be etched in history books as a defining moment for Europe. Here’s what took place. On Monday, we open with a .. read more
