Insights

11/14/12 11:18 PM – Federal Spending vs. Revenue

Below is a very useful table of federal spending and revenue. For now, just look at 2012 – the bottom row. The main point is that we are borrowing 88% of the cost of running the government in 2012. The total cost of every government department, including defense is...

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11/14/12 10:58 PM – Fiscal Cliff Negotiations

The WSJ reported this morning that President Obama has raised the tax increase he wants in renegotiating the "fiscal cliff." He has apparently gone from a proposed tax increase of $800 billion in last summer's negotations to a new figure of $1.6 trillion. The...

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11/13/12 9:32 AM – Lower Stock Prices Across World Today

The US market is opening lower, flirting with its 200-day moving average, often the neighborhood in which a normal correction will reverse. But, stocks around the world are lower today. Asia was down as is Europe. Both regions seem to be declining over concern about...

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11/7/12 10:30 PM – Today’s Early Sell-Off

Stocks are down nearly 2% in early trading today, which many people are taking as a sign of disappointment with the Obama victory. I don't think so for the following reasons: Economic numbers for Europe reported yesterday showed further slowing in the European economy...

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11/5/12 3:20 PM – Tomorrow’s Election & the Markets

From an investor's point of view, does it matter who wins the election tomorrow? It seems everyone has a strong opinion on how critical it is for their candidate to win. In fact, a recent poll by the organization of CFAs (Certified Financial Analysts) found that 80%...

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11/2/12 9:19 AM – Important Lessons for You from Sandy

How much cash do you carry? If you're like me and many other people, almost none. I can go a week with the same $10 bill in my wallet. That's because I pay for almost everything with a debit card. Now, think about having no electricity in the stores and gas stations...

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