In June, the ECB lowered the interest rate on bank deposits, including reserve holdings in excess of the minimum reserve requirements, from zero to -0.10%. This week, surprising just about…
It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
Isn’t summer supposed to be the time when life slows down and the world takes a vacation? That may be the case for some of us, but the despots of…
Prozac Nation
It’s all stress-free bliss these days … at least for anyone who’s not paying attention. Has someone been putting anti-depressants in the water supply? That’s one way to explain Wednesday’s…
Polar Vortex or Recession Redux?
The recovery that wasn’t a recovery may have come to an end, as the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that gross domestic product dropped by 1% during the first quarter…
Investing at a Profit Now a Sure Thing – For Some
Imagine being able to trade stocks and knowing that you will make a profit every day. Of course, for the average investor, this is impossible. But mega-banks aren’t average investors.…
Think Like a Rat
Experiments show that if you put rats in a maze and give them a jolt of electricity when they go the wrong way, they will eventually go the right way.…
Getting Your Bond Portfolio in Shape for 2014
It’s time to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. It’s an American tradition to resolve to lose weight, exercise regularly, be nicer, work harder and give up everything you enjoy.…
When Common Sense Is Senseless
What was I thinking? Over the past couple of years, I’ve preached caution. Corporate profits were down and unemployment was up. The economy wasn’t growing, but the federal debt was. …
September Is the Cruelest Month
Oh, it’s a long, long while from May to December But the days grow short when you reach September. …
Why Gold Soared
Gold prices are no longer setting records. Special parties are no longer being held where people can sell their gold jewelry at spectacular prices. The Midas touch for gold has…