Global Interdependence Center Blog

In South America: Mendacity versus Perspicacity

June 1, 2016

David R. Kotok

I write as a follow-up to our South America trip. For a terrific summary of the Argentina-Uruguay experience, we offer the “Weekly Economic Update” from Michael Drury, GIC chairman and chief economist at MacVean. The report is available here: http://www.cumber.com/pdf/EU05-13-2016.pdf. We thank Michael for permission to link to his commentary. Meanwhile, the former president of Argentina […]

Report from Montevideo

May 13, 2016

David R. Kotok

When Moody’s recalibrated Uruguay’s national rating scale and repositioned the national scale ratings of seven Uruguayan banks and other financial institutions, it was careful in how it worded the text of the release. Moody’s subscribers may access the details; others may wish to refer to this article: https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-recalibrates-Uruguays-national-rating-scale-and-repositions-national-scale–PR_348355. The May 9 information release caught some […]

Report from Buenos Aires

May 10, 2016

David R. Kotok

Last month the inflation rate in Argentina was 7%. That's right, 7% in a single month. Why?

Return to Argentina

May 9, 2016

David R. Kotok

Over the past 20 years, my 16 trips to Argentina have allowed me to personally experience that country’s roller coaster of governance, finance, policy application and rejection. We are back again with a GIC special delegation (www.interdependence.org). This time we are examining the spring buds of an attempt at national reconstruction. Our delegates include central […]

Your Long Weekend in London

April 13, 2016

Jill Fornito

In 2014, GIC held its first conference in London and we can’t wait to return on June 3rd. London continues to find itself at the top of the list of popular global destinations for business and leisure travelers alike. Its competitive yet approachable atmosphere offers something for everyone; theatergoers, history buffs, culture vultures, fashionistas, and foodies.

Places to Go, Paintings to See, Fromage to Eat; Squeezing it all in while in Paris

February 26, 2016

Jill Fornito

Tour Eiffel. Arc de Triomphe. Sacre Coeur. As a follow up to our very first travel blog post – nearly one year ago –about dining in Paris, and in preparation for GIC’s return to the City of Light in just three weeks, let’s explore some of the touristic activities that are available in between GIC’s events.

Soaking up the Sarasota Sunshine

February 10, 2016

Jill Fornito

This year, GIC will host two conferences again in Sarasota, on February 19th and April 28th with FPA and New College respectively. Both events will take place late in the week making a long weekend visit in Sarasota well within reach.

Divergences

January 21, 2016

David R. Kotok

The issue is easily defined: Convergences reduce volatility. Divergences increase volatility. That defines the yin and yang of markets. Or others might call it the Sturm und Drang of markets. We call it a merger of metaphors. “Yin and yang” (Chinese philosophy, origin estimated 4th century BC) describes how opposite or contrary forces are actually […]

Our Disabled Workers: Steps to Align our Goals

January 8, 2016

Philippa Dunne

One of the best things about being an economic journalist is I never know where I will be invited to speak. One of the nicest surprises was the Columbus Community Center, an outfit in Salt Lake City that assists would-be workers with disabilities across the spectrum in order to prepare and then place them in […]

Families Facing the ‘Cliff’: The Challenges Faced by Young Adults with Disabilities Negotiating Transition from School to Employment

January 6, 2016

Stephanie Mackay Chief Innovation Officer

Stephanie Mackay, Director of Development, Columbus Community Center (www.columbusserves.org) There are two statistics that keep me up at night and motivate me to get to work the next morning: As of November 2015, the labor force participation rate was 68.3% for adults without disabilities compared to 19.2% of adults with disabilities. The unemployment rate of […]

Low Short-Term Rates for a Long Time?

November 4, 2015

David R. Kotok

We are likely to have worldwide near-zero short-term interest rates for at least another two years, maybe three or four. The implications for stocks, bonds, and currency exchange rates are huge.

Does the Sun Still Shine on Spain?

October 6, 2015

Bill Witherell

In its recovery over the past three years, the Spanish economy has outperformed the economies of all its Eurozone partners except Ireland. But clouds have gathered with the fears over Catalonia separatist politics and over the outcome of the general election expected to take place in December, and there have been some recent adverse economic indicators as well.