US, Germany, Japan: Post Brexit
June 24, 2016
Before the Brexit vote and market turmoil I was privileged to share interview time on the “The Larry Kudlow Show,” hosted by Larry Kudlow, with a longtime friend, Jeff Kleintop of Schwab. Larry, Jeff, and I have had many discussions about markets and economics over the years. In addition to discussing the pros and cons […]
The June 23rd Vote That Has Global Markets on Edge
June 20, 2016
The June 23rd Vote That Has Global Markets on Edge Bill Witherell Chief Global Economist Cumberland Advisors Voters in Britain will be deciding next Thursday, “Should we stay, or should we leave?” – that is, should Britain exit the European Union (the option known as Brexit) or remain a member? Early polls indicated a sizable […]
In South America: Mendacity versus Perspicacity
June 1, 2016
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
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
Last month the inflation rate in Argentina was 7%. That's right, 7% in a single month. Why?
Return to Argentina
May 9, 2016
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
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
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
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
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
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, 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 […]