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 […]
Low Short-Term Rates for a Long Time?
November 4, 2015
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
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.
New York State of Mind
September 23, 2015
GIC is headed to New York on September 29 for “Munis: Chicago, Detroit, Puerto Rico and More.” In this week’s blog, our director of operations, Jill Fornito, takes some time to share what she loves about the city. If it inspires you, we hope you will join us there. Register today. While I am admittedly the […]
Angels Manning Heaven’s Trading Floors
September 15, 2015
This month, we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001 by sharing the experience of GIC member Danielle DiMartino Booth.
A Nuanced Tone
September 4, 2015
Last week, many Fed officials gathered at the Kansas City Fed’s Jackson Hole Symposium to give their take on the need to make or delay the initial rate hike. Vice Chairman Stanley Fisher carried the Fed’s central message – it is still too early to decide about a September hike. Before he spoke, several speakers […]
The Economic Outlook at Home
August 27, 2015
Our best outlook through this murky fish tank is that we are growing slowly in the US and gradually improving. We see 2.5 to 3 million new, nonfarm payroll jobs a year at an annual rate. We do not see robust and rising wage pressure or strong inflationary forces. We do have extremely low interest […]
The “Maine” Event
August 24, 2015
GIC Director of Operations Jill Fornito talks about her recent trip to Maine and Camp Kotok.
The Yuan Devaluation: Unexpected but Economically Sensible
August 18, 2015
Bill Witherell of Cumberland Advisors discusses the devaluation of the Yuan.
An Unsettling Equilibrium
August 6, 2015
GIC Chairman Michael Drury takes a look at the global economy today.