An Economic Drag Posted on 7/8/2010 12:00:00 AM
For the past three decades we have supported our economy by spending our generally increasing incomes. We accelerated our pleasure, acquisitions and life styles with the use of cheaper and cheaper financing. We lived better. Our kids missed the “sacrifice for the future events,” the economy grew. It was leveraged up with credit cards, consumer and mortgage debt. One Scoop or Two?Posted on 6/26/2010 12:00:00 AM
In economic terms, it is “One dip or two?” In the ice cream parlor, two is nice. In the global world of economies and markets, not so much! In the monopoly game of currencies, it is either “trust” or “make believe.” China loudly restated the rules this week for all to hear by “agreeing” to float their currency. China owns Boardwalk, Park Place, the railroads and, lest we forget, they are our banker.
June 10, 2010 NIMBY! - Wanna Bet?Posted on 6/10/2010 12:00:00 AM
If it isn’t wages, it is the wage package. What you pressure your employer about may change with the developmental stage of your country, but pressure is mounting globally and has spread to the “Good Ol’ U.S. of A.” Deflation - It's the real thing!Posted on 6/2/2010 12:00:00 AM
Inflation seems real because the federal government reports on it frequently. The calculation of inflation is periodically adjusted to “improve accuracy” or, for the conspiracy theorists, to dampen negative political impact.
The concept of deflation is so far from our current culture’s mentality that it seems surreal. Yet, consumers are benefitting from it regularly without realizing what is happening or its long-term implications.
Financial Reform = Invasion of PrivacyPosted on 5/2/2010 12:00:00 AM
The 2008 financial crisis had its roots in the housing industry with responsibility now being publicly laid at the feet of Goldman Sachs. Congress has apparently ignored Alan Greenspan’s testimony charging Congress with responsibility. No less than The New York Times has leveled charges at Congress for culpability and using Goldman, at least partially, as a scapegoat.
The financial regulation drafted by Senator Chris Dodd does not address Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. It does create another government agency with power to acquire real-time data from every ATM machine and deposit account at every US banking institution.
Theoretically, federal bureaucrats will recognize a developing financial crisis and proactively intervene for our own good.
Theoretically, the government does not lose control of its data bases or misplace thousands of laptops with confidential information.
Theoretically, we still believe fairy tales.
Holiday ShoppingPosted on 12/18/2009 12:00:00 AM
Apparently even some of the respondents who still like going to the mall for shopping will use the Internet this year. Eighty percent indicated the Internet would be their avenue for at least some of their holiday shopping. Certainly, the time saving factor of Internet shopping must be considered a benefit and no hassle with parking.
If you could do only one, would you rather give Christmas/holiday gifts or receive them?
Only twenty percent indicated they prefer being recipients of gifts rather than the givers. What we do know about our audience is that is generally 45 or older. That means most are part of the Boomer Generation. In this age group, the odds are that if you wanted something, you have already purchased it. So the old “Christmas Wish List” is very short if it even exists at all. Giving to others becomes increasingly greater priority with age.
How do you plan to pay for the majority of your Christmas/holiday gifts this year?
Stimulus? When?Posted on 12/14/2009 12:00:00 AM
This week’s poll asked what people think about the effect of the federal government’s stimulus plan. The poll was not scientific and was driven by radio listeners of the syndicated Don Creech Radio Show (www.DonCreech.com) and subscribers to Investor Resources Week In Review email update.
Has the stimulus plan helped, hurt or had no effect on the economy?
One half of the respondents believe the stimulus has hurt the economy with nearly a third believing there has been no impact. Fewer than twenty percent indicated the stimulus was helpful. The more time passes without a turn around in employment and economic activity, the more negative the public is likely to be. For years, Harry Dent has predicted that this presidential term would result in a single term President due to the confluence of overwhelming economic events. It is too early to say for sure, but the factors working against President Obama are not easing.
Is a second stimulus plan needed?
Nov 6, 2009 US Banking SystemPosted on 11/6/2009 12:00:00 AM
This week’s poll asked what people think about America’s banking system. The poll was not scientific and was driven by radio listeners of the syndicated Don Creech Radio Show (www.DonCreech.com) and subscribers to Investor Resources Week In Review email update.
Are some banks too big to fail?
Respondents had strong opinions on the need to keep a troubled bank operating. Nearly eighty eight percent responded in the negative. America is still the land of opportunity which is accompanied by the opportunity to fail. Poor management should be allowed to suffer the consequences of poor decisions.
If a large bank is in trouble is it best to let it fail?
The responses to this were the same as the first. Size is not the determinant of success. Many large companies have been allowed to fail, and companies with better management teams or business plans have filled the space vacated by failure. Consumers are usually better served by the surviving firms.
Should large banks be treated just the same as smaller banks?
When faced with a major financial decision... Posted on 10/24/2009 12:00:00 AM
This week’s poll results measure investor perspectives about their perception of risk. The poll was not scientific and was driven by radio listeners of the syndicated Don Creech Radio Show (www.DonCreech.com) and subscribers to Investor Resources Week In Review email update. When faced with a major financial decision, are you more concerned about the possible losses or the possible gains?
The vast majority of respondents are more concerned about possible losses by a 92 to 8% margin. This is consistent with studies in investor behavior that have found that a loss is much more emotionally painful than a similar gain is emotionally rewarding.
What degree of risk have you taken with your financial decisions in the past?
Almost two thirds of respondents have taken what they identified as medium amounts of risk. Fifteen percent of respondents have previously taken large risks. Slightly less than twenty five percent have only been tolerant of small risks. This is anecdotal for me. I think this is consistent with the amount of money that remains in savings institutions that have some sort of government guaranty attached to the deposit.
What degree of risk are you currently prepared to take with your financial decisions?
HAVE THE PAST TWO YEARS CHANGED THE WAY YOU VIEW YOUR INVESTMENTS?Posted on 10/9/2009 12:00:00 AM
This week’s poll results examine what respondents are thinking about theirinvestments. The poll was not scientific and was driven by radio listeners of the syndicated Don Creech Radio Show and subscribers to its “Week in Review” email. Listen or subscribe at www.DonCreech.com. HAVE THE PAST TWO YEARS CHANGED THE WAY YOU VIEW YOUR INVESTMENTS?
Thinking about the last two years, has the amount of risk you take with your investments increased, decreased or stayed the same?
Two thirds of the respondents indicated they have reduced the amount of risk they are willing to bear. This is confirmed by recent trends in mutual fund purchases. This past year has been a winner for bond fund managers who have seen huge amounts of new capital flowing into their funds. The flip side is the departure of accounts experienced by stock mutual funds which have been recovering from the March market bottom.
Compared with two years ago, how has your attitude towards investing in the stock market changed, if at all?
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