Most investors would like the world of finance to exist in black or white. Just tell me when to buy or sell, get bullish or bearish, buy this stock or avoid that one, go all in or get out of the market. Markets are hard because most things exist in shades of gray. It’s difficult … Read more
There’s an old story about Joseph Kennedy in which a shoeshine boy started giving him stock tips while he was sitting in a chair getting his shoes buffed. That was all he needed to hear. Kennedy immediately returned to his office and sold all of his stock holdings. That was in 1929 right before the … Read more
Sin—actions deemed morally wrong or harmful—can be difficult to resist, especially when money is involved. A hefty paycheck or a prestigious title can make it easier to overlook the potential harm our work may cause society. Moreover, unless you’re working for free, there’s often a moral trade-off involved—someone or something usually has to bear a cost … Read more
Politicians don’t control the stock market. When stocks go up presidents get too much credit and when they go down they get too much blame. It’s mostly circumstantial depending on the timing of cycles and such. But the markets move faster than ever these days. Investors are constantly pricing in the future, sometimes right, sometimes … Read more
When Barack Obama was elected president the U.S. economy and markets were in rough shape. From the peak in October 2007 through election day the S&P 500 was already in the midst of a 35% drawdown. By the time he was inaugurated in January 2009, the market was down nearly 50% in total. By March, … Read more
