Podcasts by Trading Perspectives: An Economic Podcast

College Football Tomfoolery? from 2023-12-06T20:42:47

This past weekend, the CFP Committee chose its Top 4 teams to participate for the national championship. But were they the best, let alone the most deserving teams? Is there an...

The Global Shift to the Right? from 2023-11-29T17:55

After surprising right-wing victories in elections in Argentina and the Netherlands, pundits have noticed there seems to be a growing trend towards nationalism, especially in E...

Bringing AI Back to the Front Page from 2023-11-22T01:38:19

This past week, the board of directors at OpenAI abruptly terminated co-founder and CEO Sam Altman. This came as a shock to just about everyone but the board itself. However, i...

Is America's Influence Declining? from 2023-11-15T20:07:01

Depending on to whom you are talking, America’s global influence is either plummeting or slowly decreasing. Regardless, it seems no one feels the US is in ascendency. How did t...

When Will the Consumer Quit Complaining? from 2023-11-08T21:39:27

Although analysts keep saying inflation is coming down, prices at the store certainly aren’t. This is the difference between relativity and absolutism. Although prices have bee...

How Are We Going to Buy for Everything? from 2023-10-25T18:37:15

As everyone knows, Washington is already running eye-watering deficits. What happens when the U.S. has to significantly increase defense expenditures in order to fulfill our gl...

How Weight Loss Impacts the Economy from 2023-10-19T14:36:11

Recently, consumers have been using drugs approved to treat diabetes to lose weight. Depending on the person, the results can be significant. Further, it seems people using the...

Turmoil in the Middle East from 2023-10-12T17:26:42

Last weekend, Hamas unleashed a coordinated military attack against southern Israel, catching the latter off guard. While the world’s leaders have condemned the attack, social ...

How Much Higher Will Rates Go? from 2023-10-05T14:54:20

Long-term interest rates have climbed dramatically over the last two months. This has negatively impacted bond and stock investors. However, many people fear they have higher s...

Are EV Dreams a Nightmare? from 2023-09-27T19:04:32

This week, Ford announced plans to pause production on an electric vehicle battery assembly plant in Michigan. This was due to political pushback stemming from the realization ...

How Many Strikes Are In An Out? from 2023-09-21T15:24:20

The division between labor and management seems to be growing around the world. From railway workers in Sri Lanka to doctors in the U.K. to screenwriters in Hollywood to autowo...

Will Inflation Eat Your Wallet? from 2023-09-14T14:35:52

Recent sharp increases in energy prices have caused pain at the pump and pushed the inflation gauges higher. Couple this with student loan repayments, and what, then, is the st...

Student Debt Payback Blowout! from 2023-09-06T17:57:55

After years of pandemic-related moratoriums on the repayment of student loan debt, the clock has finally stopped ticking. Unless something dramatic happens, people will have to...

COVID. Come Again? from 2023-08-30T16:15:41

It seems COVID is rearing its ugly head again. As a result, more and more people are wearing masks in public and consciously keeping their distance from others. It begs the que...

Are High Interest Rates as Bad as Advertised? from 2023-08-23T15:48:01

Everyone knows lower interest rates are supposed to stimulate economic growth. If that is the case, the inverse must also be true. However, is that really the truth? After all,...

Who is Going to Buy Our Debt? from 2023-08-16T19:19:52

The Chinese have been reducing their holdings of U.S. Treasury securities. The Federal Reserve has stopped adding huge amounts to its balance sheet. However, Washington will st...

The Dog Days of Summer Have Finally Arrived from 2023-08-10T16:14:53

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They Downgraded the Nation's Debt. So What? from 2023-08-03T13:59:25

This week, the Fitch Rating organization downgraded U.S. Treasury debt from its highest rating of AAA to AA+. But what did it accomplish? Is the U.S. Treasury market no longer ...

Barbie Movie Magic? from 2023-07-26T18:29:21

For much of 2023, commentators have been wondering about the health of the domestic movie industry. Actor and screenwriter strikes aside, a lot of tried-and-true formulas weren...

Beating the Heat from 2023-07-19T19:54:25

Although the economic data has been a little cooler recently, the temperatures outside have been blisteringly hot. What are people doing to escape...

Where Did Our Trust Go? from 2023-07-12T20:23:18

Recently, Gallup released the results of its annual survey tracking Americans’ faith in their public and private institutions. Not surprisingly, the results were pretty disappo...

Did You Have a Meatless Holiday? from 2023-07-05T16:53:29

Considering all of the advancements in artificial animal protein products, are they logical substitutes to the real thing? After all, all of that soy and pea proteins have to c...

How Much Would You Pay to Explore the World? from 2023-06-28T18:18:45

Last week, the terrible saga of the OceanGate Titan made global headlines. Will this put an end to commercial exploration or give it a spark? What’s more, who should pay for se...

The High Cost of Hidden Fees from 2023-06-21T19:19:30

It seems there is always a ‘gotcha’ hidden fee whenever you purchase anything. From thinking you are getting a good deal to sticker shock, this has been a bane for consumers fo...

Are They Really Taking My Stove? from 2023-06-14T15:38:28

Recently, the Administration has pushed for the eventual elimination of natural gas stoves. Intuitively, this could eventually entail hot water heaters, furnaces and other gas ...

The Vanishing Hourly Worker from 2023-06-07T17:08:30

From Dothan, Alabama, to Edinburgh, Scotland, it seems good help is hard to find. Despite soft economic data, the labor markets remain surprisingly strong. This is especially t...

America's Population Problem from 2023-06-01T18:53:07

Americans currently aren’t having enough children to replenish the population. Fortunately, immigration should be able to make up some of the domestic shortfall. What is the ca...

What Keeps You Up at Night? from 2023-05-25T14:04:19

At a recent presentation, someone asked John what kept him up at night. Was it the debt ceiling imbroglio? The Federal Reserve? The potential for a recession? War in Asia? War ...

The Boys of Summer Make How Much? from 2023-05-17T19:33:27

Currently, four of the five big professional sports leagues are in action. While these depend on the common man for success, the money the athlete...

Will Inflation Ruin My Vacation? from 2023-05-10T18:02:59

While the rate of inflation has recently gone down, prices remain higher than where they were this time last year. Will this impact any summer vacation plans? If so, how? Will ...

Is the Dollar Almighty? from 2023-05-03T17:55:25

The US dollar has been the preferred reserve currency and method of international exchange since the end of WWII. How much longer can this continue? After all, the rest of the ...

The Nanny State from 2023-04-26T17:22:04

Over time, the government has gotten more involved in the lives of American citizens. It seems there is a law, ordinance or tax on just about every action and transaction we ma...

Can You Be Influenced? from 2023-04-19T18:51:53

Recently, Bud Light has made a lot of headlines for using social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney to promote its product. This has unleashed a firestorm of opinion on the role o...

Pay What For a Used Car? from 2023-04-13T13:29:16

Anyone who has been in the market for a new or used car lately knows they have gone up sharply in price. Invento...

Are Layoffs Coming to Your Town? from 2023-04-05T21:50:53

The U.S. labor markets have been incredibly strong for the last couple of years. However, a few months ago, cracks began to show as tech companies started to let workers go. Fo...

Creatively Capitalistic? from 2023-03-24T16:16:47

It seems every movie is a sequel or another rendition of long established characters and stories. The same could be said for music as well. Is our entertainment industry in a c...

TikTok or Not from 2023-03-23T15:35:30

There has been an increased number of calls to ban the Chinese social media app, TikTok, in the US. The thought is that Beijing is using it to spy on Americans in order to both...

Banking Breakdown from 2023-03-15T15:23:30

It seems every day brings a new problem with some bank somewhere. How did this happen? Couldn’t anyone foresee these problems? Is there any end in sight? Will this ultimately b...

Chinese Take Away from 2023-03-08T17:28:56

This past week, senior Chinese officials made it very clear Beijing feels threatened by the United States. Or was it just for show? Was the saber-rattling a way of saving face ...

The Sky Is the Limit from 2023-03-01T19:29:40

It seems Washington has been arguing about the debt ceiling for an extremely long time. Why does it go through this political theater? Is there really any appetite in Congress ...

Giving Up Unproductivity for Lent from 2023-02-22T19:32:32

The average American's attention span has fallen dramatically over the last decade. Currently, 47 seconds is about the time people can stay focused on one subject. How has this...

Is ESG for Me or Thee? from 2023-02-15T21:55:18

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing has been making a lot of headlines. But what is it exactly? Should companies put ESG considerations ahead of the shareholde...

Popping China’s Balloon? from 2023-02-08T14:08:18

Sometimes the headlines are hard to believe. Such was the case this past week, as a massive Chinese spy, presumably, balloon floated across the United States. Washington waited...

Tom Brady Can Retire. Can You? from 2023-02-01T16:22:48

Football legend Tom Brady announced his retirement, again, this week. Unlike most people, Brady has plenty of options and professional opportunities ahead of him in his “retirement.” This begs t...

Crack An Egg Over Your Budget from 2023-01-25T16:31:37

The sharp increase in egg prices has made a lot of headlines. What is the cause and how is it really impacting American consumers? Do people really eat that many eggs? Are the higher prices caus...

Ringing in the New Year With Layoffs from 2023-01-19T14:55:43

A number of major companies have already announced layoffs in 2023. These are the ones that get the headlines. However, a lot of smaller businesses have also been letting people go or even shutt...

New Year’s Resolutions from 2023-01-04T17:23:51

After a topsy-turvy year in 2022, are Americans looking for a  fresh start? If so, what are the willing to give up or start doing to get things right? In short, what resolutions have Americans m...

2023: What Are We Expecting for the New Year? from 2022-12-28T14:00

After three consecutive years of the unexpected, what can investors expect in 2023. Will things return to some semblance of normal, if we even know what that means any longer? What are some of t...

2022: Did We Learn Anything? from 2022-12-21T16:23:15

2022 was another weird year. The data was bizarre and geopolitical events were head scratching. Unfortunately, this led to a lot of red ink in the investment markets. With everything seemly out ...

Holiday Movie Ho Hum from 2022-12-14T19:55:48

The holidays have always been a time for massive blockbuster movies. However, changing consumer behavior seems to be threatening this tradition.

After all, a lot of people wonder why they...

China’s Lockdown Nightmare from 2022-11-30T19:29:04

In a nation where conformity is paramount, recent protests in China have made global headlines. It seems even the Chinese don’t like Beijing’s zero-COVID policy. However, is the government more ...

Holiday Shopping Swoon? from 2022-11-22T15:40:07

With inflation eating away at wallets and pocketbooks, how strong will the US consumer be this holiday shopping season? Analyst estimates are all over the place. However, a sharp spike above the...

Crypto Meltdown from 2022-11-16T21:39:40

Over the last 12 months, cryptocurrencies have fallen dramatically in value. Much of the downfall has to do with tighter monetary policy. However, recent scandals and exchange collapses at platf...

Looming Layoffs from 2022-11-09T21:26:21

Although the government keeps reporting strong jobs numbers, it seems layoffs are on the rise. This is especially true in the technology sector, where many household names have announced some fo...

School Daze from 2022-11-02T20:45:04

Recent standardized test scores suggest US students fell sharply behind during the pandemic. This isn’t surprising given the problems with remote learning. However, is that the only reason? Coul...

Christmas in…October? from 2022-10-21T12:42:16

While the holiday shopping season seems to have been getting longer each year, some retailers put their Christmas decorations out in September. It is hard to get into the spirit when it is 80 de...

Gigging the Gig Economy from 2022-10-12T15:43:39

This week, the Administration announced new plans to turn ‘gig economy’ workers into employees, as opposed to independent contractors. While the intent might be well-meaning, what impact will th...

A Few Tweets About Twitter from 2022-10-05T18:24:01

The ongoing battle between Elon Musk and Twitter appears to be reaching an end, with the former honoring his initial purchase price. What does this mean for the company? Will a Musk-owned compan...

The Great Leap to the Right from 2022-09-29T18:12:10

This week, far-right politicians won a clear majority in Italy. This follows on the heels of the UK’s recently proposed pro-business policies. Even traditionally liberal Sweden has elected right...

Is There An End in Ukraine? from 2022-09-21T17:26:59

Almost 8 months into the fighting, it doesn’t seem there is a legitimate end in sight. Will Moscow up the ante to save face? Why have the Russians had such a difficult time subduing a smaller op...

The Queen is Dead, Long Live the King from 2022-09-16T18:42:09

As people mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, it is unclear whether the monarchy will be able to remain relevant moving forward. After all, Charles III has a much lower approval rating in t...

Solving the Student Debt Crisis from 2022-08-31T15:16:38

With the wave of a wand, billions in student loan debt will be wiped away. How is this possible and what will the impact be? While this sounds great, every action has consequences. In this week’...

How Much Does Social Media Know? from 2022-08-24T16:54:04

Never before in history have people shared so much information with so many people, knowingly and unknowingly. Every social media post contains information that companies dissect in order to mar...

Hot Temps&Energy Prices from 2022-08-17T20:09:27

How is the current energy crisis impacting investor behavior around the world? Can Europe escape the economic corner it backed itself into with its energy policies? Will the winter be extra cold...

Gender Wage Gaps from 2022-08-10T17:16:49

As the political season starts to heat up, candidates will likely discuss inequalities in our society. The difference between male and female paychecks will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion....

A Recession With Too Many Jobs? from 2022-08-03T20:06:41

Like much of the last 24 months, recent economic data has been strange. How can the economy be slowing down and employers still not able to find workers? What is keeping people from going back i...

Lottery Fever from 2022-07-27T17:32:52

The Mega Millions jackpot is one of the largest in history. People across the country are gobbling up tickets and dreaming about what they would do if they won. However, is it worth the money? A...

What is America’s Role in the World? from 2022-07-20T19:50:58

The headlines suggest the world is falling apart at the seams. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to economic crises in many emerging economies to increased tension in the South China Sea, it seems...

Greedflation? Is It Real? from 2022-07-13T18:33:37

With inflation currently at 40-year highs, there is no shortage of explanations why this has happened. Folks have blamed Russia and Vladimir Putin. Fingers have wagged at supply chain inefficien...

A Lack of Confidence in Everything from 2022-07-06T16:28:42

A recent Gallup poll suggests Americans have lost confidence in most major public and private institutions. While this has been a long-term trend, it seems to have accelerated significantly over...

The Soaring Price of Looking Good from 2022-06-29T20:36:55

With inflation eating away at consumers’ wallets and pocketbooks, how has our morning routine changed? Are we still using the same products to help make us look presentable in public and the wor...

Cryptocurrency Bloodbath from 2022-06-22T20:51

Cryptocurrencies have fallen dramatically over the last several months. Is the beginning of the end for the things? Or is it the end of the beginning? Are there are generational considerations w...

Eco-Anxiety: Do Your Anxieties Have Anxieties? from 2022-06-15T21:02:32

Temperatures are higher, and storms seem a little more severe. Does this keep you up at night? Do you have eco-angst? The WHO says a lot of people do, but is this really the case? If so, what ca...

The 4-Day Workweek: A Pipedream or the Future? from 2022-06-08T17:04:58

As employers continue to struggle to find employees, concepts like a 4-day workweek are getting attention in order to attract workers. How practical is this trend? How good is it for the employe...

Transitory Inflation? Get Real from 2022-06-01T19:13:17

This week, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen admitted she was wrong last year when she said inflation wasn’t a concern. While a surprising admission from an Administration official, this was a sta...

Good Intentions&The Road to Somewhere from 2022-05-25T17:40:09

Politically popular mandates often, it not almost always, seem to have ironic economic consequences. So, why do we keep doing them? Is there something about the nebulous “need to do something” w...

Onshoring Production? What Are the Chances? from 2022-05-18T19:45:21

With all the supply chain issues and distribution problems, at what point do American companies start to produce more products in the United States? Surely, they have learned their lesson over t...

Market Timing Blues from 2022-05-11T19:13:33

With all of the red ink in the markets thus far, what are investors supposed to do? Should they continue to “buy the dip,” even though that doesn’t seem to be working? Is this because all news s...

The Problem With Student Loans from 2022-05-04T18:12:51

With all the news in Washington about forgiving student loan debt, what does this all mean for the economy, society, and the future of higher education? Who really benefits? Who is hurt? What ar...

Childcare Blues from 2022-04-27T18:27:15

While finding quality childcare has always been a challenge, it has become increasingly more so since the start of the pandemic. This has had a depressing impact on the labor force participation...

What is Going to Happen to the Housing Market? from 2022-04-20T18:52:55

With available homes few and far between and mortgage rates on the rise, fears of the demise of the housing market are increasing. This naturally begs the question, how long can this go on? Will...

What a Recession Means to Me from 2022-04-13T15:41:54

The dreaded word recession has recently been rearing its ugly head in the news media. Is the US doomed to have one in the near future? If so, just how bad will it be? As bad as 2008, when it see...

Ukraine: What Does Success Look Like for US? from 2022-04-06T18:45:09

Although it is less than 2 months old, the war in Ukraine seems to be one without end. A primary reason for that is outside of the Ukrainians themselves, it is hard to define what success is for...

Inflation: What Are We Willing to Give Up? from 2022-03-30T16:48:38

With higher prices hitting budgets the hardest in some 40 years, how are households adjusting? Is eating out at restaurants on the chopping block? Are the cooks in the kitchen willing to do a li...

Where Did the Infrastructure Bill Go? from 2022-03-23T17:27:08

Last year, it seems the infrastructure bill made all of the headlines. This year, where is it and where is the money? How did we get to a point where we have to borrow massive amounts to do what...

High Energy Prices: Why and How Long? from 2022-03-16T17:28:09

The price increases at the pump have become impossible to ignore. While it is easy to blame Vladimir Putin for your lighter wallet, is it completely fair? After all, this didn’t happen overnight...

Will Putin Cause the Economy to Go Cashless? from 2022-03-09T17:36:27

Due to the turmoil in eastern Europe, many commodity prices have soared. So much so, the cost of the materials in many US coins is now worth more than their face value. If it costs the governmen...

Russia vs. The World from 2022-03-02T15:52:24

With the world tightening its sanctions on Russia, how will the average Russian citizen respond? Also, is this mess what Vladimir Putin intended? The resistance from the Ukrainians themselves? T...

Russia vs. Ukraine: What Next? from 2022-02-23T18:03:11

This week, Russia announced its was formally recognizing two ‘breakaway’ provinces in Ukraine, and authorized the use of so-called Russian peacekeeping troops. As promised, the western powers an...

O Canada! We Stand on Guard for Thee? from 2022-02-16T17:56:16

In this week’s Trading Perspectives, Sam and John discuss the recent unrest in Canada, its causes and probable outcomes. This has made global headlines, because the Great White North isn’t exact...

Are You an Influencer or Influenced? from 2022-02-09T19:55:26

People, especially young people, are making money in ways many people in older generations don't quite understand. What exactly is NIL, and how will that benefit college athletes? How much money...

Cancellation Self-Destruction from 2022-02-02T16:19

Although the sharing of ideas engenders economic activity and intellectual curiosity, there are many in our society who want to 'cancel out' people with whom they disagree. Recently, high-profil...

Red Ink in January from 2022-01-26T18:33:13

It was pretty easy to make money in the stock market in 2021, just be in it. However, volatility has returned, in a big way, in January 2022, which has caught a lot of people flat-footed and que...

Trouble in Ukraine from 2022-01-19T18:27

Recently, a constant in the headlines has been Russia building up its armed forces on its border with Ukraine. What is Moscow's true intention? How will the West respond? Is it willing to go to ...

Here We Go Again? from 2022-01-12T19:03:32

With each new variant of the COVID19 virus, there seems to be a new set of rules and regulations. As Sam Clement has said, the "goalposts keep on changing." But are they, and how will this impac...

Just Who is Making Policy? from 2022-01-04T20:39:21

As we start the year, airlines are canceling flights in record numbers, store shelves are as empty as they have been in memory, prices are continuing to climb, and employers everywhere are compl...

A Look Back at the Past Year&Into the Future from 2021-12-28T20:05

Did 2021 meet everyone's expectations? Or, in a lot of ways was it a repeat of 2020? Regardless, what does the future hold for the US economy and the markets? Inquiring minds want to know. In th...

Build Back Better...Some Other Time from 2021-12-21T19:55:35

Over the weekend, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) pretty much brought the Administration's "Build Back Better" bill to a grinding halt. Manchin said he couldn't justify the increase in spending in the f...

Crime Everywhere at Christmas from 2021-12-14T18:14:54

So-called smash & grab shoplifters have been getting an increased number of headlines, as have seemingly wanton acts of random violence. Are we in a crime wave death spiral? If so, what does tha...

Another Year Almost Done. Did We Learn Anything? from 2021-12-07T18:04:08

At the end of 2020, everyone wondered what the "new normal" would be once things got back to some sense of normalcy in 2021. While this year has been anything but normal, have all of the predict...

Another Day, Another Variant from 2021-11-30T18:40:46

Recently, the new Omicron variant has been generating headlines around the world, leading many countries to restrict travel. Are the Draconian economic lockdowns of 2020 next? Or have we learned...

The Opioid Crisis from 2021-11-23T18:13:23

Pundits, politicians, and analysts tend to focus on flashpoints like China, Russia, and the southern border. However, one of the most deadly episodes in our nation's history tends to get relativ...

Americans Appetite for War from 2021-11-16T21:42:01

The Chinese have been flying warplanes in Taiwanese airspace, and testing hypersonic nuclear missiles. The Russians have amassed troops at the Ukrainian border, and have recently demonstrated th...

Shopping Early Out of Fear from 2021-11-10T17:15:53

There have been a lot of stories about the potential for shortages this holiday shopping season, and consumers are getting used to certain products being out of stock. How has this impacted curr...

Taxes or Transparency from 2021-11-03T19:20

This week, the UN tried to shame the world’s billionaires to help it “solve world hunger.” Elon Musk called the organization’s bluff by saying he would gladly peel off the desired, of him, $6 bi...

Is Inflation Here to Stay from 2021-10-27T19:27:52

No matter where you look, everything seems to be more expensive, from gasoline to mayonnaise to day care. Are the price increases here to stay and what are the causes? Supply too little? Demand ...

The Increased Importance of the Stock Market from 2021-10-19T19:18:25

The stock market has produced outsized returns over the last several years. As a result, stocks represent a greater percent of overall US household wealth than they ever have. How has this happe...

Social Media from 2021-10-13T20:11:01

There is little argument that social media has changed how we live our lives and conduct business. However, is it for the good or the bad? Or is it a little bit of both? If so, what should the g...

The Great Resignation from 2021-10-05T19:31:11

What exactly are employees looking for in an employer? What are employers doing to keep their workers happy? Is the recent focus on work/life balance here to stay? Or was it always there? Do dif...

Evergrande from 2021-09-29T18:37:41

China’s Lehman Brothers?  There has been a lot of news about the recent financial troubles of Chinese property developer Evergrande. The company is saddled with billions upon billions in debt wh...

Vaccines and The Workplace from 2021-09-21T20:19:25

This week Trading Perspectives welcomes Courtney Truss to the show.  As an associate at Oakworth Capital Bank and working alongside John and Sam, she brings another generational and demographica...

California Recall from 2021-09-14T18:43:52

On September 14th, Californians will go to the polls to decide whether to ‘recall’ Gavin Newsom, the Democratic governor in a very Democratic state. The first question is: why do this? The secon...

Social Security Going Bankrupt from 2021-09-07T18:51:22

Every year, we get the same old warning about the depletion of the so-called Social Security Trust Fund at some date in the future. This year, the experts think it will be 2034. But will it real...

Ida's Economic Impact from 2021-08-31T18:02:52

Sometimes, the weather report is the most important financial news. This goes especially for catastrophic storms which detrimentally impact economic activity. So, how will Ida affect the US econ...

The Federal Reserve: How Much is Enough? from 2021-08-25T21:16:32

Ever since the financial crisis of 2008-2009, the Federal government has flooded the world with debt and the Federal Reserve has gobbled it up. Currently, the Fed is buying up to $120 billion in...

The Mess in Kabul from 2021-08-17T16:39:41

In this week’s Trading Perspectives, John and Sam discuss the recent happenings in Afghanistan, and try to make sense of one of the bigger black eyes the US has gotten in years. Are there any ge...

Jobs Everywhere and Not a Worker in Sight! from 2021-08-11T16:31:01

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US economy currently has over 10 million available jobs. Where are they? What kind of jobs are they? Why aren’t more people taking them? Is it re...

Olympics Anyone? Please. from 2021-08-03T16:42:38

What if they threw an Olympics and no one cared? Although the games are comfortably winning their respective time slots, viewership is significantly lower in both absolute and relative terms com...

The Delta Variant: Are Lockdowns Coming Again? from 2021-07-27T18:28:12

COVID-19 cases are again on the rise and vaccinations are falling. Will this recent spike in the Delta Variant lead to business and education lockdowns like last year? Would the US economy be ab...

The 4-Day Work Week: Fact or Fiction? from 2021-07-21T19:13:05

Recent studies suggest reducing the workweek might actually increase worker productivity. So, is it a good idea to ease the time constraints on workers in order for them to produce more? It migh...

Low Interest Rates from 2021-07-13T20:32:02

With stubbornly low interest, is the United States in danger of becoming the next Japan? A zombie economy characterized by persistent low growth and puny asset returns? While there are similarit...

Defunding the Police from 2021-07-07T16:32:01

Are the uptick in violent crime across the country and the Defund the Police movement correlated? Regardless, what message does ‘defunding’ your local law enforcement agencies send to outsiders?...

Generation Next from 2021-06-29T20:21:06

One aspect of the American Dream is the next generation will be better off than the previous one. Up until now, this has been the case in the United States. However, will it be so in the future?...

Unexpected News from 2021-06-22T15:20

Last week, 2 major meetings took place.  One was the FOMC Meeting and the other was the much-anticipated Summit between Putin and Biden. Despite how widely anticipated these two meetings were, n...

Are Masks un-American? from 2021-06-16T19:39:18

Is wearing a mask un-American? It seems the simple act of wearing a covering over your nose and mouth in public places has become a political issue. Those on the extreme far right say masks are ...

Is it Really Different this Time? from 2021-06-08T18:46:02

Whenever investors take things to extremes, it seems we always hear the excuse: "this time is different." While that may or may not be case, what should investors do when this becomes the prevai...

Bottlenecks and Inflation from 2021-06-02T20:36:55

This year, Americans have heard the phrase ‘supply-chain bottlenecks’ more times than they can count, and they have noticed the inflation these bottlenecks can bring. However, will this inflatio...

Cryptocurrencies&Inflation from 2021-05-25T19:15:53

A common argument for cryptocurrencies is their relative limited supply should help keep a lid on inflation. However, is this completely true? Also, is inflation always a bad thing? To that end,...

COVID Inequality Season #2 from 2021-05-18T19:58:17

As wealthier, more economically developed, countries emerge from the COVID pandemic, much of the emerging world remains mired in the outbreak. This has the potential to cause ‘the rich to get ri...

Labor Market Weirdness from 2021-05-11T19:06:51

There are more job openings than ever in the US economy, but people don’t seem to want them. The data suggests the nation’s unskilled and semi-skilled hourly workforce isn’t going back to work t...

Corporate Tax Madness from 2021-05-06T16:13:07

The Administration has great plans to spend a lot of money, money the Treasury doesn’t have. So, it has to figure out some way to pay for it all, or at least make a dent in it. In this week’s Tr...

Dollar As Reserve Currency #2 - Season 2 from 2021-04-27T19:34:51

In this week’s Trading Perspectives, John and Sam wrap on their 2-part series on the status of the US dollar as the world’s primary reserve currency. If there aren’t any other major, traditional...

The Dollar’s Status as the World’s Biggest Reserve Currency from 2021-04-20T20:48:53

The US dollar has enjoyed a long run as the world’s primary reserve currency. This has been due to the nation’s economic strength, the liquidity and transparency of its financial markets, and Am...

Income Inequality Part #3 from 2021-04-13T20:25:29

If we know the common characteristics of poverty and the impact of economic disenfranchisement on a societal, how do we find a solution? First, we need to agree on a goal, that all Americans sho...

Income Inequality Part 2 from 2021-04-06T17:32:48

Just because a country has wide spread income inequality, doesn’t necessarily mean there is no economic opportunity. If the opportunity is there, then what’s the ...

Income Inequality Part 1 from 2021-03-30T17:35:25

Nobody likes income inequality, yet it continuously gets a lot of press. People say the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. But why? In Part 1 of our Income Inequality serie...

The New Normal Part 7: The Impact&Probable Outcome from 2021-03-23T17:14:05

They say the cure is simple, but the fix is ugly. Usually, a recession is due to a decrease in demand relative to the growth in supply. Has the pandemic decreased the need for full time employee...

The New Normal Part 6: A Look Back at the Past from 2021-03-16T17:13:31

Over the past 30 years, we have seen 3 other events that, at the time, had a similar feel. The first was Y2K, the second was in the aftermath of 9/11, and lastly the 2008 financial collapse. Wit...

The New Normal Part 5: Global Implications from 2021-03-09T21:59:53

When the dust settles, the smoke clears, and COVID-19 is finally in the rear-view mirror, the world’s geopolitical and economic landscapes will likely look different than they did leading into t...

The New Normal Part 4: Market Valuation from 2021-03-02T20:32:50

Overall economic strength has a major impact on equity valuations. When trying to determine the correct valuation for stocks, several different criteria are evaluated. What is that criteria? Thi...

The New Normal Part 3: Corporate Response from 2021-02-23T18:36:47

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we live our lives and conduct business. However, what businesses and economic sectors will have to change the most in order to survive? In order to thrive a...

The New Normal Part 2: Workforce Reset from 2021-02-17T22:53:39

Many corporations have likely come to the realization that some people do not have to be in the office everyday.  Many have shown to be just as productive working from home.  But, does the remot...

The New Normal: Society from 2021-02-09T22:18:43

Part 1 of 7. Will we ever ‘get past’ COVID19? When we do, what will the new normal look like for society as a whole? We get this inquiry several times a day, if not more, and we wonder: how have...

The New COVID-19 Relief Package from 2020-12-22T19:50:57

Congress just recently passed a new COVID-19 relief package coupled with $1.4 trillion spending bill.  When AOC and Ted Cruz are both in agreement in saying they have not had enough time to read...

Initial Public Offering Market from 2020-12-15T18:38:03

The recent Initial Public Offering (IPO) market has been red hot, with valuations stretching the imagination. Are the good times here to stay? Can companies like Airbnb, DoorDash, and Snowflake ...

Minimum Wage from 2020-12-08T21:50:19

Minimum wage is simply a price floor for labor.  When the minimum wage is above the market clearing price there will be a surplus. Does the federal government have enough information to decide w...

Global Supply Chains from 2020-12-01T20:49:09

In a recent conversation with a local federal reserve representative John made mention of how the pandemic has altered global supply chains.  Many manufacturers have become all too reliant on Ch...

Debunking the First Thanksgiving from 2020-11-24T21:43:37

After reading an article surrounding the truth of Thanksgiving, it seems that another holiday is now under attack.  We all know that The First Thanksgiving was not as it was portrayed by our kin...

Thanksgiving Mandates from 2020-11-17T19:19:18

Recently multiple states and politicians have set strict guidelines on the Thanksgiving holiday.  In response, many law enforcement agencies have said they simply can’t enforce them. As we have ...

The Financial Markets from 2020-11-04T19:57:06

The election is still not over, but the financial markets seem to be breathing a sigh of relief. As of now, it Looks like the Republicans are going to hold onto the majority of the senate. Maybe...

The 2020 Election from 2020-10-28T19:22:56

This could be the most important election in history and people have 2 choices.  There is no middle ground.  If you look down either political party’s platform, most people are wondering where t...

Turbulent Times&Hard Cider from 2020-10-20T19:06:26

This week, Sam and John talk with noted author, lecturer, and essayist James Howard Kunstler (Jim) about why the world seems to be falling apart and what we can do about it. They discuss themes ...

The Magic of Streaming from 2020-10-14T18:18:16

On Tuesday, Disney announced that they are going to focus on streaming their content moving forward.  Many people are already using Disney Plus, Hulu, and other platforms, however Disney has alw...

The Fragile State of the US Economy from 2020-10-06T20:58:44

Although the economy hasn’t quite gotten back to where it was prior to the pandemic, it has rebounded pretty nicely. However, when you peel back enough layers of the onion and look under enough ...

The Presidential Debate from 2020-09-29T18:36:44

Today is the day of the 1st presidential debate between Trump and Biden.  Historically, perception has been a key factor in presidential debates. This year, people’s expectations seem to be slig...

The Future of Commercial Real Estate from 2020-09-22T19:30:44

This week, Derek Waltchak with Shannon Waltchack, LLC joins us to talk about office space.  Derek is a subject matter expert on Bitcoin, Blockchain and how those technologies are impacting the e...

The Electoral College from 2020-09-16T16:36:14

In the 2016 election, Hillary won the popular vote, yet Trump won the presidency.  Many people felt the turnout was unfair and pushed to do away with the electoral college.  On the flip side, th...

Fear of The Future from 2020-09-09T20:43:33

Fear sells. In world of pandemics, politics, and discontent, it’s reasonable to believe people may not be as confident as they seem. With all the negative news stories and social media posts, ma...

Declining Popularity of Professional Sports from 2020-09-01T20:01:25

The NFL will be kicking off in the next couple of weeks, but professional sports ratings have shown to be significantly lower since the pandemic.  In the past, sports have been a way to escape t...

Growth over Value from 2020-08-25T19:45:20

When it comes to investing, an age-old question has been growth versus value. Over the past decade, growth has pretty consistently outperformed value. That begs the question, is value investing ...

The Summer of Discontent from 2020-08-19T17:38:50

As we near the end of summer we have to wonder what the riots, protests, and disagreements are really about.  Many people are upset about the President’s intervention on the local level when it ...

The Outcome of Debt from 2020-08-12T15:03:27

Government and Central Banks are flooding the world with money.  Is all of this debt good for the economy or will it eventually lead to financial ruin?  John & Sam discuss what happens when mone...

The Retail Industry&Bankruptcy from 2020-08-05T18:38:17

We’ve recently heard that Jos. A. Banks, Brooke’s Brothers, and even Lord & Taylor have filed bankruptcy. However, it isn’t surprising now that dress codes are becoming increasingly more casual....

The Price of Precious Metals from 2020-07-29T15:12:11

The prices of silver and gold have spiked recently. Gold and silver have historically been methods of exchange and currency.  It has really only been within the past several decades that the US ...

Suburban v Urban Living from 2020-07-21T17:46:47

Many residents across the country are leaving city centers and moving to suburban areas of town.  Generally, the attraction to living in downtown areas is the cultural amenities. Access to resta...

Tesla: What's the Difference? from 2020-07-15T18:19:51

Tesla stock has been performing exceptionally well since the middle of last year.  It is now is up over 40% in less than 2 weeks. The immediate thought is, what changed? But it doesn’t seem a lo...

Reshaping the College Experience from 2020-07-07T17:45:26

Harvard recently announced that all classes will remain online for the fall semester, yet tuition is staying the same.  Given Harvard’s reputation, it is almost certain that other colleges will ...

COVID-19: A 2nd Wave from 2020-06-30T17:49:23

Many states have recently announced an increase in Coronavirus cases. Some states have already started shutting down businesses again. In a consumer driven economy, shutting down establishments ...

Learning to Swim Again from 2020-06-23T17:53:06

What happens to the economy if & when all the relief packages expire this summer? Will the economy stay afloat or will it have to learn how to swim again? There has been some good economic news ...

Economic Recovery from 2020-06-16T18:17:19

The economic data has improved, but how good is it really? Is it too early to call for a V-shaped recovery? Or are the recent economic reports signs of good times to come? In this week’s podcast...

Defunding Police Forces from 2020-06-09T17:37:58

With the recent riots and protests happening across the country, many people are pushing to defund police forces.  Some want to transform police forces whereas others want to completely disband ...

Reality: The Markets v Real Life from 2020-06-03T15:03:46

It’s no doubt that we’ve seen some absolutely terrible economic data since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and now we are seeing riots and protests across the country. Yet somehow the markets...

China&The Hong Kong Economy from 2020-05-26T15:20:22

China is trying to exert increasingly great authority over the Hong Kong government and economy. For years it’s been one country 2 systems.  We saw protests last year before the COVID-19 pandemi...

The Impact of Unemployment on Society from 2020-05-19T16:21:23

In the last 2 months, America has lost decades worth of jobs. 2-3 million people a week are filing initial jobless claims. What does that mean for society in terms of future wage growth, mental ...

The Effect of Covid-19 on Local Municipalities from 2020-05-12T16:47:28

This week’s episode features Stewart Welch, the Mayor of Mountain Brook, Alabama and Founder of the Welch Group.  Although most people think they know how local governments work, Mayor Welch pro...

Extra Debt&Interest Rates from 2020-05-05T15:34:11

Now on the 3rd stimulus package, people are starting to complain about the trillions of dollars the US Treasury is throwing on the economy.  How are we going to pay for it?  And what will happen...

Reopening Local Economies from 2020-04-28T16:12:49

People have conflicting opinions on the reopening of economies. The reality is, local politicians are in a lose-lose situation. You open it up to soon, infections increase but if you don’t, econ...

COVID-19 and Regime Change? from 2020-04-21T14:56:27

COVID-19 and regime change? It could happen, as the coronavirus spreads throughout densely populated emerging economies. Do they have the capacity to test and treat the infected? Are those gover...

Sports&Social Distancing from 2020-04-14T16:12:02

Whether or not the amount of money spent on sports in reasonable or not, America puts a lot of money into sports and there are many tentacles to consider.  From local restaurants in college town...

Social Distancing and Local Restaurants from 2020-04-07T19:30:14

We all keep hearing the phrase "eat local" from various delivery services such as Grub Hub, Door Dash, etc. and it shouldn't come as a shock to hear that many restaurants won't make it through t...

The Effects of the Stimulus Package from 2020-03-31T16:46:27

All said, the stimulus package will be a good thing and we have seen a recent rally in the stock market. However, what people need to realize is that as long as the stock market is on lock down ...

The Effect of COVID-19 on Businesses from 2020-03-24T14:00:42

As the COVID-19 pandemic sets in the United States, many businesses are being forced to close their doors.  How is the pandemic effecting the local pizzeria versus the Airlines?  Outside of groc...

Coronavirus Chaos from 2020-03-17T14:59:31

The markets didn’t respond well to the Federal rate cut on Sunday, schools are closing, major sporting events have been called off and toilet paper has become a hot commodity.  Small shifts in b...

Interest Rates&Crude Oil Prices from 2020-03-10T17:45:55

Some market experts have long maintained you can predict future economic growth by looking at interest rates and crude oil prices. Are today’s low rates and crude oil prices building a base for ...

COVID-19 from 2020-03-02T21:26:14

After an awful week in the markets and the worst few days in DOW Jones history, John and Sam give an update on COVID-19 and how coronavirus fears are impacting the stock market.  How much longer...

Climate Change and Cows from 2020-02-24T19:17:02

Recently, I have seen and read more about activists demanding ‘we’ shift to a plant-based diet. After all, hooved animals, of all varieties (but mostly assumed to be cattle), generate anywhere f...

The Gig Economy from 2020-02-10T20:10:53

With the growing number of startup companies, the gig economy seems to be on the rise.  Gig type employment has expanded from maids and the kid that cuts your grass to Instagram influencers to u...

The CoronaviruS from 2020-02-03T22:53:46

The Coronavirus has taken the stock market by storm over the past week as more and more cases pop up across the globe.  Airlines are cancelling flights to and from parts of China and almost 200 ...

The Rich and Powerful from 2020-01-27T20:13:31

Last week, Geneva-based World Economic Forum held its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland where close to 3,000 of the world’s wealthiest, most powerful, and anointed, including an estimated 119...

Sci-Fi: NASA discovers first earth size planet from 2020-01-21T20:26:37

Science fiction is becoming the new reality.  Last week, NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) discovered its first Earth-size planet in its star's habitable zone that could potent...

The Assassination of Iranian General Soleimani from 2020-01-13T20:00

On January 3rd, 2020 President Trump authorized the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Many have since made it clear that they are not in support of the US Military’s effort to e...

A Look Back at 2019 from 2020-01-06T20:00

After a rough end to 2018, many were worried about a volatile 2019.  Although the bricks in the proverbial wall of worry didn’t change much, 2019 was anything but volatile. What made 2019 so dif...

Unemployment Rate from 2019-12-23T20:00

This week John and Sam talk about the unemployment rate and the different ways that it’s measured. Right now, the unemployment rate is historically low at 3.5%. Many people are saying the rate is...

Monetary Policy & Income Inequality from 2019-12-17T00:09:11

This week John and Sam talk about the effect of monetary policy on income inequality. Many people think that monetary policy has led to a spike in inequality when it comes to wealth and income, ...

Chinese Trade Wars: What Game are We Playing? from 2019-12-09T20:00

This week, John and Sam answer the frequently asked question, when will the trade deal get done? The answer: probably not anytime soon. Donald Trump and President Xi are not playing the same game....

Socialism Slows Down Economic Progress from 2019-12-02T23:27:13

How long can politicians hold back the inevitable? When people enjoy the rule of law, private property rights, and the development of human capital economic growth will happen. If you don’t provid...

Why is everyone so angry? from 2019-11-25T17:36:17

Lately it seems the entire world is protesting about something, even in the U.S. But why? Inequality seems to be a hot topic across the board and many feel the “wealthy” are to blame. According to...

Socialism: What is it and why are people for it? from 2019-11-18T21:00:08

Socialism, a term with a historically negative connotation, has become somewhat of a buzzword lately as many democratic politicians consider themselves socialists. So, what exactly is socialism? ...

Longer Term Interest Rates from 2019-11-12T20:21:42

Longer-term interest rates have been going up, and that is a good thing? John and Sam discuss how lower rates were supposedly the cure for what ails us earlier in the year, and how that has changed...

The US Labor Market from 2019-11-04T20:00

Last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the US economy created 128,000 new payroll jobs. So far, the participation rate is the highest it’s been since 2013. However, people are st...

High Income and Corporate Taxes from 2019-10-28T19:00

This week, John and Sam focus on the importance of taxation in order to boost economic growth and alleviate poverty. Dr. Abhijit Banerjee, a professor at MIT, was recently featured in a Bloomberg ...

The shift in Consumer Values from 2019-10-21T19:11:13

There is no doubt that consumer buying patterns are evolving, but after driving by 2 fine jewelers that are going out of business, John and Sam notice that people are shifting away from luxurious g...

Repo Market Stress from 2019-10-15T21:14:31

With the rarely mentioned Repo market showing signs of stress, and the Federal Reserve being forced to pump more cash into the market, is the Fed losing control of monetary policy? Is the national ...

Fair Pay to Play Act from 2019-10-07T19:00

Last week, California signed the Fair Pay to Play Act into law, a bill permitting college athletes in the state to hire agents and be paid for endorsements. The law is scheduled to take effect in ...

The Socially Conscious Investor from 2019-09-30T19:00

With Juul gaining more notoriety as of late, John and Sam discuss what it would take for companies to change their core businesses. Will investors be willing to carve companies like Altria, one of...

Drone Attacks on Saudi Arabian Oil Fields from 2019-09-23T19:00

Last week 8 drones attacked oil fields in Saudi Arabia, ultimately causing increased tensions in the middle east. The attacks took out 50% of Suadi Arabia’s oil production and 5% of the world's glo...

Climate Change from 2019-09-16T21:16:49

There has been something strange about recent weather patterns. Temperatures have been unusually high, even for those of us accustomed to them. It’s not surprising when you consider 7.7 billion pe...

Negative Interest Rates in the United States from 2019-09-09T19:00

Last week, former chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan, said that it’s only a matter of time before negative interest rates spread to the United States. In this episode of Trading Persp...

The American Empire from 2019-09-03T20:57:14

Throughout history, empires have come and gone, but they have all had some common characteristics. The American empire is a little different. This week John and Sam discuss economic growth of count...

Gross Domestic Product from 2019-08-26T19:00

How strong is America’s economy? That really depends on who you ask. Since the Roosevelt administration, the most widely used measure of economic strength is in terms of GDP. Gross Domestic Produ...

The American Dream from 2019-08-19T19:00

In this week’s episode of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam talk about an article written by Bloomberg columnist Noah Smith titled “It’s Gotten Too Hard to Strike it Rich In America”. The article...

The Effect of Major Events on the Economy from 2019-08-12T19:00

In this episode John and Sam talk about the mass shootings in Texas and Ohio and the effect the tragic events will have on an already unsettled market. Do major events effect the market? How have ...

FOMC Rate Cuts from 2019-08-05T19:00

For the first time in over a decade the Federal Open Market Committee, the monetary policy making arm of the Federal Reserve, cut the overnight lending target by 0.25% to an effective range of 2.00...

Negative Interest Rates from 2019-07-29T19:00

Last week, the European Central Bank decided to keep interest rates below zero and president Mario Draghi hinted at cutting the rate even more. This week, John and Sam explain negative interest ra...

Netflix from 2019-07-22T19:00

Last week, Netflix announced its most recent quarterly earnings and needless to say, the markets aren’t happy. Earnings per share was down, user growth was less than expected and the number of US s...

Bitcoin is Back from 2019-07-15T19:00

Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are back in the spotlight since Facebook announced the launch of the Libra, it’s own form of cryptocurrency. Why are cryptocurrencies back on the rise after what happe...

The Gold Standard from 2019-07-08T19:00

Last week, President Trump named Judy Shelton, a long-time advocate of the gold standard, as his latest pick for a seat on the Federal Reserve Board. The US abandoned the gold standard in 1971 und...

Student Loan Forgiveness from 2019-07-01T19:00

Student loan forgiveness could very well become a major part of the democratic platform in 2020. This week, John and Sam explain the scope of the problem behind student loan debt and how it came ab...

The Future of Banking from 2019-06-24T19:00

Episode 44 of Trading Perspectives features special guest Scott Reed, Senior Managing Director of Oakworth Capital Bank. As Bernie Sanders and many left leaning politicians are making a push to br...

US Military Involvement in Iran from 2019-06-17T19:00

Amidst the rising tensions with Iran, John and Sam talk about US military involvement in episode 43 of Trading Perspectives. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo says Iran was behind last week’s attack...

Bernie Sanders Goes to Walmart from 2019-06-10T19:00

Last Wednesday, Bernie Sanders traveled to Walmart’s annual shareholders meeting to demand that Walmart increase wages to $15/hr. In episode 42, John and Sam talk about the effect that would have ...

Bernie Sanders from 2019-06-03T19:00

In episode 41 of Trading Perspectives John and Sam talk about Bernie Sanders and his campaign to decrease pharmaceutical prices. Is it really that easy to slash prices like Sanders says? What wou...

High Deficits: Do They Matter? from 2019-05-28T19:05

In episode 40 of Trading Perspectives John and Sam talk about the ballooning budget deficits and the ability to pay back the debt. With the United States still being the dominant economy, and its d...

Technology and Ticket Sales from 2019-05-20T19:00

Ticket prices for the PGA Tour were down this year and turn style attendance seems be on a down hill trend. Even college MLB, and the NFL are reporting fewer people at games. What impact will this...

The College Admission Scandal from 2019-05-06T19:00

This week John and Sam talk about the economics behind “Varsity Blues”. On April 4, 2019, Caitlin Flanagan wrote an article in The Atlantic titled “They Had It Coming”. The article suggests that t...

The Perception of Retirement: Then and Now from 2019-04-29T19:00

This week John and Sam discuss the generational differences in the perception of retirement. Statistics show the average age of retirement has been consistently on the rise since the 1980s. Accord...

Bourbon & Business from 2019-04-22T19:00

Episode 35 of Trading Perspectives features another special guest, Lincoln Lee Hammons from Mobile, Alabama. In addition to his role as Managing Director for Oakworth Capital Bank, Lee is a bourbon...

Big Bad Banks from 2019-04-15T19:00

On Wednesday, April 10, 7 CEOs from big banks attended hearing held by the House Financial Service Committee. In addition to policy questions, many members of congress took the hearing as an opport...

The Future of College Tuition from 2019-04-08T22:00

In episode 33, John and Sam debate the future of college tuition and the value of education. Over the last few decades we have continued to watch college tuition sky rocket. Now, specialized educ...

Wage Disperity: The Gender Pay Gap from 2019-04-01T21:00

Generally speaking, the women’s US Soccer Team performs significantly better than the men’s team. So why would the men continue to be compensated at much higher rate? In this episode John and Sam p...

Brexit: An Irish Perspective from 2019-03-25T20:00

Episode 31 of Trading Perspectives, features another special guest, David McGrath. Being part of a true Irish family primarily residing in Ireland, David provides his personal perspective on the e...

Artificial Intelligence from 2019-03-18T20:00

This week’s episode of Trading Perspectives features special guest Dave Driscoll. Dave is Oakworth Capital Bank’s Chief Technology Officer and an expert on artificial intelligence. We’ve all hear...

Universal Basic Income from 2019-03-11T20:00

In episode 29 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam talk about Universal Basic Income. Universal = everyone. Basic = base or floor amount. Income = money from the government. As the name implies, ...

Why Nations Fail from 2019-03-04T21:00

This week John and Sam focus on the book “Why Nations Fail” written by: Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson. Originally published in 2012, the authors argue that the key differentiator between succe...

Consumer Buying Patterns from 2019-02-25T21:00

We all know that Oscar Mayer has a way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A, but what about healthier products? Investors were thrown for a loop on Thursday as Kraft Heinz announced that they would be impairing $15...

Pot Stocks from 2019-02-19T21:00

As legalization becomes more and more accepted in some states, many people are becoming interested in pot stocks. In this week’s episode John and Sam discuss the likelihood of our nation’s overall...

The Green New Deal from 2019-02-11T21:00

On February 7, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others in the democratic party introduced the Green New Deal. Aimed to increase economic equality and climate change, the GND will require drastic change...

Crisis in Venezuela: Maduro vs Guaidó from 2019-02-04T21:00

In the oil-rich country of Venezuela the battle for presidency continues. Once the wealthiest country in Latin America, the severe humanitarian crisis, caused by the United Socialist party of Venez...