A majority of American men now say college isn’t worth the cost. The WSJ reports on the changing attitudes toward higher education. Americans are losing faith in the value of a college degree, with majorities of young adults, men and rural residents saying college isn’t worth the cost, a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News survey shows. The findings reflect an increase in public skepticism of higher education from just four years ago and highlight a growing divide in opinion falling along gender, educational, regional and partisan lines. They also carry political implications for … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2017
What to Expect with Today’s iPhone 8, iPhone X Release
The wait is over for those in need of a new iPhone as iPhone 8 or iPhone X is released today at 10 a.m. PT. CNET has examined a leaked version of the new iOS. Here’s what to expect: In a near replay of July's HomePod firmware leak, which sharpened our knowledge of new features like the virtual home button, a gesture-based UI and facial recognition technology, an apparent leak of the "golden master" of iOS 11 hit the internet. Planned or not, the advance look at iOS 11 delivered a slew of juicy new morsels, not the least of which are indications that Apple has named the new flagship the … [Read more...]
September RAGE Gauge: Gold, Interest Rates and Your Survival
The story for this month’s Rage Gauge is gold. What is it telling us? What is it worried about? Inflation, N. Korea, the economy? In my daily calls with investors the common refrain I’m getting about the stock market is that they don’t trust it. Gold has been jittery of late and I’m not about to guess its short-term track. It sold off big-time yesterday. Which brings me to interest rates which are, if you can believe it, lower. T-bill yields peaked on July 25, closing at 1.18%. Since then the markets have gotten jittery and yields are back down to 1.05%, though they've been rising pretty … [Read more...]
Are Big Brands Getting Bruised By Costco’s In House Competition?
Big brand consumer products companies are facing growing competition from in-house retailer brands. Costco's Kirkland is squeezing profits from customers that would otherwise go to the brand producers themselves. Sarah Nassauer writes: Kirkland Signature, Costco’s store brand, is challenging manufacturers hoping to earn or retain a coveted spot at the warehouse retailer. Since 1995, Costco has used its Kirkland products to attract shoppers, building a reputation for quality and low prices on milk, toilet paper, men’s shirts and golf balls bearing the unassuming red logo. About a quarter of … [Read more...]
The Rise of the Robot Warehouse
Amazon's low key purchase of Kiva Systems back in 2012 has turned out to be one of Jeff Bezos' best business decisions yet. By ending Kiva's sales to competitors, Amazon has also set off a warehouse robot arms race, mostly playing out in the Boston area. The Globe writes: Credit Amazon’s decision to stop selling robots to Kiva’s traditional customers, including rival retailers Walgreens, Staples, and The Gap. That move gave birth to a new generation of robot makers scrambling to fill the vacuum. “Amazon has created an arms race,” said Rick Faulk, chief executive of Locus Robotics, a … [Read more...]
Nordstrom Uses Local To Fight Amazon Dominance
In a bid to fight against Amazon's retail dominance, Nordstrom is trying a new strategy it calls Nordstrom Local. The strategy will employ small stores, only 2% the size of its average property. The small stores will be service focused, with no dedicated inventory. Instead shoppers will be able to have merchandise brought to the store for them to try and can buy online and pick up there in the store the same day. The small stores will also offer personal stylists, alterations and tailoring, Trunk Club services and more. A statement from Nordstrom reports: The full list of services available … [Read more...]
Did Sweden Just Drive Out its Biggest Bank?
With hard new regulations coming and more freedom only a short way away, Nordea Bank has decided to leave Sweden for nearby Finland. This is an example of the tax competition that states and countries should take into consideration before enacting punitive taxation on the most productive corporations and individuals in their jurisdictions. Max Colchester reports: Nordea Bank NRBAY -0.11% AB, the Nordics’ biggest lender, said Wednesday it would move its headquarters from Sweden to Finland, which is inside the eurozone’s banking union, saving as much as €1 billion. Nordea said it would make the … [Read more...]
Dividends are Vital. The Reason Why Is Compound Interest
Why are dividends important? Because they allow the power of compound interest to work for you. I was speaking with a client yesterday who is in the process of helping his children establish Roth IRAs. I told him it’s amazing how just getting in the game can do wonders for one’s financial well-being: Imagine what this will look like in 50-years. Remember, just the process of starting an investment puts you or a loved one light years ahead of those bogged down and doing nothing at all. Take a look below at the power of compound interest. An investor who makes eight annual contributions … [Read more...]
Portfolio Strategy: Watch the Divergences
The global economy is in recovery mode. Europe is on the mend. China is improving. Economic growth in the U.S. is accelerating. It’s all clear for the economy and stock market then, right? That seems to be the opinion of the average investor. The Conference Board’s consumer expectations survey for stocks shows that investor sentiment is near its highest level of the bull market. So what’s the rub? The bond market, the gold market, and stock market internals tell a different story. The 30-year bond ended yesterday at a yield of 2.66%--giving up almost all of its post-election … [Read more...]
Are You a Victim of the Equifax Data Breach?
With 143 million Americans possibly affected by the Equifax data breach, if you're an adult with a credit card, it's more likely than not that you've had your data stolen. The problem with the Equifax breach is that it's a gateway to so many other possible breaches. Every bit of credit you have in the world is cataloged by Equifax and the other credit ratings agencies. Now it's possible that along with your roster of credit card and loan information, your Social Security number, driver's license number, address and more have been leaked. The stock market is already hammering Equifax … [Read more...]
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