How can we tell the signal from the noise? Photo: Doug Tengdin. Source: Wikipedia. Readings from a device with poor signal isolation. The middle of the plot shows lower noise levels A signal-to-noise ratio is a good way to think about markets. Every day, the media [...]
Can we learn about investing from fishing? Photo: Doug Tengdin. All rights reserved. I grew up fishing. My mother used to tell of how she took me out fishing when I was less than a year old. Every year My family in Minnesota would trek up [...]
Can the population of wolves in Yellowstone National Park teach us something about markets? Source: Flikr. CC0. The Grey Wolf used to be the dominant predator in North America. Running in packs, wolves are formidable. The largest species of the dog family, the average wolf weighs [...]
Do big buildings predict a big bust? Source: Visual Capitalist There certainly has been a building boom lately. In just the last year, construction has roared back in New York City, particularly around Central Park. They’ve capitalized on the global boom in wealth creation that’s resulted [...]
Have you spent much time fishing? Photo: Connie Young-Dubovsky. Source: USFWS. Public Doman. Growing up in Minnesota, I spent a lot of time casting my line. Every year, my family would trek up to the border with Canada and rent a small housekeeping cottage on a [...]
What’s your bottom line? Source: Pixabay. CC-BY-2.0. I remember the day our first child was born. It was one of those emotional, transformative moments. My wife Pam and I had been up for over 24 hours. The baby was well past his due date, but since [...]
Are you curious about the election? Photo: Raymonde Marie Lacasse. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Watching the election results come in – and not come in – has always been a national pastime. Forty-four years ago I remember watching a close Presidential race being called [...]
Do the markets scare you right now? Photo: Pxfuel. CC0. Watching the market gyrate as we digest results from the economy, surging Covid-19 cases, the election, corporate layoffs, racial tensions, economic stimulus, and you-name-it can be exhausting. Where do you start; where do you finish? Every [...]
How do alternative investments help us invest? “Jackalope” Postcard from 1968. Source: Legends of America The purpose of investing is help us reach our financial goals. The disclosures tell us that “all investments carry risk,” and that’s true. We diversify our portfolios to reduce that risk. [...]
What are alternative investments? Alternative mammal, the duck-billed platypus. Photo: Klaus. Source: Wikipedia When I was growing up, I never felt part of the "in" crowd. Maybe it was because I played different sports in hockey-and-football obsessed Minnesota. Maybe it was because I was a little [...]
