Econ70
The Friday File: The top 25 last names now cover 8.7% of US the population, up from 8.6% in 2000. Similarly, the most popular 239 last names cover one-quarter of the population, down from 244 in 2000. Smith remains the…
In 2015, the percentage of those 18 to 34 living with their parents was 39.5%, the highest level since 1940 when it was 40.9%. Of course, 1940 was one year removed from the end of the Depression. The rate then…
For those of you with perfect hindsight, 2016 was a financial feast! You invested in natural gas, which jumped 57.6%, diesel fuel, which bounced 53.8%, and crude oil, which rose 45%. You also brilliantly invested in the Brazilian stock market,…
Today, 49% of firms in the S&P 500 are rated as “buy”, 45% are rated as “hold” and just 6% are rated as “sell”. This is a travesty! This past year, despite being a good one for equities, 30% of…
For the health of your financial portfolio I recommend three things. Don’t listen to expert predictions; experts can’t forecast the future any better than you. Next, fees paid to financial advisors/managers reduce your return. Make sure you are getting value…
The Friday File: I wish to take this opportunity to thank you all for your interest in my daily economics blog. All of you enrich my life in many ways and I am deeply appreciative. I wish you and yours…
Based on blood alcohol content level, the state with the highest BAC is Iowa at .122%, followed by Arkansas at .113%, Alabama at .112%, Maine at .107% and Tennessee at .106%. The states with the lowest BAC are New Hampshire…
Since the conclusion of the presidential election, consumer confidence as measured by the Conference Board has shot up an amazing 12.8% to 113.70, its highest reading since 8/01! Similarly, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index is up 12.3% at…
As Chanukka is a transliteration from Hebrew, there’s no correct way to spell it. That is you can begin the word with a “H” or a “Ch”, the second consonant can be an “n” or “nn”, the third consonant can…
The Friday File: Inflation as measured by the Christmas Price Index, based on purchasing all items in “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” rose 0.7% in 2016 and now stands at $34,363. The most expensive item: seven swans-a-swimming at $13,125. Two…