Applied value investing

Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Inflation is becoming a problem. Whether it becomes a long-term structural one or dissipates after the pandemic, no one knows. As the old saw goes, economic forecasts make tarot cards appear respectable. Jack Dorsey recently predicted hyperinflation , an exponential decrease in the value of paper money akin to what happened in the Weimar Republic in the 1920s—or Zimbabwe in 2007 . For that to occur, monetary policy would have to ignore the problem, failing to raise rates as the data required. A Fed that lacks political independence could make this mistake, but it’s a low-probability outcome. Even double-digit inflation—in a throwback to the seventies—is unlikely, but possible. After all, economic conditions, like bellbottoms, go in and out of fashion. The most likely scenario is some prolonged elevation to inflation (in the mid-single digits) as labor shortages and supply-chain problems continue to pressure prices. No … [Read more...] about The Best Inflation Hedge You Already Own

Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin What will deliver higher returns over the next 12 months, I bonds or bitcoin? A year ago such a question would have been silly. Today, not so much. Bitcoin BTC has struggled in 2022, down more than 10%. In contrast, I bonds are set to deliver an estimated 9.62% annualized return starting next month. Here’s what you need to know. I Bond Basics First introduced in 1998, I bonds are issued by the U.S. government. Investors purchase I bonds directly from the government via the TreasuryDirect.gov website . Unlike most other U.S. bonds, however, I bonds are designed to protect savers from the ravages of inflation. They accomplish this by adjusting the interest rate twice a year (May and November) based on changes in the CPI. Two factors determine the interest rate on an I bond: A Fixed Rate and an Inflation Rate. Combining these two rates gives us what is known as the Composite Rate. Today the Fixed Rate is … [Read more...] about I Bonds Set To Deliver Historic 9.62% Interest Rate

Today’s tight labor market, economic challenges, and customers’ ever-increasing expectations have changed the business landscape. To adapt, survive and have a chance to thrive, businesses must be increasingly agile. advertisement Companies need the people, processes and technology to support fast decision making, continued innovation and inevitable pivots. Let’s consider how your business can use process redesign, automation and people-first strategies to speed up workflows while delivering exceptional experiences for customers and employees alike. Customer service and personalization Customer service has become a business differentiator: a tool for building connections and reinforcing brand values. While this is more important than ever, it is also more complicated. Jeff Weiner, vice president, general manager at Conduent , a provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) solutions that ignite efficiency, savings and revenue growth, explains that the … [Read more...] about How to build business momentum during challenging times