Tag Archives: services

Decrease in Consumer Spending Alarm Goes Off.

I’ve hinted many times over the years that the most robust leading indicator is the ISM (Institute for Supply Management) manufacturing index.  Last Friday, the report was – not surprisingly – dismal.  May is likely to be even worse. We’re … Continue reading

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The FOLLY of Risk Management

Every closet economist knows that risk is the most difficult concept to put a number to.  Most modelling relies on various (historic or predicted) estimates of volatility, but volatility is a very funny thing.  We often forget, especially during economic … Continue reading

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Will demographics worsen the debt crisis?

In prior postings, I’ve illustrated that a by-product of the financial mayhem in recent years has been shrinking employment in the financial services sector.  It got me thinking – perhaps there’s more to it than just the single volcanic-like eruption ignited by the … Continue reading

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Shrinkage: Jobs in Financial Services

Employment in financial services – four years ago rich and bloated, are shrinking as quickly as George Costanza (of Seinfeld) coming out of the pool. Los Angeles Times, Sept. 10, 2011 “Bank of America Corp. is preparing to slash 40,000 … Continue reading

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