Q: Is it correct to assume throughout that an expanding trade deficit impacts the economy negatively? A: No, the relationship, if there is one, is that there has been a positive -- not negative -- correlation between the stock market and the trade deficit. Let me explain.

A sensible story of causation regarding oil prices and stock prices made by countless economists is that "rising oil prices increase the cost of energy and therefore reduce corporate profits and consumers' spending power, thus putting drags on stock prices and the economy." Stunningly, as far as I can determine, however, no evidence supports that claim, as the discussion below will show.

If oil prices remain anywhere near the current levels for a prolonged period – something the Saudis are aiming for – Canada’s economy is in serious trouble. Here's why.

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Savings statistics in the U.S. are terrible...because, [while] saving money is simple, prioritizing is hard. It’s very easy to...cut back on lattes to save money, but those little things...are not going to make a big dent in your budget. To truly save money you have to focus on the big picture issues, including things like transportation and...how new the car is that you own. Let me explain why that is the case.]

We are bombarded by a cacophony of poorly thought out and poorly written and presented economic, financial and investment "information" every day of our extremely busy and complicated lives. No wonder we miss some great articles in the process. Don't worry, though, because we have the time and resources to do it for you. Below are several articles from this week that you probably missed which are well worth your attention. Enjoy.

One of the great myths about investing that we’re told by the mainstream investment education is that we should “buy and hold” for the long term [but, as this article will explain,] it’s time to move on from the mainstream. There’s too much technology and too many global options now to be lulled into conventional investments that are born to lose.

Should we be concerned when tepid economic growth and low inflation are accompanied by increasing public and private debt? Are we borrowing just to stay alive? [As I see it,] national governments will increase national debt loads in order to stay in power until one or more of them default. Then their will be financial panic which will most certainly be deflationary. Here's why.

There exists in the Congress, in the Obama administration, in the media and on Wall Street, a national belief that America can print paper money and grow its economy as its route map out of debt. With annual GDP growth expectations of 2% to 3% over the next several years, this is a completely false hope!

There is a potential for gold to be forming a bottom, based on the explanation provided on the chart below, but there are a few steps that must be met before anyone can say, “The bottom is in.” If these simple but important steps are not met, then there is the likelihood that yet another low can occur.