Economy

Transparency International released its annual Corruption Perceptions Index for 2021 and it revealed that Canada now ranks #13 out of 180 countries, falling two places from last year, and the USA ranks even lower at #27. Which countries are perceived to be the least corrupt? Read on!

The U.S. dollar has been the world’s dominant currency since the end of World War II with roughly half of international trade, international loans, and global debt securities being denominated in USD as illustrated in the graphic below.

The stock prices of the 12 constituents in the Infrastructure Bill Beneficiaries Index have not responded yet to anticipated dramatic increases in revenue and profits. Indeed, on average, the stock prices of 11 of the 12 constituents actually declined 8.9% in January with only Deere & Company advancing (+9.0%).

The U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) updated its real home price index for Q3 2021. All G7 countries are seeing home price growth, but nowhere is quite like Canada. Canadian real estate prices are some of the fastest growing in the world, and have been for some time. 

There is a difference between inflation and hyperinflation...and there is no gradual path from one to the other. To wind up with true hyperinflation, some very bad things have to happen. The government has to completely lose control... the populace has to completely lose faith in the system... or both at the same time. [Are we there yet? Let's take a look.] Words: 1188

The Gallup Poll asks Americans about their attitudes toward capitalism and socialism on a semi-regular basis and below are the results from a poll carried out in October 2021

We have analyzed 300+ articles, whitepapers, podcasts and interviews to create a big picture look at what experts predict could unfold in 2022.

Most of what passes for explanations of inflation and its causes are convoluted and confusing. It is like looking into a pond of muddy water and trying to ascertain what lurks blow the surface. Below are some facts about inflation that should help clarify things:

The McKinsey Global Institute's report “The economic state of Black America: What is and what could be” identifies critical gaps Black Americans face in their roles as workers, business owners, savers and investors, consumers, and residents served by public programs.

Is gold really is the inflation hedge that it's cracked up to be?...No, not really, and, in fact, we view other high-yielding real assets as much better inflation hedges.