In no particular order, here’s a few interesting things I heard and read recently that I wanted to share.
Commodities in 2017, and Why They’re Still Very Cheap (Visual Capitalist, Equities.com)
I find the “following the herd” mentality to be fascinating. As easy as it may be to do what everyone else is doing, it often times proves to be a better option if you went a different direction. That’s how I feel about investing and the various bubbles that have taken place over time. I do believe that everything always reverts to the mean. Things that are outperforming will usually and eventually under-perform. In other words, don’t just buy something (or sell something) just because everyone else is doing so – in fact it might be time to do just the opposite! “Commodities” as an asset class have taken it on the chin for 8 years now, relative to stocks. Although they are subject to wild swings in both directions, most balanced portfolios have should some exposure to them. Have you bailed on your commodities diversification? It might be time to re-evaluate…good read on equities.com with charts to help explain the current stock/commodity relationship.
Yes, student debt is delaying home ownership (by Katie Lobosco, CNN Money)
This student debt stuff is getting a little crazy. Last I checked, the amounts of student loan debt is in the TRILLIONS (with a “T”). Something like 44 million college grads own this debt, and a significant chunk of them are in default. So, it’s no surprise to anyone that a person carrying student loan debt obviously spends less elsewhere. They might have “human capital” and better skills/jobs, but their debt stifles spending to a decent degree. To see how it has contributed to (lack of) home ownership over the past 10 years – is no shocker. I wouldn’t be surprised to see tuition rates slow over the next 10 years, and/or less kids going to college…just my $.02.
Take Naps at Work. Apologize to No One. (by Tim Herrera, NY Times)
Sleep researchers have been saying for many years that a full night’s sleep has tremendous benefits – no debating that. But it’s also known that afternoon naps are helpful too and already practiced in many countries around the world. Why is it so TABOO here in the states? I’ll bet if more employers realized they would have more production they would – but they probably have a hard time envisioning paying a person to sleep. Now…I don’t currently nap in the afternoons, but it helps me be more productive, maybe I should! My issue is that I haven’t finished my 28 oz of coffee until around 2pm, and that usually powers me through the afternoon.
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