WSJ: Give to Get: What Motivates Some Hedge Funds’ Charity

By SIMON CONSTABLE

What motivates hedge-fund managers to make charitable donations? 

A new study suggests that in many cases, the gifts appear to be more about business strategy than benevolence. Read more here.

Photo by Superkitina on Unsplash

WSJ: The Riddle of the VIX Decoded

By SIMON CONSTABLE

The VIX is the label people commonly use for the recently renamed Cboe Volatility Index. What else it is isn’t always clear to investors.

The problem is that the VIX has become something of a Rorschach inkblot, with people projecting meaning into the index that perhaps isn’t there, such as signs of an impending market crash. Read more here.

Middle East Eye: US-Iran sanctions trial may hamper Turkey's struggling economy

By SIMON CONSTABLE

A bad economic situation is quickly deteriorating for Turkey.

Already the country is suffering from high inflation, big trade deficits and a plummeting currency.

And now a US sanctions-busting trial has cast a spotlight on the alleged corruption and malfeasance of the government in Ankara, which will make the matter even worse, analysts say. Read more here.

Forbes: Why Lowering Corporate Rate Is Crucial And Misrepresented

By SIMON CONSTABLE

This morning I had the privilege to be a guest on Joe Piscopo's Radio Show in New York City. He was, of course, delightful.

One pertinent topic he asked about was the tax reform bill which is winding its way through Congress. The answer is worth repeating because the role of tax rates in business often gets misrepresented. Read more here.

Joe Piscopo Show: The Tax Cuts Matter

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Forbes: Worrying Data Raises Recession Fears

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Just when you thought the economy looked solid, up pops a worrying statistic.

The growth of commercial and industrial loans has fallen precipitously this year. Read more here.

U.S. News: Why U.S. Stocks Will Beat Europe and China in 2018

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Next year looks set to be a good one for U.S. stocks, which are expected to plow far ahead of those in other key regions in the world, analysts say. 

The forecast for the U.S. economy, which is by far the largest in the world, is solid with GDP growth expected to average 2.5 percent over 2018, according to a recent report from Goldman Sachs. If the projection comes true it will be double the 1.2 percent rate reached during 2016's second quarter, according to data from the St. Louis Federal Reserve. Read more here.