WSJ: What Are Donor-Advised Funds?

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Some individual investors may not be familiar with donor-advised funds, which have certain advantages and are fast becoming a force within philanthropy.

“A donor-advised fund is a way for people to save money to give to a charity in the future but to get the tax deduction immediately,” says James Andreoni, professor of economics at University of California, San Diego. “It breaks the connection between when you donate and the timing of when the money goes to the charity.” Read more here.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

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.