Barron's: Lumber Rally Will Be Felled

By SIMON CONSTABLE

It’s time to flee the trees. Lumber prices have rallied mainly for reasons that don’t seem sustainable for much longer. 

Active-month futures contracts for random-length lumber were recently trading at $435 per 1,000 board feet, up nearly 30% from $337 early last spring. Investors holding lumber-related futures should take profits. Those wanting to profit from a likely retreat in prices should sell May-dated contracts. Alternatively, they could write out-of-the-money call options with the hope that they expire worthless. Read more here.

Photo by Óscar Salgado on Unsplash

U.S. News: U.K. Deal With the EU May Help British Stocks

BY SIMON CONSTABLE

The U.K. is making real progress in its negotiations to exit the European Union, and its progress toward a successful Brexit presents an opportunity for savvy investors to get in on the action.

U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May struck a deal with the European Union that allows the country to start the next stage of talks about future post-Brexit trade deals. It comes after a year and a half of tough talk from both sides. Read more here.

Joe Piscopo Show: Bitcoin, Taxes...

By SIMON CONSTABLE

P.J. Media: Brexit-Lite Comes with Economic Pitfalls for Britain

By SIMON CONSTABLE

The UK could be about to take a wrong turn on international trade.

The problem is that a recent agreement struck surrounding the country’s exit from the European Union leaves a choice between an easy decision and a hard one. Unfortunately, making the hard decision will be best for long-term economic growth. Read more here.

Forbes: Why Business Leaders Shouldn't Mimic USA Today Editorial

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Earlier this week a USA Today published a blunt attack on President Donald Trump which does a great job of declaring how the paper feels.

The phrase catching most attention is the following:

[The president] is not fit to clean the toilets in the Barack Obama Presidential Library or to shine the shoes of George W. Bush.

However, I'd caution business leaders not to follow suit with broad generalizations about people and the paying jobs that they hold. Read more here.

Forbes: Even Leftist Scots Understand Low Tax Rates Are Better

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Scottish income taxes are going up, but not by much.

While any increase in what people must pay their government isn't genuinely welcome, there is some promising news hidden inside the announcement. Read more here.

U.S. News: Trading Bitcoin Is a Bad Way to Invest

By SIMON CONSTABLE

The surge in bitcoin prices is causing a buzz that likely won't end well for many. But what's happening serves as a useful and cautionary lesson for long-term investors.

In short, fun and investing don't mix well. Read more here.