KFC Aims to Keep Its China Edge With AI Menu, Robot Ice Cream Maker

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Description: In Shanghai’s southeastern district of Xujiahui, Colonel Sanders’s smiling visage looms over the restaurant entrance, as it does at thousands of KFC locations around the globe. But step inside, and it quickly becomes clear that this is no ordinary KFC. Source: Bloomberg.com Date: Mar 20, 2019 Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-03-20/yum-china-is-building-the-kfc-of-the-future?srnd=businessweek-v2 Questions for discussion: What is motivating… Read more »

Mohamed El-Erian joins Influencers with Andy Serwer

Posted by & filed under Economic Analysis, Governments & Regulators, Growth & Valuation, Market Analysis, Personal Finance.

Description: Yahoo Finance Editor-in-Chief Andy Serwer sits down with Mohamed El-Erian, Chief Economic Advisor at Allianz, former deputy director at the International Monetary Fund, and former chair of President Obama’s Global Development Council. Source: Yahoo.Finance.com – video report Date: Mar 14, 2019 Link: https://finance.yahoo.com/video/mohamed-el-erian-joins-influencers-100000239.html?soc_src=strm&soc_trk=ma Questions for discussion: Summarize the highlights presented in this interview. What… Read more »

As Costs Skyrocket, More U.S. Cities Stop Recycling

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Description: With China no longer accepting used plastic and paper, communities are facing steep collection bills, forcing them to end their programs or burn or bury more waste. Source: NYTimes.com Date: Mar 16, 2019 Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/16/business/local-recycling-costs.html Questions for discussion: What are the financial details driving the decision-making in this situation? What are some likely solution-oriented… Read more »

Modern Monetary Theory explained by Stephanie Kelton

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Description: Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) is gaining traction in American politics, energizing the progressive left and roiling deficit hawks. Stephanie Kelton, who advised Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign, explains the basics. Source: CNBC.com – video report Date: Mar 08, 2019 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2019/03/01/stephanie-kelton-explains-modern-monetary-theory.html Questions for discussion: Summarize the key points that explain the theory and the… Read more »

Opinion: U.S. corporate leaders are getting worried about a recession

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Description: Latest earnings calls reflect growing concerns about the economy Source: MarketWatch.com Date: Mar 15, 2019 Link: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-corporate-leaders-are-getting-worried-about-a-recession-2019-03-15?mod=mw_theo_homepage Questions for discussion: What is the basis for a slowdown at this time, according to the report? Do you agree with the assessment? What should investors do, given the information in the article?

The lost art of dividend investing

Posted by & filed under Financial analysis, Growth & Valuation, Market Analysis, Personal Finance.

Description: The lost art of dividend investing Source: CNBC.com – video report Date: Mar 01, 2019 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2019/02/28/the-lost-art-of-dividend-investing.html Questions for discussion: What is the history of dividend payouts as a means to share business wealth creation with investors? How has it changed? Does dividend investing offer less risk to investors?

Cramer: ‘It’s about time’ that Gap decided to split its businesses

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Description: Gap’s split up is a “sobering reminder” that companies cannot “repurchase” their way to greatness,” CNBC’s Jim Cramer said Friday. Source: CNBC.com – video report Date: Mar 01, 2019 Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/01/cramer-its-about-time-that-gap-decided-to-split-its-businesses.html Questions for discussion: What does Cramer mean by saying “In short, buybacks don’t mean squat without a compelling growth story.” Do you think the restructuring… Read more »

The bull market is almost 10 – here are some facts and figures

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Description: Barring a catastrophic event before the weekend, the S&P 500’s current bull market will turn 10 years old on Saturday, March 9. Since 2009, the S&P 500 (^GSPC) has returned an annualized 17.68% total return and gained $17.5 trillion on a stock basis, according to data from Howard Silverblatt at S&P Dow Jones Indices…. Read more »

Politics are tearing tech companies apart, says new survey

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Description: A survey commissioned by a conservative group shows most tech workers identify as moderate, but the findings leave plenty of room for the right or left to argue about bias. Source: FastCompany.com Date: Mar 02, 2019 Link: https://www.fastcompany.com/90313045/politics-are-tearing-tech-companies-apart-says-new-survey?utm_source=postup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Fast%20Company%20Daily&position=5&partner=newsletter&campaign_date=03022019 Questions for discussion: What does the research say about the influence of politics on company performance?… Read more »