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Category Archives: Markets

Aging of America: The Increasing Dominance of Older Firms

09 Saturday Aug 2014

Posted by silvalnews in Markets, Social

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– nearly four-in-five American workers are currently employed by organizations born prior to 1995

companies_impoyment_by_age

-the rate of new firm formations fell significantly during this period—occurring because the number of new firms being formed each year (numerator) didn’t keep pace with the growth in the stock of total firms in the economy (denominator). The same was not true of firm exits, which did keep pace with the growth in total firms—allowing the firm failure rate to hold mostly steady before rising in the second half of the last decade.

companies_entry_exit_rate_1978_2011

~ The Other Aging of America: The Increasing Dominance of Older Firms by Ian Hathaway, Ennsyte Economics*, Robert Litan, The Brookings Institutio

Is the Recession Over?

30 Wednesday Jul 2014

Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets, Politics, US Economy

≈ Leave a comment

dropping_out_of_labor_vs_find_job

civil_employm_ratio_84-14

car_house_to_GDP

miles_per_year_US_total

USelectricity_sales2000-14_

See also: U.S. Jobs Market: What’s Going On …

List of 200 highest-paid CEOs contains only 10 women

05 Thursday Jun 2014

Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets, Politics, Social

≈ Leave a comment

The WSJ data proved once again that even at the top-management level of America largest corporations the “War on Women” is a severe reality of the U.S. business environment …

WSJ_Women_CEO_Pay_2013

for comparison:

women_on_board_corp

See also:

  • U. S. Labor Force Structured by Occupation, Race, Gender and Education
  • Libyan Women Will Have Only 10% Representation in Government Assembly
  • U. S. Labor Force Structured by Occupation, Race, Gender and Education

    03 Tuesday Jun 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets, Politics, Social

    ≈ Leave a comment

    Earnings_Education

    File Jan 31, 11 18 43 AM

             U.S. 2012 Employed Population by Occupation and Race
    occup_by_race_2012_sig

    Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012 Population Survey (CPS).

    unemployment_race_2012_sig
    Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012 Population Survey (CPS).

    weekly_earnings_2012_sig
    Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012 Population Survey (CPS).

    management_earni_2012_sig
    Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012 Population Survey (CPS).

    asian_domin_silva_sig
    Data sources: Census Bureau; San Jose Mercury News.

     

    See also: 

  • List of 200 highest-paid CEOs contains only 10 women
  • How the Asians became white
  • Chemicals in soap can cause male infertility, claim scientists

    15 Thursday May 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets, Medical Trends

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    Chemicals in common household products such as toothpaste, soap and plastic toys have a direct impact on human sperm which could help explain rising levels of male infertility, scientists have found. One in three “non-toxic” chemicals used in the manufacture of everyday items significantly affected the potency of sperm cells, which may account for the high incidence of unexplained infertility in the human population, … the latest research, published in EMBO reports and carried out with Timo Strünker of the Centre of Advanced European Studies and Research in Bonn, Germany, found that 30 out of 96 common household chemicals had a direct effect on the “catsper” protein which controls the sperm cell’s motility, or swimming agility, and its ability to enter the egg cell to trigger fertilisation.

    Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/chemicals-in-soap-can-cause-male-infertility-claim-scientists-9353159.html

    The Crisis in Behalf of …

    14 Wednesday May 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets, Politics, Wars

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    Here are a couple of most recent examples:

    National Crisis: Nevada Ranch Stand-Off
    Chinese energy giant ENN Energy Group wants to use federal land as part of its effort to build a $5 billion solar farm and panel-building plant in the southern Nevada desert. Rory Reid, the son of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, is representing ENN in their efforts to locate in Nevada. Part of the land ENN wants to use was purchased from Clark County at well below appraised value. Rory Reid is the former Clark County Commission chairman, and he persuaded the commission to sell 9,000 acres of county land to ENN on the promise it would provide jobs for the area, Reuters reported in 2012.
    Read more: http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/bundy-ranch-rory-reid-harry-reid/2014/04/13/id/565328

    International: East-Europe Crisis
    Hunter Biden, the youngest son of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, has been appointed  as head of legal affairs at Ukraine’s largest private gas producer, Burisma.  The appointment comes just weeks after Vice President Biden visited Ukraine’s capital to show support for the country … He also warned of the dangers of government corruption. “Russia already regards the U.S. as meddling in Ukrainian affairs, so this news won’t change that perception,” said Steven Pifer, a former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine and a director of the Brookings Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Initiative.
    Read more: http://www.ibtimes.com/vice-president-joe-bidens-son-appointed-head-legal-affairs-ukrainian-energy-firm-1583858
    ___
    PS. As it was concluded by Rahm Emanuel, White House Chief of Staff, November 19, 2008: “You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that it’s an  opportunity to do things you think you could not do before.”

    10 cars most likely to go 200,000 miles

    11 Sunday May 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets

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    A new study approaches the concept of longevity from an interesting angle, focusing on models that have achieved 200,000 miles. Put together by the data aggregator iSeeCars.com, the study was based on listings for 30 million vehicles advertised for sale during the last year. Looking at the model years 1981 to 2010, the company ranked those vehicles based on the percentage that achieved the impressive 200,000-mile mark. Not surprising, most were vehicles that also have had good reliability rankings in our annual owner surveys. Here’s the iSeeCars list, in order of most to least ads featuring cars with more than 200,000 miles.

        Honda Accord
        Subaru Legacy
        Toyota Avalon
        Honda Odyssey
        Nissan Maxima
        Toyota Camry
        Ford Taurus
        Honda Civic
        Acura TL
        Subaru Outback

    ~ ConsumerReports By Jim Travers

    Image

    U.S. Gasoline Prices: 1918 – 2012

    11 Sunday May 2014

    Gasoline Prices 1918 2012

    Posted by bunchofopinions | Filed under Markets, Social

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    California’s business tax climate

    10 Saturday May 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets, Politics

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    ranks 48th in U.S. … the third worst among the states, according to a report from the Tax Foundation, a nonprofit advocate for low taxes… The states ranking best by the Tax Foundation’s measure are: 1)Wyoming, 2)South Dakota, 3)Nevada, 4)Alaska, 5)Florida, 6)Washington, 7)New Hampshire, 8)Montana, 9)Texas, 10)Utah. Except for Utah, all of those states lack one of the three biggest taxes: sales tax, individual income tax or corporate income tax, the report said.
    ~ California’s business tax climate ranks 48th in U.S. by Jan Norman

    When Toyota announced that it was moving its U.S. headquarters from California to Texas, some were surprised, but everyone understood why. Because of its high taxes and regulations, worst states in the nation in which to do business, and a move from California would have an immediate positive impact on Toyota USA’s bottom line. And Toyota is only the latest.
    ~ As Capital Flees, England Is Texas, and the U.S. Is California By Tom Giovanetti

    Optimism for Rising U.S. Home Values

    10 Saturday May 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets

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    null

    ~ Majority, 56%, expect average home prices to rise in local area by Jeffrey M. Jones. Gallup, Inc.

    Oil and Natural Gas – Four Times The Jobs

    10 Saturday May 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets, Politics

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    The number of direct jobs in oil and natural gas extraction has grown 7.2 percent since April last year, more than four times the growth rate in all U.S. jobs, according to BLS [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics]… Now, keep in mind that the BLS data line for “oil and gas extraction” covers only part of industry’s upstream (pre-refining) segment. Scroll down a few lines in this BLS table to find direct jobs supporting oil and natural gas operations – such as building and dismantling field rigs, core drilling services, hydraulic fracturing services and much more (enter the number 213112 in the search engine for the full list) – and you see dynamic growth there as well, 6.3 percent …

    ~ Four Times The Jobs by Mark Green

    Image

    Job Market for the College Grads

    10 Saturday May 2014

    Job Market for the College Grads

    Posted by bunchofopinions | Filed under Markets, Social

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    3D Printer For Makeup

    10 Saturday May 2014

    Posted by silvalnews in Markets, Tech

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    3D printing is all the rage these days, but for now, it’s mostly centered around little plastic doo-dads. The Mink ,,, is a bit different. The little printer lets users choose any color on the web, or in the real world, and using simple already-existing software, print that color into a blush, eye shadow, lip gloss or any other type of makeup… Moreover, drug stores offer an incredibly limited selection of colors and options. Because makeup isn’t the main driver of sales in a Walgreens, they get more universally loved colors like pinks and reds, and exclude consumers who want to be bold. More niche retailers like Sephora have a wide selection of colors, but at a much higher price. With Mink, users can satisfy the desire for instant gratification while still having access to any color in the world at an affordable price… The Mink costs less than $200, with plans to launch later in the year… Read more: http://techcrunch.com/2014/05/05/mink-is-a-3d-printer-for-makeup/

    See also: Mink CEO Grace Choi, Who’s Taking On The $55 Billion Beauty Industry With A 3D Makeup Printer

    Google Gets Defensive About Google Glass ‘Myths’

    10 Saturday May 2014

    Posted by silvalnews in Markets, Tech

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    Google’s got its PR panties in a bunch again about its fancy $1,500 face computer. …  Here’s a look at the myths Google officially doesn’t want circulating about its often mocked and hated on baby, plus what we think about them.  

      Myth 1 – Glass is the ultimate distraction from the real world  …
      Myth 2 — Glass is always on and recording everything  …
      ………………………………………………..
      Myth 10 – Glass marks the end of privacy …

    Read more: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/232463#

    U.S. Housing Market

    09 Friday May 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets

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    The average price of homes sold in March 2014 increased 8.8 percent across the country, a strong showing despite the decline in home sales. The West region had the best results with the average price of homes sold increasing 12.8 percent followed by the South region at 7.9 percent, the Northeast region at 7.8 percent and the Midwest saw average prices rise 2.9 percent.

    Read more: http://realtrends.com/blog/real-trends-april-2014-real-estate-housing-market-report-text-version

    Bitcoin OK for politics

    09 Friday May 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets, Politics

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    The Federal Election Commission on Thursday approved the use of the alternative currency Bitcoin for political contributions with limits of $100 per donor per election cycle… Proponents say it’s a sign of increased acceptance of the upstart currency, as more businesses and individuals are starting to embrace Bitcoin payments as an alternative to credit cards.

    Read more: http://money.cnn.com/2014/05/08/technology/bitcoin-politics/index.html

    China poised to pass US as world’s leading economic power this year

    09 Friday May 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets

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    The US has been the global leader since overtaking the UK in 1872. Most economists previously thought China would pull ahead in 2019. The figures, compiled by the International Comparison Program hosted by the World Bank, are the most authoritative estimates of what money can buy in different countries and are used by most public and private sector organisations, such as the International Monetary Fund.
    ~ Financial Times

    If Steve Jobs were alive today, should he be in jail?

    09 Friday May 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Justice, Markets, Tech

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    That’s the provocative question being debated in antitrust circles in the wake of revelations that Mr. Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, who is deeply revered in Silicon Valley, was the driving force in a conspiracy to prevent competitors from poaching employees. Mr. Jobs seems never to have read, or may have chosen to ignore, the first paragraph of the Sherman Antitrust Act: Every “conspiracy, in restraint of trade or commerce” is illegal, the act says. “Every person who shall make any contract or engage in any combination or conspiracy hereby declared to be illegal shall be deemed guilty of a felony, and, on conviction thereof, shall be punished by fine” or “by imprisonment not exceeding three years, or by both said punishments.”

    Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/03/business/steve-jobs-a-genius-at-pushing-boundaries-too.html

    Lessons From Negotiating With Steve Jobs

    09 Friday May 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets, Tech

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    … I had pitched 15%, our standard. Steve pointed at it and said, “15%? That is ridiculous. I want 50%.” I was stunned. There was no way I could run my business giving him 50% of my product revenues… I had to make the business make sense financially. I just needed to make my 15% look like his 50%. To do so, I reduced the nut to split by first deducting the cost of packaging, of technical support, the salaries for some developers on my side of the business to implement fixes, and when I still couldn’t get the math to pencil out, I added a $6 per unit ‘handling fee’ thanks to some inspiration from an infomercial on the Home Shopping Network. My new “Hollywood net” number read 50%, but fully-loaded it was pretty close to the 15% of gross I needed to make the deal work. Magic! Steve was happy with his 50% contract and the deal got inked…
    What I Learned Negotiating With Steve Jobs by Heidi Roizen

    See also: Five Business Lessons From Steve Jobs by Kevin O’Leary.

    US Internet ad revenue surpasses broadcast TV

    09 Friday May 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets, Tech

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    NEW YORK (AP) — For the first time, U.S. Internet advertising revenue has surpassed that of broadcast television thanks to sharp growth in mobile and digital video ads… Internet advertising revenue rose 17 percent to a record $42.8 billion in 2013. Broadcast TV ad revenue, in comparison, was $40.1 billion in 2013. Mobile advertising revenue more than doubled to $7.1 billion from $3.4 billion in 2012 … The report is based on a survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

    Associated Press

    Beef prices reach highest level since 1987

    09 Friday May 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets

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    The highest beef prices in almost three decades have arrived just before the start of grilling season, causing sticker shock for both consumers and restaurant owners — and relief isn’t likely anytime soon. A dwindling number of cattle and growing export demand from countries such as China and Japan have caused the average retail cost of fresh beef to climb to $5.28 a pound in February, up almost a quarter from January and the highest price since 1987.

    ~ Associated Press

    Amazon Is Attacking A Trillion-Dollar Industry And No One Ever Talks About It

    08 Thursday May 2014

    Posted by bunchofopinions in Markets, Tech

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    For all the attention focused on Amazon’s new TV-streaming deviceand expanding selection of Prime Instant TV and movies, the company’s next big money-maker could be something scarcely talked about and entirely less sexy: wholesale distribution.  AmazonSupply — which is still listed as a beta product — …  prices were about 25% lower than others in the industry…  the potential market is enormous: Wholesalers made $7.2 trillion in revenue in 2012

    Amazon Is Attacking A Potential Trillion-Dollar Industry …  Jillian D’Onfro, Business Insider.

    See also: Amazon’s Wholesale Slaughter: Jeff Bezos’ $8 Trillion B2B Bet. By  Clare O’Connor, Forbes.

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