Economic Analysis
The Maine Surprise Was Time
Thoughts from the Frontline
August 10, 2018
I’m back from Camp Kotok. As always, it was both rejuvenating and enlightening. The Maine woods, lakes, and general environment encourage more candor than I see most places. This, combined with David Kotok’s talent for assembling a diverse group and the always-marvelous Maine hospitality, made it another great success. It helps that David aggressively enforces Chatham House Rules and the Jackson Hole Rule. So you really don’t have to worry what you say.
The Distribution of Pain, Redux
Thoughts from the Frontline
August 3, 2018
This week I have something special for you: an update of “The Distribution of Pain,” one of 2017’s most popular letters. I say “popular” just in terms of feedback and reprint requests. It was thought-provoking but also sobering. I started with the original version, re-edited to clarify a few points, and added some new comments. It is still a timely, important topic.Endgame Strategizing
Thoughts from the Frontline
July 27, 2018
We are all on a debt-filled train that is eventually going to crash, and if you are on it, it won’t stop to let you off first. Jumping at the last minute is not a good option, either. So what do you do? You take action now, while you have time.
How to Dodge the Debt Train
Thoughts from the Frontline
July 20, 2018
Standing in front of a speeding train is rarely a good idea, but most investors are doing it right now. They survive only because the debt train is still way down the tracks. It is nonetheless coming, and you will want to move before then. But which way?
The Debt Train Will Crash
Thoughts from the Frontline
July 13, 2018
We are approaching the end of the debt Train Wreck series. I’ve spent several weeks explaining why I think excessive debt is dragging the world economy toward an epic crash. The tracks ahead are clear for now but will not remain so. The end probably won’t be pretty. But there’s good news, too: we have time to get our portfolios, our businesses, and our families prepared.
An American Story
Thoughts from the Frontline
July 6, 2018
I hope everyone had a happy Fourth of July, whether it was a holiday for you or not. The United States’ birth as an independent nation was, among other things, an economic event that changed history far beyond our borders. We hope and believe it was for the better.
Unfunded Promises
Thoughts from the Frontline
June 29, 2018
In describing the global debt train wreck these last few weeks, I’ve discovered a common problem. Many of us define “debt” way too narrowly.
EUROPE HAS TRAIN WRECKS, TOO
Thoughts from the Frontline
June 22, 2018
Italian dictator Benito Mussolini at least made the trains run on time, according to legend. But other sources say the nation’s railway system remained horrible under his rule (see here, here, and here).
The Pension Train Has No Seat Belts
Thoughts from the Frontline
June 15, 2018
In describing various economic train wrecks these last few weeks, I may have given the wrong impression about trains. I love riding the train on the East Coast or in Europe. They’re usually a safe and efficient way to travel. And I can sit and read and work, plus not deal with airport security. But in this series, I’m concerned about economic train wrecks, of which I foresee many coming before The Big One which I call The Great Reset, where all the debt, all over the world, will have to be...
Debt Clock Ticking
Thoughts from the Frontline
June 8, 2018
Rather go to bed without dinner than to rise in debt.
—Benjamin Franklin
What can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?
—Adam Smith
There are no shortcuts when it comes to getting out of debt.
—Dave Ramsey
Modern slaves are not in chains, they are in debt.
—Anonymous
Debt isn’t always a form of slavery, but those old sayings didn’t come from nowhere. You can find hundreds of quotes on the Internet discussing the problems of debt....
