Post 373: Myths: Housing as Investment and The Maestro

• More evidence that pizza sales are slowing with Domino’s just barely in positive territory in the U.S.
• Another look at wealth disparity in the U.S. and this time we focus on stocks and mutual funds.
  • As you might expect, the disparity is even worse here.
• A look at toys with two companies going in different directions.
  • As is their share price.
• No more brown M&M’s and a repost on the Mars company.
• Too many people think of housing as an investment.
  • No, a house’s productivity does not rise over time.
    • But it is a good vehicle for forced saving.
• How governments increase house prices from both a demand and supply side of the equation.
  • A quick look at Germany.
• Some in Canada believe it’s ok to first make housing and good jobs inaccessible for young people.
  • And then charge them half a million dollars if they want to move to another country where good jobs and affordable housing are available.
• China’s economy is struggling.
  • One data point: car sales are falling rapidly.
• Financial Ructions:
  • Defunct economists.
  • Alan Greenspan: RIP
• Book Review: Onward by Howard Schultz (Starbucks)
  • Thinking long-term vs. short-term
  • Self reinforcing corporate cultures: Good and bad.
  • Reinvesting in all parts of your business all the time.