Guest commentary: Three trends that will shape business in 2024
By Jason Bietz Last year was a dynamic year for businesses across all sectors in the Tri-Counites, including tourism, hospitality, aerospace, renewable energy and Ag tech. Artificial intelligence (AI) went from a novel technology to a more widely utilized business productivity tool, companies continued to invest in sustainable business practices, and digital business solutions helped Read More →
Guest commentary: Volatility and the markets in the first month of 2024
By Arthur G. Swalley Markets closed in 2023 with historically strong performance. US stocks mostly erased 2022’s losses. Bonds closed the year up on the back of a 5% rally in November and December but were unable to recoup 2022’s losses. The fall rally was touched off by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell saying that Read More →
Guest commentary: Why I helped form the California Central Coast Black Resiliency Fund
By Richard Beswick Most people who know me know that I hate talking about myself, but today I’d like to make an exception. As a child growing up in the inner city of south Minneapolis, I never questioned my parents’ position in society or why we lived where we lived. I came to expect no Read More →
Guest commentary: Sometimes you get what you pay for
By John Grace Now that we are free from 2023 let’s do what it takes to manifest more, starting in 2024. You too can retire more decadent with a good mix of direction, behavioral adjustments, and consistent professional attention. Due to people making New Year’s resolutions, it’s common for gyms to experience a surge of Read More →
Guest commentary: Consider impact investing to make more of a statement
By Tom Washing Over the past fifteen years, a new investment class has emerged, and its momentum is accelerating — impact investing. Impact investing comprises investments made to generate social impact as well as realistic financial returns. Examples include companies whose products or services address today’s most unrelenting challenges in healthcare, the environment, climate change, Read More →
Guest commentary: This is what happens to home prices and rents when people dying outpaces people buying
By John Grace Everyone knows that interest rates, location, and inventory drive the conventional wisdom on the housing market. Let’s challenge what we think we know with George Patton’s sage observation, “If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.” Dent Research makes the future very clear. “This will be a worldwide real estate crash Read More →
Guest commentary: How small-time investors can get into real estate, even if they can’t afford a home
By Sam Shvartsmann There’s no doubt that Southern California — and the nation more broadly — is facing a housing affordability crisis. Real estate prices and mortgage rates have soared since the start of the pandemic. Despite a recent dip in mortgage rates and housing prices, buying a home remains out of reach for many. Read More →
