China’s red hand of regulation

Over the past several decades, investors, investing in China, have gotten used to the dichotomy of China’s Communist-run, centralized government and its free-for-all stock market. That situation appears to be ending. The latest (and most controversial) sign of China’s increased interest in regulating and extending control of its largest companies came over the weekend. Fresh…

By Bill Schmick
July 8, 2021

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The carbon market comes of age

At the beginning of this year, the global price of carbon was $24.05 per ton of CO2. In order to achieve the emissions reduction goals of members of the Paris Agreement, prices need to reach a range of $50-$100 per ton of CO2. That makes buying carbon an attractive investment.The ongoing concerns about climate change…

By Bill Schmick
May 27, 2021

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Gold regains its mojo

In inflationary environments, investors historically have hedged their bets by buying gold. However, this time around, the precious metal has languished as investors bought alternative investments. But times are changing. The primary alternative to buying gold has been cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin and Ethereum, two of my 2021 buy recommendations (for those with a strong stomach) have…

By Bill Schmick
May 20, 2021

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Empty oceans

Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the earth’s surface. For centuries, these bodies of water have supplied us with a bountiful harvest of ocean wildlife and millions of well-paying jobs. Unless something changes, however, the future of fisheries is in serious jeopardy. The demand for fish is growing with aquaculture trends reaching a growth rate…

By Bill Schmick
April 29, 2021

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A highway of opportunity

Most Americans seem excited and hopeful about the prospects for the Biden Administration’s infrastructure plan. Local politicians as well as their construction buddies are salivating at the possible promise of getting their share of this multi-trillion-dollar prize. But looking beyond the pork barrel, we might want to consider how innovation and technology could help America…

By Bill Schmick
April 15, 2021

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Water is becoming a rare commodity

America is running out of water. During the next 50 years, the nation could see its fresh water supply reduced by one third. But if you think that’s a problem for the next generation, you are wrong. This year alone, as many as 83 out of 204 U.S. water basins could begin to feel the…

By Bill Schmick
April 8, 2021

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