With inflation currently at 40-year highs, there is no shortage of explanations why this has happened. Folks have blamed Russia and Vladimir Putin. Fingers have wagged at supply chain inefficiencies. People have wrung their hands over our handling of the COVID pandemic. Then, there are those who argue corporations are taking advantage of inflation by gouging customers in order to goose profits. They call this “greedflation.” However, aren’t companies supposed to maximize their profits? This week Sam, Courtney, and John discuss the concept of greedflation and whether or not such a thing even exists.

Greedflation? Is It Real?

In this podcast, John & Sam exchange perspectives on current events that are impacting our economy and influencing investment strategies. Trading Perspectives is hosted by Oakworth Capital Bank's Chief Economist, John Norris along with Sam Clement, Associate Managing Director. 

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The world’s population is growing. Most of these people will be in third-world countries. They will aspire to have creature comforts Americans take for granted. Things like appliances and central air. In the United States, accelerated computing (AI), cloud and blockchain technologies and electric vehicles consume a lot of energy off the already stretched grid. In short, the demand for electricity, energy in general, is poised to accelerate over the next several decades. Is the global grid prepared? Will there be the necessary capacity? How will utilities around the world be able to provide the necessary power without using fossil fuels? Is there any way to prevent higher prices for US consumers?   In this week’s Trading Perspectives, Sam Clement and John Norris discuss the inevitability of an energy crunch in the not so distant future. John is so confident, he has bet Sam a steak dinner utility prices will be significantly higher, greater than the official inflation gauges, over the next five years. Is he right?

The Inevitable Energy Crunch

The U.S. stock market has been surprisingly strong thus far in 2024. This, despite the fact that the Federal Reserve hasn’t cut the overnight rate, and doesn’t appear poised to do so anytime soon. So, what is driving the current optimism? How much higher can stock prices climb? What will it take for U.S. investors to finally sell their positions? Should we reimagine the traditional methods of valuing the markets? Are the younger generations changing the rules of the game? In this week’s Trading Perspectives, Sam Clement and John Norris discuss the surprising continued strength in U.S. stocks, and ask the following question: “how much longer can the market rally?”

How Much Longer Can the Market Rally?

Washington continues to report rosy economic data, and the general public continues to not believe it. Why is the average American so down on the economy when the official data suggests they should be happy? Is it inflation? Is it societal divisiveness? What is the real story?     In this week’s Trading Perspectives, Sam and John discuss the disconnect between the public’s perception of the economy and what the government is saying is the reality. Who is right?

Perception vs. Reality? Or Is It Something in Between?

The recent turmoil, protests and an apparent lack of accountability at many prestigious American institutions of higher learning have begged a question: is an Ivy League education still worth the cost? Does the rarefied air of these schools for the elite still impress the American public the way it once did, not so long ago? If not, why and when did it happen? What’s more, will it ever again.   In this episode of Trading Perspectives, Sam and John discuss the ongoing protests at numerous Northeastern colleges and universities and wonder whether these schools will return to position of prominence with the common man. The answer isn’t as simple as yes.

Are the Ivies Still Worth It?

With all the turmoil around the world, and the subsequent drawdown on US stockpiles, just how prepared would the US be if the planet erupted in a hot war? Would the United States have enough ammunition, missiles, ships and planes to fight several different types of wars on several different continents? What’s more, is the American public ready for such a thing?   In this week’s Trading Perspectives, Sam and John discuss about American military preparedness in what is increasingly a dangerous time.

Greedflation? Is It Real?

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