In Emerging Markets For Dummies, I have a summary of each of the markets in the MSCI Emerging Markets and Frontier indexes. Since publication in January, no markets have changes as much as those of the Middle East and North Africa, so I’m writing updates. The first installment: Bahrain. Type of government: Constitutional monarchy Major… [Read More]
Blog
Ever-Changing Africa
For decades, investors have been hearing that the Next Big Thing will be Africa. I wonder how many people missed out on inflection points in India and China because they were looking at Africa? No matter. Africa, of course, is a continent. The Republic of South Africa has as much in common with Sudan as… [Read More]
Copywriting, The Junior League, And The Help
I’m a member of the Junior League of Chicago, which has been a fun way to meet great people, learn new skills, and contribute to the community. Over my years in the League, in Chicago and in San Francisco before that, I’ve had the chance to be part of a lot of really interesting and… [Read More]
Sorting Through Some Stamps
A while ago, I was at a shop on the North Side of Chicago called Transistor, looking for presents for a few people on my list. I saw some great jewelry featuring sections of old stamps made by a company called Foxglove Accessories. When I was a kid, I collected stamps, and I had some… [Read More]
Waiting on Congress
Like everyone else, I’m waiting to see what happens in Congress on the debt ceiling. We need to raise the debt ceiling, raise revenues, and cut spending. All three are necessary. There is no magic solution, and default will be ugly. I love my country. I wish everyone in Washington did, too. It seems like… [Read More]