Jeff Sommer
Posts
The Mixed Blessing of a ‘Strong Dollar’
While a dollar doesn’t buy much in the United States, our columnist writes, the currency’s international strength has been on display — in ways that...
Bonds May Be Having Their Worst Year Yet
This has been the most devastating time for bonds since at least 1926, and maybe in centuries. But, our columnist writes, much of the damage...
Bad News From the Fed? We’ve Been Here Before.
Fed rate increases are causing pain now. But an inside look at the Volcker era shows that conditions were far worse when the Fed tried...
Need Your Money Now? The Markets Aren’t Helping.
The rout in the stock and bond markets has been especially rough on people paying for college, retirement or a new home. Our columnist has...
How Silicon Chips Rule the World
Maintaining the flow of oil is still crucial for the world economy. But now the supply of semiconductors is also critical for commerce, and war...
To Make Money in the Stock Market, Do Nothing
The bear market endures, yet the S&P 500 index rose more than 17 percent from mid-June to mid-August. Don’t even try to guess what will...
Think the Economy Is Hard to Predict? Try the Midterms.
The overturning of political norms is testing the limits of an established and generally dependable forecasting model that relies solely on economics.
Stock Buybacks and Dividends Become a $1.5 Trillion Political Target
Companies have been criticized for the vast sums they are sending investors. Some of that money could be put to better use but for the...
Lessons From the ’80s, When Paul Volcker Reigned and Rates Were High
When inflation was soaring 40 years ago and the economy slowed, short-term investing was perilous. But people with patience and long horizons came out fine.
How to Cope With Rising Rates and Inflation
Rates are rising, inflation is nasty and a painful recession is certainly possible. But there are steps you can take now, our columnist says.