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Bad Loans In China

by Flexo

Are you invested in China? According to this article, the Chinese economy isn’t exactly sound. If the author of the article, Minxin Pei, is correct, I don’t see how China would make a good long-term investment. Systemic economic waste, bank lending practices, political patronage and the survival of a one-party state are inseparably intertwined in ... Continue reading this article…

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ETFs For Commodities

by Flexo

So there’s a new Exchange-Traded Fund that tracks commodities. In this case, oil, aluminum, gold, corn and wheat. It seems like a good way for ordinary investors to get into commodities without dealing with futures contracts and such. So, should I invest? Oil prices are near record levels, while precious metals such as gold and ... Continue reading this article…

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Best Of 2005

by Flexo

As the year is coming to a close, and I will be less available over the next few days, the opportunity is perfect for taking a look at Consumerism Commentary and compiling a list of “best” (or most popular) entries from the year. This will be the 570th entry in 2005, but only a few ... Continue reading this article…

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Will China Make Americans Better or Worse Off?

by Flexo

Due to increasing skills and knowledge worldwide as well as labor costs that are a fraction of costs in the United States, there is some fear that the competition will mean less prosperity for people of my generation and younger. The concern is the younger generation may not be able to live as “well off” ... Continue reading this article…

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