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Another Big Short or Better Off? 10 Years Later – Is there Another Financial Crisis Looming?
It was 10 years ago Wednesday that the world changed for just about everyone. It was on that afternoon when BNP Paribas announced it was ceasing activity in three hedge funds that specialized in U.S. mortgage debt. BNP Paribas was the first major bank to acknowledge the risk of exposure to the sub-prime mortgage market, and many look back at those days as the start of the worst financial crisis in American history since the stock market crashed in 1929. For a decade, America has been in a state of recovery. It took trillions of dollars in stimulus and bail outs. The real estate market almost collapsed on itself and millions were left unemployed. Some are still incapable of finding work and income that matched what they made back then. On the outside, America seems to be in complete recovery. Housing prices have bounced back, the DOW is soaring and unemployment rests at just 5.1 percent. However, some are skeptical. Americans are borrowing again at record rates. Credit is once again being offered abundantly and as people spend again – risk is climbing. Add in China’s shaky economy and there’s also talk of a double-bubble bursting. Understanding finance and economics is no easy task. It takes global understanding, a keen eye on micro and macroeconomics and sometimes a crystal ball. But on Wednesday, many people will remember exactly what they were doing when America’s economy tanked. So where are we now? Have we learned our lesson or are we doomed to repeat ourselves? Have the reforms on Wall Street worked or can the actions of a few big banks still derail one of the strongest financial engines in the world? None of these are easy questions to answer or explain. But experts from Missouri State University can help. Dr. David Mitchell is a Professor of Economics and Director of the Bureau of Economic Research at Missouri State. He is also an expert at economic forecasting and understanding market trends and direction. Dr. Mitchell can speak to the anniversary of the financial crisis and what may lie ahead for America’s economy. Click on his icon to arrange an interview. Source:
In the attached Q&A, Baylor University’s Karon LeCompte, Ph.D., associate professor of curriculum and instruction and an expert on civics education and leadership theory, discusses the importance of investing in student leaders and how parents and teachers can identify leadership characteristics in their children. LeCompte co-directs Baylor’s iEngage Summer Civics Institute, a five-day program that helps students learn how to make a difference in their neighborhoods, schools and communities. "Authentic leaders with experiences that manifest characteristics of extensive skills and high moral values will be on the front stage of our democracy,” she said. “They are the future. It is our responsibility to give them the best gifts that we can – our attention and faith in their ability to lead. Source:
North Korea Rejects South Korea's Call For Talks: How High Will Tensions Escalate?
North Korea has been in the news a lot lately. Saber rattling, political posturing and missile testing by the hermit state have led to escalating tensions between the United States, South Korea and even neighbouring China. Earlier this month, Pyongyang claimed it successfully tested an ICBM, for the first time, of the type that experts believe could reach Alaska. But as the situation looked to boil over, tensions may have had a chance at simmering. Tongilgak - a North Korean building in the Panmunjom compound in the demilitarized zone between the two countries, which has been used for previous negotiations, was suggested by the South Koreans as a destination for talks between North and South Korea aiming to stop 'all hostile activities that raise military tension.' By early Friday morning, all intelligence indicated – that offer was rejected. The two countries that have been bitter enemies since 1950 remain opposed and unwilling to compromise. There’s a lot at stake – safety, the threat of global war and between the two countries, some families are still divided and incapable of meeting after more than half a century. So, is there a chance the two sides can find a diplomatic solution? Is this rejection just another tactic by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to leverage more from the west in order to speak? Does North Korea have the ability to launch a missile that may reach American soil? There’s a lot more to this new alignment than a simple agreement and that’s where Missouri State University experts can help. Dr. Dennis Hickey is a global studies expert specializing in Asian politics and American foreign policy. He is a go-to source when media agencies require clear perspective and answers regarding this complex situation and region. Dr. Hickey is available for interviews. Click on his icon to contact him. Source:
On July 18, 2017 the federal government announced proposed tax changes which will have a significant impact on business owners. The main premise of the proposed changes is that the government feels it is unfair that an employed person with a T4 cannot do the same tax planning as a business owner; the proposed changes will limit what a business owner can do to save or defer tax. Here is a list of the areas that are impacted from the proposed changes for business owners: income splitting, capital gains exemption, pipeline planning, and the investment of retained earnings. These proposed rule changes are far reaching and will have a significant impact on small business owners/entrepreneurs, the very people often recognized for driving the economy and employment. The government has requested commentary from all stakeholders, but the consultation period is short – comments must be received by October 2, 2017. Don Scott, FCPA, FCA is a Partner and the Director of Tax Services at Welch LLP in Ottawa and is an expert in the fields of business, corporate taxation and finance. He is an excellent speaker and is available to speak with media regarding this important topic. Simply click on Don’s icon to arrange an interview. Source:
Signed Off - Bass Pro Finally Reels in a Deal
Earlier this week, federal regulators finally signed off on the approval for Bass Pro to acquire rival Cabela’s for a projected $4 billion dollars. The deal includes Cabela’s retail and online properties, as well as the lucrative credit card unit that is part of the chain. Cabela’s shareholders are expected to vote July 11 on whether to accept the privately held Bass Pro’s offer of $61.50 per share. So, what will this mean for Cabela’s 82 locations and Bass Pro’s 95 retail stores? With Bass Pro’s one major rival acquired, how will it affect prices, competition and loyal customers? As well, with any acquisition or merger, there will be duplication. What can Bass Pro employees in Missouri or the 2,000 Cabela’s staff in Nebraska expect? There are many questions to be answered. This is where Missouri State University experts can help. Dr. Jeff Jones is an Assistant Professor in Finance and General Business at Missouri State. An expert in corporate finance, Dr. Jones has spoken with media previously regarding this developing business story. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview. Source:
Historically, raising wages good for governments
Atlanta recently raised its minimum wage for city workers. While some balk at the move, one expert says it can lead to a better status quo. "It has served municipalities well to set higher minimum wage rates," says Emory's Tom Smith. "Workers show higher productivity and considerably lower turn-over. Turn-over is one of the largest employment costs across public and private employment!" Source:
Meet Baylor’s nationally recognized expert on spirituality and pop culture
Why is U2 so popular across the globe? How much of our idea of heaven and hell is actually from the Bible? And why are we so obsessed with zombies? Garrett’s unique, critical look at religion and pop culture has garnered the attention of media such as Christianity Today, Austin Monthly, and even overseas in the Irish Times. If you’re someone who searches to deepen your faith and study how it fits into daily life, it’s worth taking a look at a Greg Garrett book for yourself. Source:
Baylor DACA Expert Comments on Trump's Decision to Continue 'Dreamers' Program
Professor Laura Hernández’s legal scholarship has focused on issues facing recent immigrants to the United States. She is a recognized expert on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Hernández is also the founder of the Baylor Law Immigration Clinic. To date, students volunteering at the clinic have assisted approximately 300 Waco area residents with their immigration needs. Regarding President Trump's decision to continue the Obama-era program, Hernandez said: "While it is laudable that President Trump has recognized all of the benefits that the DACA program has brought to America, it would be most reassuring if he committed that decision to an Executive Order, or even a presidential memorandum. President Trump should also consider adopting the broadened DACA program put forth in 2015, which allows more children to qualify for this invaluable prosecutorial discretion. It is time to allow these children , educated in the United States, to contribute to our country in the fullest manner possible." Source:
People who are phone snubbed – or “phubbed” – by others are, themselves, often turning to their smartphones and social media to find acceptance, according to new research from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. Building on their earlier study that phubbing can damage relationships and lead to depression, researchers Meredith David, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing, and James A. Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing, have found that the circle nearly completes itself as the offended parties frequently jump online to find affirmation in the likes and shares and positive comments of social media. Their study, “Phubbed and Alone: Phone Snubbing, Social Exclusion, and Attachment to Social Media,” is published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research. The research investigates the relationship between phubbing, social media attachment, depression, anxiety and stress. “When an individual is phubbed, he/she feels socially excluded, which leads to an increased need for attention. Instead of turning to face-to-face interaction to restore a sense of inclusion, study participants turned to social media to regain a sense of belonging,” said David, lead author of the study. “Being phubbed was also found to undermine an individual’s psychological well-being. Phubbed individuals reported higher levels of stress and depression.” “We’re looking online for what we’re not getting offline,” Roberts said. “It’s a vicious cycle.” As part of their research, David and Roberts surveyed more than 330 people across two studies. They found: * Nearly half of those who were phubbed reported spending more than 1.5 hours on their phone each day. In addition, one-quarter of those phubbed reported spending more than 90 minutes per day on social media sites. * More than one-third of phubbed individuals indicated that they turn to social media to interact with new people. * More than half of individuals who said they were phubbed indicated that social media enhances their life and makes their life better. The majority reported that people’s comments on their social media posts makes them feel affirmed and more accepted. “Although the stated purpose of technology like smartphones is to help us connect with others, in this particular instance, it does not,” David said. “Ironically, the very technology that was designed to bring humans closer together has isolated us from these very same people.” Source:
