Trading Perspectives: An Economic Podcast

As legalization becomes more and more accepted in some states, many people are becoming interested in pot stocks.  In this week's episode John and Sam discuss the likelihood of our nation's overall acceptance of Marijuana.  Are pot stocks a good investment?  What is the difference between decriminalization and legalization?  Which one would have a larger effect on the economy?

On February 7, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others in the democratic party introduced the Green New Deal. Aimed to increase economic equality and climate change, the GND will require drastic changes. This week John and Sam argue the reality of the deal and whether it is economically sound. How will it affect real estate?  How will it affect individuals? Who will pay for it?  Generally speaking, th...

In the oil-rich country of Venezuela the battle for presidency continues. Once the wealthiest country in Latin America, the severe humanitarian crisis, caused by the United Socialist party of Venezuela, has forced millions of people to flee overseas in an effort to escape starvation, medicinal shortages, and hyperinflation.  Given the current economic state, does America have an obligation to get...

In episode 23 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam focus on a short story called Harrison Bergeron, published in 1961 by Kurt Vonnegut. In this story everyone is equal and everything is fair. Although unfortunate, not everyone is created equal in terms of economic capability. As today's media outlets continue to talk about reducing inequalities, John and Sam discuss the potential economic outcome...

This week, John and Sam talk about negative interest rates in Europe. Negative interest rates generally occur during harsh economic times when a country's central bank is forced to utilize the monetary policy tool. Simply put, the lender pays the borrower in order to stimulate economic growth. What exactly does that mean and what does it have to do with us? Will rising rates impact the economy? Fi...

In episode 21 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam make specific predictions about everything from the government shut down to sports. This past year we heard a lot about GDP, federal rate hikes, Brexit, etc. What can we expect in 2019? What factors will have the greatest impact on our economy? And how long will the shut down last?

Trading perspectives is back! After a crazy end to 2018, John and Sam pick up where they left off with episode 20. In this episode they discuss the first week of the new year and the continuing volatility in the markets. What can we expect to see in 2019 and when will the volatility begin to subside?

In episode 19 of Trading Perspectives John and Sam discuss the overall dissatisfaction with G7 political leaders. Although this issue doesn't receive much media coverage, America is not alone in feeling a lack of confidence toward our leaders. How much of this dissatisfaction is driven by technology? Is our ability to easily share opinions through social media playing a role in the global disconte...

In episode 18 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam discuss the recent market volatility and the potential reasons for it. You have all heard the talk about trade wars, immigrant caravans, Brexit, and a whole host of other excuses. Could there be a bigger issue? Could it be that it has been so long since we haven't had our foot on the gas we don't know how to respond?

Roll Tide Roll and gross domestic product. With Alabama playing in the SEC Championship over the weekend, episode 17 of Trading Perspectives focuses on the impact college football has on the economy, especially in the state of Alabama. Does the investment we make in our teams of choice effect more than our own entertainment? Does overall spending actually increase when teams are winning?

In episode 16 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam discuss raising minimum wage, a topic that has been debated for years. Based on recent studies by the US Census Bureau, many states have decided to pay a minimum wage of $15.00/hr instead of the federal rate of $7.25.  Would a higher minimum wage be good for the economy overall?

In episode 15 of Trading Perspectives John and Sam talk about the biggest shopping day of the year known as Black Friday.  Where did the term Black Friday come from?  Is it still as relevant to consumers and how does it compare to Cyber Monday? 

In episode 14 of Trading Perspectives, local business owner, Bew White, talks to John and Sam about what it's like to be the largest importer in the state of Alabama during the trade war.   Mr. White is the owner of outdoor furniture company, Summer Classics, and imports products from China on a regular basis.  How are the tariffs impacting his bottom line?  Is the trade war effecting his relation...

With the Mid-Term Elections less than 24 hours away, John and Sam discuss a variety of different outcomes and the possible impact on the economy in 2019.  Will the democrats take the house as predicted in the polls? Find out what John and Sam are predicting in this week's episode of Trading Perspectives. 

When the Mega Millions lottery hit a world record high at $1.6 billion, many people, including host John Norris, rushed out to buy tickets in hopes that they could be the next lucky winner. In episode 12 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam debate over buying lottery tickets. Is it support for a good cause, good for the economy, or a flat-out waste of money? Feeling lucky? You could be the winner...

Given the recent volatility in the market, many people are expressing a growing concern for the future of the global economy.  Between the midterm elections, rising interest rates, trade wars and the federal reserve many are left wondering what will have the largest impact.  In episode 11 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam talk about the areas they see as a concern and the likely impact we can...

As John and Sam record episode 10 of Trading Perspectives, Hurricane Michael is wreaking havoc on parts of Florida's gulf coast and heading towards Georgia. Outside of the white sandy beaches and beautiful vacation homes, Florida is home to many farms, orchards and fisheries. While many individuals and businesses will suffer from the wake of Hurricane Michael, others will benefit. How can Florida...

We can all agree that trade is good. More trade is better than no trade. In episode 9 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam discuss the purpose of a trade war and the rising pressure Trump is putting on China after striking a deal with Mexico and Canada. How was the USMCA deal able to be completed while China continues to push back? Could China's opposition be driven in part by ego or the oppositi...

With the exit of Instagram's CEO Kevin Systrom and CTO Mike Krieger, many companies are left wondering what role social media is going to have moving forward. In Episode 8 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam discuss the different aspects of social media that are causing concern and how relevant social media platforms are going to be given the amount of control Mark Zuckerberg has over Facebook. ...

In episode 7, John and Sam talk about the upcoming Brexit, short for British Exit. Just what will happen IF the European Union and the British can't see eye to eye on their impending, um, divorce? Will it be the end of the global economy as we know it? Will it be Britain against the Continent, again? Will the US even feel it?

Today's workforce generally puts a lot of value on social and environmental efforts of their employer. In episode 6 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam talk about the social responsibility of companies like Nike and Starbucks and whether or not companies have a responsibility to put benefits to society over those of the company. On the flip side, are corporate social efforts driven by a strategi...

The average age of US citizens is rising.  In episode 5 of Trading Perspectives, Baby Boomer John Norris and co-host Sam Clement, Gen Z, discuss generational changes in the American workforce. In 1950 the economy had at it's disposal 8.1 people of working age for each person of retirement age. By 2030 that ratio is expected to have shrunk to just over 5.0.   In 1950 the average age of the American...

Episode 4 of Trading Perspectives is the 2nd of our 2 part discussion on sin taxes.   John and Sam dive deeper into the sugary products discussed in episode 3 and just how much money they actually cost on annual basis. Sam provides statistics surrounding the amount of money the government spends on healthcare in relation to the sugary foods we consume daily.  Should we, as consumers, be dependent...

In episode 3 of Trading Perspectives, John Norris and co-host Sam Clement discuss the taxes on unhealthy goods and services.  How much is too much and should the government be able to dictate the food we eat?  This episode dives deep into the sugary products that sin taxes are placed on (in addition to alcohol and tobacco) and just how beneficial these optional taxes are to the economy and the con...

In episode 2 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam discuss the productivity of American workers and the impact of new technology on today's workforce.