How long is it before you expect to receive a pension? How much do you hope it is going to be? These are key questions for all of us. And, of course, they are key for companies as well. They can only sell to people who need – and can afford – their products and […]
Chemicals and the Economy
Low interest rates mean US Boomers face difficult retirement
There are 46m people aged over 65 in the USA today, and there will be 56m by 2020, according to recent US Census Bureau data. By comparison, the number of those aged under 18 will be static over the same period at around 75m. And by 2035, there will be more people aged over-65 than under-18 […]
ECB gives a figleaf for politicians to hide behind
It is impossible to overstate the seriousness of today’s threat from deflation. Policymakers refuse to accept that demographic change can create an economic impact. Instead, they want to believe that increasing debt can somehow stimulate growth. The Financial Times has kindly headlined the blog’s letter on this subject as its lead letter. June 10, 2014 […]
Will the US housing slump impact chemicals?
Housing and autos have always been key drivers for the US chemicals industry. We should be concerned if the housing market weakens further.
Hedge fund woes and the chemical industry
The US Senate thinks the Amaranth hedge fund increased the costs of natural gas futures contracts last year. Any pension funds invested in Bear Stearns’ hedge funds might want to check on the current value of their holdings.