Weekly Articles by Osbon Capital Management:
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The Incredible Shrinking Market
The New York Times published a feature article last week on our shrinking US stock market. It’s true that the number of publicly listed US securities has dropped from over 7,000 in 1996 to fewer than 3,800 today. That sounds like an economy that’s becoming less diverse, less innovative and less competitive. Is that really the case? Are these numbers a warning sign for investors? Let’s sort it out with some added context:
Four Books for Your Summer Reading List
I chose these books to address four themes that I think are valuable for successful investors. The first will help boost your optimism by viewing our progress as a society through a broader lens and a fresh perspective. The second will inspire you to be more effective when getting together with people to share ideas, investment or otherwise. The third, one of Warren Buffett’s all-time favorite investment books, will help you focus on the most effective attributes of a successful CEO. The last, by my favorite futurist, a local Boston VC, will expand your view on the real-life science fiction that is happening today in biology and genetics. Read more to see how these relate back to investing.
New Bites
Pammy’s in Cambridge was just placed on Bon Appetit’s “50 best new restaurants in America.” Designed, operated and managed by husband and wife team Chris and Pam Willis, Pammy’s has become a hot spot for fresh pasta lovers in Cambridge. The decor can be described as comfy living room meets neo-gothic Italian with marble statues, woodburning fireplaces, and a large communal…
Shall I Compare Thee…?
One of the city’s favorite annual traditions is back. With performances running until August 5th, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s production of Richard III is in full swing. The free performances are held every day except Monday and take place in the center of the Boston Common at the Band Stand.
The Competition is On
Ever wonder who’s secretly walking around as the funniest person you know? This week from Tue July 10th to Sat July 14th, Laugh Boston is hosting a competition to find the “Funniest Person in Massachusetts.” Each night a handful of comedians will compete in short standup sets for cash prizes and most importantly, bragging rights.
6 Features I’d Add To The Financial Industry
In 2013 Google’s New York office ran an experiment that replaced the normal glass M&M containers with opaque containers labeled “M&Ms.” Within seven weeks the 2,000 person office’s consumption of M&M’s had dropped by over 3.1 million calories. Without changing our willpower or discipline, we can control our healthy habits with simple changes to our environment. We should be able to do the same with our financial health by making small tweaks to our financial environment. Here are six M&M/Google inspired features I would add to our financial lives:
Return of the Circus
Cirque du Soleil is in Boston. Until August 12th, “Luzia, A Walking Dream of Mexico” is being held at Suffolk Downs. The show takes inspiration from the Spanish words for Light (Luz) and Rain (Lluvia) to create a mystical homage to Mexican culture and folklore. Tickets are available starting at 36$.
Berklee Global String Festival
Today Thursday, June 28, Berklee is celebrating global diversity in the world of string music. Join students and staff at the Berklee Performance Center for an evening of bluegrass, old-time, Arabic, jazz, fusion, and other contemporary string styles. The event starts at 7:30, tickets are 12$ and can be purchased here.
Four Points To Consider When Holding Debt
Owing money makes many people queasy, even if their assets far exceed their debts. Holding zero debt eliminates that unease and fosters a sense of robust financial safety. There’s nothing wrong with that approach if it helps you sleep at night. However, businesses use debt as leverage to increase their enterprise value faster than they could or would otherwise. Investors can use debt in the same way. Here are four points to consider when considering when and how to use debt.
