Articles for author: Jack Smith, B.Sc. Economics

Why Passive Investing Still Dominates Despite Market Volatility

Why Passive Investing Still Dominates Despite Market Volatility

The Surprising Strength of Simplicity The Surprising Strength of Simplicity (image credits: pixabay) Most people believe that investing needs to be complicated, full of endless research and quick decisions. Yet, the more the world changes and markets swing wildly, the more investors rush toward something surprisingly simple: passive investing. In the midst of headlines shouting ...

How Climate Risk Is Factoring Into Wealth Planning

How Climate Risk Is Factoring Into Wealth Planning

The Startling New Reality of Climate and Wealth The Startling New Reality of Climate and Wealth (image credits: unsplash) Picture this: wildfires sweep through a wealthy suburb, reducing million-dollar homes to ashes. Coastal mansions, once thought to be safe investments, now tremble on the edge as rising seas eat away the shoreline. This is not ...

How Green Energy Is Driving International Investment Trends

How Green Energy Is Driving International Investment Trends

A Surging Green Wave: Why the World Is Investing Differently A Surging Green Wave: Why the World Is Investing Differently (image credits: unsplash) Imagine a world where cities are powered by sunlight, winds sweep across fields turning turbines, and rivers generate electricity silently. This is not a distant dream anymore—it’s quickly becoming reality. The unstoppable ...

Where Homeownership Has Become Less Affordable—and Why

Where Homeownership Has Become Less Affordable—and Why

Rising Home Prices Rising Home Prices (image credits: unsplash) In recent years, the United States has witnessed a dramatic surge in home prices, turning the dream of homeownership into a distant reality for many. The National Association of Realtors reported that the median existing-home price reached an astonishing $350,300 in August 2023, marking a 14.9% ...

What Slower Growth in China Could Mean for U.S. Exports

What Slower Growth in China Could Mean for U.S. Exports

Overview of China’s Economic Growth Overview of China’s Economic Growth (image credits: unsplash) China’s economic growth has long been a force to be reckoned with, significantly impacting global trade dynamics. However, recent years have seen a slowdown. The National Bureau of Statistics of China reported a drop in GDP growth to just 3% in 2022, ...

How Grocery Inflation Is Forcing Budget Adjustments Nationwide

How Grocery Inflation Is Forcing Budget Adjustments Nationwide

Understanding Grocery Inflation Understanding Grocery Inflation (image credits: pixabay) Grocery inflation is a term that has become familiar to many. It refers to the increasing cost of food and household items over time. As of 2023, the United States has witnessed a substantial rise in grocery prices, with an inflation rate of about 10% year-over-year. ...

How Real Estate Compares to Stocks in 2025 Investment Returns

How Real Estate Compares to Stocks in 2025 Investment Returns

Historical Performance of Real Estate vs. Stocks Historical Performance of Real Estate vs. Stocks (image credits: unsplash) Historically, real estate and stocks have both been attractive options for investors seeking long-term gains. The Federal Reserve has documented that real estate generally appreciates at an annual rate of 3-4%, whereas the S&P 500 often yields returns ...