Using derivatives even when they hurt society

<i>Breakfast with Benjamin:</i> Dr. Doom gets even doomier, using derivatives even when they hurt society, more sluggish economic growth, cashing in on video surveillance, and the pros and cons of free airport Wi-Fi.
JAN 21, 2014
  • From the Davos Forum: Hedge fund manager admits he loves trading derivatives and that derivatives are bad for society. Umm, thanks? Net negative
  • Did Nouriel Roubini just predict a war between China and Japan while drawing parallels between 2014 and 1914? They don't call him Dr. Doom for nothing. The gilded age of inequality
  • Ever so slowly, the economy continues to scratch and claw its way toward something that remotely resembles a recovery. Today's data points include home sales, jobless claims, and manufacturing. The expiration of extended benefits for 1.3 million Americans
  • Global video surveillance is on the rise, and there are stocks likely to benefit. Expanding into new markets
  • Free Wi-Fi at the airport might depend on your definition of 'free,' but I still like the trend. We just need to somehow get those tight-fisted New York-area airports on board. Customers want free Wi-Fi

Latest News

Fintech bytes: Orion and Flourish bring client cash into advisor workflows
Fintech bytes: Orion and Flourish bring client cash into advisor workflows

Plus, Asset-Map partners with Contio to elevate the advisor meeting experience, and MyVest claims an innovation in portfolio management with separately managed models.

Advisor moves: LPL lands $1B group from Ameriprise
Advisor moves: LPL lands $1B group from Ameriprise

Meanwhile, Cetera has drawn advisors managing around $390 million from LPL and Commonwealth, while Raymond James' financial institutions division announces its own LPL hire in Indiana.

Bluespring Wealth snaps up $1.1B New Jersey RIA in fifth deal of 2026
Bluespring Wealth snaps up $1.1B New Jersey RIA in fifth deal of 2026

Synthesis Wealth Planning brings a fivefold asset growth story and a recently merged practice to the Bluespring fold.

Clients expect to know if you use AI, but don’t realize that their portfolios are likely exposed
Clients expect to know if you use AI, but don’t realize that their portfolios are likely exposed

Janus Henderson Investors research reveals demand for transparency, but lack of awareness of AI’s prevalence in the corporate world.

Retirement dream looking more like a luxury as cost-of-living squeezes savings
Retirement dream looking more like a luxury as cost-of-living squeezes savings

New research reveals rising expenses, forced early exits, and a widening gap between how long people live and how long their money lasts.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline