China and Vietnam Close to War

It's hard to believe 40 years after the war in Vietnam ended that these two would go to war.  Remember the NVA were being supported by China in their campaign to take South Vietnam which they eventually did with the fall of Saigon.  So here we are 40 years later and now a conflict between the two is becoming closer by the hour.   It would be rather amazing that the US, after losing thousands of troops defending South Vietnam, would now support Vietnam if they are attacked by China.   If course history suggests that this is entirely possible as Japan is an excellent example of how former enemies can become close allies.     

VIX remains near 52 Week Lows

Complacency remains high among investors based on the VIX.  Read more at
http://www.amateur-investor.net/Weekend_Market_Analysis_May_17_2014.htm

What Should the Minimum Wage Be?

There is a lot of talk the Minimum Wage should be raised.   It's rather easy to calculate what the National Minimum Wage should be based in Real Dollars.  For example in 1979 the Federal Minimum Wage was $2.90 an hour.   If we factor in inflation since that time and base it on 2013 dollars then the Federal Minimum Wage should be around $10.15 an hour.   Naturally some states should be lower or higher than this level based on the cost of living.  

Weekend Analysis for May 10th, 2014

The latest Weekend Analysis is at
http://www.amateur-investor.net/Weekend_Market_Analysis_May_10_2014A.htm

Weekend Analysis for May 3, 2014

Latest Market Analysis is at
http://www.amateur-investor.net/Weekend_Market_Analysis_May_3_2014.htm