Six-Chart Sunday (#5)
6 Infographics from the week + 1 interview (Innovator/Investor Marc Andreessen)
1. Age of Anxiety: Few world leaders enjoy approval ratings over 50%, fueled by global populism & distrust of institutions.
Food-flation Hits 3-Decade High: In 2023, U.S. consumers spent 11.3% of their disposable personal income on food, the most since 1991.
Productivity Looks Promising: An increase in total factor productivity in back-to-back quarters gives economists hope for a truly “soft landing” and sustained economic growth.
WFH WTF: Job applicants increasingly have to choose between going with the biggest paycheck or getting to stay home.
China Chilled FDI: Foreign companies are pulling money out of the country due to geopolitical tensions and more attractive interest rates elsewhere.
The Donation Divide: Mechanics and truck drivers give to Trump, while professors and scientists support Biden.
VIDEO
My interview with legendary innovator and investor Marc Andreessen
Thank you for an excellent interview.
Bruce,
FDI is “foreign direct investment” which is when foreigners either build plant and equipment or purchase existing infrastructure directly. The level of interest rates should not have a meaningful effect. After all if an investor is willing to submit to foreign regulations and risk expropriation the level of interest rates is a minor concern. FDI is falling in part to geopolitical tensions but is also under pressure due to uncertainty surrounding regulation. The raids conducted last year and reports of preventing foreigners from leaving are probably sending investors elsewhere.
On the other hand portfolio investment would be affected by interest rates.
A different rate environment probably won’t bring FDI back. But a new general secretary might