 | |  | | | | Die, Capitalism, Die! |  | By Alex Moschina, Associate Publisher |
| Whelp, looks like things have gone from bad to even worse...
According to the 2020 Social Progress Index, the U.S. is in big trouble.
Among other issues, our nation's high homicide rate, low access to quality healthcare and dismal education system have us ranked 28th out of 193 countries.
In fact, the Social Progress Imperative (the folks behind the index) say we're in a tougher spot today than when they started collecting data in 2011.
Capitalists point to the steady rise of socialist programs in America.
Fans of socialism put the blame on capitalism. "While the rich get richer, common people are hurting!" they tweet.
Interestingly, despite all of America's listed failings, we are ranked No. 1 in terms of internet access and mobile phone subscriptions.
But I digress...
Die, Capitalism, Die!
The topic of capitalism has become quite divisive in America, especially among our nation's youth.
A Gallup Poll found that less than half of folks between the ages of 18 and 29 hold a favorable view of capitalism.
At the same time, more than half of today's kids live in a home where at least one person depends on some form of government assistance.
"It makes sense," Andy wrote on Thursday. "When folks grow up in a household that depends on a government safety net... they're more than comfortable when they hold their noses and jump right back into it."
Indeed. It's an alluring promise: Work less... get more of what everyone else has. Heck, throw that on a campaign sticker and you might just get yourself elected!
It's no wonder capitalism is on life support.
Where America Is Still No. 1
But there is one area where - thanks to capitalism - the U.S. still ranks No. 1.
It's an area that, not surprisingly, the Social Progress Index doesn't recognize... U.S. financial markets.
For all our flaws, the rest of the world sure does like to bet on America.
More money flows through the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange than any other global exchange. On the NYSE alone, between 2 billion and 6 billion shares are traded every single day.
Investors from all over flock to U.S. markets. But... why?
Simple.
Because they're profitable.
If you'd spread $100 across the NYSE Composite three decades ago, your initial stake would be worth $720 today. A whopping 620% return.
Every $5,000 would be worth $36,000.
Every $10,000 would be worth $72,000.
And that rate of return would be the same whether you were born rich or poor... advantaged or disadvantaged... capitalist or socialist.
Our nation's education system (what's left of it, anyway) doesn't talk about stocks. It doesn't talk about the fact that U.S. markets are the greatest long-term wealth generator in history. And it certainly doesn't show how, thanks to innovations like commission-free trading and fractional shares, it's never been easier to invest.
That lack of knowledge is a big part of what's keeping so many folks poor.
And it's why Manward focuses so tightly on giving folks the tools they need to become better, smarter investors.
If there's a specific investing topic we can clear up, or if you'd just like to tell us how much you're enjoying Manward, shoot us an email here. | | | | | |
| When we are confronted with problems in life, we often attribute them to things like evil or greed. But if you ask Joel Salatin, it actually comes down to something much simpler. It's an idea that, according to Joel, we can see "in our families, our communities and our entire culture." Find out what it is here. | | | | | | |
| Next week, the members of the Fed will gather once again to decide what steps they must take to keep our flatlining economy alive and kicking. With Jay Powell already warning that it will "get harder from here," it's sure to be another fun-filled event. But why wait to find out what's next? Andy has already shared his prediction of what's to come. Click here to check it out. | | | | | | |
"If socialists understood economics they wouldn't be socialists."
- Friedrich Hayek, Economist and Philosopher |
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