The Oil Factor: Protect Yourself from the Coming Energy Crisis - Softcover

Stephen Leeb is the President of Leeb Capital Management. An academic prodigy and Ph.D. with degrees in Economics, Mathematics and Psychology from the Wharton School of Business and the University of Illinois, he has authored four previous books. His wife and longtime collaborator, Donna Leeb, has a diversified background in business and journalism.

Stephen Leeb, editor of the "Complete Investor" newsletter, believes the U.S. economy is headed for a significant fall because of a severe shortage of oil, which has been inextricably tied to the economy for the past 30 years. Leeb, author of several books including Getting In on the Ground Floor (also co-written with wife Donna), believes the country must become less dependent on oil imports over the long term. Meanwhile, though, Leeb advises individuals to choose investments based on the longstanding relationship between oil prices and the stock market. He has a number of solid observations based on an examination of the past 30 years of stock performance and oil prices: "Since 1973, the economy and stock market have danced to oil's tune. Sharp rises in oil prices have led to recession/stagflation and plummeting stocks, while declining prices or prices that are just mildly uptrended have led to good times." Leeb provides a great deal of historic context and analyzes industries, selected companies, and other investment choices such as bonds and Treasury notes. Leeb's thesis is well researched, and the book offers a solid, concise overview of the economy and stock trends. Still, given the uncertainty of the stock market-and the lack of job security-readers should consider Leeb's strategies carefully before overhauling their portfolios.
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