Facing a Slowdown

Published: December 31, 2005, By Robert W. Marsh, Contributing Editor

As the US begins 2006, the economy is facing a slowdown. Last year’s increase in interest rates alone is enough to cause a slowdown in economic activity. On top of that, when you add the very large increase in energy prices, it exacerbates the situation.

Hit the Brakes!

Published: December 31, 2004, By Robert W. Marsh, Contributing Editor

Petroleum literally and figuratively lubricates the world’s business. Petroleum products are everywhere: from the gasoline pump to the frames for eyeglasses to flexible packaging materials, the computer mouse that steers computers, and the bottles that hold soft drinks and filtered water. These are only five of the thousands of products made with and from petroleum all over the world. That’s why the rise in the price of crude oil hurts.