The fundamental problem with banks is what it's always been: they're in the business of banking, and banking, whether plain vanilla or incredibly sophisticated, is inherently risky. James Surowiecki bankbusinessfundamental Change image and share on social
What the investment community does like is short-term measures designed to boost share prices. James Surowiecki boostcommunitydesign Change image and share on social
The value of a currency is, ultimately, what someone will give you for it - whether in food, fuel, assets, or labor. And that's always and everywhere a subjective decision. James Surowiecki assetcurrencydecision Change image and share on social
Politically speaking, it's always easier to shell out money for a disaster that has already happened, with clearly identifiable victims, than to invest money in protecting against something that may or may not happen in the future. James Surowiecki disastereasyfuture share on social
The stock market has an insidious effect on C.E.O.s' moods, because of its impact not just on their companies but on their own bank accounts. James Surowiecki accountbankcompany Change image and share on social
Steve Jobs was rare: a C.E.O. who actually had a huge impact on his company's fortunes. Contrary to corporate mythology, most C.E.O.s could be easily replaced, if not by your average Joe, then by your average executive vice-president. But Jobs genuinely earned the label of superstar. James Surowiecki averagecompanycontrary share on social
If you thought the advent of the Internet, the spread of cheap and efficient information technology, and the growing fragmentation of the consumer market were all going to help smaller companies thrive at the expense of the slow-moving giants of the Fortune 500, apparently you were wrong. James Surowiecki adventapparentlycheap share on social
A consumer-finance agency is a good thing, but it would do well to teach consumers a simple lesson: if you don't understand the deal you're making, don't make it. James Surowiecki agencyconsumerdeal Change image and share on social
In order to work well, markets need a basic level of trust. James Surowiecki basiclevelmarket Change image and share on social
From a social point of view, it's beneficial that homeownership encourages commitment to a given town or city. But, from an economic point of view, it's good for people to be able to leave places where there's less work and move to places where there's more. James Surowiecki beneficialcitycommitment share on social