The New Era of Wealth : How Investors Can Profit from the Five Economic Trends Shaping the Future

Rating:
Summary: A Good Read!
Review: Hold on to your hat, money's coming! Brian S. Wesbury argues that a New Era is dawning, marked by increasing returns, entrepreneurial opportunities, and wealth for everyone. Wesbury draws on the last five years' most important economic ideas and takes an optimistic view of the next five years. While technology gurus will do best of all, it sounds like you and all your friends and relations will do well enough to have custom-made golf clubs and two weeks at the beach. This book satisfies several levels, from stock market pointers to useful insights into the U.S. economy. Wesbury engages some of your most commonly held, business school ideas on economics and, if you live in the United States (this is a very U.S.- oriented tome), makes you feel pretty good about your future. We [...] recommend this book to those interested in the stock and bond market, or the connection between the economy and politics. It is particularly useful if you are managing your own portfolio.


Rating:
Summary: A Must Read If You Invest
Review: I found the book to be extremely well researched, easy to read and understand, as well as factual in its thesis that we have entered a "new era" of economic growth in which the old rules of economic measurements (such as the Phillips curve)are outdated and erroneous. He provides the reader with the five elements or trends that have contributed to the economic phenomenon America has experienced the last four years (1996-1999) in which the country has seen remarkable growth with very little inflation. He cites much economic history to prove his point. His thesis, which I believe is correct, is that America has indeed entered a new era of long economic prosperity, and those who understand what is making this happen, can profit. I highly recommend it as a must read for anyone who has money in any kind of investments. It's an excellent forecast on what America's future over the next few years will be, as well as an accurate education in fundamental economics. It also accomplishes this in a way that makes the book interesting to read--which for a book on economics--is out of the ordinary!

Rating:
Summary: Economics by anecdote
Review: This is a cursory review of key macroeconomic themes that are likely to affect investors over the next several years. However, the authors perspective is not terribly well supported by any evidence and is ideologically skewed. His support relies on "soft" (i.e., not mathematical or rigorous) ancient economists. Most informed readers will find the conclusions either obvious, cliche, or self-evident. That said, the conclusions are not wrong, but not a paradigm shift of any sort.