Articles
How To Stop Living on Autopilot—and Other Lessons Learned
In our latest editorial, QBR Senior Finance Editor Ben Kavanagh unveils the transformative power of intentional living. Through personal anecdotes and a deep dive into self-help wisdom, Kavanagh challenges the notion that busyness equals success, advocating instead for a life led with purpose. He explores the significance of swift decision-making, the resilience found in embracing failure, and the strategic alignment of one's efforts with innate strengths. Highlighting the importance of community and genuine self-reflection, this piece encourages readers to step off autopilot and navigate towards a fulfilling, consciously chosen path.
How Canada’s Housing Inflation Numbers & Policy Ignores New Homeowners
In our latest finance editorial, QBR Editor Petar Mijacevic delves into the Bank of Canada's method for measuring inflation in housing, and how it has produced a disconnect between reporting housing inflation and the actual rise in housing costs for new and prospective Canadian homeowners and renters. Through the lens of the current inflationary and high interest rate environment, Mijacevic discusses how this has affected the Bank of Canada's monetary policy decisions and how to move forward in measuring housing inflation.
The Role of Government in Corporate Social Responsibility - DRC Conflict Minerals Explained
In our latest editorial, QBR Editor Charvi Guduru navigates the intricate issue of conflict minerals in the DRC, analyzing the intersection of government policy and corporate ethics. Highlighting the dual-edged sword of mineral wealth versus societal cost, the article evaluates the efficacy of measures like the Dodd-Frank Act's Section 1502 in mitigating the adverse impacts of mineral extraction. Guduru advocates for enhanced transparency, rigorous regulation, and greater public engagement to ensure that government policy reflect national ESG targets. The article reconnects policy with corporate actions to contribute positively to social sustainability and help to end the cycle of exploitation in the DRC.
From Boardwalk to Wall Street: Monopoly’s Investment Lessons
In our latest editorial, QBR Editor Evan Marriott delves into the unexpected wisdom found within the iconic game of Monopoly, revealing its hidden lessons on investment and economics. Marriott uncovers how this beloved board game mirrors real-world financial strategies, teaching players about diversification, liquidity, risk management, and the importance of strategic planning. Through the game's simulated property market, players experience firsthand the principles of asset allocation and the balancing act between aggressive investment and financial prudence. Marriott articulates how Monopoly’s gameplay, from managing a portfolio of properties to navigating economic shifts, serves as a metaphor for the broader financial markets, offering insights into managing investments and understanding economic dynamics.
Argentina’s Bold Leap into Right-Wing Economic Reform
In our final segment of our Geo Spotlight Series, QBR Editors Amin Nazari and Gefen Shpil engage in a thought-provoking debate on the shift towards right-wing economic policies under Javier Milei's leadership. In a first-of-its-kind ‘debate style’ format, the co-authors of this article propose two possible views regarding the possible outcomes of Mileli's fiscal policies. Shpil argues in favor, championing Milei's radical reforms as necessary 'shock therapy' to revitalize Argentina's floundering economy through deregulation, privatization, and dollarization. Contrarily, Nazari presents a cautionary perspective, questioning the precipitous and potentially perilous impacts of such drastic measures on Argentina's social fabric and economic stability. Their dynamic exchange sheds light on the complexities of Milei's policies, exploring the fine line between economic revival and societal upheaval. This article not only dissects the ideological battleground reshaping Argentina but also invites readers to consider the broader implications of such bold economic experimentation in a historically volatile region.
A Tango of Oil Money and Prosperity
In our second segment of the Geo Spotlight Series, Philip Russ and Simon Ing explore the transformative impact of the oil industry on Latin America's economic giants. This thought-provoking article traces the journey from the early promise of wealth and progress to the challenges of the 'oil curse,' where abundance sometimes leads to economic downturns and corruption. The authors examine the shifting fortunes of Venezuela, Mexico, Guyana, and Brazil, revealing how geopolitical strategies, management practices, and international dynamics influence each country's path. Their analysis invites reflection on the future of energy, the potential for sustainable development, and the delicate balance between exploiting natural resources and fostering long-term national growth.
Powering the Future: Navigating the Lithium Triangle's Role in the Global Energy Revolution
In our latest editorial and first segment of our GeoSpotlight series, QBR Editors Navroz Mehta and Tomas Serrano delve into the heart of the Lithium Triangle—spanning Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile—as a linchpin in the quest for sustainable energy. This insightful piece reveals lithium's pivotal role in the global green tech revolution, confronting the climate crisis with what's been termed 'white gold.' The authors navigate the geopolitical, economic, and environmental landscapes that frame lithium's pivotal extraction, its profound impact on indigenous communities, and the global energy paradigm. Through their analysis, Mehta and Serrano craft a compelling discussion on the journey towards a carbon-neutral future, underscoring the complex interplay of harvesting lithium to power the green revolution.
The Yemeni Puzzle: Proxy Wars, Power Plays, and Prospects for Peace
In our latest editorial, QBR Digital Strategy Officer and Editor Amin Nazari delves into the intricate geopolitics of Yemen, revealing how this conflict is a microcosm of broader regional power struggles. Nazari adeptly unpacks the deep-rooted rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, showcasing how their contention fuels Yemen's ongoing war. He brings to light Yemen's strategic significance, probing the involvement of major world powers like the USA, China, and Russia in this international chess game. He also focuses on the dire humanitarian consequences of the conflict, calling for a critical reassessment of global politics, advocating for solutions that prioritize human welfare above strategic interests and political maneuvering.
Control Behind the Curtains: The Big Pharma Show in the Canadian Political System
In our latest editorial, Dhruv Shah, QBR's Senior Politics Editor examines Big Pharma's deep-seated influence on Canadian politics. His article focuses on the industry's role in healthcare policy-making, especially regarding vaccine patents and the Canada Pharmacare Act. Highlighting concerns about lobbying and the 'revolving door' phenomenon, Shah questions whether corporate interests are overriding public health priorities in Canada's political decisions.
Social Media’s Role in Turning Lies to Likes
In our latest editorial, QBR Technology Editor Isaac Moore paints a picture of the severity of the current fake news crisis by exploring the fundamentals of social media algorithms and how they are elevating the distribution of misinformation. Social Media's Role in Turning Lies to Likes calls out the problems with the programming behind our favorite social media apps, while describing the steps society needs to take to prevent the surreptitious spread of fake news online.