The Oil Factor

In this summary you will learn

• Why inflation due to inadequate worldwide oil production is virtually inevitable
• Why the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank cannot sharply curtail inflation by increasing interest rates
• Which oil indicator tells you when to move in and out of equity positions
• How to tailor your investment strategy in an era of high inflation

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Why you should read The Oil Factor

Authors Stephen and Donna Leeb present a compelling futuristic investment scenario that leaves you thinking, "You know, they just may be right." Their approach avoids the sky-is-falling, bus-rushing-toward-the-precipice breathlessness that is common to many books that predict impending doom and gloom. The authors escape slipping on that particular patch of oil by basing their conclusions on established facts and keen analysis. For example, they rely on the widely accepted principle of Hubbert’s Law when they assert that worldwide oil production will soon begin to decline. That’s hardly news, but they take it a step further. They predict rising oil prices will spur inflation and the Fed will be unable to jack up interest rates to dampen it. High consumer indebtedness and the profound need to keep home values high (which props up consumer spending - the real engine that fuels American prosperity) will render the vaunted Fed feckless. Is it true? Well, about once a decade an Armageddon-is-coming book emerges that ought to be read by every investor, if only so that you know enough about what might happen to dodge it. getAbstract.com says this may be the one. One thing is clear regarding the global economic engine: it’s time to check the oil.

About the Authors

Stephen Leeb, the author of four previous books, is president of Leeb Capital Management. He is editor of The Complete Investor newsletter. Donna Leeb, his wife and collaborator, is a business writer. The couple also co-authored Defying the Market.