the biography of Hjalmar Schacht – Hitler’s Banker, by John Weitz, Little Brown and Company, NY, 1997, there are many interesting stories in the book. One particular interesting one is why was World War 1 started? From the history books at the end of June a Crown Prince was assassinated, but nothing exciting happened. It was investigated however, all the countries were not getting along with each other or did not trust each other. Soon countries were drawing lines in the sand, which nobody thought would be crossed as well as to show its citizens back home they were prepared to take a stand. All the European countries had various reasons to “poke” their neighbours. By August each government never thought a world war would develop, nor was there any particular reason to go to war, except the leaders thought it would be a short one.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, all companies and the people that work within them think they are the best and do a good job. Some people hate the competition, with a passion, when that passion over steps good judgement, companies follow paths to fight the competition at the moment rather than serving their customers. Years ago, consumers were more loyal, now days it means an opportunity to look around at other providers. If you own shares in a company that hates its competition too much, look to move your shares to another company. The company may still be profitable but eventually it will need a change of management and restructuring.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions