Forefront | Blog
NFL Playoffs Economics
What are the economics of hosting a National Football League (NFL) playoff game for franchises? After a 32-year drought, the Detroit Lions are finding out with (at least) two home playoff games. Patrick O’Keefe provides a breakdown of the NFL’s… Continue Reading
Retailers Brace for Holiday Returns
The holidays are in full swing, and a new year is fast approaching. Which means an onslaught of holiday shopping both in-store and online. Even with credit card balances and rates at an all-time high, shoppers are expected to spend… Continue Reading
Investment Fraud Mitigation
American consumers lost approximately $3.8 billion to investment fraud in 2022 according to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Michigan ranked #19 nationwide with $38.6 million lost and 412 victims due to investment scams. That’s an average of $94,000 per… Continue Reading
Office Real Estate Faces Unprecedented Vacancy
Pounded by remote work and declining tenant demand for space, the US office sector experienced an office vacancy rate of 18.4% in the third quarter of this year. Although return-to-office mandates are increasingly common, companies are rapidly downsizing their offices…. Continue Reading
Holiday Spending & Where the Economy is Heading
Despite 22-year record-high interest rates and ongoing murmurs of recession, consumer spending this holiday season is expected to increase year-over-year from 2022. Wherever the data lands, holiday spending will be a great insight into consumers’ financial health and offer broader… Continue Reading
The FTX Scandal
Massive, headline-making frauds like the Madoff, Theranos and, most recently, FTX scandals have sent shockwaves resulting in billions of dollars of losses to investors. The FTX scandal was perpetrated by Sam Bankman-Fried, also referred to as SBF, resulting in the… Continue Reading
Cannabis Receivership – What to Know as a Lender or Investor
Recently I spoke on a panel that highlighted the murky waters ahead for operators and investors in the cannabis sector. In a competitive market, cannabis operators may find themselves behind the 8-ball. With no federal bankruptcy protection afforded to plant-touching… Continue Reading
10-Year Treasury Yield
Recent changes in the bond market have spooked investors and renewed fears of a recession, At the center of the storm is the 10-year Treasury yield, one of the most influential numbers in finance. The yield, which represents borrowing costs… Continue Reading
Amazon Sued Over Anti-Competitive Practices
Amazon has been sued by the Federal Trade Commission and regulators in 17 states for allegations that it inflates online prices and overcharges sellers to stifle competition. Brian Vargason breaks down the lawsuit, which hopes to force Amazon to loosen… Continue Reading
What is the Value of a College Degree?
What is the TRUE value of a college degree in 2023? Looking at the average annual in-state tuition, room and board, and additional fees at Michigan’s top three universities (via U.S. News & World Report) and the average starting salary… Continue Reading