What Really Ails American Capitalism
If the political discourse manages to move past its obsession with buybacks, there are plenty of real issues that investors should be watching closely
It should be easy for critics of American capitalism to explain what is wrong after a decade where corporate profits and stock prices soared while wages barely rose.
Instead, Sens. Chuck Schumer, (D., N.Y.) and Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) are going after share buybacks. They say that companies prefer their own stock to the good things society wants, such as corporate investment, higher wages, paid sick leave, better health-care benefits and even worker training.
...