FTX collapse - First Impressions count

It is amazing how many - often sophisticated and highly intelligent - market professionals disregarded the warning signs. When meeting new people the old saying 'First impressions count' is more often than not correct. In the case of the Wunderkind Bankman-Fried my alarm bells went off the first moment I saw his photo in the media. Naturally one should not judge by outside appearance only, but at least one should take this always into consideration.
FTX collapse

The incentive for Americans to work is being undercut

Some 85 per cent of 20,000 managers surveyed by Microsoft worldwide said the shift to hybrid work made it challenging to have confidence that employees are productive. Which may be one reason workers find it attractive.

(Irwin Stelzer, TheSundayTimes, 20 November 2022)

Pressure to reduce Office Space

Given the increasing prevalence of working from home - be it part-time or full-time - will finally lead to a reassessment of the use of property assets by many employers. Why pay for lavish offices - often featuring huge empty spaces in the reception area that is just for show or to polish the image of the occupying business? Even if staff works only one day a week from home that could easily lead to a reduction of required floor space by 20 percent.