I've subscribed to the Economist for about 6 months now. I was always aware of the magazine as having solid economic information and a hefty subscription price. I became acquainted with the magazine in my Chiropractor's office. I saw a coupon for 6 moths for $48 so I bought it.
I had my concerns as to whether it would be worth it as I really don't have time for a great deal of reading.
On the other hand, I'm, hopefully, less than 10 years from retirement from my day job and so I'm concerned with building and preserving my retirement funds. International diversification is part of that - and international economic trends could affect my investments.
Next was the issue of being a world citizen. We do have a concern about terrorism and the safety of the Middle East. I am not sure that I am getting the full story of what is happening overseas, what with Bush's arrogant and badly mistaken charges into Iraq and the liberal bias in the American media. In addition, I had learned on my own that the massive coverage of the situation in Palestine pretty much excludes a heavily oppressed group, the Palestinian Christians.
I've been pleasantly surprised at the magazine so far. It does a great job of:
- International economics and finances. The most recent issue had coverage on the Societe General fraud, Japan's export-led economy and Asian emerging markets
- Plenty of US coverage including McClain's surge, Thompson's exit and the Clinton's. Past issues were detailed enough to include the Chicago transit crisis
- Lots of on the war in Iraq, plus this issue included an in-depth article on the Gaza Strip blockade.
- Plenty of insight on events in Pakistan and Afghanistan
- European coverage including the teetering Italian government and the Vatican
- A thought-provoking article on whether monetary policy works. My grad school professors would not have agreed, but it was a solid analysis.
They also have sections on science and technology, the arts and economic indicators.
These are just a sample.
I've benefited tremendously from learning about trends in world securities markets. I also appreciate a European perspective on the US. Our current administration has done an awful job of being a citizen of the world. We are regarded as arrogant and uncooperative, an assessment that, frankly, I think has some truth to it.
I do not have time to read every issue in its entirety. However, I do find several articles worth reading in each issue and I find that valuable.
I've found the reporting to be reasonably balanced, although economic analyses tend to be from in an industrialized, slightly conservative Western European perspective. Still, it's a much different perspective than what I am used to.
Another con is the price. The best renewal rates average around $100 a year. That's an awful lot for a weekly magazine.
I think it's worth it, though, and will be renewing my subscription
5 stars
Thanks for reading. God bless!
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Please also check out this related review:
Prudent Speculator Investment Magazine
The Economist
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