Well, we all know the rule at the horse or dog track – watch to see who is lightest for obvious reasons at the start line. Some bet on historical trends like elections, the acorn crop, or the wooly caterpillars. Me, when the times get tough, I bet on international adult beverage makers. People drink their sorrows away and my selected company makes money.
My odd ball strategy works well, or so it seems. In addition, when I order a Guinness, I am making money with Diageo (DEO) and enjoying the cold benefits of my investment. The Samuels family business of Maker’s Mark has long been held by big corporations rotating out of Fortune Brands to now Beam, Inc. (Beam) which owns many wonderful “investments” to try.
My world is shattered when USA Today reports that even the traditional Irish pub has faltered however in the economic “troubles”. The high-flying Celtic Tiger of Ireland has gotten clipped by the Euro crisis. Pubs (they are everywhere in Ireland) are closing at the rate of one per day, they report. So, the publicans have to market, promote events, and even drive the patrons. So, it proves that a housing bubble that bursts can impact even the local pub. A spokesman for the publicans says a combination of the smoking ban, DUI crackdowns, and retail pricing allowing supermarkets to sell cheaper than the pubs have led to this sad state for the number one tourist attraction in Ireland.
Come on – help out the local bar owners and a rookie investor. Have yourself a wee nip for me.