David L. Smith is an economist and futurist whose views have intrigued U.S., Canadian and international audiences over the past 20 years. Combining disciplines not often found together -- mathematics, history, science, politics, philosophy -- Mr. Smith enlivens his presentations with original, thought-provoking insight. Focusing on the critical role of energy and technology in defining the human enterprise, Mr. Smith analyzes the “megacycles of economic history” as a prelude to the future. Describing the transformation of the global economy presently underway, Mr. Smith provides logical and useful predictions about the economic and social conditions we are likely to encounter as we begin the 21st century.
As author of Cyclical Investing since 1984, Mr. Smith has been described as a “contrarian” because so many of his market predictions have run counter to the prevailing views at the time. Among his predictions:
• The oil price collapse of 1986 and the accompanying surge in the economy and prices of stocks and bonds
• The stock market crash of 1987
• The resiliency of the U.S. economy and stock market in 1988 and 1989 following the crash
• The Gulf War and spike in oil prices in 1990-1991
• The drop in stock prices in late 1990 following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait
• The stock market correction of 1994.
• The stock market correction in 1998
• The sideways drift of the Dow in 1999
Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mr. Smith graduated from Dartmouth College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree with honors in Economics. After serving as a U.S. Naval officer, he attended the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he was awarded his master’s degree with distinction in Finance. His broad perspective on the world economy and financial markets was gained through a 30-year career in the investment arena including securities analysis, mergers and acquisitions and securites underwriting. Since 1980, he has written and lectured extensively about the future and the relationships between economic cycles and investments. He is frequently quoted in the financial press, appearing on CNBC, PBS and numerous local TV and radio stations.
David L. Smith publishes a quarterly newsletter, Cyclical Investing, and bi-weekly e-mail service, offering Contrarian Insight and Cyclical Economic and Market Forecasts: "The most valuable information you will ever get, the most expensive advice you will ever ignore."
Articles written by David L. Smith
