I would semi-agree and I have wondered how much more a president makes with an additional year in office but I would guess it isnt very much more. It was well known that Bush Sr was making many seven figures after his term and if you look at Carter, he was extremely successful, especially writing books, after his only term in office.

I honestly think its just a matter of him either not caring short term or just wanting to appear unbiased, which is the right thought process.

But from the devil's advocate standpoint, here is an argument for the long term reward of the President holding treasuries (I know its convoluted):

1.)President Obama invests bulk of his funds in Treasury bonds (lets say $4 M)
2.) Because of that investment, voters are assured by the fact that he is invested in the US
3.) Because of that assurance, 300,000 new voters are swayed to vote for him
4.) Because of the new voters, he wins a new state, and is elected to a second term
5.) Because of his second term, he can write an additional book and charge more for speaking engagements
6.) Because of the book/speaking he makes an additional $5 million compared to a one term President

So, he uses the $4 M Treasury investment to become a 2 term President, which yields him an additional $5 M. I know that no one should operate their investments by that speculative logic, but it does make for an entertaining supposition...

This might be a case of addition by subtraction. That is, it might make financial sense in the long term while presenting as a poor decision short term.

I would not be surprised at all to hear the President, while on the campaign trail, say: "I believe so much in Americans and in the American economy, that I have invested the bulk of my assets in this country's debt." Some voters may look at that, and appreciate that his money is where his mouth is. So, if by making a seemingly poor financial decision (investing in treasuries while holding a high rate mortgage), he helps himself get elected to a second term, it could be a great financial decision. A second term may yield him more financial clout as a speaking draw, or give him additional fodder for a book. Just a little conjecture...

Yeah well we will see how the IPO goes. As I tell everyone, it could surge because of demand day 1, but the prospects of justifying a price close to their IPO in the near future is going to be hard.

Stock Watch Index

I do think this is better than Groupon tho bc at least FB makes money!

Thanks for the article!