In markets like the present one, it’s good to start out with a macroeconomic view of the world. And there are few better places to do so than Barry Ritholtz’ aptly named blog, The Big Picture.
Macroeconomics can be dry, but Barry Ritholtz makes the topic exciting and accessible. He has the eye of a skeptic and blends quantitative analysis with an understanding of economic and market fundamentals. The Big Picture makes good use of graphics – charts, tables and the occasional comic strip, to make even complex issues understandable. Pop culture references make it an enjoyable read. After all, how many economists count Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Vince Guaraldi and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah among their musical favorites?
But the Big Picture provides serious information. The blog voiced early warnings about the subprime credit crisis and often questions prevailing market opinions. In addition to its coverage of economics and the markets, the Big Picture provides a focus on the energy sector and digital media.
Ritholtz comes from the practitioner side of the business. He presently runs an online quant research firm, FusionIQ and publishes research through his Ritholtz Research & Analytics business. He previously was chief market strategist for the investment bank Maxim Group.
There’s no shortage of economic blogs on the web (several dozen are listed on the Big Picture blogroll) but few if any make macroeconomics as accessible and relevant as the Big Picture.
The Ten Best Financial Blogs:
10. 24/7 Wall Street
9. The Big Picture
8.
7.
6.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
