FEI Weekly

November 20, 2017

The shift from Silicon Valley to the Midwest, and how boards can protect their company against cyber attacks.

Investors Turn From Silicon Valley to Midwest

New York Times - Paywall

Investors see plenty of potential in the Midwest. Every major Midwestern city now has a clusters of start-up accelerators and incubators. Local entrepreneurs and big investors are scouting the Midwest for start-up investments that range up to tens of millions of dollars.

Why More CFOs Are Taking on CEO Roles

Economic Times

A recent study shows that the number of CFOs moving into the CEO role has increased 20% over the last 3 years. Experts say the change in preferences is due to today's business environment, where margins are always under pressure.

The Recession Indicator the Fed Shouldn't Ignore

Business Insider

In the past, including before the Great Recession of 2007-2009, an inverted yield curve, where long-term interest rates fall below their short-term counterparts, has been a reliable predictor of recessions. The bond market is not there yet, but a sharp recent flattening of the yield curve has many in the markets watchful and concerned.

The Steps Board Members Can Take For Better Cybersecurity

Harvard Business Review

Board members can protect their organizations without deep cyber expertise. The steps include helping the executives in charge of information security understand the business, making sure that security is included in discussions on new products and services, and focusing on culture as much as technology.

Supportive Bosses Can't Make Up For Bully Coworkers

Quartz

Even well-run organizations, with appropriate policies and practices of respecting workers, can see those efforts undone by a snarky coworker. A recent experiment revealed that a peer's negativity was given equal weight as unfavorable decisions from a boss.