What's the big deal about Spotify's unconventional IPO? The music-streaming giant is set to come to market without the help of some big investment bank. It's a known brand, and it's shown growth in its niche. So, why are investors so jittery?

Major League ballparks scored their lowest attendance in 15 years in 2017. A Gallup poll shows baseball dropping behind basketball in popularity. And fewer children are playing the game. Smith School professors Sean Barnes and David Kass analyze the state of America's pastime.

Smith School experts bring you their fantasy M&A league — a list of potential tie-ups and explanations about what makes each one interesting. Imagine CVS teaming with 23andMe, or Daimler with Tesla, or Hilton with Airbnb.

For those who listen closely to what Warren Buffett says, the announcement that Berkshire Hathaway was hooking up with Amazon.com and JPMorgan Chase to create an independent healthcare company didn't come as a big surprise.

2017 was a pretty happy year for stock investors, and the Smith School's David Kass says he expects 2018 to be rosy as well. He shares his top five picks: Berkshire Hathaway, Apple, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Kraft Heinz.

The best givers take time to understand their customers, who just might want a Miles Davis poster, shares in the local utility company, a piano or a pocket calculator. 

For stock markets, the nomination of Jerome "Jay" Powell comes as welcome news. Powell represents continuity for monetary policy in the United States, the Smith School's David Kass says.