By scrutinizing how various assets performed in the past in each of these scenarios, we have some good clues into the optimal investment choices today.

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When I first began working with the wealthy (as opposed to my pension fund clients) I was surprised to find that they were so prone to make, shall we say, less-than-optimal investment decisions.

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The optimal level of investment is the rate that generates the highest sustainable level of consumption over time.

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The optimal rate of investment will therefore be much higher than in developed economies, and may even justify the pace of China's investment of more than 45% of GDP.

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In his opening remarks at the session Paulson said the business tax system in the U.S. is "clearly not optimal, " adding that it should not discourage either inward or outward investment flows.

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