"Shrewd" could be applied to a business person, to someone who is clever at negotiation, clever at bargaining, clever at solving problems in life's. With regard to moral character, it is neither a compliment nor an insult. It carries a sense of someone who is probably honest in business and probably does not cheat--but tries to get the best deal possible. It often is connected with money. It carries many of the same ideas as "clever" or "cunning." Here's an example of use. (In the United States currently, airline fares can be quite irrational). "She wanted to fly to from Seattle to Minneapolis, but the cheapest flight she could find was $400. She shrewdly checked flights from Seattle to Chicago, and discovered that there was a $185 flight from Seattle to Chicago that made a stop in Minneapolis; so, she booked a flight to Chicago and got off the plane in Minneapolis." "Wise" can mean "shrewd," but it more often refers to big things in life, and not necessarily just to money or bargaining. It carries ideas like intelligence, having good judgement, seeing the big picture, thinking long-term. We can continue with the example above. "She told a friend. Her friend said 'That was very shrewd, but I'm not sure it was wise. What if the airline hadn't let you carry your bag on, and insisted on 'gate-checking it?' That sometimes happens. Then you would have gotten off in Minneapolis, but your bag would have been sent to Chicago."

I suggest you consider these two kinds of people: 1) A shrewd person: a person that has (or shows) sharp powers of judgment (astute or sharp in practical matters). Example: ''He shall answer for his misdeeds.'' ''---- Why do you say it?'' ''Well, he is such a shrewd politician.'' 2) A wise person: a person who has the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting (sagacious). Example: ''You are such a wise person!'' "The wise man will make more opportunities than he finds." (by Francis Bacon) ***NOTICE: 'shrewd' might have the same meaning as to 'wise' in some sentences. However, when it comes to a 'person', the word 'shrewd' is usually used to convey the idea that a certain person is ''the most calculating and selfish one in the community''. Hope that helps!

It depends just of context. Shrewd could be positive or negative. f.e. someone could be shrewd as a smart cookie or as a perverted cunning man.