Ukraine Was The Origin Of The Trump-Russia Collusion Hoax Authored by Lawrence Sellin via AmericanThinker.com, December 2015 was a pivotal month in many respects… During the first week of December 2015, Donald Trump began to establish a substantial lead over his Republican primary opponents. Vice President Joseph Biden traveled to Ukraine to announce, on December 7th, a $190 million program to “fight corruption in law enforcement and reform the justice sector,” but behind the scenes explicitly linked a $1 billion loan guarantee to the firing of Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin, who had been investigating the energy company Burisma, which employed Biden’s son Hunter. On December 9, 2015, the reported whistleblower Eric Ciaramella held a meeting in Room 236 of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building with Daria Kaleniuk, executive director … [Read More...]
Americans Think Flying Cars Should Require 20x More Training Than A Driver’s License [STUDY]
If you were to go back a few decades, nearly everyone would have agreed that by 2020, flying cars would be in everyone’s garage. Today, however, self-driving cars have eclipsed the discussion around flying cars. We have become so entrenched with designing systems to keep us on the ground, we haven’t stopped to consider how flying cars would work, yet companies are hard at work trying to build this flying future. What do you see when you think of a flying car? Do you envision a vehicle similar to a plane or a drone? Or do you immediately think about the wingless and propellerless vehicle from The Jetsons? While companies have prototyped variations of flying cars, most are pursuing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles, which … [Read More...]
Investing Blog Roundup: Problematic Probability of Ruin
There are plenty of ways to evaluate a retirement plan. (For instance, here’s a paper from Wade Pfau, Joe Tomlinson, and Steve Vernon discussing 8 different metrics for evaluating retirement spending/portfolio strategies.) By far the most common though is “probability of running out of money.” But as Dirk Cotton discusses in a recent article, that metric leaves out a ton of useful information. In addition, it’s questionable how accurate such a metric can be, for any strategy that includes stocks. The Prevalent but Problematic Probability of Ruin from Dirk Cotton Other Recommended Reading SEC Passes Landmark ‘ETF Rule’ from Lara Crigger Personal Finance and Politics from Matt Lane Health Insurers Set to Expand Offerings Under the ACA from Anna Wilde Mathews Ambiguous … [Read More...]
Stocks Surging into Afternoon on US Economic Optimism, China Trade Deal Hopes, Oil Gain, Retail/Energy Sector Strength
Broad Equity Market Tone:Advance/Decline Line: Substantially HigherSector Performance: Almost Every Sector RisingVolume: Around Average Market Leading Stocks: OutperformingEquity Investor Angst:Volatility(VIX) 13.4 -7.5% Euro/Yen Carry Return Index 124.65 -.56% Emerging Markets Currency Volatility(VXY) 6.78 -1.45% S&P 500 Implied Correlation 42.6 -2.2% ISE Sentiment Index 121.0 +43Total Put/Call .88 -20.0% NYSE Arms .79 -18.6% Credit Investor Angst:North American Investment Grade CDS Index 49.31 -2.18% America Energy Sector High-Yield CDS Index 651.0 +3.89%European Financial Sector CDS Index 55.52 -1.78% Italian/German 10Y Yld Spread 163.75 -2.75 basis pointsAsia Ex-Japan Investment Grade CDS Index 64.21 -1.18%Emerging Market CDS Index 200.18 -1.88%iBoxx Offshore RMB China Corporate High Yield Index 167.88 -.29% 2-Year Swap Spread 1.75 +.25 basis point TED Spread 37.25 +2.25 basis points 3-Month EUR/USD Cross-Currency Basis Swap -13.25 -1.75 basis points Economic Gauges:Bloomberg Emerging Markets Currency… [Read More...]
Every Bubble Eventually Finds Its Pin
Every Bubble Eventually Finds Its Pin Authored by MN Gordon via EconomicPrism.com, The transfer of wealth from workers and savers to governments and big banks continued this week with Swiss-like precision. The process is both mechanical and subtle. Here in the USA the automated elegance of this ongoing operation receives little attention. NFL football. EBT card acceptance at Del Taco. Adam Schiff’s impeachment extravaganza. You name it. Bread and circuses like these – and many others – offer the American populace countless opportunities for chasing the wild goose. All the while, and with little fanfare, debts pile up like deadwood in Sequoia National Forest. These debts, both public and private, stand little chance of ever being honestly repaid. According to the IMF, global debt – … [Read More...]
The Mail Crunch: Effectively Handle Damaged or Stolen Packages
Online shopping is a fantastic convenient tool, particularly around the holidays. It opens up an enormous array of options for gift-giving (as well as shopping for ourselves), but it’s not all perfect. One of the big risks of ordering from online retailers is that there is a chance, however small, that the item will arrive damaged, that the item will be snatched from your front step after delivery, or that it won’t be delivered at all. I’ve had packages fall into all three of those groups in the past, and I’ve learned some lessons the hard way. Here are some of the best practices you can follow with regards to handling damaged, lost, or stolen packages effectively, particularly during the holiday season. … [Read More...]
Investing Blog Roundup: Less Time Working, More Deep Work
This week I enjoyed two articles discussing workplace experiments about how different changes to the workday (or workweek) affect productivity. At least for me, whether it’s writing, research, or coding, I cannot come remotely close to cranking out 8 consecutive hours of productivity with only a brief break for lunch (at least not on a regular basis). I tend toward starting work early, getting in a few hours of really good work, then taking a long break doing something completely different — riding my bike, climbing at the gym, or walking around the neighborhood or our local Botanical Garden. Then I have another few good hours in me, and that’s it. Stop Working and Go Home from Noah Smith 5-Hour Workdays? 4-Day Workweeks? Workday Experiments from … [Read More...]
UAE Private Sector Tanks To 10-Year Low Amid Recession Fears
UAE Private Sector Tanks To 10-Year Low Amid Recession Fears The second-largest economy in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has just recorded business activity at a decade low, reported Reuters. IHS Markit UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) printed at 50.3 in Nov. from 51.1 in Oct., hitting the lowest level since Aug. 2009 and on the threshold of declaring a contraction in growth. Last year, the manufacturing and services sectors (pretty much covering UAE’s non-oil sector) recorded growth of 55.8 but had slid to almost contraction territory by late 2019. New orders plunged into contraction (48.9) in Nov. from 51 in Oct., which has resulted in companies discounting prices to attract new business as the economic slump continued to intensify. “Anecdotal evidence commonly linked the decline to … [Read More...]
The Cheapest California Renters Insurance Companies 2019
With nearly 40 million residents, California is enormous, and so is its renter population. Stockton, Anaheim, Santa Ana and San Bernardino are all cities where renters outnumber homeowners. Californians spend most of their household income on rent, the highest in the country, so renters insurance is especially critical for extra protection. California prices for the best renters insurance are more expensive than other states, averaging an annual total of $223. Renters insurance protects your belongings if they are damaged or lost in circumstances like fire, theft and vandalism. Although renters insurance is not required of residents, it comes highly recommended nonetheless. It will provide protection for your most valued belongings. With so many renters insurance companies, it’s more important than ever to do your due diligence when looking … [Read More...]
Simon Property Group (SPG): A High Yield and High Risk REIT
Simon Property Group (SPG) is a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations. Its properties across North America, Europe and Asia provide community gathering places for millions of people every day and generate billions in annual sales. I will analyze it using the guidelines for analyzing REITs that I have outlined before. Simon Property… To read the whole article, please click on the article title above. [Read More...]
Stocks Reversing Slightly Higher into Afternoon on China Trade Deal Optimism, Less European/Emerging Markets/US High-Yield Debt Angst, Technical…
Broad Equity Market Tone:Advance/Decline Line: Slightly HigherSector Performance: MixedVolume: Below Average Market Leading Stocks: Performing In LineEquity Investor Angst:Volatility(VIX) 14.7 -.54% Euro/Yen Carry Return Index 125.28 +.09% Emerging Markets Currency Volatility(VXY) 6.89 -.43% S&P 500 Implied Correlation 43.9 -4.4% ISE Sentiment Index 78.0 +1Total Put/Call .96 -4.0% NYSE Arms .92 +15.0% Credit Investor Angst:North American Investment Grade CDS Index 50.39 -.73% America Energy Sector High-Yield CDS Index 626.0 +.14%European Financial Sector CDS Index 56.53 +.93% Italian/German 10Y Yld Spread 166.5 +6.0 basis pointsAsia Ex-Japan Investment Grade CDS Index 64.9 -.31%Emerging Market CDS Index 205.03 +.11%iBoxx Offshore RMB China Corporate High Yield Index 168.36 -.03% 2-Year Swap Spread 1.5 unch. TED Spread 35.0 +.5 basis point 3-Month EUR/USD Cross-Currency Basis Swap -11.5 +.75 basis point Economic Gauges:Bloomberg… [Read More...]
The Other US-China ‘War’: Plunge Protectors Versus National Team
The Other US-China ‘War’: Plunge Protectors Versus National Team As tensions increase between China and US over trade, democracy/Hong Kong, Taiwan, Huawei, and diplomatic travel, there is another ‘struggle’ going on that is all about appearance. Bloomberg opines that an unusual sense of tranquility has descended on China’s financial markets, especially notable amid the chaos of dueling headline-algos that a deal is close (or not). Notably, Bloomberg raises the specter of China’s “National Team” – as state-backed funds are called – which is sometimes suspected of buying shares to ensure market stability around major events like legislative meetings or big anniversaries. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see if the government asked banks or funds to not react to the news,” said Justin Tang, head … [Read More...]
Road Signs: The Ultimate New Driver Handbook
No matter if you are traveling on a rural road, a suburban street or a highway overpass, road signs will be present to alert you to potential hazards, route changes and speed limits. And for new drivers, the sheer amount of signs and new laws to follow can get overwhelming. To uncomplicate the intricate rules of the road and help you nail your drivers test (not to mention stay safe when traveling) we’ve created the ultimate guide to road signs. Keep reading to get familiarized with how the road signs we know today came to be, the most common shapes and colors as well as the meaning behind each sign. Road signs: what you need to know To help you navigate any road with ease, there are … [Read More...]
Stocks Rising into Final Hour on China Trade Deal Optimism, Oil Gain, Less European/Emerging Markets/US High-Yield Debt Angst, Energy/Financial Sector…
Broad Equity Market Tone:Advance/Decline Line: Substantially HigherSector Performance: Almost Every Sector RisingVolume: Around Average Market Leading Stocks: Performing In LineEquity Investor Angst:Volatility(VIX) 14.4 -9.5% Euro/Yen Carry Return Index 125.18 +.19% Emerging Markets Currency Volatility(VXY) 6.95 unch. S&P 500 Implied Correlation 43.7 -2.9% ISE Sentiment Index 77.0 +13Total Put/Call .98 -14.0% NYSE Arms .75 -39.5% Credit Investor Angst:North American Investment Grade CDS Index 50.54 -2.54% America Energy Sector High-Yield CDS Index 623.0 -1.84%European Financial Sector CDS Index 56.01 -3.61% Italian/German 10Y Yld Spread 160.5 -3.0 basis pointsAsia Ex-Japan Investment Grade CDS Index 65.1 +.25%Emerging Market CDS Index 204.93 -1.97%iBoxx Offshore RMB China Corporate High Yield Index 168.42 +.11% 2-Year Swap Spread 1.5 +.25 basis point TED Spread 34.5 unch. 3-Month EUR/USD Cross-Currency Basis Swap -12.25 +3.25 basis points Economic Gauges:Bloomberg… [Read More...]
More Firms Go Uncovered As MiFid II Decimates Ranks Of Sell-Side Analysts
More Firms Go Uncovered As MiFid II Decimates Ranks Of Sell-Side Analysts Sell-side analysis was never perfect. Banks’ competition for lucrative deal flow has always ensured that the “Chinese wall” that’s supposed to exist between the front office and research department is about as impenetrable as a sieve. And then there’s the overpowering pressure for analysts to conform to the consensus, which works like this: If you conform to the consensus, then when everyone is wrong, you don’t look so bad, and you don’t need to worry about losing your job as head analyst. But if you take a contrarian position and miss, then you’re at risk. Unfortunately for those who have chosen to make a career in the research departments of big sell-side … [Read More...]
Freedom Debt Relief Review
As of August 2019, the total consumer debt in the United States is $4.12 trillion. Are you among those in debt? is one of the largest debt relief companies in the United States and claims to have settled over $9 billion in debt for over 600,000 clients. Founders Andrew Housser and Brad Stroh started the company to “provide financial solutions, services, and education that enable people to reduce debt, build wealth, and achieve financial freedom.” Freedom Debt Relief evaluates customers’ debts, customizes a plan to fit their needs, creates programs, negotiates with creditors and works with customers to reach a settlement. At the end of this process, customers will owe a single monthly payment over an agreed-upon period of time that will add up to less than … [Read More...]
Monday Watch
Today’s Headlines Bloomberg: China Financial Warning Signs Are Flashing Almost Everywhere. China’s Manufacturing Is Back in Expansion. Australia Says Citizen’s ‘Interrogation’ by China Unacceptable. PBOC’s Yi Signals Policy to Stay Cautious Amid Uncertain Data. Hong Kong Unrest Rages On as Police Clash With Protesters. South Korean Consumer Prices Eke Out Growth in November. Merkel’s Tenure on the Line as Coalition Partner Veers Left. U.S. Traders Bet Most in Two Years That Europe Has Bottomed Out. The Way Out for a Global Economy Hooked On Debt? Even More Debt. Stocks Set for Muted Start; Treasury Futures Dip. Stocks in Asia were set for a muted start to December as investors weighed data on China’s economy that showed a bright spot for manufacturing and the latest news on … [Read More...]
"Horseback Riding" Kim Sends Holiday Greeting Card Amid Ominous "Christmas Gift" Warning
“Horseback Riding” Kim Sends Holiday Greeting Card Amid Ominous “Christmas Gift” Warning North Korea has declared it will send a “Christmas gift” to the United States but without specifying what the potentially menacing ‘surprise’ gift could be. Source: North Korean Central News Agency This after test-firing two short-range missiles on Thanksgiving Day, in a now familiar pattern of doing threatening things on American holidays. And with that message this week came an early Christmas card of sorts — for what would make the 2019 holiday season complete without a photo of jolly old Kim trotting gingerly on a white horse through snow-covered fir trees? Source: North Korean Central News Agency North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency released a photo set of Kim visiting… [Read More...]
Downsizing to Accelerate Other Financial Goals
One of the most effective strategies for really accelerating your progress toward your financial goals is to make a major downsizing move, one that will free up hundreds of dollars a month and/or quickly produce thousands that you can instantly apply to progressing toward your big goal, whatever it might be. For many people, that’s retirement. A person in their 50s or early 60s with some solid money in the bank and a desire to have plenty of time to enjoy life without work while still in good health might want to take that final leap over the threshold to the amount they need to retire on while also reducing their monthly expenses. For others, it might be something like a house down payment, the … [Read More...]
Updating The Stocks I Follow ($BKNG, $DBX, $SPOT)
Good morning, it has been a long time but I’m happy to be back with hopefully a lot more on the road ahead. For today, I wanted to update the list of stocks that I follow to include 2 newly turned public companies as well as one ticker change. Priceline (PCLN) renames to Booking Holdings (BKNG): Priceline has been one of the top success stories in the past decade in the tech space and while Priceline.com is the property most American users would associate most with the company, the facts are that Booking.com is a huge part of the company’s business and while a large portion of the company’s business is in Europe, it has been growing worldwide. The name change is in … [Read More...]
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