It seems clear that there are a number of investors who have gained confidence in the global economy and are seeking to capture the growth opportunities taking place around the world. With the European crisis comfortably in the rear view mirror and global central banks taking the position that they will continue their easing policies, investors have taken their foot off the brake and have begun to accelerate....We see more sunshine and less stormy weather ahead [and explain why that is the case in this article]. Words: 695; Charts: 3
Read More »Gold Bulls Shouldn’t Buy Gold Stocks!
With the Bank of Japan's latest move to fight deflation and seemingly to start another round of global competitive currency devaluation, it...makes sense to hold some gold in a portfolio. However, I remain of the opinion that it makes no sense for gold bulls to hold gold stocks over bullion. [This article explains why that is the case.] Words: 281
Read More »Now You, Too, Can Predict When China Will Overtake America Using This Cool Interactive Tool
America's GDP is still roughly twice as big as China's (using market exchange rates). To predict when the gap might be closed, The Economist has updated its interactive chart below with the latest GDP numbers. This allows you to plug in your own assumptions about real GDP growth in China and America, inflation rates and the yuan's exchange rate against the dollar. [Plugging in our assumptive] numbers China will overtake America in 2018. [Share your prediction in the "Comments" section at the bottom of the page.]
Read More »Canada Continues to Avoid Humiliating Welfare State Experiments of U.S. & Europe
Across Europe and the United States, millions go without work. Those who do work face a lifetime of crippling taxation to pay for the entitlements of their countrymen and the debts of their governments. Canada by contrast is strong. To stay that way, we must never repeat the mistakes of Europe and the United States and we must instead focus on what Canada has already done right. Words: 1320
Read More »Nouriel Roubini: 5 Downside Risks to Global Economy Are Gathering Force
...[F]iscal austerity will envelop most advanced economies this year, rather than just the eurozone periphery and the United Kingdom. Indeed, austerity is spreading to the core of the eurozone, the United States, and other advanced economies (with the exception of Japan). Given synchronized fiscal retrenchment in most advanced economies, another year of mediocre growth could give way to outright contraction in some countries. Words: 780
Read More »Consumer Indebtedness Leading to Currency Devaluation & Beggar-Thy-Neighbor Economic Policies
The current move up over the past 4 years is being driven by the Fed's loose monetary policies (just as other global markets have been driven by their Central Banks). Most bulls believe the loose polices will stimulate enough consumer demand to lead to a significant U.S. economic recovery. We, however, continue to believe the debt - laden consumer, along with the still other unresolved debt burdens, will be a major drag on the U.S. economy, (we are convinced that the market will turn down and make a triple top at levels below the peaks made in 2000 and 2007 while we resume the secular bear market that started in 2000) and that will have negative affects on the global economy.
Read More »Gov’t Debt Will Keep Increasing Until the System Implodes! Are You Ready? (+3K Views)
Why are so many politicians around the world declaring that the debt crisis is "over" when debt-to-GDP ratios all over the planet continue to skyrocket? The global economy has never seen anything like the sovereign debt bubble that we are experiencing today. This insanity will continue until a day of reckoning arrives and the system implodes. Nobody knows exactly when that moment will be reached, but without a doubt it is coming. Are you ready? Words: 1270
Read More »Will We See Real Economic Growth or a Real Decline in World Stock Markets? That is the Trillion Dollar Question
Without economic growth, and real economic growth at that, there can be no meaningful long-term economic recovery in the developed countries. Growth or lack thereof will have to be reflected in the financial markets over time. Currently, I continue to see a disconnect between where the financial markets are pricing things, and where I think they ought to be pricing things. Words: 784
Read More »This Map Shows Where Each US Region Gets Its Oil Imports (+2K Views)
The United States imported about 40 percent of its oil in 2012. So where are we getting it from? It depends a lot on where you live. [This article presents a map showing U.S. crude oil imports by country of origin for 2012 with commentary on regional particulars.]
Read More »All the Facts About Physical Platinum & Palladium and How to Easily Invest in Them (+2K Views)
With demand rising and supply under pressure, the outlook for investment in physical platinum and palladium is compelling. What are they used for? Where are they produced? What is the global supply/demand for each? Learn the full story from the infographic below.
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