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Hundreds of articles about the economies of the U.S., Canada, China, the UK, the EU and elsewhere are posted every day on a variety of financial websites. Unfortunately, many such articles are dull detailed analyses of conditions on the ground without providing a perspective as to how such conditions relate to the world at large – the global economy – and one’s place in it. munKNEE.com makes a point of finding those articles that do and posting the best-of-the-best (the most informative, the most unique, the most entertaining, the most provocative, the best written) on a daily basis. If you have yet to check out munKNEE.com (Your Key to Making Money!) you are encouraged to do so.
Below are introductory paragraphs (with links) to 10 of the most recent posts which will save you time in keeping up to date and provide you with a fast & easy read in the process.
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The dismal news of 0.2% GDP growth for the first quarter only confirmed that the U.S. is in the midst of its slowest recovery in half a century from an economic crisis – Our view is that the primary factors behind the growth slowdown are an increasingly intrusive regulatory environment, a confusing and punitive tax scheme, and lack of certainty over healthcare costs. Here some recommended solutions.
2. Currency Wars: Here’s What They’re Really All About
A currency war is a battle, supposedly an economic policy to cheapen a country’s currency compared to that of others, to promote exports but the real reason, the one that’s less talked about, is that countries actually want to import inflation – a way of creating monetary ease and importing inflation. Let me explain.
3. Canadian Households Extremely Vulnerable to Changes in Economy
In 1990, Canadians owed 85 cents for every dollar of annual disposable income. Today that number has grown to a record $1.63. Meanwhile, Canadians are saving just 3.6% of their incomes today – a drop from 12% in 1990. Rising household debt levels have some sounding the alarm.
4. Where Does Your Country Rank Among the Top 25 In Global Manufacturing Cost Competitiveness?
Change in wages, productivity, energy costs & currency values are dramatically redrawing the map of global manufacturing cost competitiveness. The new map will surprise you.
5. U.S. Home Prices STILL Lagging: How Does Your City Compare?
The most recent S&P/Case-Shiller home price numbers…[show a] strong month-over-month basis, with 19 of 20 cities tracked posting gains. New York was the only city to see a month-over-month decline, while San Francisco posted the biggest gain at 3.04%. The composite 10-city and 20-city indices gained roughly 0.80% month-over-month, and they gained roughly 5% year-over-year.
6. Look At What’s Happening In China These Days
Here’s everything you need to know what’s happening in the single most underestimated, misunderstood, and perpetually disrespected country on earth – China.
7. Brazil’s doomsday scenario – a resounding economic and financial crash
The phrase, “threaten macro and financial stability,” is official-speak and central-banker jargon for a resounding economic and financial crash. It’s Brazil’s doomsday scenario. This was written not by some doom-and-gloomer, but by the IMF. It’s how its report on Brazil starts out.
8. Saudi Arabia’s Shrinking Oil Production Is Shrinking Its Power Too!
Around the world, mainly driven by growth in developing countries like India and China, countries are using more oil. While Saudi Arabia’s limited reserves will hurt its ability to rise to the challenge, other countries like Canada and Venezuela will rise to the challenge. As these countries grow to focus on meeting the demand more, Saudi Arabia’s market share will shrink as will its power. Here’s why.
9. Majority of Americans Engaging in Irrational Wishful Thinking About Economy! Here’s Why
There is certainly something to be said for being positive and thinking that anything is possible and, as Americans, optimism seems to come naturally for us. When we deny reality and engage in irrational wishful thinking, we are engaging in something called “hopium” – the irrational belief that, despite all evidence to the contrary, things will turn out for the best.
10. Comparative Living Costs In Countries Around the World
The infographic below shows the difference in living costs around the world using CPI data as a relative indicator of a country’s living costs compared to New York (for example, if a country has a CPI of 70, on average, it enjoys 30% cheaper living costs compared to New York).