investmentwatchblog--2020-05-16--Pre-cyclone Watch for West Bengal and North Odisha coasts. Likely to become Major Cyclone Amphan!

India Meteorological Department Tropical Cyclone Advisory # 2 – 8:30 AM IST May 16 2020 DEPRESSION BOB01-2020 ============================================ Pre-cyclone Watch @ @ @ @ @ Odisha coasts ( Yellow Message ) At 3:00 AM UTC , the depression over southeastern @ @ @ @ @ moved northwestwards with a speed of 20 km/h during past 3 hours and lays centered @ @ @ @ @ 1060 km south of Paradip ( Odisha ) , 1220 km south southwest of Digha @ @ @ @ @ 1310 km south southwest of Khepupara ( Bangladesh ) .
It is very likely to @ @ @ @ @ storm during next 12 hours and further into a severe cyclonic storm during subsequent 24 @ @ @ @ @ likely to move north northwestwards initially till May 17th and then re-curve north northeastwards across @ @ @ @ @ West Bengal coast during May 18-20th .

India Meteorological Department
Tropical Cyclone Advisory #2 – 8:30 AM IST May 16 2020
DEPRESSION BOB01-2020
============================================
Pre-cyclone Watch for West Bengal and North Odisha coasts (Yellow Message)
At 3:00 AM UTC, the depression over southeastern Bay of Bengal and neighborhood moved northwestwards with a speed of 20 km/h during past 3 hours and lays centered near 10.7N 86.5E, about 1060 km south of Paradip (Odisha), 1220 km south southwest of Digha (West Bengal) and 1310 km south southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh).
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
It is very likely to intensify rapidly into a cyclonic storm during next 12 hours and further into a severe cyclonic storm during subsequent 24 hours. It is very likely to move north northwestwards initially till May 17th and then re-curve north northeastwards across northwest Bay of Bengal towards West Bengal coast during May 18-20th.
What's likely to become major #cyclone is brewing in #BayofBengal. New satellite images suggest it's already stronger than official estimates. Cyclone will move NNE & is likely to strike state of #WestBengal #India (pink) or #Bangladesh (yellow) Wednesday—& it could be intense. pic.twitter.com/jqnJN2e27J — Josh Morgerman (@iCyclone) May 16, 2020
Massive area of convective storms to wrap up on Saturday to become Cyclone #Amphan GFS model rapidly intensifies to Category 2 in 24-hours. Storm heads north to coast by Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/49Z0fK8hvP — Ryan Maue (@RyanMaue) May 16, 2020
h/t Luisport


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-16--Real People Protesting a Local New’s Videographer!

Whoa… I have been waiting most of my adult life to see a video like this – real people protesting @ @ @ @ @ – check this out ( and spread this far and wide ) .
The news @ @ @ @ @ the Culture Creation Industry : t.co/r54u7xT4WV … Watch : pic.twitter.com/zIq5Sipg2N

Whoa… I have been waiting most of my adult life to see a video like this – real people protesting a local new's videographer – check this out (and spread this far and wide). The news is an important arm of the Culture Creation Industry: t.co/r54u7xT4WV … Watch: pic.twitter.com/zIq5Sipg2N
— Markus Allen (@LiveRichUSA) May 16, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-16--Office Depot plans store closures, 13,100 job cuts by 2023

U.S. office supply retailer Office Depot said on Thursday it plans to cut about 13,100 jobs and close certain retail @ @ @ @ @ 2023 , in a bid to curb costs and focus on its IT services business @ @ @ @ @ the restructuring to yield up to $ 860 million in net savings by 2023 end @ @ @ @ @ to $ 543 million .
Office Depot said the charges include costs related to potential @ @ @ @ @ closures and headcount reductions .

U.S. office supply retailer Office Depot said on Thursday it plans to cut about 13,100 jobs and close certain retail stores by the end of 2023, in a bid to curb costs and focus on its IT services business units.
The company expects the restructuring to yield up to $860 million in net savings by 2023 end and incur charges of up to $543 million.
Office Depot said the charges include costs related to potential retail store and distribution facility closures and headcount reductions.
www.cnbc.com/2020/05/15/office-depot-plans-store-closures-13100-job-cuts-by-2023.html


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-16--‘Without All The Bells And Whistles’: Las Vegas Casinos, Hotels Prepare To Reopen

Take a look in the video of what Las Vegas is going to look like , now… The world is @ @ @ @ @ wonder what it ’ ll be like , this time next year… “ The dealers @ @ @ @ @ dealers will have gloves , ” Curtis said .
“ There ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ certain places — between dealers and players .
There ’ s going to be plexiglass @ @ @ @ @ ”

Take a look in the video of what Las Vegas is going to look like,now…
The world is going beyond clown world…
I wonder what it’ll be like, this time next year…
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
“The dealers will have masks, the dealers will have gloves,” Curtis said. “There’s going to be plexiglass in between at certain places — between dealers and players. There’s going to be plexiglass between players and players.”
losangeles.cbslocal.com/2020/05/14/coronavirus-las-vegas-hotels-casinos-reopening/
h/t COVID19


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-16--Turn Their Rules Against Them

Turn Their Rules Against Them

May not fly with some Karens .
Face masks pose serious risks to the healthy Dr. Russell Blaylock warns that @ @ @ @ @ fail to protect the healthy from getting sick , but they also create serious health @ @ @ @ @ The bottom line is that if you are not sick , you should not wear @ @ @ @ @ wearing a mask , the exhaled viruses will not be able to escape and will @ @ @ @ @ , enter the olfactory nerves and travel into the brain .
One should not attack @ @ @ @ @ chosen not to wear a mask , as these studies suggest that is the wise @ @ @ @

by clemaneuverers
May not fly with some Karens.
Face masks pose serious risks to the healthy
Dr. Russell Blaylock warns that not only do face masks fail to protect the healthy from getting sick, but they also create serious health risks to the wearer. The bottom line is that if you are not sick, you should not wear a face mask.
By wearing a mask, the exhaled viruses will not be able to escape and will concentrate in the nasal passages, enter the olfactory nerves and travel into the brain.
One should not attack and insult those who have chosen not to wear a mask, as these studies suggest that is the wise choice to make.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-16--FBI ARRESTS DEMOCRAT APPOINTED BUILDING COMMISSIONER, CORRUPTION CHARGES PILING UP IN CALIFORNIA

Lots of lower level arrests… Big names seem to be getting close .

Lots of lower level arrests… Big names seem to be getting close.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
h/t Seer1965


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-16--Barr Threatens To Sue States That Keep Stay At Home Orders In Place

Attorney General Bill Barr is threatening governors who keep stay at home orders in place with legal action if they don ’ t open their economies .
Bloomberg reported : The Justice Department will consider taking legal action against governors who continue to impose stringent rules for dealing with the coronavirus that infringe on constitutional rights even after the crisis subsides in their states , Attorney General William Barr said .
“ We have to give businesses more freedom to operate in a way that ’ s reasonably safe , ” Barr said .
“ To the extent that governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil rights or on the national commerce — our common market that we have here — then we ’ ll have to address that.
” “ We ’ re looking carefully at a number of these rules that are being put into place , ” Barr said .
“ And if we think one goes too far , we initially try to jawbone the governors into rolling them back or adjusting them .
And if they ’ re not and people bring lawsuits , we file statement of interest and side with the @ @ @

Attorney General Bill Barr is threatening governors who keep stay at home orders in place with legal action if they don’t open their economies.
Bloomberg reported:
The Justice Department will consider taking legal action against governors who continue to impose stringent rules for dealing with the coronavirus that infringe on constitutional rights even after the crisis subsides in their states, Attorney General William Barr said.
….
“We have to give businesses more freedom to operate in a way that’s reasonably safe,” Barr said. “To the extent that governors don’t and impinge on either civil rights or on the national commerce — our common market that we have here — then we’ll have to address that.”
…..
“We’re looking carefully at a number of these rules that are being put into place,” Barr said. “And if we think one goes too far, we initially try to jawbone the governors into rolling them back or adjusting them. And if they’re not and people bring lawsuits, we file statement of interest and side with the plaintiffs.”


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-16--Fauci: Masks Are Ineffective. Wait, What?

This Dr. Fauci video is from March .
He said we should NOT wear a mask because it is ineffective @ @ @ @ @ you as much as it does me ?
( Hat tip to @ k3ithp for @ @ @ @ @ this short video and comment below : pic.twitter.com/ZbVmAOP1Ty

This Dr. Fauci video is from March. He said we should NOT wear a mask because it is ineffective. Does this video anger you as much as it does me? (Hat tip to @k3ithp for the find.) Watch this short video and comment below: pic.twitter.com/ZbVmAOP1Ty
— Markus Allen (@LiveRichUSA) May 16, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-16--The FBI was frozen out. This is huge. YUGE

t.co/YOhevhcKrK
The FBI was frozen out.
This is huge. YUGE
— l E T 17 (@Inevitable_ET) May 16, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-16--History doesn’t repeat, but it rhymes. America is splitting into “free” and “lockdown” states

Rarely is the public let in on why things happen .
We have known for some time that the actual @ @ @ @ @ is in the range of the annual flu , but this was never about “ @ @ @ @ @ been about control .
There is a segment of the power structure that is in @ @ @ @ @ only losing power , but they are under threat of having to pay for their @ @ @ @ @ centuries ) of crimes .
Those people would do anything to prevent that .
This @ @ @ @ @ .
Now the picture becomes clear .
The destruction of the economy is child ’ @ @ @

by Playaguy
www.foxnews.com/opinion/tucker-carlson-america-hemispheres-free-states-lockdowns
Rarely is the public let in on why things happen. We have known for some time that the actual mortality rate of Covid 19 is in the range of the annual flu, but this was never about “science” it has always been about control.
There is a segment of the power structure that is in trouble. They are not only losing power, but they are under threat of having to pay for their decades (some would say centuries) of crimes.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Those people would do anything to prevent that. This is about their self preservation.
Now the picture becomes clear. The destruction of the economy is child’s play.
They are pushing Civil War.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-16--Saudi sovereign fund discloses stakes in Citi, Boeing, Facebook

PIF disclosed a $ 713.7 million stake in Boeing , around $ 522 million in Citigroup , a $ 522 @ @ @ @ @ a $ 495.8 million stake in Disney and a $ 487.6 million stake in Bank @ @ @ @ @ and Exchange filing on Friday showed .
The $ 300 billion Saudi sovereign fund has @ @ @ @ @ global companies , taking advantage of market weakness in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak @

www.cnbc.com/2020/05/16/saudi-sovereign-fund-discloses-stakes-in-citi-boeing-facebook.html
PIF disclosed a $713.7 million stake in Boeing, around $522 million in Citigroup, a $522 million stake in Facebook, a $495.8 million stake in Disney and a $487.6 million stake in Bank of America, the Securities and Exchange filing on Friday showed.
The $300 billion Saudi sovereign fund has been buying minority stakes in global companies, taking advantage of market weakness in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-17--2nd Wave: Huge Increase in #COVID19 Cases in Texas Today. New COVID-19 infections in China, South Ko

2nd Wave: Huge Increase in #COVID19 Cases in Texas Today. New COVID-19 infections in China, South Korea.

Huge increase in #COVID19 cases in Texas today: 1,801 new cases since yesterday – the biggest one day increase. — Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) May 17, 2020
FENGMAN DISTRICT OF JILIN CITY IN NE CHINA'S JILIN PROVINCE ADJUSTED ITS EPIDEMIC RISK LEVEL FROM MEDIUM TO HIGH ON SUNDAY AFTER MORE DOMESTICALLY TRANSMITTED VIRUS CASES WERE REPORTED — FXHedge (@Fxhedgers) May 17, 2020
China still faces the "big challenge" of a potential second wave of Covid-19 infections, the country's top respiratory authority has warned, with the lack of immunity among the community a serious concern as the race to develop a vaccine continues.t.co/CXYfTKAzKe — M/I_Investments (@MI_Investments) May 17, 2020
New COVID-19 infections in China, South Korea raises alarm over second wave. t.co/A11am44tmM — All In with Chris Hayes (@allinwithchris) May 11, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-17--European contagion: Financials make up only 10% of the S&P 500 today. About to take out the GFC lows

European contagion: Financials make up only 10% of the S&P 500 today. About to take out the GFC lows.

Financials make up only 10 % of the S & P 500 today .
About to take out the GFC @ @ @ @ @ we head towards negative rates .
Some banks now down ~60 % YTD !
Not @ @ @ @ @ & overall stocks .
pic.twitter.com/XgI3Idywlh

European contagion.
Financials make up only 10% of the S&P 500 today.
About to take out the GFC lows.
13-F liquidations as we head towards negative rates.
Some banks now down ~60% YTD!
Not promising for Wall Street bonuses & overall stocks. pic.twitter.com/XgI3Idywlh
— Otavio (Tavi) Costa (@TaviCosta) May 16, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-19--Justin Trudeau: Beta Totalitarian

Justin Trudeau: Beta Totalitarian

On May 1 , 2020 , the Prime Minister of Canada , Justin Trudeau ( “ Justin ” ) announced a unilateral ban on so-called “ assault weapons.
” A “ comprehensive ” ban at that , with upcoming confiscation .
May Day is the holiday in the Marxist world , and it is likely not coincidental that this was Justin ’ s chosen the announcement date .
Marxism , as we all know , is a totalitarian mode of governance .
History is replete with examples of totalitarians confiscating firearms to disarm the civilian populace – just try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t .
As well , history is full of examples of totalitarian regimes surviving longer than they otherwise would have , since unarmed domestic resistance is largely neutered when confronting by armed enforcers .
And so , Justin is very much following in the footsteps of Stalin , Mao , Hitler and Mussolini – Alpha Males all ( for present purposes , as they were Communists and Fascists , classify them as Alpha Collectivists ) .
Yet the Internet is filled with characterizations of Justin being a Beta Male – which does seem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to nature or nurture we ’ ll leave for others to assess .
We do know that his father apparently tolerated serial and very flamboyant adultery , amongst other things , on the part of Justin ’ s mother , Margaret Trudeau , a sign of Betahood on the part of the père . )
Justin and others will surely take great umbrage at the comparison to Stalin et als .
– not without some justification .
After all , it seems inconceivable that he ’ s personally contemplating having his opponents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ established Gulags in Alberta , or killing fields in Saskatchewan .
But this piece isn ’ t just about Justin – but he and Beta Collectivists like him ( i.e.
, Progressives and Democratic Socialists ) , be they male or female .
Henceforth , we ’ ll refer to them collectively ( pun very much intended ) – as “ Justins.
” Whether one wants to assign a Darwinian dynamic , or mere historical record , we know that the Justins are eventually displaced by Alpha Collectivists .
Oftentimes quickly , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the night , once the Justins ’ usefulness has expired .
Other times it ’ s more gradual , as the Alphas exploit and build upon the infrastructure established by the Justins – in effect , becoming the dominant species within the Collectivist genus .
Of all tyrannies , a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive .
It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies .
The robber baron ’ s cruelty may sometimes sleep , his cupidity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience .
– C.S .
Lewis For their part , the Justins seem incapable of comprehending the evil that they help advance , as they have been self-seduced with internalized and mutually-reinforced portrayals of being the enlightened ones ; those who are going to herald-in a secular utopia of “ global governance.
” These Betas ride in not with the sword , but with gauzy visions amorphously labeled “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The totalitarian nightmares later reach full blossom under the Alpha Collectivists .
Saul Alinsky ( of “ Rules for Radicals ” infamy ) preached that the ends justify the means .
Well , as far as the Justins are concerned , they ’ re pursuing transcendent ends – the aforementioned “ social justice ” and “ sustainability ” and so on ( and on ) .
Convinced as they are that they ’ re “ fighting hate ” and even “ saving the planet , ” the logical progression is for them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thus to rationalize that there are few means aren ’ t justified in accomplishing their desired ends .
This also explains why Justins often enunciate variations of “ the arc of history bends toward ” their imagined global / globalist utopia .
So to the Justins , the “ bitter clingers ” – whether American , Canadian , Australian or New Zealanders – are backwards rubes .
Too clingy and ignorant to appreciate the secular nirvana that the Progressive-Social Democratic Bobbsey Twins will bequeath the entire globe .
Therefore , as a means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ability to express unapproved ideas must be suppressed ; their ability to physically resist absolutely eliminated – incrementally if necessary , but in the end , absolutely .
Arguably Justins are a greater threat to liberty and human rights than are the Alpha Collectivists .
The end-result of the Justins ’ path is not as readily apparent as is the Alphas ; the Justins ’ incremental beta-steps easily mistaken as attempts to address legitimate societal problems , rather than comprising further descent toward a totalitarian abyss .
Thus , recognition of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a critical-mass of opposition , may not occur in time .
It is above all in the present democratic age that the true friends of liberty and human grandeur must remain constantly vigilant and ready to prevent the social power from lightly sacrificing the particular rights of a few individuals to the general execution of its designs .
In such times there is no citizen so obscure that it is not very dangerous to allow him to be oppressed , and there are no individual rights so unimportant that they can be sacrificed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de Tocqueville In the very recent past , we ’ ve witnessed Beta Collectivist politicians exploiting opportunities to begin disarming the populace .
In New Zealand .
In Virginia .
Now in Canada .
Reportedly there ’ s been widescale noncompliance in New Zealand ( and New York and Connecticut before that ) .
Widespread and enthusiastic ( and peaceful ) demonstrations in Virginia provide encouragement .
One takeaway is that folks have learned from , and heeded the ominous warning , of “ common sense gun control ” and “ registration ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – as we saw in Great Britain and Australia .
The big question now is if the citizens ( not yet subjects ? )
of Canada will recognize the threat , will seek to bitterly cling to their God-given rights , and resist – hopefully peaceful civil disobedience proving sufficient , without the authorities overreacting as a catalyst for non-peaceful resistance .
Real men with genuine courage are not unknown to Canadian history , not by a long shot ( to which this Belgian boy bore witness ) .
We must assume that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provinces , they are not yet extinct .
Nor the strong women that proudly stand beside such men .
I fully expect that soon we will hear from them , in quiet resistance and civil disobedience , and loud professions of adherence to God and country and against the creeping totalitarianism of Beta and Alpha tyrants alike .
We tend to think that totalitarian regimes spring up overnight , with a dictator in power the next morning .
But more often it accretes as people acquiesce , appease and retreat .
Edmund Burke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and so allowing evil to succeed .
Today , we have political correctness ( rapidly ) accreting into authoritarianism .
This , if not stopped will accrete into totalitarianism .
This is not idle speculation , but historical insight .
Across the globe , it is the “ bitter clingers ” that stand defending faith and the tenets of individual liberty that are the foundations of Western Civilization .

by Tom Wigand
On May 1, 2020, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau (“Justin”) announced a unilateral ban on so-called “assault weapons.” A “comprehensive” ban at that, with upcoming confiscation.
May Day is the holiday in the Marxist world, and it is likely not coincidental that this was Justin’s chosen the announcement date. Marxism, as we all know, is a totalitarian mode of governance.
History is replete with examples of totalitarians confiscating firearms to disarm the civilian populace – just try to name a totalitarian regime that didn’t. As well, history is full of examples of totalitarian regimes surviving longer than they otherwise would have, since unarmed domestic resistance is largely neutered when confronting by armed enforcers.
And so, Justin is very much following in the footsteps of Stalin, Mao, Hitler and Mussolini – Alpha Males all (for present purposes, as they were Communists and Fascists, classify them as Alpha Collectivists).
Yet the Internet is filled with characterizations of Justin being a Beta Male – which does seem to fit. (Whether this is due to nature or nurture we’ll leave for others to assess. We do know that his father apparently tolerated serial and very flamboyant adultery, amongst other things, on the part of Justin’s mother, Margaret Trudeau, a sign of Betahood on the part of the père.)
Justin and others will surely take great umbrage at the comparison to Stalin et als. – not without some justification. After all, it seems inconceivable that he’s personally contemplating having his opponents killed, or sent off to newly established Gulags in Alberta, or killing fields in Saskatchewan.
But this piece isn’t just about Justin – but he and Beta Collectivists like him (i.e., Progressives and Democratic Socialists), be they male or female. Henceforth, we’ll refer to them collectively (pun very much intended) – as “Justins.”
Whether one wants to assign a Darwinian dynamic, or mere historical record, we know that the Justins are eventually displaced by Alpha Collectivists. Oftentimes quickly, such as with a coup in the middle of the night, once the Justins’ usefulness has expired. Other times it’s more gradual, as the Alphas exploit and build upon the infrastructure established by the Justins – in effect, becoming the dominant species within the Collectivist genus.
Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. – C.S. Lewis
For their part, the Justins seem incapable of comprehending the evil that they help advance, as they have been self-seduced with internalized and mutually-reinforced portrayals of being the enlightened ones; those who are going to herald-in a secular utopia of “global governance.”
These Betas ride in not with the sword, but with gauzy visions amorphously labeled “sustainability” and “social justice.” The totalitarian nightmares later reach full blossom under the Alpha Collectivists.
Saul Alinsky (of “Rules for Radicals” infamy) preached that the ends justify the means. Well, as far as the Justins are concerned, they’re pursuing transcendent ends – the aforementioned “social justice” and “sustainability” and so on (and on).
Convinced as they are that they’re “fighting hate” and even “saving the planet,” the logical progression is for them to feel both confident and self-righteous, and thus to rationalize that there are few means aren’t justified in accomplishing their desired ends. This also explains why Justins often enunciate variations of “the arc of history bends toward” their imagined global / globalist utopia.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
So to the Justins, the “bitter clingers” – whether American, Canadian, Australian or New Zealanders – are backwards rubes. Too clingy and ignorant to appreciate the secular nirvana that the Progressive-Social Democratic Bobbsey Twins will bequeath the entire globe.
Therefore, as a means to the end, the bitter clingers’ ability to express unapproved ideas must be suppressed; their ability to physically resist absolutely eliminated – incrementally if necessary, but in the end, absolutely.
Arguably Justins are a greater threat to liberty and human rights than are the Alpha Collectivists. The end-result of the Justins’ path is not as readily apparent as is the Alphas; the Justins’ incremental beta-steps easily mistaken as attempts to address legitimate societal problems, rather than comprising further descent toward a totalitarian abyss. Thus, recognition of the true nature of the threat, and a critical-mass of opposition, may not occur in time.
It is above all in the present democratic age that the true friends of liberty and human grandeur must remain constantly vigilant and ready to prevent the social power from lightly sacrificing the particular rights of a few individuals to the general execution of its designs. In such times there is no citizen so obscure that it is not very dangerous to allow him to be oppressed, and there are no individual rights so unimportant that they can be sacrificed to arbitrariness with impunity. – Alexis de Tocqueville
In the very recent past, we’ve witnessed Beta Collectivist politicians exploiting opportunities to begin disarming the populace. In New Zealand. In Virginia. Now in Canada. Reportedly there’s been widescale noncompliance in New Zealand (and New York and Connecticut before that). Widespread and enthusiastic (and peaceful) demonstrations in Virginia provide encouragement.
One takeaway is that folks have learned from, and heeded the ominous warning, of “common sense gun control” and “registration” – that they invariably lead to confiscation – as we saw in Great Britain and Australia.
The big question now is if the citizens (not yet subjects?) of Canada will recognize the threat, will seek to bitterly cling to their God-given rights, and resist – hopefully peaceful civil disobedience proving sufficient, without the authorities overreacting as a catalyst for non-peaceful resistance.
Real men with genuine courage are not unknown to Canadian history, not by a long shot (to which this Belgian boy bore witness). We must assume that, particularly within the redoubts of western provinces, they are not yet extinct.
Nor the strong women that proudly stand beside such men.
I fully expect that soon we will hear from them, in quiet resistance and civil disobedience, and loud professions of adherence to God and country and against the creeping totalitarianism of Beta and Alpha tyrants alike.
We tend to think that totalitarian regimes spring up overnight, with a dictator in power the next morning. But more often it accretes as people acquiesce, appease and retreat. Edmund Burke’s good men doing nothing, and so allowing evil to succeed.
Today, we have political correctness (rapidly) accreting into authoritarianism. This, if not stopped will accrete into totalitarianism. This is not idle speculation, but historical insight.
Across the globe, it is the “bitter clingers” that stand defending faith and the tenets of individual liberty that are the foundations of Western Civilization.
Where stand ye, O Canada? “Eyes Right!” or heads bowed?


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-19--Alert Liquidity Crisis Lead To A Sudden Housing Market CRASH: Be Ready!

As one thing after another crumbles in the wake of the ongoing pandemic , mismanagement , partisan politics , and bureaucratic red tape have built up to the beginning of the biggest housing market crash consumers today will face in their lifetimes .
By the time meaningful policies are finally in place , it may be too late .
The worst housing crash the world has ever seen is on its way , and indicators show this event may far top numbers posted during the 2008 bubble .
The biggest losers ?
Ordinary households , with lower income and minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the burden as political institutions fail to step in .
In today ’ s video , we ’ ll show you the data and the expert predictions .
We are going to give you the indicators of the coming housing crisis , track the timeline of government response , and break down what this all means for homeowners and the economy at large .
CEO of Wolf Street Corp. and Fed policy expert Wolf Richter called attention to a disturbing trend in which housing markets even in typically active areas , like San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halt .
According to data from real estate listing firm Redfin , there was a steep annual decline of 22.7 % in home sales last month .
Simultaneously , new listings plunged 41 % from last year ’ s numbers in April .
Housing inventory declined by 21 % .
Weiss Analytics notes that “ 30 % of homes priced at $ 200,000 or less have been listed at a median discount of 6.3 % compared to February .
On the other hand , 37 % of homes with a value of $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a median discount of 7.7 % .
” Aside from a floundering buyers ’ climate , the mortgage market is also being hit hard .
A new report from Oxford Economics estimates that 15 % of homeowners will fall behind on their monthly mortgage payments as a result of the pandemic , which would cause delinquencies to surpass the number seen during the Great Recession .
According to Oxford Economics , “ The uncertainty in the mortgage market has contributed to a significant tightening of lending standards that may persist even once a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortgage market is worth over $ 11 trillion , this slow bounce back will leave homeowners feeling the effects of the crash for years .
While some argue that low mortgage rates could actually attract buyers , stricter lending criteria will produce the opposite effect in a climate where consumer spending is hitting record lows .
Government response , needed to counteract the effects of the looming housing crash before it ’ s too late , has been slow .
The crash will devastate not only borrowers , but lenders as well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ aftermath of the 2008 stock market crash to fill the vacuum left by the decline of mortgage lending by larger banks .
Now , they are the ones responsible for over half of all single-family home mortgages in the US .
The loan servicers are liable for advancing the monthly sum of mortgage payments before collecting these from the borrower .
As forbearance rates shoot up , this causes an extra squeeze on such companies .
Despite the skyrocketing unemployment rates , the Fed has not offered any direct help in the form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providers and servicers , a move they notably made in the 2008 housing crisis but have thus far not elected to repeat .
These bonds are backed by loans made to mortgage borrowers who have missed their payments Purchasing such bonds would help to ease the burden on loan service companies .
As local mortgage banks flounder , the bigger banks infamous for unfairly foreclosing mortgages in the aftermath of the last housing bubble would then step in to take over their assets .
In this way , mortgage failures would continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ So there you have it , ” Wolf Richter wrote .
“ A most splendid housing bubble and an equally splendid vacation-rental boom that were both caught at the peak in their most vulnerable state by The Virus that upended everything.
” Amidst all the uncertainty and inaction , one thing is clear : the housing crisis is not an if , but a when .
Unlike the slower burning crisis in 2008 , this pandemic is pushing things along at an alarming pace .
In the impending economic collapse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the brink of losing their homes , as the real estate market flounders and too-little , too-late policies fail to stabilize the pandemic-induced recession .
Homeowners that still remember the fallout of the 2008 housing bubble will , just over a decade later , feel the effects of government failure all too close to home once again .

As one thing after another crumbles in the wake of the ongoing pandemic, mismanagement, partisan politics, and bureaucratic red tape have built up to the beginning of the biggest housing market crash consumers today will face in their lifetimes. By the time meaningful policies are finally in place, it may be too late. The worst housing crash the world has ever seen is on its way, and indicators show this event may far top numbers posted during the 2008 bubble. The biggest losers? Ordinary households, with lower income and minority homeowners taking on a disproportionate share of the burden as political institutions fail to step in.
In today’s video, we’ll show you the data and the expert predictions. We are going to give you the indicators of the coming housing crisis, track the timeline of government response, and break down what this all means for homeowners and the economy at large.
CEO of Wolf Street Corp. and Fed policy expert Wolf Richter called attention to a disturbing trend in which housing markets even in typically active areas, like San Francisco, are essentially grinding to a halt.
According to data from real estate listing firm Redfin, there was a steep annual decline of 22.7% in home sales last month. Simultaneously, new listings plunged 41% from last year’s numbers in April. Housing inventory declined by 21%.
Weiss Analytics notes that “30% of homes priced at $200,000 or less have been listed at a median discount of 6.3% compared to February. On the other hand, 37% of homes with a value of $600,000 or more have been listed at a median discount of 7.7%.”
Aside from a floundering buyers’ climate, the mortgage market is also being hit hard.
A new report from Oxford Economics estimates that 15% of homeowners will fall behind on their monthly mortgage payments as a result of the pandemic, which would cause delinquencies to surpass the number seen during the Great Recession.
According to Oxford Economics, “The uncertainty in the mortgage market has contributed to a significant tightening of lending standards that may persist even once a recovery is underway.”
Since the residential mortgage market is worth over $11 trillion, this slow bounce back will leave homeowners feeling the effects of the crash for years.
While some argue that low mortgage rates could actually attract buyers, stricter lending criteria will produce the opposite effect in a climate where consumer spending is hitting record lows.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Government response, needed to counteract the effects of the looming housing crash before it’s too late, has been slow.
The crash will devastate not only borrowers, but lenders as well.
Local mortgage banks swept in in the aftermath of the 2008 stock market crash to fill the vacuum left by the decline of mortgage lending by larger banks. Now, they are the ones responsible for over half of all single-family home mortgages in the US.
The loan servicers are liable for advancing the monthly sum of mortgage payments before collecting these from the borrower. As forbearance rates shoot up, this causes an extra squeeze on such companies.
Despite the skyrocketing unemployment rates, the Fed has not offered any direct help in the form of purchasing bonds issued by cash-strapped mortgage providers and servicers, a move they notably made in the 2008 housing crisis but have thus far not elected to repeat. These bonds are backed by loans made to mortgage borrowers who have missed their payments
Purchasing such bonds would help to ease the burden on loan service companies.
As local mortgage banks flounder, the bigger banks infamous for unfairly foreclosing mortgages in the aftermath of the last housing bubble would then step in to take over their assets. In this way, mortgage failures would continue to spiral, harming lenders and borrowers alike.
“So there you have it,” Wolf Richter wrote. “A most splendid housing bubble and an equally splendid vacation-rental boom that were both caught at the peak in their most vulnerable state by The Virus that upended everything.”
Amidst all the uncertainty and inaction, one thing is clear: the housing crisis is not an if, but a when. Unlike the slower burning crisis in 2008, this pandemic is pushing things along at an alarming pace. In the impending economic collapse, thousands of families will be brought to the brink of losing their homes, as the real estate market flounders and too-little, too-late policies fail to stabilize the pandemic-induced recession. Homeowners that still remember the fallout of the 2008 housing bubble will, just over a decade later, feel the effects of government failure all too close to home once again.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-19--Greta Thunberg FORCED to Explain Why She Was on CNN’s ‘Expert’ Health Crisis Panel

Julio Rosas from Townhall reports , Climate activist Greta Thunberg addressed the controversy of her appearing in CNN ’ s @ @ @ @ @ doctors .
In addition to Thunberg ,

Julio Rosas from Townhall reports, Climate activist Greta Thunberg addressed the controversy of her appearing in CNN’s CV town hall with other doctors. In addition to Thunberg,
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Read More/Source/Credit/FairUse:
townhall.com/tipsheet/julioro…


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-19--HOPIUM RALLY IGNITES 911 POINTS!! SECOND WAVE INEVITABLE…

In today ’ s video , Christopher Greene explains why this is your Last Chance to Prepare .

In today’s video, Christopher Greene explains why this is your Last Chance to Prepare.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-19--CAN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BE TRUSTED: Trump BLINDSIDED by Barr’s

There ’ s a double standard at play .
While Barr says that he won ’ t go after Biden @ @ @ @ @ is still looking for ways to file fake , lying charges against President Trump .
@ @ @ @ @ war , or there ’ s hope… I think it ’ s the first suggestion @ @ @ @ @ crap what the deep state is doing .
The MSM and the democrats are going @ @ @ @ @ announced that the “ Russian Obstruction investigation , ” is still ongoing .
They know @ @ @ @ @ really are panicking .
If Obama said he was taking it , he ’ d @ @ @ @ @ prise .
These people are just sick .

There’s a double standard at play. While Barr says that he won’t go after Biden or Obama, the left is still looking for ways to file fake, lying charges against President Trump.
Either they want a civil war, or there’s hope…
I think it’s the first suggestion.
It’s just crap what the deep state is doing.
The MSM and the democrats are going nuts.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Today the democrats announced that the “Russian Obstruction investigation,” is still ongoing. They know they are exposed and they really are panicking.
Cavuto aired a crazy episode about the POTUS taking Hydroxychloroquine.
If Obama said he was taking it, he’d be awarded some insane leftist prise.
These people are just sick.
h/t SouthSide


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-19--English Lord Sumption tells the BBC the UK Govt. is timid and should end the lockdown.

Lord Sumption on the UK Lockdown BBC News 17 May 2020
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-19--IMPEACMENT 2.0: House Democrats Say Trump-Russia Obstruction Investigation ‘Ongoing’

House Democrats Say Trump-Russia Obstruction Investigation ‘ Ongoing ’ – Could Result in New Articles of Impeachment !
The House told the Supreme Court they need the unredacted secret grand jury materials in Mueller ’ s report to decide on new articles of impeachment .
They have been fiercely fighting to obtain the material currently redacted in Mueller ’ s report for nearly a year .
“ The Committee ’ s impeachment investigation related to obstruction of justice pertaining to the Russia investigation is ongoing , ” Douglas Letter , the House general counsel , said in a court filing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jury material has found its way up to the Supreme Court .
“ If this material reveals new evidence supporting the conclusion that President Trump committed impeachable offenses , ” Douglas Letter said , “ the Committee will proceed accordingly — including , if necessary , by considering whether to recommend new articles of impeachment.
” They ’ re thinking about doing it again !
House Democrats say Trump-Russia obstruction investigation is ‘ ongoing.
’ Seek material that could result in ‘ new articles of impeachment.
’ From CNN : Democrats tell Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consider new articles of impeachment The Democrat-led House Judiciary Committee told the Supreme Court it needs the grand jury materials redacted in special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s report to decide whether to impeach Trump over his alleged obstruction of the Russia investigation .
“ The Mueller Report grand-jury material remains central to the Committee ’ s ongoing inquiry into the President ’ s conduct , ” the Democrats wrote .
“ If this material reveals new evidence supporting the conclusion that President Trump committed impeachable offenses that are not covered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Committee will proceed accordingly — including , if necessary , by considering whether to recommend new articles of impeachment.
” House Democrats Tell Supreme Court They May Impeach Trump Again by 2021 The saga began in 2019 , when Special Counsel Robert Mueller determined that there had been no collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign .
When he released his report , however , Mueller submitted two volumes — one on the collusion investigation , and one on a separate obstruction of justice investigation .
Though he made no recommendation for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as providing the basis for potentially impeaching Trump for obstruction .
Democrats also claimed that certain redactions in the report must have hidden relevant information — though they declined to read a less redacted version .
They also demanded access to material that Mueller had shown a grand jury .
Normally grand jury proceedings are secret , and so Attorney General William Barr , citing federal law , declined the Democrats ’ request .
They then held him in contempt of Congress , and took their case for the materials to federal court @

House Democrats Say Trump-Russia Obstruction Investigation ‘Ongoing’ – Could Result in New Articles of Impeachment!
The House told the Supreme Court they need the unredacted secret grand jury materials in Mueller’s report to decide on new articles of impeachment. They have been fiercely fighting to obtain the material currently redacted in Mueller’s report for nearly a year.
“The Committee’s impeachment investigation related to obstruction of justice pertaining to the Russia investigation is ongoing,” Douglas Letter, the House general counsel, said in a court filing Monday.
The battle for the grand jury material has found its way up to the Supreme Court.
“If this material reveals new evidence supporting the conclusion that President Trump committed impeachable offenses,” Douglas Letter said, “the Committee will proceed accordingly — including, if necessary, by considering whether to recommend new articles of impeachment.”
www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/05/house-democrats-say-trump-russia-obstruction-investigation-ongoing-result-new-articles-impeachment/
Byron York
@ByronYork
They’re thinking about doing it again! House Democrats say Trump-Russia obstruction investigation is ‘ongoing.’ Seek material that could result in ‘new articles of impeachment.’ From CNN:
t.co/4d1pXXYgnJ?amp=1
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
They're thinking about doing it again! House Democrats say Trump-Russia obstruction investigation is 'ongoing.' Seek material that could result in 'new articles of impeachment.' From CNN: t.co/4d1pXXYgnJ pic.twitter.com/GFivD18oto — Byron York (@ByronYork) May 18, 2020
Democrats tell Supreme Court they need Mueller grand jury material to consider new articles of impeachment
The Democrat-led House Judiciary Committee told the Supreme Court it needs the grand jury materials redacted in special counsel Robert Mueller’s report to decide whether to impeach Trump over his alleged obstruction of the Russia investigation.
“The Mueller Report grand-jury material remains central to the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into the President’s conduct,” the Democrats wrote. “If this material reveals new evidence supporting the conclusion that President Trump committed impeachable offenses that are not covered by the Articles adopted by the House, the Committee will proceed accordingly — including, if necessary, by considering whether to recommend new articles of impeachment.”
www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/democrats-tell-supreme-court-they-need-mueller-grand-jury-material-to-consider-new-articles-of-impeachment
House Democrats Tell Supreme Court They May Impeach Trump Again by 2021
The saga began in 2019, when Special Counsel Robert Mueller determined that there had been no collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. When he released his report, however, Mueller submitted two volumes — one on the collusion investigation, and one on a separate obstruction of justice investigation. Though he made no recommendation for prosecution, Democrats seized on the latter as providing the basis for potentially impeaching Trump for obstruction.
Democrats also claimed that certain redactions in the report must have hidden relevant information — though they declined to read a less redacted version. They also demanded access to material that Mueller had shown a grand jury. Normally grand jury proceedings are secret, and so Attorney General William Barr, citing federal law, declined the Democrats’ request. They then held him in contempt of Congress, and took their case for the materials to federal court.
www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/05/18/house-democrats-tell-supreme-court-they-may-impeach-trump-again-by-2021/
h/t CrsCrpr


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-19--OBAMA: Fired an Inspector General to Cover Up a Sex Scandal and No One Said Shit About It

Trump fired the inspector general of the State Department , Steve Linick .
In accordance with the 2008 Inspector General Reform Act , which protects inspectors general from being fired without cause , Trump informed Congress in writing about the intent to fire Linick , expressing that he no longer had the “ fullest confidence ” in Linick , who was appointed to that position in 2013 by Barack Obama .
Democrats naturally have come out of the woodwork to express their faux outrage , and to launch an investigation into the firing over allegations that Trump acted to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2009 when Barack Obama fired the inspector general of the Corporation for National and Community Service ( CNCS ) , Gerald Walpin ?
Gerald Walpin was in the middle of an investigation when he was called by White House counsel Norman Eisen , who informed him that he had an hour to resign or be fired .
This was in violation of the Reform Act , which Obama co-sponsored as a U.S. senator .
Walpin refused .
After Walpin ’ s refusal , Obama wrote a letter to Congress , giving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as Inspectors General .
That is no longer the case with regard to this Inspector General.
” Gerald Walpin had been investigating Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson , a former NBA basketball star and Obama supporter , for misusing federal grant money from AmeriCorps .
He found that Johnson gave $ 850,000 of AmeriCorps grant money to a nonprofit organization he founded called St. HOPE Academy .
In addition to being improperly used to pay AmeriCorps volunteers for political activity , to wash his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ errands , Walpin also discovered that Johnson had used AmeriCorps grant money to pay hush money to underage girls , who were students at St. HOPE Academy , that he had sexually assaulted and then staged a cover-up .
Obama broke the law to protect a donor and ally who had misused federal grant money and sexually abused three underage girls , then he and his appointees misled and stonewalled Congress in an attempt to cover up his own illegal behavior .
Where were the Democrats then ?

Trump fired the inspector general of the State Department, Steve Linick. In accordance with the 2008 Inspector General Reform Act, which protects inspectors general from being fired without cause, Trump informed Congress in writing about the intent to fire Linick, expressing that he no longer had the “fullest confidence” in Linick, who was appointed to that position in 2013 by Barack Obama.
Democrats naturally have come out of the woodwork to express their faux outrage, and to launch an investigation into the firing over allegations that Trump acted to protect Pompeo.
But where were these Democrats in 2009 when Barack Obama fired the inspector general of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), Gerald Walpin?
Gerald Walpin was in the middle of an investigation when he was called by White House counsel Norman Eisen, who informed him that he had an hour to resign or be fired. This was in violation of the Reform Act, which Obama co-sponsored as a U.S. senator. Walpin refused.
After Walpin’s refusal, Obama wrote a letter to Congress, giving the following explanation: “It is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as Inspectors General. That is no longer the case with regard to this Inspector General.”
Gerald Walpin had been investigating Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, a former NBA basketball star and Obama supporter, for misusing federal grant money from AmeriCorps.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
He found that Johnson gave $850,000 of AmeriCorps grant money to a nonprofit organization he founded called St. HOPE Academy. In addition to being improperly used to pay AmeriCorps volunteers for political activity, to wash his car, and to run his personal errands, Walpin also discovered that Johnson had used AmeriCorps grant money to pay hush money to underage girls, who were students at St. HOPE Academy, that he had sexually assaulted and then staged a cover-up.
Obama broke the law to protect a donor and ally who had misused federal grant money and sexually abused three underage girls, then he and his appointees misled and stonewalled Congress in an attempt to cover up his own illegal behavior. Where were the Democrats then?
pjmedia.com/news-and-politics/matt-margolis/2020/05/18/flashback-obama-illegally-fired-an-inspector-general-to-protect-a-sexual-predator-n398683
pjmedia.com/news-and-politics/matt-margolis/2020/05/18/flashback-obama-illegally-fired-an-inspector-general-to-protect-a-sexual-predator-n398683
h/t CrsCrpr


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--This chart below shows it looks much like it did in 2007.  Gold acting the same way as well.  We wil

This chart below shows it looks much like it did in 2007 .
Gold acting the same way as well @ @ @ @ @ if this time is different !
pic.twitter.com/L4cE08Eagp

This chart below shows it looks much like it did in 2007. Gold acting the same way as well. We will know soon if this time is different! pic.twitter.com/L4cE08Eagp
— Lord Polemos (@LordPolemos) May 18, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--TRUMP TAKING HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE… CAVUTO STUNNED: COULD LOSE YOUR LIFE!

Donald Trump has revealed he is taking hydroxychloroquine , a malaria drug he has pushed for weeks as a treatment for coronavirus – even though he has tested negative , and federal health agencies have warned of serious negative side effects for its use .
“ I take it , ” he told reporters .
“ All I can tell you is , so far , I feel okay.
” The president said on Monday he had taken only an initial dose .
“ It seems to have an impact , ” he said .
“ Maybe it does , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to get sick and die.
” Mr Trump said he has taken the drug for “ about a week and a half now ” , adding : “ I take a pill every day ” and has had “ zero symptoms ” .
The president said he was taking the drug because “ I ’ ve gotten a lot of calls ” from medical professionals praising it .
His revelation comes several weeks after the New York Times reported the Trump family has a financial tie to the parent company of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hydroxychloroquine .
Fox News ’ Neil Cavuto was so shocked by President Donald Trump announcing he ’ s taking hydroxychloroquine that he took a few minutes to explicitly warn viewers about the risks of taking it .
At one point the president asked “ what have you got to lose , ” but as Cavuto said , “ A number of studies , those certainly vulnerable in the population have one thing to lose , their lives .
A VA study showed that among a population of veterans in a hospital receiving this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respiratory conditions , heart elements , they died.
” Cavuto read from a number of other studies about the effects of hydroxychloroquine and said , “ Those who took it , in a vulnerable population , including those with respiratory or other conditions , they died .
I want to stress again — they died .
If you are in a risky population here and you are taking this as a preventative treatment to ward off the virus or , in a worst-case scenario , you are dealing with the virus , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will kill you .
I can not stress that enough .
This will kill you.
” “ So again , whatever benefit the president says this has — and certainly has had for those suffering from malaria , dealing with lupus — this is a leap that should not be taken casually by those watching at home or assuming , ‘ well , the President of the United States says it ’ s okay , ’ ” Cavuto continued , bringing up the FDA ’ s own warning .

Donald Trump has revealed he is taking hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug he has pushed for weeks as a treatment for coronavirus – even though he has tested negative, and federal health agencies have warned of serious negative side effects for its use.
“I take it,” he told reporters. “All I can tell you is, so far, I feel okay.”
The president said on Monday he had taken only an initial dose. “It seems to have an impact,” he said. “Maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t…..You’re not going to get sick and die.”
Mr Trump said he has taken the drug for “about a week and a half now”, adding: “I take a pill every day” and has had “zero symptoms”.
The president said he was taking the drug because “I’ve gotten a lot of calls” from medical professionals praising it. His revelation comes several weeks after the New York Times reported the Trump family has a financial tie to the parent company of one of the the firms that makes hydroxychloroquine.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-taking-hydroxychloroquine-coronavirus-vaccine-medicine-a9521151.html
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
“That was stunning.”
Fox News’ Neil Cavuto was so shocked by President Donald Trump announcing he’s taking hydroxychloroquine that he took a few minutes to explicitly warn viewers about the risks of taking it.
At one point the president asked “what have you got to lose,” but as Cavuto said, “A number of studies, those certainly vulnerable in the population have one thing to lose, their lives. A VA study showed that among a population of veterans in a hospital receiving this treatment, those with vulnerable conditions, respiratory conditions, heart elements, they died.”
Cavuto read from a number of other studies about the effects of hydroxychloroquine and said, “Those who took it, in a vulnerable population, including those with respiratory or other conditions, they died. I want to stress again — they died. If you are in a risky population here and you are taking this as a preventative treatment to ward off the virus or, in a worst-case scenario, you are dealing with the virus, and you are in this vulnerable population, it will kill you. I cannot stress that enough. This will kill you.”
“So again, whatever benefit the president says this has — and certainly has had for those suffering from malaria, dealing with lupus — this is a leap that should not be taken casually by those watching at home or assuming, ‘well, the President of the United States says it’s okay,’” Cavuto continued, bringing up the FDA’s own warning.
www.mediaite.com/tv/a-stunned-neil-cavuto-warns-about-hydroxychloroquine-after-trump-says-hes-taking-the-drug-what-have-you-got-to-lose-your-life/


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--“Live Nation just furloughed 20% of their employees.”

`` Live Nation just furloughed 20 % of their employees . ''
They should furlough everyone and then the stock @ @ @ @ @ .
$ LYV pic.twitter.com/tPV18aR4uD

"Live Nation just furloughed 20% of their employees."
They should furlough everyone and then the stock can go to $100. $LYV pic.twitter.com/tPV18aR4uD
— Rudy Havenstein, Senior Markets Commentator (@RudyHavenstein) May 18, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Did the Fed Just Knowingly Trigger a Housing Market Crisis?

• The Fed bought a record amount of mortgage-backed securities last week .
• Its MBS buying spree in March triggered $ 5 billion in margin calls on routine hedges lenders place against rising interest rates– an existential threat to lenders .
• Apparently , crashing home prices are an even bigger threat in the Fed ’ s view .
The scale of its housing market intervention rivals the 2008 crisis .
The Federal Reserve bought an unprecedented amount of mortgage-backed securities last week .
Otavio Costa , a portfolio manager at Crescat Capital , noted that the housing market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank ’ s most recent stimulus .
Mr. Costa could be forgiven for thinking the housing market wasn ’ t the problem this time .
Industry analysts have found many reasons to be bullish on housing .
Or at least , to assure us that the housing market is different today than it was during the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis .
Skylar Olsen , senior principal economist at Zillow , expects a modest 2 % – 3 % dip in home prices by October .
She says the market is different now than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , housing markets are much more resilient .
We had tight credit leading into this , we were not building excess homes , and we had a large generation of millennials who wanted to buy homes for pregnancy and marriage and life reasons , not just financial ones or anything else .
Brad Cartier , a real estate investor in multi-family homes , argued this week that all the macro indicators look healthy for the housing market .
But if the residential real estate market is so sound , why did mortgage-backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fed ’ s recent buying spree ?
The Fed is hoovering up MBS at levels unseen since the 2008 housing market crash .
How low do interest rates have to go to keep the housing market afloat ?
Costa finds the central bank ’ s actions bearish for both the housing market and the stock market .
He pointed out that , The Federal Reserve ’ s extraordinary intervention into the housing market is putting unforeseen pressure on distressed mortgage lenders .
The industry already faces a perilous liquidity crisis .
Two Berkeley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month about the non-bank lending sector within the housing market .
In an echo of the risks preceding the 2008 meltdown , these are lenders that operate with little of their own capital or access to emergency cash .
They ’ re now struggling to stay afloat as record numbers of homeowners go into a structured default known as forbearance .
Berkeley professors Nancy Wallace and Richard Stanton fear they ’ ll tip over into bankruptcy , and U.S. taxpayers will be left holding the bag .
The Federal Reserve isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time this fragile sector is strapped for cash .
When the Fed first blasted the housing market with the liquidity bazooka in March , it triggered an unexpected result .
Mortgage lenders routinely purchase hedges against rising interest rates .
If interest rates rise relative to locked-in rates , the hedge recoups their losses .
…as many as 30 % of Americans with home loans – or around 15 million households , may stop paying if the US economy remains closed through the summer… Fed Chairman Powell Warns Downturn ‘ May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t Know ’ In an interview with CBS ’ 60 minutes , Mr Powell said : “ This is a time of great suffering and difficulty… you can ’ t really put into words the pain people are feeling .
“ This economy will recover .
It may take a while , ” he said .
“ It could stretch through the end of next year .
We really don ’ t know .
”

via CCN:
The Fed bought a record amount of mortgage-backed securities last week.
Its MBS buying spree in March triggered $5 billion in margin calls on routine hedges lenders place against rising interest rates– an existential threat to lenders.
Apparently, crashing home prices are an even bigger threat in the Fed’s view. The scale of its housing market intervention rivals the 2008 crisis.
The Federal Reserve bought an unprecedented amount of mortgage-backed securities last week. Otavio Costa, a portfolio manager at Crescat Capital, noted that the housing market accounted for 84% of the central bank’s most recent stimulus.
He mused:
I thought the housing market wasn’t the problem this time.
” alt=”” aria-hidden=”true” />
Mr. Costa could be forgiven for thinking the housing market wasn’t the problem this time.
Industry analysts have found many reasons to be bullish on housing. Or at least, to assure us that the housing market is different today than it was during the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis.
Housing Market Intervention Rivals 2008 Crisis
” alt=”” aria-hidden=”true” />
Skylar Olsen, senior principal economist at Zillow, expects a modest 2% – 3% dip in home prices by October. She says the market is different now than when it crashed in 2008:
Right now, housing markets are much more resilient. We had tight credit leading into this, we were not building excess homes, and we had a large generation of millennials who wanted to buy homes for pregnancy and marriage and life reasons, not just financial ones or anything else.
Brad Cartier, a real estate investor in multi-family homes, argued this week that all the macro indicators look healthy for the housing market.
But if the residential real estate market is so sound, why did mortgage-backed securities make up 84% of the Fed’s recent buying spree? The Fed is hoovering up MBS at levels unseen since the 2008 housing market crash. How low do interest rates have to go to keep the housing market afloat?
Costa finds the central bank’s actions bearish for both the housing market and the stock market. He pointed out that,
[S]tocks were record undervalued back then. It’s the complete opposite today.
The Federal Reserve’s extraordinary intervention into the housing market is putting unforeseen pressure on distressed mortgage lenders. The industry already faces a perilous liquidity crisis.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The Fed Is Crushing Mortgage Lenders
Two Berkeley Haas School of Business professors warned last month about the non-bank lending sector within the housing market. In an echo of the risks preceding the 2008 meltdown, these are lenders that operate with little of their own capital or access to emergency cash.
They’re now struggling to stay afloat as record numbers of homeowners go into a structured default known as forbearance. Berkeley professors Nancy Wallace and Richard Stanton fear they’ll tip over into bankruptcy, and U.S. taxpayers will be left holding the bag.
The Federal Reserve isn’t just squeezing their profits by tanking rates at a time this fragile sector is strapped for cash. When the Fed first blasted the housing market with the liquidity bazooka in March, it triggered an unexpected result.
Mortgage lenders routinely purchase hedges against rising interest rates. If interest rates rise relative to locked-in rates, the hedge recoups their losses.
…
…
Related:
…as many as 30% of Americans with home loans – or around 15 million households, may stop paying if the US economy remains closed through the summer…
In an interview with CBS’ 60 minutes, Mr Powell said: “This is a time of great suffering and difficulty… you can’t really put into words the pain people are feeling. “This economy will recover. It may take a while,” he said. “It could stretch through the end of next year. We really don’t know.”


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--SPY gambling lookup table

SPY gambling lookup table

I ’ ve been noticing some comments mentioning really stupid SPY option buys , so I thought I ’ d share a table I threw together .
Assuming you ’ re planning on holding your options to expiration , like I know you diamond-handed dummies are , just look up the value you think SPY will get to , the date you think it will get there by , and find the best option for your money and how much money you ’ ll make if you ’ re right .
If you ’ re thinking , “ I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t I just buy the 250p ?
” , this is the table for you !
All values assume you ’ re just taking out the offer like the completely uninformed buyer you are .
Tip : always bid less than the offer .
Example : if you think SPY will drop to 250 by June 15th for that second leg down , you ’ ll find in the second table that you should buy the 272 put for a 9 bagger .
Disclaimer : This information is only for educational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions based on the information in this article .
Do you own due diligence .

by validscramble
Good afternoon fellow reeetail investors!
I’ve been noticing some comments mentioning really stupid SPY option buys, so I thought I’d share a table I threw together. Assuming you’re planning on holding your options to expiration, like I know you diamond-handed dummies are, just look up the value you think SPY will get to, the date you think it will get there by, and find the best option for your money and how much money you’ll make if you’re right. If you’re thinking, “I think SPY will drop to 250, why wouldn’t I just buy the 250p?”, this is the table for you!
All values assume you’re just taking out the offer like the completely uninformed buyer you are. Tip: always bid less than the offer.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Example: if you think SPY will drop to 250 by June 15th for that second leg down, you’ll find in the second table that you should buy the 272 put for a 9 bagger.
5/26 5/27 5/29 6/1 6/3 6/5 6/8 6/10 150 235p 225p 251p 220p 220p 220p 220p 220p 4250.0x 3750.0x 631.2x 1750.0x 1166.7x 700.0x 583.3x 411.8x 160 235p 225p 251p 220p 220p 220p 220p 220p 3750.0x 3250.0x 568.8x 1500.0x 1000.0x 600.0x 500.0x 352.9x 170 235p 225p 251p 220p 220p 220p 220p 220p 3250.0x 2750.0x 506.2x 1250.0x 833.3x 500.0x 416.7x 294.1x 180 235p 225p 251p 220p 220p 220p 220p 220p 2750.0x 2250.0x 443.8x 1000.0x 666.7x 400.0x 333.3x 235.3x 190 235p 225p 251p 220p 220p 220p 220p 220p 2250.0x 1750.0x 381.2x 750.0x 500.0x 300.0x 250.0x 176.5x 200 235p 225p 251p 220p 220p 220p 220p 225p 1750.0x 1250.0x 318.8x 500.0x 333.3x 200.0x 166.7x 119.0x 210 235p 235p 251p 230p 225p 230p 230p 235p 1250.0x 833.3x 256.2x 333.3x 187.5x 125.0x 105.3x 78.1x 220 235p 235p 251p 235p 240p 240p 240p 240p 750.0x 500.0x 193.8x 187.5x 111.1x 76.9x 64.5x 50.0x 230 252p 245p 251p 245p 245p 250p 250p 250p 440.0x 300.0x 131.2x 100.0x 65.2x 46.5x 40.0x 31.2x 240 255p 254p 254p 254p 256p 259p 257p 260p 250.0x 155.6x 73.7x 53.8x 37.2x 27.1x 23.6x 18.9x 250 262p 262p 263p 264p 267p 267p 269p 268p 120.0x 75.0x 36.1x 28.0x 19.8x 15.2x 13.5x 11.2x 260 271p 272p 273p 274p 276p 277p 277p 279p 47.8x 30.8x 16.9x 13.6x 10.5x 8.5x 7.7x 6.7x 270 278p 280p 283p 284p 286p 288p 288p 289p 16.3x 11.8x 7.8x 6.7x 5.5x 4.7x 4.4x 4.0x 280 289p 290p 292p 293p 295p 296p 297p 298p 5.3x 4.5x 3.6x 3.2x 2.9x 2.6x 2.5x 2.3x 290 299p 300p 302p 303p 305p 307p 307p 308p 1.8x 1.7x 1.5x 1.5x 1.4x 1.4x 1.4x 1.3x 300 289c 286c 283c 279c 274c 270c 269c 266c 1.2x 1.2x 1.1x 1.1x 1.1x 1.1x 1.1x 1.1x 310 306c 306c 305c 304c 303c 302c 302c 300c 8.3x 6.3x 4.2x 3.6x 2.9x 2.5x 2.3x 2.0x 320 314c 314c 314c 314c 314c 314c 314c 313c 75.0x 50.0x 28.6x 22.2x 16.2x 11.8x 10.2x 8.0x 330 323c 321c 321c 322c 321c 321c 321c 321c 350.0x 225.0x 128.6x 100.0x 69.2x 47.4x 40.9x 31.0x 340 330c 325c 330c 330c 330c 330c 330c 330c 1000.0x 500.0x 333.3x 333.3x 200.0x 142.9x 125.0x 100.0x 350 330c 335c 335c 335c 335c 335c 335c 335c 2000.0x 1500.0x 750.0x 750.0x 500.0x 375.0x 300.0x 214.3x
split for your narrow screen
6/12 6/15 6/17 6/19 6/22 6/26 6/30 150 220p 215p 220p 247p 180p 235p 247p 333.3x 325.0x 233.3x 89.8x 300.0x 91.4x 57.7x 160 220p 215p 220p 247p 190p 235p 247p 285.7x 275.0x 200.0x 80.6x 214.3x 80.6x 51.8x 170 220p 215p 220p 247p 200p 235p 247p 238.1x 225.0x 166.7x 71.3x 150.0x 69.9x 45.8x 180 220p 215p 220p 247p 210p 235p 247p 190.5x 175.0x 133.3x 62.0x 107.1x 59.1x 39.9x 190 220p 215p 220p 247p 220p 235p 247p 142.9x 125.0x 100.0x 52.8x 75.0x 48.4x 33.9x 200 225p 225p 225p 247p 230p 235p 247p 96.2x 86.2x 69.4x 43.5x 51.7x 37.6x 28.0x 210 235p 235p 235p 247p 235p 235p 247p 64.1x 56.8x 47.2x 34.3x 35.2x 26.9x 22.0x 220 245p 245p 245p 247p 245p 245p 248p 41.0x 36.8x 30.9x 25.0x 23.1x 18.1x 16.1x 230 250p 250p 255p 254p 255p 256p 257p 26.0x 23.3x 19.7x 16.4x 15.2x 12.3x 11.1x 240 261p 260p 260p 263p 265p 268p 268p 15.9x 14.5x 12.6x 10.6x 10.0x 8.3x 7.7x 250 271p 272p 273p 274p 275p 276p 278p 9.7x 9.0x 8.0x 6.9x 6.6x 5.7x 5.3x 260 281p 281p 283p 283p 285p 286p 287p 6.0x 5.6x 5.2x 4.5x 4.4x 3.9x 3.7x 270 291p 291p 292p 293p 295p 295p 296p 3.7x 3.5x 3.3x 3.0x 2.9x 2.6x 2.5x 280 299p 300p 301p 301p 300p 304p 304p 2.2x 2.2x 2.1x 1.9x 1.8x 1.7x 1.7x 290 310p 311p 312p 314p 315p 316p 317p 1.3x 1.3x 1.3x 1.2x 1.2x 1.2x 1.1x 300 264c 256c 250c 252c 250c 245c 252c 1.1x 1.1x 1.1x 1.1x 1.0x 1.0x 1.0x 310 299c 299c 298c 297c 295c 295c 293c 1.9x 1.8x 1.7x 1.7x 1.6x 1.5x 1.5x 320 313c 313c 312c 312c 310c 311c 310c 6.5x 5.9x 5.1x 4.7x 4.4x 3.8x 3.5x 330 321c 320c 320c 321c 320c 320c 321c 24.3x 21.3x 17.2x 15.5x 14.5x 11.9x 10.5x 340 330c 330c 330c 330c 330c 330c 329c 71.4x 58.8x 50.0x 43.5x 40.0x 31.2x 28.2x 350 335c 340c 335c 337c 335c 335c 335c 166.7x 142.9x 115.4x 100.0x 88.2x 71.4x 65.2x
Disclaimer: This information is only for educational purposes. Do not make any investment decisions based on the information in this article. Do you own due diligence.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Worst global, economic crisis in 90 years?

`` The proponents of 'Modern Monetary Theory ' are wrong in suggesting that a government that issues debt in its @ @ @ @ @ debt with impunity .
There is a point which the market will tell you you @ @ @ @ @ . ''
I get emails from all sorts of businesses that require walk-in presence how @ @ @ @ @ to provide ( the appearance ) of safety .
My take : – expense of @ @ @ @ @ consumers will be back , at varying paces - > margins will be depressed for @ @ @ @ @ investors have not been big net buyers of US Treasury debt .
As @ Brad_Setser @ @ @ @ @ In 2020 unlike in 2008 foreigners sold - > Fed is main ( net ) @ @ @ @ @ .

"The proponents of 'Modern Monetary Theory' are wrong in suggesting that a government that issues debt in its own currency can increase the debt with impunity. There is a point which the market will tell you you’ve gone too far."
I get emails from all sorts of businesses that require walk-in presence how they are bending over backwards to provide (the appearance) of safety. My take: – expense of running business goes up – consumers will be back, at varying paces -> margins will be depressed for some time
Since 2013 foreign investors have not been big net buyers of US Treasury debt. As @Brad_Setser has repeatedly pointed out.
In 2020 unlike in 2008 foreigners sold -> Fed is main (net) buyer absorbing newly-issued COVID-19 debt.
Data via @SoberLook pic.twitter.com/pn5MhraXMg
— Adam Tooze (@adam_tooze) May 18, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--There’s no limit to the Feds bailouts…except for Main st.  I explain in 1, simple, fast step!

There ’ s no limit to the Feds bailouts…except for Main st. 🤬👇

There’s no limit to the Feds bailouts…except for Main st. 🤬👇
I explain in 1, simple, fast step!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EDD47VxyO4
— George Gammon (@GeorgeGammon) May 18, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Dow closes up more than 900 points. On the same day the Atlanta Fed estimates Q2 real GDP at -42.8%.

Dow closes up more than 900 points. On the same day the Atlanta Fed estimates Q2 real GDP at -42.8%.  Meanwhile, 100,000+ small businesses have closed forever.

`` It 's different this time '' '' It 's different this time '' '' It 's different this time @ @ @ @ @ this time '' '' It 's different this time '' '' It 's different this @ @ @ @ @ different this time '' '' It 's different this time '' '' It 's different @ @ @ @ @ 's different this time '' '' It 's NOT !

"It's different this time"
"It's different this time"
"It's different this time"
"It's different this time"
"It's different this time"
"It's different this time"
"It's different this time"
"It's different this time"
"It's different this time"
"It's different this time"
"It's NOT!
— Planet Ponzi (@PlanetPonzi) May 18, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Fed Chair Just Made This Inadvertent Case for Gold

This week , Your News to Know rounds up the latest top stories involving gold and the overall economy .
Stories include : Powell boosts gold in Fed speech , why gold is the best bet to make now , and gold remains undervalued as an asset .
Fed Chair Powell gives a nudge to gold during speech A much-awaited speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell last week , held at the Peterson Institute for International Economics , dispelled any notion that the central bank is optimistic in regards to an economic recovery .
In fact , Powell was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be disappointed by the sluggishness of the recovery and the various uncertainties that might be scattered across its path .
Powell commented on the state of U.S. employment , noting that more than 20 million people have lost their jobs in just two months .
The chair added that existing growth problems have been exacerbated and that any job gains posted over the previous decade have been erased .
Looking forward , Powell said that the Fed isn ’ t open to negative interest rates right now , but did not completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although it remains historically low-performing , this now makes U.S. Treasuries one of the few sovereign bonds that haven ’ t dipped into negative territory .
Having just printed trillions of dollars in short order to stimulate the economy , Powell appeared to not be fully content with the extent of the stimulus that the state has issued .
Although Congress has already spent $ 2.9 trillion on coronavirus mitigation , Powell ’ s words could be interpreted that a bigger debt bubble is on the way , keeping in mind that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 160 billion in the green as of April 2019 to a deficit of $ 737.9 billion a year later .
Gold is the safest , most clear-cut bet to make right now While it might be difficult to get any insight with certainty during turbulent times such as these , Rogue Economics ’ Tom Dyson believes there is much to be inferred when observing the stock market from a longer-term perspective .
To Dyson , for the past century , the stock market has been following a fairly rigid cyclical pattern where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overbought to a decade of being oversold .
Regardless of which cycle the stock market is in , after around a decade , it will begin steeply correcting itself in the opposite direction .
While Dyson presents examples dating back to the early 1900s , the new millennium is gauge enough : the massive stock bubble that was forming between 1990 and 2000 burst , only to be followed by what should have been a decade of consistently lower valuations .
While this goes in line with the cautions of many analysts that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dyson thinks the technical picture for gold is even more optimistic , as he believes that the normal decade-long cyclical correction was delayed by various forms of monetary stimulus .
Taking into account all of the booster shots along the way , Dyson states that 2018 marked the year where the stock market finally resumed its bearish correction after being propped up in the decade leading up to 2000 .
Since then , gold has outperformed the Dow by a 5-to-1 ratio , lending credence to the notion that the stock market is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dyson notes that the ratio of gold to stocks will also serve as the best indicator of when the latter have finished their bear cycle .
The ratio pits 30 Dow stocks against ounces of gold to tell investors when either market is overblown .
A ratio of 30-to-5 , for example , shows that stocks have gotten cheap and now might be a good time to buy , whereas a ratio closer to 30-to-15 signals the opposite .
While far from the 30-to-41 contrast of the 90s , the Dow-to-gold ratio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as stocks have been falling from their October 2018 high of 22 ever since .
To Dyson , this is a clear statement that the gold market has 5 to 10 more years of being a generally attractive investment , venue while stocks continue with their revaluation .
Elliot Management : Gold is one of the most undervalued assets on the market New York-based asset management firm Elliott Management , which handles roughly $ 40 billion , issued a note to clients after closing the first quarter with a 2 % gain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by veteran investor Paul Singer lavished praise upon the yellow metal , calling it not only undervalued but also citing Singer ’ s earlier quote where the money manager shared his view that gold ’ s real value is multiple times its current price .
The team listed many reasons for both their outlook on the metal and their gold-inclusive investment strategy .
These include overwhelming debasement of fiat money , a new norm of global interest rates and mining disruptions that have placed further strain on a supply picture that has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per a Financial Times analysis , Elliott Management is just one of several funds to reap the benefits of timely gold investment over the past months .
Two other funds with significant gold exposure , Singapore-based Dymon Asia and London-based Caixin , reported gains of 36 % and 15 % , respectively , with Dymon ’ s founding partner Danny Young also highlighting gold ’ s importance as a hedge against money printing .
According to analysts like Sean Lusk , co-director of commercial hedging with Walsh Trading , gold has been stuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,700 since April , which usually means a major move is coming either to the upside or to the downside .
Given the sheer number of price drivers that gold is currently riding on , the metal ’ s near term is poised to be an interesting one .

Photo by Flickr.com | CC BY | Photoshopped
From Birch Gold Group
This week, Your News to Know rounds up the latest top stories involving gold and the overall economy. Stories include: Powell boosts gold in Fed speech, why gold is the best bet to make now, and gold remains undervalued as an asset.
Fed Chair Powell gives a nudge to gold during speech
A much-awaited speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell last week, held at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, dispelled any notion that the central bank is optimistic in regards to an economic recovery. In fact, Powell was very clear in his belief that many could be disappointed by the sluggishness of the recovery and the various uncertainties that might be scattered across its path.
Powell commented on the state of U.S. employment, noting that more than 20 million people have lost their jobs in just two months. The chair added that existing growth problems have been exacerbated and that any job gains posted over the previous decade have been erased.
Looking forward, Powell said that the Fed isn’t open to negative interest rates right now, but did not completely discount the possibility should the need arise. Although it remains historically low-performing, this now makes U.S. Treasuries one of the few sovereign bonds that haven’t dipped into negative territory.
Having just printed trillions of dollars in short order to stimulate the economy, Powell appeared to not be fully content with the extent of the stimulus that the state has issued. Although Congress has already spent $2.9 trillion on coronavirus mitigation, Powell’s words could be interpreted that a bigger debt bubble is on the way, keeping in mind that the federal budget alone went from being $160 billion in the green as of April 2019 to a deficit of $737.9 billion a year later.
Gold is the safest, most clear-cut bet to make right now
While it might be difficult to get any insight with certainty during turbulent times such as these, Rogue Economics’ Tom Dyson believes there is much to be inferred when observing the stock market from a longer-term perspective. To Dyson, for the past century, the stock market has been following a fairly rigid cyclical pattern where equities range from a decade of being overbought to a decade of being oversold.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Regardless of which cycle the stock market is in, after around a decade, it will begin steeply correcting itself in the opposite direction. While Dyson presents examples dating back to the early 1900s, the new millennium is gauge enough: the massive stock bubble that was forming between 1990 and 2000 burst, only to be followed by what should have been a decade of consistently lower valuations. While this goes in line with the cautions of many analysts that we are nearing a stock correction, Dyson thinks the technical picture for gold is even more optimistic, as he believes that the normal decade-long cyclical correction was delayed by various forms of monetary stimulus.
Taking into account all of the booster shots along the way, Dyson states that 2018 marked the year where the stock market finally resumed its bearish correction after being propped up in the decade leading up to 2000. Since then, gold has outperformed the Dow by a 5-to-1 ratio, lending credence to the notion that the stock market is returning to the beaten path.
Furthermore, Dyson notes that the ratio of gold to stocks will also serve as the best indicator of when the latter have finished their bear cycle. The ratio pits 30 Dow stocks against ounces of gold to tell investors when either market is overblown. A ratio of 30-to-5, for example, shows that stocks have gotten cheap and now might be a good time to buy, whereas a ratio closer to 30-to-15 signals the opposite. While far from the 30-to-41 contrast of the 90s, the Dow-to-gold ratio still sits at a steep 13.9, as stocks have been falling from their October 2018 high of 22 ever since. To Dyson, this is a clear statement that the gold market has 5 to 10 more years of being a generally attractive investment, venue while stocks continue with their revaluation.
Elliot Management: Gold is one of the most undervalued assets on the market
New York-based asset management firm Elliott Management, which handles roughly $40 billion, issued a note to clients after closing the first quarter with a 2% gain. In the note, the team helmed by veteran investor Paul Singer lavished praise upon the yellow metal, calling it not only undervalued but also citing Singer’s earlier quote where the money manager shared his view that gold’s real value is multiple times its current price.
The team listed many reasons for both their outlook on the metal and their gold-inclusive investment strategy. These include overwhelming debasement of fiat money, a new norm of global interest rates and mining disruptions that have placed further strain on a supply picture that has been far from ideal for years.
As per a Financial Times analysis, Elliott Management is just one of several funds to reap the benefits of timely gold investment over the past months. Two other funds with significant gold exposure, Singapore-based Dymon Asia and London-based Caixin, reported gains of 36% and 15%, respectively, with Dymon’s founding partner Danny Young also highlighting gold’s importance as a hedge against money printing.
According to analysts like Sean Lusk, co-director of commercial hedging with Walsh Trading, gold has been stuck in a narrow trading pattern of around $1,700 since April, which usually means a major move is coming either to the upside or to the downside. Given the sheer number of price drivers that gold is currently riding on, the metal’s near term is poised to be an interesting one.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Should U.S. Shale Be Worried About A Chinese Takeover?

American shale is easy prey as Beijing goes bargain-hunting .
China could soon embark on a global buying spree following the coronavirus-induced economic crisis and the re-opening of its economy , and the U.S. shale patch is an obvious target thanks to unprecedented demand destruction , ultra-low energy prices , and catastrophic debt levels that have left hundreds of IOCs on the verge of bankruptcy .
And now , some officials fear that a Chinese takeover of the battered sector is looming , which poses a national security risk .
Wayne Christian , commissioner of the Texas Railroad Commission , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nations to swoop in and purchase distressed properties in Texas and elsewhere in the shale patch is a serious national security concern .
A 2018 oil discovery in the Permian in West Texas uncovered 46.3 billion barrels of crude , 281 trillion cubic feet of gas , and 20 billion barrels of NGL , effectively doubling the country ’ s America ’ s oil and gas reserves .
But more importantly , it put the country firmly on the path to energy independence , an energy utopia the country has struggled to attain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severely depressed energy asset values , with oilfield prices having declined from an average price of $ 42,000 per net flowing barrel per day when oil prices were around $ 60/barrel to under $ 20,000 currently .
Shut-in fields are fetching even less , with a closed well commanding only half the price for a virtually identical field but with oil still flowing .
This makes U.S. shale assets a prime target for bargain-hunters , with Chris Atherton , president of EnergyNet , recently telling Forbes that his company has thousands of registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pounce .
While the Covid-19 crisis certainly has not spared Chinese companies , the recent attempted takeover of leading British smartphone chip maker Imagination Inc. by a Chinese firm proves that Beijing ’ s M & A appetite has hardly dulled .
Chinese state-owned investment firm , China Reform , was , however , forced to abandon the deal following a furious backlash by British lawmakers on the same grounds that the Trump administration banned U.S. companies from doing business with Huawei : National security risk .
Although Chinese Foreign Direct Investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steady decline ever since Trump ascended into the Oval Office , Chinese entities still invested some $ 25 billion in U.S. companies in 2018 .
An outright takeover of U.S. oil and gas companies by Chinese firms would face heavy scrutiny by the U.S. government ; however , a workaround is possible by selling only certain non-critical assets or entering joint ventures that give Chinese companies financial exposure but not operational exposure .
For instance , in 2015 , Chinese firm Yantai Xinchao Industry Co. received the green light from the Committee on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CFIUS ) to purchase $ 1.3 billion in oil assets by Tall City Exploration and Plymouth Petroleum in the Permian Basin .
Interestingly , it ’ s the possibility of such deals that has the likes of Christian concerned : “ I don ’ t want to wind up five years from now with , all of a sudden , some foreign country shutting down production in Texas because they own it , and prefer buying from their own reserves overseas .
I think that would be inefficient use , and I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The big question here is what other options are available for American oil and gas companies , which are now facing about $ 86 billion of rated debt due over the next four years ; a bond buyback scheme set to benefit only a fraction of oil companies and zero certainty regarding when–if ever–oil and gas demand will return to pre-crisis levels .
There ’ s definitely hope on the horizon , with WTI prices having staged a big rally from single-digits three weeks ago to $ 32.50/barrel at the time of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking to be a long climb back to the top , with U.S. shale having a tight cost structure that requires WTI prices ~50/barrel to make it economically viable and banks no longer willing to make generic reserve-based loan terms given the scale of asset impairment .
Only the very well-padded are going to come out of this unscathed .
The lesser evil would be for American banks to continue seizing shale assets by establishing holding companies that will manage distressed assets and hope for energy prices to recover over the next 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s also assuming they don ’ t jump in bed with the Chinese .
The Trump administration isn ’ t lending the industry much of a helping hand at this point–letting the market dictate what happens next .
But he ’ s also indicated that he ’ s prepared to unleash another trade war with China , and if that ’ s the case , he won ’ t want the shale patch getting into their hands .

By Alex Kimani
American shale is easy prey as Beijing goes bargain-hunting.
China could soon embark on a global buying spree following the coronavirus-induced economic crisis and the re-opening of its economy, and the U.S. shale patch is an obvious target thanks to unprecedented demand destruction, ultra-low energy prices, and catastrophic debt levels that have left hundreds of IOCs on the verge of bankruptcy.
And now, some officials fear that a Chinese takeover of the battered sector is looming, which poses a national security risk.
Wayne Christian, commissioner of the Texas Railroad Commission, has told Fox Business that allowing hostile nations to swoop in and purchase distressed properties in Texas and elsewhere in the shale patch is a serious national security concern.
Is A Chinese Takeover Threat Real?
Christian’s concerns appear valid.
A 2018 oil discovery in the Permian in West Texas uncovered 46.3 billion barrels of crude, 281 trillion cubic feet of gas, and 20 billion barrels of NGL, effectively doubling the country’s America’s oil and gas reserves.
But more importantly, it put the country firmly on the path to energy independence, an energy utopia the country has struggled to attain for decades.
The ongoing crisis has severely depressed energy asset values, with oilfield prices having declined from an average price of $42,000 per net flowing barrel per day when oil prices were around $60/barrel to under $20,000 currently.
Shut-in fields are fetching even less, with a closed well commanding only half the price for a virtually identical field but with oil still flowing.
This makes U.S. shale assets a prime target for bargain-hunters, with Chris Atherton, president of EnergyNet, recently telling Forbes that his company has thousands of registered users with plenty of dry powder waiting to pounce.
While the Covid-19 crisis certainly has not spared Chinese companies, the recent attempted takeover of leading British smartphone chip maker Imagination Inc. by a Chinese firm proves that Beijing’s M&A appetite has hardly dulled. Chinese state-owned investment firm, China Reform, was, however, forced to abandon the deal following a furious backlash by British lawmakers on the same grounds that the Trump administration banned U.S. companies from doing business with Huawei: National security risk.
Although Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been on a steady decline ever since Trump ascended into the Oval Office, Chinese entities still invested some $25 billion in U.S. companies in 2018.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
An outright takeover of U.S. oil and gas companies by Chinese firms would face heavy scrutiny by the U.S. government; however, a workaround is possible by selling only certain non-critical assets or entering joint ventures that give Chinese companies financial exposure but not operational exposure.
For instance, in 2015, Chinese firm Yantai Xinchao Industry Co. received the green light from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to purchase $1.3 billion in oil assets by Tall City Exploration and Plymouth Petroleum in the Permian Basin.
Source: Congressional Research Service
Interestingly, it’s the possibility of such deals that has the likes of Christian concerned:
“I don’t want to wind up five years from now with, all of a sudden, some foreign country shutting down production in Texas because they own it, and prefer buying from their own reserves overseas. I think that would be inefficient use, and I would think it would threaten national security.”
Does American Shale Have Non-Chinese Options?
The big question here is what other options are available for American oil and gas companies, which are now facing about $86 billion of rated debt due over the next four years; a bond buyback scheme set to benefit only a fraction of oil companies and zero certainty regarding when–if ever–oil and gas demand will return to pre-crisis levels.
There’s definitely hope on the horizon, with WTI prices having staged a big rally from single-digits three weeks ago to $32.50/barrel at the time of this writing.
However, it’s looking to be a long climb back to the top, with U.S. shale having a tight cost structure that requires WTI prices ~50/barrel to make it economically viable and banks no longer willing to make generic reserve-based loan terms given the scale of asset impairment.
Only the very well-padded are going to come out of this unscathed.
The lesser evil would be for American banks to continue seizing shale assets by establishing holding companies that will manage distressed assets and hope for energy prices to recover over the next 12 months or so. But that’s also assuming they don’t jump in bed with the Chinese.
The Trump administration isn’t lending the industry much of a helping hand at this point–letting the market dictate what happens next. But he’s also indicated that he’s prepared to unleash another trade war with China, and if that’s the case, he won’t want the shale patch getting into their hands.
By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com