investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--First the Deflationary Deluge of Assets Crashing, Then the Tsunami of Inflation

by Charles Hugh Smith via Of Two Minds Once the pool of greater fools dries up , stocks crash regardless of what the Fed does or bleats .
The conventional view is the Federal Reserve creating trillions of dollars out of thin air will trigger inflation .
Not so fast .
Yes , creating trillions of dollars out of thin air will eventually devalue the purchasing power of each dollar–what we call inflation–but first all the unprecedented asset bubbles will pop and valuations will crash .
Let ’ s call this a deflationary deluge as unsustainable asset prices are eroded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To understand the enormity of the current bubbles , please glance at the charts below .
The first chart depicts recent stock market bubbles ; note the extreme height of the current bubble .
The next chart shows the S & P 500 , and the extraordinary amplification of the bubble that reached its apex in February 2020 .
Note that each ramp higher takes less time to reach its peak .
The most recent snapback rally gained about 870 points in a mere two months–a move that took roughly 5 years in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other assets have also soared in unprecedented bubbles .
Old bungalows that sold for $ 150,000 less than 20 years ago are now supposedly worth over $ 1 million .
What made this possible ?
An equivalent bubble in debt .
Every sector–household , corporate and government–has borrowed astronomical sums of money to keep the bubble economy glued together .
In this rising tide of currency and capital , whatever had scarcity value–real estate , art , stocks–was purchased with the borrowed money as a store of value and / or as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of low-risk yields by central banks that dropped interest rates to near zero .
Assets don ’ t have to rise , but the interest and principal on debt has to be paid .
That ’ s the rub with buying assets with borrowed money .
The price of assets is set on the margins .
In a neighborhood of 100 houses , the price of all the houses is set by the most recent handful of sales .
If each house was valued at $ 1 million , and three houses sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other 97 houses falls to $ 800,000 each .
All bubbles rely on a greater fool willing to pay a higher price than the previous somewhat lesser fool .
The problem is the supply of greater fools quickly drops to zero when euphoria is replaced by fear and the marginal buyers are no longer willing to pay outlandish sums for houses , stocks , boats , etc .
Every greater fool who abandons a market sticks a pin in the bubble .
As prices start eroding , those who bought the over-valued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to make the interest payments even if the asset is losing value .
The only rational choice is to run to the exit and sell the asset .
But since so many recent buyers bought with borrowed money , the exit is quickly jammed with desperate sellers .
This triggers market crashes as marginal buyers desperate to sell will drop their price , while the delusional herd still believes the bubble valuations are not just fair but “ under-valued.
” This is why the majority refuses to sell until it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tales that “ real estate never drops , ” Apple is a bargain at $ 300 ( see chart below ) , etc.
, and are unwilling to suspend those beliefs even as the deflationary deluge washes away their wealth .
By the time they realize the impossibility of getting their wealth back , it ’ s too late to do anything other than salvage what ’ s left by selling now rather than later .
Bubbles tend to rise and drop in rough symmetry , meaning they tend to retrace the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much faster than the ascent .
The greatest fairy tale of them all is the Fed has our back .
The belief here is that all the dollars created out of thin air by the Fed will flow into stocks .
But there is no actual causal mechanism in this belief ; the Fed can create dollars out of thin air but they don ’ t have to flow into the stock market ; they can go elsewhere .
They only flow into stocks because the financiers , banks and other parasites and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay ever higher prices for stocks based on their erroneous faith that the Fed ’ s new money magically goes straight into stocks .
Once the pool of greater fools dries up , stocks crash regardless of what the Fed does or bleats , up to the point that the Fed is given the legal go-ahead to buy stocks directly .
That ’ s when the inflation everyone anticipates will begin .
But inflation is just as unruly a beast as an asset bubble , and control is never quite as complete as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deluge , then the tsunami of inflation .
Both destroy the wealth of believers in fairy tales .

by Charles Hugh Smith via Of Two Minds
Once the pool of greater fools dries up, stocks crash regardless of what the Fed does or bleats.
The conventional view is the Federal Reserve creating trillions of dollars out of thin air will trigger inflation. Not so fast. Yes, creating trillions of dollars out of thin air will eventually devalue the purchasing power of each dollar–what we call inflation–but first all the unprecedented asset bubbles will pop and valuations will crash.
Let’s call this a deflationary deluge as unsustainable asset prices are eroded by a hard rain of reality. To understand the enormity of the current bubbles, please glance at the charts below. The first chart depicts recent stock market bubbles; note the extreme height of the current bubble.
The next chart shows the S&P 500, and the extraordinary amplification of the bubble that reached its apex in February 2020. Note that each ramp higher takes less time to reach its peak. The most recent snapback rally gained about 870 points in a mere two months–a move that took roughly 5 years in the early 2000s.
Real estate and other assets have also soared in unprecedented bubbles. Old bungalows that sold for $150,000 less than 20 years ago are now supposedly worth over $1 million.
What made this possible? An equivalent bubble in debt. Every sector–household, corporate and government–has borrowed astronomical sums of money to keep the bubble economy glued together. In this rising tide of currency and capital, whatever had scarcity value–real estate, art, stocks–was purchased with the borrowed money as a store of value and / or as a source of income in a world starved of low-risk yields by central banks that dropped interest rates to near zero.
Assets don’t have to rise, but the interest and principal on debt has to be paid. That’s the rub with buying assets with borrowed money.
The price of assets is set on the margins. In a neighborhood of 100 houses, the price of all the houses is set by the most recent handful of sales. If each house was valued at $1 million, and three houses sell for $800,000, the value of the other 97 houses falls to $800,000 each.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
All bubbles rely on a greater fool willing to pay a higher price than the previous somewhat lesser fool. The problem is the supply of greater fools quickly drops to zero when euphoria is replaced by fear and the marginal buyers are no longer willing to pay outlandish sums for houses, stocks, boats, etc.
Every greater fool who abandons a market sticks a pin in the bubble. As prices start eroding, those who bought the over-valued assets with borrowed money start realizing they have to make the interest payments even if the asset is losing value. The only rational choice is to run to the exit and sell the asset.
But since so many recent buyers bought with borrowed money, the exit is quickly jammed with desperate sellers. This triggers market crashes as marginal buyers desperate to sell will drop their price, while the delusional herd still believes the bubble valuations are not just fair but “under-valued.”
This is why the majority refuses to sell until it’s too late. They believed the fairy tales that “real estate never drops,” Apple is a bargain at $300 (see chart below), etc., and are unwilling to suspend those beliefs even as the deflationary deluge washes away their wealth.
By the time they realize the impossibility of getting their wealth back, it’s too late to do anything other than salvage what’s left by selling now rather than later.
Bubbles tend to rise and drop in rough symmetry, meaning they tend to retrace the entire bubble, though the descent is often much faster than the ascent.
The greatest fairy tale of them all is the Fed has our back. The belief here is that all the dollars created out of thin air by the Fed will flow into stocks. But there is no actual causal mechanism in this belief; the Fed can create dollars out of thin air but they don’t have to flow into the stock market; they can go elsewhere. They only flow into stocks because the financiers, banks and other parasites and predators are counting on greater fools to pay ever higher prices for stocks based on their erroneous faith that the Fed’s new money magically goes straight into stocks.
Once the pool of greater fools dries up, stocks crash regardless of what the Fed does or bleats, up to the point that the Fed is given the legal go-ahead to buy stocks directly. That’s when the inflation everyone anticipates will begin. But inflation is just as unruly a beast as an asset bubble, and control is never quite as complete as the Fed claims.
First the deflationary deluge, then the tsunami of inflation. Both destroy the wealth of believers in fairy tales.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--Nearly Half Of Small Business Owners Expect To Close Down Permanently

The economy was booming .
The stock market was setting records .
Then coronavirus came along and governments shut things down to minimize the pandemic .
That led to massive layoffs and a nasty recession .
But once states open up , things will spring back to life and the economy will go back to being great again .
That ’ s the mainstream narrative .
But it ’ s not based on reality .
In truth , the economy was a Fed-induced bubble before the pandemic .
The central bank has managed to reinflate the stock market bubble despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing but a Fed-induced sugar high .
And the economy won ’ t likely rebound quickly , even after things open up .
There are all kinds of reasons to doubt the quick economic recovery narrative .
We ’ ve reported on the number of over-leveraged zombie companies , skyrocketing household debt , the battered labor market , and a potential cash-flow crisis even after the economy gets moving .
Now we have another sign of long-term economic trouble .
A survey conducted by financial services company Azlo found that nearly half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to close their businesses for good .
Forty-seven percent of the small business owners surveyed said they anticipate shutting down , and 41 % said they are looking for full-time work elsewhere .
This is on top of the small businesses that have already shut down and will never reopen .
The survey also asked questions about the Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) instituted through the CARES Act .
The results were less than stellar , as Newsweek reports .
It ’ s absurd to think the economy is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small business owners expect to shut down .
Small businesses employ 58.9 million Americans , making up 47.5 % of the country ’ s total employee workforce .
The economy would struggle to recover from the shutdown even if it was healthy before the pandemic .
And it wasn ’ t .

Via SchiffGold.com,
The economy was booming. The stock market was setting records. Then coronavirus came along and governments shut things down to minimize the pandemic. That led to massive layoffs and a nasty recession. But once states open up, things will spring back to life and the economy will go back to being great again.
That’s the mainstream narrative. But it’s not based on reality.
In truth, the economy was a Fed-induced bubble before the pandemic. The central bank has managed to reinflate the stock market bubble despite the economic destruction, but it is nothing but a Fed-induced sugar high. And the economy won’t likely rebound quickly, even after things open up.
There are all kinds of reasons to doubt the quick economic recovery narrative. We’ve reported on the number of over-leveraged zombie companies, skyrocketing household debt, the battered labor market, and a potential cash-flow crisis even after the economy gets moving.
Now we have another sign of long-term economic trouble. A survey conducted by financial services company Azlo found that nearly half of small business owners think they will eventually have to close their businesses for good.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Forty-seven percent of the small business owners surveyed said they anticipate shutting down, and 41% said they are looking for full-time work elsewhere.
This is on top of the small businesses that have already shut down and will never reopen.
The survey also asked questions about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) instituted through the CARES Act. The results were less than stellar, as Newsweek reports.
Less than half of participants—38 percent—involved in Azlo’s recent survey applied for PPP loans. Of those who did apply, 37% said the program was slow to distribute funds and 20% described the process as ‘painful,’ the company reported.”
It’s absurd to think the economy is going to come roaring back when nearly half of small business owners expect to shut down. Small businesses employ 58.9 million Americans, making up 47.5% of the country’s total employee workforce.
The economy would struggle to recover from the shutdown even if it was healthy before the pandemic. And it wasn’t.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--Boeing Layoffs Could Be Harbinger of Dark Days Ahead

Due to fears of COVID-19 and the lengthy stay-at-home orders , the commercial airline industry has taken a major hit .
Airlines have started asking for bailouts , similar to what big financial companies did in 2008 .
Back in April , U.S. News reported on some of the carnage at the airlines : If that weren ’ t bad enough , now aerospace giant Boeing is feeling the sting due to the lack of commercial travel , and discussion about the potential restructuring of their entire operation appears to have begun .
An article on Newsmax outlined some details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s workforce so far , most of which happened in Washington State : The same article hinted at several thousand more layoffs to come .
After explaining why the layoffs were necessary in a company-wide email , Chief Executive Dave Calhoun added , “ I wish there were another way.
” A piece on Barron ’ s detailed the financial damage at Boeing , and hinted that the lack of interest in commercial air travel may be affecting many companies : The chart below summarizes the stock performance of four aerospace industry leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly that things aren ’ t going very well : Boeing ’ s economic performance alone casts a dark shadow on the U.S. economy , but if the aerospace industry as a whole isn ’ t doing well , big trouble may be brewing .
If people aren ’ t traveling for business or pleasure , it ’ s not just airlines that are suffering .
It ’ s car rental companies , hotels , tourist attractions , restaurants , and even families who rent out their homes on VRBO and Airbnb .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s clear the impending crisis could be bigger than anybody thinks .
Boeing Isn ’ t the Only Company Laying Off Thousands In a developing story , Business Insider has developed a list of larger companies that announced layoffs in response to COVID-19 .
The list has gotten pretty long , but it features well-known giants like : • Chevron , which announced a layoff of 45,000 of its global workforce .
• Uber announced cutting 3,700 jobs ( 14 % of its workforce ) , then CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Airbnb announced layoffs of 25 % of its workforce , or 1,900 employees .
• Hertz let go of 16,000 employees , then also filed bankruptcy .
The list goes on and on , but the point is clear .
The virus and resulting lockdowns in some states are already having a negative effect on the economy .
How this all pans out is still uncertain , but there could be some dark days ahead .
The “ bottom ” won ’ t be reached for months , possibly years .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still time ) is consider ways to stabilize your own “ economy ” as much as possible .
To build resilience into your nest egg , it ’ s important to consider the allocation of your assets .
Ideally , your assets should be diversified between different classes , types , and risk levels .
One example of an asset type that ’ s good for diversification is precious metals , like gold and silver .
By diversifying this way , you are providing yourself with a hedge against inflation and protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whatever you choose to do , it ’ s a good idea to start building your plan ’ s resilience today — before the next economic winter hits .

From Birch Gold Group
Due to fears of COVID-19 and the lengthy stay-at-home orders, the commercial airline industry has taken a major hit. Airlines have started asking for bailouts, similar to what big financial companies did in 2008.
Back in April, U.S. News reported on some of the carnage at the airlines:
The number of Americans getting on airplanes has sunk to a level not seen in more than 60 years as people shelter in their homes to avoid catching or spreading the new coronavirus. The Transportation Security Administration screened 94,931 people on Wednesday, a drop of 96% from a year ago and the second straight day under 100,000.
If that weren’t bad enough, now aerospace giant Boeing is feeling the sting due to the lack of commercial travel, and discussion about the potential restructuring of their entire operation appears to have begun.
An article on Newsmax outlined some details, including the reduction in Boeing’s workforce so far, most of which happened in Washington State:
Boeing Co. said on Wednesday it was eliminating more than 12,000 U.S. jobs, including 6,770 involuntary layoffs, as the largest American planemaker restructures in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
The same article hinted at several thousand more layoffs to come. After explaining why the layoffs were necessary in a company-wide email, Chief Executive Dave Calhoun added, “I wish there were another way.”
A piece on Barron’s detailed the financial damage at Boeing, and hinted that the lack of interest in commercial air travel may be affecting many companies:
The financial damage is easier to see in year-to-date numbers. Boeing stock is down about 60% so far in 2020. Aerospace supplier stocks that Barron’s tracks are down about 45%. Investors believe the industry will go through a prolonged period of reduced demand, which means fewer jets are needed to fly around the country and the globe.
The chart below summarizes the stock performance of four aerospace industry leaders, including Boeing. You can see clearly that things aren’t going very well:
Boeing’s economic performance alone casts a dark shadow on the U.S. economy, but if the aerospace industry as a whole isn’t doing well, big trouble may be brewing.
If people aren’t traveling for business or pleasure, it’s not just airlines that are suffering. It’s car rental companies, hotels, tourist attractions, restaurants, and even families who rent out their homes on VRBO and Airbnb.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
As these economic realities cascade downstream, it’s clear the impending crisis could be bigger than anybody thinks.
Boeing Isn’t the Only Company Laying Off Thousands
In a developing story, Business Insider has developed a list of larger companies that announced layoffs in response to COVID-19.
The list has gotten pretty long, but it features well-known giants like:
Chevron , which announced a layoff of 45,000 of its global workforce.
, which announced a layoff of 45,000 of its global workforce. IBM announced it would eliminate “several thousand jobs.”
announced it would eliminate “several thousand jobs.” Uber announced cutting 3,700 jobs (14% of its workforce), then CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced he would cut 3,000 additional jobs.
announced cutting 3,700 jobs (14% of its workforce), then CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced he would cut 3,000 additional jobs. Airbnb announced layoffs of 25% of its workforce, or 1,900 employees.
announced layoffs of 25% of its workforce, or 1,900 employees. Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic announced it would cut 3,150 jobs.
announced it would cut 3,150 jobs. Hertz let go of 16,000 employees, then also filed bankruptcy.
let go of 16,000 employees, then also filed bankruptcy. Walt Disney World furloughed 43,000 employees starting April 19.
The list goes on and on, but the point is clear. The virus and resulting lockdowns in some states are already having a negative effect on the economy.
How this all pans out is still uncertain, but there could be some dark days ahead. The “bottom” won’t be reached for months, possibly years.
The best thing to do (while there is still time) is consider ways to stabilize your own “economy” as much as possible.
Build Resilience into Your Savings
To build resilience into your nest egg, it’s important to consider the allocation of your assets. Ideally, your assets should be diversified between different classes, types, and risk levels.
One example of an asset type that’s good for diversification is precious metals, like gold and silver. By diversifying this way, you are providing yourself with a hedge against inflation and protection against uncertainty that often plagues retirement plans.
Whatever you choose to do, it’s a good idea to start building your plan’s resilience today — before the next economic winter hits.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--Lou Dobbs on Twitter: “‘Scandal beyond Measure’: @TomFitton says transcripts of the Flynn – Kislyak

Lou Dobbs on Twitter: “‘Scandal beyond Measure’: @TomFitton says transcripts of the Flynn – Kislyak calls further prove General Flynn’s innocence and the deep state’s deception”

'Scandal beyond Measure ’ : @ TomFitton says transcripts of the Flynn – Kislyak calls further prove General Flynn ’ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s deception .
# AmericaFirst # MAGA # Dobbs pic.twitter.com/99qggR1uDp

'Scandal beyond Measure’: @TomFitton says transcripts of the Flynn – Kislyak calls further prove General Flynn’s innocence and the deep state’s deception. #AmericaFirst #MAGA #Dobbs pic.twitter.com/99qggR1uDp
— Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) May 29, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--Armed Black men Peacefully Protest In Michigan Disproving Leftist LIE About 2A Protesters

More proof that an armed society is a polite society
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--Complete List of MN damaged businesses

Complete List of MN damaged businesses

In St. Paul – Speedway at Grand and Cleveland : Extensive fire damage .

via bringmethenews:
– Dairy Queen East Lake Street: Property damage.
– Papa Murphy’s Pizza East Lake Street: Property damage.
– Planet Fitness on Lake: Property damage.
– Domino’s Pizza 26th and 28th: Property damage.
– Urban Forage Winery and Cider House, Lake and 29th: Property damage, looting.
– Gandhi Mahal Restaurant, 27th and Lake: Window smashed.
– Car-X Tire & Auto East Lake Street: Property damage, vehicle smashed through windows.
– Frattelone’s Ace Hardware East Lake Street: Property damage.
– MN Transitions Charter School: Property damage.
– Laundro Max East Lake Street: Window smashed.
– Soderberg’s Floral & Gift East Lake Street: Property damage.
– East Lake Clinic: Property damage.
– Seward Pharmacy: Window smashed, graffiti.
– Electra Tune Auto Care on Lake St: Property damage, vehicle stolen.
– Walgreens at 43rd and Chicago: Property damage, looting.
– Elevated Beer Wine & Spirits, Hiawatha Ave: Property damage, looting.
– Schooner’s Tavern, barbershop next door: Fire, property damage.
– Seward Co-op, 28th and Franklin: Window smashed, attempted theft of ATM.
– Midtown Global Market: Property damage, looting.
Seward Community Co-op, Facebook
– Briva Health Lake Street: Window smashed.
– Foot Locker East Lake Street: Property damage, looting.
– BMO Harris East Lake Street: Property damage.
– TCF Bank at 38th and Minnehaha: Property damage.
– Studiiyo23 Hennepin Avenue, Uptown: Property damage, looting.
– DTLR, Broadway, North Minneapolis: Property damage, looting.
– Uptown Pawn: Property damage, looting.
– La Familia Skate Shop: Property damage.
– Target Uptown: Property damage, looting.
– Chicago & Lake Liquor: Property damage, looting.
– East Lake Liquor: Property damage, looting.
– Ingebretsens on Lake: Property damage, windows smashed.
– Freewheel Bike: Property damage, windows smashed.
– Hamdi Restaurant, Midtown: Property damage, graffiti.
– Hudson’s Hardware, East 42nd Street: Property damage and looting.
– Birchwood Cafe, East 25th Street: Property damage.
– CVS Uptown: Property damage, looting.
– Timberland Uptown: Property damage, looting.
– Sunnys Wigs 29th and Lyndale: Property damage.
– Thurston Jewelers West Lake Street: Property damage.
– Banadir Pharmacy West Lake Street: Property damage and looting
– Sephora Uptown: Property damage.
– Gamestop Uptown: Property damage, looting.
– Indulge and Bloom, Uptown: Property damage.
– H&M Uptown: Windows smashed.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
– Apple Store Uptown: Windows smashed., looting.
– Urban Outfitters Uptown: Door window smashed.
– Smokeless Northeast: Vandalized, closed till further notice.
– AutoZone at 501 West Broadway, North Minneapolis: Unconfirmed report of looting, property damage.
– Buzzmart, downtown Minneapolis: Property damage.
– Town Talk Diner, Lake Street: Extensive property damage.
In St. Paul
– Speedway at Grand and Cleveland: Extensive fire damage.
– T-Mobile at Excelsior and Grand: Property damage, looting.
– 1st Grand Avenue Liquors on Grand and Milton: Property damage, looting.
– Foot Locker Midway: Extensive fire damage.
– GameStop Midway: Extensive fire damage, looting.
– To New York Midway: Property damage.
– Peking Garden Midway: Property damage.
– Lloyd’s Pharmacy Snelling and Minnehaha: Destroyed by fire.
– Target Midway: Property damage, looting.
– CVS University Avenue: Property damage, looting.
– Max It Pawn Shop University Avenue: Property damage, looting.
– Verizon Store Hamline Avenue: Property damage.
– Noodles & Co Hamline Avenue: Property damage.
– Vitamine Shoppe Hamline Avenue: Property damage.
– Big Top Liquors Midway: Property damage.
– TJ Maxx Midway: Property damage, small fire.
– Sprint store Midway: Property damage, looting.
– Midway Tobacco Outlet Plus: Property damage
– NAPA Auto Parts University Avenue: Property damage, fire.
– T-Mobile on Arcade and York: Property damage, looting.
– LeeAnn Chinn Midway: Property damage, graffiti.
– America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses Midway: Property damage, graffiti.
– Furniture Barn Midway: Property damage, graffiti, fire.
– BP on University Avenue: Property damage.
– Walgreens on Randolph and Snelling: Property damage, looting.
– Discount Tire Co. Midway: Property damage.
– O’flaming homosexual Auto Parts Lexington: Property damage, fire.
– TCF Bank Lexington and University: Property damage.
– Lululemon Grand Avenue: Property damage, looting.
– Speedway University Ave: Property damage, fire.
– Ananya Dance Theater University Ave: Property damage.
– Springboard for the Arts University Ave: Property damage, fire.
– 7-Mile Sportwear University Ave: Property damage, looting.
– Fire n Ice Chicken: Property damage.
– Liquor Barrel on West 7th: Property damage, looting.
– Moellers Jewelry, Highland: Property damage.
– The Fixery, Highland: Property damage.
– Bole Ethiopian Restaurant: Fire.
– Enterprise University Avenue: Fire.
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--Arsonist burns down church for breaking lockdown rules

Are you ready for this week ’ s absurdity ?
Here ’ s our Friday roll-up of the most ridiculous stories from around the world that are threats to your liberty , risks to your prosperity… and on occasion , inspiring poetic justice .
“ Bet you stay home now you hypokrits [ sic ] , ” read the misspelled graffiti outside of a burnt down church in Mississippi .
That graffiti , of course , is suspected to have come from the unidentified arsonist .
The motive : the church ignored the city ’ s lockdown rules , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sued the city of Holly Springs over the lockdowns after being cited for holding mass despite city restrictions on how many people could gather , and non-essential businesses .
The lawsuit cites religious freedom guaranteed under the First Amendment , and claims the congregation only held services inside when weather prevented outdoors services .
And even then , proper social distancing methods were followed .
But it seems the arsonist took the mainstream media bait .
The prevailing attitude is that you ’ re hurting others by going about your normal life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
This arson is not front page news because it doesn ’ t support the mainstream narrative .
It wasn ’ t the armed protesters who became violent .
It was some Quarantine-Karen who thinks your freedom is more dangerous than arson .
Click here to read the full story .
A resolution introduced by Kamila Harris in the US Senate condemns “ the increased use of anti-Asian rhetoric ” which “ has resulted in Asian Americans being harassed , assaulted , and scapegoated for the COVID–19 pandemic.
” The resolution claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rhetoric related to COVID–19 , such as the ‘ ‘ Chinese Virus ’ ’ , ‘ ‘ Wuhan Virus ’ ’ , and ‘ ‘ Kung-flu ’ ’ , have perpetuated anti-Asian stigma.
” According to the resolution , words like these have allegedly ( and only anecdotally ) led to an increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans .
The resolution doesn ’ t actually do anything , except call on public officials to condemn the anti-Asian rhetoric .
It also encourages law enforcement to investigate actual crimes against Asians , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since that ’ s their job .
The resolution demands law enforcement compile statistics about anti-Asian bias , starting at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic .
Surely next the Senate will introduce resolutions condemning anti-religious rhetoric related to the coronavirus lockdowns .
You wouldn ’ t want people to , say , burn a church to the ground because of the media/ political hysteria .
Click here to read the resolution .
Woman arrested for sitting on the beach with “ We Are Free ” sign A woman went to a beach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sand with a sign that read : “ We Are Free.
” Three police officers promptly responded to show the woman , no , you are not .
Miami police arrested the protester because it is currently illegal to sit on the beach in Miami .
Just think about this .
Three police officers woke up that morning and went to work in the “ Land of the Free.
” At work these officers ripped a “ We Are Free , ” sign out of a peaceful citizen ’ s hands , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to jail , because she was sitting on a beach .
These officers ’ will enforce any arbitrary lockdown rule , however absurd or unconstitutional .
Click here to read the full story .
A private Jewish school in New York City shut down with the rest of the city to slow the spread of coronavirus .
But a couple weeks to slow the spread turned into a couple months with life on hold .
Eventually , students returned to the school , without the permission of NYC .
But later the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
Neighbors called the police to report dozens of teenage students gathering on the premises .
Some were not even wearing masks– the horror .
This is one of the latest confrontations between NYC officials punishing Orthodox and Hasidic Jews for flouting the lockdown rules , and continuing to exercise their First Amendment rights to practice religion , and peaceably assemble .
Somehow , turning in your Jewish neighbors for violating arbitrary laws sounds eerily familiar… Click here to read the full story .
Michigan government employees will be paid $ 600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state will “ lay off ” these employees for one day per week until July .
That will save the state $ 80 million on payroll .
But because workers are technically “ laid off ” for one day per week , that allows them to be compensated with Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation of $ 600 per week .
That ’ s right , it has become the responsibility of the entire nation to chip-in and pay these Michigan government employees $ 600 for each day they take off , stay home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what heroes do these days , right ?
They do nothing .
Stay home and watch Netflix , because the government told them to .
So heroic .
Click here to read the press release , and here for the unemployment fact sheet .

by Simon Black
Are you ready for this week’s absurdity? Here’s our Friday roll-up of the most ridiculous stories from around the world that are threats to your liberty, risks to your prosperity… and on occasion, inspiring poetic justice.
Church burnt down for ignoring lockdown rules
“Bet you stay home now you hypokrits [sic],” read the misspelled graffiti outside of a burnt down church in Mississippi.
That graffiti, of course, is suspected to have come from the unidentified arsonist. The motive: the church ignored the city’s lockdown rules, and continued holding services.
This same church sued the city of Holly Springs over the lockdowns after being cited for holding mass despite city restrictions on how many people could gather, and non-essential businesses.
The lawsuit cites religious freedom guaranteed under the First Amendment, and claims the congregation only held services inside when weather prevented outdoors services. And even then, proper social distancing methods were followed.
But it seems the arsonist took the mainstream media bait. The prevailing attitude is that you’re hurting others by going about your normal life, and not cowering in fear inside your home.
This arson is not front page news because it doesn’t support the mainstream narrative.
It wasn’t the armed protesters who became violent. It was some Quarantine-Karen who thinks your freedom is more dangerous than arson.
Click here to read the full story.
Senate wants to ban coronavirus hate speech
A resolution introduced by Kamila Harris in the US Senate condemns “the increased use of anti-Asian rhetoric” which “has resulted in Asian Americans being harassed, assaulted, and scapegoated for the COVID–19 pandemic.”
The resolution claims that “the use of anti-Asian terminology and rhetoric related to COVID–19, such as the ‘‘Chinese Virus’’, ‘‘Wuhan Virus’’, and ‘‘Kung-flu’’, have perpetuated anti-Asian stigma.”
According to the resolution, words like these have allegedly (and only anecdotally) led to an increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans.
The resolution doesn’t actually do anything, except call on public officials to condemn the anti-Asian rhetoric.
It also encourages law enforcement to investigate actual crimes against Asians, which hopefully they were already doing, since that’s their job.
The resolution demands law enforcement compile statistics about anti-Asian bias, starting at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
Surely next the Senate will introduce resolutions condemning anti-religious rhetoric related to the coronavirus lockdowns.
You wouldn’t want people to, say, burn a church to the ground because of the media/ political hysteria.
Click here to read the resolution.
Woman arrested for sitting on the beach with “We Are Free” sign
A woman went to a beach in Miami, and sat down in the sand with a sign that read: “We Are Free.”
Three police officers promptly responded to show the woman, no, you are not.
Miami police arrested the protester because it is currently illegal to sit on the beach in Miami.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Just think about this. Three police officers woke up that morning and went to work in the “Land of the Free.”
At work these officers ripped a “We Are Free,” sign out of a peaceful citizen’s hands, physically restrained her, and brought her to jail, because she was sitting on a beach.
These officers’ will enforce any arbitrary lockdown rule, however absurd or unconstitutional.
Click here to read the full story.
Neighbors Inform on Jewish School in NYC
A private Jewish school in New York City shut down with the rest of the city to slow the spread of coronavirus.
But a couple weeks to slow the spread turned into a couple months with life on hold.
Eventually, students returned to the school, without the permission of NYC.
But later the same day, the school was promptly shut down.
Neighbors called the police to report dozens of teenage students gathering on the premises. Some were not even wearing masks– the horror.
This is one of the latest confrontations between NYC officials punishing Orthodox and Hasidic Jews for flouting the lockdown rules, and continuing to exercise their First Amendment rights to practice religion, and peaceably assemble.
Somehow, turning in your Jewish neighbors for violating arbitrary laws sounds eerily familiar…
Click here to read the full story.
Michigan government employees will be paid $600 per week to take a day off
Michigan will usher 31,000 state employees into a federal Work Share program.
The state will “lay off” these employees for one day per week until July. That will save the state $80 million on payroll.
But because workers are technically “laid off” for one day per week, that allows them to be compensated with Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation of $600 per week.
That’s right, it has become the responsibility of the entire nation to chip-in and pay these Michigan government employees $600 for each day they take off, stay home, and relax.
That’s what heroes do these days, right? They do nothing. Stay home and watch Netflix, because the government told them to. So heroic.
Click here to read the press release, and here for the unemployment fact sheet.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--Trump’s ‘Let Them Eat Cake’ Moment: You Don’t Solve An Oppressive, Militarized US Police State Probl

Trump’s ‘Let Them Eat Cake’ Moment: You Don’t Solve An Oppressive, Militarized US Police State Problem By Sending In More Military To Crackdown Harder

( by Half Dollar ) Some people say you don ’ t solve a debt problem with more debt .
I say you don ’ t solve a militarized , US police state problem by sending in the MORE US military to crack-down even harder .
Honest question : What ’ s worse – people whose voice is NEVER heard , much less listened to , burning down and helping themselves to some private property , or the Fed and the US government stealing from citizens all day , every day , and transferring the stolen goods to their bestest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
I ’ d say the latter , but then again , I ’ m up against system apologists , system enablers , and people who just don ’ t get it .
Regardless , it ’ s too bad our President is currently very concerned about the People of Hong Kong in general , and their rights being violated specifically , while at the same time calling Americans pleading to be heard , ‘ THUGS ” .
This is not a race war .
That ’ s what the government and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is about an evil , corrupt government that has gone way too far .
This problem will not be solved with more military , but I ’ m not sure what it will take to get people to understand that ?
Perhaps it will take some kids getting killed on live TV to do so ?
And when I say “ kids ” , I ’ m talking about children , not teenagers full of angst and rage .
It ’ s sad we ’ ve come to this point , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that upsetting part of it is , the Deep State Globalists have had four days to get their crisis actors , agent provocateurs , instigators and worse fully in-place and ready to cause all sorts of death and destruction that will be fully spun by the MSM .

(by Half Dollar) Some people say you don’t solve a debt problem with more debt.
Seems legit.
I say you don’t solve a militarized, US police state problem by sending in the MORE US military to crack-down even harder.
Honest question: What’s worse – people whose voice is NEVER heard, much less listened to, burning down and helping themselves to some private property, or the Fed and the US government stealing from citizens all day, every day, and transferring the stolen goods to their bestest buddies on Wall Street and in Washington?
I’d say the latter, but then again, I’m up against system apologists, system enablers, and people who just don’t get it.
Regardless, it’s too bad our President is currently very concerned about the People of Hong Kong in general, and their rights being violated specifically, while at the same time calling Americans pleading to be heard, ‘THUGS”.
This is not a race war.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
That’s what the government and the MSM propagandists want you to believe.
This is about an evil, corrupt government that has gone way too far.
This problem will not be solved with more military, but I’m not sure what it will take to get people to understand that?
Perhaps it will take some kids getting killed on live TV to do so?
And when I say “kids”, I’m talking about children, not teenagers full of angst and rage.
It’s sad we’ve come to this point, but here we are, and now, that upsetting part of it is, the Deep State Globalists have had four days to get their crisis actors, agent provocateurs, instigators and worse fully in-place and ready to cause all sorts of death and destruction that will be fully spun by the MSM.
The dark days are now…


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--As civil unrest spreads nationwide, CNN is on the defensive

CNN headquarters in Atlanta has been sprayed with graffiti and rocks thrown through windows .
Take a look at this @ @ @ @ @ fireworks are thrown at riot police .
The White House is on Lockdown , Rioters @ @ @ @ @ ATLANTA… CNN Center vandalized… Riots in Houston… .
Minneapolis , St. Paul Under Mandatory Curfews… @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re Gon na Start Coming to Suburbs ’ … Customs and Border Protection @ @ @ @

by throwawaygamgra
CNN headquarters in Atlanta has been sprayed with graffiti and rocks thrown through windows. Take a look at this scene in the lobby where fireworks are thrown at riot police.
The scene at CNN in Atlanta, Georgia is escalating. pic.twitter.com/b5UO8ZcEsT — Townhall.com (@townhallcom) May 30, 2020
The White House is on Lockdown, Rioters Clashing with Secret Service
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Breaking: The White House is on lockdown due to George Floyd protests outside the building. Demonstrators are being pushed back by the Secret Service after tossing over temporary barricades. pic.twitter.com/no3goMfm86 — PM Breaking News (@PMBreakingNews) May 29, 2020
NYC protests
The reason people are looting and rioting is because no one has to worry about working anymore. Everyone is getting universal basic income right now. — hks55 (@hks55) May 30, 2020
You’re not allowed to eat at a restaurant but you are allowed to set it on fire. That appears to be the policy. — Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) May 30, 2020
51.7 million parents lost income during the pandemic — The_Real_Fly (@The_Real_Fly) May 29, 2020
VIDEO from the Highway 101 Freeway in California where protesters smash car windows on the highway (courtesy KGO) t.co/78TR8mHbYZ pic.twitter.com/1m2wziEqpb — KATC TV3 (@KATCTV3) May 30, 2020
UNREST ATLANTA…
CNN Center vandalized…
Riots in Houston….
Minneapolis, St. Paul Under Mandatory Curfews…
Protests spread across nation…
‘We’re Gonna Start Coming to Suburbs’…
Customs and Border Protection Flying Predator Drones Overhead…


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-29--The Great Depression of the 1930s was an economic downturn that became a prolonged malaise. The econ

Two-Thirds of Public Restaurants Are Seen at Risk of Bankruptcy ( Bloomberg ) — Nearly two-thirds of publicly traded restaurants @ @ @ @ @ as the Covid-19 pandemic batters the industry , according to a new study .
The @ @ @ @ @ companies and restaurants that specialize in dine-in , consulting firm Aaron Allen & Associates said @ @ @ @ @ identified Bloomin ’ Brands Inc. , Potbelly Corp. and Chili ’ s owner Brinker International @ @ @ @ @ risk .
“ It ’ s really the full-service model that ’ s in the @ @ @ @ @ Aaron Allen said .
“ Some of those that are in casual dining — a @ @ @ @ @ been bleeding cash , bleeding locations .
”

What happens if the economy is cut in half and the fed balance sheet is doubled? A great monetary illusion…!#stocks #nasdaq t.co/a6PhYpdZe9 — Marrrk J. Valek (@MarkValek) May 29, 2020
Fact Danielle. I run 90% margins (yes no joke I found the golden key$ I went from having a/r of 2.5mm in next 60 days to 100k overnight. And I’m in BANKING. Economy is going to hell. Small biz has 0.0 access to capital. I have no access. No bailout. And I know the system! — FEDUPBIZOWNER (@HRGPFOREVER) May 29, 2020
Two-Thirds of Public Restaurants Are Seen at Risk of Bankruptcy
(Bloomberg) — Nearly two-thirds of publicly traded restaurants are at risk of bankruptcy as the Covid-19 pandemic batters the industry, according to a new study. The concern is higher for small companies and restaurants that specialize in dine-in, consulting firm Aaron Allen & Associates said in an analysis. It identified Bloomin’ Brands Inc., Potbelly Corp. and Chili’s owner Brinker International Inc. among those at greater risk. “It’s really the full-service model that’s in the biggest danger,” principal Aaron Allen said. “Some of those that are in casual dining — a lot of those had already been bleeding cash, bleeding locations.”
“You feel this overwhelming pressure to not be wrong.” A South Carolina restaurant owner reopens, anxious to protect his business, customers and staff. t.co/AAsRcytBYj — Real Time Economics (@WSJecon) May 29, 2020
Pardon the interruption, gentlemen. The Fed's Main Street Lending program is misnomer. $500k-$100M loan program will launch in a few days for mid-to-large businesses. The SBA's PPP program (most loans <$150k) separate part of CARES. Small co layoffs that don't make it start 7/1. t.co/rDGUboWRwg — Danielle DiMartino Booth (@DiMartinoBooth) May 29, 2020
The idea has taken hold that once the shutdowns are lifted the economy goes right back to where it was in February. Not even the Fed believes this! But Jay Powell is absolutely thrilled so many of you seem to.t.co/JAmjqefmSc pic.twitter.com/VgZlCwlaCJ — Jeffrey P. Snider (@JeffSnider_AIP) May 29, 2020
The Fed can electronically print money, but it can’t print jobs. It can buy bonds, but it can’t cure a virus. It can continue to try to stimulate the market, but it can’t banish fear. t.co/z5bjn73Fj7 via @TheNation — Nomi Prins (@nomiprins) May 29, 2020
Musing: The economy is like watching a scene from Grey's Anatomy where the patient's heart has been stopped 5 minutes. The docs know it is over… but CNBC still believes that the patient will rise and run a marathon in a couple months. — Market Musings (@AndysCycles) May 29, 2020
“We’re going to keep giving the patient
medicine that isn’t working” – Dr Fed Perfectly said!! 😉 t.co/2ub7YWzJa0 — Reminiscences of an American Capitalist (@4Awesometweet) May 29, 2020
PERSONAL CREDIT PLUMMETS pic.twitter.com/BaksWNqUqp — Win Smart, CFA (@WinfieldSmart) May 29, 2020
The Great Depression of the 1930s was an economic downturn that became a prolonged malaise. The economist Robert Shiller asks whether that pattern might be repeated. t.co/NDZ7l5gWkY — NYT Business (@nytimesbusiness) May 29, 2020
In 1929 many people expected the stock market to bounce right back and that decline was short-lived, in one sense: The market rose almost half the way back to its 1929 peak by April 1930. But it fell sharply again, and the crash set in motion a train of powerful narratives that resemble some of the popular notions that are circulating today.
Much as President Trump dismissed the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic in its early days, President Herbert Hoover made optimistic forecasts that proved to be wrong. Much as people fret these days about extreme polarization between Democrats and Republicans, so too were people of that era concerned about extreme political divisiveness. After losing the 1932 election to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, for example, President Hoover, by then a lame duck, called F.D.R.’s plans a “march to Moscow.” We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Much as people today have experienced long lines and empty shelves at supermarkets, in the Great Depression people fretted about long lines and empty cash registers at banks. There are other troubling parallels: Fear of long-term unemployment and a never-ending depression was rampant back then, leading people to restrain spending, thus prolonging the downturn. This may not happen now, but it is a danger. Much as now, in the Great Depression people were very focused on maintaining a “fair wage” in the face of economic distress. But this led to nationwide resistance to nominal wage cuts for anyone, even when retail prices were falling rapidly. This appears to have had the unintended result of inducing employers, who could not afford to keep everyone working at their former wages, to lay off many people. The economists Harold L. Cole of the University of Pennsylvania and Lee E. Ohanian, of U.C.L.A., have shown that this may explain some of the extreme duration of Great Depression unemployment. Another development back then may have resonance today. Faced with widespread poverty, even people with money voluntarily embraced austerity, saying they no longer needed to “keep up with the Joneses.” Their reduction in consumption helps to explain the severity and duration of the Depression. If contemporary culture shifts in a similar way, it could limit the economy’s ability to bounce back.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-31--The city of Minneapolis just sent out this tip sheet for residences and it’s basically an apocalypti

The city of Minneapolis just sent out this tip sheet for residences and it ’ s basically an apocalyptic starter @ @

The city of Minneapolis just sent out this tip sheet for residences and it’s basically an apocalyptic starter kit pic.twitter.com/KSSxuMCBJg
— Evac (@evacuationboy) May 31, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--Worst riots since ‘68. Worst economy since 1930s. Worst pandemic since 1918. And Mr. market thinks a

Worst riots since ‘68. Worst economy since 1930s. Worst pandemic since 1918. And Mr. market thinks all is well.

That 's like a civil war now… 40Ms unemployed , soon 50-60Ms … ?
?
When downturn begins it 's just a spiral .
I 'm not judging it , if people do n't have money they have nothing to lose .
Wall Street and FED took their last pair of socks even .
t.co/kfKXpVT3bY How fucked up is 2020 so far – on nearly every level ?
how can the economy have a V-shaped recovery if social unrest is unfolding in major US cities ?
monetary policy can not stimulate demand among consumers when riots happen HK found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the streets of every major city were packed with protestors… 👇 t.co/7dagP3bIGm The apostles of “ value investing ” have called the top of the Covid-19 equity rally .
The closely watched GMO fund has been liquidating its holdings on US and European stock markets and buying hedges at a breakneck pace over recent days , warning clients that the explosive surge in prices since late March has decoupled from fundamentals and is becoming treacherous .
“ The huge reversal does not make any sense , ” it said .
The group ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking large negative positions on equity indexes through futures contracts .
“ It is going to be very difficult to come out of this pandemic unscathed .
We have a pretty strong view that with so much extreme uncertainty , equities should be cheap .
Quite simply they are not , ” said Tommy Garvey , GMO ’ s asset strategist… .

That's like a civil war now… 40Ms unemployed, soon 50-60Ms … ?? When downturn begins it's just a spiral. I'm not judging it, if people don't have money they have nothing to lose. Wall Street and FED took their last pair of socks even. t.co/kfKXpVT3bY
How fucked up is 2020 so far – on nearly every level?
how can the economy have a V-shaped recovery if social unrest is unfolding in major US cities? monetary policy cannot stimulate demand among consumers when riots happen HK found that out last year
And this is before the streets of every major city were packed with protestors… 👇 t.co/7dagP3bIGm
The apostles of “value investing” have called the top of the Covid-19 equity rally.
The closely watched GMO fund has been liquidating its holdings on US and European stock markets and buying hedges at a breakneck pace over recent days, warning clients that the explosive surge in prices since late March has decoupled from fundamentals and is becoming treacherous. “The huge reversal does not make any sense,” it said.
The group’s main fund has turned short, taking large negative positions on equity indexes through futures contracts. “It is going to be very difficult to come out of this pandemic unscathed. We have a pretty strong view that with so much extreme uncertainty, equities should be cheap. Quite simply they are not,” said Tommy Garvey, GMO’s asset strategist….


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey: “This is about violence, and we need to make sure that it stops. We’re

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey: “This is about violence, and we need to make sure that it stops. We’re in the middle of a pandemic right now. We have two crises that are sandwiched on top of one another.”

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey : “ This is about violence , and we need to make sure that it stops @ @ @ @ @ middle of a pandemic right now .
We have two crises that are sandwiched on @ @ @ @ @ t.co/E7wxiopvRT pic.twitter.com/RVQ4lTZoYj

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey: “This is about violence, and we need to make sure that it stops. We're in the middle of a pandemic right now. We have two crises that are sandwiched on top of one another.” t.co/E7wxiopvRT pic.twitter.com/RVQ4lTZoYj
— CNN (@CNN) May 30, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--Living in the USA is “life threatening” if you become  ill and have to pay the fake bills presented

Living in the USA is “life threatening” if you become  ill and have to pay the fake bills presented to you.

Living in the USA is `` life threatening '' if you become ill and have to pay the fake bills @ @ @ @ @ He 's a school teacher in Colorado .
You know he barely gets by .
@ @ @ @ @ survived # COVID19 .
Then the bills came .
You wo n't believe what it @ @ @ @ @ in America.t.co/P9cgDepf3k

Living in the USA is "life threatening" if you become ill and have to pay the fake bills presented to you. t.co/FbX9dWtZ1P
He's a school teacher in Colorado. You know he barely gets by.
Both he and his wife survived #COVID19.
Then the bills came. You won't believe what it costs to "survive" in America.t.co/P9cgDepf3k
— Laurie Garrett (@Laurie_Garrett) May 30, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--My heart breaks for the city I love so much.

My heart breaks for the city I love so much. t.co/ReD82Ag90K — Quoth the Raven (@QTRResearch) May 30, 2020
This is the scene in Center City Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/yhFTIwpgHk — GrantB911 (@GrantB911) May 30, 2020
An ARMY of volunteers in Minneapolis helping neighbors clean up business damage. “Bring a broom” they were told. What a sight. pic.twitter.com/OjzXpEXCLk — Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) May 30, 2020
Could be another ugly night 🙏 t.co/h6m7UMBA4z — Reminiscences of an American Capitalist (@4Awesometweet) May 30, 2020
“We support the right of peaceful protestors, and we hear their pleas. But what we are now seeing on the streets of our cities has nothing to do with justice or peace.” pic.twitter.com/ckZ28xXSkA — The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 30, 2020
Breaking: Rioters have stormed the Multnomah County Justice Center in Portland, Oregon, and have set the building on fire. pic.twitter.com/twGNWwfPLC — PM Breaking News (@PMBreakingNews) May 30, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--Phase 1 trade deal farce is officially over.

Next week “ phase 1 optimism to calm the protesters drives the futures higher ”

Phase 1 trade deal farce is officially over. t.co/5J3a5y9hrm
Next week “phase 1 optimism to calm the protesters drives the futures higher”
— Alessio Urban (@AlessioUrban) May 30, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--Bear Calendar Spread Puts, long-term

Bear Calendar Spread Puts, long-term

As you can see , the price/days goes down significantly at 1/15/2021 .
Assuming market volatility is not too extreme and SPX stays about 2800 for the whole term , you could sell puts at 2800 every month or so and you should be able to get 0.80 to 1.0 price/day on those options .
Note : These values are representative on a weekend and the volatility in the market , the actual price of an option can easily jump up or down 10 % to 20 % depending on the day .
Caveats : The basis for selling at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that level consistently for the year .
If SPX goes down , you should sell a lower strike option .
If the market goes down pass your strike price , SERIOUSLY consider buying it , and selling your Long put .
If the market tanks you can lose money if it goes down far enough fast enough .
Market ( 3200+ ) : If the market goes up to 3400 and stays there , good news , bad news .
• Bad news , you are going to come out a loser in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JPow has bought everything and then some and everyone will be working for the Feds and the banks .
Everyone knows bankers make good money .
• Bad news , you will probably go up a little or just break even .
• Good news , everyone will be on UBI and you can gamble you new income stream on the stock market .
• Bad news , You will not hit your strike price on your long option .
• Good news , The world economy survived , and you will probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Long bulls got screwed and there are no more cruise lines .
• Good news , Your puts print and you collected premiums along to way .
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 .

by herk_destro
Date/Strike Value Days to Expire price/days to expiry 6/19 @ 2800 15.60 20 0.78 7/17 @ 2800 41.50 48 0.86 8/21 @ 2800 72.20 83 0.87 9/18 @ 2800 93.50 111 0.84 10/16 @ 2800 112.10 139 0.81 11/20 @ 2800 138 174 0.79 12/18 @ 2800 153.1 202 0.76 1/15 @ 2800 162.5 230 0.71
As you can see, the price/days goes down significantly at 1/15/2021. Assuming market volatility is not too extreme and SPX stays about 2800 for the whole term, you could sell puts at 2800 every month or so and you should be able to get 0.80 to 1.0 price/day on those options.
Note: These values are representative on a weekend and the volatility in the market, the actual price of an option can easily jump up or down 10% to 20% depending on the day.
Caveats: The basis for selling at 2800 is assuming the market stays at that level consistently for the year. If SPX goes down, you should sell a lower strike option. If the market goes down pass your strike price, SERIOUSLY consider buying it, and selling your Long put. If the market tanks you can lose money if it goes down far enough fast enough.
Short-term Calendar spread at 2800, opcalc.com/8yj
Possible overall Outcomes,
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Market(3200+): If the market goes up to 3400 and stays there, good news, bad news.
Bad news, you are going to come out a loser in your puts.
you are going to come out a loser in your puts. Good news, JPow has bought everything and then some and everyone will be working for the Feds and the banks. Everyone knows bankers make good money.
Market(3000 to 3200):
Bad news, you will probably go up a little or just break even.
you will probably go up a little or just break even. Good news, everyone will be on UBI and you can gamble you new income stream on the stock market.
Market(2800 to 3000):
Bad news, You will not hit your strike price on your long option.
You will not hit your strike price on your long option. Good news, The world economy survived, and you will probably come out ahead.
Market (2800 or lower):
Bad news, Long bulls got screwed and there are no more cruise lines.
Long bulls got screwed and there are no more cruise lines. Good news, Your puts print and you collected premiums along to way.

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--2020-05-30--ATLANTA: College Football Hall of Fame Looted and Destroyed — VIDEO

Some Democrats were seen looting the building before several officers arrived to try to maintain order at the $ 68 @ @ @ @ @ in 2014 to great fanfare after relocating from South Bend , Ind .
Several hurled @ @ @ @ @ through the glass exterior of the building , which hosts football watch parties and other @ @ @ @ @ rushed inside to grab anything they could .
The College Football Hall of Fame in @ @ @ @ @ s 1 of many buildings that ’ ve been destroyed by protestors # atlantaprotest # @ @ @

College Football Hall of Fame heavily damaged by vandals, suspected looters
Some Democrats were seen looting the building before several officers arrived to try to maintain order at the $68 million facility, which opened in 2014 to great fanfare after relocating from South Bend, Ind. Several hurled garbage cans and other objects through the glass exterior of the building, which hosts football watch parties and other major events. Some then rushed inside to grab anything they could.
Emily Gagnon
@Emily_Gagnon
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta is unrecognizable… It’s 1 of many buildings that’ve been destroyed by protestors #atlantaprotest #JusticeForGeorge #CBS46
The College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta is unrecognizable… It’s 1 of many buildings that’ve been destroyed by protestors #atlantaprotest #JusticeForGeorge #CBS46 pic.twitter.com/0T9rZimQxo — Emily Gagnon (@Emily_Gagnon) May 30, 2020
h/t CrsCrpr


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--China Must Pay A Price For Many Broken Promises | James Carafano on Fox News

James Carafano joined Fox News , Saturday , May 30 , to talk about the latest from China , China @ @ @ @ @ it has broken , and the need for the Trump administration to hold the Chinese @ @ @ @

James Carafano joined Fox News, Saturday, May 30, to talk about the latest from China, China’s numerous promises which it has broken, and the need for the Trump administration to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--SELCO: I’ve Seen Where This Leads. It Will Only Take ONE SPARK to Lead to Devastating Chaos

The pejorative term for police officers here is “ dogs ” .
You have a different pejorative word for that .
Dogs will pull you over while you are driving a car and hold you while he found something wrong about your car , then he tries to write you a ticket , but slowly , suggesting that ticket is for example 100 USD , but you can avoid it by bribing him with 20 USD .
Dogs also will come on your 911 call , for example , for a domestic violence call , but they park their car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the violence to calm down .
Then they come in and talk with the family , trying to purposely inform the victim ( the woman , for example ) that it was nothing , and that she kinda deserved it .
Dogs have their own “ workers ” on the street here , small-time criminals or drug dealers , who work under their protection , dealing drugs , or guns , and paying the dogs a percentage .
Dogs here work their job in their shifts , and after their regular hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun dealers , or simply for organized crime members as a protection or information source .
Then there are the kind of dogs who are police simply because they like feeling of power over other folks , they like to bring power over other people through the uniform of police .
Right or wrong does not mean anything important to them .
It is about a feeling of power .
It is about doing violence because of the love of violence .
And yes , I have seen regular prewar “ dogs ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is that kind of person who ends up being the worst kind actually .
Actually , to simplify it more , it is about what kind of person you are .
If you are a bad person , the uniform and “ law ” behind it can simply strengthen evil in you , or in other words , it can pull the evil to surface .
Then there are police officers .
Police officers are usually people who joined to make a difference .
Or to “ serve and protect ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People who wear uniforms of police , usually underpaid , under-equipped , and immobilized by a whole set of rules and laws that are often contradictory .
These people are just trying to do their job , and even more than that , they are trying to make a difference .
I have nothing than the highest respect for them .
The generalization that all cops are “ dogs ” , or all cops are police officers who serve and protect is very wrong , just like any other generalization in these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do know that a man who should be highly trained must know that by obstructing breathing , and blood flow to the brain for a few minutes will for sure kill a man .
Protesting is a way that people try express their feelings in an effective way to try and make changes .
The problem here is that protests usually go in some weird direction , so you could find yourself easily in a situation where you go out carrying a cardboard sign with a good ) message , but in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle of a crowd that is breaking and looting , and you as a prepper simply do not want to be there .
Simply do not be there .
Another problem is that we ( again ) live in “ interesting ” times , so any event that sparks huge emotions among folks , for example like rage can be a trigger for something bigger .
Even more , it can be used by someone as a starting event for much bigger sh*t. Usually , it ’ s only years later that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or some group , faction , or whoever played you like a violin , counting on your feelings of rage .
I have seen this before and have seen where it ended up .
From the survivalist point of view , any event that leads to high polarization between people on political , racial , national , or any other way is a major risk for sparking something bigger .
I am not saying the event that caused these protests is not horrible and not important .
On the contrary , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from the prepper point of view , calm down and watch where you gon na find yourself when bullets start to fly , even rubber ones .
Go back to some lessons Let ’ s forget ( it is hard , but let ’ s try for the moment ) about the details that started this particular event , and go back to some basics : • In events where so many emotions , especially rage are involved , and there is the possibility of violence , the best advice is simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stating publicly your opinion is democracy or freedom of speech today .
But tomorrow , in changed circumstances , it can turn you into a target .
• Step back and try to recognize how , together with a whole bunch of existing sharp polarizations ( wear a mask or don ’ t ) , this new polarization can complicate things .
Recognize where it can lead .
• Ask yourself : who can use this situation and for what purpose ?
And what does that mean for you ?
What can you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to watch and judge the events you see from the prepper point of view , not an emotional one .
Because you are a prepper and your goal is survival .
I have seen this before and it led to SHTF in my country .
We are living in the last couple of months in a very delicate world after all that has happened and is still happening around us .
With all the turmoil , the bad economy , the job losses , and the uncertain future all that is needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just one spark .
That spark can be deliberately used , or it can be a chain of events that will unleash even more devastating things that are boiling under the surface .
That spark may lead to chaos .
Selco survived the Balkan war of the 90s in a city under siege , without electricity , running water , or food distribution .
In his online works , he gives an inside view of the reality of survival under the harshest conditions .
He reviews what works and what doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learned , and shares how he prepares today .
He never stopped learning about survival and preparedness since the war .
Regardless of what happens , chances are you will never experience extreme situations as Selco did .
But you have the chance to learn from him and how he faced death for months .
• Read more of Selco ’ s articles here .
• Buy his best-selling paperbacks , SHTF Survival Stories and The Dark Secrets of Survival here .
• Take advantage of a deep and profound insight into his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courses SHTF Survival Boot Camp and learn the inside story of what it was really like when the SHTF with his online course One Year in Hell .
• You can donate directly to Selco at www.paypal.me/SHTFschool ( use the dropdown arrow to select USD as the currency ) Real survival is not romantic or idealistic .
It is brutal , hard and unfair .
Let Selco take you into that world .

by Selco Begovic
The pejorative term for police officers here is “dogs”. You have a different pejorative word for that.
I know a lot of “dogs”.
Dogs will pull you over while you are driving a car and hold you while he found something wrong about your car, then he tries to write you a ticket, but slowly, suggesting that ticket is for example 100 USD, but you can avoid it by bribing him with 20 USD.
Dogs also will come on your 911 call, for example, for a domestic violence call, but they park their car in front of the building and wait for the violence to calm down. Then they come in and talk with the family, trying to purposely inform the victim (the woman, for example) that it was nothing, and that she kinda deserved it.
Dogs have their own “workers” on the street here, small-time criminals or drug dealers, who work under their protection, dealing drugs, or guns, and paying the dogs a percentage.
Dogs here work their job in their shifts, and after their regular hours, work for local drug lords, gun dealers, or simply for organized crime members as a protection or information source.
Then there are the kind of dogs who are police simply because they like feeling of power over other folks, they like to bring power over other people through the uniform of police. Right or wrong does not mean anything important to them. It is about a feeling of power. It is about doing violence because of the love of violence.
That makes them dogs.
And yes, I have seen regular prewar “dogs” turning to war criminals in war. It is that kind of person who ends up being the worst kind actually.
Actually, to simplify it more, it is about what kind of person you are. If you are a bad person, the uniform and “law” behind it can simply strengthen evil in you, or in other words, it can pull the evil to surface.
Then there are police officers.
Police officers are usually people who joined to make a difference. Or to “serve and protect”.
I know a lot of them too.
People who wear uniforms of police, usually underpaid, under-equipped, and immobilized by a whole set of rules and laws that are often contradictory. These people are just trying to do their job, and even more than that, they are trying to make a difference.
I have nothing than the highest respect for them.
The generalization that all cops are “dogs”, or all cops are police officers who serve and protect is very wrong, just like any other generalization in these hard and “interesting” times.
I do know that a man who should be highly trained must know that by obstructing breathing, and blood flow to the brain for a few minutes will for sure kill a man.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The protests
Protesting is a way that people try express their feelings in an effective way to try and make changes.
The problem here is that protests usually go in some weird direction, so you could find yourself easily in a situation where you go out carrying a cardboard sign with a good)message, but in a half-hour, you end up in the middle of a crowd that is breaking and looting, and you as a prepper simply do not want to be there.
Simply do not be there.
Another problem is that we (again) live in “interesting” times, so any event that sparks huge emotions among folks, for example like rage can be a trigger for something bigger.
Even more, it can be used by someone as a starting event for much bigger sh*t. Usually, it’s only years later that you’ll find out that someone or some group, faction, or whoever played you like a violin, counting on your feelings of rage. I have seen this before and have seen where it ended up.
From the survivalist point of view, any event that leads to high polarization between people on political, racial, national, or any other way is a major risk for sparking something bigger.
I am not saying the event that caused these protests is not horrible and not important. On the contrary, it is very horrible and important. But again, from the prepper point of view, calm down and watch where you gonna find yourself when bullets start to fly, even rubber ones.
Go back to some lessons
Let’s forget (it is hard, but let’s try for the moment) about the details that started this particular event, and go back to some basics:
In events where so many emotions, especially rage are involved, and there is the possibility of violence, the best advice is simple: do not be there.
Stating publicly your opinion is democracy or freedom of speech today. But tomorrow, in changed circumstances, it can turn you into a target.
Step back and try to recognize how, together with a whole bunch of existing sharp polarizations (wear a mask or don’t), this new polarization can complicate things. Recognize where it can lead.
Ask yourself: who can use this situation and for what purpose? And what does that mean for you? What can you do about that?
The event that unleashes devastation
Go back and try to watch and judge the events you see from the prepper point of view, not an emotional one. Because you are a prepper and your goal is survival.
I have seen this before and it led to SHTF in my country.
We are living in the last couple of months in a very delicate world after all that has happened and is still happening around us. With all the turmoil, the bad economy, the job losses, and the uncertain future all that is needed to cause things to crash down is just one spark.
That spark can be deliberately used, or it can be a chain of events that will unleash even more devastating things that are boiling under the surface.
That spark may lead to chaos.
About Selco:
Selco survived the Balkan war of the 90s in a city under siege, without electricity, running water, or food distribution.
In his online works, he gives an inside view of the reality of survival under the harshest conditions. He reviews what works and what doesn’t, tells you the hard lessons he learned, and shares how he prepares today. He never stopped learning about survival and preparedness since the war. Regardless of what happens, chances are you will never experience extreme situations as Selco did. But you have the chance to learn from him and how he faced death for months.
Real survival is not romantic or idealistic. It is brutal, hard and unfair. Let Selco take you into that world.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--Peter Boockvar: The Future Is Stagflation!

Peter and George take a deep dive into stagflation , inflation , deflation and what that means for the US dollar , commodities and gold .
How will the lockdowns and the reopening affect the economy long term ?
Will YOUR LIFE ever be the same ?
Peter Boockvar is the Chief Investment Officer of Bleakley Financial Group and Editor of The Boock Report newsletter boockreport.com/ .
George Edward Gammon is an American real estate investor and entrepreneur .
He produces and stars in a popular YouTube Channel .
Prior to 2012 , George started , owned , and operated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The last growing to 24 million in annual revenues and over 100 employees .
After 12 years as a successful entrepreneur , at the age of 38 , George semi retired and shifted his focus to real estate , where he has remodeled and flipped 40+ properties in and out of the United States .
Recently focusing on Medellin , Colombia .
He controls a multi million dollar real estate portfolio which focuses on buying distressed properties , remodeling , and selling or renting .
Currently , in addition to running his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Gammon “ , a YouTube Channel that will help you build and protect wealth through investing , real estate and an extreme dose of the economic RED PILL .

George Gammon, Released on 5/30/20
Peter and George take a deep dive into stagflation, inflation, deflation and what that means for the US dollar, commodities and gold. How will the lockdowns and the reopening affect the economy long term? Will YOUR LIFE ever be the same?
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Peter Boockvar is the Chief Investment Officer of Bleakley Financial Group and Editor of The Boock Report newsletter boockreport.com/.
George Edward Gammon is an American real estate investor and entrepreneur. He produces and stars in a popular YouTube Channel. Prior to 2012, George started, owned, and operated multiple businesses ranging from conventions to advertising. The last growing to 24 million in annual revenues and over 100 employees. After 12 years as a successful entrepreneur, at the age of 38, George semi retired and shifted his focus to real estate, where he has remodeled and flipped 40+ properties in and out of the United States. Recently focusing on Medellin, Colombia. He controls a multi million dollar real estate portfolio which focuses on buying distressed properties, remodeling, and selling or renting. Currently, in addition to running his real estate investments, George produces “George Gammon“, a YouTube Channel that will help you build and protect wealth through investing, real estate and an extreme dose of the economic RED PILL.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--El-Erian Says Talk of Yield-Curve Control, Negative Rates Is ‘Sobering’

Mohamed El-Erian , chief economic adviser at Allianz and a Bloomberg Opinion columnist , says talk of more unconventional monetary @ @ @ @ @ forced to do more .
Mohamed El-Erian is the Chief Economic Adviser of Allianz , @ @ @ @ @ .
He is the former CEO and co-Chief Investment Officer of PIMCO , a global @ @ @ @ @ the world ’ s largest bond funds in the world .
Dr. El-Erian also served @ @ @ @ @ faculty of Harvard Business School .
Before joining PIMCO , Dr. El-Erian was a managing @ @ @ @ @ in London and before that , he spent 15 years at the International Monetary Fund @ @ @ @ @ book , When Markets Collide : Investment Strategies for the Age of Global Economic Change @ @ @ @ @ Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller .

Bloomberg, Released on 5/29/20
Mohamed El-Erian, chief economic adviser at Allianz and a Bloomberg Opinion columnist, says talk of more unconventional monetary policies makes central banks feel forced to do more.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Mohamed El-Erian is the Chief Economic Adviser of Allianz, a multinational financial services company. He is the former CEO and co-Chief Investment Officer of PIMCO, a global investment firm and one of the world’s largest bond funds in the world. Dr. El-Erian also served as a member of the faculty of Harvard Business School. Before joining PIMCO, Dr. El-Erian was a managing director at Salomon Smith Barney/Citigroup in London and before that, he spent 15 years at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C. His book, When Markets Collide: Investment Strategies for the Age of Global Economic Change, was a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--Fein: Social media giants may have outgrown FCC protections

The president ’ s executive order will require the Commerce Department to petition the FCC to review section 2 ( @ @ @ @ @ a 1996 FCC law that shields internet service providers with legal immunity for content posted @ @ @ @ @ Former FCC counsel Bruce Fein told One America ’ s John Hines that , regardless @ @ @ @ @ order , social media giants may have outgrown their protections .

The president’s executive order will require the Commerce Department to petition the FCC to review section 2(30), part of a 1996 FCC law that shields internet service providers with legal immunity for content posted by third party users. Former FCC counsel Bruce Fein told One America’s John Hines that, regardless of the president’s order, social media giants may have outgrown their protections.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-30--The 20 Powerful Nations in 2020 according to the Global Power Index

The Global Power Index is created by the Pardee Center for International Futures and is used by the National Intelligence Council in the Global Trends report which is released every 5 years , as well as their reports to the US government .
The most recent IFs index was updated in 2016 and contains projections for every year up to 2100 .
The GPI weighs countries by Economy ( 35 % ) , Military ( 25 % ) , Political Influence ( 20 % ) , Population ( 10 % ) and Technology ( 10 % ) using various sub-metrics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rating .
In 2020 , the Top 20 projected nations were as follows : Generally , the relative positioning looks fairly accurate in my opinion .
If anybody has questions about the methodology or comments to add ask below .
I also have a spreadsheet of past and projected ratings if there is interest .
Some interesting side-notes about the index : • The USA surpassed Britain as the world ’ s top power in 1897 in terms of material capabilities .
• Prior to WW2 , Germany and the US were the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the Soviet Union and British Empire close behind ( ~15 % each ) • The UK was at its zenith in world power during the 1820s .
• US Global Power peaked in 1951 at 50 % .
• China will supposedly overtake the US in 2030 .
• There will be three ‘ Great Powers ’ during the 21st century consisting of China , the US and India ( as well as the EU if fully integrated ) Here is the methodology for the ranking ( and previous versions ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a spreadsheet with historical ratings from 1816-2100 :

by DuckHater1
The Global Power Index is created by the Pardee Center for International Futures and is used by the National Intelligence Council in the Global Trends report which is released every 5 years, as well as their reports to the US government.
The most recent IFs index was updated in 2016 and contains projections for every year up to 2100. The GPI weighs countries by Economy (35%), Military (25%), Political Influence (20%), Population (10%) and Technology (10%) using various sub-metrics within each category to produce an overall rating.
In 2020, the Top 20 projected nations were as follows:
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
United States: 22.4% of global power China: 15.1% Japan: 5.2% Germany: 4.8% France: 4.7% United Kingdom: 4.1% Russia: 4.0% India: 3.7% Brazil: 2.1% Italy: 2.0% Canada: 1.9% Australia: 1.6% South Korea: 1.5% Saudi Arabia: 1.5% Spain: 1.5% Netherlands: 1.3% Mexico: 1.0% Indonesia: 1.0% Turkey: 0.9% Israel: 0.8%
Generally, the relative positioning looks fairly accurate in my opinion. If anybody has questions about the methodology or comments to add ask below. I also have a spreadsheet of past and projected ratings if there is interest. Some interesting side-notes about the index:
The USA surpassed Britain as the world’s top power in 1897 in terms of material capabilities.
Prior to WW2, Germany and the US were the primary powers (~21% each), with the Soviet Union and British Empire close behind (~15% each)
The UK was at its zenith in world power during the 1820s.
US Global Power peaked in 1951 at 50%.
China will supposedly overtake the US in 2030.
There will be three ‘Great Powers’ during the 21st century consisting of China, the US and India (as well as the EU if fully integrated)
Here is the methodology for the ranking (and previous versions): pardee.du.edu/sites/default/files/Power%20Codebook%2020180702.pdf
Here is a spreadsheet with historical ratings from 1816-2100:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GBZmDfwNhEeyE5SxO4-ghDSlP2azqo_nfVqIlQoyBl8/edit?usp=sharing