investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Ranked: The Fastest Growing and Declining Retail Brands, from 2019-2020

The COVID-19 outbreak has led to the savage disruption of retail the world over .
Almost overnight , foot traffic in physical stores disappeared , and supply chains were left scrambled .
Now at a major fork in the road , many retailers are forced to make tough decisions that were completely unforeseen .
While some global retail giants are laying down their weapons and filing for bankruptcy , others are innovating to save themselves , serving their customers in new and unexpected ways .
Today ’ s graphic uses data from Kantar ’ s Brand Z™ report to illustrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and those that may struggle to survive .
Editor ’ s note : The report compares brand value of the top 75 retailers globally between 2020 and 2019 , using mid-April as a cut-off date for incorporating latest financial information .
Some early effects of the pandemic are incorporated in these calculations , but the pandemic ’ s impact on retail going forward is uncertain .
The calculation of brand value refers to the total amount that a brand contributes to the overall business value of the parent company .
In this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the financial value of a brand ( latest data as of mid-April ) , and multiplying it by the brand ’ s contribution , or the ability of the brand to deliver value to the company by predisposing consumers to choose the brand over others or pay more for it , based purely on perceptions .
Based on these metrics , activewear brand lululemon is the world ’ s fastest growing retail brand for the second year running .
Famous for its culture of accountability and global community events , the brand has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online and offline experience .
Explore the 10 fastest growing retail brands of 2020 below : Interestingly , Walmart holds three spots in the ranking as it also owns Flipkart and Sam ’ s Club .
Moreover , the American retail giant purchased a stake in Chinese e-commerce platform JD.com , which has grown from 5 % to 12 % .
The two brands entered the strategic partnership together with the goal of dominating the Chinese market and surpassing Alibaba .
While every retailer has a unique growth strategy , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three factors that are undeniably crucial for success .
• Value : Offering value for money through fair pricing for all products or services .
• Uniqueness : Having a clear purpose and standing for something that consumers find meaningful .
• Premium : Being perceived as being worth more than the price consumers pay .
Further , research also suggests that successful brands dominate their respective category when it comes to brand awareness and consistently provide experiences that enrich their customers ’ lives , as demonstrated by lululemon .
As retailers continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , consumers are still finding great value in having the best of both worlds when it comes to combining e-commerce and brick-and-mortar , otherwise known as “ brick and click ” .
Unfortunately , there are several brands that haven ’ t yet mastered this winning combination , and the ruthless pandemic economy has only emphasized their struggles .
Here are the 10 fastest declining retail brands of 2020 : Under Armour ’ s distribution relies heavily on third party retailers and department stores , so the brand has understandably been negatively impacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the brand focuses on expanding its personalized and connected fitness product offerings , it faces huge pressure from powerful competitors such as Nike and Adidas who already dominate this space .
2020 has instigated a retail renaissance of epic proportions through accelerated digitization and changing consumer values .
Ultimately , some brands will be better positioned than others to benefit from these changes .
As retailers begin reopening for business , they are presented with an opportunity to recalibrate the current retail landscape by setting new standards for the industry .

by visualcapitalist
The COVID-19 outbreak has led to the savage disruption of retail the world over.
Almost overnight, foot traffic in physical stores disappeared, and supply chains were left scrambled. Now at a major fork in the road, many retailers are forced to make tough decisions that were completely unforeseen.
While some global retail giants are laying down their weapons and filing for bankruptcy, others are innovating to save themselves, serving their customers in new and unexpected ways.
Today’s graphic uses data from Kantar’s Brand Z™ report to illustrate the retailers that are growing through adversity, and those that may struggle to survive.
Editor’s note: The report compares brand value of the top 75 retailers globally between 2020 and 2019, using mid-April as a cut-off date for incorporating latest financial information. Some early effects of the pandemic are incorporated in these calculations, but the pandemic’s impact on retail going forward is uncertain.
Retailers Rising to the Top
The calculation of brand value refers to the total amount that a brand contributes to the overall business value of the parent company.
In this case, it is measured by taking the financial value of a brand (latest data as of mid-April), and multiplying it by the brand’s contribution, or the ability of the brand to deliver value to the company by predisposing consumers to choose the brand over others or pay more for it, based purely on perceptions.
Based on these metrics, activewear brand lululemon is the world’s fastest growing retail brand for the second year running. Famous for its culture of accountability and global community events, the brand has struck the perfect balance between a seamless online and offline experience.
Explore the 10 fastest growing retail brands of 2020 below:
Brand Brand Value 2020 Brand Value % Change
2020 Vs. 2019 Category Country lululemon $9.7B 40% Apparel 🇨🇦 Canada Costco $28.7B 35% Retail 🇺🇸 United States Amazon $415.9B 32% Retail 🇺🇸 United States Target $10.6B 32% Retail 🇺🇸 United States Walmart $45.8B 24% Retail 🇺🇸 United States JD.com $25.5B 24% Retail 🇨🇳 China Sam’s Club $6.8B 19% Retail 🇺🇸 United States Alibaba $152.5B 16% Retail 🇨🇳 China Tanishq $2.8B 15% Retail 🇮🇳 India Flipkart $4.7B 14% Retail 🇮🇳 India
Interestingly, Walmart holds three spots in the ranking as it also owns Flipkart and Sam’s Club. Moreover, the American retail giant purchased a stake in Chinese e-commerce platform JD.com, which has grown from 5% to 12%.
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The two brands entered the strategic partnership together with the goal of dominating the Chinese market and surpassing Alibaba.
The Recipe for Retail Success
While every retailer has a unique growth strategy, according to the authors of the report, there are three factors that are undeniably crucial for success.
Value: Offering value for money through fair pricing for all products or services.
Offering value for money through fair pricing for all products or services. Uniqueness: Having a clear purpose and standing for something that consumers find meaningful.
Having a clear purpose and standing for something that consumers find meaningful. Premium: Being perceived as being worth more than the price consumers pay.
Further, research also suggests that successful brands dominate their respective category when it comes to brand awareness and consistently provide experiences that enrich their customers’ lives, as demonstrated by lululemon.
As retailers continue to shift their focus towards digital transformation, consumers are still finding great value in having the best of both worlds when it comes to combining e-commerce and brick-and-mortar, otherwise known as “brick and click”.
Retailers Struggling to Stay Relevant
Unfortunately, there are several brands that haven’t yet mastered this winning combination, and the ruthless pandemic economy has only emphasized their struggles.
Here are the 10 fastest declining retail brands of 2020:
Brand Brand Value 2020 Brand Value % Change
2020 Vs. 2019 Category Country Under Armour $2.6B -34% Apparel 🇺🇸 United States H&M $4.7B -27% Apparel 🇸🇪 Sweden Walgreens $6.8B -26% Retail 🇺🇸 United States Tim Hortons $5.4B -20% Fast Food 🇨🇦 Canada Subway $13.8B -20% Fast Food 🇺🇸 United States Burberry $3.8B -18% Luxury 🇬🇧 United Kingdom M&S $2.5B -18% Retail 🇬🇧 United Kingdom Uniqlo $8.2B -16% Apparel 🇯🇵 Japan Dunkin’ $2.4B -15% Fast Food 🇺🇸 United States The North Face $2.4B -14% Apparel 🇺🇸 United States
Under Armour’s distribution relies heavily on third party retailers and department stores, so the brand has understandably been negatively impacted by the mass store closures.
While the brand focuses on expanding its personalized and connected fitness product offerings, it faces huge pressure from powerful competitors such as Nike and Adidas who already dominate this space.
A Rising Tide Lifts All Shipments
2020 has instigated a retail renaissance of epic proportions through accelerated digitization and changing consumer values. Ultimately, some brands will be better positioned than others to benefit from these changes.
As retailers begin reopening for business, they are presented with an opportunity to recalibrate the current retail landscape by setting new standards for the industry.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--URGENT: China’s communication freeze with Australia sends a ‘worrying message about its intent’

Liberal Senator James Paterson has told Sky News his “ honest hope is no country – China included – will oppose ” the motion for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19 set to be voted on at the World Health Assembly .
The Australian government believes China will not oppose a resolution on an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus ahead of a meeting of the World Health Assembly on Tuesday .
The push from the global coalition of 62 nations as well as the European Union has been outlined in a draft resolution which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on May 19 .
“ It shows that Australia has been right to lead the call on this , ” Mr Paterson said “ There is no one who could argue for a moment that Australia is alone ” .
Mr Paterson told Sky News host Paul Murray it would be “ bizarre for anyone to oppose ” the motion , and noted the amount nations who have publicly supported the move is not only a “ very significant number of countries , but a very broad range of countries .
In light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid Australia ’ s leadership in calling for the inquiry , Trade Minister Simon Birmingham on Sunday confirmed a contact freeze between the Australian government and Chinese trade officials .
Mr Patterson said it would be a “ concern ” if Australia could not get in contact with its trading partners to discuss the issues at play .
“ It does send a worrying signal about their intent ” .

Liberal Senator James Paterson has told Sky News his “honest hope is no country – China included – will oppose” the motion for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19 set to be voted on at the World Health Assembly.
The Australian government believes China will not oppose a resolution on an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus ahead of a meeting of the World Health Assembly on Tuesday.
The push from the global coalition of 62 nations as well as the European Union has been outlined in a draft resolution which will put to the floor of the assembly on May 19.
“It shows that Australia has been right to lead the call on this,” Mr Paterson said
“There is no one who could argue for a moment that Australia is alone”.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Mr Paterson told Sky News host Paul Murray it would be “bizarre for anyone to oppose” the motion, and noted the amount nations who have publicly supported the move is not only a “very significant number of countries, but a very broad range of countries.
In light of trade tensions between Australia and China amid Australia’s leadership in calling for the inquiry, Trade Minister Simon Birmingham on Sunday confirmed a contact freeze between the Australian government and Chinese trade officials.
Mr Patterson said it would be a “concern” if Australia could not get in contact with its trading partners to discuss the issues at play.
“It does send a worrying signal about their intent”.
Image: AP


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Uber to require all drivers, riders to wear face masks starting Monday

“ It ’ s important to us that you know what to expect when you take that ‘ second first @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
“ Over the last two months , our tech and @ @ @ @ @ at work building a new product experience that will help protect everyone , every time @ @ @ @ @

“It’s important to us that you know what to expect when you take that ‘second first trip,'”officials said in a statement. “Over the last two months, our tech and safety teams have been hard at work building a new product experience that will help protect everyone, every time they use Uber.”
www.wsbtv.com/news/trending/uber-require-all-drivers-riders-wear-face-masks-starting-monday/3SXPRVAPEVHRLLDEQ7U44P26MA/


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Should we stop looking for trends in the data?

I ’ ve been a certified news hound about the ‘ rona for the last month or so .
Deep dives into the NYT , WSJ , Statnews , you name it .
And of course many Reddit forums .
I ’ ve noticed many people from all sides of the political spectrum and from all over the country are looking for trends in the numbers .
I used to think about adding my own points to the discussions but then realized : isn ’ t it just too early to draw substantive conclusions about , well , ANYTHING ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers are b ) the patchwork approach to reporting ( some states/counties don ’ t report “ possible ” COVID deaths for example ) and c ) the lag in numbers due to the incubation period — shouldn ’ t we as laypeople just stop trying to find trends in the data ?
For lay people like myself and so many others , comparing varying data sets considering the huge amount of variables and unknowns isn ’ t just apples to oranges — it ’ s a fruit salad .
The final analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( at least a year ) .
Once I realized it ’ s useless for a layman like me to find trends in numbers I don ’ t fully understand , I actually got a lot of peace .
Wear a mask .
Wash your hands .
Practice social distancing when you have to go out .
I think that ’ s really all we know for sure now .

by lost_librarian_
I’ve been a certified news hound about the ‘rona for the last month or so. Deep dives into the NYT, WSJ, Statnews, you name it. And of course many Reddit forums.
I’ve noticed many people from all sides of the political spectrum and from all over the country are looking for trends in the numbers. I used to think about adding my own points to the discussions but then realized: isn’t it just too early to draw substantive conclusions about, well, ANYTHING?
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Considering a) how pathetic our testing numbers are b) the patchwork approach to reporting (some states/counties don’t report “possible” COVID deaths for example) and c) the lag in numbers due to the incubation period — shouldn’t we as laypeople just stop trying to find trends in the data? For lay people like myself and so many others, comparing varying data sets considering the huge amount of variables and unknowns isn’t just apples to oranges — it’s a fruit salad.
The final analysis will be a long way from now (at least a year). Once I realized it’s useless for a layman like me to find trends in numbers I don’t fully understand, I actually got a lot of peace.
Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Practice social distancing when you have to go out. I think that’s really all we know for sure now.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Oregon Tyrant Kate: NO – Closed county people can’t go shop in open counties!

Here is a predicament that we in no ways minimize or trivialize for its complications .
The Portland tri-county area @ @ @ @ @ while most of the other counties around it , and around the state , are @ @ @ @ @ This poses a big problem of how do you manage life between the counties .
@ @ @ @ @ Portland area to get a haircut in another county or visit the beach ?
The @ @ @ @ @ is no , although it doesn ’ t appear she plans to enforce that .
@ @ @ @ @ hold tight and resist the urge to drive to another county to get a haircut @ @ @ @ @ restaurant or visit a tourist sites….Brown also said police won ’ t be stopping Portlanders @ @ @ @ @ a visit to the coast , but she asked that metro area residents respect her @ @ @ @ @ to lessen the spread of COVID-19 .
“

Here is a predicament that we in no ways minimize or trivialize for its complications. The Portland tri-county area is still under lockdown restrictions while most of the other counties around it, and around the state, are moving into re-opening phase. This poses a big problem of how do you manage life between the counties.
The Oregonian reported,
“Can I leave the Portland area to get a haircut in another county or visit the beach?
The governor said Thursday the answer is no, although it doesn’t appear she plans to enforce that.
Brown asked Portland-area residents to hold tight and resist the urge to drive to another county to get a haircut, dine out at a restaurant or visit a tourist sites….Brown also said police won’t be stopping Portlanders who are heading out for a visit to the coast, but she asked that metro area residents respect her direction, which is meant to lessen the spread of COVID-19. “


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--VEGAN CHEF IS BRANDED A ‘COVIDIOT’ AFTER ACCUSING ORANGE COUNTY SUPERMARKET STAFF OF DISCRIMINATION

VEGAN CHEF IS BRANDED A ‘COVIDIOT’ AFTER ACCUSING ORANGE COUNTY SUPERMARKET STAFF OF DISCRIMINATION FOR NOT LETTING HER INTO STORE WITHOUT A MASK:

She then addresses the original shop assistant who is wiping down shopping trolleys outside the store while dancing to music @ @ @ @ @ ‘ chipper ’ ( left ) .
The video ends after store manager Ben hands @ @ @ @ @ her to call the corporate office ( right ) He responds that he is happy @ @ @ @ @ ‘ I ’ m a bartender and I wouldn ’ t have a job were @ @ @ @ @ s , ’ he says .
Lewis adds : ‘ I ’ m glad you @ @ @ @ @ OK to infringe on people ’ s rights here.
’ The video ends after store @ @ @ @ @ business card for her to call the corporate office .
Lewis ’ s social media @ @ @ @ @ a ‘ flat earther ’ and ‘ vegan chef ’ .
The video has received @ @ @ @ @ online , with Twitter users branding her a ‘ covidiot ’ .

She then addresses the original shop assistant who is wiping down shopping trolleys outside the store while dancing to music, stating that he appears ‘chipper’ (left). The video ends after store manager Ben hands her a business card for her to call the corporate office (right)
He responds that he is happy to have a job. ‘I’m a bartender and I wouldn’t have a job were it not for Gelson’s,’ he says.
Lewis adds: ‘I’m glad you guys think it’s OK to infringe on people’s rights here.’
The video ends after store manager Ben hands her a business card for her to call the corporate office.
Lewis’s social media profile states that she is a ‘flat earther’ and ‘vegan chef’.
The video has received backlash after it was posted online, with Twitter users branding her a ‘covidiot’.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Another week, another $3 trillion bailout

At precisely 9:26pm this past Friday night , May 15th , the House of Representatives in the United States passed the “ Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act.
” For short , they call it the HEROES Act .
And yes , it ’ s as ridiculous as it sounds .
Bear in mind that Congress passed the first bailout bill– the “ Families First Coronavirus Response Act ” on March 14th .
That set the taxpayers back $ 1.3 trillion .
Less than two weeks later , Congress passed the “ Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which cost a hefty $ 2 trillion .
A few weeks after that , they passed another half-trillion dollar bill , the “ Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act , ” which , sadly , did not come with a catchy acronym .
Are you keeping score ?
In total that ’ s around $ 3.8 trillion in federal bailouts .
And now on top of that , the House just passed the HEROES Act , which adds another $ 3 TRILLION to that total .
If the HEROES Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total bailouts in the Land of the Free to nearly $ 7 trillion , more than 30 % of the entire US economy !
The HEROES Act itself is extraordinary .
At 1,815 pages and nearly 300,000 words , it ’ s more than twice as long as the New Testament .
And I spent several hours this weekend reading it .
With a high-sounding name like “ HEROES , ” I naively thought the focus of the bill is to take care of front-line healthcare workers .
HEROES hands over taxpayer money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service to the National Endowment for the Humanities .
There ’ s money for school lunches , broadband Internet access in rural areas and tribal lands , prison phone calls , “ environmental justice grants , ” and pretty much anything else you can think of .
There ’ s a phrase they use in this bill over and over again : “ to prevent , prepare for , and respond to coronavirus .
.
.
” For example , they ’ re giving the General Services Administration ( GSA ) $ 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rational person to wonder , Nothing .
And that ’ s why they include those magic words– The GSA will receive $ 1 billion “ to prevent , prepare for , and respond to coronavirus.
” Oh gee , then I guess it makes sense .
It reminds me of right after 9/11 , nearly two decades ago .
Back then the government could get away with anything they wanted .
They just had to use the magic words “ for your safety and security , ” or “ in the interest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass the most insidious laws and say the most ridiculous things .
But as long as it was for your safety and security , it was all OK .
If this HEROES bill passes , for example , the National Endowment for the Humanities will receive a bunch of taxpayer money “ to prevent , prepare for , and respond to coronavirus.
” Wait , what ?
What does one thing have to do with another ?
Nothing .
It ’ s just empty justification to spend all the money they ever wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t seem to be enough .
Last night the news show 60 Minutes aired an interview with the Chairman of the Federal Reserve , who expressed clear concern that all the government spending and all the federal reserve money printing so far might not be enough : The interview was pretty extraordinary– the Fed Chairman didn ’ t bother sugarcoating what they ’ re doing– Reporter : “ Fair to say you simply flooded the system with money ?
” Fed Chairman : “ Yes .
We did .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We did.
” Reporter : “ Where does it come from ?
Do you just print it ?
” Fed Chairman : “ We print it digitally .
So as a central bank , we have the ability to create money digitally .
And we do that by buying Treasury Bills or bonds for other government guaranteed securities .
And that actually increases the money supply .
We also print actual currency and we distribute that through the Federal Reserve banks.
” Reporter : “ In terms of size , Mr. Chairman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now compare to the unprecedented action it took in 2008 ?
” Fed Chairman : “ So the things we ’ re doing now are substantially larger .
The asset purchases that we ’ re doing are a multiple of the programs that were done during the last crisis .
.
.
” That pretty much sums it up– The government is on track to have a nearly $ 7 trillion bill for Covid so far , while the Federal Reserve has already expanded its balance sheet by nearly $ 3 trillion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money , they ’ re still not sure if it ’ s enough .
They acknowledge that they ’ re simply [ digitally ] printing money , and that the size of the problem is MUCH bigger than the last crisis .
He then acknowledges later in the interview– sure there will be consequences to all the debt and money printing , but we ’ ll worry about it later : “ This is not the time to prioritize that concern.
” So , on top of everything else , they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be problems down the road… but they ’ re going to keep printing and going into debt regardless .
No one here is being subtle .
And you ’ re not some wild conspiracy theorist to think that there might be consequences down the road .
The Federal Reserve is telling us that this is the case .
And they ’ re also telling us that they ’ re going forward with their plan to print money and facilitate government debt regardless of the long-term damage .
If that ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real assets , I don ’ t know what else could be .

by Simon Black
At precisely 9:26pm this past Friday night, May 15th, the House of Representatives in the United States passed the “Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act.”
For short, they call it the HEROES Act.
And yes, it’s as ridiculous as it sounds.
Bear in mind that Congress passed the first bailout bill– the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” on March 14th. That set the taxpayers back $1.3 trillion.
Less than two weeks later, Congress passed the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act”, or CARES, which cost a hefty $2 trillion.
A few weeks after that, they passed another half-trillion dollar bill, the “Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act,” which, sadly, did not come with a catchy acronym.
Are you keeping score? In total that’s around $3.8 trillion in federal bailouts.
And now on top of that, the House just passed the HEROES Act, which adds another $3 TRILLION to that total.
If the HEROES Act becomes law, that will bring the total bailouts in the Land of the Free to nearly $7 trillion, more than 30% of the entire US economy!
The HEROES Act itself is extraordinary. At 1,815 pages and nearly 300,000 words, it’s more than twice as long as the New Testament.
And I spent several hours this weekend reading it.
With a high-sounding name like “HEROES,” I naively thought the focus of the bill is to take care of front-line healthcare workers.
But I was wrong.
HEROES hands over taxpayer money to everyone from the Fish and Wildlife Service to the National Endowment for the Humanities.
There’s money for school lunches, broadband Internet access in rural areas and tribal lands, prison phone calls, “environmental justice grants,” and pretty much anything else you can think of.
There’s a phrase they use in this bill over and over again: “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. . .”
For example, they’re giving the General Services Administration (GSA) $1 billion to modernize their technology… leading a rational person to wonder,
“Hey wait a minute– what does that have to do with Covid?”
Nothing. And that’s why they include those magic words– The GSA will receive $1 billion “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.”
Oh gee, then I guess it makes sense.
It reminds me of right after 9/11, nearly two decades ago. Back then the government could get away with anything they wanted. They just had to use the magic words “for your safety and security,” or “in the interest of national security.”
They were able to pass the most insidious laws and say the most ridiculous things. But as long as it was for your safety and security, it was all OK.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Today it’s the same thing.
If this HEROES bill passes, for example, the National Endowment for the Humanities will receive a bunch of taxpayer money “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.”
Wait, what? What does one thing have to do with another?
Nothing. It’s just empty justification to spend all the money they ever wanted.
But astonishingly, even this doesn’t seem to be enough.
Last night the news show 60 Minutes aired an interview with the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, who expressed clear concern that all the government spending and all the federal reserve money printing so far might not be enough:
Reporter: “In terms of stimulus, has Congress done enough?” Fed Chairman: “. . . I don’t think we know the answer to that. It may well be that the Fed has to do more. It may be that Congress has to do more.”
The interview was pretty extraordinary– the Fed Chairman didn’t bother sugarcoating what they’re doing–
Reporter: “Fair to say you simply flooded the system with money?” Fed Chairman: “Yes. We did. That’s another way to think about it. We did.” Reporter: “Where does it come from? Do you just print it?” Fed Chairman: “We print it digitally. So as a central bank, we have the ability to create money digitally. And we do that by buying Treasury Bills or bonds for other government guaranteed securities. And that actually increases the money supply. We also print actual currency and we distribute that through the Federal Reserve banks.” Reporter: “In terms of size, Mr. Chairman, how does what the Fed is doing right now compare to the unprecedented action it took in 2008?” Fed Chairman: “So the things we’re doing now are substantially larger. The asset purchases that we’re doing are a multiple of the programs that were done during the last crisis. . .”
That pretty much sums it up–
The government is on track to have a nearly $7 trillion bill for Covid so far, while the Federal Reserve has already expanded its balance sheet by nearly $3 trillion.
And even with that bonanza of money, they’re still not sure if it’s enough.
They acknowledge that they’re simply [digitally] printing money, and that the size of the problem is MUCH bigger than the last crisis.
He then acknowledges later in the interview– sure there will be consequences to all the debt and money printing, but we’ll worry about it later: “This is not the time to prioritize that concern.”
So, on top of everything else, they’re flat-out telling you that there are going to be problems down the road… but they’re going to keep printing and going into debt regardless.
No one here is being subtle.
And you’re not some wild conspiracy theorist to think that there might be consequences down the road. The Federal Reserve is telling us that this is the case.
And they’re also telling us that they’re going forward with their plan to print money and facilitate government debt regardless of the long-term damage.
If that’s not a reason to own precious metals and real assets, I don’t know what else could be.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--DOUBLE STANDARDS ARE THE BEST STANDARDS BECAUSE YOU HAVE TWICE AS MANY AS LESS-PRINCIPLED PEOPLE DO:

Missouri Democrat Nicole Galloway touted an endorsement from a liberal dark money group just days after claiming that she “ hate [ s ] dark money with a passion.
” The state auditor has repeatedly denounced dark money during her bid to unseat Missouri governor Mike Parson ( R. ) .
Galloway has told supporters and reporters that she “ hate [ s ] dark money with a passion ” and “ absolutely think [ s ] it ’ s wrong ” in the past , but she now welcomes its support for her gubernatorial run .
During a May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she had won the backing of 314 Action , which has pledged to spend millions in 2020 but does not disclose donors for its nonprofit arm .
“ I will point out that I am endorsed by 314 Action , which is one of the leading organizations promoting science and data in policymaking , ” she said .
“ I am proud of that endorsement.
” The group operates as a “ hybrid PAC , ” which allows it to contribute directly to candidates , as well as spend unlimited amounts on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to disclose donors , the group also employs a nonprofit arm that can partake in political spending without making such disclosures .
The group aims to become the “ EMILY ’ s List for scientists ” —a pro-abortion hybrid PAC and major Democratic donor—and plans to spend at least $ 10 million in 2020 to support Democratic candidates .
Josh Morrow , 314 Action ’ s executive director , told Scientific American in 2018 that the group planned to use its nonprofit arm to buy political ads , saying , “ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Galloway ’ s praise for 314 Action is not the first time that her campaign ’ s actions have been at odds with her anti-dark money rhetoric .
The Democrat criticized Parson for benefiting from a “ dark money group ” in March , pointing to a Parson-aligned PAC called Uniting Missouri , which is required to disclose donors .
Galloway is backed by a similar PAC , Keep Government Accountable , which held nearly $ 940,000 on hand as of April 14 , according to state records .
During her 2018 state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would disassociate with any dark money groups that supported her , saying she has “ taken a stand against dark money from the very beginning.
” “ I don ’ t want anything to do with dark money , ” Galloway said .
“ I think it is wrong .
I don ’ t care where it comes from , I don ’ t care what side it is from , I have taken a stand against dark money from the very beginning because I absolutely think it ’ s wrong.
” Galloway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an August 2019 campaign video that accused Parson of taking dark money from “ corporations and lobbyists.
” Her Keep Government Accountable PAC has taken in nearly $ 200,000 from limited liability companies since 2018 , state filings show .
Galloway is allowed to fundraise for the PAC under Missouri campaign finance law .
Galloway , who did not respond to a request for comment , again attacked dark money in a May 4 interview with the Kansas City Star .
She said that while she supported former Missouri governor Eric Greitens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system is broken , ” she took issue with his association with dark money groups .
“ He didn ’ t approach it the right way , and I hate dark money with a passion , but he was willing to take on the system , and I ’ m willing to shake it up , ” she said .

Missouri Dem Touts Endorsement From Dark Money Group After Denouncing Dark Money.
Missouri Democrat Nicole Galloway touted an endorsement from a liberal dark money group just days after claiming that she “hate[s] dark money with a passion.”
The state auditor has repeatedly denounced dark money during her bid to unseat Missouri governor Mike Parson (R.). Galloway has told supporters and reporters that she “hate[s] dark money with a passion” and “absolutely think[s] it’s wrong” in the past, but she now welcomes its support for her gubernatorial run. During a May 8 call with supporters, she boasted that she had won the backing of 314 Action, which has pledged to spend millions in 2020 but does not disclose donors for its nonprofit arm.
“I will point out that I am endorsed by 314 Action, which is one of the leading organizations promoting science and data in policymaking,” she said. “I am proud of that endorsement.”
The group operates as a “hybrid PAC,” which allows it to contribute directly to candidates, as well as spend unlimited amounts on advertisements. While the PAC is required to disclose donors, the group also employs a nonprofit arm that can partake in political spending without making such disclosures. The group aims to become the “EMILY’s List for scientists”—a pro-abortion hybrid PAC and major Democratic donor—and plans to spend at least $10 million in 2020 to support Democratic candidates. Josh Morrow, 314 Action’s executive director, told Scientific American in 2018 that the group planned to use its nonprofit arm to buy political ads, saying, “It’s about leveling the playing field.”
Galloway’s praise for 314 Action is not the first time that her campaign’s actions have been at odds with her anti-dark money rhetoric. The Democrat criticized Parson for benefiting from a “dark money group” in March, pointing to a Parson-aligned PAC called Uniting Missouri, which is required to disclose donors. Galloway is backed by a similar PAC, Keep Government Accountable, which held nearly $940,000 on hand as of April 14, according to state records.
During her 2018 state auditor reelection campaign, Galloway said she would disassociate with any dark money groups that supported her, saying she has “taken a stand against dark money from the very beginning.”
“I don’t want anything to do with dark money,” Galloway said. “I think it is wrong. I don’t care where it comes from, I don’t care what side it is from, I have taken a stand against dark money from the very beginning because I absolutely think it’s wrong.”
Galloway went on to announce her gubernatorial bid in an August 2019 campaign video that accused Parson of taking dark money from “corporations and lobbyists.” Her Keep Government Accountable PAC has taken in nearly $200,000 from limited liability companies since 2018, state filings show. Galloway is allowed to fundraise for the PAC under Missouri campaign finance law.
Galloway, who did not respond to a request for comment, again attacked dark money in a May 4 interview with the Kansas City Star. She said that while she supported former Missouri governor Eric Greitens’s “willingness to say the system is broken,” she took issue with his association with dark money groups.
“He didn’t approach it the right way, and I hate dark money with a passion, but he was willing to take on the system, and I’m willing to shake it up,” she said.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Are Oil Prices Rising Too High Too Soon?

Oil prices have rallied significantly , rising $ 10 in two weeks as markets are increasingly convinced that global demand for crude is picking up once again .
Deep output cuts and the reopening of some of the largest economies in the world have brightened the outlook for oil , but many analysts are now beginning to question whether this rally isn ’ t already overdone .
So why are oil prices still rocketing as analysts warn of ballooning inventories and continued weak demand for aviation fuel ?
Looking at the data , the first signs of real demand recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where Chinese refiners have embarked on a buying spree , capitalizing on ultra-low crude prices in heavy hit markets such as Brazil , Oman , and West Africa .
Spurred by Beijing ’ s call to action , factories and farmers are leading the demand recovery in diesel according to Liu Yuntao , an analyst working with Energy Aspects in London .
But it ’ s not just diesel .
Gasoline consumption is also on the rise in China , where rush hour traffic in Beijing , Shanghai , and tens of other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again as the Chinese are finding out that coronavirus isn ’ t spread by driving your car .
Demand for jet fuel , however , continues to lag behind as air travel is still a fraction of what it was before the lockdown began .
Demand for distillates such as jet fuel could continue to lag for a much longer time as long-haul air travel continues to face restrictions .
The International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO ) estimates that international capacity could drop by as much as two-thirds from previous forecasts for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese refineries may have ramped up activity too soon .
Refining margins are already suffering as Chinese refineries are exporting large amounts of oil products in the region , flooding an already well-supplied market with more gasoline , diesel and bunker fuel .
Unlike China , other East-Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea are taking a more prudent approach while planning to ease lockdowns , resulting in lower fuel consumption during what is usually seen as peak driving season .
In the meantime , 117 Very Large Crude Carriers are expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of crude oil to China over the course of the next three months .
Most of this crude was bought in April against rock-bottom prices .
Market watchers are now keeping a close eye on refinery run rates and margins in China as one of the first main indicators of real recovery in global crude demand .
A real recovery in crude markets will only materialize if Chinese oil imports continue to stabilize during 2020 .
For now , early data on fuel consumption in both the Far East and the U.S. will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was justified or not .

By Tom Kool
Oil prices have rallied significantly, rising $10 in two weeks as markets are increasingly convinced that global demand for crude is picking up once again.
Deep output cuts and the reopening of some of the largest economies in the world have brightened the outlook for oil, but many analysts are now beginning to question whether this rally isn’t already overdone. So why are oil prices still rocketing as analysts warn of ballooning inventories and continued weak demand for aviation fuel?
Looking at the data, the first signs of real demand recovery are coming from the Far East, where Chinese refiners have embarked on a buying spree, capitalizing on ultra-low crude prices in heavy hit markets such as Brazil, Oman, and West Africa.
Spurred by Beijing’s call to action, factories and farmers are leading the demand recovery in diesel according to Liu Yuntao, an analyst working with Energy Aspects in London.
But it’s not just diesel. Gasoline consumption is also on the rise in China, where rush hour traffic in Beijing, Shanghai, and tens of other big cities is approaching normal levels once again as the Chinese are finding out that coronavirus isn’t spread by driving your car.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Demand for jet fuel, however, continues to lag behind as air travel is still a fraction of what it was before the lockdown began. Demand for distillates such as jet fuel could continue to lag for a much longer time as long-haul air travel continues to face restrictions. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) estimates that international capacity could drop by as much as two-thirds from previous forecasts for the first three quarters of 2020.
Chinese refineries may have ramped up activity too soon. Refining margins are already suffering as Chinese refineries are exporting large amounts of oil products in the region, flooding an already well-supplied market with more gasoline, diesel and bunker fuel. Unlike China, other East-Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea are taking a more prudent approach while planning to ease lockdowns, resulting in lower fuel consumption during what is usually seen as peak driving season.
In the meantime, 117 Very Large Crude Carriers are expected to unload up to 230 million barrels of crude oil to China over the course of the next three months. Most of this crude was bought in April against rock-bottom prices. Market watchers are now keeping a close eye on refinery run rates and margins in China as one of the first main indicators of real recovery in global crude demand.
A real recovery in crude markets will only materialize if Chinese oil imports continue to stabilize during 2020.
For now, early data on fuel consumption in both the Far East and the U.S. will show whether the optimism in oil markets was justified or not.
By Tom Kool of Oilprice.com


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--SIT DOWN, SHUT UP, AND BE GRATEFUL FOR ANY CRUMBS YOUR LEVIATHAN STATE MIGHT GET: Gov. Newsom Says C

SIT DOWN, SHUT UP, AND BE GRATEFUL FOR ANY CRUMBS YOUR LEVIATHAN STATE MIGHT GET: Gov. Newsom Says Congress Has a ‘Moral’ and ‘Ethical’ Obligation to Bail Out States.

The House passed a $ 3 trillion coronavirus relief bill last week which contained almost a trillion dollars to bail out states .
It also contained goodies for all — another stimulus check , help for renters , college debt relief , and cash for illegal immigrants .
Newsom told CNN ’ s “ State of the Union ” that a state bailout was not “ charity ” and that Congress has a “ moral and ethical obligation ” to help Americans across the country .
California Governor Gavin Newsom weighed in on the question of bailing out states whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
“ Pensions are driving a lot of this , ” Senator Scott says .
“ [ States ] don ’ t want to raise taxes .
They don ’ t want to make tough choices .
Businesses have to do it .
You have to .
Families have to watch their budgets — but not the states.
” Governor Cuomo , for his part , has attempted to resurrect the old canard about the so-called blue states subsidizing the red ones , as measured by tax receipts vs. federal expenditures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us out , ” Cuomo said of Florida and Rick Scott .
“ We bail them out every year.
” This is a cherished Democratic talking point , but it is not quite true .
The largest per-capita net-recipient states at the moment are Democratic states : Virginia , Kentucky , and New Mexico .
The biggest “ donor ” states are Democratic , too : Connecticut , New Jersey , and Massachusetts .
( NB : Estimates vary some from source to source , but New York is reliably pretty high on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some of those numbers are driven by entitlements and by the fact that the U.S. tax code is steeply progressive , i.e .
by Democratic policies .
And some of those numbers are driven by the fact that federal purchases , federal contracts , federal employees ( hello , Virginia ! )
, and federal lands are not evenly distributed throughout the country , which means that federal outlays do not land equally on every square inch of American territory — the federal government owns 85 percent of the land in Nevada but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in New York State .
There are a lot of financial firms in New York City and not very many Air Force bases , which affects the notional balance of payments .
The same dynamic is a big part of why Democratic states such as Maryland and Hawaii are on the net-takers ’ list while Republican states such as North Dakota are net payers .
California , once a donor state , is at the moment a modest recipient state , to the tune of about $ 12 a year per capita .

via pjmedia
The House passed a $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill last week which contained almost a trillion dollars to bail out states. It also contained goodies for all — another stimulus check, help for renters, college debt relief, and cash for illegal immigrants.
Newsom told CNN’s “State of the Union” that a state bailout was not “charity” and that Congress has a “moral and ethical obligation” to help Americans across the country.
California Governor Gavin Newsom weighed in on the question of bailing out states whose budgets have been blown up by the coronavirus pandemic.
CORONAVIRUS RELIEF & STATE AID: Andrew Cuomo, Rick Scott Spar over Funding.
“Pensions are driving a lot of this,” Senator Scott says. “[States] don’t want to raise taxes. They don’t want to make tough choices. Businesses have to do it. You have to. Families have to watch their budgets — but not the states.”
Governor Cuomo, for his part, has attempted to resurrect the old canard about the so-called blue states subsidizing the red ones, as measured by tax receipts vs. federal expenditures. “They’re not bailing us out,” Cuomo said of Florida and Rick Scott. “We bail them out every year.”
This is a cherished Democratic talking point, but it is not quite true.
The largest per-capita net-recipient states at the moment are Democratic states: Virginia, Kentucky, and New Mexico. The biggest “donor” states are Democratic, too: Connecticut, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. (NB: Estimates vary some from source to source, but New York is reliably pretty high on the purported net-payers’ list.) Some of those numbers are driven by entitlements and by the fact that the U.S. tax code is steeply progressive, i.e. by Democratic policies. And some of those numbers are driven by the fact that federal purchases, federal contracts, federal employees (hello, Virginia!), and federal lands are not evenly distributed throughout the country, which means that federal outlays do not land equally on every square inch of American territory — the federal government owns 85 percent of the land in Nevada but less than 1 percent of the land in New York State. There are a lot of financial firms in New York City and not very many Air Force bases, which affects the notional balance of payments.
The same dynamic is a big part of why Democratic states such as Maryland and Hawaii are on the net-takers’ list while Republican states such as North Dakota are net payers. California, once a donor state, is at the moment a modest recipient state, to the tune of about $12 a year per capita.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--DON’T TRUST CHINA, CHINA IS ASSHOLE:

DON’T TRUST CHINA, CHINA IS ASSHOLE:

China ’ s Plans to Win Control of the Global Order : The Chinese Communist Party leadership believe they are in the midst of an ‘ intense , ideological struggle ’ for survival and that to win they must defeat the West .
The People ’ s Republic of China now commands the world ’ s largest population , its second-largest economy , and a military-industrial complex and high technology sector second only to America ’ s .
Behind this great mass of men and material stands Xi Jinping , General Secretary of the Communist Party of China .
Xi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communists who rule along with him , believe it is their role to guide China—and the rest of the world—into a new age .
China ’ s military expansion , massive economic investment in controlling global trade routes , and escalating information operations all point to a struggle for dominance that puts it in direct conflict with the West .
In their internal speeches and planning documents , China ’ s communist party leaders describe their perceptions of this struggle quite openly : As Beijing sees it , China ’ s success depends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that notions like individual freedom and constitutional democracy come to be seen as the relics of an obsolete system .
To understand how China ’ s leaders intend to accomplish this and fully appreciate their designs for the future , we must first come to terms with how they understand themselves .
“ The very purpose of the [ Chinese Communist ] Party in leading the people in revolution and development , ” Xi Jinping explained to an audience of party cadres in 2012 , “ is to make the people prosperous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese nation.
” This “ rejuvenation ” of the Chinese people , which might also be translated as their “ revival ” or “ restoration , ” reflects a specific understanding of Chinese history and China ’ s proper place in world affairs .
Chinese of all political persuasions are acutely aware that China was once the standard setter in advanced civilization , the center point around which the economies and cultures of much of the Earth revolved .
For many Chinese nationalists , the last two centuries have been a painful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party labels the years that China was exploited by imperialists and divided by warlords “ the century of humiliation , ” a century that ended only when they took control .
The century that followed—which comes to its end 29 years from now , in 2049—is different .
This will be the century that makes China great again .
THE MANCHURIAN CORONAVIRUS : China Orders New Wuhan Virus Lockdown Because They Beat COVID-19 , Honest .
MAP : Here are the Chinese ‘ propaganda ’ centers currently operating in the US .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because money and influence .
• Despite multiple warnings from U.S. intelligence officials , multiple Chinese-funded Confucius Institutes still operate on American soil .
• Colleges continue to ignore these warnings , even as U.S. lawmakers seek to hold China accountable for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak .
More than 110 countries have backed Australia ’ s push for an independent coronavirus inquiry which has caused a damaging rift with China .
The African Group ’ s 54 member states will co-sponsor the motion , joining 62 other countries including Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Canada .
The European Union ’ s 27 members are all on board , along with Brazil , South Korea , Mexico , Turkey and New Zealand .

China’s Plans to Win Control of the Global Order: The Chinese Communist Party leadership believe they are in the midst of an ‘intense, ideological struggle’ for survival and that to win they must defeat the West.
The People’s Republic of China now commands the world’s largest population, its second-largest economy, and a military-industrial complex and high technology sector second only to America’s. Behind this great mass of men and material stands Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China. Xi, supported by the class of Chinese communists who rule along with him, believe it is their role to guide China—and the rest of the world—into a new age. China’s military expansion, massive economic investment in controlling global trade routes, and escalating information operations all point to a struggle for dominance that puts it in direct conflict with the West.
In their internal speeches and planning documents, China’s communist party leaders describe their perceptions of this struggle quite openly : As Beijing sees it, China’s success depends on discrediting the tenets of liberal capitalism so that notions like individual freedom and constitutional democracy come to be seen as the relics of an obsolete system. To understand how China’s leaders intend to accomplish this and fully appreciate their designs for the future, we must first come to terms with how they understand themselves.
“The very purpose of the [Chinese Communist] Party in leading the people in revolution and development,” Xi Jinping explained to an audience of party cadres in 2012, “is to make the people prosperous, the country strong, and rejuvenate the Chinese nation.” This “rejuvenation” of the Chinese people, which might also be translated as their “revival” or “restoration,” reflects a specific understanding of Chinese history and China’s proper place in world affairs. Chinese of all political persuasions are acutely aware that China was once the standard setter in advanced civilization, the center point around which the economies and cultures of much of the Earth revolved. For many Chinese nationalists, the last two centuries have been a painful aberration from this natural order. The party labels the years that China was exploited by imperialists and divided by warlords “the century of humiliation,” a century that ended only when they took control. The century that followed—which comes to its end 29 years from now, in 2049—is different. This will be the century that makes China great again.
THE MANCHURIAN CORONAVIRUS: China Orders New Wuhan Virus Lockdown Because They Beat COVID-19, Honest.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
MAP: Here are the Chinese ‘propaganda’ centers currently operating in the US. “Colleges continue to ignore these warnings” because money and influence.
Despite multiple warnings from U.S. intelligence officials, multiple Chinese-funded Confucius Institutes still operate on American soil.
Colleges continue to ignore these warnings, even as U.S. lawmakers seek to hold China accountable for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
GOOD: Coalition of 116 countries back Australia’s push for independent coronavirus inquiry.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--People keep telling me that the long night of fascism is descending on America, but what I’m seeing

“ You are all in violation of the Executive Order .
On that note… have a good day and everybody be safe.
” People keep telling me that the long night of fascism is descending on America , but what I ’ m seeing is the biggest popular revolt against authority in my lifetime .
IN THE FACE OF WIDESPREAD POPULAR RESISTANCE , ENFORCEMENT IS INCREASINGLY HALF-HEARTED : Police to New Jersey gym that opened in defiance of order : “ Have a good day.
” Hundreds of supporters crowded around the front of a New Jersey gym early Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defiant vow to reopen at 8 a.m. despite the state ’ s order that all such facilities remain closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Ian Smith , co-owner of Atilis Gym in Bellmawr , unlocked the doors to allow a limited number of members to use the facility as local police cars ringed the strip mall parking lot and set up traffic control with barrels .
Members were being checked for temperatures as they entered and were required to wear face coverings .
Smith said they will limit capacity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time .
An officer from the Bellmawr police department came to the gym door shortly after 10 a.m. “ He told us that we were in violation of the state order ; stay safe and have a nice day , ” said Kevin Barry , an attorney for the gym .
The officer then walked away as the crowd cheered .

“You are all in violation of the Executive Order. On that note… have a good day and everybody be safe.”
People keep telling me that the long night of fascism is descending on America, but what I’m seeing is the biggest popular revolt against authority in my lifetime.
IN THE FACE OF WIDESPREAD POPULAR RESISTANCE, ENFORCEMENT IS INCREASINGLY HALF-HEARTED: Police to New Jersey gym that opened in defiance of order: “Have a good day.”
Hundreds of supporters crowded around the front of a New Jersey gym early Monday as the owner made good on his defiant vow to reopen at 8 a.m. despite the state’s order that all such facilities remain closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Ian Smith, co-owner of Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, unlocked the doors to allow a limited number of members to use the facility as local police cars ringed the strip mall parking lot and set up traffic control with barrels. Members were being checked for temperatures as they entered and were required to wear face coverings. Smith said they will limit capacity to 20% or about 44 people at a time.
An officer from the Bellmawr police department came to the gym door shortly after 10 a.m.
“He told us that we were in violation of the state order; stay safe and have a nice day,” said Kevin Barry, an attorney for the gym.
The officer then walked away as the crowd cheered.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--NOT AGAIN! Over 100 Million in China’s Northeast Face Renewed Lockdown…  City Shut in Second Wave

Some 108 million people in China ’ s northeast region are being thrown back under lockdown as a new cluster of # coronavirus infections emerges .
Some 108 million people in China ’ s northeast region are being plunged back under lockdown conditions as a new and growing cluster of infections causes a backslide in the nation ’ s return to normal .
In an abrupt reversal of the re-opening taking place across the nation , cities in Jilin province have cut off trains and buses , shut schools and quarantined tens of thousands of people .
The strict measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst of the nation ’ s epidemic was over .
People “ are feeling more cautious again , ” said Fan Pai , who works at a trading company in Shenyang , a city in nearby Liaoning province that ’ s also facing renewed restrictions .
“ Children playing outside are wearing masks again ” and health care workers are walking around in protective gear , she said .
“ It ’ s frustrating because you don ’ t know when it will end.
” While the cluster of 34 infections isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wuhan which started the global pandemic last December , China ’ s swift and powerful reaction reflects its fear of a second wave after it curbed the virus ’ s spread at great economic and social cost .
It ’ s also a sign of how fragile the re-opening process will be in China and elsewhere as even the slightest hint of a resurgence of infections could prompt a return to strict lockdown .
Second Waves That Are Hard to Trace Plague Asia ’ s Virus Recovery The government of Shulan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WeChat Monday it would put in place its strictest measures yet to contain the virus .
Residential compounds with confirmed or suspected cases will be closed off , with only one person from each family allowed to leave to purchase essentials for two hours every two days .
Shen Jia , a Shenyang-based salesman at a life sciences company , canceled a three-day business trip to Jilin city last week because he would have been quarantined for as long as 21 days on his return .
A state-owned restaurant he visited last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two people are allowed at each table , a restriction that had been eased weeks ago before being re-instated .
“ You can feel that control is stricter , ” he said .
People “ have been more careful and reduced outdoor activities .
”

Some 108 million people in China’s northeast region are being thrown back under lockdown as a new cluster of #coronavirus infections emerges.
Over 100 Million in China’s Northeast Face Renewed Lockdown
Some 108 million people in China’s northeast region are being plunged back under lockdown conditions as a new and growing cluster of infections causes a backslide in the nation’s return to normal.
In an abrupt reversal of the re-opening taking place across the nation, cities in Jilin province have cut off trains and buses, shut schools and quarantined tens of thousands of people. The strict measures have dismayed many residents who had thought the worst of the nation’s epidemic was over.
People “are feeling more cautious again,” said Fan Pai, who works at a trading company in Shenyang, a city in nearby Liaoning province that’s also facing renewed restrictions. “Children playing outside are wearing masks again” and health care workers are walking around in protective gear, she said. “It’s frustrating because you don’t know when it will end.”
While the cluster of 34 infections isn’t growing as quickly the outbreak in Wuhan which started the global pandemic last December, China’s swift and powerful reaction reflects its fear of a second wave after it curbed the virus’s spread at great economic and social cost. It’s also a sign of how fragile the re-opening process will be in China and elsewhere as even the slightest hint of a resurgence of infections could prompt a return to strict lockdown.
Second Waves That Are Hard to Trace Plague Asia’s Virus Recovery
The government of Shulan, a city in Jilin, said on WeChat Monday it would put in place its strictest measures yet to contain the virus. Residential compounds with confirmed or suspected cases will be closed off, with only one person from each family allowed to leave to purchase essentials for two hours every two days.
Shen Jia, a Shenyang-based salesman at a life sciences company, canceled a three-day business trip to Jilin city last week because he would have been quarantined for as long as 21 days on his return. A state-owned restaurant he visited last week separated his party of three because only two people are allowed at each table, a restriction that had been eased weeks ago before being re-instated.
“You can feel that control is stricter,” he said. People “have been more careful and reduced outdoor activities.”


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--How an Economic Recession can Affect You- What You Can Do to Prepare for the Worst

When the economy takes a nosedive , your wallet may be the first to suffer .
A recession means a steep economic downturn , complete with negative economic activity that affects almost everyone .
Instead of being another blindsided consumer , there are ways to prepare for an economic recession and stay ahead of the curve .
If you don ’ t already have one , it ’ s high time you did .
An emergency fund can be a safety net in case of cut hours , job loss , or any other unforeseen event that might happen during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for 3 to 6 months of your income in a savings account .
While that can seem unobtainable , there are small steps to take to get to your goal .
To get started , it can be helpful to dedicate 10-15 % of your monthly income to the desired savings account at first .
• Keep Your Spending Habits in Check While creating your emergency fund , it might be the time to look at your budget and overall spending .
The recommended spending ratio is 30/20/50 , where half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like your rent and fixed expenses .
The next 30 % should be dedicated to your wants , or non-necessities and variable expenses .
Then , 20 % should be reserved for saving , investing and paying off any debt .
Compare the ratio to your last month ’ s bank statement or financial records- are you meeting the ratio , or are there areas in your spending that you can cut back ?
• Keep Up with Your Debt Financial responsibilities such as paying back loans should be a priority , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finances !
Not matter where you live , when focused on your savings goal it is important to stick to debt or obligations whether it is Title Loans in Columbus , Ohio , or a mortgage in Miami , Florida .
Your state can affect the interest rates for your loan , which is something to keep in mind when taking out future loans .
Instead of leaving your debt by the wayside , keep up with your debt and make it a priority .
If you are strapped for cash during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a game plan .
There are two major methods to keeping your debt in check : • Avalanche Method : In this plan , you can tackle your debt by focusing in on one particular debt .
Generally , this is the highest interest loan that you currently have .
Tackling your higher interest loan can be tough , but it helps you save money on interest .
• SnowBall Method : In this method , you can start small and chip away at all your debt little by little .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it motivated you to have smaller victories along the way .
It may end up costing more in the long run , as interest will still accrue as you make payments .
If you possess a skillset that ’ s marketable , it can be a second source of income .
Whether it is a hobby or a craft , creating an online store to sell your goods or services can help bring second or supplemental income during a recession .
Additionally , some investments can provide residual income , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Disclaimer : This content does not necessarily represent the views of IWB .

When the economy takes a nosedive, your wallet may be the first to suffer. A recession means a steep economic downturn, complete with negative economic activity that affects almost everyone.
Instead of being another blindsided consumer, there are ways to prepare for an economic recession and stay ahead of the curve.
Build Your Emergency Fund
If you don’t already have one, it’s high time you did. An emergency fund can be a safety net in case of cut hours, job loss, or any other unforeseen event that might happen during a recession. Generally, you should plan for 3 to 6 months of your income in a savings account. While that can seem unobtainable, there are small steps to take to get to your goal. To get started, it can be helpful to dedicate 10-15% of your monthly income to the desired savings account at first.
Keep Your Spending Habits in Check
While creating your emergency fund, it might be the time to look at your budget and overall spending. The recommended spending ratio is 30/20/50, where half of your income is dedicated to your needs like your rent and fixed expenses. The next 30% should be dedicated to your wants, or non-necessities and variable expenses. Then, 20% should be reserved for saving, investing and paying off any debt.
Compare the ratio to your last month’s bank statement or financial records- are you meeting the ratio, or are there areas in your spending that you can cut back?
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Keep Up with Your Debt
Financial responsibilities such as paying back loans should be a priority, as it can have an impact on your finances! Not matter where you live, when focused on your savings goal it is important to stick to debt or obligations whether it is Title Loans in Columbus, Ohio, or a mortgage in Miami, Florida. Your state can affect the interest rates for your loan, which is something to keep in mind when taking out future loans.
Instead of leaving your debt by the wayside, keep up with your debt and make it a priority. If you are strapped for cash during a recession, it’s best to have a game plan. There are two major methods to keeping your debt in check:
Avalanche Method: In this plan, you can tackle your debt by focusing in on one particular debt. Generally, this is the highest interest loan that you currently have. Tackling your higher interest loan can be tough, but it helps you save money on interest.
SnowBall Method: In this method, you can start small and chip away at all your debt little by little. This can be the most rewarding method, as it motivated you to have smaller victories along the way. It may end up costing more in the long run, as interest will still accrue as you make payments.
Find Residual or Second Income Sources
If you possess a skillset that’s marketable, it can be a second source of income. Whether it is a hobby or a craft, creating an online store to sell your goods or services can help bring second or supplemental income during a recession. Additionally, some investments can provide residual income, such as rental properties or renting out your home.
Disclaimer: This content does not necessarily represent the views of IWB.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Stock Market Crash: The Worst Selling Is Yet To Come And Recover Will Take Decades

Experts have been alerting that a stock market crash is forthcoming .
This time around , the damage will be so extreme that it will take decades ahead to recover from it .
That ’ s what the chief macro strategist at Contrarian Macro Advisors , David Hunter , recently warned , affirming that a second wave of stock market selling is yet to come .
Considering that the US is facing a 4.8 % GDP contraction and a 14.7 % unemployment rate , with 33 million jobless claims so far , and most part of its economy is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divergence on how the Main Street and Wall Street are facing this crisis , since markets are still climbing higher , and the S & P 500 has just seen its biggest monthly increase since 1987 stock market collapse , while the Nasdaq is now positive year-to-date .
Hunter has boldly stated on the Palisade Radio podcast that in the “ second shoe dropping , in the second stage of the bust , it ’ s when we ’ ll see the true financial carnage come , ” and the analyst predicts a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintaining that we are about to see a “ free-falling financial system because banks will be failing around the world.
” According to his view on this issue , the market has already assimilated the preliminary crash boosted by the global health outbreak , which would be “ the first shoe ” , however , it hasn ’ t prepared yet for what ’ s coming next .
To aggravate the situation , these incidents are happening on the last stage of what he calls a “ super-cycle ” , described as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depression .
The 47-year market veteran says , that with the significant amount of stimulus to restrain the sanitary-crisis-related panic , deployed by the US Treasury and the Federal Reserve , markets are likely to quickly rally to fresh unprecedented highs .
But this action have only bought investors a little more time .
Hunter asserts that there aren ’ t people out there searching for loans to start new businesses , so that money goes into the residual , which is the capital markets – the bond market and then the stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuels rallies at times when the economy looks awful , ” he says .
Therewith , the strategist foresees that all of this stimulus will potentially prompt the S & P 500 up , and , by Labor Day , it will possibly have past the 4,000 mark .
But even so , that ’ s only postponing the inevitable fate , as he declares that when investors enthusiasm and eagerness lowers , and the feeling is disrupted by the unfolding of further consequences , things will get ugly .
He reiterates that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deeper part of the bust , ” sustaining that a recovery can bee engineered , or at least a semblance of a recovery , and that would provide liquidity and keep things going for a while , but there ’ s been a lot of permanent damage done because of the unprecedented way this outbreak has taken us down .
Hunter ’ s logic is that a number of businesses don ’ t have the fundamental staying power required to survive a collapse like this , resulting in a series of bankruptcies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy .
But he believes that the market is failing to assess the extent of this problem just yet .
In addition , Hunter affirms the amount of leverage in the financial system is not sustainable – and it is all downhill from this point , with a declining economy and many broken Main Street businesses , as he states : I knew that when we had the next downturn , that leverage would turn into something that would make 2008-09 look not mild , but certainly much less .
In that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market to roll over and head into a bear market that will be the biggest bear market since the 1929 stock market crash .

Experts have been alerting that a stock market crash is forthcoming. This time around, the damage will be so extreme that it will take decades ahead to recover from it. That’s what the chief macro strategist at Contrarian Macro Advisors, David Hunter, recently warned, affirming that a second wave of stock market selling is yet to come.
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Considering that the US is facing a 4.8% GDP contraction and a 14.7% unemployment rate, with 33 million jobless claims so far, and most part of its economy is still in lockdown, there is a clear divergence on how the Main Street and Wall Street are facing this crisis, since markets are still climbing higher, and the S&P 500 has just seen its biggest monthly increase since 1987 stock market collapse, while the Nasdaq is now positive year-to-date.
Hunter has boldly stated on the Palisade Radio podcast that in the “second shoe dropping, in the second stage of the bust, it’s when we’ll see the true financial carnage come,” and the analyst predicts a huge amount of involuntary debt liquidation, maintaining that we are about to see a “free-falling financial system because banks will be failing around the world.”
According to his view on this issue, the market has already assimilated the preliminary crash boosted by the global health outbreak, which would be “the first shoe”, however, it hasn’t prepared yet for what’s coming next. To aggravate the situation, these incidents are happening on the last stage of what he calls a “super-cycle”, described as an economic cycle that starts and ends in depression.
The 47-year market veteran says, that with the significant amount of stimulus to restrain the sanitary-crisis-related panic, deployed by the US Treasury and the Federal Reserve, markets are likely to quickly rally to fresh unprecedented highs. But this action have only bought investors a little more time.
Hunter asserts that there aren’t people out there searching for loans to start new businesses, so that money goes into the residual, which is the capital markets – the bond market and then the stock market. “That’s what fuels rallies at times when the economy looks awful,” he says.
Therewith, the strategist foresees that all of this stimulus will potentially prompt the S&P 500 up, and, by Labor Day, it will possibly have past the 4,000 mark. But even so, that’s only postponing the inevitable fate, as he declares that when investors enthusiasm and eagerness lowers, and the feeling is disrupted by the unfolding of further consequences, things will get ugly.
He reiterates that “the second shoe dropping will be the deeper part of the bust,” sustaining that a recovery can bee engineered, or at least a semblance of a recovery, and that would provide liquidity and keep things going for a while, but there’s been a lot of permanent damage done because of the unprecedented way this outbreak has taken us down.
Hunter’s logic is that a number of businesses don’t have the fundamental staying power required to survive a collapse like this, resulting in a series of bankruptcies and shutdowns, causing permanent damage to the economy. But he believes that the market is failing to assess the extent of this problem just yet.
In addition, Hunter affirms the amount of leverage in the financial system is not sustainable – and it is all downhill from this point, with a declining economy and many broken Main Street businesses, as he states: I knew that when we had the next downturn, that leverage would turn into something that would make 2008-09 look not mild, but certainly much less. In that second stage, I expect the stock market to roll over and head into a bear market that will be the biggest bear market since the 1929 stock market crash.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Vaccine Court Payouts — Quarterly Report of March 6, 2020

The quarterly report for the Vaccine Court Injury and Death Compensation is now available .
( They are archived at @ @ @ @ @ this is the only place I know where to find the powerpoint quarterly summaries .
@ @ @ @ @ have 74 cases total , 60 of which were for the flu shot .
Another @ @ @ @ @ in vaccine injuries from children primarily , to adults in the last decade .
This @ @ @ @ @ is now by far the most common vaccination causing about 1,000 cases of injury compensation @ @ @ @ @ Childhood vaccine injuries remain steady just under 200 compensated injuries per year .

by SP
The quarterly report for the Vaccine Court Injury and Death Compensation is now available. (They are archived at an anti-vaxx website, but this is the only place I know where to find the powerpoint quarterly summaries.)
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From their spreadsheet we have 74 cases total, 60 of which were for the flu shot.
-Guillan Barre Syndrome, 11 cases -Transverse Myelitis, 5 cases -Acute Dysemenated Encephalomyelitis, 2 cases -Chronic Dymelinating Polyneuropathy, 4 cases -Multiple Sclerosis, 1 case -Miscellaneous injury, 54 cases
Another significant trend is the movement in vaccine injuries from children primarily, to adults in the last decade. This is because the flu shot is now by far the most common vaccination causing about 1,000 cases of injury compensation from the DOJ program. Childhood vaccine injuries remain steady just under 200 compensated injuries per year.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Real estate has been one of THE great drivers of the Canadian economy in recent years. In April, hom

Real estate has been one of THE great drivers of the Canadian economy in recent years .
In April , @ @ @ @ @ % .
Via @ SoberLook pic.twitter.com/R3FkUTqjwC

Real estate has been one of THE great drivers of the Canadian economy in recent years.
In April, home sales collapsed by 90%.
Via @SoberLook pic.twitter.com/R3FkUTqjwC
— Adam Tooze (@adam_tooze) May 18, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--The Breakout is Here… It is Time to Buy?

As usual the financial media is looking for a reason for this move .
The reason is that stocks had @ @ @ @ @ two weeks .
Lengthy consolidations like this typically resolve themselves in explosive moves .
Indeed @ @ @ @ @ week , stocks had previously performed two periods of consolidation since the market bottomed March @ @ @ @ @ in the chart below ) .
As you can see , each one resolved in @ @ @ @ @ This third one is no different .
The latest breakout has stock rising to challenge @ @ @ @ @ the March meltdown ( roughly the 2,930s ) .
What happens here is key .
@ @ @ @ @ able to break above the 61.8 % retracement and stay there , then the rally @ @ @ @ @ bear market bounce but is instead the beginning of a new bull market .
This @ @ @ @ @ watching today .

Stocks are exploding higher this morning.
As usual the financial media is looking for a reason for this move. The reason is that stocks had been consolidating for more than two weeks. Lengthy consolidations like this typically resolve themselves in explosive moves.
Indeed, as I noted last week, stocks had previously performed two periods of consolidation since the market bottomed March 23rd 2020 (red squares in the chart below). As you can see, each one resolved in an explosive move higher. This third one is no different.
The latest breakout has stock rising to challenge the 61.8% retracement of the March meltdown (roughly the 2,930s).
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What happens here is key.
Historically, if stocks are able to break above the 61.8% retracement and stay there, then the rally is no longer considered a bear market bounce but is instead the beginning of a new bull market.
This is the line everyone is watching today.


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--I predict this bull run will last 10 years and be followed by a 10 year long bear

People who are jumping in now are doing so because they think things will play out like in 2008 where in 5 years everything had already gotten back to where it was and kept going .
Technically from where the S and P was 5 years ago ( 2.1k ) you would still be up by 33 % despite everything as it is 2.8k now .
6 % is nothing to balk at and the main lesson first time investors have learnt is that even if you bought in August 2008 ( 1.2k ) right before the biggest drop off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % ( to 1.6k ) in August 2013 .
The issue only comes if you bought in 2007 at the peak in May 2007 at 1.5k , you would still be down to 1.3k in May 2013 and wouldn ’ t recover fully until 2013 .
The risk doesn ’ t come from buying too early in a bear market when things can sour quickly , the risk comes from buying too late in a bull mark when things seem fine and nothing bad has happened yet .
Provided you still have cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , all a crash does is mean you can buy even more .
The risk in a 2008 to 2013 time frame is one of catastrophic loss where they don ’ t have an opportunity to get back to where they were because they didn ’ t make it through the crisis .
If you think a company will survive and you have a 5 year time frame Something to keep in mind that the post 2000 bear market was a long bear , the bottom didn ’ t happen until 2003 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like that , but really the recovery was much quicker than 2000 .
People expect quick recoveries for the stock market , quicker than the economy , because of 2008 .
The economy was not doing that well in 2012 , but the markets already were recovered .
In contrast there was a tiny recession in 2001 that recovered fast while the stock market didn ’ t .
People say “ oh but what if there is no recovery in the market , just look at Japan ” , as if this isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen before , when in reality the America already has a “ Lost Decade ” if you look at the S & P 500 , as it was 1.5k for the first time in 2000 and 1.5k again only in May of 2007 right before the other crash .
Stocks in 2010 were still lower than 2000 .
People were reluctant to get back into the market long term for that reason .
My father constantly complains about the Walmart stock he bought in 2000 that didn ’ t rise above that until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above it until 2017 as a warning against buying stocks , but my parents are approaching retirement anyway so whatever experience they had is going to start leaving the common investor ’ s psyche .
With the stock market bubble of the 90s firmly behind us , some people not even being alive for it , people have an expectation of steady rises over time even if there are temporary losses .
In 2010 , people believed their stocks might be even lower in 2020 , which even if you sold at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be up 1000 points since 2010 .
Whether people are rational to believe this is a different question , but people are far more confident in the stock market now that we haven ’ t had a multi-year long bear market in 17 years .
The only time in the past 17 years you would be down from late 2002 – early 2003 would be the exact bottom in early 2009 .
What people have learnt is that if you buy low , then you have ample time to sell high just as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and do it at a new low .
People now believe , unlike in 2010 , that if you simply wait long enough you can get your money back .
We had a bull decade to erase people ’ s memories of the bear decade of the 2000s .
1980 to 1990 AND 1990 to 2000 was a bull decade , while 1970-1980 was a bear decade .
50s and 60s was a bull .
While the 30s and 40s were bears , with 20s a bull and the 10s was a bear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t know before that .
The thing about assigning an animal to the earliest decades is there was a lot more volatility back then so it makes more sense before 20s to talk about bull and bear years than long term bull and bears , plus I stopped using S & P and started using Dow Jones due to lack of data .
Still with the exception of the great depression , we tend to have 20 year bulls to 10 year bears , and I think the reason is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next decade will do is influenced by what the previous decade did .
After 10 years of bear people will speculate less , which will be good for the market long term , while after 10 years of bull people will start saying stocks always go up in the long term , leading to stupid decisions not being punished , which is bad for the market in the long term .
Unless you know there is a world war going on , which explains why the 40s was not a bull .
Thus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of bull , is another 10 years of bull , but this one will be fueled by speculation that you can ’ t lose as people who have not been burned keep jumping in , until finally somebody like my father buys Walmart “ because it is safe ” at 68 in 2000 that doesn ’ t recover until 2012 .
However in the cycle we are 1990 , not 2000 , so get ready for irrational exuberance where the stock market has nothing to do with reality .
Enjoy the ride but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t contribute to the irrationality , but remember “ the market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent ” even if that is ten years long .
TL ; DR People now expect recovery in the long term because of the experience of 2008 wiping out peoples experience of the 2000s bubble that never recovered its peak ( with inflation ) until after the great recession .
Disclaimer : This information is only for educational purposes .
Do not make any investment decisions based on the information in this article .
@ @ @ @ @ @

by johnhammondsexpenses
People who are jumping in now are doing so because they think things will play out like in 2008 where in 5 years everything had already gotten back to where it was and kept going.
Technically from where the S and P was 5 years ago (2.1k) you would still be up by 33% despite everything as it is 2.8k now. 6% is nothing to balk at and the main lesson first time investors have learnt is that even if you bought in August 2008 (1.2k) right before the biggest drop off, you would still be up 25% (to 1.6k) in August 2013. The issue only comes if you bought in 2007 at the peak in May 2007 at 1.5k, you would still be down to 1.3k in May 2013 and wouldn’t recover fully until 2013.
The risk doesn’t come from buying too early in a bear market when things can sour quickly, the risk comes from buying too late in a bull mark when things seem fine and nothing bad has happened yet. Provided you still have cash, if you start buying too early, all a crash does is mean you can buy even more.
The risk in a 2008 to 2013 time frame is one of catastrophic loss where they don’t have an opportunity to get back to where they were because they didn’t make it through the crisis. If you think a company will survive and you have a 5 year time frame
Something to keep in mind that the post 2000 bear market was a long bear, the bottom didn’t happen until 2003, in 2008 people thought things would work like that, but really the recovery was much quicker than 2000. People expect quick recoveries for the stock market, quicker than the economy, because of 2008. The economy was not doing that well in 2012, but the markets already were recovered. In contrast there was a tiny recession in 2001 that recovered fast while the stock market didn’t.
People say “oh but what if there is no recovery in the market, just look at Japan”, as if this isn’t something America has not had happen before, when in reality the America already has a “Lost Decade” if you look at the S&P 500, as it was 1.5k for the first time in 2000 and 1.5k again only in May of 2007 right before the other crash. Stocks in 2010 were still lower than 2000. People were reluctant to get back into the market long term for that reason.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
My father constantly complains about the Walmart stock he bought in 2000 that didn’t rise above that until 2012, and didn’t stay above it until 2017 as a warning against buying stocks, but my parents are approaching retirement anyway so whatever experience they had is going to start leaving the common investor’s psyche.
With the stock market bubble of the 90s firmly behind us, some people not even being alive for it, people have an expectation of steady rises over time even if there are temporary losses. In 2010, people believed their stocks might be even lower in 2020, which even if you sold at the bottom of the pandemic, you would be up 1000 points since 2010. Whether people are rational to believe this is a different question, but people are far more confident in the stock market now that we haven’t had a multi-year long bear market in 17 years. The only time in the past 17 years you would be down from late 2002 – early 2003 would be the exact bottom in early 2009. What people have learnt is that if you buy low, then you have ample time to sell high just as long as you don’t panic and do it at a new low.
People now believe, unlike in 2010, that if you simply wait long enough you can get your money back. We had a bull decade to erase people’s memories of the bear decade of the 2000s. 1980 to 1990 AND 1990 to 2000 was a bull decade, while 1970-1980 was a bear decade. 50s and 60s was a bull. While the 30s and 40s were bears, with 20s a bull and the 10s was a bear, while 1900s was a bull. Don’t know before that. The thing about assigning an animal to the earliest decades is there was a lot more volatility back then so it makes more sense before 20s to talk about bull and bear years than long term bull and bears, plus I stopped using S&P and started using Dow Jones due to lack of data.
Still with the exception of the great depression, we tend to have 20 year bulls to 10 year bears, and I think the reason is that people’s psychology over what the next decade will do is influenced by what the previous decade did. After 10 years of bear people will speculate less, which will be good for the market long term, while after 10 years of bull people will start saying stocks always go up in the long term, leading to stupid decisions not being punished, which is bad for the market in the long term. Unless you know there is a world war going on, which explains why the 40s was not a bull. Thus what we should expect after 10 years of bull, is another 10 years of bull, but this one will be fueled by speculation that you can’t lose as people who have not been burned keep jumping in, until finally somebody like my father buys Walmart “because it is safe” at 68 in 2000 that doesn’t recover until 2012. However in the cycle we are 1990, not 2000, so get ready for irrational exuberance where the stock market has nothing to do with reality. Enjoy the ride but please trade responsibly so you don’t contribute to the irrationality, but remember “the market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent” even if that is ten years long.
TL;DR People now expect recovery in the long term because of the experience of 2008 wiping out peoples experience of the 2000s bubble that never recovered its peak (with inflation) until after the great recession.
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--Food Hoarding, Lost Taxes & Central Bank Digital Currency

China tells all buyers and producers to increase imports as fast as they can because of fears of famine in @ @ @ @ @ to kick start Malaysian palm oil exports .
China and USA will issue central bank @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Planting with the moon last weeks of May .

China tells all buyers and producers to increase imports as fast as they can because of fears of famine in country. Export taxes removed to kick start Malaysian palm oil exports. China and USA will issue central bank issued digital currency (CBDC). Planting with the moon last weeks of May.
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investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--BOOM! America Rising Blasts ‘Career Politician’ Joe Biden in SCORCHING Ad!

Reagan McCarthy from Townhall reports , GOP research group America Rising , which works to hold Democrats accountable , released @ @ @ @ @ Biden as a career politician .
Indeed , as the GOP powerhouse group points out @ @ @ @ @ the ultimate swamp creature .

Reagan McCarthy from Townhall reports, GOP research group America Rising, which works to hold Democrats accountable, released a new video criticizing Joe Biden as a career politician. Indeed, as the GOP powerhouse group points out, the Democratic frontrunner is the ultimate swamp creature.
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Read More/Source/Credit/FairUse:
townhall.com/tipsheet/reaganm…


investmentwatchblog--2020-05-18--Massive Deficit and Escalating Debt – Fed Money Printing Will Go PARABOLIC

Supply and demand fundamentals are in fact playing a big role .
Hear me out .
Fed pumps money into @ @ @ @ @ = the Fed ) .
Treasury issues debt ( Liquidity demand = Treasury ) .
@ @ @ @ @ , someone has to buy it .
When there ’ s too much debt and @ @ @ @ @ Fed will step up their pace .
In this case , it will be a @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t end well .
TREASURY ANNOUNCES MARKETABLE BORROWING ESTIMATES | U.S. Department of @ @ @ @ @ Government-Sponsored Enterprises Now | Guggenheim Investments

Supply and demand fundamentals are in fact playing a big role. Hear me out. Fed pumps money into the system (Liquidity supply = the Fed). Treasury issues debt (Liquidity demand = Treasury). If the treasury issues debt, someone has to buy it. When there’s too much debt and not enough buyers, the Fed will step up their pace. In this case, it will be a dramatic escalation, and it won’t end well.
TREASURY ANNOUNCES MARKETABLE BORROWING ESTIMATES | U.S. Department of the Treasury
home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm997
We Are All Government-Sponsored Enterprises Now | Guggenheim Investments
www.guggenheiminvestments.com/perspectives/global-cio-outlook/we-are-all-government-sponsored-enterprises-now
CB GS future.jpg (669×464)
www.zerohedge.com/s3/files/inline-images/CB%20GS%20future.jpg?itok=yxA_FPPb
US float.jpg (507×464)
www.zerohedge.com/s3/files/inline-images/US%20float.jpg?itok=Ruc8-7la
ticdata.treasury.gov/Publish/mfh.txt
ticdata.treasury.gov/Publish/mfh.txt
2020-05-15 (2).png (1193×717)
www.zerohedge.com/s3/files/inline-images/2020-05-15%20%282%29.png?itok=7PIFQ5hH
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2020-05-15 (3).png (1180×717)
www.zerohedge.com/s3/files/inline-images/2020-05-15%20%283%29.png?itok=MXPawXdh
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www.zerohedge.com/s3/files/inline-images/bfmC811.jpg?itok=iLUkOq2A
An $8 Trillion Spree Sets Clock Ticking for Bonds’ Judgment Day – Bloomberg
www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-14/an-8-trillion-spree-sets-clock-ticking-for-bonds-judgment-day
Commentaries by Date
www.shadowstats.com/commentaries
TOTAL CATASTROPHE OF THE CURRENCY SYSTEM | Matterhorn – GoldSwitzerland
goldswitzerland.com/total-catastrophe-of-the-currency-system/