investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--Smart People Have Dumb Ideas

Smart People Have Dumb Ideas

It ’ s hard for many people to think of the government stimulus package as anything but a $ 1,200 check that will only go so far .
But you should know the big picture consequences , how they will hit you personally , and what you can do right now to protect yourself as the spending ramps up .
Let ’ s start with where we stand— Congress passed a $ 2.2 trillion stimulus package in late March .
For perspective , the US takes in about $ 3.5 trillion in tax revenue each year , so the stimulus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money went toward those pathetic $ 1,200 checks , the corporate bailouts , etc .
Then President Trump hopped on Twitter and said he wants to spend another $ 2 trillion on infrastructure , meaning roads and bridges , that sort of thing .
Okay , the infrastructure in the United States is bad .
It ’ s arguably worse than any other developed country , and we do need to fix it .
But we just spent $ 2.2 trillion !
People will say , “ Well , if we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 2 trillion on infrastructure , then we can spend $ 1.6 trillion to forgive student loans.
” Then there will be more stimulus .
And on and on it goes .
At this point , any sensible person is wondering : How are we going to pay for all this ?
Because the federal government could tax 100 % of everybody ’ s income , and it still wouldn ’ t cover it .
That ’ s just simple math .
This is how it will work— The federal government will borrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ordinarily when the government borrows a lot of money , it puts pressure on the bond market and interest rates go up .
Except this time , the government doesn ’ t want interest rates to go up .
So Trump will ask the Federal Reserve to print money to buy Treasury bonds—aka government debt—to keep interest rates down .
In other words , the Federal Reserve will use the bond market as a conduit to directly finance the federal government .
This is called “ direct monetization of the debt.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times throughout history : All of these places did what we ’ re going to do now .
And all of these places experienced absurd levels of inflation or hyperinflation as a consequence .
Prices shot up , and the buying power of the local currency plummeted .
In the early 1920s in Weimar Germany , for example , it was not uncommon to pay workers twice a day… because by dinnertime , the price of things like eggs or bread might skyrocket so high that your morning pay would be virtually worthless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us today or tomorrow .
And it probably won ’ t happen next year , or even five years from now .
But 20 years down the road ?
Maybe .
It takes a long time for this stuff to fester , but that is the path we are on , and I don ’ t see us getting off it .
There ’ s a name for all this .
It ’ s called modern monetary theory , or MMT .
Though it should be called “ Backward Monetary Theory.
” Yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who favor this approach .
But you know what happens when you put really smart people in charge ?
They come up with dumb ideas .
Have you ever heard the term “ smidiot ?
” I love this term—it stands for “ smart idiot.
” These are the people who make up stuff like MMT .
If I were in charge , this would not be happening .
But I ’ m not in charge , and the harsh reality is neither are you .
All you can do is play the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What does that mean in practical terms ?
To start , it means owning some gold , which has a long track record of holding its value during periods of high inflation .
Obviously , you can ’ t print gold , and the world isn ’ t mining much of it these days .
But gold is only one piece of the puzzle .
The ideal investment portfolio right now , and in the inflationary era I see ahead , should have : I call it the Awesome portfolio , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years to come .

by Jared Dillian
It’s hard for many people to think of the government stimulus package as anything but a $1,200 check that will only go so far.
But you should know the big picture consequences, how they will hit you personally, and what you can do right now to protect yourself as the spending ramps up.
Let’s start with where we stand—
Congress passed a $2.2 trillion stimulus package in late March. For perspective, the US takes in about $3.5 trillion in tax revenue each year, so the stimulus equals roughly two-thirds of that. The money went toward those pathetic $1,200 checks, the corporate bailouts, etc.
Then President Trump hopped on Twitter and said he wants to spend another $2 trillion on infrastructure, meaning roads and bridges, that sort of thing.
Okay, the infrastructure in the United States is bad. It’s arguably worse than any other developed country, and we do need to fix it. But we just spent $2.2 trillion!
I’ll tell you what’s coming next—
People will say, “Well, if we’re spending $2.2 trillion on stimulus and $2 trillion on infrastructure, then we can spend $1.6 trillion to forgive student loans.” Then there will be more stimulus. And on and on it goes.
At this point, any sensible person is wondering: How are we going to pay for all this? Because the federal government could tax 100% of everybody’s income, and it still wouldn’t cover it. That’s just simple math.
The Math No Longer Matters
This is how it will work—
The federal government will borrow an unlimited amount of money. Now, ordinarily when the government borrows a lot of money, it puts pressure on the bond market and interest rates go up.
Except this time, the government doesn’t want interest rates to go up. So Trump will ask the Federal Reserve to print money to buy Treasury bonds—aka government debt—to keep interest rates down.
In other words, the Federal Reserve will use the bond market as a conduit to directly finance the federal government. This is called “direct monetization of the debt.”
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
And it’s a bad thing.
Speeding down the Wrong Path
This has happened three or four other times throughout history:
Weimar Germany
Zimbabwe
Venezuela
Argentina, though to a lesser extent
All of these places did what we’re going to do now. And all of these places experienced absurd levels of inflation or hyperinflation as a consequence. Prices shot up, and the buying power of the local currency plummeted.
In the early 1920s in Weimar Germany, for example, it was not uncommon to pay workers twice a day… because by dinnertime, the price of things like eggs or bread might skyrocket so high that your morning pay would be virtually worthless.
That won’t happen to us today or tomorrow. And it probably won’t happen next year, or even five years from now. But 20 years down the road? Maybe.
It takes a long time for this stuff to fester, but that is the path we are on, and I don’t see us getting off it.
“Backward Monetary Theory”
There’s a name for all this. It’s called modern monetary theory, or MMT. Though it should be called “Backward Monetary Theory.”
Yes, there are some really smart economists who favor this approach. But you know what happens when you put really smart people in charge? They come up with dumb ideas.
Have you ever heard the term “smidiot?” I love this term—it stands for “smart idiot.” These are the people who make up stuff like MMT.
If I were in charge, this would not be happening. But I’m not in charge, and the harsh reality is neither are you. All you can do is play the cards you’ve been dealt.
What does that mean in practical terms? To start, it means owning some gold, which has a long track record of holding its value during periods of high inflation. Obviously, you can’t print gold, and the world isn’t mining much of it these days.
But gold is only one piece of the puzzle. The ideal investment portfolio right now, and in the inflationary era I see ahead, should have:
20% stocks
20% bonds
20% gold
20% real estate
20% cash
I call it the Awesome portfolio, and I think it will provide stable returns for years to come.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--Communist propaganda on steroids…

Communist propaganda on steroids…

US President Donald Trump tried to prove his effective leadership in the COVID-19 fight during the White House briefing on Saturday .
He said that the US mortality rate was 11.24 per 100,000 people , lower than that of Spain , France and Italy .
China ’ s mortality rate is only 0.33 per 100,000 people and Trump blasted it as “ impossible , ” saying “ does anybody really believe this number ?
” The COVID-19 has claimed 4,632 lives in the Chinese mainland so far .
For the Chinese people , the number is already very large .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wuhan , which is difficult for people to accept .
Chinese public opinion has been questioning why so many people died .
We think our country could have saved more lives and we sincerely believe that there is room for improvement .
The US is the most powerful country and has the most abundant medical resources and the most advanced technology .
It could also refer to China ’ s experience .
But now , its daily deaths are around 2,000 and could peak at 4,000 .
This is completely beyond the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no reason for such mass deaths .
The COVID-19 spread in the US is almost like that of a primitive society .
It should not have been like this if the US had the slightest science and organization .
The US president and ruling elite should have reflected on the current situation , but the federal government regards passing the buck to others as top priority .
It quarrels with governors and the Democratic Party internally , and shirks responsibility to China and the WHO externally .
Now it is claiming the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Europe and China ’ s figure is “ impossible.
” This is politically unethical .
China never intended to compare itself with the US .
China has been doing its utmost to protect people ’ s lives while the US has been weighing between people ’ s lives and the economy .
Moreover , those in power are calculating which side helps them win the upcoming election .
The US has never seen containing the epidemic and reducing the death toll as an overarching purpose .
The federal and state governments have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading officials at both levels are focusing on their public appearances .
US officials are in fact competing on how to act more like a “ wartime leader ” and how to shift blame onto others .
To put it bluntly , the US is no match for China in terms of anti-epidemic organization and mobilization .
The US political system has been hit by the pandemic on its weak side and we were willing to show understanding for that .
After all , every system has its weaknesses .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , blatantly accused China of fabricating epidemic achievements , eagerly passed the buck to China and unscrupulously attempted to win reelection by stepping on China .
In that case it is not our fault to reveal the miserable failure of the US .
Nearly 40,000 people have died of the coronavirus in the US , way beyond other countries in the world .
And it is hard to tell how large it will become .
Even if US laws are not ready to hold those in power accountable , history will eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has done its utmost to fight the epidemic and has controlled it , preventing the deaths from rising out of control like that in the US .
China ’ s achievements stand the test of time and all kinds of doubts .
The Trump administration only wants to shirk responsibility by blackening China .
This will be proven a lame trick .
This will only reflect the incompetence and ethical failings of the related US politicians .

www.globaltimes.cn/content/1186077.shtml
Smearing China a lame trick to aid reelection for White House: Global Times editorial
US President Donald Trump tried to prove his effective leadership in the COVID-19 fight during the White House briefing on Saturday. He said that the US mortality rate was 11.24 per 100,000 people, lower than that of Spain, France and Italy. China’s mortality rate is only 0.33 per 100,000 people and Trump blasted it as “impossible,” saying “does anybody really believe this number?”
The COVID-19 has claimed 4,632 lives in the Chinese mainland so far. For the Chinese people, the number is already very large. Some 3,869 people died of the virus in Wuhan, which is difficult for people to accept. Chinese public opinion has been questioning why so many people died. We think our country could have saved more lives and we sincerely believe that there is room for improvement.
The US is the most powerful country and has the most abundant medical resources and the most advanced technology. It could also refer to China’s experience. But now, its daily deaths are around 2,000 and could peak at 4,000. This is completely beyond the Chinese imagination of the US. There is no reason for such mass deaths. The COVID-19 spread in the US is almost like that of a primitive society. It should not have been like this if the US had the slightest science and organization.
The US president and ruling elite should have reflected on the current situation, but the federal government regards passing the buck to others as top priority. It quarrels with governors and the Democratic Party internally, and shirks responsibility to China and the WHO externally. Now it is claiming the US mortality rate is not as high as Europe and China’s figure is “impossible.” This is politically unethical.
China never intended to compare itself with the US. China has been doing its utmost to protect people’s lives while the US has been weighing between people’s lives and the economy. Moreover, those in power are calculating which side helps them win the upcoming election.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The US has never seen containing the epidemic and reducing the death toll as an overarching purpose. The federal and state governments have been engaging in endless disputes, and leading officials at both levels are focusing on their public appearances. US officials are in fact competing on how to act more like a “wartime leader” and how to shift blame onto others.
To put it bluntly, the US is no match for China in terms of anti-epidemic organization and mobilization. The US political system has been hit by the pandemic on its weak side and we were willing to show understanding for that. After all, every system has its weaknesses.
However, the Trump administration has repeatedly found fault with China, blatantly accused China of fabricating epidemic achievements, eagerly passed the buck to China and unscrupulously attempted to win reelection by stepping on China. In that case it is not our fault to reveal the miserable failure of the US.
Nearly 40,000 people have died of the coronavirus in the US, way beyond other countries in the world. And it is hard to tell how large it will become. Even if US laws are not ready to hold those in power accountable, history will eventually put them on trial.
The Chinese government has done its utmost to fight the epidemic and has controlled it, preventing the deaths from rising out of control like that in the US. China’s achievements stand the test of time and all kinds of doubts. The Trump administration only wants to shirk responsibility by blackening China. This will be proven a lame trick. This will only reflect the incompetence and ethical failings of the related US politicians.
h/t Eustace Muffins


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--The Definitive Wuhan China virus Timeline (highly detailed)…

1/1 : WHO : “ No evidence of significant human-to-human transmission .
Does not recommend any specific measures for travelers.
” 1/8 : The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declares , “ Preliminary identification of a novel virus in a short period of time is a notable achievement and demonstrates China ’ s increased capacity to manage new outbreaks.
” 1/14 : WHO announces Chinese authorities have seen “ no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus.
” 1/14 : The WHO announces , “ Preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 2019-nCoV ) identified in Wuhan , China.
” Meanwhile , according to The Associated Press , internal Chinese documents show that government officials acknowledged likely human-to-human transmission of coronavirus , and said they were following orders from the president of China to keep it under wraps .
1/15 : Trump and China sign “ phase one ” of a trade deal to rein in a historic and damaging trade war .
1/15 : The patient who becomes the first confirmed U.S. case leaves Wuhan and arrives in the U.S. , carrying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Does not recommend any specific health measures for travelers.
” 1/19 : The WHO hedges somewhat : “ Not enough is known to draw definitive conclusions about how it is transmitted , the clinical features of the disease , the extent to which it has spread , or its source , which remains unknown 1/21 : WHO : “ There is possibility of ‘ sustained ’ human-to-human transmission of new virus in China ” 1/22 : WHO : “ I was very impressed by the detail and depth of China ’ s presentation.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now more evidence 2019-nCoV spreads from human-to-human transmission.
” 1/27 : WHO : “ Does not recommend any evaluation at the points of entry regarding this event , nor any restrictions on travel or commerce.
” 1/28 : WHO : “ Confident in China ’ s epidemic and control ability.
” 1/30 : WHO : Declared a global health emergency over the new virus “ I left in absolute no doubt about China ’ s commitment to transparency , and to protecting the world ’ s people.
” 2/3 : WHO : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the virus , if travelers enter countries unofficially.
” 3/3 Announcement from WHO Key points : ( Emphasis added ) In the past 24 hours , China reported 129 cases , the lowest number of cases since the 20th of January .
Outside China , 1848 cases were reported in 48 countries .
80 % of those cases are from just three countries : the Republic of Korea , the Islamic Republic of Iran and Italy .
12 new countries have reported their first cases , and there are now 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people are afraid and uncertain .
Fear is a natural human response to any threat , especially when it ’ s a threat we don ’ t completely understand .
But as we get more data , we are understanding this virus , and the disease it causes , more and more .
This virus is not SARS , it ’ s not MERS , and it ’ s not influenza .
It is a unique virus with unique characteristics .
Both COVID-19 and influenza cause respiratory disease and spread the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the nose and mouth of someone who is sick .
However , there are some important differences between COVID-19 and influenza .
First , COVID-19 does not transmit as efficiently as influenza , from the data we have so far .
With influenza , people who are infected but not yet sick are major drivers of transmission , which does not appear to be the case for COVID-19 .
Evidence from China is that only 1 % of reported cases do not have symptoms , and most of those cases develop symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for cases of COVID-19 using surveillance systems for influenza and other respiratory diseases .
Countries such as China , Ghana , Singapore and elsewhere have found very few cases of COVID-19 among such samples – or no cases at all .
The only way to be sure is by looking for COVID-19 antibodies in large numbers of people , and several countries are now doing those studies .
This will give us further insight into the extent of infection in populations over time .
WHO has developed protocols on how these studies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all countries to do these studies and share their data .
The second major difference is that COVID-19 causes more severe disease than seasonal influenza .
While many people globally have built up immunity to seasonal flu strains , COVID-19 is a new virus to which no one has immunity .
That means more people are susceptible to infection , and some will suffer severe disease .
Globally , about 3.4 % of reported COVID-19 cases have died .
By comparison , seasonal flu generally kills far fewer than 1 % of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and therapeutics for seasonal flu , but at the moment there is no vaccine and no specific treatment for COVID-19 .
However , clinical trials of therapeutics are now being done , and more than 20 vaccines are in development .
And fourth , we don ’ t even talk about containment for seasonal flu – it ’ s just not possible .
But it is possible for COVID-19 .
We don ’ t do contact tracing for seasonal flu – but countries should do it for COVID-19 , because it will prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible .
To summarize , COVID-19 spreads less efficiently than flu , transmission does not appear to be driven by people who are not sick , it causes more severe illness than flu , there are not yet any vaccines or therapeutics , and it can be contained – which is why we must do everything we can to contain it .
That ’ s why WHO recommends a comprehensive approach .
These differences mean we can ’ t treat COVID-19 exactly the same way we treat flu .
But there are enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting from scratch .
For decades , many countries have invested in building up their systems to detect and respond to influenza .
Because COVID-19 is also a respiratory pathogen , those systems can , should and are being adapted for COVID-19 .
But we are concerned that countries ’ abilities to respond are being compromised by the severe and increasing disruption to the global supply of personal protective equipment – caused by rising demand , hoarding and misuse .
Shortages are leaving doctors , nurses and other frontline healthcare workers dangerously ill-equipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to limited access to supplies such as gloves , medical masks , respirators , goggles , face shields , gowns , and aprons .
We can ’ t stop COVID-19 without protecting our health workers .
Prices of surgical masks have increased six-fold , N95 respirators have more than tripled , and gowns cost twice as much .
Supplies can take months to deliver , market manipulation is widespread , and stocks are often sold to the highest bidder .
WHO has shipped nearly half a million sets of personal protective equipment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depleting .
WHO estimates that each month , 89 million medical masks will be required for the COVID-19 response ; 76 million examination gloves , and 1.6 million goggles .
WHO has guidelines on how to rationalize the use of personal protective equipment in health facilities and manage supply chains effectively .
We ’ re also working with governments , manufacturers and the Pandemic Supply Chain Network to boost production and secure supplies for critically affected and at-risk countries .
Globally , it is estimated that PPE supplies need to be increased by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call on manufacturers to urgently increase production to meet this demand and guarantee supplies .
And we have called on governments to develop incentives for manufacturers to ramp up production .
This includes easing restrictions on the export and distribution of personal protective .
Source : www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/w…march-2020 So WHO stands for Wuhan Health Organization ?

noqreport.com/2020/04/20/covid-1…-timeline/
1/1: WHO: “No evidence of significant human-to-human transmission. Does not recommend any specific measures for travelers.”
1/8: The World Health Organization (WHO) declares, “Preliminary identification of a novel virus in a short period of time is a notable achievement and demonstrates China’s increased capacity to manage new outbreaks.”
1/14: WHO announces Chinese authorities have seen “no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus.”
1/14: The WHO announces, “Preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) identified in Wuhan, China.” Meanwhile, according to The Associated Press, internal Chinese documents show that government officials acknowledged likely human-to-human transmission of coronavirus, and said they were following orders from the president of China to keep it under wraps.
1/15: Trump and China sign “phase one” of a trade deal to rein in a historic and damaging trade war.
1/15: The patient who becomes the first confirmed U.S. case leaves Wuhan and arrives in the U.S., carrying the coronavirus.
1/17: WHO: “Does not recommend any specific health measures for travelers.”
1/19: The WHO hedges somewhat: “Not enough is known to draw definitive conclusions about how it is transmitted, the clinical features of the disease, the extent to which it has spread, or its source, which remains unknown
1/21: WHO: “There is possibility of ‘sustained’ human-to-human transmission of new virus in China”
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1/22: WHO: “I was very impressed by the detail and depth of China’s presentation.”
1/23: WHO: “There is now more evidence 2019-nCoV spreads from human-to-human transmission.”
1/27: WHO: “Does not recommend any evaluation at the points of entry regarding this event, nor any restrictions on travel or commerce.”
1/28: WHO: “Confident in China’s epidemic and control ability.”
1/30: WHO: Declared a global health emergency over the new virus
“I left in absolute no doubt about China’s commitment to transparency, and to protecting the world’s people.”
2/3: WHO: “Closing borders could even accelerate the spread of the virus, if travelers enter countries unofficially.”
3/3 Announcement from WHO
Key points: (Emphasis added)
In the past 24 hours, China reported 129 cases, the lowest number of cases since the 20th of January. Outside China, 1848 cases were reported in 48 countries. 80% of those cases are from just three countries: the Republic of Korea, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Italy.
12 new countries have reported their first cases, and there are now 21 countries with one case.
We understand that people are afraid and uncertain. Fear is a natural human response to any threat, especially when it’s a threat we don’t completely understand.
But as we get more data, we are understanding this virus, and the disease it causes, more and more.
This virus is not SARS, it’s not MERS, and it’s not influenza. It is a unique virus with unique characteristics.
Both COVID-19 and influenza cause respiratory disease and spread the same way, via small droplets of fluid from the nose and mouth of someone who is sick.
However, there are some important differences between COVID-19 and influenza.
First, COVID-19 does not transmit as efficiently as influenza, from the data we have so far.
With influenza, people who are infected but not yet sick are major drivers of transmission, which does not appear to be the case for COVID-19.
Evidence from China is that only 1% of reported cases do not have symptoms, and most of those cases develop symptoms within 2 days.
Some countries are looking for cases of COVID-19 using surveillance systems for influenza and other respiratory diseases.
Countries such as China, Ghana, Singapore and elsewhere have found very few cases of COVID-19 among such samples – or no cases at all.
The only way to be sure is by looking for COVID-19 antibodies in large numbers of people, and several countries are now doing those studies. This will give us further insight into the extent of infection in populations over time.
WHO has developed protocols on how these studies should be done, and we encourage all countries to do these studies and share their data.
The second major difference is that COVID-19 causes more severe disease than seasonal influenza.
While many people globally have built up immunity to seasonal flu strains, COVID-19 is a new virus to which no one has immunity. That means more people are susceptible to infection, and some will suffer severe disease.
Globally, about 3.4% of reported COVID-19 cases have died. By comparison, seasonal flu generally kills far fewer than 1% of those infected.
Third, we have vaccines and therapeutics for seasonal flu, but at the moment there is no vaccine and no specific treatment for COVID-19. However, clinical trials of therapeutics are now being done, and more than 20 vaccines are in development.
And fourth, we don’t even talk about containment for seasonal flu – it’s just not possible. But it is possible for COVID-19. We don’t do contact tracing for seasonal flu – but countries should do it for COVID-19, because it will prevent infections and save lives. Containment is possible.
To summarize, COVID-19 spreads less efficiently than flu, transmission does not appear to be driven by people who are not sick, it causes more severe illness than flu, there are not yet any vaccines or therapeutics, and it can be contained – which is why we must do everything we can to contain it. That’s why WHO recommends a comprehensive approach.
These differences mean we can’t treat COVID-19 exactly the same way we treat flu.
But there are enough similarities to mean that countries are not starting from scratch. For decades, many countries have invested in building up their systems to detect and respond to influenza.
Because COVID-19 is also a respiratory pathogen, those systems can, should and are being adapted for COVID-19.
But we are concerned that countries’ abilities to respond are being compromised by the severe and increasing disruption to the global supply of personal protective equipment – caused by rising demand, hoarding and misuse.
Shortages are leaving doctors, nurses and other frontline healthcare workers dangerously ill-equipped to care for COVID-19 patients, due to limited access to supplies such as gloves, medical masks, respirators, goggles, face shields, gowns, and aprons.
We can’t stop COVID-19 without protecting our health workers.
Prices of surgical masks have increased six-fold, N95 respirators have more than tripled, and gowns cost twice as much.
Supplies can take months to deliver, market manipulation is widespread, and stocks are often sold to the highest bidder.
WHO has shipped nearly half a million sets of personal protective equipment to 47 countries, but supplies are rapidly depleting.
WHO estimates that each month, 89 million medical masks will be required for the COVID-19 response; 76 million examination gloves, and 1.6 million goggles.
WHO has guidelines on how to rationalize the use of personal protective equipment in health facilities and manage supply chains effectively.
We’re also working with governments, manufacturers and the Pandemic Supply Chain Network to boost production and secure supplies for critically affected and at-risk countries.
Globally, it is estimated that PPE supplies need to be increased by 40 per cent.
We continue to call on manufacturers to urgently increase production to meet this demand and guarantee supplies.
And we have called on governments to develop incentives for manufacturers to ramp up production. This includes easing restrictions on the export and distribution of personal protective. Source: www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/w…march-2020
So WHO stands for Wuhan Health Organization?
h/t Eustace Muffins


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-23--Growing possibility of W-shaped economic recovery. Economy may recover somewhat before another major

Growing possibility of W-shaped economic recovery. Economy may recover somewhat before another major crash

There are growing concerns that any economic recovery later this year could prove short-lived because of a possible deadly resurgence of the coronavirus and a late spike in bankruptcies and defaults , a wicked combination that could cause households and businesses that barely survived the spring lockdown to go under later in the year .
White House officials have touted the possibility of a V-shaped recovery as soon as this summer , pining for a swift rebound once businesses reopen on a staggered basis .
But some economists believe a W-shaped recovery is increasingly likely , in part because efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take at least a year and millions of Americans and businesses are piling up debt without an easy ability to repay .
“ Pretending the world will return to normal in three months or six months is just wrong , ” said Diane Swonk , chief economist at Grant Thornton .
“ The economy went into an ice age overnight .
We ’ re in a deep freeze .
As the economy thaws , we ’ ll see the damage done as well .
Flooding will occur.
” Anthony Fauci , director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diseases , put it this way when asked about when baseball stadiums will be filled again : “ I can not see a return this year to what we consider normal .
”

There are growing concerns that any economic recovery later this year could prove short-lived because of a possible deadly resurgence of the coronavirus and a late spike in bankruptcies and defaults, a wicked combination that could cause households and businesses that barely survived the spring lockdown to go under later in the year.
White House officials have touted the possibility of a V-shaped recovery as soon as this summer, pining for a swift rebound once businesses reopen on a staggered basis. But some economists believe a W-shaped recovery is increasingly likely, in part because efforts to find a vaccine are likely to take at least a year and millions of Americans and businesses are piling up debt without an easy ability to repay.
“Pretending the world will return to normal in three months or six months is just wrong,” said Diane Swonk, chief economist at Grant Thornton. “The economy went into an ice age overnight. We’re in a deep freeze. As the economy thaws, we’ll see the damage done as well. Flooding will occur.”
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Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, put it this way when asked about when baseball stadiums will be filled again: “I cannot see a return this year to what we consider normal.”
www.nationthailand.com/business/30386588


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--Michael Cohen To Leave Prison 18 Months Early Due To Coronavirus Concerns

Release just in time for the 2020 election .
Soon to be a full-time DNC operative and CNN correspondent .
@ @ @ @ @ released from prison after serving less than half of her five-year sentence – CORONAVIRUS

Release just in time for the 2020 election.
Soon to be a full-time DNC operative and CNN correspondent.
Yep, mark my words!
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Former congresswoman Corrine Brown was released from prison after serving less than half of her five-year sentence – CORONAVIRUS
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--US: Media caught red-handed staging nurse blocking anti-quarantine protests

The left are such dishonest losers .
That ’ s all they ’ ve got is their lies .
Everything @ @ @ @ @ a lie .

The left are such dishonest losers.
That’s all they’ve got is their lies.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Everything they do and say is a lie.
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--US facing federal deficit of $4 trillion in 2020: Former CBO director

they pumped 12 trillions in last month for Wall Street , what ’ s 4 trills , peanuts , print @ @ @

they pumped 12 trillions in last month for Wall Street, what’s 4 trills, peanuts, print the magain mfs
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AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--CCTV Cameras Are Being Turned Into Heartbeat Measuring Social Distancing Monsters

Facial recognition company VSBLTY announced that they are working with Photon-X to turn smart city cameras into heartbeat measuring cameras .
“ The two firms are collaborating to develop a multi-sensor camera capability specifically for security and smart buildings applications .
Photon-X object recognition and analytics combined with VSBLTY facial recognition will provide an advanced screening tool for facilities to identify and validate that someone with a high temperature is about to enter a building .
Fever , cough and difficulty breathing are some of the common symptoms of COVID-19.
” “ The new model will have several advanced features @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently being used to measure body surface temperature .
The VSBLTY-Photon-X cameras will additionally measure heartbeat and oxygen saturation levels with the goal of helping to produce less false positives than the standard infrared cameras now in use.
” Police will no longer need to use facial recognition to identify and track someone because now they can use a person ’ s heartbeat and oxygen saturation levels to identify them .
Allowing law enforcement to track people ’ s heartbeats proves that our politicians care more about monitoring everyone and less about our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turning video screens into secret facial recognition devices .
The video below shows how Landing AI ’ s “ Social Distancing Detector ” can be used to enforce social distancing rules .
“ As the demo shows below , the detector could highlight people whose distance is below the minimum acceptable distance in red , and draw a line between to emphasize this .
The system will also be able to issue an alert to remind people to keep a safe distance if the protocol is violated.
” Does anyone really believe that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to private companies ?
What happens when governments let police use Landing AI to enforce public social distancing in real-time ?
“ The system works by using an artificial ‘ neural network ’ to detect each person and puts them ( oh the irony ) in a box .
Then , if two boxes get too close to each other they change from green to red .
At that point it will be up to the police to send in compliance robots , kill squads , or whatever they have decided we deserve.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ services the artificial intelligence industry for image and video processing and understanding , was founded by Jason Corso , a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Michigan .
Two weeks ago , Corso said he and his team began tracking physical distancing at locations like Times Square in New York , Miami Beach , Abbey Road in London and the Ruthven Museums Building at UM.
” What makes VSBLTY ’ s software and social distancing software so unnerving is their ability to transform existing CCTV cameras into privacy destroying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ the street cams are public on the internet , so we can just connect to them and pull the data from them .
”

Facial recognition company VSBLTY announced that they are working with Photon-X to turn smart city cameras into heartbeat measuring cameras.
“The two firms are collaborating to develop a multi-sensor camera capability specifically for security and smart buildings applications. Photon-X object recognition and analytics combined with VSBLTY facial recognition will provide an advanced screening tool for facilities to identify and validate that someone with a high temperature is about to enter a building. Fever, cough and difficulty breathing are some of the common symptoms of COVID-19.”
VSBLTY’s software will turn CCTV cameras into privacy destroying MONSTERS!
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
“The new model will have several advanced features to the typical infrared cameras that are currently being used to measure body surface temperature. The VSBLTY-Photon-X cameras will additionally measure heartbeat and oxygen saturation levels with the goal of helping to produce less false positives than the standard infrared cameras now in use.”
Police will no longer need to use facial recognition to identify and track someone because now they can use a person’s heartbeat and oxygen saturation levels to identify them.
Allowing law enforcement to track people’s heartbeats proves that our politicians care more about monitoring everyone and less about our privacy.
VSBLTY is also infamous for turning video screens into secret facial recognition devices.
CCTV cameras turned into social distancing monsters
Artificial Intelligence company, Landing AI announced they have developed software that turns CCTV cameras into social distancing police monitors.
“To complement our customers’ efforts and to help ensure social distancing protocol in their workplace, Landing AI has developed an AI-enabled social distancing detection tool that can detect if people are keeping a safe distance from each other by analyzing real time video streams from the camera.”
The video below shows how Landing AI’s “Social Distancing Detector” can be used to enforce social distancing rules.
“As the demo shows below, the detector could highlight people whose distance is below the minimum acceptable distance in red, and draw a line between to emphasize this. The system will also be able to issue an alert to remind people to keep a safe distance if the protocol is violated.”
Does anyone really believe that Landing AI is marketing social distancing software to private companies? What happens when governments let police use Landing AI to enforce public social distancing in real-time?
Summit News explains, As
“The system works by using an artificial ‘neural network’ to detect each person and puts them (oh the irony) in a box. Then, if two boxes get too close to each other they change from green to red. At that point it will be up to the police to send in compliance robots, kill squads, or whatever they have decided we deserve.”
MLive Two weeks ago, revealed that another AI social distance tracking company called Voxel51 has been using CCTV cameras to observe people in public settings in at least three locations.
“Voxel51, a company that services the artificial intelligence industry for image and video processing and understanding, was founded by Jason Corso, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Michigan. Two weeks ago, Corso said he and his team began tracking physical distancing at locations like Times Square in New York, Miami Beach, Abbey Road in London and the Ruthven Museums Building at UM.”
What makes VSBLTY’s software and social distancing software so unnerving is their ability to transform existing CCTV cameras into privacy destroying monsters. As Professor Corso said, “the street cams are public on the internet, so we can just connect to them and pull the data from them.”


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--Big Company Execs Will Now Face Up To 30 Years In Prison, $1 Million Fines For Abusing Coronavirus R

Big Company Execs Will Now Face Up To 30 Years In Prison, $1 Million Fines For Abusing Coronavirus Relief Program

New guidelines released by the Small Business Administration ( SBA ) Thursday dictate that public companies with sufficient liquidity to support normal business operations throughout the coronavirus pandemic will not be eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) .
Senior SBA officials pointed Daily Caller to a new addition to the program stating that “ borrowers still must certify in good faith that their PPP loan request is necessary ” while applying for a PPP loan .
“ Borrowers must make this certification in good faith , taking into account their current business activity and their ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support their ongoing operations in a manner that is not significantly detrimental to the business , ” the guidance reads .
“ For example , it is unlikely that a public company with substantial market value and access to capital markets will be able to make the required certification in good faith , and such a company should be prepared to demonstrate to SBA , upon request , the basis for its certification.
” The PPP rule itself states that “ knowingly ” violating the application guidelines can result in prison sentences up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,000,000 .
It would appear that all other requirements for receiving a loan , including having fewer than 500 employees on staff and dedicating 75 percent of the relief toward payroll concerns , have not been changed

New guidelines released by the Small Business Administration (SBA) Thursday dictate that public companies with sufficient liquidity to support normal business operations throughout the coronavirus pandemic will not be eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Senior SBA officials pointed Daily Caller to a new addition to the program stating that “borrowers still must certify in good faith that their PPP loan request is necessary” while applying for a PPP loan.
“Borrowers must make this certification in good faith, taking into account their current business activity and their ability to access other sources of liquidity sufficient to support their ongoing operations in a manner that is not significantly detrimental to the business,” the guidance reads. “For example, it is unlikely that a public company with substantial market value and access to capital markets will be able to make the required certification in good faith, and such a company should be prepared to demonstrate to SBA, upon request, the basis for its certification.”
The PPP rule itself states that “knowingly” violating the application guidelines can result in prison sentences up to 30 years and fines up to $1,000,000. It would appear that all other requirements for receiving a loan, including having fewer than 500 employees on staff and dedicating 75 percent of the relief toward payroll concerns, have not been changed


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--“Not many big EU banks will probably survive another 30 to 60 days,”

Armstrong also predicts , “ Not many big EU banks will probably survive another 30 to 60 days , ”

Armstrong also predicts, “Not many big EU banks will probably survive another 30 to 60 days,”
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investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--The Oil Market Crash Is Far From Over

The Oil Market Crash Is Far From Over

WTI prices may have steadied somewhat after a wild couple of days , but the physical market for crude is still collapsing .
Energy stocks posted sharp gains on Thursday as WTI prices “ surged ” nearly 30 percent to… $ 17 per barrel .
The nascent rebound in oil prices has eased the immediate crisis , but before Monday , WTI in the teens would have been considered catastrophic ; now it seems downright reasonable .
Amazing what negative $ 37 WTI will do to perceptions .
But the fact is that the global oil industry is still in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oversupplied and refiners are scrambling to store gasoline and jet fuel at sea , but tanker rates are spiking and available storage is dwindling .
With no place left to go , refiners are curtailing output and in danger of shutting down .
The more refineries that shut down , but the steeper the drop in crude demand .
The world ’ s largest independent oil storage company , Royal Vopak NV based in Rotterdam , is just about out of storage capacity , according to Bloomberg .
“ For Vopak , worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is almost all gone and from what I hear elsewhere in the world we ’ re not the only ones , ” CFO Gerard Paulides told Bloomberg .
The shut ins are mounting much faster than predicted just a week or two ago .
But with the pandemic not expected to go away anytime soon , demand destruction could persist longer than just a few months .
“ As global travel restrictions will largely stay in place in May 2020 , gasoline demand will remain significantly depressed .
Everyone along the supply chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refiners and traders exposed to gasoline are suffering the most , ” Rystad Energy Senior Oil Market Analyst Artyom Tchen said in a statement .
Rystad says that on average U.S. refiners will lose $ 3 per every barrel of gasoline processed in March and April .
“ As the end-market for gasoline has only shrunk , refineries face the imminent issue of gasoline storage overflow .
If refineries were to continue activity at March 2020 levels , this would result in gasoline storage reaching full capacity as soon as mid-May , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are already scaling back operations in an attempt to avoid hitting the gasoline storage wall.
” The financial pain on oil producers will be extreme .
Roughly half of the largest 60 independent U.S. oil companies will likely need to find a way to secure more liquidity , according to Reuters .
“ The restructuring guys are extremely busy .
I don ’ t think they ’ ll be busy for just this year – I think it ’ s a multi-year process , ” James West at investment bank Evercore ISI told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex has been largely unprofitable since its inception .
But the supply losses around the globe may persist even after the months of April and May .
“ Excessive capital allocation and fragmentation in a contained geographical area generates poor returns , and we provide examples for Canada , Australia and the US over the past decade , ” Goldman Sachs analysts said on Tuesday .
It ’ s hard to imagine capital flowing back into an unprofitable sector anytime soon .
On Thursday , Norway ’ s Equinor became the first major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-thirds down to $ 0.09 per share .
France ’ s Total is set to give an update on Friday on its decision .
The American oil majors have conveyed a more stubborn refusal to touch dividends , but we ’ ll know more when Chevron and ExxonMobil announce first quarter earnings on May 1 .
The head of the International Energy Agency , Fatih Birol , suggested on Wednesday that OPEC+ might cut deeper .
“ It is important that they cut as soon as possible and consider further cuts.
” Birol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is pretty rich , given that it was OPEC+ that decided to undertake voluntary cuts to begin with .
The “ cuts ” that G20 countries agreed to weren ’ t really cuts in the sense that they would be mandated by governments .
But no matter .
Top-down or not , production cuts across the globe are a sure bet .
It ’ s just a matter of how deep and how quickly they will materialize .

By Nick Cunningham
WTI prices may have steadied somewhat after a wild couple of days, but the physical market for crude is still collapsing.
Energy stocks posted sharp gains on Thursday as WTI prices “surged” nearly 30 percent to…$17 per barrel. The nascent rebound in oil prices has eased the immediate crisis, but before Monday, WTI in the teens would have been considered catastrophic; now it seems downright reasonable. Amazing what negative $37 WTI will do to perceptions.
But the fact is that the global oil industry is still in dire straits. Refined products are grossly oversupplied and refiners are scrambling to store gasoline and jet fuel at sea, but tanker rates are spiking and available storage is dwindling. With no place left to go, refiners are curtailing output and in danger of shutting down. The more refineries that shut down, but the steeper the drop in crude demand.
The world’s largest independent oil storage company, Royal Vopak NV based in Rotterdam, is just about out of storage capacity, according to Bloomberg. “For Vopak, worldwide available capacity that is not in maintenance is almost all gone and from what I hear elsewhere in the world we’re not the only ones,” CFO Gerard Paulides told Bloomberg.
The shut ins are mounting much faster than predicted just a week or two ago. But with the pandemic not expected to go away anytime soon, demand destruction could persist longer than just a few months.
“As global travel restrictions will largely stay in place in May 2020, gasoline demand will remain significantly depressed. Everyone along the supply chain is getting hammered right now, but refiners and traders exposed to gasoline are suffering the most,” Rystad Energy Senior Oil Market Analyst Artyom Tchen said in a statement.
Rystad says that on average U.S. refiners will lose $3 per every barrel of gasoline processed in March and April. “As the end-market for gasoline has only shrunk, refineries face the imminent issue of gasoline storage overflow. If refineries were to continue activity at March 2020 levels, this would result in gasoline storage reaching full capacity as soon as mid-May,” Tchen said. “Instead, refiners are already scaling back operations in an attempt to avoid hitting the gasoline storage wall.”
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The financial pain on oil producers will be extreme. Roughly half of the largest 60 independent U.S. oil companies will likely need to find a way to secure more liquidity, according to Reuters. “The restructuring guys are extremely busy. I don’t think they’ll be busy for just this year – I think it’s a multi-year process,” James West at investment bank Evercore ISI told investors on Wednesday.
The U.S. shale complex has been largely unprofitable since its inception. But the supply losses around the globe may persist even after the months of April and May. “Excessive capital allocation and fragmentation in a contained geographical area generates poor returns, and we provide examples for Canada, Australia and the US over the past decade,” Goldman Sachs analysts said on Tuesday. It’s hard to imagine capital flowing back into an unprofitable sector anytime soon.
On Thursday, Norway’s Equinor became the first major oil company to slash its dividend by two-thirds down to $0.09 per share. France’s Total is set to give an update on Friday on its decision. The American oil majors have conveyed a more stubborn refusal to touch dividends, but we’ll know more when Chevron and ExxonMobil announce first quarter earnings on May 1.
The head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, suggested on Wednesday that OPEC+ might cut deeper. “It is important that they cut as soon as possible and consider further cuts.” Birol said on Bloomberg TV.
That statement is pretty rich, given that it was OPEC+ that decided to undertake voluntary cuts to begin with. The “cuts” that G20 countries agreed to weren’t really cuts in the sense that they would be mandated by governments.
But no matter. Top-down or not, production cuts across the globe are a sure bet. It’s just a matter of how deep and how quickly they will materialize.
By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--NY govonor Cuomo forced nursings homes to accept corona virus patients, sent body bags and caused th

NY govonor Cuomo forced nursings homes to accept corona virus patients, sent body bags and caused thousands of deaths

He goes on TV and says it ’ s the nursing homes responsibility to take care of them !
He failed to protect the most vulnerable !
An executive at the facility — which was previously free of the deadly disease — said the bags were in the shipment of personal protective equipment received the same day the home was forced to begin treating two people discharged from hospitals with COVID-19 .
“ My colleague noticed that one of the boxes was extremely heavy .
Curious as to what could possibly be making that particular box so much heavier than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the exec told The Post Thursday .
“ The first two coronavirus patients were accompanied by five body bags.
” Within days , three of the bags were filled with the first of 30 residents who would die there after Gov .
Cuomo ’ s Health Department handed down its March 25 directive that bars nursing homes from refusing to admit “ medically stable ” coronavirus patients , the exec said .
Like clockwork , the nursing home has received five body bags a week — every week — from city officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands .
He really does .
There ’ s no way to sugarcoat this , ” the health care executive added .
Why in the world would you be sending coronavirus patients to a nursing home , where the most vulnerable population to this disease resides ?
” The rest of the people are dropping like flies — literally like flies — and most of them have been with us for years , ” the exec added .
COVID-19 has killed at least 3,540 residents of New York ’ s nursing homes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the most recent state Health Department data .
The Queens story is painfully repeating at a Manhattan nursing home .
Administrators there told The Post they ’ ve also received body bags in weekly shipments of supplies , which City Hall confirmed the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene was distributing to nursing homes .
One of the Manhattan administrators said the state ’ s admission mandate came with no warning or even time to prepare facilities for an influx of coronavirus patients , who the state says must be quarantined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staffers .

He goes on TV and says it’s the nursing homes responsibility to take care of them!
He failed to protect the most vulnerable!
nypost.com/2020/04/23/coronavirus-patients-admitted-to-queens-nursing-home-with-body-bags/
An executive at the facility — which was previously free of the deadly disease — said the bags were in the shipment of personal protective equipment received the same day the home was forced to begin treating two people discharged from hospitals with COVID-19.
“My colleague noticed that one of the boxes was extremely heavy. Curious as to what could possibly be making that particular box so much heavier than the rest, he opened it,” the exec told The Post Thursday.
“The first two coronavirus patients were accompanied by five body bags.”
Within days, three of the bags were filled with the first of 30 residents who would die there after Gov. Cuomo’s Health Department handed down its March 25 directive that bars nursing homes from refusing to admit “medically stable” coronavirus patients, the exec said.
Like clockwork, the nursing home has received five body bags a week — every week — from city officials.
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“Cuomo has blood on his hands. He really does. There’s no way to sugarcoat this,” the health care executive added.
Why in the world would you be sending coronavirus patients to a nursing home, where the most vulnerable population to this disease resides?”
The rest of the people are dropping like flies — literally like flies — and most of them have been with us for years,” the exec added.
COVID-19 has killed at least 3,540 residents of New York’s nursing homes and adult care facilities as of Wednesday, according to the most recent state Health Department data.
The Queens story is painfully repeating at a Manhattan nursing home.
Administrators there told The Post they’ve also received body bags in weekly shipments of supplies, which City Hall confirmed the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene was distributing to nursing homes.
One of the Manhattan administrators said the state’s admission mandate came with no warning or even time to prepare facilities for an influx of coronavirus patients, who the state says must be quarantined inside nursing homes and treated by separate staffers.
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--Walmart to implement one-way aisles to encourage social distancing – Nationwide beginning of May!

“ Walmart had been testing the one-way aisles in some of its stores in recent weeks , but on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ would sport the new decals nationwide.
” In further developments the one way escalators for @ @ @ @ @ this Two Story Walmart store will continue to be one way , however covid19 shoppers @ @ @ @ @ the non covid on the to floor to keep 6 feet apart… Crazy way the @ @ @ @ @ this Two Story Walmart store .
Never seen by most People

Walmart to implement one-way aisles to encourage social distancing
“Walmart had been testing the one-way aisles in some of its stores in recent weeks, but on Thursday said all of its stores would sport the new decals nationwide.”
nypost.com/2020/04/23/walmart-creating-one-way-aisles-to-stem-spread-of-coronavirus/
In further developments the one way escalators for people and their carts At this Two Story Walmart store will continue to be one way, however covid19 shoppers on the bottom floor and the non covid on the to floor to keep 6 feet apart…
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Crazy way the cart goes down Escalator At this Two Story Walmart store. Never seen by most People
AC


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--U.S. Gasoline Consumption Hasn’t Been This Low Since Vietnam War

Consumption of petroleum products in the world ’ s top oil consumer , the United States , has fallen to its lowest level in decades , as lockdowns restrict travel and the economy slows , the U.S. Energy Information Administration ( EIA ) said on Thursday .
According to EIA ’ s estimates of petroleum products supplied—its proxy metric for consumption—demand for petroleum products in the latest reporting week to April 17 was 14.1 million barrels per day ( bpd ) , up slightly from the 13.8 million bpd estimated consumption in the previous week , which was the lowest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics dating back to the early 1990s .
Including the most recent week to April 17 , petroleum consumption in the U.S. in recent weeks has slumped by 31 percent compared to the average petroleum demand between January 1 and March 13 , when the states started putting restrictions on travel .
Total petroleum demand in the U.S. consists primarily of motor gasoline ( 45 percent of the 2019 total ) , distillate fuel oil ( 20 percent ) , jet fuel ( 9 percent ) , and chemical feedstocks and other fuels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EIA data .
Gasoline consumption has dropped the most in absolute terms , with product supplied having crashed by 40 percent to 5.3 million bpd as of the week ending April 17 , from an average of 8.9 million bpd in 2020 through March 13 .
Refiners in the United States have been cutting refinery runs over the past month .
China is now processing more crude oil at its refineries than the world ’ s top oil consumer , the United States , according to data from OilX .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The latest data reveals demand levels not seen since spring of 1968 , ” AAA spokesperson Jeanette Casselano said at the beginning of last week .
On Monday , AAA said that refinery rates dipped to 69 percent , a level not reported by the EIA in more than a decade .
While petroleum consumption declines in the pandemic , U.S. oil producers have already started to curtail some production as the oversupply persists , storage fills up fast , and oil prices plummet to unsustainable levels for the U.S. shale patch @

By Tsvetana Paraskova
Consumption of petroleum products in the world’s top oil consumer, the United States, has fallen to its lowest level in decades, as lockdowns restrict travel and the economy slows, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Thursday.
According to EIA’s estimates of petroleum products supplied—its proxy metric for consumption—demand for petroleum products in the latest reporting week to April 17 was 14.1 million barrels per day (bpd), up slightly from the 13.8 million bpd estimated consumption in the previous week, which was the lowest weekly consumption level in EIA’s statistics dating back to the early 1990s. Including the most recent week to April 17, petroleum consumption in the U.S. in recent weeks has slumped by 31 percent compared to the average petroleum demand between January 1 and March 13, when the states started putting restrictions on travel.
Total petroleum demand in the U.S. consists primarily of motor gasoline (45 percent of the 2019 total), distillate fuel oil (20 percent), jet fuel (9 percent), and chemical feedstocks and other fuels (26 percent), as per EIA data.
Gasoline consumption has dropped the most in absolute terms, with product supplied having crashed by 40 percent to 5.3 million bpd as of the week ending April 17, from an average of 8.9 million bpd in 2020 through March 13.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Refiners in the United States have been cutting refinery runs over the past month. China is now processing more crude oil at its refineries than the world’s top oil consumer, the United States, according to data from OilX.
“We are seeing fast and furious gasoline demand destruction. The latest data reveals demand levels not seen since spring of 1968,” AAA spokesperson Jeanette Casselano said at the beginning of last week.
On Monday, AAA said that refinery rates dipped to 69 percent, a level not reported by the EIA in more than a decade.
While petroleum consumption declines in the pandemic, U.S. oil producers have already started to curtail some production as the oversupply persists, storage fills up fast, and oil prices plummet to unsustainable levels for the U.S. shale patch.
By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--WHO Warns of Long Road Ahead with COVID-19… FDA Encourages Recovered Patients to Donate Plasma for D

WHO Warns of Long Road Ahead with COVID-19… FDA Encourages Recovered Patients to Donate Plasma for Development of Blood-Related Therapies

WHO warns of long road ahead with COVID-19 The head of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) today said global COVID-19 activity is at different stages in different parts of the world and warned of a long road ahead with the virus .
The global COVID-19 total today reached 2,623,231 cases from 185 countries , along with 182,359 deaths , according to the Johns Hopkins online dashboard .
At a media telebriefing today , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreysus , PhD , the WHO ’ s director-general , said most of the epidemics in Western Europe have stabilized or are declining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trends in Africa , Central and South America , and Eastern Europe , though numbers are still relatively low .
Most countries are still in the early stages of their epidemics , but some already-affected locations are seeing a resurgence .
“ Make no mistake : we have a long way to go .
This virus will be with us for a long time , ” Tedros said .
He said social distancing steps have suppressed transmission in many countries , but the virus is still extremely dangerous , and early evidence suggests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ susceptible .
“ That means epidemics can easily re-ignite , ” he said .
Another danger is complacency , and he said people are understandably frustrated with stay-at-home orders and the threat to their livelihoods .
Though the WHO understands and shares the desire to return to normal life , there must be a “ new normal ” that is healthier , safer , and better prepared , Tedros said .
Key steps in the response , such as finding and testing all suspected cases , should still be the backbone of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to engage and empower people , he said .
When asked about protests against stay-at-home orders , Mike Ryan , MD , who leads the WHO ’ s health emergencies program , said his work in different outbreak settings , including Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo , shows that a high level of trust between citizens and the government is key .
“ That ’ s a valuable thing to have in the bank , ” he said .
“ They have to believe there ’ s a plan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing this.
” If plans and the rationale for response actions are murky , communications are vulnerable to be gamed and directed in counterproductive ways , Ryan said .
The process should be a two-way dialogue , which promotes transparency and ensures consistency so that people aren ’ t hearing different messages , he said , adding that civil society should also play a role so that not all communications are purely governmental .

WHO warns of long road ahead with COVID-19
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) today said global COVID-19 activity is at different stages in different parts of the world and warned of a long road ahead with the virus.
The global COVID-19 total today reached 2,623,231 cases from 185 countries, along with 182,359 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins online dashboard.
Worrying upward trends in a susceptible world
At a media telebriefing today, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreysus, PhD, the WHO’s director-general, said most of the epidemics in Western Europe have stabilized or are declining. However, there are worrying upward trends in Africa, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe, though numbers are still relatively low.
Most countries are still in the early stages of their epidemics, but some already-affected locations are seeing a resurgence. “Make no mistake: we have a long way to go. This virus will be with us for a long time,” Tedros said.
He said social distancing steps have suppressed transmission in many countries, but the virus is still extremely dangerous, and early evidence suggests that most of the world is still susceptible. “That means epidemics can easily re-ignite,” he said.
Communication key to weathering long lockdowns
Another danger is complacency, and he said people are understandably frustrated with stay-at-home orders and the threat to their livelihoods. Though the WHO understands and shares the desire to return to normal life, there must be a “new normal” that is healthier, safer, and better prepared, Tedros said.
Key steps in the response, such as finding and testing all suspected cases, should still be the backbone of the response, and it’s also important to engage and empower people, he said.
When asked about protests against stay-at-home orders, Mike Ryan, MD, who leads the WHO’s health emergencies program, said his work in different outbreak settings, including Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, shows that a high level of trust between citizens and the government is key. “That’s a valuable thing to have in the bank,” he said. “They have to believe there’s a plan, that there’s a reason for doing this.”
If plans and the rationale for response actions are murky, communications are vulnerable to be gamed and directed in counterproductive ways, Ryan said.
The process should be a two-way dialogue, which promotes transparency and ensures consistency so that people aren’t hearing different messages, he said, adding that civil society should also play a role so that not all communications are purely governmental.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--How the Coronavirus is Already Repricing the World

What will be the longer-term fallout of the coronavirus be on the economy , the markets and society ?
We ’ re starting to catch glimpses of it already .
And the world looks a lot different than the one we knew .
As my friend Dave Rosenberg , the chief economist and strategist of Rosenberg Research , wrote in a recent client letter … “ We are going to be in for a prolonged period of social distancing and our personal and commercial lives will remain restricted .
The focus will be on savings , cash conservation , ensuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and inventory/working capital on a corporate basis .
The government dis-saving via massive deficits will be offset by rising precautionary savings rates in the private sector.
” Economic change begins with individual changes in behavior .
People respond to new incentives , and eventually their responses add up .
I have written about the Paradox of Thrift , where individual savings are good but everybody saving actually reduces GDP .
After this current crisis/recession , I think Americans ’ propensity to save will be much higher .
Our spending incentives will be different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incentives , and how will they change us ?
Most obviously , we see that personal safety isn ’ t easy or guaranteed .
It is no longer enough to drive carefully , take your vitamins , and avoid rough neighborhoods .
The coronavirus threat is invisible and anyone , even the people you love , could be carrying it right now .
This will have a deep and long-lasting effect on personal relations and spending patterns .
We are also going to think very differently about the value of some previously well-established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or sporting events are simply off-limits .
Soon we may allow them with modifications : Wear a mask , stay six feet apart , and so on .
But being in a crowd , shoulder-to-shoulder with your fellow fans , is part of the experience .
It won ’ t be the same .
And because the product has changed , the price will likely change , too .
That ’ s a problem not only for artists and athletes , but also the many people whose jobs revolve around such events .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ other businesses .
Those will all be repriced , and probably downward .
But right now , the Federal Reserve is spending trillions to make sure companies don ’ t default .
In some cases , that makes sense .
But it also calls into question who is bearing the credit risk .
Why should bondholders get paid for risk someone else is bearing ?
Then again , if we allow the high-yield and leveraged loan market to collapse , we guarantee a deeper recession .
The same is true for stocks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ billions bailing out airlines .
What should have happened—and did happen in the past—is the airlines go bankrupt and the courts sort out their obligations .
Not this time , and maybe not ever again .
If so , there is no reason stock valuations should reflect the risks shareholders aren ’ t taking .
We don ’ t know how this will develop , or how quickly .
But I think it is far more likely to bring asset price deflation than inflation .
We are going to reprice the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @

by John Mauldin
What will be the longer-term fallout of the coronavirus be on the economy, the markets and society? We’re starting to catch glimpses of it already. And the world looks a lot different than the one we knew.
As my friend Dave Rosenberg, the chief economist and strategist of Rosenberg Research, wrote in a recent client letter …
“We are going to be in for a prolonged period of social distancing and our personal and commercial lives will remain restricted. The focus will be on savings, cash conservation, ensuring adequate essentials on a personal basis, and inventory/working capital on a corporate basis. The government dis-saving via massive deficits will be offset by rising precautionary savings rates in the private sector.”
Economic change begins with individual changes in behavior. People respond to new incentives, and eventually their responses add up.
I have written about the Paradox of Thrift, where individual savings are good but everybody saving actually reduces GDP. After this current crisis/recession, I think Americans’ propensity to save will be much higher. Our spending incentives will be different.
So what are those new spending incentives, and how will they change us?
Most obviously, we see that personal safety isn’t easy or guaranteed. It is no longer enough to drive carefully, take your vitamins, and avoid rough neighborhoods.
The coronavirus threat is invisible and anyone, even the people you love, could be carrying it right now. This will have a deep and long-lasting effect on personal relations and spending patterns.
We are also going to think very differently about the value of some previously well-established things. Right now, crowded concerts or sporting events are simply off-limits. Soon we may allow them with modifications: Wear a mask, stay six feet apart, and so on. But being in a crowd, shoulder-to-shoulder with your fellow fans, is part of the experience. It won’t be the same.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
And because the product has changed, the price will likely change, too.
That’s a problem not only for artists and athletes, but also the many people whose jobs revolve around such events. Ditto for restaurants, hotels, many other businesses.
Those will all be repriced, and probably downward.
But right now, the Federal Reserve is spending trillions to make sure companies don’t default. In some cases, that makes sense. But it also calls into question who is bearing the credit risk. Why should bondholders get paid for risk someone else is bearing?
Then again, if we allow the high-yield and leveraged loan market to collapse, we guarantee a deeper recession.
The same is true for stocks.
This month, the U.S. government spent billions bailing out airlines. What should have happened—and did happen in the past—is the airlines go bankrupt and the courts sort out their obligations. Not this time, and maybe not ever again.
If so, there is no reason stock valuations should reflect the risks shareholders aren’t taking.
We don’t know how this will develop, or how quickly. But I think it is far more likely to bring asset price deflation than inflation.
We are going to reprice the world. Probably including your part of it.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--How Soon Can the Coronavirus Economic Chokehold End?

My friend Dave Rosenberg , who practices independently at Rosenberg Research , notes that when and how to reopen the US economy is a tough call—one that depends on many medical variables .
“ If I had to guess , we will be seeing a partial reopening in some areas beginning in May .
I sense the one metric that is really important here is healthcare capacity ( hospital beds , ICUs , ventilators ) .
” I believe easing the business and movement restrictions will depend highly on local conditions .
The viral outbreaks spread in ways we don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people out of circulation seems to have helped , but these closures aren ’ t sustainable indefinitely .
Top priority goes to keeping the healthcare system ready for the worst ; Dave and I agree on that .
We can ’ t allow more of these “ overwhelm ” situations like Italy and New York .
Rather , we need facilities , equipment , supplies , and staff available to treat a ( still-high ) number of coronavirus patients … plus all the other medical needs that have been sidelined .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable people : those over age 60 , and/or with immune system , lung or other problems .
That would probably help , but wouldn ’ t be simple .
You ’ re still talking about a big part of the population , plus the younger caregivers who would come in contact with them , plus the caregivers ’ families .
That ’ s not sustainable for long , either .
Dr. Michael Roizen of the Cleveland Clinic is helping prepare a paper for Ohio and other states about how to think about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chart about death rates in Ohio ; clearly the risk of death rises dramatically with age .
But that changes if you factor in other health issues .
High blood pressure , smoking , being overweight , lack of exercise , all contribute to increased morbidity .
So you can be younger and still be in a high-risk category because of your health .
The US still needs to sharply ramp up testing before we can ease the restrictions.It is getting better , and some private labs even report excess capacity now that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backlog .
But we need much more to be confident , probably millions of tests a day .
We just have to bite the bullet and make it happen .
With the caveat that local schedules will vary , I think Dave is right that we can begin reopening in May .
But note how carefully Dave said it ( my emphasis ) : “ A partial reopening in some areas beginning in May.
” We are not all going to emerge from our holes , blink at the sunlight , and proceed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawn-out process , possibly interrupted in some places if new cases begin growing again .
Some governors are talking about allowing restaurants to open at 50 % capacity .
How ’ s that going to work for their cash flow ?
Not to mention jobs ?
Governments can ’ t simply order the economy reopened .
Consumers and businesses have to agree , and all will make their own choices .
Like everything else , it will be a cost-benefit analysis .
In the nearer term , it ’ s going to look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some places and socially expected in others .
Most people will stay close to home .
Even if you ’ re willing to get on a plane or train , you ’ ll risk being caught in someone else ’ s outbreak and unable to get home .
Is the benefit of going to that restaurant worth the risks of going out in public , in proximity to possibly infected strangers ?
Maybe so , but fewer will want to as long as this virus is still a threat .
Life will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew just a few months ago until we have an effective vaccine and most people are inoculated .
That ’ s at least eight months away , maybe longer .
We aren ’ t going to just pick up where we left off .
Social distancing is incompatiblewith the kind of economy we have always known .
As long as it persists , the old economy is gone .

by John Mauldin
My friend Dave Rosenberg, who practices independently at Rosenberg Research, notes that when and how to reopen the US economy is a tough call—one that depends on many medical variables.
“If I had to guess, we will be seeing a partial reopening in some areas beginning in May. I sense the one metric that is really important here is healthcare capacity (hospital beds, ICUs, ventilators).”
I believe easing the business and movement restrictions will depend highly on local conditions. The viral outbreaks spread in ways we don’t fully understand. Keeping so many people out of circulation seems to have helped, but these closures aren’t sustainable indefinitely.
Top priority goes to keeping the healthcare system ready for the worst; Dave and I agree on that. We can’t allow more of these “overwhelm” situations like Italy and New York.
Rather, we need facilities, equipment, supplies, and staff available to treat a (still-high) number of coronavirus patients … plus all the other medical needs that have been sidelined.
Some have suggested we just isolate the most vulnerable people: those over age 60, and/or with immune system, lung or other problems. That would probably help, but wouldn’t be simple.
You’re still talking about a big part of the population, plus the younger caregivers who would come in contact with them, plus the caregivers’ families. That’s not sustainable for long, either.
Dr. Michael Roizen of the Cleveland Clinic is helping prepare a paper for Ohio and other states about how to think about reopening their states. He includes this chart about death rates in Ohio; clearly the risk of death rises dramatically with age.
But that changes if you factor in other health issues. High blood pressure, smoking, being overweight, lack of exercise, all contribute to increased morbidity. So you can be younger and still be in a high-risk category because of your health.
The US still needs to sharply ramp up testing before we can ease the restrictions.It is getting better, and some private labs even report excess capacity now that they’ve worked through the initial backlog. But we need much more to be confident, probably millions of tests a day.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
We just have to bite the bullet and make it happen.
With the caveat that local schedules will vary, I think Dave is right that we can begin reopening in May. But note how carefully Dave said it (my emphasis):
“A partial reopening in some areas beginning in May.”
We are not all going to emerge from our holes, blink at the sunlight, and proceed merrily into spring. I expect a drawn-out process, possibly interrupted in some places if new cases begin growing again.
Some governors are talking about allowing restaurants to open at 50% capacity. How’s that going to work for their cash flow? Not to mention jobs?
Governments can’t simply order the economy reopened. Consumers and businesses have to agree, and all will make their own choices. Like everything else, it will be a cost-benefit analysis.
In the nearer term, it’s going to look quite different. Masks will be mandatory some places and socially expected in others. Most people will stay close to home. Even if you’re willing to get on a plane or train, you’ll risk being caught in someone else’s outbreak and unable to get home.
Is the benefit of going to that restaurant worth the risks of going out in public, in proximity to possibly infected strangers? Maybe so, but fewer will want to as long as this virus is still a threat.
Life will be nothing like the “normal” we knew just a few months ago until we have an effective vaccine and most people are inoculated. That’s at least eight months away, maybe longer.
We aren’t going to just pick up where we left off. Social distancing is incompatiblewith the kind of economy we have always known.
As long as it persists, the old economy is gone.


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--Fed, State, County Government workers being Paid…!!! While Private Citizens are SCREWED? < TURNED IN

Fed, State, County Government workers being Paid…!!! While Private Citizens are SCREWED? < TURNED INTO RUMBLE INSIDE

So for the Past MONTH.. Federal , State and County workers have been given a PAID vacation .
The extent @ @ @ @ @ psychologically with their guilt .
But if youre a private sector worker YOURE SCREWED .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s a check for $ 1200 if you get it .
While the above @ @ @ @ @ check.. Sending out a $ 1200 check while Continuing to PAY Fed , State , @ @ @ @ @ IS A FOOKING JOKE and INSULT !
!
And to NOT EVEN ADDRESS the Tax @ @ @ @ @ beyond surreal… !
!
WTF ARE WE PAYING TAXES FOR ?
?
“ Land of @ @ @ @ @ brave ” ?
?
SOCIALISM WON- SORRY , DEMOCRACY WAS A GREAT IDEA !
!
@ @ @ @ @ !
!

So for the Past MONTH.. Federal, State and County workers have been given a PAID vacation. The extent of their stress is dealing psychologically with their guilt.
But if youre a private sector worker YOURE SCREWED. NOTHING, NADA.. oh wait..here’s a check for $1200 if you get it. While the above sector gets their regular pay check..
County worker – $35000
Teachers – $50000
Superintendent $2000000
Sending out a $1200 check while Continuing to PAY Fed, State, county workers the SAME PAY IS A FOOKING JOKE and INSULT !!
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And to NOT EVEN ADDRESS the Tax RATE during all this is beyond surreal…!! WTF ARE WE PAYING TAXES FOR??
“Land of the free home of the brave”?? SOCIALISM WON- SORRY, DEMOCRACY WAS A GREAT IDEA !! BUT THIS IS NOT DEMOCRACY !!
h/t Ghetto Guy


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--THE STILL REPORT: Fake V.A. Study Claims HCQ Is Ineffective!

it was Debunked by Laura Ingraham and Two Infectious disease docs last night The same day NY started using chloroquine @ @ @ @ @

NOTE: Report begins at 1:25.
it was Debunked by Laura Ingraham and Two Infectious disease docs last night
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The same day NY started using chloroquine, look what happened.
h/t DS


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--Illinois Extended Stay at Home – through May, maybe June!

The statewide stay-at-home order was previously in effect through April 30 Illinois ’ stay-at-home order will now be in effect @ @ @ @ @ J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday .
With just one week left until the current April 30 @ @ @ @ @ plans to extend the deadline for another month .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ extended well into May and possibly even June .
She said Thursday that she thinks @ @ @ @ @ “ appropriate… ”

Illinois’ Stay-at-Home Order Extended Through May, Pritzker Announces
The statewide stay-at-home order was previously in effect through April 30
By Mary Ann Ahern • Published 3 hours ago • Updated 18 seconds ago
Illinois’ stay-at-home order will now be in effect through May, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday.
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With just one week left until the current April 30 deadline, Pritzker said he plans to extend the deadline for another month.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday suggested the order could be extended well into May and possibly even June. She said Thursday that she thinks Pritzker’s announcement is “appropriate…”
www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/pritzker-expected-to-extend-illinois-stay-at-home-order-thursday-sources/2260588/


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--China to give WHO US$30 million more after US freezes funds: Official

BEIJING : China announced on Thursday ( Apr 23 ) it will give another US $ 30 million to the @ @ @ @ @ in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic , days after Washington said it would @ @ @ @ @ , which is the WHO ’ s biggest contributor , accused the organisation last week @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 crisis , drawing ire from Beijing as both countries spar over the deadly virus @ @ @ @ @ Shuang said the new donation would be in addition to a previous US $ 20 @ @ @ @ @ help “ strengthen developing countries ’ health systems ” .
He added that China ’ @ @ @ @ @ agency “ reflects the support and trust of the Chinese government and people for the @ @ @ @ @ the funding freeze last week , US President Donald Trump accused the WHO of covering @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak in China before it spread .
He has also charged the WHO with @ @ @ @ @ despite Washington ’ s heavy funding .

BEIJING: China announced on Thursday (Apr 23) it will give another US$30 million to the World Health Organization to help in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic, days after Washington said it would freeze funding.
The US, which is the WHO’s biggest contributor, accused the organisation last week of “mismanaging” the COVID-19 crisis, drawing ire from Beijing as both countries spar over the deadly virus.
Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the new donation would be in addition to a previous US$20 million committed, and would help “strengthen developing countries’ health systems”.
He added that China’s contribution to the UN agency “reflects the support and trust of the Chinese government and people for the WHO”.
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In announcing the funding freeze last week, US President Donald Trump accused the WHO of covering up the seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak in China before it spread.
He has also charged the WHO with being “very China-centric” despite Washington’s heavy funding.
www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/coronavirus-covid-19-china-who-us-freeze-funding-12670368


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--Missouri SUES China! First State to go after China on Covid 19

EXCLUSIVE : Missouri became the first state to file a lawsuit against China on Tuesday , accusing the country of @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus pandemic and seeking damages to make up for “ the enormous loss @ @ @ @ @ , and economic turmoil ” resulting from the disease .
The suit in the Eastern @ @ @ @ @ least seven federal class-action suits that have been filed by private groups , with one @ @ @ @ @ China knew “ COVID-19 was dangerous and capable of causing a pandemic , yet slowly @ @ @ @ @ head in the sand , and/or covered it up in their own economic self-interest.
” @ @ @ @ @ heels of 22 Republican lawmakers on Monday requesting that the Trump administration bring a case @ @ @ @ @ Court of Justice ( ICIJ ) for the country ’ s actions during the pandemic @

Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
EXCLUSIVE: Missouri became the first state to file a lawsuit against China on Tuesday, accusing the country of being responsible for the severity of the coronavirus pandemic and seeking damages to make up for “the enormous loss of life, human suffering, and economic turmoil” resulting from the disease.
The suit in the Eastern District of Missouri follows at least seven federal class-action suits that have been filed by private groups, with one filed in Florida saying that China knew “COVID-19 was dangerous and capable of causing a pandemic, yet slowly acted, proverbially put their head in the sand, and/or covered it up in their own economic self-interest.”
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It also comes on the heels of 22 Republican lawmakers on Monday requesting that the Trump administration bring a case against China to the International Court of Justice (ICIJ) for the country’s actions during the pandemic.
www.foxnews.com/politics/missouri-files-suit-against-china-for-enormous-consequences-of-coronavirus-deceit


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--50% of Americans Say Their Savings Will Run Out This Month

The COVID-19 outbreak has spurred not just a health crisis , but also an economic one .
With millions of Americans now out of work and countless small businesses shut down , a large number of U.S. adults are already scrambling to pay their bills .
While emergency savings can be a lifeline in situations like the one we ’ re facing , 50 % of Americans expect that their savings will run out by the end of April , according to a new survey by real estate service Clever .
And given that the crisis is showing no signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that ’ s extremely troubling .
Unemployment claims have been reaching record highs as Americans scramble to put money in their pockets in the absence of a paycheck .
But those benefits , even with the newly approved $ 600-a-week boost that came about in late March , may not suffice in helping those who are out of work pay their bills .
That ’ s where emergency savings come in .
Ideally , we ’ re all supposed to have three to six months ’ worth of living expenses in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet 27 % of those surveyed by Clever said they never had emergency savings to begin with , while 11 % said they ’ ve already spent theirs .
In fact , only 23 % of respondents have enough money in the bank to cover six months of living expenses or more .
If you ’ re out of work and don ’ t have emergency savings , it ’ s obviously too late to go back in time and build some .
But what you should do is make establishing an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back to normal .
That way , if another crisis arises and you ’ re unable to work for a period of time , you ’ ll have a way to pay your bills without taking on debt .
And to be clear , 25 % of Americans have already added to their debt load because of COVID-19 , with 28 % of folks in that category borrowing over $ 2,000 .

The COVID-19 outbreak has spurred not just a health crisis, but also an economic one. With millions of Americans now out of work and countless small businesses shut down, a large number of U.S. adults are already scrambling to pay their bills.
While emergency savings can be a lifeline in situations like the one we’re facing, 50% of Americans expect that their savings will run out by the end of April, according to a new survey by real estate service Clever. And given that the crisis is showing no signs of letting up in the near future, that’s extremely troubling.
Americans are feeling the crunch
Unemployment claims have been reaching record highs as Americans scramble to put money in their pockets in the absence of a paycheck. But those benefits, even with the newly approved $600-a-week boost that came about in late March, may not suffice in helping those who are out of work pay their bills.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
That’s where emergency savings come in. Ideally, we’re all supposed to have three to six months’ worth of living expenses in the bank to prepare for situations like these. Yet 27% of those surveyed by Clever said they never had emergency savings to begin with, while 11% said they’ve already spent theirs. In fact, only 23% of respondents have enough money in the bank to cover six months of living expenses or more.
If you’re out of work and don’t have emergency savings, it’s obviously too late to go back in time and build some. But what you should do is make establishing an emergency fund your first priority once things get back to normal. That way, if another crisis arises and you’re unable to work for a period of time, you’ll have a way to pay your bills without taking on debt. And to be clear, 25% of Americans have already added to their debt load because of COVID-19, with 28% of folks in that category borrowing over $2,000.
www.fool.com/amp/retirement/2020/04/10/50-of-americans-say-their-savings-will-run-out-thi.aspx


investmentwatchblog--2020-04-24--Did Anyone Catch When President Trump Yesterday Said “We were attacked”, Regarding China and COVID.

It was during the Coronavirus briefing .
I ’ ll have to go back and find the video and get @ @ @ @ @ This was… We were attacked .
This was an attack .
”

It was during the Coronavirus briefing. I’ll have to go back and find the video and get the timestamp.
1:51:20
“This was… We were attacked. This was an attack.”
Transcript here:
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www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/donald-trump-coronavirus-press-conference-transcript-april-22
h/ WGNO