investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--Short (wide) Tesla strangles next week will print

I ’ m not that big on being short options , but from time to time , they have some great payoffs .
Tesla is in that position next week .
Due to the impending finalization of the S & P inclusion , the Tesla IV has gone ballistic .
It ’ s so crazy that you can sell the 1-week 450-850 Tesla strangle , which is like 610 now , for 300+ bucks each ( so 3 x 100 multiplier ) .
It was actually going for even more intraday today ( 400+ ) if you got on then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more for more money .
Even a somewhat decently wide strangle is 1k+ .
I chose the super wide 450-850 one as an example here since I know not everyone is comfortable with the risk .
When people talk about options trading , everyone likes to talk about delta and how calls/puts will print , but true options trading is trading the volatility , and if you can afford it , some short IV position on Tesla looks like an incredible opportunity next week .
It ’ s all about risk-reward here and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonable to even do an ATM straddle , the risk probably wouldn ’ t be worth it to many .
Before anyone gives me some lesson about how Tesla can skyrocket at any time , I ’ m quite aware of that .
You can see my submitted post history from months ago describing how I feel about Tesla in detail .
But this isn ’ t a delta trade .
It ’ s a vol trade and if you can afford it , the reward , adjusted to risk , is insane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long term as I mentioned in my past posts , but this trade is just a trade on volatility , not direction .
This trade could be done with an iron condor or call/put spreads , but it ’ s no where nearly as profitable because Tesla skew is so high you have to make the spreads quite wide to get a good payoff for the risk .
However , it could be done too if you don ’ t have the ability to sell naked .
Disclaimer : This information is only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any investment decisions based on the information in this article .
Do you own due diligence or consult your financial professional before making any investment decision .

by BuffettGOAT
I’m not that big on being short options, but from time to time, they have some great payoffs. Tesla is in that position next week. Due to the impending finalization of the S&P inclusion, the Tesla IV has gone ballistic. It’s so crazy that you can sell the 1-week 450-850 Tesla strangle, which is like 610 now, for 300+ bucks each (so 3 x 100 multiplier). It was actually going for even more intraday today (400+) if you got on then. You can narrow the strangle even more for more money. Even a somewhat decently wide strangle is 1k+. I chose the super wide 450-850 one as an example here since I know not everyone is comfortable with the risk.
When people talk about options trading, everyone likes to talk about delta and how calls/puts will print, but true options trading is trading the volatility, and if you can afford it, some short IV position on Tesla looks like an incredible opportunity next week. It’s all about risk-reward here and although I think it’s even reasonable to even do an ATM straddle, the risk probably wouldn’t be worth it to many.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Before anyone gives me some lesson about how Tesla can skyrocket at any time, I’m quite aware of that. You can see my submitted post history from months ago describing how I feel about Tesla in detail. But this isn’t a delta trade. It’s a vol trade and if you can afford it, the reward, adjusted to risk, is insane. I’m still bullish Tesla long term as I mentioned in my past posts, but this trade is just a trade on volatility, not direction.
This trade could be done with an iron condor or call/put spreads, but it’s no where nearly as profitable because Tesla skew is so high you have to make the spreads quite wide to get a good payoff for the risk. However, it could be done too if you don’t have the ability to sell naked.
Disclaimer: This information is only for educational purposes. Do not make any investment decisions based on the information in this article. Do you own due diligence or consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--Is there a limit to how far out the RISK CURVE the Fed will push society?

🔴 Is there a limit to how far out the RISK CURVE the Fed will push society ?
👇 pic.twitter.com/xz8MUQWKig

🔴 Is there a limit to how far out the RISK CURVE the Fed will push society? 👇 pic.twitter.com/xz8MUQWKig
— George Gammon (@GeorgeGammon) December 12, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--From Airbnb to Tesla, it’s starting to feel like 1999 all over again. May end same way, Barron’s say

From Airbnb to Tesla, it’s starting to feel like 1999 all over again. May end same way, Barron’s says in cover story.

The current IPO craze is starting to look a lot like 1999 – BNN Initial public offerings have been doing @ @ @ @ @ to mind the excesses of the tech bubble in the late 1990s .
Shares in @ @ @ @ @ Ltd. jumped as much as 112 per cent in their debut Friday , after home-rental @ @ @ @ @ per cent above its IPO price in New York .
JD Health International Inc. surged @ @ @ @ @ debut Tuesday while DoorDash Inc. soared 86 per cent in on Wednesday .
The Market @ @ @ @ @ and Nobody Cares Stocks are near record highs , with the market trading at levels @ @ @ @ @ tech bubble and just before the historic 1929 crash .
And yet investors seem unconcerned @ @ @ @ @ Are Buying $ 1.3 Billion In Assets Every Hour , Creating A “ Frankenbull ” @ @ @ @ @ here ?
Here is the full breakdown courtesy of Hartnett : …

From Airbnb to Tesla, it’s starting to feel like 1999 all over again. May end same way, Barron's says in cover story. Another blast from that past is Tesla's 50%-plus jump since S&P announced stock's S&P500 inclusion. That recalled 64% jump in Yahoo! ahead of addition in Dec1999. pic.twitter.com/RB46ES5LOT — Holger Zschaepitz (@Schuldensuehner) December 12, 2020
The current IPO craze is starting to look a lot like 1999 – BNN
Initial public offerings have been doing extremely well lately, bringing to mind the excesses of the tech bubble in the late 1990s.
Shares in Chinese toymaker Pop Mart International Ltd. jumped as much as 112 per cent in their debut Friday, after home-rental platform Airbnb Inc. closed 113 per cent above its IPO price in New York. JD Health International Inc. surged 56 per cent in its debut Tuesday while DoorDash Inc. soared 86 per cent in on Wednesday.
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The Market Has Rarely Been This Expensive and Nobody Cares
Stocks are near record highs, with the market trading at levels last reached during the 1999-2000 tech bubble and just before the historic 1929 crash. And yet investors seem unconcerned.
Here's a longer term view in case you're interested: pic.twitter.com/yrNlHJqTx8 — Jim Bernstein (@_JimBernstein) December 12, 2020
The global auto industry is worth $2 trillion. If $TSLA is able to capture just 150% of that it would be worth $3 trillion. That's bigger than Apple! Massive bull case — Dr. Parik Patel, BA, CFA, ACCA Esq. 💸 (@ParikPatelCFA) December 11, 2020
Blackrock placing a market order when the Nasdaq falls 1% pic.twitter.com/82REVcFhsh — Jerome Powell (@alifarhat79) December 11, 2020
How did we get here? Here is the full breakdown courtesy of Hartnett:…
Put Call Ratio – a big hook for Bulls here??? The Put Call Ratio daily chart closed outside the Bollinger Band – so Monday will be tell – so you think the markets will never correct, eh?? Everyone is "All In, Baby"…. and leveraged – I must buy stocks and calls, I must…. pic.twitter.com/6pFGnqAvfh — David Larew (@ThinkTankCharts) December 12, 2020


SPY 2021 Bear

I have reason to believe that the US Covid-19 recovery is going to reverse it ’ s bullish trend starting sometime this month .
One can construct a support line for daily ticks beginning after the initial crash in March , as shown above .
This trend line was crossed from above twice in the past few months , and is now riding on the line .
Looking at the Pring ’ s Special K indicator , it shows a trending wave near the support line crosses , with the latest peak happening this week .
If this PSK wave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break down from the support line .
A break down from the trend may imply that SPY would be going into bear territory for at least the next month , and possibly further out .
What are your thoughts about the possibility of a recessive economy starting sometime this month and extending further into 2021 ?
Will the prospect of a stimulus bill push SPY upward from the support line ?
Disclaimer : This information is only for educational purposes .
Do not make any investment decisions based on the information in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or consult your financial professional before making any investment decision .

by moneytheistix
SPY December Reversal
I have reason to believe that the US Covid-19 recovery is going to reverse it’s bullish trend starting sometime this month. One can construct a support line for daily ticks beginning after the initial crash in March, as shown above. This trend line was crossed from above twice in the past few months, and is now riding on the line.
Looking at the Pring’s Special K indicator, it shows a trending wave near the support line crosses, with the latest peak happening this week.
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If this PSK wave continues, we can expect SPY to break down from the support line. A break down from the trend may imply that SPY would be going into bear territory for at least the next month, and possibly further out.
What are your thoughts about the possibility of a recessive economy starting sometime this month and extending further into 2021? Will the prospect of a stimulus bill push SPY upward from the support line?
Disclaimer: This information is only for educational purposes. Do not make any investment decisions based on the information in this article. Do you own due diligence or consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--Make it make Sense $ABNB

Make it make Sense $ABNB

Disclaimer : This information is only for educational purposes .
Do not make any investment decisions based on the information @ @ @ @ @ you own due diligence or consult your financial professional before making any investment decision .

by saalim99
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Disclaimer: This information is only for educational purposes. Do not make any investment decisions based on the information in this article. Do you own due diligence or consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--TRUMP RETWEET JUST NOW!

TRUMP RETWEET JUST NOW!

If the Supreme Court sides with Trump and his allies in Texas v. Pennsylvania , what happens next ?

I have been doing this. I agree! t.co/1YTTGwxlxx
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--Pentagon: “Vaccine” incoming at “Warp Speed”

Pfizer claim that their covid vaccine is 95 % effective , but their chairman says : `` we 're not @ @ @ @ @ the virus after vaccination '' .
So what is it effective at , then ?

They have been crucial in bringing a safe and effective vaccine to the American people and in restoring the health of our country.” – A/SD Chris Miller — Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) December 12, 2020
Missiles away.@USNavy destroyer #USSChafee, part of the @SurfaceWarriors, launches a Block V Tomahawk missile during an exercise in the Pacific. This is the first operational test of the Block V Tomahawk. pic.twitter.com/dbdpLNCvSr — Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) December 11, 2020
Green means go!
A @USNavy sailor signals to a Seahawk helicopter aboard #USSPrinceton in the Arabian Sea. pic.twitter.com/P746DH9Lts — Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) December 9, 2020
h/t Anon Braveheart
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investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--Universal Basic Income is coming – thanks to California

What ’ s the point in busting your butt and putting in overtime , or even going out and starting your own business when this is coming !
Universal basic income ( UBI ) has been a “ lifesaver ” for households participating in UBI pilot programs , Mayor Michael Tubbs told Yahoo Finance .
The Stockton , Calif. mayor is the founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income , a program that provides $ 500 a month to families in dozens of cities around the United States and was originally slated to end in July .
The program recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TWTR ) CEO Jack Dorsey donated $ 15 million to the initiative .
“ People have told us that the $ 500 has made it so that they ’ re able to have enough food in their home since their kids are home all day , ” Tubbs explained.
“ Another lady told us that the $ 500 was a lifesaver because while she qualified for unemployment insurance after she was laid off , it took three months for that check to arrive.
” Tubbs said the stories from families had made him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just for the pilot program , but for UBI as a national economic policy .
“ I ’ ve seen how it ’ s been a matter of economic life or death for so many of my constituents who did not create COVID-19 , who did not ask to be laid off from their job , who did not ask for their hours to be cut and just need a little bit of help to do what ’ s necessary to stay healthy , ” he said .

What’s the point in busting your butt and putting in overtime, or even going out and starting your own business when this is coming!
Universal basic income (UBI) has been a “lifesaver” for households participating in UBI pilot programs, Mayor Michael Tubbs told Yahoo Finance.
The Stockton, Calif. mayor is the founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, a program that provides $500 a month to families in dozens of cities around the United States and was originally slated to end in July. The program recently received a sizable boost after Twitter (TWTR) CEO Jack Dorsey donated $15 million to the initiative.
“People have told us that the $500 has made it so that they’re able to have enough food in their home since their kids are home all day,” Tubbs explained.“Another lady told us that the $500 was a lifesaver because while she qualified for unemployment insurance after she was laid off, it took three months for that check to arrive.”
Tubbs said the stories from families had made him such an “evangelist,” not just for the pilot program, but for UBI as a national economic policy.
“I’ve seen how it’s been a matter of economic life or death for so many of my constituents who did not create COVID-19, who did not ask to be laid off from their job, who did not ask for their hours to be cut and just need a little bit of help to do what’s necessary to stay healthy,” he said.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--Klaus Schwab Gets a Taste of His Own Medicine

Klaus Schwab , who is trying to take over the world with his Stakeholder Economics & Fedualist-Socialism , has suddenly realized that his efforts to destroy capitalism as we know it is also undermining his precious World Economic Forum ( WEF ) , which has been forced to start to slash its workforce .
Since Europe has followed his recommendations , his Fourth Industrial Revolution gathering can no longer be held in Davos or on the Bürgenstock , and he has been forced to move it to Singapore because of the coronavirus crisis he has helped to exploit .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which we had the largest audience in our history opposite of Schwab , that these people think they can destroy the world economy and “ build back better ” by redirecting how the economy should work from their elitist position as overlords .
Schwab ’ s “ Great Reset ” is also impacting his WEF .
The pandemic is forcing layoffs at the WEF — something that will benefit humanity !
It allegedly seems to be Edleman who has come up with this marketing plan they are all following .
It has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his WEF , which has been used to only success and countries pouring money into his coffers .
The World Economic Forum has cut around 9 % of its jobs in recent months and it seems to be entering a crash mode itself into 2022 .
That is good news for the rest of us .
The WEF is not cheap .
The membership fees range from 60,000 to 600,000 francs per year ( $ 67,337- $ 673,370 ) .
Tickets for participation in the WEF cost extra : around 25,000 francs each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the business elites have access to a platform that brings them together with heads of state , scientists , and Hollywood stars .
Without these people showing up , Schwab will have no attendance .
Our cocktail event at our World Economic Conferences is famous for networking where people meet everyone from around the globe .

by Martin Armstrong
Klaus Schwab, who is trying to take over the world with his Stakeholder Economics & Fedualist-Socialism, has suddenly realized that his efforts to destroy capitalism as we know it is also undermining his precious World Economic Forum (WEF), which has been forced to start to slash its workforce. Since Europe has followed his recommendations, his Fourth Industrial Revolution gathering can no longer be held in Davos or on the Bürgenstock, and he has been forced to move it to Singapore because of the coronavirus crisis he has helped to exploit.
I warned at our World Economic Conference, which we had the largest audience in our history opposite of Schwab, that these people think they can destroy the world economy and “build back better” by redirecting how the economy should work from their elitist position as overlords. Schwab’s “Great Reset” is also impacting his WEF. The pandemic is forcing layoffs at the WEF — something that will benefit humanity! It allegedly seems to be Edleman who has come up with this marketing plan they are all following.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
It has been a major turning point for Schwab and his WEF, which has been used to only success and countries pouring money into his coffers. The World Economic Forum has cut around 9% of its jobs in recent months and it seems to be entering a crash mode itself into 2022. That is good news for the rest of us.
The WEF is not cheap. The membership fees range from 60,000 to 600,000 francs per year ($67,337- $673,370). Tickets for participation in the WEF cost extra: around 25,000 francs each ($28,061). In return, the business elites have access to a platform that brings them together with heads of state, scientists, and Hollywood stars. Without these people showing up, Schwab will have no attendance. Our cocktail event at our World Economic Conferences is famous for networking where people meet everyone from around the globe.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--How the Liberal/Left Destroyed Western Civilization

The liberals destroyed Western civilization by teaching black Americans to hate white people , their “ oppressors.
” This made racial diversity and multiculturalism impossible .
In the absence of assimilation , the result is disunity .
The left destroyed civilization by defining the working class— “ the Trump deplorables ” —as the victimizer .
This freed the greed-driven elites from working class restraint .
Today both the British Labour Party and the US Democrat Party represent the elite .
Consider how rich the elite have made Tony Blair and the Clintons .
The liberals threw open the borders of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peoples flowed into white countries , liberals taught them that white people are their oppressors .
Thus was hatred imported in large numbers into the West where the victim status of “ people of color ” is used to curtail freedom of speech and freedom of association of white people .
Assimilation is considered racist and a suppressor of diversity and multiculturalism and was officially terminated .
Thus was the unity that assimilation fosters destroyed .
The white liberal/left will suffer the consequences , just as they do in Jean Raspail ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , along with “ the Trump deplorables.
” Of course , not all immigrant-invaders are haters .
Some appreciate their improved chances in life and defend the system , but others see political opportunity in victimhood and thus exploit it .
Generally speaking , the offense is more effective than the defense .
The initiative lies in making charges , not answering them .
The left has destroyed American unity with Identity Politics , systemic racism , and critical race theory and stood Karl Marx on his head by defining the American working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ people of color ” and women .
In the hands of the left , the working class has gone from victim to victimizer .
The black hat is no longer the capitalist exploiter of the worker .
The liberal/left has placed the black hat on the demonized “ white racist , sexist , working class.
” The alleged “ racial minorities ” are actually vast majorities .
White people constitute a small percentage of people on earth .
Single countries , such as India and China , have more “ people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has white people .
The Democrat Party has raised Identity Politics to an ideology and justifies electoral theft as a necessary means to suppress “ whiteness ” and all its sins and crimes represented in their minds by Donald Trump and “ the deplorables.
” Armed with an ideology is what makes Democrats and their militias—Antifa and BLM—dangerous .
As Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wrote , “ Ideology is what gives evil doing its long-sought justification and gives the evildoer the necessary steadfastness and determination.
” It requires certainty and audacity for the DNC to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for Antifa and BLM to assault strangers , to loot and burn white businesses , and to threaten white neighborhoods .
Their certainty comes from their conviction that “ whiteness ” must be brought to an end .
Their audacity comes from their knowledge that white confidence has been impaired by years of demonization and , therefore , they will not be held accountable for their violence .
Just as in Orwell ’ s 1984 Big Brother needs an enemy of the people , the liberal/left also need an enemy and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” But where is the enemy ’ s ideology ?
Has it been taught for decades in the educational system like critical race theory , systemic racism , and Identity Politics ?
Where is the Jacques Derrida of the “ far right ” who is deconstructing the anti-white ideology of Identity Politics ?
Where are voices in politics , universities , media , and judiciary that are protecting white people from hate speech and crimes ?
Therefore , the conflict is unequal .
The attack on white people is ideology-driven and white people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whiteness is considered by the liberal/left to be ipso facto proof of racism .
The Jewish people , especially the Zionists among them , have made a great deal of how the demonization of Jews led to extermination .
Demonization demeans , and it is the tactic that was used in the 20th century to destroy perceived class and race enemies .
It is realistic to expect demonized white people to experience the same fate .
The process has already begun : www.paulcraigroberts.org/2020/12/05/mark-zuckerberg-demonstrates-his-virulent-racism-against-white-gentiles-by-denying-them-equal-protection-on-facebook-from-hate-speech/

by Paul Craig Roberts via PaulCraigRoberts.org
Support PaulCraigRoberts.org
How the Liberal/Left Destroyed Western Civilization
And Target Whiteness for Erasure
Paul Craig Roberts
The liberals destroyed Western civilization by teaching black Americans to hate white people, their “oppressors.” This made racial diversity and multiculturalism impossible. In the absence of assimilation, the result is disunity.
The left destroyed civilization by defining the working class—“the Trump deplorables”—as the victimizer. This freed the greed-driven elites from working class restraint. Today both the British Labour Party and the US Democrat Party represent the elite. Consider how rich the elite have made Tony Blair and the Clintons.
The liberals threw open the borders of Western countries to immigrant-invaders. As darker-skinned peoples flowed into white countries, liberals taught them that white people are their oppressors. Thus was hatred imported in large numbers into the West where the victim status of “people of color” is used to curtail freedom of speech and freedom of association of white people. Assimilation is considered racist and a suppressor of diversity and multiculturalism and was officially terminated. Thus was the unity that assimilation fosters destroyed.
The white liberal/left will suffer the consequences, just as they do in Jean Raspail’s novel, The Camp of the Saints, along with “the Trump deplorables.”
Of course, not all immigrant-invaders are haters. Some appreciate their improved chances in life and defend the system, but others see political opportunity in victimhood and thus exploit it. Generally speaking, the offense is more effective than the defense. The initiative lies in making charges, not answering them.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The left has destroyed American unity with Identity Politics, systemic racism, and critical race theory and stood Karl Marx on his head by defining the American working class as racist and misogynist oppressors of “people of color” and women. In the hands of the left, the working class has gone from victim to victimizer. The black hat is no longer the capitalist exploiter of the worker. The liberal/left has placed the black hat on the demonized “white racist, sexist, working class.”
The alleged “racial minorities” are actually vast majorities. White people constitute a small percentage of people on earth. Single countries, such as India and China, have more “people of color” than the entire Western World has white people.
The Democrat Party has raised Identity Politics to an ideology and justifies electoral theft as a necessary means to suppress “whiteness” and all its sins and crimes represented in their minds by Donald Trump and “the deplorables.”
Armed with an ideology is what makes Democrats and their militias—Antifa and BLM—dangerous. As Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wrote, “Ideology is what gives evil doing its long-sought justification and gives the evildoer the necessary steadfastness and determination.”
It requires certainty and audacity for the DNC to organize the theft of a presidential election and for Antifa and BLM to assault strangers, to loot and burn white businesses, and to threaten white neighborhoods. Their certainty comes from their conviction that “whiteness” must be brought to an end. Their audacity comes from their knowledge that white confidence has been impaired by years of demonization and, therefore, they will not be held accountable for their violence.
Just as in Orwell’s 1984 Big Brother needs an enemy of the people, the liberal/left also need an enemy and have created as their enemy “white supremacy.” But where is the enemy’s ideology? Has it been taught for decades in the educational system like critical race theory, systemic racism, and Identity Politics? Where is the Jacques Derrida of the “far right” who is deconstructing the anti-white ideology of Identity Politics? Where are voices in politics, universities, media, and judiciary that are protecting white people from hate speech and crimes?
They don’t exist.
Therefore, the conflict is unequal. The attack on white people is ideology-driven and white people have no defense. Any defense of whiteness is considered by the liberal/left to be ipso facto proof of racism.
The Jewish people, especially the Zionists among them, have made a great deal of how the demonization of Jews led to extermination. Demonization demeans, and it is the tactic that was used in the 20th century to destroy perceived class and race enemies.
It is realistic to expect demonized white people to experience the same fate. The process has already begun: www.paulcraigroberts.org/2020/12/05/mark-zuckerberg-demonstrates-his-virulent-racism-against-white-gentiles-by-denying-them-equal-protection-on-facebook-from-hate-speech/


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--The Fed Fuels IPO Folly

The Fed Fuels IPO Folly

Doordash and Airbnb go public with successful IPO , despite never making a profit .

by Peter Schiff of Peter Schiff Podcast
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Doordash and Airbnb go public with successful IPO, despite never making a profit.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--They Told You: The Steele Dossier was real; The protests were peaceful; The Hunter Biden story was R

They Told You: The Steele Dossier was real; The protests were peaceful; The Hunter Biden story was Russian disinformation. And now? They tell you we shouldn’t ask questions about the integrity of the 2020 election.

Remember when genuine conspiracy theorists and researchers become “ Russian agents ” overnight in 2016 ?
Yeah , that was @ @ @ @ @ disinformation campaign .
Anyone who unironically accused us of being “ comrades ” was a @ @ @ @ @ participant in a seditious disinformation campaign .

They told you: -The Steele Dossier was real. -The protests were peaceful. -The Hunter Biden story was Russian disinformation. And now? They tell you we shouldn’t ask questions about the integrity of the 2020 election. — Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) December 10, 2020
Methinks “they” doth protest too much.
Remember when genuine conspiracy theorists and researchers become “Russian agents” overnight in 2016?
Yeah, that was the beginning of a massive disinformation campaign.
Anyone who unironically accused us of being “comrades” was a useful idiot or a willing participant in a seditious disinformation campaign.
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Who’s the “comrade” now, motherf*ckers?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLZ9Ztcv76I
h/t axolotl_peyotl


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--This bill just passed a few days ago: Minor Consent For Vaccinations Amendment Act Of 2019

“ As introduced , this bill permits a minor of any age to consent to receive a vaccine where the @ @ @ @ @ United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices .
It also establishes that if a minor @ @ @ @ @ need for , the nature of , and any significant risks inherent in the medical @ @ @ @ @ established.
” From my understanding this means minors are now able to consent to vaccinations @ @ @ @ @ know

“As introduced, this bill permits a minor of any age to consent to receive a vaccine where the vaccination is recommended by the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. It also establishes that if a minor is able to comprehend the need for, the nature of, and any significant risks inherent in the medical care then informed consent is established.”
From my understanding this means minors are now able to consent to vaccinations without their parents having to know
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www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1096783
h/t NadaConnor


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--Newsmax – Biden Inauguration Likely to Be Virtual

Any inauguration of Joe Biden as president will likely be mostly virtual , much like the Democratic National Convention that @ @ @ @ @ the fear of spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 .
” It is highly @ @ @ @ @ a million people on the Mall going all the way down to the Memorial , @ @ @ @ @ a reporters ’ briefing in Wilmington , Delaware .

Any inauguration of Joe Biden as president will likely be mostly virtual, much like the Democratic National Convention that nominated him, due to the fear of spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.
”It is highly unlikely there’ll be a million people on the Mall going all the way down to the Memorial,” Biden said Friday during a reporters’ briefing in Wilmington, Delaware.
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www.newsmax.com/newsfront/biden-inauguration-virtual/2020/12/04/id/1000126/


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--No conspiracies but no coincidences. Donald Trump Tweet leads down a Rabbit Hole that seems legit.

Tremendous support from all over the Country .
All we ask is COURAGE & WISDOM from those that will be @ @ @ @ @ important decisions in our Country ’ s history .
God bless you !
Trump tweeted @ @ @ @ @ caps .
Anon on 8kun noticed that t.co/ou3MSXFarG is owned by a Chinese tech company @ @ @ @ @ found something equally interesting While the company is Chinese owned it appears to be run @ @ @ @ @ : 👇 pic.twitter.com/voGo999Xrg

Tremendous support from all over the Country. All we ask is COURAGE & WISDOM from those that will be making one of the most important decisions in our Country’s history. God bless you!
Trump tweeted COURAGE and WISDOM in all caps.
Anon on 8kun noticed that t.co/ou3MSXFarG is owned by a Chinese tech company in Shenzhen. Another anon found something equally interesting
While the company is Chinese owned it appears to be run out of FRANKFURT, GERMANY: 👇 pic.twitter.com/voGo999Xrg
— Benjamin Martin (@BenjaminPD23) December 11, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--“I will never stop reminding people that Kamala was brutally rejected by her community but selected

“I will never stop reminding people that Kamala was brutally rejected by her community but selected by the oligarchy”

I will never stop reminding people that Kamala was brutally rejected by her community but selected by the oligarchy
— Elizabeth Warren is a Neera Tanden Democrat 🥋 (@SocialistMMA) December 11, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--Visualizing Over 20 Years of Retail Sales and E-Commerce in the U.S. Retail Industry

The coronavirus pandemic is once again causing new widespread business lockdowns .
For lots of people , this means the only way to order Christmas gifts is through the Internet .
However , the consumer shift to e-commerce instead of in-person shopping is a long-standing trend , as our most recent visualization makes clear .
• E-commerce sales have continuously increased every year since 1999 as more and more people become comfortable shopping online .
Overall retail sales have also grown during this same time period , increasing from $ 723M to $ 1.47B .
• 2020 has already set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14.3 % of retail sales .
• E-commerce increases even when the broader retail industry declines .
From 2007 to 2008 , the retail industry contracted from $ 1.01B to $ 910M and e-commerce still expanded from 3.5 % to 3.6 % .
• The coronavirus pandemic is forcing more and more people to shift their shopping habits online instead of brick-and-mortar stores .
Observers expect e-commerce to only accelerate in the years ahead .
We got the data on retail numbers directly from the US Census Bureau .
Check out the bureau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what counts as a company in the retail industry , defined as a company that sells small goods to the public .
We took Q4 results from the last 20 years of information to create an exploding sequenced pie chart , showing annual totals adjusted for inflation .
For the sake of comparison , we took Q3 results for 2020 .
We then added another layer showing the relative growth of e-commerce as a portion of retail sales .
The result is an intuitive snapshot of the last two decades in retail history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from our visual is how e-commerce accounts for an ever-increasing portion of all retail sales .
Starting at only 0.6 % in 1999 when most people still had reservations about making purchases over the Internet , e-commerce sales have increased every single year .
The relentless uptick of e-commerce as a portion of retail has occurred every year regardless of what the broader retail industry is doing .
From 2007 to 2008 , for example , retail sales overall declined from $ 1.01B to $ 910M , and e-commerce still increased from 3.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visualization also shows how overall retail sales are also growing .
Except in the depths of the Great Recession from 2007 to 2008 , retail sales have increased year-over-year since at least 1999 , rising from $ 723M to $ 1.47B .
This means that people are spending more money in the retail industry regardless of the sales channel .
The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the rise of e-commerce .
Our numbers for 2020 only run through the 3rd quarter , before the busiest shopping period leading to the holidays .
14.3 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ e-commerce , and the lingering threat of COVID-19 suggests this number will only continue to go up .
In fact , Amazon has hired over 427,000 people to answer the increased demand .
There ’ s so much consumer demand that UPS is limiting how many packages they will handle for certain companies .
It remains to be seen if the rapid shift to e-commerce marks a permanent shift in consumer behavior , but don ’ t be surprised if e-commerce tops 15 % by the end of the year .
Are you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the coronavirus ?
Let us know in the comments .

by howmuch
The coronavirus pandemic is once again causing new widespread business lockdowns. For lots of people, this means the only way to order Christmas gifts is through the Internet. However, the consumer shift to e-commerce instead of in-person shopping is a long-standing trend, as our most recent visualization makes clear.
Use this visualization
E-commerce sales have continuously increased every year since 1999 as more and more people become comfortable shopping online. Overall retail sales have also grown during this same time period, increasing from $723M to $1.47B .
. 2020 has already set an all-time record for e-commerce, topping 14.3% of retail sales.
E-commerce increases even when the broader retail industry declines. From 2007 to 2008, the retail industry contracted from $1.01B to $910M and e-commerce still expanded from 3.5% to 3.6%.
and e-commerce still expanded from 3.5% to 3.6%. The coronavirus pandemic is forcing more and more people to shift their shopping habits online instead of brick-and-mortar stores. Observers expect e-commerce to only accelerate in the years ahead.
We got the data on retail numbers directly from the US Census Bureau. Check out the bureau’s methodology for additional detail about what counts as a company in the retail industry, defined as a company that sells small goods to the public. We took Q4 results from the last 20 years of information to create an exploding sequenced pie chart, showing annual totals adjusted for inflation. For the sake of comparison, we took Q3 results for 2020. We then added another layer showing the relative growth of e-commerce as a portion of retail sales. The result is an intuitive snapshot of the last two decades in retail history.
The first and most obvious insight from our visual is how e-commerce accounts for an ever-increasing portion of all retail sales. Starting at only 0.6% in 1999 when most people still had reservations about making purchases over the Internet, e-commerce sales have increased every single year. The relentless uptick of e-commerce as a portion of retail has occurred every year regardless of what the broader retail industry is doing. From 2007 to 2008, for example, retail sales overall declined from $1.01B to $910M, and e-commerce still increased from 3.5% to 3.6%.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
But our visualization also shows how overall retail sales are also growing. Except in the depths of the Great Recession from 2007 to 2008, retail sales have increased year-over-year since at least 1999, rising from $723M to $1.47B. This means that people are spending more money in the retail industry regardless of the sales channel.
The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the rise of e-commerce. Our numbers for 2020 only run through the 3rd quarter, before the busiest shopping period leading to the holidays. 14.3% of retail sales are now occurring via e-commerce, and the lingering threat of COVID-19 suggests this number will only continue to go up. In fact, Amazon has hired over 427,000 people to answer the increased demand. There’s so much consumer demand that UPS is limiting how many packages they will handle for certain companies. It remains to be seen if the rapid shift to e-commerce marks a permanent shift in consumer behavior, but don’t be surprised if e-commerce tops 15% by the end of the year.
Are you buying more things over the Internet than before the coronavirus? Let us know in the comments.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-12--Tips on Improving Your CFD Trading Skill

Everyone , after joining the market , wants to establish an edge .
Some try to build an ideal strategy to deal with the critical market situation .
Some even put extra hours in trading to extract the maximum profit according to their ability .
Some spend time learning new concepts , reading books , joining different courses .
But improving one ’ s trading skill takes more than that .
We have tried to be honest as much as possible to provide you with this set of rules to boost up your currency business skill .
If deployed precisely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observing a positive outcome .
Let ’ s begin : When it comes to learning something or sharpening a skill , there is no alternative to reach a veteran and capable instructor .
Here , one of the key factors that every trader needs to remember is not a veteran or successful trader is worthy of being a mentor .
Why ?
Because understanding something and make it understandable to others are two totally different tasks .
A mentor must have the quality to present even difficult topics understandably .
He will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trader ’ s life and manage time and family .
While choosing an instructor , everyone should be careful .
Choosing the wrong one will be disastrous to the traders .
You may have known other traders who have been in the currency exchange business for quite a time .
Now you may find yourself discussing different strategies that you consider favorable for you with them .
It ’ s not a prohibited behavior , but you still need to watch out .
CFD trading is a very different job .
You have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep your account balance safe .
There is an unwritten rule in CFD trading , and which is that each trader needs to devise his own strategy .
It ’ s because no one strategy always works best for two different traders .
Strategies are like an old car .
Only the owner knows how to ride it in the best way .
So , when a person discusses his own developed strategy , there is little chance that the others can give a proper opinion on them .
They may under-or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person building a total misconception on his own formula .
So , it ’ s best not to share one ’ s strategy and plan with anyone .
Everyone should just stick to his plan and method and trust his own instinct .
No matter how easy or simple a strategy or plan may look like , none can make it into a skill without putting effort into practicing .
By only skills , we only indicate those tasks which we can do without even putting conscious focus .
When we are skilled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tend to easily identify the problem and come up with a pertaining solution .
Such mastery level can never be achieved without undergoing a whole deal of practice .
There is a dictum that tells every master was once a novice .
Nothing can be more than it .
But if the reason and secret behind their achieved mastery get unveiled , every time we come to know a story of practice .
While trading , the most crucial weapon of one ’ s armament will be his mind .
Because trading , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychological endeavor .
Traders must be on their rational mind ; otherwise , their career will never sustain after a period of time .
From recognizing a favorable trend to entering or exiting a trend , every step will test a trader ’ s decision-making ability .
The whole game can take a totally wrong turn just after making a wrong call .
Besides , the trading market has every element to make a trader crazy .
There will be a time when currency exchanging will feel like the most boring profession , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass sleepless nights .
Only an impregnable and strong mind will succeed eventually .
Disclaimer : This content does not necessarily represent the views of IWB .

Everyone, after joining the market, wants to establish an edge. Some try to build an ideal strategy to deal with the critical market situation. Some even put extra hours in trading to extract the maximum profit according to their ability. Some spend time learning new concepts, reading books, joining different courses. But improving one’s trading skill takes more than that.
Tips on Improving Trading Skill
We have tried to be honest as much as possible to provide you with this set of rules to boost up your currency business skill. If deployed precisely, you will feel the change by observing a positive outcome. Let’s begin:
Getting someone’s help
When it comes to learning something or sharpening a skill, there is no alternative to reach a veteran and capable instructor. Here, one of the key factors that every trader needs to remember is not a veteran or successful trader is worthy of being a mentor. Why?
Because understanding something and make it understandable to others are two totally different tasks. A mentor must have the quality to present even difficult topics understandably. He will also teach how to establish discipline in a trader’s life and manage time and family. While choosing an instructor, everyone should be careful. Choosing the wrong one will be disastrous to the traders.
Avoiding negative folks
You may have known other traders who have been in the currency exchange business for quite a time. Now you may find yourself discussing different strategies that you consider favorable for you with them. It’s not a prohibited behavior, but you still need to watch out. CFD trading is a very different job. You have to follow strategic rules all the time to keep your account balance safe.
There is an unwritten rule in CFD trading, and which is that each trader needs to devise his own strategy. It’s because no one strategy always works best for two different traders. Strategies are like an old car. Only the owner knows how to ride it in the best way.
So, when a person discusses his own developed strategy, there is little chance that the others can give a proper opinion on them. They may under-or even overestimate those strategies and convince the person building a total misconception on his own formula.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
So, it’s best not to share one’s strategy and plan with anyone. Everyone should just stick to his plan and method and trust his own instinct.
Building a habit of practicing
No matter how easy or simple a strategy or plan may look like, none can make it into a skill without putting effort into practicing. By only skills, we only indicate those tasks which we can do without even putting conscious focus. When we are skilled or gain mastery over something, we tend to easily identify the problem and come up with a pertaining solution.
Such mastery level can never be achieved without undergoing a whole deal of practice. There is a dictum that tells every master was once a novice. Nothing can be more than it. But if the reason and secret behind their achieved mastery get unveiled, every time we come to know a story of practice.
Building an unbiased mind
While trading, the most crucial weapon of one’s armament will be his mind. Because trading, for its most part, is a psychological endeavor. Traders must be on their rational mind; otherwise, their career will never sustain after a period of time.
From recognizing a favorable trend to entering or exiting a trend, every step will test a trader’s decision-making ability. The whole game can take a totally wrong turn just after making a wrong call.
Besides, the trading market has every element to make a trader crazy. There will be a time when currency exchanging will feel like the most boring profession, and sometimes it will make a trader pass sleepless nights. Only an impregnable and strong mind will succeed eventually.
Disclaimer: This content does not necessarily represent the views of IWB.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-13--Schumer Requests $4 Billion for Mass Transit System

Andrew Yang on Twitter : `` Airlines got $ 25 billion in bailout money and cut 90,000 workers anyway .
@ @ @ @ @ prop up companies that should just go directly to people and families . ''

He already got 4 billion in transit funds this year…
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
h/t Annie


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-13--XI’S GOTTA HAVE IT: Hunter Biden Called His Father And Chinese Business Partner ‘Office Mates’ In Se

XI’S GOTTA HAVE IT: Hunter Biden Called His Father And Chinese Business Partner ‘Office Mates’ In September 2017 Email.

Multiple news outlets have reported this week that a federal investigation into Hunter Biden ’ s “ tax affairs ” is focused on his foreign business activities , including with CEFC .
Hunter Biden ’ s dealings with CEFC in 2017 were at the center of Tony Bobulinski ’ s October allegation that Joe Biden was “ plainly familiar ” with his family ’ s Chinese business dealings .
Hunter Biden sent an email to the manager of his Washington , D.C. office building in September 2017 asking her to make keys for his “ office mates ” Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the “ emissary ” for the chairman of the Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC .
Hunter Biden called his father , President-elect Joe Biden , and his Chinese business partner “ office mates ” in a Sept. 21 , 2017 , email to the general manager of his former Washington , D.C. office building .
“ [ P ] lease have keys made available for new office mates , ” Hunter Biden wrote in the email before listing Joe Biden , his stepmother Jill Biden , his uncle Jim Biden and Gongwen Dong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emissary ” for the chairman of the now-bankrupt Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC .
Hunter Biden also requested that a sign be made for his office stating “ The Biden Foundation ” and “ Hudson West ( CEFC US ) .
” Hunter Biden ’ s dealings with CEFC in 2017 were at the center of allegations from his ex-business partner , Tony Bobulinksi , who said in October that Joe Biden was “ plainly familiar ” with his family ’ s business dealings in China .
Bobulinski was one of the recipients of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden as the “ big guy ” who would hold 10 % in a joint-venture deal with Hunter Biden and CEFC .

via dailycaller:
Multiple news outlets have reported this week that a federal investigation into Hunter Biden’s “tax affairs” is focused on his foreign business activities, including with CEFC.
Hunter Biden’s dealings with CEFC in 2017 were at the center of Tony Bobulinski’s October allegation that Joe Biden was “plainly familiar” with his family’s Chinese business dealings.
Hunter Biden sent an email to the manager of his Washington, D.C. office building in September 2017 asking her to make keys for his “office mates” Joe Biden and Gongwen Dong, who he said was the “emissary” for the chairman of the Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC.
Hunter Biden called his father, President-elect Joe Biden, and his Chinese business partner “office mates” in a Sept. 21, 2017, email to the general manager of his former Washington, D.C. office building.
“[P]lease have keys made available for new office mates,” Hunter Biden wrote in the email before listing Joe Biden, his stepmother Jill Biden, his uncle Jim Biden and Gongwen Dong, who he identified as the “emissary” for the chairman of the now-bankrupt Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC.
Hunter Biden also requested that a sign be made for his office stating “The Biden Foundation” and “Hudson West (CEFC US).”
Hunter Biden’s dealings with CEFC in 2017 were at the center of allegations from his ex-business partner, Tony Bobulinksi, who said in October that Joe Biden was “plainly familiar” with his family’s business dealings in China. Bobulinski was one of the recipients of the much-publicized May 2017 email purportedly referencing Joe Biden as the “big guy” who would hold 10% in a joint-venture deal with Hunter Biden and CEFC.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-13--Higher vitamin D levels, stronger immune response protect children from COVID-19

( Natural News ) How COVID-19 affects children is a topic that ’ s getting traction , especially with recent studies saying that the disease is less severe in children than in adults .
So far , health experts have observed that fewer children contract the virus .
Hospitalization rates in children are also lower than those in adults .
In a new study , Petra Zimmermann and Nigel Curtis of the University of Fribourg in Switzerland and the University of Melbourne in Australia , respectively , have identified several key factors that could be driving these COVID-19 trends in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D levels , a stronger innate immune response , stronger blood vessels and frequent exposure to other pathogens , among others .
The full findings of the review appeared online in the Archives of Disease in Childhood .
Experts are still in the dark as to why children appear to have a lower risk of contracting the coronavirus and developing severe symptoms .
Some experts suggest that severe COVID-19 infections in adults are influenced by risk factors that increase with age .
Meanwhile , others are inclined to believe that children have unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe or life-threatening infections .
In their review , Zimmermann and Curtis studied these characteristics , which include undamaged cells along blood vessels , a strong immune system and higher levels of vitamin D , which plays a key role in immunity .
They also found that children generally have fewer angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 ( ACE2 ) receptors .
This receptor allows SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells .
These factors all work to influence disease outcome once COVID-19 enters the picture .
For instance , healthy endothelial cells that line the heart and blood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clotting .
However , in adults with severe COVID-19 infections , endothelial cells tend to be damaged .
When these cells are compromised , an individual would face an increased risk of stroke and heart attack .
SARS-CoV-2 infects endothelial cells as well , causing inflammation .
Children tend to have healthy , undamaged endothelial cells .
For one , children are less exposed to pollutants that can damage endothelial cells , trigger inflammation and impair blood circulation .
Furthermore , children are less prone to abnormal blood clotting , which can occur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Curtis .
Children also have fewer ACE2 receptors , which the SARS-CoV-2 virus hijacks and uses to infect cells .
ACE2 receptors also increase with age .
This explains their prevalence in adults and offers insight into why toddlers are less likely to develop symptoms than older children when infected with the coronavirus .
Children also have a stronger innate immune response , which can be explained by two things , the first being that children are more likely to be infected with various pathogens .
Children pick up germs all the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the playground , where surfaces are hardly clean .
Several studies suggest that exposure to germs in childhood can boost children ’ s innate immune response to infections .
This may help them build resistance to pathogens as they get older .
Zimmerman also noted that children with COVID-19 tend to have “ co-infections ” with other viruses .
Having recurrent viral infections could lead to improved trained immunity in children , she added .
Children ’ s gut microbiota also differs in composition from that of adults .
The gut microbiota can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections .
While it ’ s unclear how exactly the gut microbiota can affect the outcome of a COVID-19 infection in either children or adults , it can not be dismissed entirely .
In addition , children have higher levels of vitamin D and melatonin than adults .
Humans produce vitamin D when sunlight strikes the skin .
In the body , vitamin D plays a crucial role in strengthening immunity .
In fact , vitamin D has been extensively studied for its potential to significantly reduce COVID-19 risk , particularly in older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says vitamin D may reduce the severity of COVID-19 . )
One study by Belgian researchers found that nearly 75 percent of severely ill COVID-19 patients they studied were vitamin D deficient upon admission to a hospital .
The deficiency was also more pronounced in patients that had severe pneumonia .
On the other hand , melatonin , a hormone that regulates the body ’ s natural sleep-wake cycle , has been shown to also regulate the activation of the immune system .
Melatonin can help reduce inflammation as well .
Overall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observations that COVID-19 leads to less severe illness in children than in adults .
Further studies are needed to confirm how these factors influence disease outcome .
Read the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic at Pandemic.news .

by: Divina Ramirez
(Natural News) How COVID-19 affects children is a topic that’s getting traction, especially with recent studies saying that the disease is less severe in children than in adults. So far, health experts have observed that fewer children contract the virus. Hospitalization rates in children are also lower than those in adults.
In a new study, Petra Zimmermann and Nigel Curtis of the University of Fribourg in Switzerland and the University of Melbourne in Australia, respectively, have identified several key factors that could be driving these COVID-19 trends in children.
These factors include higher vitamin D levels, a stronger innate immune response, stronger blood vessels and frequent exposure to other pathogens, among others.
The full findings of the review appeared online in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.
Several factors protect children
Experts are still in the dark as to why children appear to have a lower risk of contracting the coronavirus and developing severe symptoms. Some experts suggest that severe COVID-19 infections in adults are influenced by risk factors that increase with age.
Meanwhile, others are inclined to believe that children have unique physiological characteristics that protect them from developing severe or life-threatening infections.
In their review, Zimmermann and Curtis studied these characteristics, which include undamaged cells along blood vessels, a strong immune system and higher levels of vitamin D, which plays a key role in immunity.
They also found that children generally have fewer angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. This receptor allows SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells.
These factors all work to influence disease outcome once COVID-19 enters the picture. For instance, healthy endothelial cells that line the heart and blood vessels are crucial for blood flow and clotting.
However, in adults with severe COVID-19 infections, endothelial cells tend to be damaged. When these cells are compromised, an individual would face an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. SARS-CoV-2 infects endothelial cells as well, causing inflammation.
Children tend to have healthy, undamaged endothelial cells. For one, children are less exposed to pollutants that can damage endothelial cells, trigger inflammation and impair blood circulation.
Furthermore, children are less prone to abnormal blood clotting, which can occur when endothelial cells are damaged, said Curtis.
Children also have fewer ACE2 receptors, which the SARS-CoV-2 virus hijacks and uses to infect cells. ACE2 receptors also increase with age. This explains their prevalence in adults and offers insight into why toddlers are less likely to develop symptoms than older children when infected with the coronavirus.
Children also have a stronger innate immune response, which can be explained by two things, the first being that children are more likely to be infected with various pathogens. Children pick up germs all the time from playing in the dirt or in the playground, where surfaces are hardly clean.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Several studies suggest that exposure to germs in childhood can boost children’s innate immune response to infections. This may help them build resistance to pathogens as they get older.
Zimmerman also noted that children with COVID-19 tend to have “co-infections” with other viruses. Having recurrent viral infections could lead to improved trained immunity in children, she added.
Children’s gut microbiota also differs in composition from that of adults. The gut microbiota can affect one’s immune response to infections. While it’s unclear how exactly the gut microbiota can affect the outcome of a COVID-19 infection in either children or adults, it cannot be dismissed entirely.
In addition, children have higher levels of vitamin D and melatonin than adults. Humans produce vitamin D when sunlight strikes the skin. In the body, vitamin D plays a crucial role in strengthening immunity. In fact, vitamin D has been extensively studied for its potential to significantly reduce COVID-19 risk, particularly in older adults. (Related: New research says vitamin D may reduce the severity of COVID-19.)
One study by Belgian researchers found that nearly 75 percent of severely ill COVID-19 patients they studied were vitamin D deficient upon admission to a hospital. The deficiency was also more pronounced in patients that had severe pneumonia.
On the other hand, melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, has been shown to also regulate the activation of the immune system. Melatonin can help reduce inflammation as well.
Overall, these factors seem to agree with prevailing observations that COVID-19 leads to less severe illness in children than in adults. Further studies are needed to confirm how these factors influence disease outcome.
Read the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic at Pandemic.news.
Sources include:
DailyMail.co.uk
ADC.BMJ.com
Nature.com
NutraIngredients.com
NewsEU.CGTN.com


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-13--Remember when Tulsi Gabbard introduced a bill which would have prohibited the US government from fun

Remember when Tulsi Gabbard introduced a bill which would have prohibited the US government from funding terrorist organizations?

The DNC shafted her mightily because she openly opposed the machine of problem/reaction/solution She brought visibility to the fact that many terrorist organizations are proxy armies being funded by the same countries that profess to fight them .
This bill prohibits the use of federal agency funds to provide covered assistance to : ( 1 ) Al Qaeda , Jabhat Fateh al-Sham , the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant ( ISIL ) , or any individual or group that is affiliated with , associated with , cooperating with , or adherents to such groups Democrat , Cynthia A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Representatives introduced a bill to declare Oct 1 as `` China Day '' after she presented `` tributes '' to the Chinese Consul General in Chicago .
READ Democrat , Cynthia A Johnson , of the Michigan House of Representatives introduced a bill to declare Oct 1 as `` China Day '' after she presented `` tributes '' to the Chinese Consul General in Chicago .
Syrian rebels who would later join the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant , or ISIS , were trained in 2012 by U.S. instructors working at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to informed Jordanian officials .
The officials said dozens of future ISIS members were trained at the time as part of covert aid to the insurgents targeting the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Syria .
The officials said the training was not meant to be used for any future campaign in Iraq .

by CV19GlobalScam
The DNC shafted her mightily because she openly opposed the machine of problem/reaction/solution She brought visibility to the fact that many terrorist organizations are proxy armies being funded by the same countries that profess to fight them.
This bill prohibits the use of federal agency funds to provide covered assistance to: (1) Al Qaeda, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), or any individual or group that is affiliated with, associated with, cooperating with, or adherents to such groups
www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/608
Syrian rebels who would later join the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIS, were trained in 2012 by U.S. instructors working at a secret base in Jordan, according to informed Jordanian officials.
The officials said dozens of future ISIS members were trained at the time as part of covert aid to the insurgents targeting the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. The officials said the training was not meant to be used for any future campaign in Iraq.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-13--A list of violations by Pfizer. This info can be found by searching “Pfizer violations tracker” in G

A list of violations by Pfizer. This info can be found by searching “Pfizer violations tracker” in Google.

Pfizer/Moderna volunteers took to Facebook to gossip about side effects , incl high fever , being “ unable to lift @ @ @ @ @ high BP , arm pain for weeks , feeling “ beaten with a baseball bat @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'd be worried about elderly/weak people , '' one mused .

by MashTheMechanic
Here is the link if anyone is interested. Show this to the pro vaccine crowd when they mock you.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
violationtracker.goodjobsfirst.org/parent/pfizer


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-13--The Central Bank Bond Buying Scheme (Debt Monetization) Will Only Get Worse

by Jason Burack of Wall St For Main St A few days ago Bloomberg came out with an article about how major central banks have done $ 5.6 trillion worth of QE this year .
However , just this week the Bank of Japan ( BOJ ) & European Central Bank ( ECB ) announced new stimulus ( really bailout ) QE programs .
A lot of these programs are being done solely to create newly created currency units out of thin air to buy government bonds to maintain or grow the size of government .
Meanwhile , the Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued a new report about how “ markets ” are now moving from a liquidity crisis into a solvency crisis because of the global cash flow problem .
As in there is not enough cash flow to service existing debts let along ever think of paying a lot of them off .
And yet Wall Street banks and other large banks in the EU , UK , Japan and China want to keep issuing more debt and credit !
Commit to tipping us monthly for our hard work creating high level , thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts , analysis and short videos about investing and the economy www.patreon.com/wallstformainst

by Jason Burack of Wall St For Main St
A few days ago Bloomberg came out with an article about how major central banks have done $5.6 trillion worth of QE this year.
However, just this week the Bank of Japan (BOJ) & European Central Bank (ECB) announced new stimulus (really bailout) QE programs.
A lot of these programs are being done solely to create newly created currency units out of thin air to buy government bonds to maintain or grow the size of government.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Meanwhile, the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) just issued a new report about how “markets” are now moving from a liquidity crisis into a solvency crisis because of the global cash flow problem. As in there is not enough cash flow to service existing debts let along ever think of paying a lot of them off. And yet Wall Street banks and other large banks in the EU, UK, Japan and China want to keep issuing more debt and credit!
FULL SHOW NOTES AND LINKS HERE
Commit to tipping us monthly for our hard work creating high level, thought provoking content that includes interviews with top experts, analysis and short videos about investing and the economy www.patreon.com/wallstformainst


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-13--Not an accident: Twitter temporarily blocks liking/retweeting President Trump’s tweet

How come Twitter never has to use their “ inadvertently ” excuse with progressive accounts ?
Yesterday Twitter “ accidentally ” disabled the like , reply and retweet features for President Trump ’ s tweets .
“ We try to prevent a Tweet like this that otherwise breaks the Twitter Rules from reaching more people , so we have disabled most of the ways to engage with it , ” Twitter said in a message to users who tried to engage with the tweets .
Twitter then reactivated the like and retweet buttons but kept a warning message : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ info .
Find out more before sharing.
” It only allowed users to retweet with a comment .
Twitter told Fox News it had disabled the features accidentally .
“ We inadvertently took action to limit engagements on the labeled Tweet you referenced .
This action has been reversed , and you can now engage with the Tweet , but in line with our Civic Integrity Policy policy it will continue to be labeled in order to give more context for anyone who might see the Tweet , ” a Twitter spokesperson told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .

by DCG
How come Twitter never has to use their “inadvertently” excuse with progressive accounts?
Yesterday Twitter “accidentally” disabled the like, reply and retweet features for President Trump’s tweets.
From MyFoxChicago:
“We try to prevent a Tweet like this that otherwise breaks the Twitter Rules from reaching more people, so we have disabled most of the ways to engage with it,” Twitter said in a message to users who tried to engage with the tweets.
Twitter then reactivated the like and retweet buttons but kept a warning message: “Help keep Twitter a place for reliable info. Find out more before sharing.” It only allowed users to retweet with a comment.
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Twitter told Fox News it had disabled the features accidentally.
“We inadvertently took action to limit engagements on the labeled Tweet you referenced. This action has been reversed, and you can now engage with the Tweet, but in line with our Civic Integrity Policy policy it will continue to be labeled in order to give more context for anyone who might see the Tweet,” a Twitter spokesperson told Fox News.”
Read their whole story here.
Liars.
DCG


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-13--Martial Law was just paged at the Washington D.C. airport.

Trump 's Defense Sec .
And his Chief of Staff called back to Washington abruptly ...

Martial Law was just paged at the Washington D.C. airport. pic.twitter.com/Tu9lz7suVC
— Brick Suit (@Brick_Suit) December 13, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-13--THE MILITARY IS THE ONLY WAY: LISTEN CAREFULLY

We have come too far to lose the country now .
All options on the table to restore election integrity @ @ @ @ @ realDonaldTrump # WeThePeople will carry you , the office of the # POTUS , our @ @ @ @ @ across the line for the next 4 years .
You won & everybody knows it @ @ @ @ @ @ lofly727 t.co/YIafRmtBfG

We have come too far to lose the country now. All options on the table to restore election integrity
Keep on keeping on @realDonaldTrump #WeThePeople will carry you, the office of the #POTUS , our Constitution & our beautiful country across the line for the next 4 years. You won & everybody knows it. @DanScavino @tracybeanz @lofly727 t.co/YIafRmtBfG
— General Flynn (@GenFlynn) December 13, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-13--More US Dollar Agreements Happening

More US Dollar Agreements Happening

February Gold is trading flat to lower with the last price at $ 1,834.60 , down $ 2.80 after the dip to $ 1,826.80 with the high to beat at $ 1,844.40 .
March Silver is down 16.4 cents with the last price at $ 23.90 , recovering from the low at $ 23.69 with the high at $ 24.195 .
At this second , the US Dollar is virtually flat at 90.82 , oops , now it ’ s up 18.8 at 91.005 , as this trade ( game ) continues to play out with the high at 91.05 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , all this happened , while few are watching , before 5 am pst , the Comex open , the London close , and about an hour and fifteen minutes after this currency swap agreement started again before Monday ’ s Comex Currency rollover .
In Venezuela , Gold is now priced at 18,323.07 Bolivar , providing another 58.92 discount for today ’ s buyer over yesterday ’ s trades with Silver ’ s last swap at 238.701 , down only 0.699 of a Bolivar .
Argentina ’ s Peso price for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss of 376.07 A-Peso ’ s overnight with Silver down 4.03 A-Peso ’ s with the last trade at 1,960.97 .
Turkey ’ s Lira price for Gold is now at 14,477.39 , down only 6.65 T-Lira with Silver ’ s last price at 188.602 , barely registering a loss of 0.027 of a T-Lira .
Since this US Dollar Currency agreement was popped in this past Wednesday , the emerging markets currencies we watch , apparently have had only minor corrections .
December Silver ’ s Delivery Demands now has a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for receipts and with a Volume of 2 up on the board with one price at $ 23.985 , down 4.6 cents while paper pushes the futures prices even lower .
Yesterday ’ s activity inside the delivery ’ s happened in between a high of $ 24.31 and the low of $ 23.945 with the last swap at $ 24.02 , a gain of 9 cents with the Comex Close Calculated at $ 24.031 , registering a gain of 10.1 cents , that had a total of 23 swaps helping to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got their receipts somewhere in the mix between here and London .
Silver ’ s Overall Open Interest gained 432 additional contracts in order to add liquidity bringing this early morning total to 154,316 paper contracts to trade against what ’ s left of the physicals .
December Gold ’ s Delivery Demands are still super elevated with the count at 7,704 fully paid for contracts and with a Volume of 16 up on the board with a trading range between $ 1,838.50 and $ 1,829.10 with the last agreed upon swap at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today .
Yesterday ’ s full Ice/Comex trades happened in between $ 1,849.10 and $ 1,828 with the last swap at $ 1,835.50 , a gain of 90 cents , with the Calculated Comex Close at $ 1,833.60 proving a $ 1 loss that had a total of 177 contracts swapping hands helping to reduce the demand count by 381 contracts that got receipts or something .
Gold ’ s Overall Open Interest is showing the pump and dump play as they continue to control the prices bringing todays early morning total to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the field of play since yesterday morning ’ s count .
I ’ ve observed the US Dollar ’ s activity over the past few days and can not think of any other way to describe what has happened , except to say , this is organized .
This is not the first time these trades have occurred , and I am curious why none of the currency experts have yet to address this anomaly ?
Maybe there are no more currency experts anymore , since it ’ s all under the control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed upon trade continues , we see more European bonds go negative , after the ECB pumped in a half a billion Euro ’ s to keep the system afloat for a little longer .
Some of Italy ’ s , Portugal , ( as well as other nations under EU control ) , debts have already turned , now Spain ’ s debt-plays , have been added to the list , and have turned negative .
We expect the rest to eventually do the same as we move forward into the great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hannukah , in which we offer a deep bow of respect , with next week being the Triple Witch Week , where the currencies get rolled out into the next quarter ( March ) , US Treasuries and debts get settled and rolled , and then the stock options , single stock futures , get cleared .
In short , a giant central banker ’ s inventory count .
This is also the last TWW of the year , and we still are waiting for the Supreme court to hear the electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Have a great weekend and keep smiling .
Gold and Silver in hand , has made many , comfortable because it ’ s no longer at risk inside the markets .
Keep it close and hold on tight .
As always … More J.Johnson content is available with purchase of a JSMineset subscription .

by J. Johnson via JS Mineset
Great and Wonderful Friday Morning Folks,
February Gold is trading flat to lower with the last price at $1,834.60, down $2.80 after the dip to $1,826.80 with the high to beat at $1,844.40. March Silver is down 16.4 cents with the last price at $23.90, recovering from the low at $23.69 with the high at $24.195. At this second, the US Dollar is virtually flat at 90.82, oops, now it’s up 18.8 at 91.005, as this trade (game) continues to play out with the high at 91.05 and the low at 90.63. Of course, all this happened, while few are watching, before 5 am pst, the Comex open, the London close, and about an hour and fifteen minutes after this currency swap agreement started again before Monday’s Comex Currency rollover.
In Venezuela, Gold is now priced at 18,323.07 Bolivar, providing another 58.92 discount for today’s buyer over yesterday’s trades with Silver’s last swap at 238.701, down only 0.699 of a Bolivar. Argentina’s Peso price for Gold is now at 150,509.38, a loss of 376.07 A-Peso’s overnight with Silver down 4.03 A-Peso’s with the last trade at 1,960.97. Turkey’s Lira price for Gold is now at 14,477.39, down only 6.65 T-Lira with Silver’s last price at 188.602, barely registering a loss of 0.027 of a T-Lira. Since this US Dollar Currency agreement was popped in this past Wednesday, the emerging markets currencies we watch, apparently have had only minor corrections.
December Silver’s Delivery Demands now has a total of 1,015 fully paid for contracts waiting for receipts and with a Volume of 2 up on the board with one price at $23.985, down 4.6 cents while paper pushes the futures prices even lower. Yesterday’s activity inside the delivery’s happened in between a high of $24.31 and the low of $23.945 with the last swap at $24.02, a gain of 9 cents with the Comex Close Calculated at $24.031, registering a gain of 10.1 cents, that had a total of 23 swaps helping to reduce the Demand count by 80 contracts that got their receipts somewhere in the mix between here and London. Silver’s Overall Open Interest gained 432 additional contracts in order to add liquidity bringing this early morning total to 154,316 paper contracts to trade against what’s left of the physicals.
December Gold’s Delivery Demands are still super elevated with the count at 7,704 fully paid for contracts and with a Volume of 16 up on the board with a trading range between $1,838.50 and $1,829.10 with the last agreed upon swap at $1,833.90, up 30-cents so far today. Yesterday’s full Ice/Comex trades happened in between $1,849.10 and $1,828 with the last swap at $1,835.50, a gain of 90 cents, with the Calculated Comex Close at $1,833.60 proving a $1 loss that had a total of 177 contracts swapping hands helping to reduce the demand count by 381 contracts that got receipts or something. Gold’s Overall Open Interest is showing the pump and dump play as they continue to control the prices bringing todays early morning total to 543,159 contracts as 2,550 short trades left the field of play since yesterday morning’s count.
I’ve observed the US Dollar’s activity over the past few days and cannot think of any other way to describe what has happened, except to say, this is organized. This is not the first time these trades have occurred, and I am curious why none of the currency experts have yet to address this anomaly? Maybe there are no more currency experts anymore, since it’s all under the control of a computer Algo.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
While this agreed upon trade continues, we see more European bonds go negative, after the ECB pumped in a half a billion Euro’s to keep the system afloat for a little longer. Some of Italy’s, Portugal, (as well as other nations under EU control), debts have already turned, now Spain’s debt-plays, have been added to the list, and have turned negative. We expect the rest to eventually do the same as we move forward into the great reset.
Today is the first day of Hannukah, in which we offer a deep bow of respect, with next week being the Triple Witch Week, where the currencies get rolled out into the next quarter (March), US Treasuries and debts get settled and rolled, and then the stock options, single stock futures, get cleared. In short, a giant central banker’s inventory count. This is also the last TWW of the year, and we still are waiting for the Supreme court to hear the electoral arguments. What can go wrong?
Have a great weekend and keep smiling. Gold and Silver in hand, has made many, comfortable because it’s no longer at risk inside the markets. Keep it close and hold on tight. As always …
Stay Strong!
J. Johnson
More J.Johnson content is available with purchase of a JSMineset subscription.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-13--New Lockdowns and More Regulations Are Disastrous for US Jobs

United States jobless claims have picked up , since the elections and the second wave of coronavirus have slowed down the economic recovery .
Uncertainty about tax increases and changes in labor laws , including an increase in the minimum wage , add to the fear of new lockdowns , as employers see the devastating effects of these lockdowns in European employment .
While the United States has been able to recover fast and reduce unemployment to 6.8 percent , the eurozone jobless rate has risen to 8.3 percent before we consider the large number of furloughed employees who remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Europe has seen new government-imposed lockdowns and the impact on the economy is already severe .
Estimates for the fourth-quarter gross domestic product assume a double-dip recession and another increase in unemployment .
Misguided lockdowns have created a deep and long-lasting impact on the economy and a dramatic social crisis , proving again that the response to the pandemic should have been similar that of Asian countries , which have successfully preserved health and the economy .
Employers all over the United States fear that a Biden administration will impose lockdowns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thus generating a new decline in the economy and a wave of bankruptcies and job losses .
Instead of giving simple and effective protocols for business to endure the crisis , some governments , whose members are completely disconnected from the day-to-day problems of small businesses and employers , resort to the drastic and ineffective measure of lockdowns , because it gives more power to governments and because the large corporations do not feel the impact as much as small enterprises .
Governments like the idea of lockdowns , because it gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control the pandemic when , in reality , lockdowns simply destroy the business fabric and have proven to be extremely ineffective at reducing the mortality or hospitalization rates .
The concerns about a Biden-enforced nationwide lockdown are not exaggerated .
Dr. Michael Osterholm , a coronavirus advisor to Joe Biden , said a nationwide lockdown of four to six weeks would help bring the virus under control in the US and revive the economy .
I am sorry to say that experience has shown us that none of those two things will happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries control the virus , rather the opposite , and have destroyed the economy with long-lasting implications for jobs , bankruptcies , and wages .
Meanwhile , countries that have not implemented lockdowns and have provided simple and effective protocols have achieved better results in health and the economy .
Many citizens in the United States ask themselves if the country will recover its record level of employment and its low unemployment rate of 3.5 percent seen in March 2020 , before the pandemic .
Even if the United States avoids government-imposed lockdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for at least another eighteen months , there is grave concern about the likelihood of more regulation , union control , and higher taxes that will make it more expensive to hire personnel and more burdensome both in terms of hiring as well as reducing payroll .
The United States has been an example of job creation during the growth period but , more importantly , rapid job recovery in a complex crisis like the covid-19 one .
Adding rigidity to the labor market and increasing taxes will prove disastrous for small and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest job creators in the United States .
It is as simple as this .
The United States can not have the wage growth and low unemployment it deserves by copying the labor market legislation of Greece , Spain , or France , countries with extremely rigid job markets and high union intervention…and historically high unemployment .
The European Union used to have the same unemployment rate as the United States .
Massive disincentives , a misguided excess of regulation , and heavy taxes have created a divergence by which unemployment in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States .
The fallacy of “ protecting workers ” with high taxes to employers and heavy intervention in the labor market only protects governments .
Unemployment is higher , wage growth is weaker , and the flexibility loss means lower opportunities for youth employment .
Youth unemployment in the eurozone and European Union is simply unacceptably high even in growth periods , and it is due to the barriers to employment created through aggressive intervention in the job market and government control .
Incentives to hire are poor while disincentives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been proven by the past two decades , it is that more government , higher taxes , and union intervention do not protect workers , they perpetuate unemployment and reduce wage growth and opportunities .
Lockdowns added to higher taxes and labor rigidity would likely prove very negative for the United States recovery .
You can not recover if you impose the burdens that some European countries have imposed .
Labor market interventionism does not protect workers , it empowers politicians .
Daniel Lacalle , PhD , economist and fund manager , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Freedom or Equality ( 2020 ) , Escape from the Central Bank Trap ( 2017 ) , The Energy World Is Flat ( 2015 ) , and Life in the Financial Markets ( 2014 ) .

by Daniel Lacalle via Mises
United States jobless claims have picked up, since the elections and the second wave of coronavirus have slowed down the economic recovery. Uncertainty about tax increases and changes in labor laws, including an increase in the minimum wage, add to the fear of new lockdowns, as employers see the devastating effects of these lockdowns in European employment.
While the United States has been able to recover fast and reduce unemployment to 6.8 percent, the eurozone jobless rate has risen to 8.3 percent before we consider the large number of furloughed employees who remain idle. The second wave of coronavirus in Europe has seen new government-imposed lockdowns and the impact on the economy is already severe. Estimates for the fourth-quarter gross domestic product assume a double-dip recession and another increase in unemployment.
Misguided lockdowns have created a deep and long-lasting impact on the economy and a dramatic social crisis, proving again that the response to the pandemic should have been similar that of Asian countries, which have successfully preserved health and the economy.
Employers all over the United States fear that a Biden administration will impose lockdowns, following the example of some European countries and thus generating a new decline in the economy and a wave of bankruptcies and job losses. Instead of giving simple and effective protocols for business to endure the crisis, some governments, whose members are completely disconnected from the day-to-day problems of small businesses and employers, resort to the drastic and ineffective measure of lockdowns, because it gives more power to governments and because the large corporations do not feel the impact as much as small enterprises. Governments like the idea of lockdowns, because it gives the impression of taking drastic measures to control the pandemic when, in reality, lockdowns simply destroy the business fabric and have proven to be extremely ineffective at reducing the mortality or hospitalization rates. The concerns about a Biden-enforced nationwide lockdown are not exaggerated. Dr. Michael Osterholm, a coronavirus advisor to Joe Biden, said a nationwide lockdown of four to six weeks would help bring the virus under control in the US and revive the economy. I am sorry to say that experience has shown us that none of those two things will happen. Massive lockdowns did not help European countries control the virus, rather the opposite, and have destroyed the economy with long-lasting implications for jobs, bankruptcies, and wages. Meanwhile, countries that have not implemented lockdowns and have provided simple and effective protocols have achieved better results in health and the economy.
Many citizens in the United States ask themselves if the country will recover its record level of employment and its low unemployment rate of 3.5 percent seen in March 2020, before the pandemic. Even if the United States avoids government-imposed lockdowns, which would delay the job recovery for at least another eighteen months, there is grave concern about the likelihood of more regulation, union control, and higher taxes that will make it more expensive to hire personnel and more burdensome both in terms of hiring as well as reducing payroll.
The United States has been an example of job creation during the growth period but, more importantly, rapid job recovery in a complex crisis like the covid-19 one. Adding rigidity to the labor market and increasing taxes will prove disastrous for small and newly created business, which are the largest job creators in the United States.
It is as simple as this. The United States cannot have the wage growth and low unemployment it deserves by copying the labor market legislation of Greece, Spain, or France, countries with extremely rigid job markets and high union intervention…and historically high unemployment.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
The European Union used to have the same unemployment rate as the United States. Massive disincentives, a misguided excess of regulation, and heavy taxes have created a divergence by which unemployment in Europe stands at almost twice the rate as in the United States.
The fallacy of “protecting workers” with high taxes to employers and heavy intervention in the labor market only protects governments. Unemployment is higher, wage growth is weaker, and the flexibility loss means lower opportunities for youth employment. Youth unemployment in the eurozone and European Union is simply unacceptably high even in growth periods, and it is due to the barriers to employment created through aggressive intervention in the job market and government control. Incentives to hire are poor while disincentives to work are high.
If anything has been proven by the past two decades, it is that more government, higher taxes, and union intervention do not protect workers, they perpetuate unemployment and reduce wage growth and opportunities.
Lockdowns added to higher taxes and labor rigidity would likely prove very negative for the United States recovery. You cannot recover if you impose the burdens that some European countries have imposed. Labor market interventionism does not protect workers, it empowers politicians.
Author:
Daniel Lacalle
Daniel Lacalle, PhD, economist and fund manager, is the author of the bestselling books Freedom or Equality (2020),Escape from the Central Bank Trap (2017), The Energy World Is Flat (2015), and Life in the Financial Markets (2014).