investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--China’s yuan exchange rate: is 6.66 a new sweet spot for the currency against the US dollar?

The number 666 may be associated with the beast in the Bible , but it could be a blessing for @ @ @ @ @ .
China has struggled for five years to ensure the exchange rate does not fall @ @ @ @ @ per US dollar , but the currency has gained about 7 per cent against the @ @ @ @ @ six months , stoking debate among Chinese economists over whether authorities should intervene to slow @ @ @ @ @ the People ’ s Bank of China ( PBOC ) has quit direct intervention in @ @ @ @ @ leaving it to the market to decide how much it should be priced against the @ @ @ @ @ has not stopped speculation that Beijing is searching for a new comfort zone for the @ @ @ @ @

The number 666 may be associated with the beast in the Bible, but it could be a blessing for China’s central bank.
China has struggled for five years to ensure the exchange rate does not fall too far below seven yuan per US dollar, but the currency has gained about 7 per cent against the US dollar in the past six months
, stoking debate among Chinese economists over whether authorities should intervene to slow the rally.
Officially, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has quit direct intervention in the yuan exchange rate, leaving it to the market to decide how much it should be priced against the US dollar.
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But that has not stopped speculation that Beijing is searching for a new comfort zone for the yuan’s value.
www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3106672/chinas-yuan-exchange-rate-666-new-sweet-spot-currency-against


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--New Mexico Democrat Representative Disavows Joe Biden’s Call to Abolish Oil and Gas – Calls Joe Bide

New Mexico Democrat Representative Disavows Joe Biden’s Call to Abolish Oil and Gas – Calls Joe Biden Out of Touch With Reality

VIDEO : CNN : Trump Told the Truth About Joe Biden ’ s Stance on Fracking VIDEO : LA Times @ @ @ @ @ Viewer Says Trump Would Do a Better Job on the Economy Than Biden , and @ @ @ @

I disagree with VP Biden's statement tonight. Energy is part of the backbone of New Mexico’s economy. We need to work together to promote responsible energy production and stop climate change, not demonize a single industry. 1/2 — Xochitl Torres Small (@XochforCongress) October 23, 2020
I will continue to stand up to my party when they're out of touch with the reality on the ground in #NM02. 2/2 — Xochitl Torres Small (@XochforCongress) October 23, 2020
Joe Biden says he will "transition from the oil industry" pic.twitter.com/0TgtYhhLEZ — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) October 23, 2020
VIDEO: CNN: Trump Told the Truth About Joe Biden’s Stance on Fracking
VIDEO: LA Times SHOCKER: Every Undecided Debate Viewer Says Trump Would Do a Better Job on the Economy Than Biden, and Would Vote for Trump
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Timestamped link 1:00:03:
h/t dr0id


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--Team Trump: “Yesterday was the Trump campaign’s biggest online fundraising day EVER.”…  Maine voter

Team Trump: “Yesterday was the Trump campaign’s biggest online fundraising day EVER.”…  Maine voter says he was for Biden at first, but now hes all in for Trump

BREAKING : Yesterday was the Trump campaign 's biggest online fundraising day EVER .

BREAKING: Yesterday was the Trump campaign's biggest online fundraising day EVER.
— Matt Wolking (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@MattWolking) October 23, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--TRUMP: “Who built the cages, Joe? Who built the cages, Joe?” BIDEN: “Let’s talk about what we’re tal

TRUMP: “Who built the cages, Joe? Who built the cages, Joe?” BIDEN: “Let’s talk about what we’re talking about.”

I guarantee it was the 1st time millions of Americans learned the “ kids in cages ” was Obama not @ @ @ @ @ been lying to the American people .
# Debates2020 t.co/CEYmIGoHx4

I guarantee it was the 1st time millions of Americans learned the “kids in cages” was Obama not Trump because the media has been lying to the American people. #Debates2020 t.co/CEYmIGoHx4
— Melissa Tate (@TheRightMelissa) October 23, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--Paul Krugman and Other Mainstream Trade “Experts” Admit They Were Wrong About Globalization (It Hurt

Paul Krugman and Other Mainstream Trade “Experts” Admit They Were Wrong About Globalization (It Hurt American Workers And MZM Money Velocity)

Paul Krugman , Nobel Laureate in international trade and New York Times op-ed snarker , has finally admitted what many of his already knew : globalization hurt middle class workers more than they thought it would .
Globalization has been a hot topic in business schools since the 1980s , particularly since Bill Clinton favored the North American Free Trade Agreement .
NAFTA was opposed by Presidential candidate Ross Perot who argued : We have got to stop sending jobs overseas .
It ’ s pretty simple : If you ’ re paying $ 12 , $ 13 , $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can move your factory south of the border , pay a dollar an hour for labor , … have no health care—that ’ s the most expensive single element in making a car—have no environmental controls , no pollution controls and no retirement , and you don ’ t care about anything but making money , there will be a giant sucking sound going south .
… when [ Mexico ’ s ] jobs come up from a dollar an hour to six dollars an hour , and ours go down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s leveled again .
But in the meantime , you ’ ve wrecked the country with these kinds of deal In addition to losing middle-class jobs to Mexico and subsequent outsourcing of jobs to China , we have seen a perpetual decline in Money Velocity ( GDP/Money Stock ) since 1995 .
The GINI ratio of US income inequality took a jump-up under Clinton and NAFTA .
Although financialization contributed to income inequality as well .
Yes , globalization has helped suck jobs and wage growth out of the USA contributing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So when snarky NY Times op-ed writer Paul Krugman admits that globalization is harmful to American workers ( and money velocity ) , we better rethink what we are teaching in business schools .
Including over-reliance on The Federal Reserve to bail-out flawed Federal policies .

by confoundedinterest17
Paul Krugman, Nobel Laureate in international trade and New York Times op-ed snarker, has finally admitted what many of his already knew: globalization hurt middle class workers more than they thought it would.
Globalization has been a hot topic in business schools since the 1980s, particularly since Bill Clinton favored the North American Free Trade Agreement. NAFTA was opposed by Presidential candidate Ross Perot who argued:
We have got to stop sending jobs overseas. It’s pretty simple: If you’re paying $12, $13, $14 an hour for factory workers and you can move your factory south of the border, pay a dollar an hour for labor, … have no health care—that’s the most expensive single element in making a car—have no environmental controls, no pollution controls and no retirement, and you don’t care about anything but making money, there will be a giant sucking sound going south. … when [Mexico’s] jobs come up from a dollar an hour to six dollars an hour, and ours go down to six dollars an hour, and then it’s leveled again. But in the meantime, you’ve wrecked the country with these kinds of deal
In addition to losing middle-class jobs to Mexico and subsequent outsourcing of jobs to China, we have seen a perpetual decline in Money Velocity (GDP/Money Stock) since 1995.
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The GINI ratio of US income inequality took a jump-up under Clinton and NAFTA. Although financialization contributed to income inequality as well.
Yes, globalization has helped suck jobs and wage growth out of the USA contributing to a decline in money velocity. So when snarky NY Times op-ed writer Paul Krugman admits that globalization is harmful to American workers (and money velocity), we better rethink what we are teaching in business schools.
Including over-reliance on The Federal Reserve to bail-out flawed Federal policies.


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--IMF Confirms Massive Stimulus Ahead Globally

Although this news is already a week old , it is critical in that it confirms what I and many others have expected : Fiscal and monetary stimulus on steroids is coming , and it ’ ll be GLOBAL .
The IMF released a video last week in which its Managing Director , Kristalina Georgieva ( ‘ KG ’ ) , calls for a “ A New Bretton Woods Moment ” and a “ Global Monetary Renegotiation.
” You can watch it on the IMF ’ s website here : There ’ s a lot of information in this video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the financial aspects .
The remarks that follow are my interpretation of what is being said .
Watch the video yourself to make up your own mind .
In it , KG describes the economic fallout from the pandemic and the measures applied globally .
She also states that : “ While the global banking system entered the crisis with high capital and liquidity buffers , there is a weak tail of banks in many in emerging markets.
” This indicates the risk of a global banking crisis led first by banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all intertwined these days via debt , swaps , and other derivatives .
As we saw in the U.S. and around the world in 2008 , the risk is ‘ the domino effect ’ : a bank in one country , which has loans and derivatives outstanding with multiple other banks globally , collapses and takes down several of those other banks in the process .
Then the domino effect spreads just like a virus and the entire banking system risks collapse .
How does the IMF plan to address this ?
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build-up of financial risks over the medium term.
” This doesn ’ t sound very promising to me .
The lack of any detail whatsoever to prevent such a global banking crisis suggests to me that this could happen .
If so , who remains standing after the dust settles ?
Where do we hold our money ?
At the central banks ?
Of course , this assumes we have any money left over .
The introduction of central bank digital currencies and individual accounts at the Fed and other central banks around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going : centralization of all financial transactions of any size in one location , the central bank .
But I digress .
Such banking crises are typically synonymous with market meltdowns and recessions or depressions .
Think 2008 and the 1930s .
Will the central banks ride to the rescue again ?
Perhaps , perhaps not .
If they don ’ t , the one good thing about this is that you ’ re unlikely to see bail-ins or bailouts .
Your deposits will be transferred to a central bank account , either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part—i.e.
, with a haircut .
The downside would be that the central bank would have total control over your deposits and likely your debts too .
They can also see anything and everything you earn and spend your money on .
You will likely not have to file a tax return ever again .
This would also enable digitized universal basic income .
The central banks could simply deposit the money in your account with them .
In order to boost spending , the money could have a time limit on it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it on .
You could be required to spend your digital check in the mail within 30 days or lose it , and it can only be spent on A , B , or C. This forces everyone to spend the money they receive and boosts spending dramatically , which in turn boosts nominal GDP and reduces the Debt : GDP ratio of nations and the world at large .
Debt doesn ’ t change , but inflation reduces it in real terms .
I have given a hint of how all this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll address that further below .
Let ’ s discuss another key aspect of KG ’ s presentation .
“ Today we face a new Bretton Woods ‘ moment.
’ A pandemic that has already cost more than a million lives .
An economic calamity that will make the world economy 4.4 % smaller this year and strip an estimated $ 11 trillion of output by next year .
And untold human desperation in the face of huge disruption and rising poverty for the first time in decades.
” “ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trillion .
Major central banks have expanded balance sheets by $ 7.5 trillion .
These synchronized measures have prevented the destructive macro-financial feedback we saw in previous crises.
” “ Support remains essential for some time—withdrawing it too early risks grave and unwarranted economic harm.
” “ Strong medium-term frameworks for monetary , fiscal and financial policies , as well as reforms to boost trade , competitiveness and productivity can help create confidence for policy action now while building much-needed resilience for the future.
” “ We expect 2021 debt levels to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in advanced economies , 65 percent of GDP in emerging markets , and 50 percent of GDP in low-income countries.
” “ Our research shows that , with the right mix of green investment and higher carbon prices , we can steer toward zero emissions by 2050 and help create millions of new jobs.
” The IMF just confirmed that governments worldwide will be “ significantly ” increasing debt to fund numerous spending initiatives to address the ongoing economic and health crisis and spur growth in the future .
More spending means more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the central banks step in to buy it and keep bond yields down .
Finally , what this means for gold and silver .
It is clear to me that global authorities , including central banks , will prove my 2017 prediction correct : We are going to get “ fiscal and monetary insanity on steroids.
” Massive government spending , universal free money to spend inside a week or month ( or lose it ) , possibly deeply negative interest rates on deposits .
What does this do to the currencies of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produced and services provided fall ?
They fall , not against each other , but in real terms .
In other words , the risk is hyperstagflation .
Tangible assets that are undervalued , such as gold and silver , can not be printed into oblivion and therefore , as the real value of currencies fall , precious metals will rise against them all , probably in spectacular fashion , just as in the 1970s stagflation .
But the dollar will likely suffer the most .
Why ?
Because the dollar is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has the most to lose , specifically its global reserve status .
Is that part of this “ Bretton Woods Moment ” ?
It could be , whether the U.S. agrees to it or not .
An eerily similar scenario is laid out in the ‘ fictional ’ book , The Mandibles , which I highly recommend you read , especially given the potential consequences for the U.S. and the world .
In conclusion , the short-term outlook for precious metals and miners remain cloudy , but beyond that , the prospects are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices .
The unfortunate part , to put it mildly , is that this is as a result of a global chaos… and what that means for everyone in the future .

by David Brady via Sprott Money
Although this news is already a week old, it is critical in that it confirms what I and many others have expected: Fiscal and monetary stimulus on steroids is coming, and it’ll be GLOBAL.
The IMF released a video last week in which its Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva (‘KG’), calls for a “A New Bretton Woods Moment” and a “Global Monetary Renegotiation.” You can watch it on the IMF’s website here:
A New Bretton Woods Moment
There’s a lot of information in this video, but I am going to focus on the financial aspects. The remarks that follow are my interpretation of what is being said. Watch the video yourself to make up your own mind.
In it, KG describes the economic fallout from the pandemic and the measures applied globally. She also states that:
“While the global banking system entered the crisis with high capital and liquidity buffers, there is a weak tail of banks in many in emerging markets.”
This indicates the risk of a global banking crisis led first by banks in developing countries. Global banks are all intertwined these days via debt, swaps, and other derivatives. As we saw in the U.S. and around the world in 2008, the risk is ‘the domino effect’: a bank in one country, which has loans and derivatives outstanding with multiple other banks globally, collapses and takes down several of those other banks in the process. Then the domino effect spreads just like a virus and the entire banking system risks collapse. How does the IMF plan to address this?
“We must take measures to prevent the build-up of financial risks over the medium term.”
This doesn’t sound very promising to me. The lack of any detail whatsoever to prevent such a global banking crisis suggests to me that this could happen. If so, who remains standing after the dust settles? Where do we hold our money? At the central banks? Of course, this assumes we have any money left over. The introduction of central bank digital currencies and individual accounts at the Fed and other central banks around the world also suggests where this is going: centralization of all financial transactions of any size in one location, the central bank.
But I digress. Such banking crises are typically synonymous with market meltdowns and recessions or depressions. Think 2008 and the 1930s. Will the central banks ride to the rescue again? Perhaps, perhaps not. If they don’t, the one good thing about this is that you’re unlikely to see bail-ins or bailouts. Your deposits will be transferred to a central bank account, either whole or, worst case, in part—i.e., with a haircut. The downside would be that the central bank would have total control over your deposits and likely your debts too. They can also see anything and everything you earn and spend your money on. You will likely not have to file a tax return ever again. This would also enable digitized universal basic income. The central banks could simply deposit the money in your account with them. In order to boost spending, the money could have a time limit on it and limits on what you can spend it on. You could be required to spend your digital check in the mail within 30 days or lose it, and it can only be spent on A, B, or C. This forces everyone to spend the money they receive and boosts spending dramatically, which in turn boosts nominal GDP and reduces the Debt:GDP ratio of nations and the world at large. Debt doesn’t change, but inflation reduces it in real terms. I have given a hint of how all this applies to precious metals, but I’ll address that further below. Let’s discuss another key aspect of KG’s presentation.
“Today we face a new Bretton Woods ‘moment.’ A pandemic that has already cost more than a million lives. An economic calamity that will make the world economy 4.4 % smaller this year and strip an estimated $11 trillion of output by next year. And untold human desperation in the face of huge disruption and rising poverty for the first time in decades.”
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
“We have seen global fiscal actions of $12 trillion. Major central banks have expanded balance sheets by $7.5 trillion. These synchronized measures have prevented the destructive macro-financial feedback we saw in previous crises.”
“Support remains essential for some time—withdrawing it too early risks grave and unwarranted economic harm.”
“Strong medium-term frameworks for monetary, fiscal and financial policies, as well as reforms to boost trade, competitiveness and productivity can help create confidence for policy action now while building much-needed resilience for the future.”
(By the way, stating “medium-term” over and over indicates that this is all not coming tomorrow, but it’s not far away in the long-term either.)
“We expect 2021 debt levels to go up significantly—to around 125 percent of GDP in advanced economies, 65 percent of GDP in emerging markets, and 50 percent of GDP in low-income countries.”
(Debt which will have to financed by the central banks.)
“Our research shows that, with the right mix of green investment and higher carbon prices, we can steer toward zero emissions by 2050 and help create millions of new jobs.”
(Which means more spending and more taxes.)
The IMF just confirmed that governments worldwide will be “significantly” increasing debt to fund numerous spending initiatives to address the ongoing economic and health crisis and spur growth in the future. More spending means more debt, which means more money-printing as the central banks step in to buy it and keep bond yields down.
Finally, what this means for gold and silver. It is clear to me that global authorities, including central banks, will prove my 2017 prediction correct: We are going to get “fiscal and monetary insanity on steroids.” Massive government spending, universal free money to spend inside a week or month (or lose it), possibly deeply negative interest rates on deposits. What does this do to the currencies of the world as the amount of goods produced and services provided fall? They fall, not against each other, but in real terms. In other words, the risk is hyperstagflation. Tangible assets that are undervalued, such as gold and silver, cannot be printed into oblivion and therefore, as the real value of currencies fall, precious metals will rise against them all, probably in spectacular fashion, just as in the 1970s stagflation. But the dollar will likely suffer the most. Why? Because the dollar is the global reserve currency, and therefore it has the most to lose, specifically its global reserve status. Is that part of this “Bretton Woods Moment”? It could be, whether the U.S. agrees to it or not. An eerily similar scenario is laid out in the ‘fictional’ book, The Mandibles, which I highly recommend you read, especially given the potential consequences for the U.S. and the world.
In conclusion, the short-term outlook for precious metals and miners remain cloudy, but beyond that, the prospects are incredibly favorable for far, far higher prices. The unfortunate part, to put it mildly, is that this is as a result of a global chaos… and what that means for everyone in the future.


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--VIDEO: Joe Biden Appears to Explain How Taking Bribes is Okay Because It’s Just “Human Nature”, Even

VIDEO: Joe Biden Appears to Explain How Taking Bribes is Okay Because It’s Just “Human Nature”, Even if He’s Elected President

The Chinese would like a word with Joe Biden… FLASHBACK : Joe Biden in 2007 : `` human nature , @ @ @ @ @ on money get priority pic.twitter.com/4mD3Y0cxpX

The Chinese would like a word with Joe Biden…
FLASHBACK: Joe Biden in 2007: "human nature," people that help me on money get priority pic.twitter.com/4mD3Y0cxpX
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) October 22, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--OH: Jaw-Dropping Report Details Chinese State-Owned Company’s Partnership With Biden, Kerry Families

OH: Jaw-Dropping Report Details Chinese State-Owned Company’s Partnership With Biden, Kerry Families.

A nearly 60-page intelligence report dated October 2 and provided to RedState late Wednesday details the relationship between multiple Chinese State-Owned Entities ( SOE ’ s ) and companies owned by Hunter Biden , Chris Heinz ( stepson of former Secretary of State John Kerry ) , Devon Archer , James Bulger , and suspected Chinese intelligence asset Michael Lin .
Despite what Hunter Biden ’ s attorney claimed in 2019 , Hunter started traveling to China shortly before the Big Guy became Vice President and signed contracts with SOE ’ s while the Big Guy was Vice President .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Peking University HSBC School of Business Shenzhen – who notes that he did not vote for Donald Trump in 2016 and will not be voting for him this year – who reviewed the report before publication : Lost among the salacious revelations about laptop provenance is the more mundane reality of influence and money of major United States political figures .
Ill-informed accusations of Russian hacking and disinformation face the documented reality of a major Chinese state financial partnership with the children of major political figures .
A report by an Asian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial links between China and Hunter Biden .
Beginning just before Joe Biden ’ s ascendancy to the Vice Presidency , Hunter Biden was traveling to Beijing meeting with Chinese financial institutions and political figures would ultimately become his investors .
Finalized in 2013 , the investment partnership included money from the Chinese government , social security , and major state-owned banks a veritable who ’ s who of Chinese state finance .
It is not simply the state money that should cause concern but the structures and deals that took place .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ state-owned entities and flowed into state-backed projects or enterprises .

A nearly 60-page intelligence report dated October 2 and provided to RedState late Wednesday details the relationship between multiple Chinese State-Owned Entities (SOE’s) and companies owned by Hunter Biden, Chris Heinz (stepson of former Secretary of State John Kerry), Devon Archer, James Bulger, and suspected Chinese intelligence asset Michael Lin. Despite what Hunter Biden’s attorney claimed in 2019, Hunter started traveling to China shortly before the Big Guy became Vice President and signed contracts with SOE’s while the Big Guy was Vice President.
According to Christopher Balding, Associate Professor at Peking University HSBC School of Business Shenzhen – who notes that he did not vote for Donald Trump in 2016 and will not be voting for him this year – who reviewed the report before publication:
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Lost among the salacious revelations about laptop provenance is the more mundane reality of influence and money of major United States political figures. Ill-informed accusations of Russian hacking and disinformation face the documented reality of a major Chinese state financial partnership with the children of major political figures. A report by an Asian research firm raises worrying questions about the financial links between China and Hunter Biden. Beginning just before Joe Biden’s ascendancy to the Vice Presidency, Hunter Biden was traveling to Beijing meeting with Chinese financial institutions and political figures would ultimately become his investors. Finalized in 2013, the investment partnership included money from the Chinese government, social security, and major state-owned banks a veritable who’s who of Chinese state finance. It is not simply the state money that should cause concern but the structures and deals that took place. Most investment in specific projects came from state-owned entities and flowed into state-backed projects or enterprises.
redstate.com/jenvanlaar/2020/10/23/jaw-dropping-report-details-chinese-state-owned-companys-partnership-with-biden-kerry-families-n267739


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--Who was lying last night?

Who was lying last night?

KINSLEY GAFFE : Biden Declares He Would ‘ Transition ’ America Away from Oil Industry during Debate .
Related : @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden Tells Him To Prove It With Video ; Trump Does Just That .
@ @ @ @ @ s comments and challenged the president to prove his claims with video and the president @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden claimed , “ I have never said I oppose fracking.
” Trump responded @ @ @ @ @ on tape !
” “ Show the tape , ” Biden responded .
“ Put @ @ @ @ @ The fact of the matter is he ’ s flat lying.
” Within a matter @ @ @ @ @ s team tweeted out a video of Biden making the remarks .

KINSLEY GAFFE: Biden Declares He Would ‘Transition’ America Away from Oil Industry during Debate.
Related: Trump Grills Biden On Fracking. Biden Tells Him To Prove It With Video; Trump Does Just That.
Biden responded to Trump’s comments and challenged the president to prove his claims with video and the president responded by doing just that.
Biden claimed, “I have never said I oppose fracking.”
Trump responded, “You said it on tape!”
“Show the tape,” Biden responded. “Put it on your website. The fact of the matter is he’s flat lying.”
Within a matter of moments, Trump’s team tweeted out a video of Biden making the remarks.


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--BIDEN: ‘Not a Single Person on Private Insurance’ Lost It ‘Under Obamacare’— Fact Check: False.

I ’ m old enough to remember when President Barack Obama promised , “ If you like your health care plan , you can keep it.
” I ’ m also old enough to remember that PolitiFact rated that claim the “ Lie of the Year ” for 2013 .
Yet on Thursday , Democratic nominee Joe Biden — who ostensibly might remember 2013 because he was serving as vice president that year — claimed that not a single person lost his or her health insurance under Obamacare .
“ Not one single person on private insurance would lose their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they under Obamacare .
They did not lose their insurance unless they chose something else , ” Biden said during the debate .
It remains unclear whether or not people might lose their insurance under the Democrat ’ s plan , but it is one hundred percent certain that millions of Americans lost their health care plans under Obamacare .
Analysts that at least 4 million Americans lost their health insurance under Obamacare .
Yet Joe Biden thought he could repeat the false Obamacare claim that got branded “ the Lie of the @ @ @ @ @

BIDEN: ‘Not a Single Person on Private Insurance’ Lost It ‘Under Obamacare’— Fact Check: False.
I’m old enough to remember when President Barack Obama promised, “If you like your health care plan, you can keep it.” I’m also old enough to remember that PolitiFact rated that claim the “Lie of the Year” for 2013. Yet on Thursday, Democratic nominee Joe Biden — who ostensibly might remember 2013 because he was serving as vice president that year — claimed that not a single person lost his or her health insurance under Obamacare.
“Not one single person on private insurance would lose their insurance under my plan, nor did they under Obamacare. They did not lose their insurance unless they chose something else,” Biden said during the debate.
It remains unclear whether or not people might lose their insurance under the Democrat’s plan, but it is one hundred percent certain that millions of Americans lost their health care plans under Obamacare.
Analysts estimated that at least 4 million Americans lost their health insurance under Obamacare.
Yet Joe Biden thought he could repeat the false Obamacare claim that got branded “the Lie of the Year” in 2013.


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--Sky News host Andrew Bolt says the media has “never been as untrustworthy as it is now”

IF THE MEDIA ACTUALLY COVERED THE LEFT , INSTEAD OF COVERING UP FOR THEM , THE FRAUD AND CORRUPTION TRAIN @ @ @ @ @ Bidens and a Toobin : Could Trump have scripted these last two weeks any better @ @ @ @ @ State-funded NPR refuses to cover Hunter Biden story , calling it a ‘ waste of @ @ @ @ @ , screaming “ Russia , Russia , Russia ” for years was totes not a @ @ @ @ @ .
Media Runs Wild With VP of College Dems of Indiana ’ s Fake Texts @ @ @ @ @ this Out : Liberal Media Who Are Livestreaming the Debates Are Limited WHO Can Comment @ @ @ @ @ Selected Individuals ” “ It ’ s been clear since the 2016 election that NPR @ @ @ @ @ that would hurt Democrats .
Because of such willful neglect , NPR should not receive @ @ @ @ @ ”

IF THE MEDIA ACTUALLY COVERED THE LEFT, INSTEAD OF COVERING UP FOR THEM, THE FRAUD AND CORRUPTION TRAIN WOULD BE DONE: Two Bidens and a Toobin: Could Trump have scripted these last two weeks any better?
DEFUND NPR NOW: State-funded NPR refuses to cover Hunter Biden story, calling it a ‘waste of time’.
Mind you, screaming “Russia, Russia, Russia” for years was totes not a waste of time. Totes.
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Media Runs Wild With VP of College Dems of Indiana’s Fake Texts With Rudy Giuliani.
Check this Out: Liberal Media Who Are Livestreaming the Debates Are Limited WHO Can Comment on the Livestream to “Selected Individuals”
it's a total media blackout. front pages of NYT, wapo, CNN, and NBC mention nothing on hunter biden news. is anyone surprised? pic.twitter.com/NJ5yVZ2O4G — Logan Hall (@loganclarkhall) October 22, 2020
The panic has gotten so bad [they] want to turn this country into China overnight by silencing the President. This is former tech executive from Twitter and Google. Insane! #PeterGreenberger pic.twitter.com/thdFXJpO8c — CJTRUTH (@cjtruth) October 22, 2020
“It’s been clear since the 2016 election that NPR will not report on anything that would hurt Democrats. Because of such willful neglect, NPR should not receive another cent from the taxpayers”
Tens of millions of people just heard about the corrupt Biden crime family for the first time, overcoming the media Biden-blackout. — Dan Bongino (@dbongino) October 23, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--Joe Biden ‘wouldn’t be the nominee’ if FBI properly looked at ‘laptop from hell’

Joe Biden wouldn ’ t be the Democratic nominee for President had the FBI “ acted on ” the Hunter Biden “ laptop from hell ” when it received it in December 2019 , according to Sky News contributor and New York Post columnist Miranda Devine .
Ms Devine and former Labor Party strategist Bruce Hawker clashed in a fiery post-debate showdown about the veracity of the New York Post article detailing Mr Biden ’ s alleged corrupt activities through his son Hunter Biden .
She said , during the debate President Donald Trump “ introduced Americans ” to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been able to access because the “ rest of the media has decided to hide , and run cover for the Bidens ” .
“ Trump did a good job of introducing to the American people to millions of people who haven ’ t been able to hear our story … because they ’ ve been censored , ” Ms Devine said .
“ Then you ’ ve had Facebook and Twitter who have censored the New York Post stories .
Mr Hawker said the story has appeared quite late in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its veracity , but Ms Devine said the FBI had the laptop late in 2019 .
“ If the FBI had had acted on what was on there , we would have had a very different situation now , ” she said .
“ Probably Joe Biden wouldn ’ t have been the nominee .
”

Joe Biden wouldn’t be the Democratic nominee for President had the FBI “acted on” the Hunter Biden “laptop from hell” when it received it in December 2019, according to Sky News contributor and New York Post columnist Miranda Devine.
Ms Devine and former Labor Party strategist Bruce Hawker clashed in a fiery post-debate showdown about the veracity of the New York Post article detailing Mr Biden’s alleged corrupt activities through his son Hunter Biden.
She said, during the debate President Donald Trump “introduced Americans” to the story which they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to access because the “rest of the media has decided to hide, and run cover for the Bidens”.
“Trump did a good job of introducing to the American people to millions of people who haven’t been able to hear our story … because they’ve been censored,” Ms Devine said.
“Then you’ve had Facebook and Twitter who have censored the New York Post stories.
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“That’s reprehensible and quite scary”.
Mr Hawker said the story has appeared quite late in the election cycle which raises alarm bells over its veracity, but Ms Devine said the FBI had the laptop late in 2019.
“If the FBI had had acted on what was on there, we would have had a very different situation now,” she said.
“Probably Joe Biden wouldn’t have been the nominee.”


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--‘At Full Capacity’: Covid-19 Patients Push Hospitals to Brink…  Rocky Mountain States Emerge as New

‘At Full Capacity’: Covid-19 Patients Push Hospitals to Brink…  Rocky Mountain States Emerge as New Hotspot

WEST ALLIS , Wisconsin – A hospital in Idaho is 99 % full and warns it may need to transfer coronavirus patients to hospitals in Seattle and Portland , Oregon .
Kansas City , Missouri , medical centers turned down ambulances a recent day because they didn ’ t have room for more patients .
And in West Allis , just outside Milwaukee , an emergency field hospital erected on the grounds of the Wisconsin State Fair admitted its first patient with the virus this week .
More than 41,000 people are currently hospitalized with the coronavirus in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past month , and cooler weather that pushes more people indoors threatens to spread the epidemic even further .
At least 14 states saw more people hospitalized with the virus on any day last week than on any other day in the pandemic , according to the Covid Tracking Project .
Seven more states are nearing their peaks .
The country has seen more people hospitalized at earlier times – in an attack of cases in New York in April and in the Sun Belt in July – but the surging number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they test the limits of smaller hospital systems .
Patients are now spread more widely across the country , with troubling hot spots from North Dakota to Kentucky .
More people than ever are falling seriously ill in rural areas , especially the Midwest and Mountain West , where they have to rely on hospitals that have only a handful of beds .
And experts fear the growing number of people in need of hospital care will only get worse if cases continue to rise .

WEST ALLIS, Wisconsin – A hospital in Idaho is 99% full and warns it may need to transfer coronavirus patients to hospitals in Seattle and Portland, Oregon. Kansas City, Missouri, medical centers turned down ambulances a recent day because they didn’t have room for more patients. And in West Allis, just outside Milwaukee, an emergency field hospital erected on the grounds of the Wisconsin State Fair admitted its first patient with the virus this week.
More than 41,000 people are currently hospitalized with the coronavirus in the United States, a 40% increase over the past month, and cooler weather that pushes more people indoors threatens to spread the epidemic even further. At least 14 states saw more people hospitalized with the virus on any day last week than on any other day in the pandemic, according to the Covid Tracking Project. Seven more states are nearing their peaks.
The country has seen more people hospitalized at earlier times – in an attack of cases in New York in April and in the Sun Belt in July – but the surging number is now deeply worrying, in part because they test the limits of smaller hospital systems.
Patients are now spread more widely across the country, with troubling hot spots from North Dakota to Kentucky. More people than ever are falling seriously ill in rural areas, especially the Midwest and Mountain West, where they have to rely on hospitals that have only a handful of beds. And experts fear the growing number of people in need of hospital care will only get worse if cases continue to rise.


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--Final Presidential Debate Reaction and Analysis (Trump OBLITERATED Biden)

Trump did so much better .

Trump did so much better.
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investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--The Final Presidential Debate – in less than a minute…

This is by far my favorite moment .
DEAFENING silence , and Trump let that moment sink in , then @ @ @ @ @ a soft tone .
Absolutely amazing

This is by far my favorite moment. DEAFENING silence, and Trump let that moment sink in, then had a brilliant response in a soft tone. Absolutely amazing
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TDMAGA


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--Shedlock: Unemployment Claims Drop For The Wrong Reason

While the recent drop in unemployment claims was celebrated by the markets and media , it shouldn ’ t have been .
The drop in unemployment claims occurred for the wrong reason .
Continued state unemployment claims lag initial claims by a week , and are more important than initial claims .
It is continued claims that determine the official unemployment rate .
The rate is set by survey on the week that contains the 13th of the month , the weeks in boxes .
Last week I reported “ Seasonally-adjusted continued claims fell from 11,183,000 last week to 10,018,00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued claims fell from 9,373,000 to 8,373,000 .
We had massive revisions primarily in California which was investigating fraud .
• California is so messed up it froze reporting .
California is now reporting • People in some states have expired all of their state benefits and thus fell off the rolls .
In a subsequent post , I will take a deeper look at expiring benefits .
Expired benefits are not a good reason for claims to be dropping .
Expect more of it .
Initial claims continue a very slow downward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California which is now back reporting .
Given the recent surge in Covid cases and state restrictions , we are likely to see a reversal in initial claims .
Unlike state claims , PUA applies to people working part-time , gig workers , and self-employed workers who do not qualify regular state unemployment programs .
The PUA claims are not seasonally adjusted .
They were heavily revised due to California .
Over 10 million people receive PUA .
This is where most of the fraud is hidden .
I suspect most of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows the real numbers due to the loosy-goosy nature of the program .
In terms of determining unemployment , I believe that at least 2 million of those 10 million are genuinely unemployed .
Like PUA Claims , All Continued Claims are not seasonally adjusted .
They lag continued claims by a week and initial claims by 2 weeks .
Over 23 million people receive some assistance .
That number , minus fraud and mistakes should match the U6 ( alternate unemployment rate ) but it doesn ’ t .
PEUC is part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth special mention .
PEUC automatically kicks in for a period of time after state benefits expire .
Expect further increases in PEUC claims as regular state benefits expire .
Most states offer 26 weeks of unemployment insurance , but some states way less .
These numbers lag initial claims by two weeks and continued claims by a week and are thus a bit stale .
PEUC claims jumped from 2,786,333 on September 26 to 3,296,156 on October 3 .
That ’ s a rise of 509,823 .
Since it lags , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in continued claims accompanied by a rise in PEUC claims is not an improvement at all .
PEUC claims now total over 3 million .
Add that number to continued claims for a better estimate of what ’ s really going on .

by Mike Shedlock
While the recent drop in unemployment claims was celebrated by the markets and media, it shouldn’t have been. The drop in unemployment claims occurred for the wrong reason.
Continued Claims
Continued state unemployment claims lag initial claims by a week, and are more important than initial claims. It is continued claims that determine the official unemployment rate.
The rate is set by survey on the week that contains the 13th of the month, the weeks in boxes.
Suspect Improvement
Last week I reported “Seasonally-adjusted continued claims fell from 11,183,000 last week to 10,018,00 this week.”
This week we see continued claims fell from 9,373,000 to 8,373,000.
We had massive revisions primarily in California which was investigating fraud.
Continued Claims Distortions
BLS Methodology Change on August 29. California is so messed up it froze reporting. California is now reporting People in some states have expired all of their state benefits and thus fell off the rolls.
In a subsequent post, I will take a deeper look at expiring benefits.
Expired benefits are not a good reason for claims to be dropping. Expect more of it.
Initial Claims
Initial claims continue a very slow downward trend. They were also impacted by California which is now back reporting.
Given the recent surge in Covid cases and state restrictions, we are likely to see a reversal in initial claims.
Initial claims and continued claims are seasonally adjusted.
Primary PUA Claims In 2020
Primary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
Unlike state claims, PUA applies to people working part-time, gig workers, and self-employed workers who do not qualify regular state unemployment programs.
The PUA claims are not seasonally adjusted. They were heavily revised due to California.
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Over 10 million people receive PUA. This is where most of the fraud is hidden.
I suspect most of it is not fraud, but no one knows the real numbers due to the loosy-goosy nature of the program.
In terms of determining unemployment, I believe that at least 2 million of those 10 million are genuinely unemployed.
All Continued Claims In 2020
Like PUA Claims, All Continued Claims are not seasonally adjusted.
They lag continued claims by a week and initial claims by 2 weeks.
Over 23 million people receive some assistance. That number, minus fraud and mistakes should match the U6 (alternate unemployment rate) but it doesn’t.
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation
PEUC is part of all continued claims but it is worth special mention.
PEUC automatically kicks in for a period of time after state benefits expire.
Expect further increases in PEUC claims as regular state benefits expire.
Most states offer 26 weeks of unemployment insurance, but some states way less.
These numbers lag initial claims by two weeks and continued claims by a week and are thus a bit stale.
Explaining the Drop in Continued Claims
PEUC claims jumped from 2,786,333 on September 26 to 3,296,156 on October 3.
That’s a rise of 509,823. Since it lags, the current number is higher.
A drop in continued claims accompanied by a rise in PEUC claims is not an improvement at all.
PEUC claims now total over 3 million. Add that number to continued claims for a better estimate of what’s really going on.


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--MACY’S lays off Santa Claus

MACY’S lays off Santa Claus

Macy ’ s said Santa Claus won ’ t be greeting kids at its flagship New York store this year due to the coronavirus , interrupting a holiday tradition started nearly 160 years ago .
More than a quarter of a million people come to see Santa at Macy ’ s in Midtown Manhattan each year , the company said , making it hard to create a safe environment during a pandemic .
Before taking a picture with the jolly old man , crowds walk in tight quarters through a maze-like Santaland that ’ s filled with Christmas trees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costumes .
Santa also won ’ t be showing up at its Chicago and San Francisco stores , which have similar Santalands .
But he will still appear at the end of the televised Macy ’ s Thanksgiving Day parade , the company said .
With the coronavirus still raging , stores and malls are having to rework their typical holiday strategy , which had been to pack as many people through its doors as possible .
Walmart , for example , is holding its Black Friday deals over four weeks , instead @ @ @ @

Macy’s said Santa Claus won’t be greeting kids at its flagship New York store this year due to the coronavirus, interrupting a holiday tradition started nearly 160 years ago.
More than a quarter of a million people come to see Santa at Macy’s in Midtown Manhattan each year, the company said, making it hard to create a safe environment during a pandemic. Before taking a picture with the jolly old man, crowds walk in tight quarters through a maze-like Santaland that’s filled with Christmas trees, running toy trains and elves in green costumes.
Santa also won’t be showing up at its Chicago and San Francisco stores, which have similar Santalands. But he will still appear at the end of the televised Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, the company said.
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With the coronavirus still raging, stores and malls are having to rework their typical holiday strategy, which had been to pack as many people through its doors as possible. Walmart, for example, is holding its Black Friday deals over four weeks, instead of one day.
www.fox5ny.com/news/santa-claus-wont-be-coming-to-macys-herald-square-this-year


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--Total value of global stocks is nearing $100 trillion. Do we get there before or after Christmas?

Total value of global stocks is nearing $ 100 trillion .
Do we get there before or after Christmas ?
@ @ @ @ @ StockMarket # Bubble edition # HedgeFunds are at it again and this time it could @ @ @ @ @ whether you want to call it a : # Deleveraging # Event # Liquidity # @ @ @ @ @ t.co/Q6TClSKtoQ

Total value of global stocks is nearing $100 trillion. Do we get there before or after Christmas? pic.twitter.com/zhLUnSPWrs
#recession … #StockMarket #Bubble edition#HedgeFunds are at it again and this time it could be worse than March 2020… whether you want to call it a:#Deleveraging #Event#Liquidity #Squeeze#Carry #Crash t.co/Q6TClSKtoQ
— Invariant Perspective (@InvariantPersp1) October 23, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--The relative calm we feel right now isn’t the end of the storm, it is just the eye.

The US economy is starting to roll over again while still well short of a full recovery from the beginning @ @ @ @ @ The clouds are darkening over the euro-area economy and the ECB will have to acknowledge @ @ @ @ @ and renewed lockdowns will prompt the # ECB to step up monetary # stimulus later @ @ @ @ @ EuroZone # economy # recessiont.co/yFvHLT9xZn pic.twitter.com/GFkh63OA9X

#recession … #GFC2 US edition The US economy is starting to roll over again while still well short of a full recovery from the beginning of 2020. t.co/dIMA73jBvY — Invariant Perspective (@InvariantPersp1) October 23, 2020
🇪🇺 “The clouds are darkening over the euro-area economy and the ECB will have to acknowledge that” Surging coronavirus infections and renewed lockdowns will prompt the #ECB to step up monetary #stimulus later this year.#EU #EuroZone #economy #recessiont.co/yFvHLT9xZn pic.twitter.com/GFkh63OA9X — GnS Economics (@GnSEconomics) October 23, 2020
#recession … #GFC2 US #unemployment edition The last two months of initial #JoblessClaims, all after reopening the economy, were still much worse than that of any other recession in US history.t.co/JevoWUxrbc pic.twitter.com/lHkj9ICVqH — Invariant Perspective (@InvariantPersp1) October 23, 2020
Euro zone recovery at serious risk as COVID-19 cases rise “Initial rebound from the lockdown was always going to run out of steam but second wave threatens to push some countries into another #recession and will place #EuroZone recovery on hold”#economyt.co/mWI6nJS1qc — GnS Economics (@GnSEconomics) October 23, 2020
13 Signs That Recession will be Global and Worse than 1929 t.co/Ows9fyHH7r #recession — Chillicious (@chilliciouscom) October 23, 2020
🇩🇪 Germans Are Hoarding Toilet Paper and Yeast Again Figures suggest that hoarding behavior is returning as consumers fear supply shortages and contact restrictions. And everything else that happened last time.#economy #recessiont.co/Qw7VjvE6Kz pic.twitter.com/LwJdiW3rje — GnS Economics (@GnSEconomics) October 23, 2020
EUROZONE OCT FLASH CONSUMER CONFIDENCE -15.5; SEP -13.9 — Breaking Market News (@breakingmkts) October 22, 2020
“Rating firms downgraded ~25% leveraged-loan collateral bought by managers since pandemic through Aug. In contrast, they’ve only downgraded ~2% CLO bonds themselves. There were ~$700 billion of CLOs outstanding as of mid-Sept.” ht @lisaabramowicz1 t.co/hlw5DZhVfq — Danielle DiMartino Booth (@DiMartinoBooth) October 23, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--The Stock Market Is Bearish On The Economy

The Fed ’ s Beige Book said the economy grew at a “ slight to modest ” pace .
That ’ s ironic because expectations are for very high GDP growth in Q3 , but that ’ s only because of an easy comp .
The Atlanta Fed Nowcast predicts 35.3 % Q3 growth .
The Fed is likely cautious in its assessment of the economy because any positive comments can be viewed as hawkish .
The last thing the Fed wants is for markets to think it is taking its foot off the gas pedal .
The Fed is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It doesn ’ t plan on hiking rates in the next few years .
However , we really have no idea what 2021 holds .
Generally , downside surprises like COVID-19 are more likely to cause cuts than upside surprises are to cause hikes .
That being said , we never had the economy going from partially shut down to fully opened .
Yields would spike and demand for services would increase substantially assuming there is an all clear sign .
Of course , it ’ s possible the re-opening is gradual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it takes time to get people vaccinated .
The October Beige Book activity index created by Oxford Economics rose from 0.89 to 1.11 after hitting a record low of -2 in March .
The index isn ’ t back to where it was before the pandemic , but it ’ s close .
That sounds more optimistic than how the economy is actually doing .
As you can see from the chart above , the virus was mentioned much fewer times in October than in September even though cases are increasing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imply that the Fed is taking COVID-19 lightly , it just shows how word counts aren ’ t everything .
The Fed doesn ’ t mention tariffs anymore because that ’ s not the focus .
Stimulus talks are acting like a carrot and stick bait for the stock market just like trade talks were .
In 2018 , we would see talks boosting stocks without a grand deal ever happening .
However , in this case we will get a stimulus .
It just isn ’ t happening before the election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ where either one or both sides think it ’ s better for their election chances if nothing gets done .
Obviously , the biggest tragedy is a loss of life , not a loss of a business , but we focus on economics here , so we look at the impact of the crisis from that lens .
This is about to be a very tough period of time for the restaurant industry as economic restrictions are increasing and there are no vaccines or treatments that will reopen the country in time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can see from the chart below , 15,770 restaurants have been shuttered since March 1st .
There are 10,390 temporary closures .
The longer this crisis lasts , the more likely these will become permanent .
The weather has gotten colder and indoor dining is getting tougher .
That ’ s a recipe for disaster .
Millions will be spent on heating people eating outside , but it ’ s a tough sell .
It ’ s not comfortable to eat in 40 to 50 degree weather .
You can put your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual companies , but in the intermediate term macro guides the market .
Fighting macro is like swimming against the tide .
If rates stay low and you stay long value and short growth , you will be crushed .
Conversely , growth investors will be crushed and value investors will win if rates rise .
Money losing companies can ’ t survive in a world where you actually get interest on bonds and there is real economic growth .
The chart below shows the duration trade in action .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay low forever just because they have been low and the Fed promises to keep the Fed funds rate near zero for the next few years .
That ’ s a major mistake because the long bond can still selloff .
The Fed doesn ’ t control the long bond yet .
Some traders think the Fed will do yield curve control .
However , imagine a scenario where the economy reopens and rates rise .
The Fed might not want to control the curve then as the economy would be improving .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March , it can change again next year .
Don ’ t rest your thinking based on narratives .
Consider all possibilities and keep in mind that narratives can often have linear thinking as the underpinning thesis , whereas the economy functions in terms of changing probabilities .
Low yields combined with people working from home and ordering goods online due to COVID-19 have caused the software stocks to do really well .
As you can see from the chart below , the SaaS EV to sales to growth rate is 2.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t fall into the trap that this is the new normal .
These are the same companies everyone had a small allocation to in prior years .
With the increase in demand comes higher competition .
If the economy were to reopen , rates would rise and software sales growth would slow .
Luckily for software investors this period of increased demand and low rates has stayed in place long enough for them to generate amazing returns .
These are the types of returns that allow people to become rich in a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Fed ’ s Beige Book stated the economy is barely growing which sounds harsh compared to the coming great Q3 GDP growth reading , but it is fair considering the spike in COVID-19 cases and the lack of a stimulus .
The Fed is actually pleading Congress to pass a stimulus with its statements .
That hasn ’ t been working .
Restaurants are facing a miserable next few months as the weather gets colder and COVID-19 cases ramp up .
The entire market is a duration trade .
SaaS stocks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historical average .
As everyone is betting on software and tech , they are actually betting against the real economy improving , thus making them implicitly bearish on the economy .

by UPFINA
The Fed’s Beige Book said the economy grew at a “slight to modest” pace. That’s ironic because expectations are for very high GDP growth in Q3, but that’s only because of an easy comp. The Atlanta Fed Nowcast predicts 35.3% Q3 growth. The Fed is likely cautious in its assessment of the economy because any positive comments can be viewed as hawkish. The last thing the Fed wants is for markets to think it is taking its foot off the gas pedal. The Fed is going full speed ahead with zero rates. It doesn’t plan on hiking rates in the next few years. However, we really have no idea what 2021 holds.
Generally, downside surprises like COVID-19 are more likely to cause cuts than upside surprises are to cause hikes. That being said, we never had the economy going from partially shut down to fully opened. Yields would spike and demand for services would increase substantially assuming there is an all clear sign. Of course, it’s possible the re-opening is gradual because some people are still nervous or that it takes time to get people vaccinated.
The October Beige Book activity index created by Oxford Economics rose from 0.89 to 1.11 after hitting a record low of -2 in March. The index isn’t back to where it was before the pandemic, but it’s close. That sounds more optimistic than how the economy is actually doing. As you can see from the chart above, the virus was mentioned much fewer times in October than in September even though cases are increasing in the Midwest. This doesn’t imply that the Fed is taking COVID-19 lightly, it just shows how word counts aren’t everything.
The Fed doesn’t mention tariffs anymore because that’s not the focus. Stimulus talks are acting like a carrot and stick bait for the stock market just like trade talks were. In 2018, we would see talks boosting stocks without a grand deal ever happening. However, in this case we will get a stimulus. It just isn’t happening before the election. There is a political calculus being made where either one or both sides think it’s better for their election chances if nothing gets done.
Restaurants Are Being Killed
Obviously, the biggest tragedy is a loss of life, not a loss of a business, but we focus on economics here, so we look at the impact of the crisis from that lens. This is about to be a very tough period of time for the restaurant industry as economic restrictions are increasing and there are no vaccines or treatments that will reopen the country in time to prevent the losses businesses face.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
As you can see from the chart below, 15,770 restaurants have been shuttered since March 1st. There are 10,390 temporary closures. The longer this crisis lasts, the more likely these will become permanent. The weather has gotten colder and indoor dining is getting tougher. That’s a recipe for disaster. Millions will be spent on heating people eating outside, but it’s a tough sell. It’s not comfortable to eat in 40 to 50 degree weather.
Sad graphic from Morningstar showing the carnage in restaurants so far this yeart.co/2tCbPQWdQV pic.twitter.com/HW0xsu46Mx — Lawrence Hamtil (@lhamtil) October 21, 2020
Everything Rests On Yields
You can put your head in the sand by reading about individual companies, but in the intermediate term macro guides the market. Fighting macro is like swimming against the tide. If rates stay low and you stay long value and short growth, you will be crushed. Conversely, growth investors will be crushed and value investors will win if rates rise. Money losing companies can’t survive in a world where you actually get interest on bonds and there is real economic growth. The chart below shows the duration trade in action.
'Big bets on growth against value, and on healthcare or technology against banks, have all ultimately been duration trades — which in turn means that anyone who’s made serious money in recent years is vulnerable to a reversal of that trade.' t.co/MYvKlGoAks pic.twitter.com/b1qUJfbRVu — Jesse Felder (@jessefelder) October 21, 2020
It’s recency bias to think that rates will stay low forever just because they have been low and the Fed promises to keep the Fed funds rate near zero for the next few years. That’s a major mistake because the long bond can still selloff. The Fed doesn’t control the long bond yet. Some traders think the Fed will do yield curve control. However, imagine a scenario where the economy reopens and rates rise. The Fed might not want to control the curve then as the economy would be improving. Just like the macro picture changed quickly in March, it can change again next year. Don’t rest your thinking based on narratives. Consider all possibilities and keep in mind that narratives can often have linear thinking as the underpinning thesis, whereas the economy functions in terms of changing probabilities.
Very Expensive Software Valuations
Low yields combined with people working from home and ordering goods online due to COVID-19 have caused the software stocks to do really well. As you can see from the chart below, the SaaS EV to sales to growth rate is 2.6 times the historical average.
and $MS' answer to the "but growth is higher now" folks (both from their software Q3 preview report this morning) pic.twitter.com/OhbSAxlR3T — R-40 (@ruleof40) October 21, 2020
Don’t fall into the trap that this is the new normal. These are the same companies everyone had a small allocation to in prior years. With the increase in demand comes higher competition. If the economy were to reopen, rates would rise and software sales growth would slow. Luckily for software investors this period of increased demand and low rates has stayed in place long enough for them to generate amazing returns. These are the types of returns that allow people to become rich in a few months. Speculators are chasing that dream.
Conclusion
The Fed’s Beige Book stated the economy is barely growing which sounds harsh compared to the coming great Q3 GDP growth reading, but it is fair considering the spike in COVID-19 cases and the lack of a stimulus. The Fed is actually pleading Congress to pass a stimulus with its statements. That hasn’t been working. Restaurants are facing a miserable next few months as the weather gets colder and COVID-19 cases ramp up. The entire market is a duration trade. SaaS stocks are 2.6 times more expensive than the historical average. As everyone is betting on software and tech, they are actually betting against the real economy improving, thus making them implicitly bearish on the economy.


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--So Donald Trump just got Joe Biden to admit that he wants to ban the entire U.S. oil industry…

Can you imagine how Joe Biden ’ s campaign team must be feeling right now ?
They have been working night and day for months to put their candidate in a position to win the election , and he has been leading in most national polls .
Over the last several days they spent many hours carefully rehearsing every potential question , and they just needed Joe to get through one last debate without making some sort of colossal game-changing mistake .
And he almost did it .
Even though Trump had hit him with quite a few jabs throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on the verge of escaping without any major damage being done .
But right near the end of the debate we witnessed a moment that could change everything .
With just a few minutes to go , President Trump asked Biden if he would shut down the U.S. oil industry , and all Biden needed to do was to say “ no ” to that question and move on .
Instead , Biden decided to be honest for some reason , and that could potentially cost him millions of votes .
Here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about… For those working on the Biden campaign , that moment was essentially the equivalent of their star quarterback throwing an interception in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl .
Of course it is definitely true that the Democrats want to get rid of the U.S. oil industry , but if they want to win elections they should never actually admit that to the American people .
Despite this enormous error , Joe Biden may end up winning the election anyway .
More than 48 million Americans have already voted , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much that they simply don ’ t care what Joe Biden , Hunter Biden and the rest of the corrupt Biden clan have been doing over the years .
They simply want Trump out , and so they would vote for Satan if that is what it took to achieve that goal .
But for any persuadable voters that are still out there , this is a bombshell .
Needless to say , the oil industry is one of the most important sectors of the U.S. economy , and we all use petroleum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes from the official website of the U.S. Energy Information Administration… And a lot of people that were watching the debate are employed by the oil industry .
In fact , today the industry employs nearly 10 million Americans… These aren ’ t minimum wage jobs either .
Most oil industry jobs pay very well , and this is one of the primary factors why the middle class in the United States hasn ’ t completely collapsed yet .
And as President Trump noted during the debate , there are a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their paychecks from the oil industry .
In particular , oil and gas continue to be of vital importance in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania… Even today , few industries — aside from coal and steel — have had the same impact on the state as oil and gas drilling .
The state was at one time the country ’ s leading producer in the oil and gas industry since the 1850s , creating thousands of jobs across the commonwealth and driving its economy for much of the 20th century .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Domestic Product from utilities was $ 282.60 billion in 2019 , which includes services such as natural gas and electricity generation , according to Trading Economics , an online platform that provides historical economic data as well as forecasts .
If Joe Biden does not win Pennsylvania , he is going to have a really hard time winning the election .
So why in the world would he choose to alienate so many Pennsylvania voters ?
Talk about shooting yourself in the foot .
It was a really stupid thing for him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people should be thankful for a rare moment of honesty .
In recent years I have had the opportunity to be around a lot of politicians , and most of them are habitual liars .
Usually Joe Biden is pretty good about keeping his lies straight , but one moment of weakness during Thursday night ’ s debate could change everything .
If I was the Trump campaign , I would make this the number one issue for the last 12 days .
Getting rid of the U.S. oil industry would absolutely crush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good paying jobs , and those that currently hold those jobs would definitely not be keen on having them taken away .
In order to win this election , Trump needs a miracle , and he may have just gotten one .
But time is running out , and if he wants to exploit this golden opportunity he will need to do so very quickly .

by Michael Snyder
Can you imagine how Joe Biden’s campaign team must be feeling right now? They have been working night and day for months to put their candidate in a position to win the election, and he has been leading in most national polls. Over the last several days they spent many hours carefully rehearsing every potential question, and they just needed Joe to get through one last debate without making some sort of colossal game-changing mistake.
And he almost did it.
Even though Trump had hit him with quite a few jabs throughout Thursday night’s debate, Biden was on the verge of escaping without any major damage being done.
But right near the end of the debate we witnessed a moment that could change everything.
With just a few minutes to go, President Trump asked Biden if he would shut down the U.S. oil industry, and all Biden needed to do was to say “no” to that question and move on.
Instead, Biden decided to be honest for some reason, and that could potentially cost him millions of votes.
Here is the exchange that everyone is buzzing about…
Trump: “Would you close down the oil industry?” Biden: “I would transition from the oil industry, yes.” Trump: “That’s a big statement.” Biden: “That is a big statement.”
For those working on the Biden campaign, that moment was essentially the equivalent of their star quarterback throwing an interception in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl.
Of course it is definitely true that the Democrats want to get rid of the U.S. oil industry, but if they want to win elections they should never actually admit that to the American people.
Despite this enormous error, Joe Biden may end up winning the election anyway. More than 48 million Americans have already voted, and most of his supporters hate Trump so much that they simply don’t care what Joe Biden, Hunter Biden and the rest of the corrupt Biden clan have been doing over the years. They simply want Trump out, and so they would vote for Satan if that is what it took to achieve that goal.
But for any persuadable voters that are still out there, this is a bombshell.
Needless to say, the oil industry is one of the most important sectors of the U.S. economy, and we all use petroleum products every single day. The following comes from the official website of the U.S. Energy Information Administration…
Petroleum is the largest U.S. energy source. We use petroleum products to propel vehicles, to heat buildings, and to produce electricity. In the industrial sector, the petrochemical industry uses petroleum as a raw material (a feedstock) to make products such as plastics, polyurethane, solvents, and hundreds of other intermediate and end-user goods. In 2019, U.S. petroleum consumption averaged about 20.54 million barrels per day (b/d), which included about 1.1 million b/d of biofuels.
And a lot of people that were watching the debate are employed by the oil industry.
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In fact, today the industry employs nearly 10 million Americans…
The industry provides about 9.8 million U.S. jobs.
This equates to a sky-high 8% of the total American economy, showing how important it really is to our development. You want to provide your company with the tools it needs to support the vastness of the industry, from learning new ways to store crude oil and investing in proper-sized storage tanks.
These aren’t minimum wage jobs either. Most oil industry jobs pay very well, and this is one of the primary factors why the middle class in the United States hasn’t completely collapsed yet.
And as President Trump noted during the debate, there are a lot of voters in key swing states that get their paychecks from the oil industry.
In particular, oil and gas continue to be of vital importance in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania…
Even today, few industries — aside from coal and steel — have had the same impact on the state as oil and gas drilling. The state was at one time the country’s leading producer in the oil and gas industry since the 1850s, creating thousands of jobs across the commonwealth and driving its economy for much of the 20th century. In fact, the state’s Gross Domestic Product from utilities was $282.60 billion in 2019, which includes services such as natural gas and electricity generation, according to Trading Economics, an online platform that provides historical economic data as well as forecasts.
If Joe Biden does not win Pennsylvania, he is going to have a really hard time winning the election.
So why in the world would he choose to alienate so many Pennsylvania voters?
Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.
It was a really stupid thing for him to say, but I suppose the American people should be thankful for a rare moment of honesty.
In recent years I have had the opportunity to be around a lot of politicians, and most of them are habitual liars.
Usually Joe Biden is pretty good about keeping his lies straight, but one moment of weakness during Thursday night’s debate could change everything.
If I was the Trump campaign, I would make this the number one issue for the last 12 days. Getting rid of the U.S. oil industry would absolutely crush the economy and would eliminate millions of good paying jobs, and those that currently hold those jobs would definitely not be keen on having them taken away.
In order to win this election, Trump needs a miracle, and he may have just gotten one.
But time is running out, and if he wants to exploit this golden opportunity he will need to do so very quickly.


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--Strange Election “Coincidences”: 1 Blue Moon, 2 Asteroids And 3 Simultaneous Lightning Strikes

This has already been one of the most bizarre presidential election seasons in U.S. history , and it gets stranger with each passing day .
So it seems appropriate that nature is getting into the act as well .
Some very unusual natural events are happening , and many are speculating that some or all of them may have some sort of deeper meaning .
For example , there will be a “ blue moon ” on the Saturday before the election , and of course Halloween just also happens to fall on that particular Saturday .
The following comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more unusual is the fact that this will be the very first Halloween blue moon to occur in all global time zones since 1944… In 1944 , World War II was reaching a crescendo , and in 2020 we have definitely had our share of trouble as well .
But a blue moon is not the only odd natural event that is taking place during this time frame .
On Thursday , an asteroid that is the “ size of London ’ s Big Ben clock tower ” zoomed past the Earth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended… In what is perhaps yet another signal of end times upon us , an asteroid that is the “ size of London ’ s Big Ben clock tower ” is going to fly past the Earth tonight , moments after the end of the next Presidential debate .
It ’ ll pass the Earth safely on Thursday at 10:49PM EST , Fox News reports .
The asteroid is called 2020 TGI and is traveling at an estimated 30,700 miles per hour .
It ’ s going to miss the Earth by about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a “ coincidence ” , but another asteroid is scheduled to make an extremely close pass to Earth literally the day before the election .
The following is what Neil deGrasse Tyson tweeted about this asteroid the other day… .
Asteroid 2018VP1 , a refrigerator-sized space-rock , is hurtling towards us at more than 40,000 km/hr .
It may buzz-cut Earth on Nov 2 , the day before the Presidential Election .
It ’ s not big enough to cause harm .
So if the World ends in 2020 , it won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Universe .
You have to admit , that is pretty bizarre .
And on top of everything else that I have just shared , the Trump Hotel in Chicago was hit by “ three simultaneous lightning strikes ” on Thursday .
One photographer was fortunate enough to capture that moment , and you can view that photograph right here .
Everyone has heard of lightning “ striking twice ” , but what does it mean when lightning strikes three times ?
I don ’ t know , but as I am writing this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that if Donald Trump loses the popular vote but wins the Electoral College , it will be the third time in the last six elections that this has happened .
Many of the pundits in the mainstream media are counting Trump out , but they did the same thing in 2016 and he still won .
And on Thursday , Rasmussen had some really good polling news for Trump… In less then two weeks , the voting will be over and the results will start coming in .
It is going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I have a feeling that the events of the next several weeks will be very dramatic .

by Michael Snyder
This has already been one of the most bizarre presidential election seasons in U.S. history, and it gets stranger with each passing day. So it seems appropriate that nature is getting into the act as well. Some very unusual natural events are happening, and many are speculating that some or all of them may have some sort of deeper meaning.
For example, there will be a “blue moon” on the Saturday before the election, and of course Halloween just also happens to fall on that particular Saturday. The following comes from the Jerusalem Post…
The events of 2020 have been strange enough that some might quip they would only happen once in a blue moon. But this year will even have one of those: At the end of October, an actual, rare blue moon will occur – on Halloween.
What makes this even more unusual is the fact that this will be the very first Halloween blue moon to occur in all global time zones since 1944…
This year’s is particularly unusual as it is the first full moon to occur across all time zones since 1944, although there is a full moon on Halloween somewhere in the world every 19 years – meaning that the next one to occur will be in 2039, followed by 2058 and 2077.
In 1944, World War II was reaching a crescendo, and in 2020 we have definitely had our share of trouble as well.
But a blue moon is not the only odd natural event that is taking place during this time frame.
On Thursday, an asteroid that is the “size of London’s Big Ben clock tower” zoomed past the Earth just minutes after the final presidential debate ended…
In what is perhaps yet another signal of end times upon us, an asteroid that is the “size of London’s Big Ben clock tower” is going to fly past the Earth tonight, moments after the end of the next Presidential debate. It’ll pass the Earth safely on Thursday at 10:49PM EST, Fox News reports. The asteroid is called 2020 TGI and is traveling at an estimated 30,700 miles per hour. It’s going to miss the Earth by about 7 million miles.
Perhaps that is just a “coincidence”, but another asteroid is scheduled to make an extremely close pass to Earth literally the day before the election. The following is what Neil deGrasse Tyson tweeted about this asteroid the other day….
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Asteroid 2018VP1, a refrigerator-sized space-rock, is hurtling towards us at more than 40,000 km/hr. It may buzz-cut Earth on Nov 2, the day before the Presidential Election. It’s not big enough to cause harm. So if the World ends in 2020, it won’t be the fault of the Universe.
You have to admit, that is pretty bizarre.
And on top of everything else that I have just shared, the Trump Hotel in Chicago was hit by “three simultaneous lightning strikes” on Thursday. One photographer was fortunate enough to capture that moment, and you can view that photograph right here.
WHOA: "Three Simultaneous Lightning Strikes on the Trump Hotel Chicago at 2:14am on Thursday." Thanks to @BarryButlerPhotography for sharing the incredible shot. pic.twitter.com/4r431yhikq — ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) October 22, 2020
Everyone has heard of lightning “striking twice”, but what does it mean when lightning strikes three times?
I don’t know, but as I am writing this article I am reminded of the fact that if Donald Trump loses the popular vote but wins the Electoral College, it will be the third time in the last six elections that this has happened.
Many of the pundits in the mainstream media are counting Trump out, but they did the same thing in 2016 and he still won.
And on Thursday, Rasmussen had some really good polling news for Trump…
With just 12 days to go before the election, @realDonaldTrump‘s approval rating has popped over 50%, considered the holy grail of reelection numbers.
In less then two weeks, the voting will be over and the results will start coming in.
It is going to be absolutely fascinating to watch what happens, and I have a feeling that the events of the next several weeks will be very dramatic.


Everything is Staged

All the staging is a means to an end , and everyone in America is nothing more than a means to an end : close the sale so the few can continue exploiting the many .
You know how realtors stage a house to increase its marketability : first , they remove all evidence that people actually live there .
( Of course a vacant house is ideal for staging because there ’ s none of the messy real-life stuff to deal with . )
All the clutter of everyday life must be moved elsewhere so the house can look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other words , fake .
Then various tricks /cues are employed to activate the sense of “ home ” : induce the “ smell of fresh bread ” in the kitchen , adorn rooms with vases of fresh flowers , and have a few fake “ family ” photos set on bookshelves .
We all understand homes for sale are staged for marketing , as are showrooms and any other space devoted to selling .
The raison d ’ etre of the space is to close the sale , so exacting care is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuance .
The problem is everything in America is now staged with an eye on selling you something .
Maybe it ’ s just selling your attention to an advertiser or data-mining outfit .
Maybe it ’ s selling an ersatz slogan like “ we ’ re all in this together ” to placate the herd being led to slaughter .
Maybe it ’ s phony membership in a movement that masks the few taking advantage of the many with a bogus ideological rallying cry .
Maybe it ’ s a so-called “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assurances that this highly addictive opioid is incredibly profitable– oops , did I say that ?
I meant “ safe.
” It ’ s incredibly safe .
And so on .
Since everything is staged , nothing is remotely credible .
The 70-year old performer ’ s deep-red hair ( with a small splash of gray to make the charade “ believable ” ) : fake .
The Stepford automatons lining the stage ?
Replicas of a carefully coiffed “ reality.
” The entire financial system–nothing but an elaborate simulacrum of a real-world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ –nothing but an elaborate simulacrum of a real-world republic .
“ Fake ” is now itself fake as the meta-marketers seek to undermine the concept of fake to sell the idea that what we recognize as fake is actually real : we ’ re told that it ’ s the real thing that ’ s been hidden from view that ’ s fake .
The photo on the shelf of the fake family is real , we ’ re told ; what ’ s fake is the actual real photo of the messy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Given that everything is staged , trust has been completely destroyed .
To trust anything being presented as a means to an end–i.e .
a con , a scam , a sales pitch , a fake scent of fresh bread , etc.–is to be a chump .
The legitimacy of everything that ’ s being staged has been irrevocably lost .
Nobody tells the plain truth any more because telling the truth is straying off-message .
Staying on-message is the Prime Directive in America .
Stray from the message and the truth might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re all doomed because we can ’ t close the sale .
There ’ s no escape from this dependency on staging and staying on-message .
The only hope of a return to the real world is the collapse of the entire fake , staged status quo , the collapse of every institution , every media outlet , every social-media platform , every single manifestation of marketing , cons , scams , pitches , gamed statistics , and all the frantic assurances that fake is real and real is fake because your belief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing the sale .
All the staging is a means to an end , and everyone in America is nothing more than a means to an end : close the sale so the few can continue exploiting the many .
If you can ’ t stay on-message , you ’ re gone–no wealth or security for you , bucko .
Staging is no substitute for reality .
The frauds , cons and scams are failing to keep the simulacrum world glued together because no matter how expert the marketing and how great the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few can continue exploiting the many , reality intrudes right when the deal ’ s about to close and the whole absurd contraption collapses in a heap .
My new book is available !
A Hacker ’ s Teleology : Sharing the Wealth of Our Shrinking Planet 20 % and 15 % discounts ( Kindle $ 7 , print $ 17 ) Read excerpts of the book for free ( PDF ) .
The Story Behind the Book and the Introduction .
AxisOfEasy Salon # 26 : Ben Hunt vs The Industrially Necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Go Wrong ?
( 43 minutes , with Gordon Long )

by Charles Hugh-Smith
All the staging is a means to an end, and everyone in America is nothing more than a means to an end: close the sale so the few can continue exploiting the many.
You know how realtors stage a house to increase its marketability: first, they remove all evidence that people actually live there. (Of course a vacant house is ideal for staging because there’s none of the messy real-life stuff to deal with.)
All the clutter of everyday life must be moved elsewhere so the house can look like a bloodless furniture showroom. In other words, fake.
Then various tricks /cues are employed to activate the sense of “home”: induce the “smell of fresh bread” in the kitchen, adorn rooms with vases of fresh flowers, and have a few fake “family” photos set on bookshelves.
We all understand homes for sale are staged for marketing, as are showrooms and any other space devoted to selling. The raison d’etre of the space is to close the sale, so exacting care is given to every signal, cue and nuance.
(It doesn’t always work as intended. Apple Stores make me want to run screaming from the sci-fi white prison workshop to blessed freedom.)
The problem is everything in America is now staged with an eye on selling you something. Maybe it’s just selling your attention to an advertiser or data-mining outfit. Maybe it’s selling an ersatz slogan like “we’re all in this together” to placate the herd being led to slaughter.
Maybe it’s phony membership in a movement that masks the few taking advantage of the many with a bogus ideological rallying cry. Maybe it’s a so-called “panel of experts” offering up soothing assurances that this highly addictive opioid is incredibly profitable– oops, did I say that? I meant “safe.” It’s incredibly safe.
And so on. Since everything is staged, nothing is remotely credible. The 70-year old performer’s deep-red hair (with a small splash of gray to make the charade “believable”): fake.
The Stepford automatons lining the stage? Replicas of a carefully coiffed “reality.”
The entire financial system–nothing but an elaborate simulacrum of a real-world financial system.
“Democracy”: –nothing but an elaborate simulacrum of a real-world republic.
“Fake” is now itself fake as the meta-marketers seek to undermine the concept of fake to sell the idea that what we recognize as fake is actually real: we’re told that it’s the real thing that’s been hidden from view that’s fake. The photo on the shelf of the fake family is real, we’re told; what’s fake is the actual real photo of the messy real-world family who actually lives here.
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Given that everything is staged, trust has been completely destroyed. To trust anything being presented as a means to an end–i.e. a con, a scam, a sales pitch, a fake scent of fresh bread, etc.–is to be a chump.
The legitimacy of everything that’s being staged has been irrevocably lost. Nobody tells the plain truth any more because telling the truth is straying off-message. Staying on-message is the Prime Directive in America. Stray from the message and the truth might leak out, and then we’re all doomed because we can’t close the sale.
There’s no escape from this dependency on staging and staying on-message. The only hope of a return to the real world is the collapse of the entire fake, staged status quo, the collapse of every institution, every media outlet, every social-media platform, every single manifestation of marketing, cons, scams, pitches, gamed statistics, and all the frantic assurances that fake is real and real is fake because your belief in the fraud is the key to closing the sale.
All the staging is a means to an end, and everyone in America is nothing more than a means to an end: close the sale so the few can continue exploiting the many. If you can’t stay on-message, you’re gone–no wealth or security for you, bucko.
Staging is no substitute for reality. The frauds, cons and scams are failing to keep the simulacrum world glued together because no matter how expert the marketing and how great the desire to close the sale so the few can continue exploiting the many, reality intrudes right when the deal’s about to close and the whole absurd contraption collapses in a heap.
My new book is available! A Hacker’s Teleology: Sharing the Wealth of Our Shrinking Planet 20% and 15% discounts (Kindle $7, print $17)
Read excerpts of the book for free (PDF).
The Story Behind the Book and the Introduction.
Recent Podcasts:
AxisOfEasy Salon #26: Ben Hunt vs The Industrially Necessary Narratives (1 hr)
FRA Roundtable: Richard and I discuss Inflation (37 min)
Obsoleted Engineered Economic Relapse (with Chuck Ochelli, 1 hr)
What Could Go Wrong? (43 minutes, with Gordon Long)
My COVID-19 Pandemic Posts


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-23--Protecting Your Finances in a Competitive Business Landscape

Sometimes protecting your finances and investing insurances is the last thing on your mind as a business owner .
However , protecting your assets can be vital to the success of your company , and if you need to get money back from forex trade scam there are ways in which you can do so .
A company like Payback has a lot of expertise in recouping lost funds from a forex or binary options scam .
If your company fell victim , make sure you protect your finances and work with a company like Payback to get your money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important part of any business .
However , what many companies lose sight of is that protecting your finances can be just as important as investing and earning new assets .
If you don ’ t protect the finances you have , what good is earning more money ?
If you were unable to avoid a forex scam , do not despair .
All hope is not lost .
Fortunately , there are some ways you can recover your finances .
Work with Payback to determine how you can get the finances back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovering finances that have been lost .
Working with a team of experts can give you the competitive advantage you need .
Payback can also help you make sure everything is in order so you prevent your business from ever falling victim to a scam again .
Think of them like a good insurance company who can help prevent problems , but is also there to help you recover should you run into any problems .
The first thing you should do once you noticed you have been scammed is to contact a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they can advise you on how to get your money back where it belongs soonest .
Do you spend a lot of time crunching numbers and predicting the future of your business ?
You might be spending more time than you need to .
You are better suited to focus on the industry you are in and hiring a team of people to help with numbers and finances .
If you hire the right analyst , he can use predictive analytics to help you run your business and forecast your finances .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a problem head on to fix it and set your company up for the future .
With the right data analysis tools , your company will be able to spot trends that other competitors can not see , which could help you get a leg up in your industry .
This can help you not only protect your finances but also possibly increase profits and move ahead of your competition .
Why Protecting your Assets is so Important If you do not protect the finances you do have , you can not expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenues .
No business can be successful if money is constantly being siphoned out of the accounts .
It is vital for all business to protect their finances and put insurances in place to make sure everything is safeguarded .
Disclaimer : This content does not necessarily represent the views of IWB .

Sometimes protecting your finances and investing insurances is the last thing on your mind as a business owner. However, protecting your assets can be vital to the success of your company, and if you need to get money back from forex trade scam there are ways in which you can do so.
A company like Payback has a lot of expertise in recouping lost funds from a forex or binary options scam. If your company fell victim, make sure you protect your finances and work with a company like Payback to get your money back.
Finances are arguably the most important part of any business. However, what many companies lose sight of is that protecting your finances can be just as important as investing and earning new assets. If you don’t protect the finances you have, what good is earning more money?
Forex Scam
If you were unable to avoid a forex scam, do not despair. All hope is not lost. Fortunately, there are some ways you can recover your finances. Work with Payback to determine how you can get the finances back that you lost. They have experience recovering finances that have been lost. Working with a team of experts can give you the competitive advantage you need.
Payback can also help you make sure everything is in order so you prevent your business from ever falling victim to a scam again. Think of them like a good insurance company who can help prevent problems, but is also there to help you recover should you run into any problems. The first thing you should do once you noticed you have been scammed is to contact a company with expertise as recovery experts, as they can advise you on how to get your money back where it belongs soonest.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Analyze your Data
Do you spend a lot of time crunching numbers and predicting the future of your business? You might be spending more time than you need to. You are better suited to focus on the industry you are in and hiring a team of people to help with numbers and finances.
If you hire the right analyst, he can use predictive analytics to help you run your business and forecast your finances. This can also help you look at a problem head on to fix it and set your company up for the future.
With the right data analysis tools, your company will be able to spot trends that other competitors cannot see, which could help you get a leg up in your industry. This can help you not only protect your finances but also possibly increase profits and move ahead of your competition.
Why Protecting your Assets is so Important
If you do not protect the finances you do have, you cannot expect to add to them with profits and revenues. No business can be successful if money is constantly being siphoned out of the accounts. It is vital for all business to protect their finances and put insurances in place to make sure everything is safeguarded.
Disclaimer: This content does not necessarily represent the views of IWB.


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-24--‘PayPal in Talks to Buy Crypto Firms Including BitGo’, Paypal Seem to be going deeper on Crypto than

‘PayPal in Talks to Buy Crypto Firms Including BitGo’, Paypal Seem to be going deeper on Crypto than first thought.

PayPal Holdings Inc. is exploring acquisitions of cryptocurrency companies including Bitcoin custodian BitGo Inc. , according to people familiar with the matter , a move that would expand its embrace of digital coins .
PayPal has been holding talks with BitGo , a company that helps investors store Bitcoin securely , and could reach a deal within weeks , the people said , asking not to be identified because the matter is private .
Talks could still fall apart and PayPal could opt to buy other targets , the people added .
It couldn ’ t be learned how much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes ahead with the deal .
BitGo raised $ 58.5 million in 2018 at a $ 170 million valuation , according to PitchBook .
Representatives for BitGo and PayPal declined to comment .
Palo Alto , California-based BitGo was founded in 2013 by Chief Executive Officer Mike Belshe .
It offers digital wallets that require multiple signatures for transactions , as well as offline vaults for storing Bitcoin and rival currencies .
It was one of the first companies in the space to focus on institutional investors , according to its website .

www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-22/paypal-said-to-be-in-talks-to-buy-crypto-firms-including-bitgo
PayPal Holdings Inc. is exploring acquisitions of cryptocurrency companies including Bitcoin custodian BitGo Inc., according to people familiar with the matter, a move that would expand its embrace of digital coins.
PayPal has been holding talks with BitGo, a company that helps investors store Bitcoin securely, and could reach a deal within weeks, the people said, asking not to be identified because the matter is private. Talks could still fall apart and PayPal could opt to buy other targets, the people added.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
It couldn’t be learned how much PayPal would pay for BitGo if it goes ahead with the deal. BitGo raised $58.5 million in 2018 at a $170 million valuation, according to PitchBook.
Representatives for BitGo and PayPal declined to comment.
Palo Alto, California-based BitGo was founded in 2013 by Chief Executive Officer Mike Belshe. It offers digital wallets that require multiple signatures for transactions, as well as offline vaults for storing Bitcoin and rival currencies. It was one of the first companies in the space to focus on institutional investors, according to its website.


investmentwatchblog--2020-10-24--Reuters: Fed defends ‘pedal to the metal’ policy and is not fearful of asset bubbles ahead (Sept 16,

Reuters: Fed defends ‘pedal to the metal’ policy and is not fearful of asset bubbles ahead (Sept 16, 2020)

tired: going public with huge losses.
wired: going public with zero revenue. t.co/dOoFpWS9KU — erin griffith (@eringriffith) October 21, 2020
The Fed Saved the Economy but Is Threatening Trillions of Dollars Worth of Middle-Class Retirement t.co/XSRb65rCpp — M/I_Investments (@MI_Investments) October 21, 2020