investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--How and When the SCOTUS Will Overturn the Election

Get ready for some fireworks .
The state of Texas ( along with Alabama , Arkansas , Florida , Kentucky , Louisiana , Mississippi , South Carolina , and South Dakota ) is suing the states of Georgia , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in the Supreme Court .
Texas is arguing that those four states violated the constitution when they passed new election laws to allow mail-in voting and other changes to their election process .
The Constitution of the United States is explicit that only state legislators NOT state governors , attorney generals , or secretary of states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The media is keeping pretty quiet about this , or attempting to frame it as nothing , but it is a HUGE deal .
The Supreme Court has already docketed the case meaning that the SCOTUS will hear it .
If the SCOTUS rules that of Georgia , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin did in fact violate the constitution ( they did ) , then either : 1 ) Those votes that were allowed under the new laws are thrown out .
2 ) The elections in those states become null and void @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then President Trump wins all four states in a landslide .
Remember , the mail-in ballots were pro-Biden by a massive margin ( 90 % + ) .
If those votes no longer count , Biden loses tens of thousands of votes in all four key states ( his margin of victory is only 1 % or lower in all four of them ) .
If the outcome is # 2 , then 62 electoral college votes vanish from the vote count .
This means NO ONE hits the required 270 electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the election moves into Congress as per the 12th Amendment .
There , the House of Representatives votes for the President on a one vote per state basis .
The GOP has 26 states , the Democrats have 24 states .
This again , means Trump wins the election .
You can be furious at this all you want , but it ’ s the law .
The fact the media doesn ’ t bother explaining this only reveals that they ’ re ignorant of how elections work in the U.S. or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be bothered to consider an outcome in which Biden doesn ’ t win .
So , like I said… get ready for some fireworks .
The odds of President Trump actually winning the election are the highest they ’ ve been since the election itself .
With that in mind , I stand by my original forecast that President Trump will end up winning this election .
And our clients are already doing this with our new special report titled… The MAGA Portfolio : Five Investments That Will Make Fortunes During Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we detail five unique investments that we expect will produce the most extraordinary gains during President Trump ’ s second term .
Each one of these investments is in a unique position to profit from the combination of Trump economic reforms and Fed monetary easing , combining high growth opportunities with extreme profitability .
We are offering this report exclusively to subscribers of our e-letter Gains Pains & Capital .
To pick up your copy please swing by :

Get ready for some fireworks.
The state of Texas (along with Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and South Dakota) is suing the states of Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in the Supreme Court.
Texas is arguing that those four states violated the constitution when they passed new election laws to allow mail-in voting and other changes to their election process.
The Constitution of the United States is explicit that only state legislators NOT state governors, attorney generals, or secretary of states can change how elections are processed.
The media is keeping pretty quiet about this, or attempting to frame it as nothing, but it is a HUGE deal. The Supreme Court has already docketed the case meaning that the SCOTUS will hear it.
If the SCOTUS rules that of Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin did in fact violate the constitution (they did), then either:
1) Those votes that were allowed under the new laws are thrown out.
Or…
2) The elections in those states become null and void.
If the outcome is #1, then President Trump wins all four states in a landslide.
Remember, the mail-in ballots were pro-Biden by a massive margin (90%+). If those votes no longer count, Biden loses tens of thousands of votes in all four key states (his margin of victory is only 1% or lower in all four of them).
If the outcome is #2, then 62 electoral college votes vanish from the vote count.
This means NO ONE hits the required 270 electoral college votes to win the election outright and the election moves into Congress as per the 12th Amendment.
There, the House of Representatives votes for the President on a one vote per state basis. The GOP has 26 states, the Democrats have 24 states.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
This again, means Trump wins the election.
You can be furious at this all you want, but it’s the law. The fact the media doesn’t bother explaining this only reveals that they’re ignorant of how elections work in the U.S. or are so biased they can’t be bothered to consider an outcome in which Biden doesn’t win.
So, like I said… get ready for some fireworks. The odds of President Trump actually winning the election are the highest they’ve been since the election itself.
With that in mind, I stand by my original forecast that President Trump will end up winning this election. And our clients are already doing this with our new special report titled…
The MAGA Portfolio: Five Investments That Will Make Fortunes During Trump’s Second Term.
In it, we detail five unique investments that we expect will produce the most extraordinary gains during President Trump’s second term.
Each one of these investments is in a unique position to profit from the combination of Trump economic reforms and Fed monetary easing, combining high growth opportunities with extreme profitability.
We are offering this report exclusively to subscribers of our e-letter Gains Pains & Capital. To pick up your copy please swing by:
phoenixcapitalmarketing.com/MAGA.html
Best Regards
Graham Summers
Chief Market Strategist
Phoenix Capital Research


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--MBA Mortgage Purchase Applications NSA Rise 28.6% From Previous Week And 22% Than Same Week A Year A

MBA Mortgage Purchase Applications NSA Rise 28.6% From Previous Week And 22% Than Same Week A Year Ago (Sanders Polynomial Restarting?)

Mortgage applications decreased 1.15 percent from one week earlier , according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association ’ s ( MBA ) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending December 4 , 2020 .
The previous week ’ s results included an adjustment for the Thanksgiving holiday .
The Refinance Index increased 1.75 percent from the previous week and was 89 percent higher than the same week one year ago .
The seasonally adjusted Purchase Index decreased 5.02 percent from one week earlier .
The unadjusted Purchase Index increased 28.6 percent compared with the previous week and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one year ago .
“ Refinance activity increased last week in response to mortgage rates for 30-year , 15-year , and FHA loans hitting their lowest levels in MBA ’ s survey .
The increase in refinance applications was driven by FHA and VA refinances , while conventional activity fell slightly .
The ongoing refinance wave has continued through the fall , with activity last week up 89 percent from a year ago , ” said Joel Kan , MBA ’ s Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry Forecasting .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 on a strong note .
Applications fell slightly last week but were around 3 percent higher than the two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving .
Reversing the recent trend , there was also a shift in the composition of purchase applications , with an increase in government loans pushing the average loan balance lower.
” Here is a chart of seasonally-adjusted mortgage purchase applications .
Is this a start to another “ Sanders Polynomial ?
” It depends on how long The Fed keeps priming the monetary pump .

by confoundedinterest17
Mortgage applications decreased 1.15 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending December 4, 2020. The previous week’s results included an adjustment for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Refinance Index increased 1.75 percent from the previous week and was 89 percent higher than the same week one year ago. The seasonally adjusted Purchase Index decreased 5.02 percent from one week earlier. The unadjusted Purchase Index increased 28.6 percent compared with the previous week and was 22 percent higher than the same week one year ago.
“Refinance activity increased last week in response to mortgage rates for 30-year, 15-year, and FHA loans hitting their lowest levels in MBA’s survey. The increase in refinance applications was driven by FHA and VA refinances, while conventional activity fell slightly. The ongoing refinance wave has continued through the fall, with activity last week up 89 percent from a year ago,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry Forecasting. “The purchase market is also poised to finish 2020 on a strong note. Applications fell slightly last week but were around 3 percent higher than the two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Reversing the recent trend, there was also a shift in the composition of purchase applications, with an increase in government loans pushing the average loan balance lower.”
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Here is a chart of seasonally-adjusted mortgage purchase applications.
Is this a start to another “Sanders Polynomial?”
It depends on how long The Fed keeps priming the monetary pump.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--When US government Manipulates Gold & Silver Markets, It’s Perfectly Legal And CFTC Can’t Act

In commentary today two of our friends , silver market analyst Ted Butler and GoldSilverPros.com editor and publisher Robert Kientz , seem astonished that the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission does nothing about manipulation of the gold and silver markets .
Butler ’ s astonishment is expressed in an essay posted at SilverSeek and headlined “ Man Bites Dog ” : Kientz ’ s astonishment comes in commentary headlined “ CFTC Failures Lead to Massive Market Manipulation , ” which is accompanied by a YouTube presentation here : But there is no need for astonishment , for the explanation has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of the commission ’ s refusal to answer a crucial question put to it not only by GATA but also by a member of Congress , Rep. Alex X. Mooney of West Virginia .
That is : Does the CFTC have jurisdiction over market manipulation undertaken by the U.S. government or by brokers acting for the U.S. government or with the government ’ s approval ?
: GATA construes the Gold Reserve Act of 1934 , as amended , as giving the Treasury Department ’ s Exchange Stabilization Fund the authority to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world .
An assistant U.S. attorney representing the Treasury and Federal Reserve in GATA ’ s first litigation , Howe vs. Bank for International Settlements et al.
, confirmed GATA ’ s understanding at a hearing in U.S. District Court in Boston in November 2001 : After all , if governments and central banks are not manipulating the currency and commodity futures markets , why has the CME Group , operator of the major U.S. futures exchanges , long offered special volume trading discounts to governments and central banks for secretly trading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All questions about what seems to be the CFTC ’ s long failure to do its job against manipulation of the gold and silver markets are answered if one understands that the manipulation is just execution of U.S. government policy .
The great journalist Charles Peters , retired editor of The Washington Monthly , offered the crucial insight decades ago : The scandal is seldom what is illegal .
The scandal is usually what is perfectly legal .
We encourage Ted and Bob to check it out .
Wine carrying the label of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which were awarded to three lucky donors in GATA ’ s recent fundraising campaign , are now available for purchase by the case from Fay J Winery LLC in Texarkana , Texas .
Each case has 12 bottles and the cost is $ 240 , which includes shipping via Federal Express .
Here ’ s what the bottles look like : Buyers can compose their case by choosing as many as four varietals from the list here : GATA will receive a commission on each case of GATA-label wine sold .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyway , why not buy it in a way that supports our work to achieve free and transparent markets in the monetary metals ?
To order a case of GATA-label wine , please e-mail Fay J Winery at bagman1236 @ aol.com .
“ Rigged ” is a concise explanation of government ’ s currency market rigging policy and extensively credits GATA ’ s work exposing it .
Ten percent of sales proceeds are contributed to GATA .
Buy a copy for $ 14.99 through Amazon — — or for an additional $ 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Englert himself by contacting him at srenglert @ comcast.net .
Help keep GATA going : GATA is a civil rights and educational organization based in the United States and tax-exempt under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code .
Its e-mail dispatches are free , and you can subscribe at : To contribute to GATA , please visit :

Dear Friend of GATA and Gold:
In commentary today two of our friends, silver market analyst Ted Butler and GoldSilverPros.com editor and publisher Robert Kientz, seem astonished that the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission does nothing about manipulation of the gold and silver markets.
Butler’s astonishment is expressed in an essay posted at SilverSeek and headlined “Man Bites Dog”:
silverseek.com/article/man-bites-dog
Kientz’s astonishment comes in commentary headlined “CFTC Failures Lead to Massive Market Manipulation,” which is accompanied by a YouTube presentation here:
goldsilverpros.com/2020/12/07/cftc-failures-lead-to-massive-mark…
But there is no need for astonishment, for the explanation has been apparent for many months as a result of the commission’s refusal to answer a crucial question put to it not only by GATA but also by a member of Congress, Rep. Alex X. Mooney of West Virginia.
That is: Does the CFTC have jurisdiction over market manipulation undertaken by the U.S. government or by brokers acting for the U.S. government or with the government’s approval?:
gata.org/node/20089
gata.org/node/19917
GATA construes the Gold Reserve Act of 1934, as amended, as giving the Treasury Department’s Exchange Stabilization Fund the authority to trade secretly and manipulate any market in the world.
An assistant U.S. attorney representing the Treasury and Federal Reserve in GATA’s first litigation, Howe vs. Bank for International Settlements et al., confirmed GATA’s understanding at a hearing in U.S. District Court in Boston in November 2001:
gata.org/node/4211
After all, if governments and central banks are not manipulating the currency and commodity futures markets, why has the CME Group, operator of the major U.S. futures exchanges, long offered special volume trading discounts to governments and central banks for secretly trading all contracts on those exchanges?:
gata.org/node/18925
All questions about what seems to be the CFTC’s long failure to do its job against manipulation of the gold and silver markets are answered if one understands that the manipulation is just execution of U.S. government policy.
The great journalist Charles Peters, retired editor of The Washington Monthly, offered the crucial insight decades ago: The scandal is seldom what is illegal. The scandal is usually what is perfectly legal.
We encourage Ted and Bob to check it out.
CHRIS POWELL, Secretary/Treasurer
Gold Anti-Trust Action Committee Inc.
CPowell@GATA.org
* * *
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Toast to a free gold market
with great GATA-label wine
Wine carrying the label of the Gold Anti-Trust Action Committee, cases of which were awarded to three lucky donors in GATA’s recent fundraising campaign, are now available for purchase by the case from Fay J Winery LLC in Texarkana, Texas. Each case has 12 bottles and the cost is $240, which includes shipping via Federal Express.
Here’s what the bottles look like:
www.gata.org/files/GATA-4-wine-bottles.jpg
Buyers can compose their case by choosing as many as four varietals from the list here:
www.gata.org/files/FayJWineryVarietals.jpg
GATA will receive a commission on each case of GATA-label wine sold. So if you like wine and buy it anyway, why not buy it in a way that supports our work to achieve free and transparent markets in the monetary metals?
To order a case of GATA-label wine, please e-mail Fay J Winery at bagman1236@aol.com.
* * *
Support GATA by purchasing
Stuart Englert’s “Rigged”
“Rigged” is a concise explanation of government’s currency market rigging policy and extensively credits GATA’s work exposing it. Ten percent of sales proceeds are contributed to GATA. Buy a copy for $14.99 through Amazon —
www.amazon.com/Rigged-Exposing-Largest-Financial-History/dp/1651…
— or for an additional $3 and a penny buy an autographed copy from Englert himself by contacting him at srenglert@comcast.net.
* * *
Help keep GATA going:
GATA is a civil rights and educational organization based in the United States and tax-exempt under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Its e-mail dispatches are free, and you can subscribe at:
www.gata.org
To contribute to GATA, please visit:
www.gata.org/node/16


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--U.S. Congress Races to Avoid December 11th Government Shutdown Amid Pandemic

Government funding for nearly all federal agencies expires on Dec. 11 .
Congressional negotiators have made progress on how to @ @ @ @ @ trillion to be spent by Sept. 30 , 2021 , the end of the current @ @ @ @ @ a House of Representatives Democratic aide .
But more granular details are still unresolved and @ @ @ @ @ and Senate on a massive funding bill may come close to bumping up against that @ @ @ @ @ unclear is whether Republican President Donald Trump , who was defeated in the Nov. 3 @ @ @ @ @ the effort underway in Congress .

Government funding for nearly all federal agencies expires on Dec. 11. Congressional negotiators have made progress on how to divvy up around $1.4 trillion to be spent by Sept. 30, 2021, the end of the current fiscal year, according to a House of Representatives Democratic aide.
But more granular details are still unresolved and votes by the full House and Senate on a massive funding bill may come close to bumping up against that Dec. 11 deadline.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Still unclear is whether Republican President Donald Trump, who was defeated in the Nov. 3 election, will cooperate with the effort underway in Congress.
www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2020-11-30/us-congress-races-to-avoid-december-government-shutdown-amid-pandemic


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--Code Monkey : Giant buildings full of people in India and Philippines are hired by big tech to censo

Code Monkey : Giant buildings full of people in India and Philippines are hired by big tech to censor American voices. Non-citizens literally deciding what citizens can say online.

Giant buildings full of people in India and Philippines are hired by big tech to censor American voices .
Non-citizens @ @ @ @ @ say online.t.co/mlsfk4mBu5 t.co/ys9KbqpCFR

Giant buildings full of people in India and Philippines are hired by big tech to censor American voices.
Non-citizens literally deciding what citizens can say online.t.co/mlsfk4mBu5 t.co/ys9KbqpCFR
— Ron (@CodeMonkeyZ) December 9, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--Half-Truths Are Half Lies By Definition

Half-Truths Are Half Lies By Definition

“ When one side of a story is heard and often repeated , the human mind becomes impressed with it insensibly ” – George Washington Daughter- Can I go out with friends ?
Father- Have you asked your mother ?
Daughter- Of course I have .
In the plot above , the daughter only tells her father half of the truth .
She fails to disclose that her mother said “ no.
” Like the daughter ’ s craftiness , many markets are surging on narratives built on just one side of a story .
For speculators and gamblers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aiming to build and preserve long term wealth , we suggest understanding every side of a story .
Of the many tales we hear to justify record equity valuations , low-interest rates are among the more popular .
Make no mistake , low interest rates provide benefits to stock prices .
However , that is only half of the truth .
We now present the other half of the story that few tell .
There is a popular narrative that says stocks should do well simply because bond yields are pitifully low .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ math comparing historical stock returns versus current bond yields .
The fact of the matter is that historical average returns and expected stock returns are often quite different .
The calculation of expected returns is primarily a function of the price of an asset .
The higher the price paid , the lower your expected returns and vice versa .
As we wrote in “ You ’ ve Got To Ask Yourself One Question .
Do You Feel Lucky ?
” current expected equity returns are near 0 , as valuations are extreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different than the “ we hope for ” expected returns spewed by cheerleaders in the financial and social media outlets .
The article presents four popular valuations methods and the expected returns based on the historical relationship between valuations and 10-year forward returns .
In each case , the current valuation has a strong statistical correlation with the coming 10 years of returns .
We extend that analysis by comparing those return expectations to yields on Treasury and corporate bonds .
The intersection between the same color vertical and trend line denotes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We show Ten-year U.S. Treasury yields and BBB-rated corporate bond yields with the dotted horizontal lines .
The table below the graph summarizes our findings .
As shown in the graph and table , bonds , even with their paltry yields , have higher expected returns versus stocks over the next ten years in three of the four studies .
The story does not end there .
Risk is an essential factor when comparing the expected returns of different assets .
Traditionally , stocks have more than twice as much risk as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As such , the expected returns per unit of risk greatly favor bonds , even bonds with near-zero yields .
Bonds may be rich , but stocks are richer .
The four graphs below , courtesy of Crescat Capital , further highlight that equities valuations are well above historical norms versus bond yields .
We compare the S & P 500 price to sales ratio to Ten-year Treasury yields below in the same vein .
Using this statistically robust measure ( R2 = .7109 ) , the S & P 500 is 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yields .
If we assume ten-year yields go to zero , it is still 10 % overvalued .
Another popular narrative tells us that a lower discount rate applied to expected earnings improves the present value of said earnings .
That is another half-truth .
Mathematically , a lower discount rate , with everything else equal , boosts the present value of expected cash flows .
Unfortunately , everything is not equal .
Discount rates are based on risk-free yields , which are highly correlated to economic growth .
Yields and economic growth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last 35 years .
Not surprisingly , the growth rate of corporate earnings follows the same trends .
The graph below compares the secular growth trends of yields , GDP , and profits .
While corporate profits are much more volatile , the trends are in sync .
A lower discount rate applied to future earnings boosts valuations .
However , one must also assume a slower growth rate for earnings projections .
When both growth rates are appropriately adjusted , the benefit of a lower discount rate is largely offset by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue dots in the graph below show the present value of a stream of future cash flows growing at 5 % per selected discount rates .
The orange line is similar , but it assumes a 4 % cash flow growth rate .
As highlighted in the box with the red arrow , if the discount rate is lowered by 1 % with no change to expected earnings growth , the present value rises by 18 % .
However , if we lower expected earnings and the discount rate by 1 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value increases by a mere 1 % .
A lower discount rate is only bullish if no adjustments are made to earnings growth forecasts .
The problem is yields , discount rates , and corporate earnings are directly tied to the economy .
The story is not as compelling when facts are equally applied .
Walk down the cereal aisle in any grocery store and read about the nutritional benefits of most cereals .
The boxes are partially correct .
Most breakfast cereals have an assortment of beneficial vitamins and fiber .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The aisle for stocks is similar .
As investors , we continually see half-truths .
Most current investors are lazy and do not want to research the veracity of claims or what might not be exposed .
The fact of the matter is that half-truths sell , and in a bullish market , that is all investors want to hear .

by Michael Lebowitz
Half-Truths Are Half Lies By Definition “When one side of a story is heard and often repeated, the human mind becomes impressed with it insensibly” – George Washington Daughter- Can I go out with friends? Father- Have you asked your mother? Daughter- Of course I have. Father- Okay, have fun. In the plot above, the daughter only tells her father half of the truth. She fails to disclose that her mother said “no.” Like the daughter’s craftiness, many markets are surging on narratives built on just one side of a story. For speculators and gamblers, that seems to suffice. For investors aiming to build and preserve long term wealth, we suggest understanding every side of a story. Of the many tales we hear to justify record equity valuations, low-interest rates are among the more popular. Make no mistake, low interest rates provide benefits to stock prices. However, that is only half of the truth. We now present the other half of the story that few tell. Opportunity Cost There is a popular narrative that says stocks should do well simply because bond yields are pitifully low. The basis behind the argument is simple math comparing historical stock returns versus current bond yields. The fact of the matter is that historical average returns and expected stock returns are often quite different. The calculation of expected returns is primarily a function of the price of an asset. The higher the price paid, the lower your expected returns and vice versa. As we wrote in “ You’ve Got To Ask Yourself One Question. Do You Feel Lucky? ” current expected equity returns are near 0, as valuations are extreme. Statistically based expected returns are vastly different than the “we hope for” expected returns spewed by cheerleaders in the financial and social media outlets. The article presents four popular valuations methods and the expected returns based on the historical relationship between valuations and 10-year forward returns. In each case, the current valuation has a strong statistical correlation with the coming 10 years of returns. We extend that analysis by comparing those return expectations to yields on Treasury and corporate bonds.
The intersection between the same color vertical and trend line denotes the expected return for the respective valuation method. We show Ten-year U.S. Treasury yields and BBB-rated corporate bond yields with the dotted horizontal lines.
The table below the graph summarizes our findings.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
As shown in the graph and table, bonds, even with their paltry yields, have higher expected returns versus stocks over the next ten years in three of the four studies.
Bonds Are Rich
The story does not end there. Risk is an essential factor when comparing the expected returns of different assets. Traditionally, stocks have more than twice as much risk as measured by standard deviation than bonds. As such, the expected returns per unit of risk greatly favor bonds, even bonds with near-zero yields. Bonds may be rich, but stocks are richer.
The four graphs below, courtesy of Crescat Capital, further highlight that equities valuations are well above historical norms versus bond yields.
We compare the S&P 500 price to sales ratio to Ten-year Treasury yields below in the same vein. Using this statistically robust measure (R2 = .7109), the S&P 500 is 20% overvalued relative to current ten-year Treasury yields. If we assume ten-year yields go to zero, it is still 10% overvalued.
Earnings and GDP
Another popular narrative tells us that a lower discount rate applied to expected earnings improves the present value of said earnings. That is another half-truth.
Mathematically, a lower discount rate, with everything else equal, boosts the present value of expected cash flows. Unfortunately, everything is not equal.
Discount rates are based on risk-free yields, which are highly correlated to economic growth. Yields and economic growth rates have been in decline for the last 35 years. Not surprisingly, the growth rate of corporate earnings follows the same trends. The graph below compares the secular growth trends of yields, GDP, and profits. While corporate profits are much more volatile, the trends are in sync.
A lower discount rate applied to future earnings boosts valuations. However, one must also assume a slower growth rate for earnings projections. When both growth rates are appropriately adjusted, the benefit of a lower discount rate is largely offset by a slower expected earnings growth rate.
The blue dots in the graph below show the present value of a stream of future cash flows growing at 5% per selected discount rates. The orange line is similar, but it assumes a 4% cash flow growth rate.
As highlighted in the box with the red arrow, if the discount rate is lowered by 1% with no change to expected earnings growth, the present value rises by 18%. However, if we lower expected earnings and the discount rate by 1%, the black arrow shows that the present value increases by a mere 1%.
A lower discount rate is only bullish if no adjustments are made to earnings growth forecasts. The problem is yields, discount rates, and corporate earnings are directly tied to the economy.
The story is not as compelling when facts are equally applied.
Summary
Walk down the cereal aisle in any grocery store and read about the nutritional benefits of most cereals. The boxes are partially correct. Most breakfast cereals have an assortment of beneficial vitamins and fiber. Many also have unhealthy amounts of sugar.
The aisle for stocks is similar. As investors, we continually see half-truths. Most current investors are lazy and do not want to research the veracity of claims or what might not be exposed.
The fact of the matter is that half-truths sell, and in a bullish market, that is all investors want to hear.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--TRUMP: We will be INTERVENING in TEXAS SCOTUS CASE

We will be INTERVENING in the Texas ( plus many other states ) case .
This is the big one @ @ @ @ @ victory !

We will be INTERVENING in the Texas (plus many other states) case. This is the big one. Our Country needs a victory!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 9, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--Cyberwarfare IS WAR: The Insurrection Act & the 12th & 14th Amendment & How it Plays into what you a

Cyberwarfare IS WAR: The Insurrection Act & the 12th & 14th Amendment & How it Plays into what you are seeing NOW

CNBC ’ s Bob Pisani says the new influx of options traders gets their plays from `` educational material '' @ @ @ @ @ TD Ameritrade

A very in depth description of what is going on right now from a lawyer in layman’s terms.
Absolutely worth a watch. Hope is still Alive!
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
h/t Vortex66


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--AZ GOP CHAIR Dr. Kelli Ward says over 200,000 ballots digitally adjudicated in Arizona and none have

AZ GOP CHAIR Dr. Kelli Ward says over 200,000 ballots digitally adjudicated in Arizona and none have been audited… REPORT: 400,000 Pennsylvania MAIL-IN BALLOTS SUDDENLY APPEARED AFTER ELECTION NIGHT…  Trump Campaign lawsuit in GA is now online.

Based on evidence obtained from DMV , Trump campaign says they identified almost 4K immigrant voters .
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ registered to vote while using a green card for identification .
That would be a @ @ @ @ @ sues alleging MASSIVE CONSTITUTIONAL VOTE INSECURITY VIOLATIONS by multiple key swing states in the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ of evidence of voter fraud has come to light , And , once again .
@ @ @ @ @ A report submitted by Representative Frank Ryan in Pennsylvania and co-signed by 14 other Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ ballots suddenly appeared in the public record the day after the election .
Trump Campaign @ @ @ @ @ online .
1,585 pages of fraud : 2,560 felons voted .
66,247 underage voters , @ @ @ @ @ registered , 1,043 individuals registered at PO boxes , 40,279 votes of people who moved @ @ @ @ @ county

Based on evidence obtained from DMV, Trump campaign says they identified almost 4K immigrant voters. I’m guessing these are people who registered to vote while using a green card for identification. That would be a massive scandal.
Based on evidence obtained from DMV, Trump campaign says they identified almost 4K immigrant voters. I’m guessing these are people who registered to vote while using a green card for identification. That would be a massive scandal. pic.twitter.com/yb1hjmGr97 — Victor Joecks (@VictorJoecks) December 9, 2020
BOMBSHELL REPORT Finds 400,000 Pennsylvania MAIL-IN BALLOTS SUDDENLY APPEARED AFTER ELECTION NIGHT
AS Texas sues alleging MASSIVE CONSTITUTIONAL VOTE INSECURITY VIOLATIONS by multiple key swing states in the 2020 election, another damning piece of evidence of voter fraud has come to light, And, once again. it is in Pennsylvania.
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A report submitted by Representative Frank Ryan in Pennsylvania and co-signed by 14 other Pennsylvania State Representatives allege 400,000 mail-in ballots suddenly appeared in the public record the day after the election.
Trump Campaign lawsuit in GA is now online. 1,585 pages of fraud: 2,560 felons voted. 66,247 underage voters , 2,423 votes from people not registered, 1,043 individuals registered at PO boxes, 40,279 votes of people who moved without re-registering in their new county
THREAD: Trump Campaign lawsuit in GA is now available online. It consists of 1585 pages outlining significant evidence of fraud. Here are some key points: 2,560 felons voted
66,247 underage voters
2,423 votes from people not registered
1,043 individuals registered at PO boxes — Jenny Beth Martin (@jennybethm) December 9, 2020
h/t BenRittenhouse


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--Video: Mike Pompeo Warns America’s Governors Who Are “Friendly” to China. Pompeo has had the list of

Video: Mike Pompeo Warns America’s Governors Who Are “Friendly” to China. Pompeo has had the list of Governors since FEB

In February of this year , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a speech that has become even more important now that “ China Joe ” is trying to steal the 2020 election .
This speech should give more people a reason to fight even harder for the election to be overturned .
SOS Pompeo spoke during the National Governors Association meeting .
He warned the assembly of U.S. Governors who were on the 2020 CCP influence list .
Pompeo tells the group that he knows of a list of U.S. governors the communists put together telling of their “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the key to election fraud The speech is a warning to those governors who are on the list to be careful about their relations with the communist country whether they are considered friendly or a hardliner : Wow….I ’ ve been saying for decades how corrupt NC really is and was wondering how our guv ranked when it comes to others in our nation in regards to what Pompeo said this fall about how the CCP was courting elected officials in various states .
And then a friend of mine sends me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Citizen Journalist who actually delved into NC relations w/ China .
Below are some mind blowing excerpts and shows just how fucked up things have been here in my home state .
“ This astonishing revelation was recently disclosed to National File in a copy of a letter written by John “ Gaorong ” Wei ( who also goes by the name of Lao Wei ) addressed to Governor Cooper and North Carolina DHHS head Mandy Cohen .
Wei ’ s plan , discovered on a Chinese language website , called for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be drawn and mixed together in groups of up to 100 before being tested for COVID-19 .
If the blood of any group members triggered a positive test , the entire group would be quarantined and barred from the convention .
The plan could even be used on citizens statewide Wei wrote , telling the Governor that using group blood samples to determine who would be allowed to return to work would “ speed up our North Carolina Phase III reopening.
” Oh , and NC ass-hats have decided that businesses need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the ‘ Rona.
’ Bars and restaurant owners are on their very last nerve right now .
How China influences the US government from a CCP expert .
CodeMonkey finds China connection to Whitmer : “ Zhao Jian explained [ to Gov Whitmer ] the current situation of Chinese-American relations , emphasizing the benefits of mutual cooperation , clarifying that any struggle will hurt both countries , and that COOPERATION IS THE ONLY CORRECT ANSWER.
” Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell claimed his repeated criticism of President Trump could have played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding his connection with a suspected Chinese spy was leaked .
VIDEO : Scott Adams : `` The Republic is Gone . ''
and `` I F***ing Hate Biden 's Guts . ''
Swalwell , whose relationship with Christine Fang , a Chinese national believed to be working with China ’ s Ministry of State Security , lasted from 2011-2015 , said he believes the “ timing ” of Axios ’ s reporting should be considered during a subsequent interview with Politico on Tuesday .
He was not the only target of Fang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among her “ most significant targets.
” Fang reportedly also had sexual relationships with two unnamed Midwestern mayors .
“ I ’ ve been a critic of the president .
I ’ ve spoken out against him .
I was on both committees that worked to impeach him , ” Swalwell said .
“ The timing feels like that should be looked at.
” “ What it appears though that this person — as the story reports — was unsuccessful in whatever they were trying to do , ” the failed 2020 presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials are trying to weaponize someone ’ s cooperation , they are essentially seeking to do what this person was not able to do , which is to try and discredit someone.
” Swalwell declined to discuss his relationship with Fang , although he s aid he doesn ’ t believe this story will cost him his seat on the House Intelligence Committee .
of course not u and all the dems are in bed witht he chinese literally and figuratively

In February of this year, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a speech that has become even more important now that “China Joe” is trying to steal the 2020 election. This speech should give more people a reason to fight even harder for the election to be overturned.
SOS Pompeo spoke during the National Governors Association meeting. He warned the assembly of U.S. Governors who were on the 2020 CCP influence list. Pompeo tells the group that he knows of a list of U.S. governors the communists put together telling of their “friendliness” to China. could this be the key to election fraud
The speech is a warning to those governors who are on the list to be careful about their relations with the communist country whether they are considered friendly or a hardliner:
100percentfedup.com/video-mike-pompeo-warns-americas-governors-who-are-friendly-to-china/
Chinese Communist & Close Democrat Ally Advised NC Governor to Extract Blood From RNC Attendees
Wow….I’ve been saying for decades how corrupt NC really is and was wondering how our guv ranked when it comes to others in our nation in regards to what Pompeo said this fall about how the CCP was courting elected officials in various states.
And then a friend of mine sends me this link to what I call a Citizen Journalist who actually delved into NC relations w/ China. Below are some mind blowing excerpts and shows just how fucked up things have been here in my home state.
“This astonishing revelation was recently disclosed to National File in a copy of a letter written by John “Gaorong” Wei (who also goes by the name of Lao Wei) addressed to Governor Cooper and North Carolina DHHS head Mandy Cohen.
Wei’s plan, discovered on a Chinese language website, called for the blood of all 50,000 RNC delegates to be drawn and mixed together in groups of up to 100 before being tested for COVID-19. If the blood of any group members triggered a positive test, the entire group would be quarantined and barred from the convention.
The plan could even be used on citizens statewide Wei wrote, telling the Governor that using group blood samples to determine who would be allowed to return to work would “speed up our North Carolina Phase III reopening.”
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
nationalfile.com/chinese-communist-and-close-democrat-ally-advised-nc-governor-to-extract-blood-from-rnc-attendees/
Oh, and NC ass-hats have decided that businesses need to close down by 10pm ‘to stop the spread of the ‘Rona.’ Bars and restaurant owners are on their very last nerve right now.
How China influences the US government from a CCP expert.
CodeMonkey finds China connection to Whitmer: “Zhao Jian explained [to Gov Whitmer] the current situation of Chinese-American relations, emphasizing the benefits of mutual cooperation, clarifying that any struggle will hurt both countries, and that COOPERATION IS THE ONLY CORRECT ANSWER.”
Run the source text through your favorite machine translation software and you can see that the quote is real. — Ron (@CodeMonkeyZ) December 9, 2020
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell claimed his repeated criticism of President Trump could have played a role in why a recent report regarding his connection with a suspected Chinese spy was leaked. Swalwell, whose relationship with Christine Fang, a Chinese national believed to be working with China’s Ministry of State Security, lasted from 2011-2015, said he believes the “timing” of Axios’s reporting should be considered during a subsequent interview with Politico on Tuesday. He was not the only target of Fang’s interest, although he was among her “most significant targets.” Fang reportedly also had sexual relationships with two unnamed Midwestern mayors. “I’ve been a critic of the president. I’ve spoken out against him. I was on both committees that worked to impeach him,” Swalwell said. “The timing feels like that should be looked at.” “What it appears though that this person — as the story reports — was unsuccessful in whatever they were trying to do,” the failed 2020 presidential candidate said. “But if intelligence officials are trying to weaponize someone’s cooperation, they are essentially seeking to do what this person was not able to do, which is to try and discredit someone.” Swalwell declined to discuss his relationship with Fang, although he s aid he doesn’t believe this story will cost him his seat on the House Intelligence Committee. of course not u and all the dems are in bed witht he chinese literally and figuratively www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/swalwell-questions-timing-of-chinese-spy-story-suggests-trump-criticism-couldve-played-role-in-leak
h/t Coastie Patriot


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--Rep. Jackson Threatens to Activate BLM and Antifa Terror if Pres. Trump Doesn’t Stop His Legal Battl

Rep. Jackson Threatens to Activate BLM and Antifa Terror if Pres. Trump Doesn’t Stop His Legal Battles

Domestic Terrorist Rep. Johnson threatens to send out her BLM Antifa army to cause harm to Trump and his followers
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I officially reported her to the @FBI…don't know if it will do any good…but just in case it doesn't and I get in trouble putting this post & this⬇@realdonaldtrump @RudyGiuliani @LLinWood @SidneyPowell1 @FBI pic.twitter.com/JIzj4UucDt — DMariaR (@HelloIamjustDee) December 9, 2020
h/t Alpacalips


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--Dem Mayor FOREVER SHAMED after Being Arrested on these Unbelievable Charges

Disgraceful : How do you know these witnesses are telling the truth about Democrat intimidation ?
Because you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ them on the committee , on national television .

Mike Lachance from American Lookout reports, Timmy Currier, the Democrat Mayor of Massena, New York was recently arrested on drug charges after a police chase. According to law enforcement, Currier tossed a vial of Crack Cocaine out of his car window when he was finally caught.
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Read More/Source/Credit/FairUse:
americanlookout.com/democrat-…


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--OIL WAR! Sky News Arabia reports two explosions caused by two bombs targeting oil wells in the Khaba

OIL WAR! Sky News Arabia reports two explosions caused by two bombs targeting oil wells in the Khabaz Oil Field, west of Kirkuk, Iraq!

Seems to be an ISIS attack .
Fire fighters sent to the area to extinguish a fire that has ignited @ @ @ @

Seems to be an ISIS attack. Fire fighters sent to the area to extinguish a fire that has ignited following the explosions.
— Doge (@IntelDoge) December 9, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--Russian Sentenced to Jail in France for Money Laundering, 5 billion dollars through BITCOIN

A French court on Monday sentenced a Russian to five years in prison for money laundering , but cleared him of an original charge of defrauding nearly 200 people using ransomware .
Prosecutors had said that Alexander Vinnik sent emails to his targets masquerading as invoices , whose attached document , when opened , activated malware that shut down the computer and encrypted its contents .
A message would appear on the hacked computer with instructions to pay a ransom in the online currency bitcoin to regain control of the machine .
Among the 188 victims of the attacks — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were local authorities , businesses and individuals in France .
The prosecution had accused Vinnik of making 135 million euros ( $ 164 million ) from these attacks , and called for a 10-year sentence against the 41-year-old when the trial opened in October .
But the court cleared him of the randomware attack charges .
“ All these accusations have collapsed because Alexander Vinnik had nothing to do with them , ” said one of his lawyers , Frederic Belot .
The court did , however , find him guilty of laundering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which a software called Locky was used .
In addition to the prison sentence , he was fined 100,000 euros ( $ 121,000 ) .

A French court on Monday sentenced a Russian to five years in prison for money laundering, but cleared him of an original charge of defrauding nearly 200 people using ransomware.
Prosecutors had said that Alexander Vinnik sent emails to his targets masquerading as invoices, whose attached document, when opened, activated malware that shut down the computer and encrypted its contents.
A message would appear on the hacked computer with instructions to pay a ransom in the online currency bitcoin to regain control of the machine.
Among the 188 victims of the attacks — which happened between 2016 and 2018 — were local authorities, businesses and individuals in France.
The prosecution had accused Vinnik of making 135 million euros ($164 million) from these attacks, and called for a 10-year sentence against the 41-year-old when the trial opened in October.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
But the court cleared him of the randomware attack charges.
“All these accusations have collapsed because Alexander Vinnik had nothing to do with them,” said one of his lawyers, Frederic Belot.
The court did, however, find him guilty of laundering the money extorted through the attacks in which a software called Locky was used. In addition to the prison sentence, he was fined 100,000 euros ($121,000).
www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/12/07/russian-sentenced-to-jail-in-france-for-money-laundering-a72268


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--Jamie Dimon Says He Wouldn’t Touch Treasuries With A 10-foot Pole At These Rates (Can’t Turn Treasur

Jamie Dimon Says He Wouldn’t Touch Treasuries With A 10-foot Pole At These Rates (Can’t Turn Treasuries Loose!)

Like Otis Redding sang , JP Morgan Chase can ’ t turn Treasuries loose … since JPMC is a primary dealer for the NY Fed and must submit bids to purchase Treasuries .
Here is the piece from CNBC .
I can see Jamie Dimon ’ s point about low Treasury yields .
At the 10-year tenor , the yield is less than 1 % .
And Japan ’ s 10-year yield is barely above 0 % .
“ Of course , as the head of a lending institution with $ 3.2 trillion in assets , JPMorgan has to continually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earn a spread , a fact that Dimon acknowledged .
Low yields in the fixed income world are one reason that banks ’ profitability and stock values have been under pressure since the pandemic began.
” But as a primary dealer , JPMC must bid on Treasuries .
So it is more than just to earn a spread .
JPMC is required as a primary dealer to bid and purchase Treasuries , even at sub-1 % yields .
Even if it is with a 10-foot pole .
I couldn ’ t find a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here is a photo of Cezary Trybański , a 7 ’ 2 Pole .

by confoundedinterest17
Like Otis Redding sang, JP Morgan Chase can’t turn Treasuries loose … since JPMC is a primary dealer for the NY Fed and must submit bids to purchase Treasuries. Here is the piece from CNBC.
I can see Jamie Dimon’s point about low Treasury yields. At the 10-year tenor, the yield is less than 1%. And Japan’s 10-year yield is barely above 0%.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
“Of course, as the head of a lending institution with $3.2 trillion in assets, JPMorgan has to continually purchase Treasuries and other low-yielding investments to earn a spread, a fact that Dimon acknowledged. Low yields in the fixed income world are one reason that banks’ profitability and stock values have been under pressure since the pandemic began.”
But as a primary dealer, JPMC must bid on Treasuries. So it is more than just to earn a spread. JPMC is required as a primary dealer to bid and purchase Treasuries, even at sub-1% yields. Even if it is with a 10-foot pole.
I couldn’t find a photo of a ten-foot pole, but here is a photo of Cezary Trybański, a 7’2 Pole.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-09--Are you preparing for the wrong disaster?

Global cooling was the big fear in the early 1970s , believe it or not .
Experts in climate , ecology , and geology from top universities like Stanford and Brown all seemed to form a consensus that a new ice age would be upon us by 2020 .
By 1988 , the major fear had shifted to global warming , with United Nations experts predicting entire countries would be underwater by the year 2000 , due to melting ice caps .
In 2002 scientists predicted that there would be a catastrophic worldwide famine within a decade if everyone didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2008 , climatologists said the Arctic would be free of ice by 2018– Al Gore said the ice would be gone by 2013 .
Please don ’ t misunderstand– I don ’ t ‘ deny ’ climate change .
In fact I put my money where my mouth is with solar panels and plenty of other sustainability measures .
Plus one of my primary businesses is agriculture , and our own data shows that the climate is changing .
It ’ s no small matter .
But taking climate change seriously is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world is going to end in a few years .
Case in point : the climate change scaremongering has become so extreme that it ’ s affecting people ’ s decisions about whether or not to have children .
A 31-year-old woman recently told researchers “ Climate change is the sole factor for me in deciding not to have biological children .
I don ’ t want to birth children into a dying world [ though ] I dearly want to be a mother.
” 14 % of surveyed Americans between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are choosing to NOT have children , specifically BECAUSE of climate change .
In another survey , 6 % of parents said they regretted having children because they are “ terrified that they will be facing the end of the world due to climate change.
” Perhaps the biggest proof , though , is in the data .
Women in advanced countries are having fewer babies than ever before .
The fertility rate is the average number of babies a woman has over the course of her life .
And since men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you might have heard from ‘ scientists ’ ) the fertility rate has to remain over 2 children per woman in order to keep population levels stable .
The fertility rate has collapsed to about 1.7 in the United States , 1.55 across Europe , and 1.4 in Japan .
It has even dipped below 1 in places like Singapore and South Korea .
And even though climate change is a cause for concern , all the fear mongering that is now affecting fertility rates has created another major catastrophe : Who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population ?
Retirement programs like Social Security depend on there being about 3 workers paying into the system to support every single retiree drawing benefits .
Even the Social Security Administration acknowledges that its trust funds will be depleted by 2035 , and there will not be enough workers paying into the system to support the number of retirees .
And it ’ s a similar story throughout the world .
Most retirement systems require a steadily growing population of workers to be able to pay pension and social security benefits to retirees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to NOT have children ( often due to climate change fears ) , it will become impossible to maintain that steadily-growing work force in the future .
Simply put , in 20-30 years , there won ’ t be enough workers anymore to pay retirement benefits .
It ’ s amazing that almost nobody is talking about this .
Climate change is a major topic .
Politicians talk all the time about their bold plans to save the world .
But you rarely hear anyone talking about Social Security .
Or if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tax rate or two , and poof , problem solved .
Sorry , but this is a $ 50+ TRILLION dollar problem , and that ’ s just in the United States .
They can ’ t simply write a check and be done with it .
I feel compelled to write about this topic from time to time to remind our readers that retirement is a ticking timebomb… and one that the government can not diffuse .
In fact they ’ re ignoring it altogether .
But the good news is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait for some politician to save the day ; you can secure your own retirement all by yourself .
That could mean researching retirement destinations with a lower cost of living , slashing fees in your retirement account , or taking advantage of robust structures like a solo 401 ( k ) or SEP IRA to maximize contributions to your retirement account .
Those structures are especially interesting because you can contribute over $ 60,000 per year in certain cases to your retirement .
Plus you can invest in a much wider variety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cryptocurrency , and private equity .
And in the case of a solo 401 ( k ) , you may actually be able to borrow some money from your own retirement plan without penalty .
You could even make these contributions with money you earn on the side , including a small business you run from your home .
There are plenty of steps you can take , large and small , to secure your retirement .
But the most important thing is to acknowledge that this is a real problem that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Every year that goes by is one year closer to a major retirement crisis– now potentially just 9 years away .
So it ’ s crucial to take action soon .

by Simon Black
Global cooling was the big fear in the early 1970s, believe it or not.
Experts in climate, ecology, and geology from top universities like Stanford and Brown all seemed to form a consensus that a new ice age would be upon us by 2020.
By 1988, the major fear had shifted to global warming, with United Nations experts predicting entire countries would be underwater by the year 2000, due to melting ice caps.
In 2002 scientists predicted that there would be a catastrophic worldwide famine within a decade if everyone didn’t give up eating meat.
In 2008, climatologists said the Arctic would be free of ice by 2018– Al Gore said the ice would be gone by 2013.
Please don’t misunderstand– I don’t ‘deny’ climate change. In fact I put my money where my mouth is with solar panels and plenty of other sustainability measures.
Plus one of my primary businesses is agriculture, and our own data shows that the climate is changing. It’s no small matter.
But taking climate change seriously is a far cry from overblown predictions that the world is going to end in a few years.
Case in point: the climate change scaremongering has become so extreme that it’s affecting people’s decisions about whether or not to have children.
A 31-year-old woman recently told researchers “Climate change is the sole factor for me in deciding not to have biological children. I don’t want to birth children into a dying world [though] I dearly want to be a mother.”
14% of surveyed Americans between the age of 18 and 44 said that they are choosing to NOT have children, specifically BECAUSE of climate change.
In another survey, 6% of parents said they regretted having children because they are “terrified that they will be facing the end of the world due to climate change.”
Perhaps the biggest proof, though, is in the data. Women in advanced countries are having fewer babies than ever before.
The fertility rate is the average number of babies a woman has over the course of her life.
And since men cannot have babies (despite what you might have heard from ‘scientists’) the fertility rate has to remain over 2 children per woman in order to keep population levels stable.
The fertility rate has collapsed to about 1.7 in the United States, 1.55 across Europe, and 1.4 in Japan. It has even dipped below 1 in places like Singapore and South Korea.
And even though climate change is a cause for concern, all the fear mongering that is now affecting fertility rates has created another major catastrophe:
Who is going to take care of the aging population?
Retirement programs like Social Security depend on there being about 3 workers paying into the system to support every single retiree drawing benefits.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Even the Social Security Administration acknowledges that its trust funds will be depleted by 2035, and there will not be enough workers paying into the system to support the number of retirees.
(Update: Due to COVID-19’s economic impact, the data now suggest that Social Security’s trust funds will be depleted as early as 2029.)
And it’s a similar story throughout the world. Most retirement systems require a steadily growing population of workers to be able to pay pension and social security benefits to retirees.
But with so many people choosing to NOT have children (often due to climate change fears), it will become impossible to maintain that steadily-growing work force in the future.
Simply put, in 20-30 years, there won’t be enough workers anymore to pay retirement benefits.
It’s amazing that almost nobody is talking about this.
Climate change is a major topic. Politicians talk all the time about their bold plans to save the world.
But you rarely hear anyone talking about Social Security. Or if they do, they think they can tweak a tax rate or two, and poof, problem solved.
Sorry, but this is a $50+ TRILLION dollar problem, and that’s just in the United States. They can’t simply write a check and be done with it.
I feel compelled to write about this topic from time to time to remind our readers that retirement is a ticking timebomb… and one that the government cannot diffuse. In fact they’re ignoring it altogether.
But the good news is that you don’t have to wait for some politician to save the day; you can secure your own retirement all by yourself.
That could mean researching retirement destinations with a lower cost of living, slashing fees in your retirement account, or taking advantage of robust structures like a solo 401(k) or SEP IRA to maximize contributions to your retirement account.
Those structures are especially interesting because you can contribute over $60,000 per year in certain cases to your retirement. Plus you can invest in a much wider variety of assets, like real estate, cryptocurrency, and private equity.
And in the case of a solo 401(k), you may actually be able to borrow some money from your own retirement plan without penalty.
You could even make these contributions with money you earn on the side, including a small business you run from your home.
There are plenty of steps you can take, large and small, to secure your retirement. But the most important thing is to acknowledge that this is a real problem that’s not going to magically disappear.
Every year that goes by is one year closer to a major retirement crisis– now potentially just 9 years away. So it’s crucial to take action soon.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-10--New York Needs to Raise Taxes, Cuomo Says…  Manhattan Apartment Rents Lowest in Decade

New York Needs to Raise Taxes , Cuomo Says… ALBANY , N.Y. — New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said the state will need to raise taxes to bridge its current budget deficit , even if Congress approves more funding as part of a coronavirus relief bill .
The Democratic governor ’ s comments on Wednesday were his most definitive this year about raising revenue to cover a deficit exacerbated by Covid-19 and economic restrictions the state imposed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus .
Mr. Cuomo didn ’ t specify which taxes the state would look to increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer subsequent questions .
Layoffs and borrowing will also be part of the discussion , he said .
State lawmakers adopted a $ 178 billion budget in April that depended upon additional federal aid that hasn ’ t materialized .
The spending plan gave the Cuomo administration unilateral authority to withhold state payments to contractors , schools , municipalities and social-service providers if the U.S. Congress didn ’ t act .
( Bloomberg ) — Apartments in Manhattan haven ’ t been this cheap to rent in 10 years .
The median rental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year earlier to $ 2,743 a month , according to a report Thursday by appraiser Miller Samuel Inc. and brokerage Douglas Elliman Real Estate .
That ’ s the lowest in data going back to October 2010 .

New York Needs to Raise Taxes, Cuomo Says…
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state will need to raise taxes to bridge its current budget deficit, even if Congress approves more funding as part of a coronavirus relief bill.
The Democratic governor’s comments on Wednesday were his most definitive this year about raising revenue to cover a deficit exacerbated by Covid-19 and economic restrictions the state imposed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
Mr. Cuomo didn’t specify which taxes the state would look to increase, and his aides didn’t answer subsequent questions. Layoffs and borrowing will also be part of the discussion, he said. We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us! State lawmakers adopted a $178 billion budget in April that depended upon additional federal aid that hasn’t materialized. The spending plan gave the Cuomo administration unilateral authority to withhold state payments to contractors, schools, municipalities and social-service providers if the U.S. Congress didn’t act.
Manhattan Apartment Rents Lowest in Decade
(Bloomberg) — Apartments in Manhattan haven’t been this cheap to rent in 10 years. The median rental price plummeted 22% in November from a year earlier to $2,743 a month, according to a report Thursday by appraiser Miller Samuel Inc. and brokerage Douglas Elliman Real Estate. That’s the lowest in data going back to October 2010.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-10--AMERICANS STEALING TO SURVIVE

AMERICANS STEALING TO SURVIVE

Early in the pandemic , Joo Park noticed a worrisome shift at the market he manages near downtown Washington : At least once a day , he ’ d spot someone slipping a package of meat , a bag of rice or other food into a shirt or under a jacket .
Diapers , shampoo and laundry detergent began disappearing in bigger numbers , too .
Since then , he said , thefts have more than doubled at Capitol Supermarket – even though he now stations more employees at the entrance , asks shoppers to leave backpacks up front and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baking yeast in more conspicuous areas .
Park doesn ’ t usually call the police , choosing instead to bar offenders from coming back .
“ It ’ s become much harder during the pandemic , ” he said .
“ People will say , ‘ I was just hungry.
’ And then what do you do ?
” Sidney Powell ASSURES Americans the Fight is NOT OVER - Here ’ s What 's Coming Next !
The coronavirus recession has been a relentless churn of high unemployment and economic uncertainty .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from falling into poverty earlier in the pandemic is long gone , and new aid is still a dot on the horizon after months of congressional inaction .
Hunger is chronic , at levels not seen in decades .
The result is a growing subset of Americans who are stealing food to survive .

Early in the pandemic, Joo Park noticed a worrisome shift at the market he manages near downtown Washington: At least once a day, he’d spot someone slipping a package of meat, a bag of rice or other food into a shirt or under a jacket. Diapers, shampoo and laundry detergent began disappearing in bigger numbers, too.
Since then, he said, thefts have more than doubled at Capitol Supermarket – even though he now stations more employees at the entrance, asks shoppers to leave backpacks up front and displays high-theft items like hand sanitizer and baking yeast in more conspicuous areas. Park doesn’t usually call the police, choosing instead to bar offenders from coming back.
“It’s become much harder during the pandemic,” he said. “People will say, ‘I was just hungry.’ And then what do you do?” We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us! The coronavirus recession has been a relentless churn of high unemployment and economic uncertainty. The government stimulus that kept millions of Americans from falling into poverty earlier in the pandemic is long gone, and new aid is still a dot on the horizon after months of congressional inaction. Hunger is chronic, at levels not seen in decades. The result is a growing subset of Americans who are stealing food to survive. www.chron.com/news/article/Stealing-to-survive-More-Americans-are-15790516.php


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-10--TOTALLY CRAZY! #Portugal 10y yield turns negative for the first time ever. The country’s debt to GDP

TOTALLY CRAZY! #Portugal 10y yield turns negative for the first time ever. The country’s debt to GDP ratio will rise to 137% this year.

Wow !
Negative-yielding sovereign debt up another $ 273 billion , and approaching $ 18 trillion .
If this doesn @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know what will .
pic.twitter.com/6PMGtOBjZ3 Congratulations , the stupidity of # @ @ @ @ @ to Australia as its being paid to borrow in first sale at negative # yields @ @ @

Wow! Negative-yielding sovereign debt up another $273 billion, and approaching $18 trillion. If this doesn’t cure Covid, I don’t know what will. pic.twitter.com/6PMGtOBjZ3
Congratulations, the stupidity of #NIRP #bonds has arrived to Australia as its being paid to borrow in first sale at negative #yields. t.co/ck8XJ9kUpk pic.twitter.com/cFQF4MUE27
— Crush The Market (@crushthemarket) December 10, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-10--MOODY’S – NEGATIVE OUTLOOK FOR CHINESE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AMID UNEVEN RECOVERY…. China Will Be F

MOODY’S – NEGATIVE OUTLOOK FOR CHINESE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AMID UNEVEN RECOVERY…. China Will Be Forced to Devalue the Yuan?

Moody ’ s on Chinese Banks – Heightened US-China trade tensions and slowing domestic credit growth will weigh on GDP @ @ @ @ @ – Credit pressure will vary , with small banks , distressed asset management and leasing @ @ @ @ @ pic.twitter.com/9OPqtdddLf

Moody’s on Chinese Banks
– Heightened US-China trade tensions and slowing domestic credit growth will weigh on GDP growth and asset quality.
– Credit pressure will vary, with small banks, distressed asset management and leasing companies being more vulnerable. pic.twitter.com/9OPqtdddLf
— Sunchartist (@sunchartist) December 10, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-10--Several indicators are signalling a pullback in stocks is probably due. Have a look.

My non-committal quote of the day , “ Short term maybe bearish .
Long term probably bullish '' Are stocks @ @ @ @ @ pic.twitter.com/NKAA2MbLby

My non-committal quote of the day,
“Short term maybe bearish. Long term probably bullish"
Are stocks going through a re-rating? pic.twitter.com/NKAA2MbLby
— David Ingles (@DavidInglesTV) December 10, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-11--The Apocalypse Of U.S. Small Businesses: 110,000 Already Gone, Many More On The Brink Of Extinction

Recent studies alert that 48 % of all small businesses still operating are about to close for good .
These businesses account for over half of the U.S. labor force and amid a second round of lockdowns , these jobs are bound to disappear very soon .
This year , over one hundred thousand small companies have permanently shut down their activities .
According to the latest estimates , every day 800 medium-size and microenterprises are being forced to close due to the economic fallout of the health crisis .
Moreover , with new strict regulations and unfavorable policies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy now has been left to die .
It seems that America ’ s small businesses are being attacked by several different fronts and large corporations have been largely benefiting from it .
In this video , we provide tangible evidence that there ’ s indeed an insidious plot against small businesses and policymakers have been expressly enabling their downfall to favor big conglomerates .
We have been experiencing the effects of the multiple rounds of lockdowns for almost a year , and every time a new policy comes into place it primarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the largest retailers , tech giants , and pharmaceutical manufacturers continue to register record-high profits .
Almost every piece of legislation designed to control the spread of the virus and protect workers has jeopardized the survival of small businesses .
The devastation caused so far has put 110,000 small enterprises out of business .
A recent study has shown that this accounts for 800 closures a day .
Just a couple of days ago , the attorney and economy analyst Ash Staub has published an insightful assessment which gives us proof that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing an attack on all fronts .
His sharp argumentation elucidates how lockdowns , social distancing regulations , and mask mandates directly impact the functioning of small business , while on the other hand , major chains and corporations do not have their operations compromised .
Since restaurants and small retailers do not dispose of the same amount of space as big companies , nor have the same financial structure to launch online platforms or pickups and take-away services , following social distancing measures usually becomes a much harder task to comply .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ obey the mandates , the fines tend to be a lot more detrimental to their finances .
Over the past three months , over 10,000 more restaurants closed across the country .
The National Restaurant Association informed that up until now , 17 percent of all U.S. restaurants , which account for more than 110,000 , have been closed permanently or long-term .
But Congress didn ’ t seem to bother to help saving these businesses .
Instead , they have been increasingly issuing employment regulations that unfairly expose small businesses to lawsuits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that may arise .
Regardless of the clear evidence that these policies disproportionally harm small businesses , they can rely on the excuse that their enaction is necessary to ensure the health of the public amid a ravaging sanitary outbreak , in that way , they ’ re shielded from any sort of criticism .
That ’ s the case of programs such as FFCRA , the program is exclusive for businesses with less than 500 employees and determines that employers must provide weeks of paid sick leave in several circumstances .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explicitly enforced financial obligations on small businesses while exempting big corporations .
A recent poll has signaled that 48 % of all small businesses still operating fear they won ’ t make enough revenue during the rest of Q4 to stay afloat , and now they are about to be wiped out from our economic landscape .
On the same note , the NYPost has informed that the conditions of small businesses in New York and New Jersey is increasingly deteriorating .
As of now , 27.8 % of small businesses in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for New Jersey , where 31.2 % of small businesses had not reopened .
At the very least , this portrays an intentional lack of concern on the part of lawmakers to the struggles of small businesses .
Ultimately , what that means is that the elites have found the perfect loophole to swallow up smaller companies while also smashing their competition .
Policymakers have been expressively facilitating this upward transfer of wealth to Big conglomerates at the expense of small businesses and millions of jobs .
If their real intention was ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let hundreds of thousands of companies that are placed at the very basis of the American economy to tragically collapse .
This winter will be marked by a dramatic wave of lay-offs and bankruptcies , and this whole calamity is happening by design .

Recent studies alert that 48% of all small businesses still operating are about to close for good. These businesses account for over half of the U.S. labor force and amid a second round of lockdowns, these jobs are bound to disappear very soon. This year, over one hundred thousand small companies have permanently shut down their activities. According to the latest estimates, every day 800 medium-size and microenterprises are being forced to close due to the economic fallout of the health crisis. Moreover, with new strict regulations and unfavorable policies, what once was the core of our economy now has been left to die.
It seems that America’s small businesses are being attacked by several different fronts and large corporations have been largely benefiting from it. In this video, we provide tangible evidence that there’s indeed an insidious plot against small businesses and policymakers have been expressly enabling their downfall to favor big conglomerates.
We have been experiencing the effects of the multiple rounds of lockdowns for almost a year, and every time a new policy comes into place it primarily affects the existence of smaller companies, while the largest retailers, tech giants, and pharmaceutical manufacturers continue to register record-high profits. Almost every piece of legislation designed to control the spread of the virus and protect workers has jeopardized the survival of small businesses. The devastation caused so far has put 110,000 small enterprises out of business. A recent study has shown that this accounts for 800 closures a day.
Just a couple of days ago, the attorney and economy analyst Ash Staub has published an insightful assessment which gives us proof that America’s small businesses are currently facing an attack on all fronts. His sharp argumentation elucidates how lockdowns, social distancing regulations, and mask mandates directly impact the functioning of small business, while on the other hand, major chains and corporations do not have their operations compromised.
Since restaurants and small retailers do not dispose of the same amount of space as big companies, nor have the same financial structure to launch online platforms or pickups and take-away services, following social distancing measures usually becomes a much harder task to comply. Additionally, when these companies do not obey the mandates, the fines tend to be a lot more detrimental to their finances.
Over the past three months, over 10,000 more restaurants closed across the country. The National Restaurant Association informed that up until now, 17 percent of all U.S. restaurants, which account for more than 110,000, have been closed permanently or long-term. But Congress didn’t seem to bother to help saving these businesses. Instead, they have been increasingly issuing employment regulations that unfairly expose small businesses to lawsuits and the consequent legal expenses and damages that may arise.
Regardless of the clear evidence that these policies disproportionally harm small businesses, they can rely on the excuse that their enaction is necessary to ensure the health of the public amid a ravaging sanitary outbreak, in that way, they’re shielded from any sort of criticism.
That’s the case of programs such as FFCRA, the program is exclusive for businesses with less than 500 employees and determines that employers must provide weeks of paid sick leave in several circumstances. That is to say, the FFCRA has explicitly enforced financial obligations on small businesses while exempting big corporations.
A recent poll has signaled that 48% of all small businesses still operating fear they won’t make enough revenue during the rest of Q4 to stay afloat, and now they are about to be wiped out from our economic landscape. On the same note, the NYPost has informed that the conditions of small businesses in New York and New Jersey is increasingly deteriorating. As of now, 27.8% of small businesses in New York remain closed. The same goes for New Jersey, where 31.2% of small businesses had not reopened. At the very least, this portrays an intentional lack of concern on the part of lawmakers to the struggles of small businesses.
Ultimately, what that means is that the elites have found the perfect loophole to swallow up smaller companies while also smashing their competition. Policymakers have been expressively facilitating this upward transfer of wealth to Big conglomerates at the expense of small businesses and millions of jobs. If their real intention was ever to protect workers they wouldn’t let hundreds of thousands of companies that are placed at the very basis of the American economy to tragically collapse. This winter will be marked by a dramatic wave of lay-offs and bankruptcies, and this whole calamity is happening by design.
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investmentwatchblog--2020-12-11--Heads Up! Asian Nations “Won’t Let Anyone In Without A Vaccination” Warns AirAsia CEO

Yet another airline boss has said that it is fully expected that vaccination against coronavirus will become mandatory in order @ @

Yet another airline boss has said that it is fully expected that vaccination against coronavirus will become mandatory in order to travel.-
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Learn More: h…


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-11--The #Fed prints tens of billions of #dollars more of inert bank reserves while the US #Treasury hoar

The #Fed prints tens of billions of #dollars more of inert bank reserves while the US #Treasury hoards hundreds of billions more $USD #liquidity from the rest of the world… both of which spell #deflation.

The # Fed prints tens of billions of # dollars more of inert bank reserves while the US # Treasury @ @ @ @ @ $ USD # liquidity from the rest of the world… both of which spell # @ @ @ @ @ $ VIX volatility index has held above the 20 mark for 203 trading days .
@ @ @ @ @ 20-day ATR dropping to ~1 % of spot .
There is some serious discomfort in @ @ @ @ @ pic.twitter.com/Tm0eTx75km

The #Fed prints tens of billions of #dollars more of inert bank reserves while the US #Treasury hoards hundreds of billions more $USD #liquidity from the rest of the world… both of which spell #deflation . 📉 t.co/8FYE0yW2GL
The $VIX volatility index has held above the 20 mark for 203 trading days. That is despite the SPX 20-day ATR dropping to ~1% of spot. There is some serious discomfort in these markets beneath the surface pic.twitter.com/Tm0eTx75km
— John Kicklighter (@JohnKicklighter) December 10, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-11--Saying goodbye to voice of reason

Saying goodbye to voice of reason

The reason we 're poorer than our parents Is n't because we 're lazier It 's because the execs and @ @ @ @ @ profit from increased productivity and given it to themselves .
Prices go up while our @ @ @ @ @ the same .

by vb7ue
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Disclaimer: This information is only for educational purposes. Do not make any investment decisions based on the information in this article. Do you own due diligence or consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-11--“People buy the most at the top, and the least at the bottom.” – B. Farrell.

Inflation Is Back , Big-Time ... and it ’ s just a matter of time before people start to notice @ @ @ @

I love this chart I stole from @ThinkTankCharts.
"People buy the most at the top, and the least at the bottom." – B. Farrell. pic.twitter.com/fkzS4m2pgq
— Lance Roberts (@LanceRoberts) December 10, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-11--Secure your cellphone number!

Secure your cellphone number!

Every login these days seems to require a text of a code to your cellphone .
Including those where you @ @ @ @ @ Verizon , and I assume other carriers now allow you to secure your number from @ @ @ @ @ another carrier by someone out to steal your identity .
Check your settings to make @ @ @ @ @ .
It isn ’ t by default .

Every login these days seems to require a text of a code to your cellphone. Including those where you change an account password.
Verizon, and I assume other carriers now allow you to secure your number from being “ported” to another carrier by someone out to steal your identity.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Check your settings to make sure this feature is activated. It isn’t by default.
h/t Throwawaybaby09876


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-11--The US official inflation rose in November… US Dollar Breaking Through Line

The US official inflation rose in November .
Both core and headline CPI added to previous price pressure , while @ @ @ @ @ significantly higher .
pic.twitter.com/xAql7rtmdP

The US official inflation rose in November. Both core and headline CPI added to previous price pressure, while gauge of real inflation is significantly higher. pic.twitter.com/xAql7rtmdP
— Daniel Lacalle (@dlacalle_IA) December 10, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-11--Lou Dobbs: 2020 Election is a Cyber PEARL HARBOR

The leftwing establishment have aligned their forces to overthrow the United States government # MAGA # AmericaFirst # Dobbs pic.twitter.com/v1hOAPMqGY

The 2020 Election is a cyber Pearl Harbor:
The leftwing establishment have aligned their forces to overthrow the United States government #MAGA #AmericaFirst #Dobbs pic.twitter.com/v1hOAPMqGY
— Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) December 10, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-11--Trudeau says he admires “China’s dictatorship”

Out : China inflation falls below zero for first time since 2009 .

Now Trudeau is allowing Chinese military on NA soil. This is all part of his globalist covid power grab.
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h/t throwaway888253


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-11--China Is Successfully Targeting US members Of Congress With Communist Influence Campaigns, Warns Dir

China Is Successfully Targeting US members Of Congress With Communist Influence Campaigns, Warns Director Of National Intelligence

( Natural News ) The Chinese today are behaving a lot like Imperial Japan did in the late 1920s and throughout the 1930s — they ’ re slowly but surely implementing a globalist domination scheme and using their military to enforce and defend it .
The only exception is that there are far too many American financial and political elite helping them accomplish their objectives .
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo this week that the Chinese Communist Party is conducting a “ massive influence campaign ” aimed at dozens of U.S. lawmakers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or bribe them .
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe , a former Republican congressman from Texas who has overseen the United States ’ s 17 intelligence agencies since May , said Thursday that he briefed the House and Senate Intelligence Committees about the Chinese influence operations .
He did so as he went on a small media tour warning about the growing challenge posed by the Chinese Communist Party .
Ratcliffe said the intelligence indicates it is the greatest national security threat facing the U.S. “ This year China engaged in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dozen members of Congress and congressional aides , ” Ratcliffe previously wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed in which he noted that China utilizes public and behind-the-scenes pressure to push American lawmakers to do Beijing ’ s bidding , consciously or unconsciously .
“ Our intelligence shows that Beijing regularly directs this type of influence operation in the U.S .
I briefed the House and Senate Intelligence committees that China is targeting members of Congress with six times the frequency of Russia and 12 times the frequency of Iran , ” Ratcliffe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the evidence , Ratcliffe told Bartiromo , “ it was so overwhelmingly related to China that I had a look at the numbers and what we ’ ve learned is that China engages in that activity at a level six times greater than Russia , 12 times greater than Iran .
“ It ’ s a massive influence campaign ” aimed at making sure Congress is “ passing laws that are favorable to China and not passing laws that are anti-China , ” he told Bartiromo .
“ They ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of Congress on this , it was so disturbing , ” he added , noting he made a “ special trip to Capitol Hill ” just to inform them .
( Related : As Hunter Biden scandal gets ready to explode in their faces , Big Tech , the MSM and the Democrat Party are committing mass suicide by attempting to ‘ rig ’ the election for Joe Biden . )
He then explained it further .
“ A Chinese-owned manufacturing facility in the U.S. employs several thousand Americans .
One day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is approached by a representative of the Chinese firm .
The businessman explains that the local congresswoman is taking a hard-line position on legislation that runs counter to Beijing ’ s interests — even though it has nothing to do with the industry the company is involved in — and says the union leader must urge her to shift positions or the plant and all its jobs will soon be gone , ” Ratcliffe wrote .
“ The union leader contacts his congresswoman and indicates that his members won ’ t support her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He tells himself he ’ s protecting his members , but in that moment he ’ s doing China ’ s bidding , and the congresswoman is being influenced by China , whether she realizes it or not.
” Ratcliffe ’ s comments came just ahead of a report this week that Chinese operatives including a woman named Fang Fang ( a.k.a .
Christine Fang ) infiltrated the inner circles of elected U.S. leaders including Russian collusion truther Rep. Eric Swalwell ( D-Calif. ) , who just happens to sit on the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deflect blame and attention away from himself , Swalwell blamed President Donald Trump .
“ I ’ ve been a critic of the president .
I ’ ve spoken out against him .
I was on both committees that worked to impeach him .
The timing feels like that should be looked at , ” he said .
Axios reported that U.S. authorities and investigators were so alarmed by Fang Fang ’ s activities they briefed Swalwell…in 2015 , which , by the way , was well before Donald Trump became president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swalwell is .
Oh , and a national security risk .

by JD Heyes via Natural News
(Natural News) The Chinese today are behaving a lot like Imperial Japan did in the late 1920s and throughout the 1930s — they’re slowly but surely implementing a globalist domination scheme and using their military to enforce and defend it.
The only exception is that there are far too many American financial and political elite helping them accomplish their objectives.
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo this week that the Chinese Communist Party is conducting a “massive influence campaign” aimed at dozens of U.S. lawmakers and their staffs that involve attempts to blackmail or bribe them.
The Washington Examiner notes further:
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, a former Republican congressman from Texas who has overseen the United States’s 17 intelligence agencies since May, said Thursday that he briefed the House and Senate Intelligence Committees about the Chinese influence operations. He did so as he went on a small media tour warning about the growing challenge posed by the Chinese Communist Party. Ratcliffe said the intelligence indicates it is the greatest national security threat facing the U.S.
“This year China engaged in a massive influence campaign that included targeting several dozen members of Congress and congressional aides,” Ratcliffe previously wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed in which he noted that China utilizes public and behind-the-scenes pressure to push American lawmakers to do Beijing’s bidding, consciously or unconsciously.
“Our intelligence shows that Beijing regularly directs this type of influence operation in the U.S. I briefed the House and Senate Intelligence committees that China is targeting members of Congress with six times the frequency of Russia and 12 times the frequency of Iran,” Ratcliffe said.
“As I looked at” the evidence, Ratcliffe told Bartiromo, “it was so overwhelmingly related to China that I had a look at the numbers and what we’ve learned is that China engages in that activity at a level six times greater than Russia, 12 times greater than Iran.
“It’s a massive influence campaign” aimed at making sure Congress is “passing laws that are favorable to China and not passing laws that are anti-China,” he told Bartiromo.
“They’ve been successful, so I’ve briefed members of Congress on this, it was so disturbing,” he added, noting he made a “special trip to Capitol Hill” just to inform them. (Related: As Hunter Biden scandal gets ready to explode in their faces, Big Tech, the MSM and the Democrat Party are committing mass suicide by attempting to ‘rig’ the election for Joe Biden.)
He then explained it further.
“A Chinese-owned manufacturing facility in the U.S. employs several thousand Americans. One day, the plant’s union leader is approached by a representative of the Chinese firm. The businessman explains that the local congresswoman is taking a hard-line position on legislation that runs counter to Beijing’s interests — even though it has nothing to do with the industry the company is involved in — and says the union leader must urge her to shift positions or the plant and all its jobs will soon be gone,” Ratcliffe wrote.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
“The union leader contacts his congresswoman and indicates that his members won’t support her re-election without a change in position. He tells himself he’s protecting his members, but in that moment he’s doing China’s bidding, and the congresswoman is being influenced by China, whether she realizes it or not.”
Ratcliffe’s comments came just ahead of a report this week that Chinese operatives including a woman named Fang Fang (a.k.a. Christine Fang) infiltrated the inner circles of elected U.S. leaders including Russian collusion truther Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), who just happens to sit on the House Intelligence Committee.
In a pathetic attempt to deflect blame and attention away from himself, Swalwell blamed President Donald Trump.
“I’ve been a critic of the president. I’ve spoken out against him. I was on both committees that worked to impeach him. The timing feels like that should be looked at,” he said.
Right.
Axios reported that U.S. authorities and investigators were so alarmed by Fang Fang’s activities they briefed Swalwell…in 2015, which, by the way, was well before Donald Trump became president.
What a loser and a punk Swalwell is. Oh, and a national security risk.
Sources include:
FoxNews.com
Axios.com
WashingtonExaminer.com
NaturalNews.com