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Link Posted: 3/13/2013 5:46:06 PM EST
[#1]
I know there are a lot of regular Zerohedge readers here, so I'm surprised no one posted this link to

Kyle Bass addressing Chicago Booth's Initiative on Global Markets last week

(Had to watch in Internet Explorer to get video to play. FF to 7:45 to get past intro.)

I've never heard the Japanese "bug in search of a windshield" thesis explained so well. Some highlights:

  • Japan debt has relatively low rates, but they spend 1/4 of their tax revenues on interest on that debt.

  • A 2% increase in those interest rates would eat up all their tax revenues.

  • Their expenditures are more than twice their revenues for 5 years running.

  • They have gone through 10 Finance Ministers in 5 years. One killed himself.

  • The BOJ is using sumo wrestlers and musicians to attempt to get citizens to buy bonds. Can you imagine a commercial for US Treasuries with Lady Gaga?

  • The Chinese are informally boycotting Japan because of the Senkaku Island dispute. Japanese exports to China were about 20% of their total exports. That number appears to have dropped by half recently.

So when Japan blows up, what happens? Maybe we get a fivefold increase in the chance of a first-world military conflict. Or we get lucky and avoid that, and the worst effect is products we get from Toyota, Fujitsu, Kyocera, Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp, Sony, etc. have decreased quality. The Greece issue messed up our stock markets pretty badly a few years back; imagine what a Japanese blowup would mean.

And Japan's problems are similar to ours, but we're years off from realizing those problems. Hopefully.

The Karl Rove story about Medicare Part D is interesting. Always figured it was something like that, but never heard the backstory.
Link Posted: 3/13/2013 6:59:39 PM EST
[#2]





Quoted:



I know there are a lot of regular Zerohedge readers here, so I'm surprised no one posted this link to





Kyle Bass addressing Chicago Booth's Initiative on Global Markets last week





(Had to watch in Internet Explorer to get video to play. FF to 7:45 to get past intro.)





I've never heard the Japanese "bug in search of a windshield" thesis explained so well. Some highlights:









  • Japan debt has relatively low rates, but they spend 1/4 of their tax revenues on interest on that debt.





  • A 2% increase in those interest rates would eat up all their tax revenues.





  • Their expenditures are more than twice their revenues for 5 years running.





  • They have gone through 10 Finance Ministers in 5 years. One killed himself.





  • The BOJ is using sumo wrestlers and musicians to attempt to get citizens to buy bonds. Can you imagine a commercial for US Treasuries with Lady Gaga?





  • The Chinese are informally boycotting Japan because of the Senkaku Island dispute. Japanese exports to China were about 20% of their total exports. That number appears to have dropped by half recently.





So when Japan blows up, what happens? Maybe we get a fivefold increase in the chance of a first-world military conflict. Or we get lucky and avoid that, and the worst effect is products we get from Toyota, Fujitsu, Kyocera, Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp, Sony, etc. have decreased quality. The Greece issue messed up our stock markets pretty badly a few years back; imagine what a Japanese blowup would mean.





And Japan's problems are similar to ours, but we're years off from realizing those problems. Hopefully.





The Karl Rove story about Medicare Part D is interesting. Always figured it was something like that, but never heard the backstory.



We long ago stepped through the looking-glass.  The economic distortions are so great due to monetary manipulation and corrupted economic central planning, it's impossible to say with any certainty exactly how this all ends.  But one thing I believe is certain, it's probably not going to be good.  






While we talk about Japan there is one other interesting economic change.  Japan is now a net importer.  They are NOW running  trade deficits, primarily due to their abandonment of nuclear energy.  They're having to import their energy now.  So that's interesting.  







So we have the Euro which is....well the Euro (North vs. South....Greece, Spain, Italy, oh my)


We have China...doing their thing.  Funny numbers, ghost cities, and rising cost of labor


In the U.S. we're basically eating all our own bonds.  Which is like a dog who eats its own poop.  


...and every other major currency is playing a scary game of MONEY LIMBO....trying to chase us in debasement.







It's like we've all jumped on the "crazy train", and where this ends, who the hell knows.  







Best case scenario we all end up with new currency denominations. (doubt that's the only affect but...)







In the U.S. the penny goes away, then the nickle, and dime are discontinued.  We keep around the quarter, half-dollar, and issue only $1 and $5 coins (no bills).  That's your pocket change.  We keep the $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills, but add a $500 and $1000 bills to the mix.   This is going to be very interesting watching it all unfold.



























 













   

 

 
Link Posted: 3/14/2013 9:54:46 AM EST
[#3]
Housing Foreclosures Start to 'Flare-Up' Again







snip...






Nevada, where a new state law criminalizing faulty foreclosures went
into effect last year, foreclosures basically ground to a halt. In
February, however, they hit a 17-month high, up 334 percent from a year
ago, according to RealtyTrac...
Foreclosure starts jumped 319 percent in Maryland from a year ago, 172
percent in  Washington, 139 percent in New York, and 70 percent in New
Jersey....
"The strongest correlation we see is that states with the biggest jumps
in foreclosure starts are states with some of the most pro-active
foreclosure prevention legislation over the past few years. We believe
that resulted in a short-term drop in foreclosure activity but is now
resulting in a backlash of delayed foreclosures," says Blomquist....
Price recovery has many believing that housing is suddenly not just back
on its feet again, but surging ahead—much of the price recovery is
based on lack of inventory of homes for sale, which in turn is due to
foreclosure delays, which as we now see, can turn very quickly.
It's funny how CNBC always acts 'Surprised' at the articles they post
ETA



RECORD 1 IN 3 US COUNTIES ARE NOW DYING...
while the disconnect continues...
BOOM:  STOCKS CONTINUE RECORD PACE...
 

 
 
 
Link Posted: 3/14/2013 11:10:13 AM EST
[#4]





Quoted:
Quoted:
snip



QE will not end anytime soon, but instead of buying bonds it will be used as a tool to make Federal 'payrolls' or interest payments on loans


When the Bubbles Burst, Global Stocks & Commodities, will be when WE realize how ineffective/irrelevant the FED has made themselves.


QE's purpose will change, as OUR Deficit increases, the ECB starts their own Easing to bring the Euro lower and starts handing out 'Mulligans' to European Banks.





Since, the only way to get real dollars investing back into America, interest rates will have to increase, and Assets will painfully Deflate.


Forcing the Federal Government to shrink.


They can't Print Money forever to buy 'stuff', and if they could, why are we paying mortgages, car loans, etc.?; Shrink or Anarchy


The Dollar should be used as a 'Confidence' builder, where real Wealth will slowly be realized.


My guess, Interest rates would be higher than 3%.





I've heard many ways that will get our economy working again, i.e. Energy (Nuclear, Fracking, Oil), Nano-Solar Tech, even Virtual Tech, but somehow I think Manufacturing will make a comeback, within 10 years.





Globalization is Failing, so the dangers are a Protectionist stance by all the players; Who wants to give up their Sovereignty?


Why War could be used to 'Forgive' Debt, or a distraction; Remember, Bush named the 'Axis of Evil' long ago, I think for a reason.





The Free-Market will demand a Strong Dollar, since it's still the Globes 'Gold Standard'.





I'm no expert, but that's how one scenario could play out.
       



I appreciate your optimism, but as someone deep in the manufacturing support industry (for 20+ years), I can state categorically that this is not realistic.  If those things which have been killing manufacturing were to somehow reverse-toggle to 'favorable' today, that 10 year horizon might be possible.  Unfortunately, the momentum and TPTB are still working against us.




 







China 'heading for social revolution'...




 
 
Link Posted: 3/14/2013 11:17:50 AM EST
[#5]
Link Posted: 3/14/2013 11:42:55 AM EST
[#6]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:






http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/1453038_11_2_Ounces.html
























I am so sick of this shit. The fucking glass was made for 12 ounces of life giving beer!!!!!






This is America, damn it.






That niggardly ounce shaving is some kind of pinko commie conspiracy to reduce our intake of God's intended beverage.
Did Tony Montana want LESS coke on his desk? No






Did Dolly Parton want less titty? No






Do we want 11.2 ounces of beer, 14 ounces in a "pound of coffee" or more air in a bag,of chips?






HELL NO!!!














































Funny thread started by EvanWilliams.  But it does illustrate a point of "hidden inflation".   I first noticed it some time ago when my wife informed me that most bags of white sugar now weigh 4 lbs, instead of 5 lbs.  



















The current CPI understates inflation, which effects our real GDP estimates.  This in turns makes our "total government" and debt to GDP ratios both much higher.  













 

I heard on the radio news yesterday that the CPI dies not take into account smaller portions of products.
I don't know why they bother to spend the time computing it.

That's not correct.  Whenever there are changes to quantity of a product that's part of the CPI calculation, the measure is adjusted to compensate.  They even try to make adjustments for changes in quality (say, if a fruit juice has less juice and more water in it, for example).
The CPI is much more complex than most laypeople believe.  Some useful into here:
http://www.bls.gov/cpi/cpifaq.htm

•Alternate Inflation Charts













"...In general terms, methodological shifts in government reporting have
depressed reported inflation, moving the concept of the CPI away from
being a measure of the cost of living needed to maintain a constant
standard of living."







also found this to be an interesting read...






•Why The Consumer Price Index Is Controversial








"...A lower CPI provides at least two major benefits to the government:


       
         

         1. Many government payments, such as Social Security and the returns from TIPS,
are linked to the level of the CPI; therefore, a lower CPI translates
into lower payments - and lower government expenditures.












2. The
CPI deflates some components used to calculate the real GDP - a lower
inflation rate makes the economy look better than it really is.
In
other words, if the true rate of inflation is higher than the CPI as
the government calculates it, then an investor's real rate of return
will be less than originally expected, as the unplanned amount of
inflation eats away at gains.
"







 
 
 
 
 
 
Link Posted: 3/14/2013 11:47:15 AM EST
[#7]
Question on domestic oil production:

What is the cost, in terms of dollars per barrel, of recovering domestic oil via fracking/shale oil/etc.?  What happens if the cost per barrel drops below that price?


Thought provoked from this article and comments


Posted by CrazyCooter:

And it is not nearly as cheap in terms of capital required to produce as the conventional stuff. These kinds of wells require constant re-drilling to keep production rates from collapsing.

Lots of liquidity these days, but one might ask, "what happens when money isn't free anymore?" Oil prices have to go up, permanently and in real dollars, to sustain the production. That is going to kill the economy (in real dollars).

Print some more oil Ben!

Link Posted: 3/14/2013 11:48:52 AM EST
[#8]
Link Posted: 3/14/2013 12:20:55 PM EST
[#9]
I found this quite interesting.  Pardon if dupe.  

Link Posted: 3/14/2013 1:33:07 PM EST
[#10]
Quoted:
Question on domestic oil production:

What is the cost, in terms of dollars per barrel, of recovering domestic oil via fracking/shale oil/etc.?  What happens if the cost per barrel drops below that price?


Thought provoked from this article and comments


Posted by CrazyCooter:

And it is not nearly as cheap in terms of capital required to produce as the conventional stuff. These kinds of wells require constant re-drilling to keep production rates from collapsing.

Lots of liquidity these days, but one might ask, "what happens when money isn't free anymore?" Oil prices have to go up, permanently and in real dollars, to sustain the production. That is going to kill the economy (in real dollars).

Print some more oil Ben!



As I understand it, that right there is what we call peak oil.  Which, to be dramatic, will be the collapse of our society for a very very long time.  But who really knows when the hell that'll happen...
Link Posted: 3/14/2013 5:28:33 PM EST
[#11]
Quoted:
Quoted:

Quoted:
Quoted:
...

I heard on the radio news yesterday that the CPI dies not take into account smaller portions of products.

I don't know why they bother to spend the time computing it.



That's not correct.  Whenever there are changes to quantity of a product that's part of the CPI calculation, the measure is adjusted to compensate.  They even try to make adjustments for changes in quality (say, if a fruit juice has less juice and more water in it, for example).

The CPI is much more complex than most laypeople believe.  Some useful into here:

http://www.bls.gov/cpi/cpifaq.htm

•Alternate Inflation Charts

"...In general terms, methodological shifts in government reporting have depressed reported inflation, moving the concept of the CPI away from being a measure of the cost of living needed to maintain a constant standard of living."

also found this to be an interesting read...


•Why The Consumer Price Index Is Controversial

[div]"...A lower CPI provides at least two major benefits to the government:
                 
         1. Many government payments, such as Social Security and the returns from TIPS, are linked to the level of the CPI; therefore, a lower CPI translates into lower payments - and lower government expenditures.
[div style='margin-left: 40px;']
2. The CPI deflates some components used to calculate the real GDP - a lower inflation rate makes the economy look better than it really is.
In other words, if the true rate of inflation is higher than the CPI as the government calculates it, then an investor's real rate of return will be less than originally expected, as the unplanned amount of inflation eats away at gains."




That's nice, but has nothing to do with what I was talking about.

I was specifically addressing the claim/question whether or not the CPI calculation ignores changes in quantity of products that are part of the CPI bundle, nothing else.

CPI is certainly NOT a perfect measure (for a variety of legitimate reasons, like unemployment) of cost of living - but that's a whole different, and much larger discussion. (and you probably get us off track).


The CPI data <<collection>> does not ignore changes in quantity that are part of the statistical sampling done at a variety of consumer sales points. However, that change in quantity does NOT necessarily get fed forward to the actual CPI index itself since there are two levels of abstraction between the price data and the CPI itself. For example, if the normal measure of eggs sold becomes 10 (vice 12), the data collection from sellers would indeed reflect that. However, if the polled consumers simply reduce their "normal" consumption of that product (in this case eggs) to a lower level, that becomes the "new normal" upon which the "basket of goods" is based. Hence, it is not a given that the change in quantity in common sales packages directly gets reflected in the CPI. So, the original comment that the "CPI does not take into account smaller portions of products" is not strictly incorrect. Not strictly correct, either, but not incorrect.
Link Posted: 3/17/2013 9:26:53 AM EST
[#12]
Forfeiting accounts of honest depositors in the name of TBTF bailouts, bank runs/lines at the ATM, civil backlash and ripple effects - a sign of the times (and this time, it will be different!):  does cypress not have any printers?  


In a radical departure from previous aid packages, euro zone finance ministers want Cyprus savers to forfeit up to 9.9 percent of their deposits in return for a 10 billion euro ($13 billion) bailout to the island, which has been financially crippled by its exposure to neighboring Greece.

The decision, announced on Saturday morning, stunned Cypriots and caused a run on cashpoints, most of which were depleted within hours. Electronic transfers were stopped.

The move to take a percentage of deposits, which could raise almost 6 billion euros, must be ratified by parliament, where no party has a majority. If it fails to do so, President Nicos Anastasiades has warned, Cyprus's two largest banks will collapse.


http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/17/us-cyprus-parliament-idUSBRE92G03I20130317
Link Posted: 3/17/2013 12:00:17 PM EST
[#13]
FDIC insurance used to cover EACH unique account of an individual, after 2007 or so, up to $250,000.

It was changed from $100,000 previously to maintain consumer confidence when things were falling apart and to stave off bank runs, like the ones in progress in England, at the time.

[IIRC]

Now, I'm told that coverage has been quietly changed up to a TOTAL of $250,000 no matter how many accounts an idividual has.

Now how does a person protect > $250k?


Link Posted: 3/17/2013 12:19:11 PM EST
[#14]
Quoted:
I found this quite interesting.  Pardon if dupe.  

http://youtu.be/5zD7xR0DGuE





He started out OK, then you find out he's a friggin doper, who's promoting setting up some sort a 'productivity commune' with questionable ability to protect it, with many of its productive folks likely stoned.

In Chili, where they will be hippie food on the hoof.

Great, we're screwed...   God people are stupid...




Link Posted: 3/17/2013 12:26:49 PM EST
[#15]
Quoted:
FDIC insurance used to cover EACH unique account of an individual, after 2007 or so, up to $250,000.

It was changed from $100,000 previously to maintain consumer confidence when things were falling apart and to stave off bank runs, like the ones in progress in England, at the time.

[IIRC]

Now, I'm told that coverage has been quietly changed up to a TOTAL of $250,000 no matter how many accounts an idividual has.

Now how does a person protect > $250k?




The FDIC is a government promise subject to the whims of those who made the promise and their ability to meet the terms of the promise.

The Cypriots were promised by the EU that their bank accounts were insured up to 100,000 euros against bank failures, EXCEPT when the EU decided that a one time 'tax' was needed to prevent the failure.

Hey we never said anything about a preemptive prevention loss, just a failure loss. We're still holding up our side of the bargain!

Link Posted: 3/17/2013 12:46:41 PM EST
[#16]
Thanks to all of you who contribute to this thread.  I find it highly informative, and it's provided me with some links and explanations to what is actually happening (I'm *not* an economist, accountant, or finance guy, period).

/hijack
Link Posted: 3/17/2013 1:00:33 PM EST
[#17]
Quoted:
Thanks to all of you who contribute to this thread.  I find it highly informative, and it's provided me with some links and explanations to what is actually happening (I'm *not* an economist, accountant, or finance guy, period).

/hijack



This ^^^^ is likely to your GREAT advantage in being able to understand what's going on.





Link Posted: 3/17/2013 1:03:40 PM EST
[#18]



Quoted:



Quoted:

I found this quite interesting.  Pardon if dupe.  



http://youtu.be/5zD7xR0DGuE










He started out OK, then you find out he's a friggin doper, who's promoting setting up some sort a 'productivity commune' with questionable ability to protect it, with many of its productive folks stoned.



In Chili, where they will be hippie food on the hoof.



Great, we're screwed...   God people are stupid...











Yeah, Jeff Berwick is just a doper.  He got stoned one day and built a $40 million media company.  What...A...loser.    

 
Link Posted: 3/17/2013 1:07:20 PM EST
[#19]
The End Is Near, prepare accordingly.
Link Posted: 3/17/2013 1:12:07 PM EST
[#20]
Quoted:

Quoted:
Quoted:
I found this quite interesting.  Pardon if dupe.  

http://youtu.be/5zD7xR0DGuE





He started out OK, then you find out he's a friggin doper, who's promoting setting up some sort a 'productivity commune' with questionable ability to protect it, with many of its productive folks stoned.

In Chili, where they will be hippie food on the hoof.

Great, we're screwed...   God people are stupid...





Yeah, Jeff Berwick is just a doper.  He got stoned one day and built a $40 million media company.  What...A...loser.      



Just googled him.

Looks like a big promoter with a sizable following.


Link Posted: 3/17/2013 4:14:07 PM EST
[#21]







Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:






Quoted:



I found this quite interesting.  Pardon if dupe.  
http://youtu.be/5zD7xR0DGuE


He started out OK, then you find out he's a friggin doper, who's promoting setting up some sort a 'productivity commune' with questionable ability to protect it, with many of its productive folks stoned.
In Chili, where they will be hippie food on the hoof.
Great, we're screwed...   God people are stupid...





Yeah, Jeff Berwick is just a doper.  He got stoned one day and built a $40 million media company.  What...A...loser.      

Just googled him.
Looks like a big promoter with a sizable following.




No doubt.  Honestly, "sales" is the only profession that seems to do well in all economic environments. I still give him credit for building a successful media company.  Stockhouse is pretty successful.  









I'm also interested in the various "Galt's Gulch" type communities around the world.  Many people who have the means are becoming "mobile", and international.  Eduardo Saverin bailed on his U.S. citizenship to avoid giving the government billions for his chunk of Facebook (don't blame him), Tina Turner renounces her citizenship to become Swiss, Michele Bachmann even became a Swiss citizen, only to renounce it, once the media shed light on her action, and she was criticized for it.  I think this is something to think about.  Doug Casey's community in South America is well established and has a lot of "movers and shakers" involved, hell, even Glenn Beck is planning a "libertarian" community.










Once you "wake-up" to the reality of "the state", and see what's going on here and around the world, it makes sense to diversify your options.  We're all just slaves to the state in one form or fashion.  If you can make an income not chained to a geographic location, or have the assets, it certainly seems to be a viable option.   Taxation in the U.S. is becoming oppressive, and once you consider the nauseating fact that even these oppressive rates aren't enough, and the state is still racking up debt, it starts to make you wonder about your options.    










The cost of "total government" in the U.S. is around $58k per household, and that doesn't even cover the massive unfunded liabilities.  I mean wow.  We have to see where this is going, right?  If you're employed you're paying through payroll tax, or self-employment tax a nice chunk of your income for services that you may never use, and truth be told are "unfunded" anyway.  If make enough to pay income tax, and all the other forms of taxation, it really starts to add up.  Your only hope is that generations behind you are going to continue to allow their incomes to be pillaged to pay your "old age benefits".   Which looking at demographics...doesn't even look possible.  










No, make fun of the idea if you want.  But like it or not people are making plans.  The discussion has already begun, and some are already taking action. The government of the United States is an aberration of its original design.  Look at all it does, is this still America?   I'll admit it, I'm not liking where our country is right now, or the direction our country is headed.  










So yeah, he's a "promoter", and maybe his community development is a farce, but I think people would be wise to at least start looking around.   It's not a bad idea.            










 










       


 
Link Posted: 3/17/2013 11:00:19 PM EST
[#22]
Cyprus Bailout 'Disaster' Risks New Euro Crisis
Who would of ever guessed, another 'Surprise'?



Apparently, a 10% cut from people's savings account equates to a 'fair-share'; I thought this is called a Bank Robbery
Monday will be interesting, Asian Stocks down 2%





eta





The Rape Of Cyprus By The European Union & The IMF







Let's get some things straight and look what has happened directly in  the face.
There was no tax on the bank accounts in Cyprus. There still  is no
tax; the Cyprus Parliament has not passed it and will not vote on  it
until tomorrow so whatever action takes place it is retroactive.  Next,
this was not enacted by Cyprus. The people from Nicosia did not go  to
the Summit and ask to have the bank accounts in their country  minimized
to help pay the bills. Far from it; the nations of Europe,  Germany, France, the Netherlands and the rest, demanded that this take  place, a "fait accompli,"
the President of Cyprus said and Europe  annexes Cyprus. Let's be quite
clear; the European Union has confiscated  the private property of the
citizens in Cyprus without debate,  legislation or Parliamentary
agreement. Pay attention
please. The European Union and the European  Central Bank and the IMF
have just advocated the confiscation of private  property for their own
indulgence.



 
 
Link Posted: 3/17/2013 11:42:06 PM EST
[#23]
I know we have had threads on Galt's Gulch here before. It may be interesting to see if any actually prosper.  I would consider leaving the U.S. for a more free country.  We still have the most free socialist society for now. But the winds of "CHANGE" or "CHAINS" however you may say it, are blowing. I am afraid that the control the government and socialists have on education cannot be broken, though they may be slowed, will lead to our downfall. As they educate us to be economic slaves. Obamacare was the next to last nail in freedoms coffin. Guns are the only obstacle left. I only have hope that when the house of cards comes tumbling down that there may be enough of free thinking people with them to start over.

With Cyprus having to up front 10% it may be a wake up call. Sequestration is painted as the worst thing to happen by Obummer, what will we do when real cuts come? I see Japan and other countries up to their necks in debt and we are still humming along. How long can the illusion be kept up? I'm thinking somewhere around the 25 trillion mark reality will have to set in. We will be up to a trillion just in interest by then. So will inflation keep up and we keep going on like some super Zimbabwe? We are in some interesting times. In times past similar to these, war has been the outcome, not always but far to often. A lot here say, numbers don't lie, and I believe someday, in the more near than distant future, we will get a real lesson on it.
Link Posted: 3/17/2013 11:50:25 PM EST
[#24]

Quoted:
Cyprus Bailout 'Disaster' Risks New Euro Crisis
Who would of ever guessed, another 'Surprise'?






Apparently, a 10% cut from people's savings account equates to a 'fair-share'; I thought this is called a Bank Robbery
<snip>

   







People in government believe that they have immunity from universal morality.  That the moral universals of the initiation of violence, or use of violent coercion is wrong, does not apply to them.  They can use guns, kidnap people, throw them in cages, steal from them, and kill them if necessary   This is government, this is the state.  This is what "the state" does, it's what it has always done.  It is people preforming immoral actions, and believing that their special position, uniform, or orders magically absolves them of the immorality of their actions.  


















They can commit violence






They can threaten violence






They can steal from you, and call it taxation






They can counterfeit, force you to use their currency, and call it monetary policy






They can make your business






They can destroy your business






They can make you wealthy






They can impoverish you






They can threaten you if you do not obey






They can kidnap you and throw you in a cage






They can kill you



















You, your family, and everything you think you own, is theirs for the taking.  This is who THEY are.  No surprise.  Wait until you see the coming attractions.



















Wake-Up





























The dollar will benefit from the Euro's continued death struggle.  These "serial" crisis, one after another, in Europe will help the dollar.  The market may hick-up here.  We are well above the uptrend line (a lot of air beneath this wave) on the S&P, so a sizable correction is possible.  But as of now the uptrend line is still in place.  Gold is moving up but is still on a downtrend line.  I don't believe tomorrow will change any of this.  But it could.  This IS a market that will have a lot chop.  There are so many economic distortions so many monetary manipulations.  The waves are treacherous.  Perhaps historically treacherous.  But I always let the waves and weather direct me, not the news.










It will be interesting.  It may not end the day as you MIGHT expect.  But who knows.






































 
Link Posted: 3/18/2013 6:23:54 AM EST
[#25]



Quoted:


Forfeiting accounts of honest depositors in the name of TBTF bailouts, bank runs/lines at the ATM, civil backlash and ripple effects - a sign of the times (and this time, it will be different!):  does cypress not have any printers?  






In a radical departure from previous aid packages, euro zone finance ministers want Cyprus savers to forfeit up to 9.9 percent of their deposits in return for a 10 billion euro ($13 billion) bailout to the island, which has been financially crippled by its exposure to neighboring Greece.



The decision, announced on Saturday morning, stunned Cypriots and caused a run on cashpoints, most of which were depleted within hours. Electronic transfers were stopped.



The move to take a percentage of deposits, which could raise almost 6 billion euros, must be ratified by parliament, where no party has a majority. If it fails to do so, President Nicos Anastasiades has warned, Cyprus's two largest banks will collapse.




http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/17/us-cyprus-parliament-idUSBRE92G03I20130317

KD, just talked about this. Straight up theft.



Coming to a bank near you...





 
Link Posted: 3/18/2013 8:02:03 AM EST
[#26]

Banksters: "GIMMIE  DAT MUNNY!!!" .......
Link Posted: 3/18/2013 9:50:34 AM EST
[#27]
Quoted:

Quoted:
Quoted:
Yes indeed, friend; I've invested a big chunk of my time- in addition to what little intellect I possess into examining these matters, hence:


Folks, make ready to defend your loved ones, yourselves and your assets against what history will eventually record as the greatest wealth-fracking operation of all time.




What does this mean, how do you do that?


It is quite vague...




Oh, what I posted will become progressively clearer with the pass of time. I'm sure the Cypriots 'caught the general thrust' of my dark saying.
Link Posted: 3/18/2013 10:05:47 AM EST
[#28]
Quoted:

Quoted:
Forfeiting accounts of honest depositors in the name of TBTF bailouts, bank runs/lines at the ATM, civil backlash and ripple effects - a sign of the times (and this time, it will be different!):  does cypress not have any printers?  


In a radical departure from previous aid packages, euro zone finance ministers want Cyprus savers to forfeit up to 9.9 percent of their deposits in return for a 10 billion euro ($13 billion) bailout to the island, which has been financially crippled by its exposure to neighboring Greece.

The decision, announced on Saturday morning, stunned Cypriots and caused a run on cashpoints, most of which were depleted within hours. Electronic transfers were stopped.

The move to take a percentage of deposits, which could raise almost 6 billion euros, must be ratified by parliament, where no party has a majority. If it fails to do so, President Nicos Anastasiades has warned, Cyprus's two largest banks will collapse.


http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/17/us-cyprus-parliament-idUSBRE92G03I20130317
KD, just talked about this. Straight up theft.

Coming to a bank near you...

 


How is that theft any different from FDR's gold confiscation?
Same gangster tune, different era.

Link Posted: 3/18/2013 12:17:44 PM EST
[#29]
Quoted:


How is that theft any different from FDR's gold confiscation?
Same gangster tune, different era.



That is the sad part. Most people have little idea of the crap FDR got away with and how he basically threatened the supreme court as they reeled in some of his more extreme ex. orders.

This shit ain't new and we are no where near as conservative or self sufficient as individuals or a nation as we were in the 1930s.
Throw in one SHTF moment (9/11, economic crisis like 2008 etc.) and watch this new and improved gang run with the ball.

Think about some of what is said in this link.
Link Posted: 3/18/2013 12:33:15 PM EST
[#30]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Forfeiting accounts of honest depositors in the name of TBTF bailouts, bank runs/lines at the ATM, civil backlash and ripple effects - a sign of the times (and this time, it will be different!):  does cypress not have any printers?  

In a radical departure from previous aid packages, euro zone finance ministers want Cyprus savers to forfeit up to 9.9 percent of their deposits in return for a 10 billion euro ($13 billion) bailout to the island, which has been financially crippled by its exposure to neighboring Greece.
The decision, announced on Saturday morning, stunned Cypriots and caused a run on cashpoints, most of which were depleted within hours. Electronic transfers were stopped.
The move to take a percentage of deposits, which could raise almost 6 billion euros, must be ratified by parliament, where no party has a majority. If it fails to do so, President Nicos Anastasiades has warned, Cyprus's two largest banks will collapse.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/17/us-cyprus-parliament-idUSBRE92G03I20130317
KD, just talked about this. Straight up theft.
Coming to a bank near you...
 

How is that theft any different from FDR's gold confiscation?
Same gangster tune, different era.

Or FICA and mandatory withholding?  Because it's done BEFORE it hits the bank?  How about the immorality of spending money of future generations for THIS generations government benefits?  Taxation without representation or just "spend it forward"?  















People tend to be blinded by their own nationalism.   That patriotic fervor for flags, symbols, songs, heroic myth, monuments, and anthems is blinding.  Isn't it?  It's so much easier to see the "bad" in someone else's house. Much harder to see it in your own.  




"God Bless America..."


























 





 
Link Posted: 3/18/2013 8:19:06 PM EST
[#31]
Don't forget that this whole thing is the EU imposing their will on a sovereign country.   Might as well have the UN (or IMF) that we're all going to lose 10% of our checking and savings accounts by noon tomorrow - and see how well that works out.  :D
Link Posted: 3/18/2013 10:05:25 PM EST
[#32]







Quoted:




Don't forget that this whole thing is the EU imposing their will on a sovereign country.   Might as well have the UN (or IMF) that we're all going to lose 10% of our checking and savings accounts by noon tomorrow - and see how well that works out.  :D




The Euro's problems are ultimately the dollars gains.  ...at least for a time.  









"Despite the muted reaction so far, Europe has reminded investors that there are significant problems behind the curtain," JPMorgan's Alex White













The global monetary "raft" is full of holes, and is nothing but "patches" now.  The only difference between us and them is they're doing ALL their bailouts in the headlines.  We keep pumping our's out through the Fed.  By now most Americans numb to the staggering amount of bonds the Fed is buying on a monthly basis.  $15 Billion bailout of Cyrus's banks is chump change.  










From an experimental economic point of view this is the BEST test of Keynesian economic theory imaginable.  Global and real time!   No simulations, models, or small controlled test.  Just one massive global high stakes game! we get to find out who was right Keynes or Hayek.  The global central planners are all in, and there is no turning back now.  Damn, we live in interesting and exciting times.  










At least we'll finally get to settle the debate.  

















S&P is still on its uptrend line.   But there is a lot air between where we are and the ultimate support line.  It is absolutely not a time for the faint of heart.   Taking some chips off the table might be advisable.  You can't lose by taking gains.  But don't go crazy.  There is still money to be made.  Although, as I say, I let the waves guide me.  So who knows.  It could change tomorrow.










Gold and Silver are still below their downtrend line, but again, there is a lot air.  So they might run for bit just here.  But the same rules apply. The waves not news, or emotion guide the play, and are all are subject to change.   Interesting side note; spot gold did move into a demand wave column today.  But no change in overall trend.    










These are indeed exciting times!



























 





 











 
Link Posted: 3/18/2013 10:53:33 PM EST
[#33]
Well, it's gonna get a LOT MORE exciting.

Link Posted: 3/19/2013 10:36:19 AM EST
[#34]

US Deposits In Perspective:

  • $25 Billion In FDIC Insurance Fund

  • $9,283 Billion In US Commercial Deposits

  • $297,514 Billion In Financial Derivatives exposure







The FDIC "insurance fund" is to cover $9,300 trillion in deposits and $300 trillion in derivatives...

or 1/12,000 (0.0081%) of total exposure?   Sounds legit.  
Link Posted: 3/19/2013 11:08:20 AM EST
[#35]
lol at the people who over the years have been saying the euro will become the new reserve currency.
Link Posted: 3/19/2013 11:26:31 AM EST
[#36]
Quoted:
lol at the people who over the years have been saying the euro will become the new reserve currency.


Hopefully the Chinese don't have the last laugh.
Link Posted: 3/19/2013 4:19:56 PM EST
[#37]
This appears to be somewhat dated but it put a smile on my face.  Thought I'd share it...









 
Link Posted: 3/19/2013 5:11:45 PM EST
[#39]


True News - Cyprus Bank Thefts!
Stefan Molyneux

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbBngknGk54

Link Posted: 3/19/2013 7:07:39 PM EST
[#40]
I LOVE N-F!



[He's advocating bank runs]  
Link Posted: 3/19/2013 7:48:10 PM EST
[#41]



Quoted:


I LOVE N-F!







[He's advocating bank runs]  


I am a fan.

 
Link Posted: 3/19/2013 7:51:35 PM EST
[#42]
Link Posted: 3/19/2013 7:56:39 PM EST
[#43]
Despite everyone's relief, I'm still concerned about gun restrictions...
Link Posted: 3/19/2013 8:09:44 PM EST
[#44]
Quoted:
Despite everyone's relief, I'm still concerned about gun restrictions...


Overton window
Link Posted: 3/19/2013 8:16:48 PM EST
[#45]
Link Posted: 3/19/2013 8:24:32 PM EST
[#46]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Despite everyone's relief, I'm still concerned about gun restrictions...


Who's relieved ?


No one.
Link Posted: 3/19/2013 9:02:15 PM EST
[#47]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Despite everyone's relief, I'm still concerned about gun restrictions...


Who's relieved ?


No one.


A glance at GD and my FB page shows quite a few.

I'm just saying lets stay vigilant.
Link Posted: 3/19/2013 9:03:01 PM EST
[#48]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Despite everyone's relief, I'm still concerned about gun restrictions...


Who's relieved ?


No one.


A glance at GD and my FB page shows quite a few.

I'm just saying lets stay vigilant.


I see that too now.  I hope they do stay vigilant.
Link Posted: 3/20/2013 11:40:34 AM EST
[#49]
Page / 152
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