Forbes – Why Are the Chinese Buying Record Quantities of Gold? This month, the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department reported that China imported 102,779 kilograms of gold from Hong Kong in November, an increase from October’s 86,299 kilograms. Beijing does not release gold trade figures, so for this and other reasons the Hong Kong… Continue reading China And Gold
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<Click on chart for larger image> Comment Jim Bianco was on Yahoo Finance on Tuesday discussing 10-year yields. To view the interview click on the image above. To view any of our recent interviews click here. Yahoo Finance – U.S. 10-Year Yield Will Stay Below 2% for Extended Period: Bianco Almost since the day the… Continue reading What’s Next For Interest Rates?
Zero Hedge (Blog) – Q4 GDP Misses Estimates, Inventory Stockpiling Accounts For 1.9% Of 2.8% Q4 US Economic Growth The US economy grew at a 2.8% annualized pace in the supposedly blistering fourth quarter, yet the number was a disappointment not only in that it missed estimates of 3.0% (and far higher whisper numbers) but… Continue reading Market Capitalization As A Percentage Of GDP
The Economist – The Federal Reserve: Can you hear me now? The Fed makes its views loud and clear JAPAN holds the modern record for years spent with interest rates at zero; they were on the floor from 2001 to 2006. America is on track to break that record. Having cut its short-term rate to… Continue reading More On The Federal Reserve
The Telegraph (UK) – Davos 2012: David Cameron hits out at EU over euro failings David Cameron has launched an attack on Europe for failing to deal with its “perilous” financial crisis, as he warned the euro doesn’t have the qualities of a successful single currency The Prime Minister risked fuelling tensions with France and… Continue reading The Euro
The Economist – The euro crisis: What to do about Greece Its insolvent economy needs a bigger debt reduction. A precipitous exit from the euro would be a disaster GREECE, progenitor of the euro zone’s debt drama, is back at centre-stage. The reason is a battle between the Greek government, its European and IMF rescuers,… Continue reading Greece
<Click on chart for larger image> The Telegraph (UK) – Ambrose Evans-Pritchard: Investors fear mounting losses in Portugal as second rescue looms Portugal is fighting a losing battle to contain its public debt and may be forced to impose haircuts of up to 50pc on private creditors, according to a top German institute A report… Continue reading Portugal
<Click on chart for larger image> The Washington Post – US new-home sales fell in December to make 2011 worst sales year on record Fewer people bought new homes in December. The decline made 2011 the worst year for new -homes sales on records dating back nearly half a century. The Commerce Department said Thursday… Continue reading 2011 Was The Worst Year Ever For New Home Sales
<Click on chart for larger image> The Economist – China: The paradox of prosperity For China’s rise to continue, the country needs to move away from the model that has served it so well IN THIS issue we launch a weekly section devoted to China. It is the first time since we began our detailed… Continue reading China
<Click on chart for larger image> The Economist – Buttonwood: In praise of pessimists Sometimes it helps if investors are gloomy BARELY a week goes by without a report on the level of confidence among consumers, businesspeople and investors. Optimism is what’s wanted—Keynes talked of the “animal spirits” that influence economic activity. Pessimists are routinely… Continue reading Contrarian Opinion
Deal Book (NYT Blog) – In Punishing Year for Hedge Funds, Biggest One Thrived The world’s biggest hedge fund is also one of the best performers. Bridgewater Associates, which manages nearly $120 billion, posted returns of 23 percent in 2011 — a year when the average hedge fund portfolio lost 5 percent. Against the backdrop… Continue reading A Hedge Fund That Did Well Last Year