Tag Archives: government

Dear Government: The banks won’t help you! Witness rising mortgage rates.

It seems the U.S. and Canadian governments are counting on the banking industry to help them distribute aid to those most hurt by the coronavirus lock-down.  DON’T! Despite the central banks lowering interest rates to historically low levels, the mortgage … Continue reading

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Selling bonds to buy stocks? Try door #3 instead!

I have been warning about bonds now for over 6 months. Finally the press is catching on, ensuring that a normal development over the course of a business cycle (whether ignited by natural forces or government intervention) – rising interest … Continue reading

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Why the price of gold skyrocketed and why it’s over!

Everyone is fascinated by the yellow metal.  I’ve been to exploration sites as far north as Nunavut (by the Arctic Ocean) and south to operating mines in Chile.  But determining what it’s worth remains a conundrum to all of us. The price … Continue reading

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Is stock market going to tumble over the fiscal cliff?

I saw the following comment/question just the other day and was surprised since it was in response to a posting I initiated way back in August 2011 entitled “Is the market on thin ice?” The theme of the original commentary … Continue reading

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The BIG Bernanke: Bond risk for the duration!

The infatuation of investors, retail and institutional alike with bonds has become ridiculous – more lust than love. The perception that there remains less risk in fixed income cannot be further from reality – especially because of the post-crisis distortions … Continue reading

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Beware a German Bund Fight!

I’d like to revisit a recurring phenomenon – and a reliable contrarian indicator – that befuddles the logical mind yet regularly creates investment opportunities. I’m inspired (again) by this comment I received from a fellow investment professional: “I have read … Continue reading

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Yogi Berra – as good an investment strategist as any!

“When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it.” Yogi Berra could have been recommending an investment strategy. Everyone is desperately trying to collect some yield while they watch from the sidelines, uncertain which fork in the road … Continue reading

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GOLF Don’t need no Eagle!

Investment idea today? Market commentary?  I got NOTHING!  But I am starting to look forward (only God knows why) to hitting the links.  I made this video (original music of course) to remind me to keep my expectations modest.  Turn … Continue reading

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Commodities NOT for diversification? Should be obvious!

A published academic study (by Daskalaki and Skiadopoulos in the Journal of Banking & Finance October 2011) that’s getting much attention is entitled: Should Investors Include Commodities in Their Portfolios After All? New Evidence. The following is a quote from … Continue reading

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Your future: Work hard & earn less!

Unemployment is the dominant issue of the new millenium. I recall government leaders boasting that economic growth without job creation is simply the byproduct of rapid productivity growth…thanks to quantum leaps in technological innovation “we” get more for less. Indeed … Continue reading

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