The world is on the verge of getting its mojo back. The election in France saw Marine Le Pen make it into a runoff election May 7th for the presidency. And globally, it was an extremely good session for markets in our aggregate view of things. I see it’s almost nap time. Because if you play … Read More
More a collection of random notes than anything this morning. Funny: As in Finance One of my colleagues is kind enough to include me on a private market (and end of the financial world as we know it) letter that goes out to a few select. From his note this weekend, the best description of … Read More
What is a business model? What constitutes a threat to a business model? And why would you give a rip? Seems a reasonable set of questions – the answers just ahead as soon as a few headline, the ChartPack, and the coffee is done. The good news? Business model (threats) are more than just an … Read More
Sure, markets are important – and yeah, we had a really good day yesterday. But this morning we need to look around the “theater of battle” a bit and see what the larger playing field looks like. One reason our “global aggregated view” of markets seems to work is that we focus at multiple levels. Close-in, … Read More
Two things caught my eye on returning from my regular 6-month doctor’s visit. First was a delightful subscriber renewal to www.peoplenomics.com. But what made it extra-special was the book enclosed, “E.T. 101.” The other thing that flipped out of a high-speed scan was some news about how the naked mole rat can live without oxygen … Read More
Oh, my. Three rings full. More stupid column inches on narcissistic media crap than you can shake a remote at. We see yet-another proof of our contention that – like the auto industry in the last Depression – the media industry has the same excess capacity and utilization overbuild problem today. (more after ad) In the first ring we have Bill … Read More
Although we don’t like to talk about real get-down, nitty-gritty urban survival much, the past few weeks have again underscored the wisdom of having a “place in the country” to run to in the event of the ultimate disaster. This is not to claim that nuclear war is imminent, but, if it was, odds are … Read More
A beginner’s Guide today. How much to get started, how to pick an online brokerage, and a ton more including how to make – and read – your own charts. One of our readers – a Millennial at that – asked if I could whip up such a simple, step-by-step guide to how to invest … Read More
My friend Robin Landry (site) has been managing money for people for about 40-years now. When I blew out of my long position in the markets a 8-days ago, he advised me to be patient. “Markets climb a ‘Wall of Worry’ most times…” I knew it to be true and it wasn’t the first time I’d … Read More
While I am working around the ranch – where we mostly raise bugs this time of year – little things go through my mind. Items from the daily news flow that I can’t get out of my head. Yeah, I should be able to banish them, but stories – like VP Mike Pence going to South Korea to … Read More
This is Dyngus Day. A tough day to get excited about, with a few local exceptions. Markets are generally closed in Europe because this is “Easter Monday” and a market holiday in places like Germany, France, and the U.K. Oh, and Australian markets were closed overnight, as well. (continues below) “What does this have to do … Read More
A number of readers have suggested that we skip the daily sojourn into economics and instead put up an “all Elaine” website. Not a bad idea, but she’s very self conscious. Except she did permit me to take one snap of her “Daisy-Mae” look while she was working on the garden… Now that we have … Read More
This morning, since it’s a holiday weekend and all, we will focus on the charts and outlooks for next week’s action which will very much hinge on military developments between now and the Monday open. We will also consider the problem of ‘disappearing investment options.” Sure, things like real estate are still selling, but to … Read More