Western World’s Perpetual Motion Ponzi Scheme To Collapse

"Today Egon von Greyerz warned King World News that the Western world is now fully engaged in a perpetual motion Ponzi scheme and a collapse is coming. Greyerz, who is founder of Matterhorn Asset Management, also said that propaganda will not save the West from what is coming. Here is what Greyerz had to say in this remarkable and exclusive interview: “Eric, the world is broke, and more and more individuals are broke or going broke. The reality now is that most individuals are one paycheck away from going under. These same people are also loaded with debt in many case. Students are also broke and they have massive loans but no jobs.”

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/28_Western_Worlds_Perpetual_Motion_Ponzi_Scheme_To_Collapse.html

Jim Sinclair - Gold Will Now Be Released To The Upside

"...Sinclair: “He’s absolutely right in what he said because there is a very quiet trend taking place where you see the reserves of gold rising, looking towards a 15% level. If you were to take a globe and get yourself a colored pencil and color in each country that has marked their gold to the market, you will understand why, eventually, even those that have manipulated us on the downside will be part and parcel with us on the upside.

Gold is the only tool that is able to balance the balance sheets of the offending deficit spending central banks. There is no other tool. Therefore, the tool (gold) will be used. Just as QE was the only tool to feign sovereigns as financially sound, gold is the only tool to bail them (central banks) out in the end. It’s simply a fact, a reality, and it cannot be denied.”

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/27_Jim_Sinclair_-_Gold_Will_Now_Be_Released_To_The_Upside.html

This Is How You Can Make A Fortune In Gold Right Now

"...“I think history is our guide, Eric. There have been seven or eight retrenchments in the current gold market, which of course began in the year 2000. So if you think about the bull market that we’re in, a move in gold from $250 to over $1,500, (as I said) there have been seven or eight retrenchments, and in every case gold has come back and retraced the retrenchment in fairly short order and gone on to make higher highs.

I am convinced that this will be the same thing...."

 

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/27_This_Is_How_You_Can_Make_A_Fortune_In_Gold_Right_Now.html

Buy Gold To Protect Against The Next Crisis

at http://marcfaberchannel.blogspot.com/2013/02/buy-gold-to-protect-against-next-crisis.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MarcFaberBlog+%28Marc+Faber+Blog%29

Gold and silver rebound/Silver OI remains stubbornly high at just under 155,000 contracts./jobless numbers increase/Philly index plummets/WalMart states that "we fell off the cliff

"Gold closed up 60 cents to $1578.60 gaining all the ground it lost in the access market. Silver gained 9 cents to $28.79. Today was a slow day in news. The real exciting news is the high OI in silver. The longs in silver are basically impervious to pain. They refused to buckle under the massive' not for profit' supply of non backed precious metals paper. The pound continues to buckle and remains in the 1.52 column while the Japanese yen again comes close to to 94 level to the dollar. In Europe France's manufacturing PMI continues to remain in the doldrums and this was followed by a poor service PMI. The entire Europe's PMI remains weak with Germany the only country above water.

In the USA jobless claims again rise. Wal- Mart reported their quarterly report but most investors were interested in what happened in February. The company suggested that due to the increase in payroll taxes, investors just had no extra money to spend and thus sales "fell off the cliff"
To confirm the above, the Philly Manufacturing index plummeted from -5.8 to -12.5..."

at  http://harveyorgan.blogspot.com/2013/02/gold-and-silver-reboundsilver-oi.html

Jim Rogers : There Will Be Wars Over Oil And Water

"Jim Rogers : “There will be wars east of the Red Sea over oil and wars west of the Red Sea over water.” - in an interview yesterday before giving a speech to the CFA Society of Atlanta ."

at http://jimrogers1.blogspot.com/2013/02/jim-rogers-there-will-be-wars-over-oil.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FWOHK+%28Jim+Rogers+Blog%29

China Will Have World’s Largest Gold Reserves In 2 To 3 Years

"Today acclaimed money manager Stephen Leeb told King World News that “... within the next 2 or 3 years China is going to be the largest gold holder in the world.” Here is what Leeb had to say: “Obviously the markets are to say the least a little bit jittery. The key here is not so much what the Fed said yesterday when they again discussed that they may consider cutting back on quantitative easing, but it’s really the context in which that was said.”

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/21_China_Will_Have_Worlds_Largest_Gold_Reserves_In_2_To_3_Years.html

Maguire - Stunning 225 Tons of Physical Gold Bought By CBs

"Today whistleblower Andrew Maguire told King World News that Eastern central banks have taken a massive 225 tons out of the physical gold market on this recent takedown. This is the first in a series of interviews with Maguire lifting the curtain on what is going on behind the scenes in the ongoing gold and silver war which continues to rage..."

at  http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/22_Maguire_-_Stunning_225_Tons_of_Physical_Gold_Bought_By_CBs.html

The Food Threat to Human Civilization

"Humanity faces a growing complex of serious, highly interconnected environmental problems, including much-discussed challenges like climate change, as well as the equally or more serious threat to the survival of organisms that support our lives by providing critical ecosystem services such as crop pollination and agricultural pest control. We face numerous other threats as well: the spread of toxic synthetic chemicals worldwide, vast epidemics, and a dramatic decline in the quality and accessibility of mineral resources, water, and soils.

 

Resource wars are already with us; if a “small” nuclear resource war erupted between, say, India and Pakistan, we now know that the war alone would likely end civilization.

 

But our guess is that the most serious threat to global sustainability in the next few decades will be one on which there is widespread agreement: the growing difficulty of avoiding large-scale famines. As the 2013 World Economic Forum Report put it: “Global food and nutrition security is a major global concern as the world prepares to feed a growing population on a dwindling resource base, in an era of increased volatility and uncertainty.” Indeed, the report notes that more than “870 million people are now hungry, and more are at risk from climate events and price spikes.” Thus, measures to “improve food security have never been more urgently needed...”

at http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/human-population-growth-has-become-unsustainable-by-paul-r--ehrlich-and-anne-h--ehrlich#vJCbhmqep12C6iIw.99

The Road to Asian Unity

"Asia’s lack of institutions to ameliorate regional tensions is often lamented. But greater Asian unity may be arising by the backdoor, in the form of new and impressive infrastructure links.

 

Today’s efforts to expand regional infrastructure projects are all the more remarkable for linking even countries locked in diplomatic, and sometimes open, conflict. New bus routes between India and Pakistan may not make headlines, but they deliver a degree of normalcy to relations riddled with mistrust. Elsewhere, rail links between China and Vietnam, road developments connecting India and Bangladesh, and new ports, harbors, and pipelines in Myanmar and Pakistan are forging a new form of economic unity alongside the region’s manufacturing supply chains..."

at http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/asia--unifying-infrastructure-investments-by-jaswant-singh#iwBEjRXMIR8z3Tt0.99

Marc Faber - Major Bottom Forming In Gold But Stocks Shaky

"Today Marc Faber told King World News that a major bottom is forming in gold, but global stock markets are on shaky ground. Faber, who is author of the Gloom Boom and Doom Report, was speaking with KWN as the gold market was in the midst of being smashed on Wednesday. This is part I of a series of powerful written interviews that will be released today on KWN..."

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/21_Marc_Faber_-_Major_Bottom_Forming_In_Gold_But_Stocks_Shaky.html

CITI: There's A Crisis Lurking In The Bond Market And No One Is Talking About It

"The Federal Reserve has revealed that it is considering scaling down and possibly even completely halting quantitative easing by the end of this year.
Whether or not the central bank will actually be in a position to do that in 2013 is one of the hottest debates in the market right now – but the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield has risen from an all-time low below 1.5 percent in July to its current levels, slightly above 2 percent, and that has people talking.
"It's the $64,000 question: What ends up bringing this down?" Citi strategist Michael H. Anderson told Business Insider.
As several members of the Federal Reserve ramp up the public dialogue surrounding financial stability, Anderson thinks they're looking in the wrong place.

In a recent note to clients, he wrote, "It’s more likely the excess that ultimately brings this cycle to an end is one that few are mentioning."

In aggregate, investors have poured a staggering amount of money – hundreds of billions of dollars – into bond funds over the past five years. They have been largely deterred from stocks as memories of the crash in 2008 continue to haunt the market.
That may all be changing as investors in mutual funds begin to open up their monthly statements and realize that their bond investments are starting to lose money.
What happens when investors start pulling money from these mutual funds, and the fund managers have to turn around and get rid of their holdings of corporate bonds?
No one knows for sure. This is an unprecedented situation. However, one thing is clear: that scenario could present a big problem..."

at  http://www.businessinsider.com/citi-bond-funds-to-spark-next-crisis-2013-2#ixzz2LT6l4K3Q

‘They Tell The French People Illusions and Lies.’

"France is in upheaval. Arguments erupt live on TV, demonstrations block the streets, strikes shut down plants, and threats of mayhem are part of the show [French Workers Threaten To Blow Up Their Factory]. The problem: an economy where businesses are suffocating under an obese public sector. Ever larger budgets have been the only source of economic growth. But now that model has run aground.

During the campaign last year, candidate François Hollande forecast that the economy in 2013 would grow 1.7%. Shortly after taking office, he shaved it down to 1.2%. Late last year, for the new budget, he chopped it to 0.8%.

And now that too has gone up in smoke. Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius guesstimated on RTL that growth would instead be 0.2% to 0.3%. And the goal of a budget deficit of 3%? It hasn’t been “abandoned,” Fabius said. But there’d be “a delay.”

The final vestiges of economic optimism are evaporating. Taxes have already been raised to absurd levels, and new tools are being implemented to crack down on tax fraud [read... Draconian Cash Controls Are Coming To France].

But the deficit still isn’t coming in line. Now the chopping block has been moved to the center. On it are child benefits. Instant hullabaloo..."

at http://www.zerohedge.com/contributed/2013-02-20/%E2%80%98they-tell-french-people-illusions-and-lies%E2%80%99

Unlimited Fiat Under Guise Of Currency Wars Sweeping Planet

"Today 40-year veteran, Robert Fitzwilson, wrote the following piece exclusively for King World News. Fitzwilson, who is founder of The Portola Group, warns, “Unlimited creation of fiat currency under the guise of currency wars is now sweeping the planet.”...

Another amazing event that could have a monumental effect on our markets, economies and portfolios was a barely noticed warning coming from one of the main regulatory bodies in the United States, FINRA. The warning was about the risks and dangers of longer-term fixed income. We certainly agree with them, but it is extraordinary to see the power of the government behind that viewpoint....

“As we discussed last week, fixed income prices and interest rates act in opposite directions. Just like a seesaw, one goes up and the other one goes down. The FINRA announcement could very well be a critical “tell” as to the direction of interest rates. If they are issuing a warning, it could very well mean that the zero-interest rate policy (ZIRP) is finally coming to an end.

It makes sense. We have been arguing that ZIRP was devastating savers and retirement funds. Retirees and participants in 401K-type plans have been depleting their accumulated balances prematurely. Pension and endowment funds have been earning returns that will cause huge shortfalls or require huge contributions from their sponsors if continued for much longer. For example, the two major California public retirement funds, CALPERS and CALSTRS, recently announced horrendous actuarial shortfalls..."

 

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/20_Unlimited_Fiat_Under_Guise_Of_Currency_Wars_Sweeping_Planet.html

Despite The Smash, Big Picture For Gold Points To New Highs

"The following charts were put together exclusively for King World News by Kevin Wides, out of Switzerland. Once again, this is a way for all King World News readers globally to take an important step back and look at the big picture in key markets such as gold and silver. Note the minimum projected move for gold would take it to new all-time highs, despite the recent smash..."

at  http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/20_Despite_The_Smash,_Big_Picture_For_Gold_Points_To_New_Highs.html

Comex Metals Option Expiration For Remainder of the Year - Hedge Fund Buying Metal Shares

"As a reminder, next Monday is the March option expiration for gold and silver at the Comex.

Here is an interesting blurb on the steps the government of India is taking to dampen gold imports: fractional reserve bullion. I wonder where they got this idea?

"The government recently stopped requiring gold-backed exchange-traded funds to hold physical gold in the amount of their sales. Instead, the funds will be allowed to deposit some gold with banks who in turn can lend it to jewelers, which in theory should reduce imports for a time."

India Cultural Demand Defies Gold Curbs

And there is this tidbit:

"SAC Capital Partners LP, a $20 billion dollar group of hedge funds founded by Stephen A. Cohen, quietly positioned itself in over $240 million dollars worth of gold, silver, and mining share investments during Q4 2012.

Of great interest is the structure of those positions. They are indicating, that the firm is expecting a massive spike in both gold and silver, as well as a staggering move higher in the mining shares."

SAC Puts $240 Million into Gold/Silver/Mining Shares Investments

As you may recall, it is Stevie Cohen's cohorts who are being frisked up for having traded on non-public information. Naw, couldn't be."

 

at http://jessescrossroadscafe.blogspot.com/2013/02/comex-metals-option-expiration-for.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JessesCafeAmericain+%28Jesse%27s+Caf%C3%A9+Am%C3%A9ricain%29

Gold Has a Clear Advantage in Developing Global Currency War – Here’s Why

"There is an increasingly disorderly currency war going on out there, and the advantage of gold is clear– they can’t print it, they can’t default on it, and there will always be demand for it. Simply put, in the global currency wars, owning gold is like abandoning the battlefield altogether..."

at http://www.munknee.com/2013/02/gold-has-a-clear-advantage-in-developing-global-currency-war-heres-why/

When Gold Turns It Will Trade Violently To The Upside

"Today Bill Fleckenstein spoke with King World News about gold and global stock markets. Fleckenstein, who is President of Fleckenstein Capital, believes the gold market is at or near the end of the long correction. He also issued a warning about global stock markets..."

at  http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/18_When_Gold_Turns_It_Will_Trade_Violently_To_The_Upside.html

Spanish Debt Grows by €146 Billion, Largest Ever Recorded; Debt-to-GDP Highest Since 1910

"Proof there is no rebalancing in Europe is easy to find. For example, El Pais reports Spanish Debt Grows by €146 Billion.

What follows is a Mish-modified translation of the above Google-translation.

Key Points

• The public debt exceeded €882 billion at the end of 2012
• Debt Grew by €146 Billion in one year
• The increase in the first year of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is the largest ever recorded
• Debt-to-GDP is highest since 1910
• Interest expense is at record high

The Government and the Bank of Spain debt figures are chilling. Government debt broke records in 2012. In the first year of the Government of Mariano Rajoy, debt skyrocketed to €882 billion, a one year increased of €146 Billion. Never in the economic history of Spain's general government debt had increased so much in a single year. In five years, the debt has increased by €500 Billion, Debt is one of the major drags on the recovery of the Spanish economy..."

Debt to GDP


at http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2013/02/spanish-debt-grows-by-146-billion.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MishsGlobalEconomicTrendAnalysis+%28Mish%27s+Global+Economic+Trend+Analysis%29
Read more at http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2013/02/spanish-debt-grows-by-146-billion.html#tThg6t8RFJkK15Gh.99

Retail Apocalypse: Why Are Major Retail Chains All Over America Collapsing?

"If the economy is improving, then why are many of the largest retail chains in America closing hundreds of stores? When I was growing up, Sears, J.C. Penney, Best Buy and RadioShack were all considered to be unstoppable retail powerhouses. But now it is being projected that all of them will close hundreds of stores before the end of 2013. Even Wal-Mart is running into problems. A recent internal Wal-Mart memo that was leaked to Bloomberg described February sales as a "total disaster". So why is this happening? Why are major retail chains all over America collapsing? Is the "retail apocalypse" upon us? Well, the truth is that this is just another sign that the U.S. economy is falling apart right in front of our eyes. Incomes are declining, taxes are going up, government dependence is at an all-time high, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the percentage of the U.S. labor force that is employed has been steadily falling since 2006. The top 10% of all income earners in the U.S. are still doing very well, but most U.S. consumers are either flat broke or are drowning in debt. The large disposable incomes that the big retail chains have depended upon in the past simply are not there anymore. So retail chains all over the United States are now closing up unprofitable stores. This is especially true in low income areas..."

at http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/retail-apocalypse-why-are-major-retail-chains-all-over-america-collapsing

Roubini : Oil Prices May Double due to The Geopolitical Instability in The Middle East

"Nouriel Roubini says instability in the Middle East, geopolitical disputes in Asia, and fiscal drags in Europe and the U.S. are still . “Instability in the Middle East is an issue: and the instability is not just tension between Israel and Iran – that if there were to become violent they could spike global oil prices to double the current level and tip the global economy into recession. If you look at the Middle East, all from Maghreb, Algeria to Afghanistan and Pakistan, there is geopolitical tension that could have economic consequences.”

at http://nourielroubini.blogspot.com/2013/02/roubini-oil-prices-may-double-due-to.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NourielRoubiniBlog+%28Nouriel+Roubini+Blog%29

The Antidote For Reckless Governments & Money Printing

"Today King World News is pleased to present the antidote for reckless governments and money printing according to Michael Pento. Below is Pento’s tremendous piece: 

 

“The interest rate on the 10-Year Note has risen from 1.58% on December 6th of last year, to as high as 2.03% by mid-February. Most equity market cheerleaders are crediting a rebounding economy for the recent move up in rates. According to my count, this is the 15th time since the Great Recession began that the economy was supposedly on the threshold of a robust recovery.

However, the reading on last quarter’s GDP growth was negative, and the January unemployment rate actually increased. Therefore, it would be ridiculous to ascribe the fall in U.S. sovereign bond prices to an economy that is showing signs of an imminent boom...."

 

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/17_The_Antidote_For_Reckless_Governments_%26_Money_Printing.html

Norway Enters The Currency Wars

"While the G-20 and the G-7 haggle among each other, all (with perhaps the exception of France) desperate to make it seem that Japan's recent currency manipulation is not really manipulation, and that the plunge in the Yen was an indirect, "unexpected" consequence of BOJ monetary policy (when in reality as Richard Koo explained it is merely a ploy to avoid the spotlight falling on each and every other G-7/20 member, all of which are engaged in the same type of currency wars which eventually will all morph into trade wars), Europe's energy powerhouse Norway quietly entered into the war. From Bloomberg: "Norges Bank is ready to cut interest rates further to counter krone gains that interfere with the inflation target, Governor Oeystein Olsen said. “If it gets too strong over time, leading to inflation that’s too low, we will act,” Olsen said yesterday in an interview at his office in Oslo..."

at http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-02-17/norway-enters-currency-wars

Roubini : Instability in the Middle East is an issue

"Nouriel Roubini : “Instability in the Middle East is an issue: and the instability is not just tension between Israel and Iran – that if there were to become violent they could spike global oil prices to double the current level and tip the global economy into recession. If you look at the Middle East, all from Maghreb, Algeria to Afghanistan and Pakistan, there is geopolitical tension that could have economic consequences.” - in Davos 2013"

at http://nourielroubini.blogspot.com/2013/02/roubini-instability-in-middle-east-is.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NourielRoubiniBlog+%28Nouriel+Roubini+Blog%29

Fitzpatrick & Greyerz - Fantastic Gold Chart & Commentary

"...Along the same lines, this came in from top Citi analyst Tom Fitzpatrick: “We believe we have just reached the ideal pivot for gold to form a base and move higher as it did after the 16 month consolidation in 2006-2007.

Fitzpatrick just recommended clients get long gold at these levels, “... with a minimum (price) target of $2,055-$2,060.” He also advised using a stop for this trade. 

Fitzpatrick added: “We expect gold to move significantly higher in the months ahead.”

Here is the big picture, 10-year chart Fitzpatrick provided:.."

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/15_Fitzpatrick_%26_Greyerz_-_Fantastic_Gold_Chart_%26_Commentary.html

Norcini & Haynes - One Huge Gold Buyer & Hedge Fund Mo

"Today acclaimed trader Dan Norcini and 40-year veteran Bill Haynes, President of CMI Gold & Silver, spoke with King World News about the recent gold and silver smash. Haynes told KWN there was a very large first time buyer, and Norcini spoke about the key hedge fund activity in both gold and silver.

First, here is what Haynes had to say: “It was a solid week of steady buying. Quite a few large orders, with one huge order. This was solid buying despite prices being range bound. Range bound of course until today, with big price drops in both metals. Half of this week’s $58 price drop (in gold), and 1/3 of silver’s price drop came Friday.”

 

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/16_Norcini_%26_Haynes_-_One_Huge_Gold_Buyer_%26_Hedge_Fund_Moves.html

Top 1% Received 121% of Income Gains During the Recovery, Bottom 99% Lose .4%; How, Why, Solutions

"I have spoken many times about "income skew" during the recovery. However, I was never able to precisely quantify the "skew". It's now possible, thanks to many readers who sent a link to a Huffington Post article on Income Gains During the Recovery.

The original source of the data is a study Striking it Richer: The Evolution of Top Incomes in the United States by Emmanuel Saez.

From 2009 to 2011, average real income per family grew modestly by 1.7% but the gains were very uneven. Top 1% incomes grew by 11.2% while bottom 99% incomes shrunk by 0.4%. Hence, the top 1% captured 121% of the income gains in the first two years of the recovery.

From 2009 to 2010, top 1% grew fast and then stagnated from 2010 to 2011. Bottom 99% stagnated both from 2009 to 2010 and from 2010 to 2011. In 2012, top 1% income will likely surge, due to booming stock-prices, as well as re-timing of income to avoid the higher 2013 top tax rates. Bottom 99% will likely grow much more modestly than top 1% incomes from 2011 to 2012..."
 

at http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2013/02/top-1-received-121-of-income-gains.html#PUQtiBOBKwZpihur.99

Euro-Land Banks In Trouble

"Via Pater Tenebrarum of Acting-Man blog,

A Record Amount of Bad Loans

A recent study by Ernst & Young has revealed that euro-land banks in the aggregate now hold € 918 billion ($1.23 trn.) in non-performing loans (7.6% of all loans outstanding). E&Y sees about 15.5% of all loans in Spain and 10.2% of all loans in Italy as likely to be in NPL status (this exceeds the most recent official numbers somewhat).

In light of such staggering numbers, the idea to use the ESM for direct bank recapitalization seems somewhat ambitious. This is especially so as the idea to employ the ESM to take over the costs of already bailed out banks is being pushed by a number of euro area members. No doubt Ireland and Spain would be happy to see that (in fact, Spain is already the 'exception' as the ESM is potentially on the hook for € 100 billion for its banks – but this is structured as a loan to Spain's government, not a direct bank bailout).

The problem is that if the ESM wants to retain its AAA rating, it will have to back any financing it obtains from the markets with far higher guarantees if it rescues banks rather than governments. Given that what has been pumped into ailing euro-zone banks to date already amounts to €300 billion, its official capacity could be quickly exceeded if these existing bailout commitments were taken over by it.

---

Taxpayer-funded bank rescues in the euro area so far – the total already amounts to €300 billion, and that is not counting what might be used to bail out Cypriot banks and what may still be required in Italy and Spain (chart via Die Welt)."

at http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-02-15/euro-land-banks-trouble

Catalyst Watch, Part 1: CyberWar

"When the technology of warfare changes, so does everything else. State-of-the-art roads and siege engines gave the Roman Empire control of the western world two millennia ago. The long bow won some notable battles for England in the Hundred-Year War. Machine guns opened pretty much the whole world to European imperialists in the 1800s. And so it has gone, through tanks, jet fighters, and nuclear weapons.
But where previous breakthroughs made it easier to destroy things and kill people, the newest super-weapons don’t blow things up, at least not directly. They disrupt information systems, without warning and frequently without betraying the source of the attack. Drawing on recent news accounts along with America the Vulnerable, a terrifying book written by former National Security Agency official Joel Brenner, here’s the cyberwar story in a nutshell:
Over the past couple of decades, humanity has grafted its most important systems onto the backbone of the Internet, which was originally designed for scientists to share data easily – that is, with convenience taking precedence over security. So our banking, military, energy and corporate data networks now make critical information available to lots of people using lots of sign-in credentials from lots of different places. As a result, these systems are easy pickings for thieves, vandals, and enemies..."

at http://dollarcollapse.com/cyberwar/catalyst-watch-part-1-cyberwar/

Roubini : If The fear premium goes up that is a negative for the global economy

"Nouriel Roubini : The combination of all of them going in the wrong direction, and they don’t have to become virulent – if we have a bigger fiscal drag, if the problems in the eurozone become worse, if the landing of China is hard rather than softer, and, short of a war between Israel and Iran, if negotiation and sanction fail, then Israel is going to start to talk about war: the fear premium goes up … and that is a negative for the global economy.”

at http://nourielroubini.blogspot.com/2013/02/roubini-if-fear-premium-goes-up-that-is.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NourielRoubiniBlog+%28Nouriel+Roubini+Blog%29

Zulauf: We May See A Shortage Of Gold & A Massive Price Spike

"Today renowned money manager Felix Zulauf told King World News, “These are manipulations like we have never seen. Of course the printing of money comes in waves.” Zulauf, founder of Zulauf Asset Management and 20+ year Barron’s Roundtable panelist, also spoke about Germany’s move to repatriate its gold, and the fact that countries are rapidly losing faith in London and the Fed as a place of storage because of suspicions the gold has already been leased out. Zulauf warned, “... this could lead to a tremendous shortage of physical gold.” Zulauf believes this would then create a massive spike in the price of gold..."

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/15_Zulauf__We_May_See_A_Shortage_Of_Gold_%26_A_Massive_Price_Spike.html

Root causes of currency wars

"...Accusations that governments have engaged in a currency war have met with several robust responses. As we will see, these responses are themselves pretty revealing. They are:
1. The 'just following orders' defence.
This defence was put well by Philipp Hildebrand, the former head of the Swiss National Bank, in an op-ed piece in this Tuesday’s Financial Times (Hildebrand 2013). In his view, central banks haven’t declared war on trading partners. Rather they’ve sought to revive their national economies taking steps – and this is important – that are entirely consistent with their legal mandates. Of course, critics will hardly be satisfied (a) as the cross-border adverse knock-on effects of monetary easing are what they are, (b) just because something is allowed doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do and (c) that this defence demonstrates just how parochial central bank mandates are.
2. The 'no malice' defence.
In their statement this week the G7 implicitly proffered this defence (G7 2013). Monetary policy that does not seek to target exchange rates is fine on this view. No harm was intended, so what’s the problem? Critics will point to the adverse effects of monetary easing on trading partners and won’t be satisfied with assurances on intent.
3. The omelette defence.
The omelette defence is the ultimate acknowledgement of the inevitability argument. If “you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs”, and assuming you want an omelette, then accept the fate of the eggs. Seeing their commercial interests and economic recoveries treated as such eggs is exactly what worries policymakers in emerging markets.
4. The 'grabbing headlines' counter-attack.
It is said that sometimes that attack is the best form of defence. In this case this amounts to arguing that those who raise currency war concerns are trying to deflect criticism away from their own policy choices. Accusations of beggar-thy-neighbour acts by trading partners are merely a smoke screen for failed domestic policies on this view. This week’s news reports suggest that the governments worried about the currency war have spread beyond the 'usual suspects', so not every critic may be vulnerable to this counter-attack (FT 2013).
5. The Connally defence.
The omelette defence isn’t the only hardball option available to large countries engaging in monetary easing. The fact that prior criticism doesn’t appear to have altered central bank behaviour suggests that there may be another element in their calculations. Those engaging in monetary easing and in some cases direct currency intervention (such as the Swiss) may have concluded that their trading partners either wouldn’t dare or ultimately wouldn’t care enough to retaliate or that the policy options available to harmed trading partners are so unpalatable (such as putting in place capital taxes and controls or resorting to widespread protectionism) that those options would not be implemented. This is a version of the Connally defence named after the US treasury secretary who reacted to European criticism of US economic policy in 1971 by saying: “The dollar is our currency, but your problem.” On this view, the rest of the world needs to adjust to the reality of monetary easing and live with its consequences. One might ask what assumptions are being made about foreign acquiescence and whether foreign governments see the policy choices before them in the same way – and whether they are right.
The status quo, then – which has led to repeated outbreaks of the currency war – has plenty of defenders. Were there really no alternatives?..."

at http://www.voxeu.org/article/root-causes-currency-wars

Nouriel Roubini : Serious Geopolitical Risks loom large

"Nouriel Roubini : ....serious geopolitical risks loom large. The entire greater Middle East – from the Maghreb to Afghanistan and Pakistan – is socially, economically, and politically unstable. Indeed, the Arab Spring is turning into an Arab Winter. While an outright military conflict between Israel and the US on one side and Iran on the other side remains unlikely, it is clear that negotiations and sanctions will not induce Iran’s leaders to abandon efforts to develop nuclear weapons. With Israel refusing to accept a nuclear-armed Iran, and its patience wearing thin, the drums of actual war will beat harder. The fear premium in oil markets may significantly rise and increase oil prices by 20%, leading to negative growth effects in the US, Europe, Japan, China, India and all other advanced economies and emerging markets that are net oil importers..."

at http://nourielroubini.blogspot.com/2013/02/nouriel-roubini-serious-geopolitical.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NourielRoubiniBlog+%28Nouriel+Roubini+Blog%29

Russia & China Know Final Currency Devaluation Is Coming

"Today 40-year veteran, Robert Fitzwilson, wrote the following piece exclusively for King World News. Fitzwilson, who is founder of The Portola Group, states that most of what we are seeing today, including the action in key global markets, is all part of a charade. He also warns, “Russia and China know that the final devaluation of the fiat currencies is coming soon.”

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/13_Gold_To_Explode_As_A_Percentage_Of_Global_Currency_Reserves.html

Felix Zulauf: World Headed Toward 1987 Style Market Collapse

"Today world renowned money manager Felix Zulauf told King World News that global stock markets are careening toward a 1987 style market collapse situation. Stock markets plunged in 1987, and the world is at risk of that situation developing once again according to Zulauf. Felix Zulauf, founder of Zulauf Asset Management and 20+ year Barron’s Roundtable panelist, also said gold will head to new all-time highs during the coming market chaos..."

at  http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/14_Felix_Zulauf__World_Headed_Toward_1987_Style_Market_Collapse.html

Petrogold: Are Russia And China Hoarding Gold Because They Plan To Kill The Petrodollar?

"Will oil soon be traded in a currency that is thousands of years old? What would a "gold for oil" system mean for the petrodollar and the U.S. economy? Are Russia and China hoarding massive amounts of gold because they plan to kill the petrodollar? Since the 1970s, the U.S. dollar has been the currency that the international community has used to trade oil around the globe. This has created an overwhelming demand for U.S. dollars and U.S. debt. But what happens when the rest of the globe starts rejecting the increasingly unstable U.S. dollar and figures out that gold can be used as a currency in international trade? The truth is that it doesn't take a lot of imagination to figure that out. Demand for the U.S. dollar and U.S. debt would fall off the map and there would be a rush into gold unlike anything we have ever seen before. So are Russia and China accumulating unprecedented amounts of gold right now because they eventually plan to cut the legs out from under the petrodollar and they want to gobble up huge stockpiles of gold before the cat is out of the bag? Of course they will never admit this publicly, but there are rumblings out there that this is exactly what is happening..."

at http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/petrogold-are-russia-and-china-hoarding-gold-because-they-plan-to-kill-the-petrodollar

Russia & China Have Power to Collapse U.S. Economy! Is Hoarding of Gold Their First Step In Doing So?

"Most Americans simply don’t understand that Russia and China have the power to collapse the U.S. economy by going to a gold for oil system. All they have to do is pull the trigger.

If the rest of the globe were to start rejecting the increasingly unstable U.S. dollar and…[start using] gold…as a currency in international trade…demand for the U.S. dollar and U.S. debt would fall off the map and there would be a rush into gold unlike anything we have ever seen before. [That being the case,] are Russia and China accumulating unprecedented amounts of gold right now because they eventually plan to cut the legs out from under the petrodollar and they want to gobble up huge stockpiles of gold before the cat is out of the bag?..."

at http://www.munknee.com/2013/02/russia-china-have-power-to-collapse-u-s-economy-is-hoarding-of-gold-their-first-step-in-doing-so/

Money printing never works

"Jim Rogers : Money Printing by central governments has never worked throughout history. Sometimes it worked in the short term, but it’s never worked in the medium or long term.”

at  http://jimrogers1.blogspot.com/2013/02/money-printing-never-works.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FWOHK+%28Jim+Rogers+Blog%29

Russian Alchemy: Turning Oil into Gold

"It would seem that Vladimir Putin has learned the art of alchemy as he has turned some Russian oil into Russian gold. According to a Bloomberg report:

When Vladimir Putin says the U.S. is endangering the global economy by abusing its dollar monopoly, he’s not just talking. He’s betting on it. Not only has Putin made Russia the world’s largest oil producer, he’s also made it the biggest gold buyer. His central bank has added 570 metric tons of the metal in the past decade, a quarter more than runner-up China, according to IMF data compiled by Bloomberg.

The more gold a country has, the more sovereignty it will have if there’s a cataclysm with the dollar, the euro, the pound or any other reserve currency,” Evgeny Fedorov, a lawmaker for Putin’s United Russia party in the lower house of parliament, said in a telephone interview in Moscow.
Gold, coveted by Russian rulers including Tsar Nicholas II and the Bolshevik leader whose forces assassinated him, Vladimir Lenin, has soared almost 400 percent in the period of Putin’s purchases. Central banks around the world have printed money to escape the global financial crisis, sapping investor appetite for dollars and euros and setting off a scramble for safety..."

at  http://bastiat.mises.org/2013/02/russian-alchemy-turning-oil-into-gold/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MisesBlog+%28Mises+Economics+Blog%29

BANK OF AMERICA: 'This Is Not A Fluke' — The Fed May Have To Ramp Up QE Again

"This is not a fluke: almost all of the underlying determinants of inflation point to weakness," writes BofA Merrill Lynch economist Ethan Harris in a note to clients today.
For all of the talk of rising government bond yields and predictions for when the Federal Reserve will taper back its bond buying, Harris says, deflation is still a bigger risk than higher inflation – and disinflation could cause the Fed to actually ramp up QE if it continues.
Several key measures of inflation are actually headed lower, and have yet to bottom out, according to Harris.
"This, along with the fiscal shock, is a good reason to fade the bond market sell-off," he writes.
The chart below shows Core CPI, Core PPI, Median CPI (calculated by the Cleveland Fed), Core PCE, and Trimmed PCE (calculated by the Dallas Fed)..."

Bloomberg, Business Insider

at  http://www.businessinsider.com/bofa-warns-about-deflation-and-more-qe-2013-2#ixzz2KiQeNgVY

Japan Does the Full Ponzi

"I saw this headline over at Calculated Risk regarding the new “monetary policy” in Japan:

And from the Japan Times: Japan’s economic minister wants Nikkei to surge 17% to 13,000 by March

Economic and fiscal policy minister Akira Amari said Saturday the government will step up economic recovery efforts so that the benchmark Nikkei index jumps an additional 17 percent to 13,000 points by the end of March.
“It will be important to show our mettle and see the Nikkei reach the 13,000 mark by the end of the fiscal year (March 31),” Amari said in a speech.
The Nikkei 225 stock average, which last week climbed to its highest level since September 2008, finished at 11,153.16 on Friday.
“We want to continue taking (new) steps to help stock prices rise” further, Amari stressed …

I think this is remarkably silly policy. It’s the worst abuse of central bank powers and based largely on a misunderstanding of secondary market dynamics. I wish wealth creation was as easy manipulating stock prices. Then every country in the world could just have their central bank target a market price and presto-changeo – we’re all rich! Nevermind if the underlying corporations don’t actually justify the valuation! After all, the central bank says the cash flows justify THIS price. They said so!..."

at http://pragcap.com/japan-does-the-full-ponzi

Sprott - Default Coming As 850 Tons Of Gold Supply Vanished

"Today billionaire Eric Sprott told King World News that the massive plunge in gold scrap recycling may be removing as much as a staggering 850 tons of gold from world supplies each year. Sprott, who is Chairman of Sprott Asset Management, also warned of a coming default on the COMEX, “And when it (the default) happens, there will be a substantial move in the price of gold (and silver). We’ll make up for these last two years in no time...”

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/11_Sprott_-_Default_Coming_As_850_Tons_Of_Gold_Supply_Vanished.html

Russia Is Now The World's Largest Gold Buyer

"Russian President Vladimir Putin has been loading up on gold.

As Bloomberg reports, the Russian central bank has amassed 570 metric tons of it in the last 10 years, making it the biggest global gold buyer.
Why is Russia’s central bank betting on gold rather than holding its foreign reserves in something with a bit of yield?
It’s a hedge against a collapse in the value of one of the global reserve currencies.
“The more gold a country has, the more sovereignty it will have if there’s a cataclysm with the dollar, the euro, the pound or any other reserve currency,” Evgeny Fedorov, a lawmaker for Putin’s United Russia party, told Bloomberg..."

at  http://qz.com/52623/russias-government-has-become-the-worlds-largest-buyer-of-gold-driven-by-fears-of-currency-cataclysm/#ixzz2Kcp0sr4A

Janet Yellen Discovers Okun's Law Is Broken, Confused Record Russell 2000 Doesn't Lead To Plunging Unemployment

"Moments ago Fed vice-chair Janet Yellen released a speech titled: "A Painfully Slow Recovery for America's Workers: Causes, Implications, and the Federal Reserve's Response." In it, Yellen finally revealed she is on the path to realizing the it is none other than the Fed's own actions that have broken the economic "virtuous cycle", and that Okun's Law - the bedrock behind the Fed's flawed philosophy of assuming more debt -> more GDP -> more jobs, is no longer relevant in the broken "New Normal." In other words, Yellen finally starts to grasp what Zero Hedge readers knew a year ago, when they read, "JP Morgan Finds Obama, And US Central Planning, Has Broken The Economic "Virtuous Cycle."..."

at http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-02-11/janet-yellen-discovers-okuns-law-broken-confused-record-russell-2000-doesnt-lead-plu

Jim Rogers : I Expect a lot more Turmoil in Currencies

"Jim Rogers : “I expect a lot more turmoil in currencies. That’s not something most people have paid attention to. Those days are over -- it’s going to change everything.” He said he owns U.S. dollars because, “during periods of turmoil many people flee to the dollar. But it’s a terribly flawed currency. It’s the most flawed of all of them.” “The bull market in commodities still has a long way to go,” “There will be a bubble, but the bubble is still a long way away.” Jim Rogers said in an interview yesterday before giving a speech to the CFA Society of Atlanta..."

at  http://jimrogers1.blogspot.com/2013/02/jim-rogers-i-expect-lot-more-turmoil-in.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FWOHK+%28Jim+Rogers+Blog%29

Embry - 1,000 Ton Swing In Gold, Russians & Chinese Buying

"Today John Embry told King World News that the Russian and Chinese purchases have led to a massive 1,000 ton swing in the physical gold market, and despite the pullback, gold will trade many multiples higher than current levels. Here is what Embry, who is chief investment strategist at Sprott Asset Management, had to say: “I’m focused on the preposterous action in the gold and silver market. This is being done by all of the usual suspects in the paper market, and it bears zero resemblance to the real status of both the gold and silver markets.”

John Embry continues:

“The Chinese announced they had record gold imports in the month of December, and for 2013. For the year they imported 834 tons. Then, it came out today that Mr. Putin has been turning his black gold, which is oil, into as much gold as he can get his hands on.

So the two, I would say avowed enemies of the United States, China and Russia, are just taking advantage of this opportunity to pile up all of the physical gold they can....

“I will tell you something else, both of these countries are aware of everything that GATA has alleged for the past 14 years. I went to a conference in the Yukon back in 2005, and one of the guys attending was Putin’s right hand man, Andrey Bykov. Bykov was fascinated at what was being presented. Not surprisingly, the gold price went up about 60% over the next six months. I believe it was the Russians buying, and we are continuing to see them acquiring gold.

The Russians are one of the largest buyers of central bank gold, and they are aware of the true nature of the gold market. Mr. Putin and his associates are saying that if the US dollar gets into a difficult position, those countries which have a lot of gold to back their currencies are going to be in an infinitely better position than those that don’t.

 

This is why the Western gold is headed East and the Western hoards are being hollowed out. I just think the Westerners are making a catastrophic error here, and I hate to see what’s happening as a committed Westerner.”

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/11_Embry_-_1,000_Ton_Swing_In_Gold,_Russians_%26_Chinese_Buying.html

Gold Guru Frank Holmes Presents 28 Charts Every Gold Investor Must See

at  http://www.businessinsider.com/frank-holmes-gold-charts-2013-2?op=1#ixzz2KLDNMsNP

Where is Germany's Gold ?

"The impact of Germany's repatriation on the dollar revolves around an unanswered question: why will it take seven years to complete the transfer?

The popular explanation is that the Fed has already rehypothecated all of its gold holdings in the name of other countries. That is, the same mound of bullion is earmarked as collateral for a host of different lenders. Since the Fed depends on a fractional-reserve banking system for its very existence, it would not come as a surprise that it has become a fractional-reserve bank itself. If so, then perhaps Germany politely asked for a seven-year timeline in order to allow the Fed to save face, and to prevent other depositors from clamoring for their own gold back - a 'run' on the Fed.

Now, the Fed can always print more dollars and buy gold on the open market to make up for any shortfall, but such a move could substantially increase the price of gold. The last thing the Fed needs is another gold price spike reminding the world of the dollar's decline. - in a recent article by Peter Schiff ..."

at http://financearmageddon.blogspot.com/2013/02/where-is-germanys-gold.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FCRkw+%28The+Economic+Collapse+Blog%29

Insider Trading Suggests That a Market Crash Is Coming

"What you are about to read below is startling.

• Every time that the market has fallen in recent years, insiders have been able to get out ahead of time…
• [What] is so alarming [this time round is] that corporate insiders are selling nine times as many shares as they are buying right now.
• In addition, some extraordinarily large bets have just been made that will only pay off if the financial markets in the U.S. crash by the end of April.
• So what does all of this mean? [Could it be that they] have insider knowledge that a market crash is coming?..."

at http://www.munknee.com/2013/02/insider-trading-suggests-that-a-market-crash-is-coming/

Jim Rogers: Its All Artificial This Is Insane!

"Jim Rogers tells Maria Bartiromo why he's betting against bonds right now. 'It's All Artificial what's going on right now , the federal reserve is printing money as fast as they can , the bank of japan said we are going to print unlimited amount of money , so you know what the federal reserve said , we'll match you we'll print money too ...This Is Insane!'..."

at http://jimrogers1.blogspot.com/2013/02/jim-rogers-its-all-artificial-this-is.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FWOHK+%28Jim+Rogers+Blog%29

This Looks Like The Beginning Of A Long-Term Commodities Bull Market

"Commodity price inflation is both a social and an economic issue. In emerging markets in particular, food and energy costs take a deeper slice out of consumers’ income, which can lead to the type of unrest that causes governments to topple. In addition to the potential impact of extreme weather on food supplies, central banks around the world are printing a flood of money, which could lead to inflated prices for other goods and services. As investors, our job at Templeton is to search for individual companies that show potential ability to survive and thrive in the face of challenges. I believe long-term emerging markets demand for commodities is likely to keep growing, so my team and I continue to hunt for companies we believe are attractive investment opportunities as a result of commodity demand. Among investment themes, we believe emerging-market growth has the potential to create a long-term bull market for commodities, and could lead to related opportunities, particularly in areas such infrastructure construction and the energy sector..."

at  http://mobius.blog.franklintempleton.com/2013/02/06/commodities-trends/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=commodities-trends#ixzz2KFHODxrl

Do Wall Street Insiders Expect Something Really BIG To Happen Very Soon?

"Why are corporate insiders dumping huge numbers of shares in their own companies right now? Why are some very large investors suddenly making gigantic bets that the stock market will crash at some point in the next 60 days? Do Wall Street insiders expect something really BIG to happen very soon? Do they know something that we do not know? What you are about to read below is startling. Every time that the market has fallen in recent years, insiders have been able to get out ahead of time. David Coleman of the Vickers Weekly Insider report recently noted that Wall Street insiders have shown "a remarkable ability of late to identify both market peaks and troughs". That is why it is so alarming that corporate insiders are selling nine times as many shares as they are buying right now. In addition, some extraordinarily large bets have just been made that will only pay off if the financial markets in the U.S. crash by the end of April. So what does all of this mean? Well, it could mean absolutely nothing or it could mean that there are people out there that actually have insider knowledge that a market crash is coming. Evaluate the evidence below and decide for yourself...
For some reason, corporate insiders have chosen this moment to unload huge amounts of stock. According to a CNN article, corporate insiders are now selling nine times more of their own shares than they are buying...

Corporate insiders have one word for investors: sell.
Insiders were nine times more likely to sell shares of their companies than buy new ones last week, according to the Vickers Weekly Insider report by Argus Research.

What makes this so alarming is that corporate insiders have been exceedingly good at "timing the market" in recent years. The following comes from a recent CNBC article entitled "Sucker Alert? Insider Selling Surges After Dow 14,000"..."

at http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/do-wall-street-insiders-expect-something-really-big-to-happen-very-soon

Jim Rogers agrees with Bill Gross and Predicts The End of the three-decade Rally in U.S. Government Bonds

"Jim Rogers : “I’m short long-term government bonds. I plan to short more. That bull market, that’s a bubble." - Jim Rogers told Bloomberg Radio on Wednesday"

at  http://jimrogers1.blogspot.com/2013/02/jim-rogers-agrees-with-bill-gross-and.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FWOHK+%28Jim+Rogers+Blog%29

Gold To Spike As Fears Of Fed Exiting QE Are Preposterous

"On the heels of today’s comments from the Fed’s Charles Evans, the man who has been astoundingly accurate regarding moves by the central planners told King World News that concerns about the Fed exiting QE this year are preposterous. He also stated that gold and gold mining shares are going to see a huge massive to the upside going forward. Here is what Michael Pento, founder of Pento Portfolio Strategies, had to say in this extraordinary exclusive interview: “I’ve been seeing lately that people are so worried about the Fed’s exit strategy. Every time we have a little bit better economic news that comes out, even if it’s not better economic news, but the prospect of better economic news, people are so worried about the Federal Reserve changing their policy.”

at  http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/7_Gold_To_Spike_As_Fears_Of_Fed_Exiting_QE_Are_Preposterous.html

Some Trader Has Made A Very Big Bet That Something Very Bad Will Happen Within The Next 60 Days

"Stocks have been rallying relentlessly to post-crisis highs.

Meanwhile, the volatility index (aka the VIX, aka the "fear index") is near historic lows.
But according to UBS's Art Cashin, some options trader has made an enormous $11.25 million bet that the VIX will explode higher very soon.
And a rally in the VIX is usually accompanied by a drop in the stock markets.
From this morning's Cashin's Comments (emphasis ours):

A Very Big Bet In A Somewhat Unlikely Instrument – My friend, Jim Brown, the ever-alert consummate professional over at Option Investor pointed us to a rather unusual trade. Here's what he wrote in last night's edition of his valuable newsletter:

In past years I have reported on trades that were so large it appeared someone had inside knowledge of a pending event. Sometimes those were massive put positions on the S&P. A new trade just appeared that suggests there will be a market event in the near future. Last week somebody put on a call spread on the VIX using the April 20 and 25 puts. They bought 150,000 contracts for a net of $75 per contract. That is an $11,250,000 bet that the VIX will move over 20 over the next 60 days. You would have to be VERY confident in your outlook to risk $11 million on a directional position with the VIX at five year lows and the markets trying to break out to new highs.

Jim then goes on to list some of the scheduled events and deadlines visible over the next 60 days (mostly in Washington). When you add in the broad variety of geo-political possibilities, it's a decent reason to stay extra alert.

Hopefully, this person is wrong."

at  http://www.businessinsider.com/art-cashin-on-big-vix-bet-2013-2#ixzz2K9UxArQ0

Jim Rogers : Do not Sell Your Gold and Silver Coins

"Jim Rogers : "You can’t get [silver coins]. They sell out,” says legendary investor Jim Rogers. “Several mints have run out of coins…because everybody’s worried about the future of the world..."

at http://jimrogers1.blogspot.com/2013/02/jim-rogers-do-not-sell-your-gold-and.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FWOHK+%28Jim+Rogers+Blog%29

Rosen - Danger For Stocks, Gold & Silver Ready For A Big Move

"On the heels of MEP Nigel Farage telling King World News that the West is headed into an Orwellian nightmare and bankruptcy, today 56-year market veteran and analyst Ron Rosen sent King World News exclusively three outstanding charts and commentary for our global readers. This will give KWN readers an important snapshot of of the extraordinary roadmap he sees going forward for key markets such as gold and silver..."

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/5_Rosen_-_Danger_For_Stocks,_Gold_%26_Silver_Ready_For_A_Big_Move.html

ART CASHIN: Markets Are Ignoring Some Big Geopolitical Risks

"Stocks are near their highest levels since 2007, even as the global economy struggles to accelerate again.

And outside of the many global economic concerns are geopolitical risks that often go ignored.
Art Cashin, UBS Financial Services' Director of Floor Operations, lists a few in this morning's Cashin's Comments:

Geo-Politics – While the markets seemed to ignore them, there are several things I'm watching. Activity near North Korea's nuclear testing area may put South Korea on full alert.

Egypt bubbles. Suez transit somewhat hobbled amid protests and worker walkouts. Army may have to handle shipping. Ahmadinejad will visit Cairo this week. Foodstuffs continues in short supply.

Israel's neighbors claim the convoy strike in Syria may have been a set up to allow Assad to try to rally public morale. Thinking is better to deal with a wounded Assad than Islamist activists.

There are lots more and the sequestration clock is ticking.

Any one of these could rock the markets..."

at  http://www.businessinsider.com/art-cashin-warns-of-geopolitical-risks-2013-2#ixzz2K3ahhFZI

Gold Flow East & Silver Squeeze To Create Surge In Metals

"Today acclaimed money manager Stephen Leeb told King World News there is an investment and industrial squeeze taking place in the silver market. Leeb stated, “The coming move in gold and silver will mark a major turning point in what will probably be the greatest bull market people will ever see in their lifetimes.” Here is what Leeb had to say: “I think the key to this market is understanding when commodities are going to breakout and how high they will go. Investors need to understand that once commodities breakout, the higher prices will be a constraint on growth going forward.”

 

Stephen Leeb continues:

“Higher commodities also cement gold as the go to currency. In fact, gold will be the only meaningful currency once commodities become truly scarce. Countries are going to be less likely to want to take paper money going forward because there is a race to the bottom in all currencies.

Last year the average price for Brent crude set an all-time high...."

 

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/4_Gold_Flow_East_%26_Silver_Squeeze_To_Create_Surge_In_Metals.html

Richard Russell - World’s Supply Of Silver Dangerously Low

"Today the Godfather of newsletter writers, Richard Russell, warned his subscribers “... the world's supply of silver has grown dangerously low.” Russell also had some fascinating comments regarding gold, and stocks, including some great charts. Here is what Russell had to say: “If a problem has no solution, it may not be a problem, but a fact -- not to be solved, but to be coped with over time.” (Shimon Peres) As I read the quote, I relate it to the FACT of the US's debt. This is a situation that can never be solved honestly -- it's a fact. A fact that our children or our grandchildren will have to cope with. How they cope with it will set the course of the world of tomorrow.”

 

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/5_Richard_Russell_-_Worlds_Supply_Of_Silver_Dangerously_Low.html

36 Maps That Explain The Entire World

"Economic Center of Gravity Since 1 AD. Note how it moved from the east, then to the West, and is now heading back east again..."


at  http://www.businessinsider.com/maps-that-explain-the-world-2013-2?op=1#ixzz2JxuEoqIf

Embry - Silver Market Is Nearing A Commercial Signal Failure

"Today John Embry told King World News that the silver market is getting very close to a commercial signal failure. Embry, who is Chief Investment Strategist at Sprott Asset Management, also spoke about global stock markets, gold, mining shares, and the global economy. Here is what Embry had to say in this exclusive interview: “It appears that Europe is unraveling once again. I was really irritated with the level of enthusiasm that had developed in Europe because of the bond purchase program, which caused the interest rate picture to improve.”

John Embry continues:

“I didn’t believe that the lowering of interest rates had one iota of reality with regards to what was going to happen on the ground with the economy. Now that the fraud in Spain has been revealed, spreads are starting to widen again and the European stock markets are getting kicked around.

I think the reality is that Europe will face a tough road going forward....

“There is no easy answer in Europe in terms of holding the eurozone together or getting any kind of sustainable recovery going.

When you turn to the East and look at Japan, we are now almost at a record high gold price as measured in Japanese yen. I think that tells you all you have to know about where the whole world is going in terms of the gold price. The Japanese are being so overt about their intent to debase the yen that it’s being reflected in the gold price over there. 

That’s coming to America, Europe, and the rest of the world, where we see the same type of debasement going on, it’s just being masked a little bit. So I think it’s very significant that gold priced in Japanese yen is on the cusp of an all-time historic high.

The reality is that the intermediate-term for gold is spectacular. The most obvious thing to watch is the continued transfer of Western gold to the East. China is buying more and more gold, and it seems to be more and more accepted that the Chinese are going to back the yuan with gold, thus becoming the world’s reserve currency before this cycle ends.

I’m really amazed at the stupidity of the Western leaders. I think the Chinese are picking our pockets, and as a really committed Westerner, I don’t know if they have even calculated an end game for the West, but it sure doesn’t look very bright if they have one.

We are also seeing the relentless suppression of the gold price. It seems like every single trading day at around 3 AM Eastern Standard Time the price of gold gets forced down. This is just unnatural trading, and at some point it will come to a violent end. But for now it’s a great opportunity to buy physical gold.”

Embry had this to say regarding silver: “The open interest in silver continues to amaze. We are just not seeing a clean out in the open interest in the silver market, even when the price is driven lower. 

I believe we may be finally approaching a commercial signal failure where the shorts get overrun. This is a moment all of the silver bulls have waited for, and even though it hasn’t happened yet, I think we are setting up the pre-conditions for just such an event.”

 

at http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/4_Embry_-_Silver_Market_Is_Nearing_A_Commercial_Signal_Failure.html

By Printing Money Central Banks Have Already Begun the Next Stage of Warfare

"Since the Financial Crisis erupted in 2007, the US Federal Reserve has engaged in dozens of interventions/ bailouts to try and prop up the financial system. Now, I realize that everyone knows the Fed is “printing money.” However, when you look at the list of bailouts/ money pumps it’s absolutely staggering how much money the Fed has thrown around.

Here’s a recap of some of the larger Fed moves during the Crisis:

• Cutting interest rates from 5.25-0.25% (Sept ’07-today).
• The Bear Stearns deal/ taking on $30 billion in junk mortgages (Mar ’08).
• Opening various lending windows to investment banks (Mar ’08).
• Hank Paulson spends $400 billion on Fannie/ Freddie (Sept ’08).
• The Fed takes over insurance company AIG for $85 billion (Sept ’08).
• The Fed doles out $25 billion for the automakers (Sept ’08)
• The Fed kicks off the $700 billion TARP program (Oct ’08)
• The Fed buys commercial paper from non-financial firms (Oct ’08)
• The Fed offers $540 billion to backstop money market funds (Oct ’08)
• The Fed agrees to back up to $280 billion of Citigroup’s liabilities (Oct ’08).
• $40 billion more to AIG (Nov ’08)
• The Fed backstops $140 billion of Bank of America’s liabilities (Jan ’09)
• Obama’s $787 Billion Stimulus (Jan ’09)
• QE 1 buys $1.25 trillion in Treasuries and mortgage debt (March ’09)
• QE lite buys $200-300 billion of Treasuries and mortgage debt (Aug ’10)
• QE 2 buys $600 billion in Treasuries (Nov ’10)
• Operation Twist reshuffles $400 billion of the Fed’s portfolio (Oct ’11)
• QE 3 buys $40 billion of Mortgage Backed Securities monthly (Sept ‘12)
• QE 4 buys $45 billion worth of Treasuries monthly (Dec ’12)

The Fed is not the only one. Collectively, the world’s Central Banks have pumped over $10 trillion into the financial system since 2007. This money printing has resulted in a massive expansion of Central Bank balance sheets, spread inflation into the system, and done nothing to address the key solvency issues that lead up to the great crisis.

This competitive debasement has lead to increased tension between the world’s Central Banks. You will never hear their stated outright for the simple reason that the single most important responsibility of the Central Banks is to maintain confidence in the system.

However, underneath the veneer of goodwill and the occasional necessary coordinated intervention, tensions are rising between Central Banks. When the US debases the US Dollar it pushes the Euro higher. This hurts German exports which in turn angers the Bundesbank.

The Bundesbank fired a warning shot at the Fed last autumn when it announced it wanted to have its Gold reserves at the Fed audited. To be clear here: no one of major financial import has ever questioned the Fed’s trustworthiness before. However, at the time of this announcement Germany stated it had no intentions of actually moving its reserves.

 Fast-forward to today and Germany has not only audited and checked its Gold reserves at the Fed but it is now moving them. In plain terms, Germany has told the world that A) it does not trust the Fed and B) it is through playing around.

This situation will likely be getting worse going forward. The fact that Germany will be removing all of its Gold reserves from France certainly doesn’t bode well for future German French relations if push ever comes to shove (it’s not as though Europe has a history of getting along well).

Look for increased tension to grow between the world’s Central Banks in the coming months and years. This tension will likely result in:

1. Economic warfare (see the recent situation in Iran)
2. Political infighting
3. Key players being sacrificed

Given that the financial system and economic “recovery” have been built on a house of cards, these political developments will have major impacts on the financial markets.

Outside of internal dissent, the power players in the global economy (the US, China, Japan, and Germany) are showing increasing signs of tension both internal (China and the US) as well as external (China vs. Japan, Germany vs. the US, the US vs. China).

These tensions will lead to economic warfare and very likely physical warfare in the coming years..."

at http://www.zerohedge.com/contributed/2013-02-03/printing-money-central-banks-have-already-begun-next-stage-warfare

The Greatest Bubble In History Will Lead To A Gold Explosion

"With continued volatility in key markets, including gold and silver, today Michael Pento has written exclusively for King World News about the greatest bubble in history and how it will lead to an explosion in gold. Here is Pento’s tremendous piece: “Ben Bernanke was instrumental in creating a bubble in U.S. Treasuries. His actions have served to inflate it to the point that it has now become the greatest bubble in the history of global investment.”

Michael Pento continues:

 

“Not only has the Chairman of the Federal Reserve guaranteed that current bond holders will get destroyed once the sovereign debt bubble bursts, but he has also begun to inflate yet another massive bubble in U.S. equity prices.

In the summer of 2007, just before the start of the Great Recession, the Fed Funds rate and the 1-Year T-Bill were both trading north of 5%...."

 

at  http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/2_The_Greatest_Bubble_In_History_Will_Lead_To_A_Gold_Exposion.html

ART CASHIN: 'We Believe Full Currency Warfare May Be Ready To Break Out On A Global Scale'

"In the wake of the financial crisis, some have warned that the world was headed for a currency war as global central banks unleash easy monetary policy in their efforts to weaken their local currencies. The intention behind such actions is to boost exports and in turn boost the economy.

Art Cashin, UBS Financial Services Director of Floor Operations, think that the world is about to tip.
From this morning's Cashin's Comments:

Currency Warfare – We believe full currency warfare may be ready to break out on a global scale.

The overt move to cheapen the Japanese yen has attracted both attention and participation. (Hedge funds and pseudo hedge funds are aggressively shorting the yen and buying the Nikkei.)

Competitors and trading partners from Korea to China are voicing concerns and challenges. Countermoves may be imminent.

Germany, a price export competitor of Japan (think autos for example), is being pinched as the ECB stands pat and the Euro soars.

The clock has begun ticking and we will explore this topic again and again in the days ahead..."

at  http://www.businessinsider.com/art-cashin-warns-of-currency-warfare-2013-2#ixzz2JgOooOFQ

Marc Faber : I am fearful of a Systemic Crisis, Wars and so on

"Marc Faber : “Yes it (The Market ) does go up and down but I am fearful of a systemic crisis, wars and so on and it is because I am fearful that I own gold,” “Sorry to say you are in great danger because you don't own any gold...but you have a golden personality!” - in CNBC"

at http://marcfaberchannel.blogspot.com/2013/02/marc-faber-i-am-fearful-of-systemic.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MarcFaberBlog+%28Marc+Faber+Blog%29

“Everybody in the Industry Knows the U.S. Doesn’t Have the Gold”

"Germany’s gold repatriation is obviously a game changer. They got all their gold back from France right away. But the US government put them off for 7 years, probably by offering them some kind of premium to take their gold back slowly. More gold, Treasuries, no one knows what exactly but clearly it was a big inducement. It’s also clear that Germany won’t be the last country to bring its gold home. The Netherlands is next and then probably Switzerland. It’s become a game of musical chairs. No one wants to be caught when the music stops. And make no mistake, it will stop. Everybody in the industry knows the US doesn’t have the gold and can’t deliver it. They’ve leased it all out..."

at http://dollarcollapse.com/precious-metals/everybody-in-the-industry-knows-the-us-doesnt-have-the-gold/

This Is Why Gold Will Vault To New All-Time Highs In 2013

"On the heels of yesterday’s interview with the man who counsels prominent hedge funds, investment banks, institutional money managers, mutual funds, pension funds, and high net worth individuals across the globe, predicting a coming 1987 style meltdown in stocks and eventual hyperinflation, today we have Gabelli & Company saying gold will smash to new all-time highs in 2013. 

Here is the exclusive Gabelli & Company piece for KWN where they are forecasting significantly higher prices for gold: “Near the start of 2013 we find that many financial commentators expect gold to underperform most asset classes citing the duration and scope of its performance over the past decade and the feeling that economic and financial normalcy is just around the corner.”

“We will see if this is the case but we note that investor sentiment towards gold, in the developed western economies, is low. In the past this has been a useful buy signal. The current poor sentiment probably reflects the recent trading history of the gold price which has been in a range between $1,550 and $1,800 per ounce. 

We tend think that the world’s monetary authorities will continue with their grand monetary experiment and as a consequence retain our constructive outlook for gold and recommend that all long term investment portfolios should have an allocation to gold and gold equities.

To the extent that the gold price reflects money creation, it is unsurprising that its price performance, although positive, was muted in 2012. After all the total assets of the Federal Reserve (Fed) barely changed during the year. This was a surprise to many, including us, who had expected the Fed to continue to add assets to its balance sheet. Actually from about $2.92 trillion at the start of 2012 its assets fell to a low of $ 2.80 trillion by the end of September.

Since then they have climbed back to $ 2.92 trillion by early January 2013 to show a 0.6% rise for the year. We expect this to change in 2013. In September 2012, the Fed announced their intention to purchase $40 billion of mortgage securities each month for an unlimited length of time..."

 

at   http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2013/2/1_This_Is_Why_Gold_Will_Vault_To_New_All-Time_Highs_In_2013.html