ALERT: If This Unfolds, It Will Create Shockwaves In A Hurry

"If this unfolds, it will be create shockwaves in a hurry.

February 28 (King World News) – Here is a portion of today’s note from legend Art Cashin:  More Musing From The Maven – Over recent years, one of the more popular features of Cashin’s Comments has been the occasional inclusion of observations on the bond market by my good friend, the mortgage maven, Barry Habib. In fact, readers often ask – “Have you had an update from Barry?” Today, I’m happy to say, the answer is – yes! Here’s a bit:

We are going to see 3.04% on the 10-year within the next couple of weeks. That will be the moment of truth. The level of 3.04% matches the top of the 30-year downtrend in yields, as well as the 0% retracement from the highs 4 years ago.

In other words…it’s a big deal if this is convincingly broken to the upside, and strongly suggests that the 10-year will hit 3.80% before summer. That’s a very big change from what we are used to and something that many are not ready for.

I think there is a very strong chance that 3.04% holds…at least for a while…and that rates will back off a bit after reaching this important ceiling. But it is only a matter of time until this is broken. There are too many negative factors weighing on bonds.

Of course we have some inflation fears, including the possibility of wage pressure, as well as a stronger economy. Then there are the negative technical signals – remember when we pointed out that if 2.635%, the next stop was 3.04% – the recent upward channel that yields are on is a strong one..."

at https://kingworldnews.com/if-this-unfolds-it-will-create-shockwaves-in-a-hurry/

James Turk – A War Is Raging In The Silver Market

"With the Dow surging 400 points on Monday as the US Dollar Index continued to struggle, today James Turk told King World News that a war is quietly raging in the silver market.

War In The Silver Market
February 26 (King World News) – James Turk:  “Today has been a real battle in the precious metals markets, Eric, particularly silver. However, this was not a surprise…"

at https://kingworldnews.com/james-turk-war-raging-silver-market/

ALERT: This Is The Surprise That Is Behind Today’s Action In Gold & Silver!

"With gold and silver catching the bears by surprise, this is what is behind today’s action in gold and silver.

A New Bull Market In Gold
(CNBC) – The following was from an interview with Matt Maley, Equity strategist from Miller Tabek:

“…Commodity traders are watching a key resistance level: $1,375.  That was the metal’s high in both 2016 and 2017.  It will be a key higher-high if it could break above that level…If it breaks above $1,400, it will confirm a new bull market in gold is beginning.”

at https://kingworldnews.com/alert-this-is-the-surprise-that-is-behind-todays-surge-in-gold-silver/

China to topple United States as biggest nuclear-energy nation

at https://www.rt.com/business/419707-china-nuclear-power-united-states/

Another Two Russian Fifth Gen. Su-57 Jets Reportedly Land in Syria's Hmeymim

at https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201802241061947970-syria-su-57-fighters-arrival-reports/

India Test Fires Nuclear-Capable Ballistic Missile Dhanush From Naval Warship

at https://sputniknews.com/asia/201802231061930578-india-test-fire-missile/

Pentagon Wants $500 Million to Research Sixth-Gen Warplane ‘Family of Systems’

"The US plans to spend more than half a billion dollars on sixth-generation jet research for the “family of systems” that will eventually replace the F-35 and F-22 warplanes.

The Pentagon has requested $504 million for research, development and testing of the "next-generation air dominance" platform in fiscal year 2019, Military.com reported February 16. Over the next five years, the US Air Force proposes to invest $9.8 billion on the new air dominance family of systems, Inside Defense noted.

"Under next-generation air dominance, we're investing in a family of systems," USAF spokeswoman Ann Stefanek told Military.com, explaining that "we're going through the analysis of alternatives now, and that will help define the capabilities of the future."

The "family of systems" approach shows that the next generation fleet of warplanes will defy conventional categories of military aircraft. In an Air Force study, "we specifically precluded ourselves from using the word ‘fighter'… Air combat is not all about fighter aircraft dogfighting anymore," Brig. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said last summer.

Instead, the future of air combat is "about bringing a network to bear, and attributes [like penetrating counter air] needs in terms of range, persistence, survivability [and] lethality," the general said.

While the "family of systems" approach has yet to be fully fleshed out, the only certain thing is that it will replace the "one-size-fits-all" approach that the military took with its beleaguered F-35 program, which sought to use one F-35 airframe and customize it for the Air Force, Marines, and Navy. The family of systems approach, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson said earlier this month, will put munitions, lasers, sensors and speed and other systems on the table for different missions.
The air superiority capability would coincide with a focus on electronic warfare, networked capabilities, and dominating the electromagnetic spectrum, she said..."

at https://sputniknews.com/military/201802231061939160-pentagon-research-sixth-generation-warplane/

US warns Iraq of 'consequences' if it buys Russian S-400 missile systems

"The United States has warned Iraq, among a number of other countries, of the consequences of extending military cooperation with Russia, and striking deals to purchase advanced weaponry, particularly the S-400 surface-to-air missile defense systems..."

at http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/02/23/553353/US-Iraq-S400-Russia-missiles-

How China Could Freeze The US Military

"Authored by Nick Giambruno via InternationalMan.com,
Last April, President Trump launched 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles into Syria.
He was responding to an alleged chemical weapons attack by Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian government.
It was Trump’s most dramatic military move since he became president. It was also the United States’ first deliberate attack on the Syrian government.
At the exact moment he ordered the strike, Trump was also hosting China’s president, Xi Jinping, for dinner at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida resort. Xi’s wife was also there.
Trump said:

I was sitting at the table. We had finished dinner. We are now having dessert. And we had the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake that you have ever seen. And President Xi was enjoying it. And I was given the message from the generals that the ships are locked and loaded. What do you do? And we made a determination to do it. So the missiles were on the way. And I said: ‘Mr. President, let me explain something to you… we’ve just launched 59 missiles… heading toward Syria and I want you to know that.’

When asked how President Xi responded, Trump claimed: “He paused for 10 seconds and then he asked the interpreter to please say it again.”

The timing of the attack was meant to intimidate Xi and send China a message.

You see, China and Syria are allies. The Chinese give Assad’s government diplomatic, military, and economic support. China has also used its veto power at the UN several times to support Syria.
Essentially, Trump invited President Xi and his wife to his home for dinner. Then, over cake, he bombed one of Xi’s friends.
Trump hoped his hardball diplomacy would encourage China to tighten the screws on North Korea. He also wanted China to make changes in other areas like trade. He explicitly told Xi as much.
However, on closer look, Trump’s Syrian fireworks show was nothing but a hollow gesture. That’s because, without China, Trump would have no missiles to launch at anyone.
The guidance systems on the Tomahawk cruise missiles Trump launched at Syria depend on special materials that China has a near monopoly on producing. Surely, Xi knew this. Though Trump probably didn’t at the time.

And it’s not just the missiles...

If China decided to cut off these special materials, the entire US military would cease to function in short order.
Not surprisingly, Trump’s display of machismo did not impress the Chinese. Nor did it make them change their approach to North Korea.
A few months later, North Korea tested both an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the continental US and a thermonuclear weapon for the first time. Both might’ve been prevented if China had pushed harder to reign in North Korea.
So eventually—and likely soon—the US government will try to force China’s hand through trade and economic means.
Trump already threatened to cut off trade with any country that does business with North Korea. He was talking about China.
And Trump’s Secretary of the Treasury threatened to kick China out of the US dollar if it doesn’t crack down on North Korea. That would be akin to dropping a financial nuclear bomb on Beijing.
Sure, these seem like exaggerated threats. But it shows Trump’s frustration. It also means trade penalties against China could be imminent.

I think a full-blown trade war is coming soon.

But China has a big card to play. It could restrict access to that special material I just mentioned—the material used to make advanced electronic components, like the Tomahawk cruise missile guidance system.
China has used this strategy before. About six years ago, it restricted exports during a spat with Japan. The supply crunch caused a veritable mania in the special material’s industry.

Almost overnight, the price of this special material went up over 10 times.

Companies in the industry went up many times higher.
That’s why you should position yourself now.
The US and China are in the early stages of a trade war. It’s only a matter of time before it escalates. That will probably happen soon. The perilous situation with North Korea guarantees it.
The next time China restricts access to this special material, I think the industry will explode… just like it did the last time.
Even a whiff of the possibility that China could restrict supplies again would send these stocks soaring.
*  *  *
The Chinese control around 90% of this special material’s supply. But there’s one tiny company outside of China that could see huge gains if the trade war with the US materializes. The Casey Research team just released a brand-new video presentation with the urgent details. Click here to watch it now."

at https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-02-21/how-china-could-freeze-us-military

France-Egypt Plane Deal Blocked by US, Fearing Spread of Missile Tech - Official

"The US has blocked Franco-Egyptian negotiations on the sale of additional Rafale fighter jets to the Egyptian Air Force by refusing to export an American component aboard the Scalp cruise missile, French outlet La Tribune reported.

Alexandre Vautravers, an official at the Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP), discussed with Sputnik the impact of US companies being in the chain of contractors on European military suppliers.

"It would be great if France's manufacturing industry could produce entirely French products, but we should take into account the development cost of each component in a complicated missile like Scalp. What if no country can afford purchasing these missiles," Vautravers said.

"The problem is not solely in the Rafale fighter jet — a French aircraft with predominantly French components — the problem is in the cruise missile that can be fitted with this specific warhead, turning it into a weapon of mass destruction. Obviously, the US government doesn't want a country like Egypt to possess such technology," he explained.

According to Vautravers, this type of missile could influence power dynamics in the whole Middle East and create a problem across the region if it was used against a country like Israel or Libya.

"This is why the US has decided to turn to the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), the rules that the US agreed to in late 1940s in order to establish control over the transfer of the US-manufactured technology to communist nations and the Soviet Union."

Adrien Caralp, an official at the Center for Industrialization (Centre d'études des Modes d'Industrialisation — CEMI), told Sputnik that it is getting troublesome to find domestic suppliers and control their chain while producing complicated armament systems. This is where risks and problems come from. In the current economic and political situation it is hard to produce high-technology weapons based solely on domestic suppliers, he said.

"Of course, there are examples of successful cooperation in Europe — for instance, between France and the UK — but it is not easy to have a collaborative relationship because every European country pursues its own interests," he explained.

"However, in June of last year, the European Commission suggested that a fund should be created… to support European defense capacity. This additional funding could potentially change the situation."

at https://sputniknews.com/military/201802241061943664-france-egypt-deal-us-component/

China Blasts New US Sanctions on North Korea

"by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org – Home – Stephen Lendman)
On Friday, Trump announced what he called “the largest-ever set of new sanctions on” North Korea.
They include 27 entities and 28 vessels belonging to North Korea, mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and other countries.
In announcing new sanctions, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin said they’re “aggressively targeting all illicit avenues used by North Korea to evade sanctions, including taking decisive action to block the vessels, shipping companies and entities across the globe that work on North Korea’s behalf.”
Trump warned if sanctions don’t work as intended, he’ll authorize “Phase 2,” saying it “may be a very rough thing, may be very, very unfortunate for the world” – without further elaboration..."

at http://stephenlendman.org/2018/02/china-blasts-new-us-sanctions-north-korea/

GOLD & SILVER ALERT: Look At Who Just Warned US Dollar Index May Collapse “Well Below 70!”

"With the US Dollar Index tumbling back below 90, look at who just warned the US Dollar Index may collapse “well below 70!”  Needless to say, this would be wildly bullish for gold and silver prices.

Top Citi analyst Tom Fitzpatrick:  “While the magnitude of this up move (in the US dollar) has been less than the prior cycle (which was less than the cycle before) the shape and timing has been very similar.  In fact, as we stand, the low to high move in the last cycle from the September 1993 post housing/credit/banking crisis and economic downturn to the peak in July 2001 lasted 8 years 10 months (see chart below)..."

at https://kingworldnews.com/gold-silver-alert-citi-just-warned-us-dollar-index-may-crash-below-70/

ALERT: Raymond James Just Told Clients “Gold So Close To Breaking Out!”

"With the price of gold repeatedly attacking a major breakout level, Jeff Saut’s partner at Raymond James just urged clients to keep a close eye on gold and the US dollar.

Gold So Close to Breaking Out
February 21 (King World News) – Here is a portion of what Jeff Saut’s partner Andrew Adams wrote:  Gold is having trouble breaking out above the $1,365 resistance level, but should it overcome that barrier, it could kick start another leg up for the metal. In the meantime, it remains fairly neutral on a short-term basis but it is worth monitoring in case the breakout does occur..."

at https://kingworldnews.com/raymond-james-gold-so-close-to-breaking-out/

Despite Pullback, Gold’s Mega-Breakout Is About To Unfold!

"After what has been a chaotic start to 2018, gold’s historic mega-bullish breakout is close to unfolding!

February 21 (King World News) – Many KWN readers around the world had been wondering why gold has been in such a tight trading range with frequent takedowns, so we published this piece last Friday.  What we did not include was the (updated as of Feb. 15th) look at the daily gold chart which showed a cup and handle breakout close at hand, despite the recent volatility (see chart below)..."

at https://kingworldnews.com/despite-takedown-golds-mega-breakout-is-about-to-unfold/

John Embry – This Is The Real Reason For Today’s Takedown In Gold & Silver

"With continued uncertainty in global markets, John Embry spoke with King World News about the real reason for today’s takedown in gold and silver.

The Initial Stages Of Accelerating Inflation
February 14 (King World News) – John Embry:  “Eric, it’s been a bit since we last spoke and upon my return and I have noted little change since I left.  Inflation is on the move globally and is just in its initial stages of acceleration.  Interest rates do not reflect this reality in the least, and as a result, financial markets remain at historically overpriced levels…"

at https://kingworldnews.com/john-embry-this-is-the-real-reason-for-todays-takedown-in-gold-silver/

Greyerz – Pandora’s Box And Disastrous Worldwide Consequences

"As we get ready to kickoff trading at the start of a new week, today the man who has become legendary for his predictions on QE and historic moves in currencies, warned King World News that Pandora’s Box is about to be opened once again and it will lead to disastrous worldwide consequences..."

at https://kingworldnews.com/greyerz-pandoras-box-and-disastrous-worldwide-consequences/

Gerald Celente Just Issued This Major Trend Forecast For Gold & Stocks

"Today the top trends forecaster in the world, Gerald Celente, just issued this major trend forecast for gold and stocks.

The Beginning Of The End
February 14 (King World News) – Gerald Celente:  “The Trends Journal was first to forecast the Trump Rally after Donald Trump won the race for the White House in November 2016. And, this past December, with equities prices soaring, we were the first to predict a 10-percent market correction in 2018.

We now forecast that the turbulence hitting Wall Street and rattling equity markets worldwide, signals the beginning of the end of the Trump Rally. Stock prices may go higher, but the long-term trend lines are heading lower…"

at https://kingworldnews.com/gerald-celente-just-issued-this-major-trend-forecast-for-gold-stocks/

James Turk – This Is What Really Triggered The Massive Spike In Gold & Silver Today

"With gold and silver surging strongly, James Turk spoke with King World News about what really triggered the massive spike in gold and silver today.

Precious Metals Spike
By James TurkFebruary 14 (King World News) – James Turk:  “Today was a very important day for gold and silver, Eric. The reaction in their prices to the CPI released earlier today provides us with some very valuable insight into the state of the precious metals market. And this insight is bullish for both precious metals…"

at https://kingworldnews.com/james-turk-this-is-what-really-triggered-the-massive-spike-in-gold-silver-today/

ALERT: This Is What Is Guaranteed To Cause Major Chaos In 2018

"On a day where stocks are soaring and almost everything else on the board is trading on the upside, it appears the central bank put is now in trouble and this will have serious ramifications in 2018.

Central Bank Put Is In Trouble
By Peter Boockvar, author of the Boock Report
February 12 (King World News) – Here is what Peter Boockvar wrote as the world awaits the next round of monetary madness:  While stocks are getting a respite as it bounced like magic off its 200 day moving average on Friday and now is working off its oversold condition, there is no bounce to bonds at all. The 10 yr yield at 2.88% is sitting at what would be a closing multi year high…"

at https://kingworldnews.com/alert-this-is-what-is-guaranteed-to-cause-major-chaos-in-2018/

Takedown Setting The Stage For “Goodbye US Dollar” As China To Revalue Gold Sharply Higher

"As we end what has been a wild couple of weeks of trading, today one of the top money managers in the world told King World News that the takedown in the gold market is setting the stage for “Goodbye US dollar” as China is going to revalue the price of gold sharply higher.

“Goodbye US Dollar”
February 10 (King World News) – Dr. Stephen Leeb:  “But as the yuan, in which oil will be a very big deal, becomes more used (in global transactions), you are going to see the yuan become more active in terms of trade, and the price of gold will have to be revalued higher and I think the price could go up very sharply.  And I think you are going to see this (trend) until there’s a recognition that (oil), gold, and the yuan are the new thing in the East.  So this correction in the market is saying, ‘Goodbye US dollar.’  The dollar has rallied a little bit in the past couple of days but it is quite a bit lower and it will stay down.  The dollar is likely to fall through the floor.  And you are going to have…"

at https://kingworldnews.com/takedown-setting-the-stage-for-goodbye-us-dollar-as-china-to-revalue-gold-sharply-higher/

China Is Developing AI-Enabled Nuclear Submarines That Can Think For Themselves

"A top-level scientist just confirmed that the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is currently building artificial intelligence–powered nuclear submarines that can think for themselves, according to the South China Morning Post.

According to the scientist, who requested their name be withheld because of the “project’s sensitivity,” told the South China Morning Post that China is in the process of upgrading the legacy computer systems of its older submarine fleets with deep learning algorithms to enhance the thinking skills of commanding officers..."

at https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-02-07/china-developing-ai-enabled-nuclear-submarines-can-think-themselves

"Worst Case Scenario" Emerging: Morgan Stanley Warns "Selling Has Shifted"

"Confirming JPMorgan's "worst case scenario" that forced de-levering in vol-based strategies would lead to retail ETF outflows and create a vicious cycle downwards, Morgan Stanley's Christopher Metli warns that today’s moves lower are likely not being driven by systematic supply – this appears to be more discretionary selling.

Risk-Parity funds are seeing some of the biggest losses in history..."

at https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-02-08/worst-case-scenario-morgan-stanley-warns-selling-has-shifted-form-systemic

Russia, India May Sign Contract on S-400 Air Defense Systems Supplies Soon

"NEW DELHI (Sputnik) - Negotiations between Russia and India on the supplies of S-400 air defense systems are "at the final stage," the contract may be signed any day now, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev told Sputnik in an interview.

"As far as I know, the negotiations [on the S-400 supplies] are at the final stage. I have received such information from the country’s Defense Ministry. We expect signing of the contract any day now," Kudashev said.

As the Russian diplomat noted, there is nothing surprising in the fact that the negotiations have continued for a while, given the seriousness of the issue..."

at https://sputniknews.com/military/201802091061502969-russia-india-s-400/

PHOTOS Show Alleged Soviet Nuclear-Powered Satellites in Space

"A series of satellites equipped with on-board nuclear power units were launched by the Soviet Union between 1965 and 1988, in a bid to monitor NATO warships.

Dutch astronomer Marco Langbroek has photographed what he claims are the Soviet nuclear-powered satellites Kosmos-1860 and Kosmos-1412.

When posting their photos on his Twitter page, he referred to them as RORSAT (Radar Ocean Reconnaissance Satellites), an abbreviation that was used by Western countries when codenaming the Kosmos-1860 and the Kosmos 1412.

The photos, which were made in the Dutch town of Leiden, show what look like at least two bright points, seen against the background of stars in outer space..."

at https://sputniknews.com/viral/201802091061498530-alleged-photos-soviet-satellites-space/

US to Bear Responsibility for Results of New Anti-Korean Sanctions - Moscow

"MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Moscow is deeply disappointed by the latest US statements on the possibility of new "aggressive" sanctions against North Korea, such intentions create an atmosphere of tension amid signs of dialogue between Seoul and Pyongyang, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Sputnik.

"The US Administration has once again put in question the labored groundwork for political and diplomatic movement forward [in settling the North Korean crisis]. Thus it will bear the responsibility for the possible outcomes of this," Ryabkov said.

On Wednesday, US Vice President Mike Pence said that the United States would soon roll out its "toughest and most aggressive" round of economic sanctions to ensure the denuclearization of North Korea..."

at https://sputniknews.com/world/201802081061461162-russia-us-north-korea-sanctions/

North Korea shows off new ICBM at military parade

"TOKYO, February 8. /TASS/. North Korea has rolled out its new Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at a Pyongyang military parade, which is being broadcast by the country’s Central Television.

The North Korean military demonstrated at least four launchers with Hwasong-15 ICBMs painted in their typical black hue and also several prime movers with Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The Hwasong-15 has a flying range of about 13,000 km and, theoretically, the entire territory of the US is within its reach. The Hwasong-14 has a flying range of about 10,000 km.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reviewed the parade. He listened to a report from the parade commander and then ascended to the tribunes of Kim Il Sung Square where military parades traditionally take place.

According to South Korean media reports, about 13,000 troops participated in the parade. It was held for the first time since April last year and was timed for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army..."

at http://tass.com/defense/989069

Three Top Russian Officials Visit United States

"Nothing like this ever happened even at the best of times. The heads of three Russian intelligence agencies all visited the US simultaneously. This is an extraordinary and unprecedented event, especially at a time when that relationship has so greatly deteriorated. Sergei Naryshkin, the foreign intelligence chief, Alexander Bortnikov, who heads the Federal Security Service, and Lieutenant General (two stars) Igor Korobov, the head of Russia’s military intelligence, visited Washington in late January. Not much has been leaked to the media but it was reported that they met with CIA Director Mike Pompeo. There was no secrecy about the visit or attempts to hush it up. The Russian ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, mentioned the event on television. He claimed that the visit had been a success and that despite the extreme tension between the two countries, their intelligence agencies were continuing to cooperate. As he put it, "Politics is politics, work is work. There are political proclamations, and there is real work."

at https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2018/02/07/three-top-russian-officials-visit-united-states.html

Sky's the Limit: Russian Military to Start Combat Trials of Stealthy Su-57 Jet

"The new plane is Russia's entry in the fifth-gen multirole stealth fighter jet category.

"We are buying Su-57 jets for combat trials. The first stage of state trials has been concluded," Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said, speaking to reporters during a visit to the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant on Thursday. The plant is expected to build the planes when mass production kicks in.

According to the senior officer, a contract for the delivery of a pilot batch of 12 Su-57s will be signed this year.
Borisov clarified that the first two planes from this batch may enter service with the Armed Forces in 2019. He added that 12 Su-57s have already been built during the development of the aircraft, known as the PAK FA, or 'Prospective Aviation Complex of Frontline Aviation' before being christened the Su-57 last year, with ten of them continuing flight testing..."

at https://sputniknews.com/military/201802081061467502-su57-to-start-combat-trials/

China Deploys 300,000 Soldiers To N.Korean Border In "Preparation For Potential War"

"While the specter of a nuclear war with North Korea has faded in recent weeks, China is not taking chances, and ahead of the Winter Olympics in South Korea, the Chinese government has deployed 300,000 troops and multiple mobile strike groups to its highly-guarded border with North Korea, a move which signals that Beijing is quietly gearing for a potential crisis between Kim Jong Un and the United States in the coming months.


According to South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo news, "China is preparing for a potential war on the Korean Peninsula by reinforcing missile defenses near the border with North Korea" citing a report from Radio Free Asia. "Military units in Yanbian were relocated from Heilongjiang Province, thus adding 300,000 troops along the border."

RFA quoted a North Korean source in China that the Chinese military late last year deployed another missile defense battery at an armored division in Helong, west of Longjing in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture. Now it is deploying missile defense batteries near North Korean reservoirs by the Apnok and Duman rivers.

The reason for the increased missile presence is that Chinese troops in the border area could be swept away if the North tore down the banks of the reservoirs or they were destroyed by missiles or air strikes, the source added.
On Jan. 24, Taiwan's Central News Agency reported that the 78th Group Army, the first Chinese military unit that would cross the border into the North in the event of a war on the Korean Peninsula, has been armed with newest surface-to-air missiles against South Korean and U.S. aircraft and missiles.
The reported deployment comes just days before the start of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in South Korea.
What is peculiar about this escalation is that it comes as Kim Jong Un’s regime has - at least optically - attempted to “thaw” relations with Seoul, wishing the South Korean government a “successful” competition and hoping to “ease military tensions” before the games begin. In a rare case of Korean unity, both North and South Korea plan to march into the Opening Ceremonies under a “united Korean flag” and will combine their female hockey teams.
Meanwhile, Trump has been busy pushing his domestic agenda to engage in twitter bickering and comparing nuclear button size with Kim Jong-Un, allowing tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations to ease in recent weeks, although if China knows something, this tentative detente will not last long..."

at https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-02-06/china-deploys-300000-soldiers-nkorean-border-preparation-potential-war

Unleash The Debt: Why The Senate Budget Deal Is Sending Yields Surging

"When we commented last night on the Senate's proposed bipartisan "deficit-busting" spending deal - one which will raise spending caps by $300bn over the next two years and incorporate a suspension of the debt limit until March 2019 - we observed that "the agreement will achieve one thing - lead to a surge in US debt issuance, and - by implication - even higher yields, leading to an even steeper drop in the market, not to mention more frequent VIX-flaring episodes."

With yields jumping and stocks sliding, so far this prediction appears on target.

As a reminder, one month ago Goldman predicted that  US debt issuance would more than double, rising from $488bn in 2017 to $1,030 billion in 2018..."

at https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-02-08/unleash-debt-why-senate-budget-deal-sending-yields-surging

ALERT: Markets Calm After Wild Trading, But This Is Worrying…Plus A Warning From A Legend

"Markets have calmed after wild trading, but this is very worrying…Plus a warning from a legend in the business.

Wild Trading In Major Markets May Not Be FinishedFebruary 7 (King World News) – The following is from Andrew Adams at Raymond James:  S&P 500 Was 5 Standard Deviations Beneath the 10-Day Moving Average: One of the many signs of downside extremes this week was the fact thatthe S&P 500 was 5 standard deviations beneath its 10-day moving average, the most “oversold” it had been since August 2015. Hopefully, this is yet another sign that the worst is behind us..."

at https://kingworldnews.com/alert-markets-calm-after-wild-trading-but-this-is-worrying-plus-a-warning-from-a-legend/

Boeing's Hypersonic Strike-Aircraft Can "Buzz Around The World In 1-3 Hours"

"Last month, we noted that “hypersonic aircraft and missiles are being developed and tested by the United States, Russia, and China at an accelerating pace.” While the race for hypersonic technologies has certainly flourished among global superpowers, who realize that the first to possess these technologies will not just revolutionize their civilian and military programs, but will also dictate the future path for civilizations on planet earth.

There is a fierce competition between Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works team and the Boeing Company to harness such technologies. Back in January, a Skunk Works Executive hinted that a U.S. hypersonic bomber has “already been made.”

Oddly enough, internet sleuths on Google Earth last month discovered a secret hypersonic aircraft hiding at a mysterious Florida airbase located down the street from President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.

at https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-02-05/boeings-hypersonic-strike-aircraft-can-buzz-around-world-1-3-hours

ALERT: Celente Just Issued Major Trend Forecasts Following Wild Trading In Global Markets

"Today the top trends forecaster in the world, Gerald Celente, warned yes, the stock market is convulsing, but this event is what will cause a worldwide crash that will cause the price of gold to surge hundreds of dollars higher.

February 6 (King World News) – Gerald Celente:  “The Trends Journal was first to forecast the Trump rally and first to predict a 10-percent market correction.

What’s next?

What will crash the market? “It’s interest rates, stupid.” No clearer proof is needed then how Wall Street’s fear of aggressive interest rate hikes drove the Dow down 666 points following last Friday’s favorable jobs report and higher than expected wage increases.

The fact is, it was super low interest rates and the Quantitative Easing policy of central banks pumping trillions of dollars of free money into banks, hedge funds and mega-investment firms that fueled the nine-year market rally.

What will stop a market crash? “It’s the economy, stupid.” And the US and global economies are in the best shape since the Panic of ’08 and corporate earnings are solid and are expected to increase as a result of Trump’s tax plans. And much of that money will go into stock buy backs.

However, our prediction of a 10-percent correction was inevitable. The Dow,’ up 34 percent since Trump’s election, is overvalued and over leveraged. By historical standards, price-earnings ratios are nearing the high end of their ranges. Clearly, the sell-off was imminent and volatility will continue until the markets find a new bottom and a sustainable trading range..."

at https://kingworldnews.com/alert-celente-just-issued-major-alerts-following-wild-trading-in-global-markets/

Report: China Moves 300,000 Troops Closer to North Korean Border

"China is reportedly moving missile defense batteries and troops closer to its border with North Korea, a potential sign that Beijing anticipates either a large refugee wave north or a military disturbance triggered by the belligerence of communist dictator Kim Jong-un.
The South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo cited Radio Free Asia (RFA) in a report Monday, stating that RFA had compiled evidence that China had “late last year deployed another missile defense battery at an armored division in Helong, west of Longjing in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture.”

The “North Korean source in China” speaking to RFA also noted that Pyongyang had observed the movement of 300,000 troops closer to the North Korean border and “missile defense batteries near North Korean reservoirs by the Apnok and Duman rivers.” The batteries would prevent the violent outpouring of those reservoirs into China in the event of an airstrike..."

at http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2018/02/05/report-china-moves-300000-troops-closer-north-korean-border/

US F-35s Flying Nearly Around the Clock in Indo-Pacific Region

"The US Air Force’s F-35A fighter squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, has been flying at a relentless pace since the squadron’s aircraft started to arrive at the base in late October, according to a new report.

"We're approaching 1,000 flight hours and 500 sorties; we'll probably have that here in the next few weeks," Master Sgt. Brian Sarafin told Defense News in a report published Monday. An average day consists of the 12 F-35 aircraft flying between 12 and 14 sorties per day. Since the plane is frequently damaged or malfunctioning, repair and maintenance crews are working "around the clock" to keep the planes ready to fly, Defense News noted.

© AP Photo/ Rick Bowmer

US to Equip Future F-35 Fighters with Nuke Capabilities - Nuclear Posture Review

The service described the deployment as a "long-planned deployment" that is "designed to demonstrate the continuing US commitment to stability and security in the region" in an October news release. Outside of that description there have been few details about what the F-35s actually do during their sorties..."

at https://sputniknews.com/military/201802051061382276-us-f-35-flying-around-clock-indo/

The Big German Zombie

"Authored by Jeffrey Snider via Alhambra Investment Partners,

It’s kind of a cheap shot to go back and rehash corporate statements from way back in the past. Still, when the topic is banking and why the monetary system refuses more than intermittent and minor progress, it’s worth the revisit. What’s different now than before 2008, really August 2007, is far more than regulation. It’s the attitude that’s changed.

On August 1, 2007, Dr. Josef Ackermann, Chairman of the Board for Deutsche Bank, reported strong results for the firm. This was eight days before all Hell broke loose.

After an excellent first quarter, we delivered another outstanding quarterly result, with significant earnings growth over the same period last year. All our business divisions contributed to this growth. As a result, we delivered a very strong first half year, clearly demonstrating the power and resilience of our platform.

Obliged to put down just a few words to reassure shareholders about all the wild stuff they were hearing in the media about toxic waste and whatnot, Ackermann ably dismissed any concerns with hard words.

Some areas of the credit markets may continue to experience turbulent conditions, and investors may adopt a more conservative stance toward leveraged finance. Our business model which benefits from rigorous risk management and independent control processes is structured to deliver performance also in the face of such challenges. We have consistently adopted a prudent approach to risk-taking, and the current environment is no exception..."

 at  https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-02-05/big-german-zombie

Former Lehman Trader: "There’s More Pain To Come For Markets"

"Some apt observations on the morning after the biggest VIX move in history (in percentage terms) by Bloomberg macro commentator and former Lehman trader, Mark Cudmore, who has certainly been here before.

There’s More Pain to Come for Global Equity Markets: Macro View

There’s been a rapid deterioration in market fundamentals and that means that, even at these much lower prices, global stocks don’t look attractive yet.

It’s true global growth is still supportive, and so this is unlikely to be the start of a long-lasting bear market. But, one of the other pillars behind the rally has been severely weakened during the past month: liquidity.

Two-year U.S. yields closed Thursday 90 basis points above their finish on Sept. 8. That speed of tightening hasn’t been seen since the first half of 2008. And we all know how that year ended.

There’s more from this angle: five-year U.S. yields also tightened by more than 90 basis points over the same period. That has severely diminished the net-present value of expected future cash flows from stocks, effectively making them look more expensive on this basis.

And now we also have an explosion in volatility. That will have a lasting impact on VAR (value-at-risk) calculations, sustainably reducing potential leverage levels for both banks and hedge funds for the rest of this year. Another severe blow to liquidity.

This is all coming amid a flurry of data and metrics showing how January was a record month for equity inflows and bullish sentiment across a number of markets. There’s far less cash on the sidelines to buy the dip than there was only a few weeks ago, which again hurts the liquidity support.

To top it all off, the main reason I suddenly turned bearish last Wednesday, remains worryingly valid. It was the first time in many years that regular bears weren’t getting excited by a 1.8% fall in stocks. That suggested investors were too complacent then, and they’re still too complacent today.

Until yields fall further, investors deleverage more and we see a preponderance of bears openly roaming, we can expect to see lower equity prices. That all may happen very quickly, but it needs to occur before we find a base.

One extra warning: Don’t get too excited if we get a big bounce soon. Risk-averse markets see the most powerful short-term swings in these sorts of conditions, when liquidity is lower and wealth destruction means many traders have weakened hands and reduced conviction..."

at https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-02-06/former-lehman-trader-theres-more-pain-come-markets