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HomeFinancial Repression Kicks the Can and Our Butt
Posted by Larry Doyle on March 21st, 2012 8:36 AM |
More and more we see central bankers around the world — but especially here at home and within the EU — engaged in financial repression as THE means to solve our economic woes.
What is financial repression?
A term that describes measures by which governments channel funds to themselves as a form of debt reduction. This concept was introduced in 1973 by Stanford economists Edward S. Shaw and Ronald I. McKinnon. Financial repression can include such measures as directed lending to the government, caps on interest rates, regulation of capital movement between countries and a tighter association between government and banks.
What are the challenges faced by investors in an era of financial repression? (more…)
The China Syndrome 2009
Posted by Larry Doyle on November 17th, 2009 11:53 AM |
I am typically reluctant to merely link to articles which I find extremely compelling and newsworthy. I thoroughly enjoy referencing other’s works while adding my own thoughts and perspectives. That said, every once in a while an article comes along which truly deserves to be highlighted in its entirety for its depth of detail and global perspective. I find it interesting that the article I find so compelling is produced not here in the United States, but in the United Kingdom. I thank KD for bringing it to my attention.
From the Telegraph.co.uk, China Has Now Become the Biggest Risk to the World Economy:
President Obama said before going to China this week that Asia can no longer live by shipping goods to Americans already in debt to their ears Photo: AP
“The inherent problems of the international economic system have not been fully addressed,” said China’s president Hu Jintao. Indeed not. China is still exporting overcapacity to the rest of us on a grand scale, with deflationary consequences.
While some fret about liquidity-driven inflation, Justin Lin, World Bank chief economist, said the greater danger is that record levels of idle plant almost everywhere will feed a downward spiral of job cuts and corporate busts. “I’m more worried about deflation,” he said. (more…)
Brazil Wants ‘Real’ity Check
Posted by Larry Doyle on October 21st, 2009 9:04 AM |
Brazil is increasingly concerned by the flow of capital pouring into its economy. Why? Isn’t that a good thing? Well, when the money is ‘fast money’ (meaning largely speculative) and it drives a nation’s currency dramatically higher, it can have an extremely negative and potentially destabilizing impact on a nation’s trade flows, primarily its exports. Let’s navigate.
There is no doubt the global markets are being driven largely by the cheap funding that is emanating from the United States. The oft-repeated statement by Fed chair Ben Bernanke that he will leave the Fed Funds rate unchanged at 0-.25% for an extended period has provided real comfort to speculators, traders, and investors around the world. What are these market participants doing? Selling the U.S. greenback to purchase a variety of global risk based assets. While investors may like positive returns generated to date on their investments, rest assured foreign central bankers are significantly less enthused with the strengthening of their own currencies relative to the greenback. Why?
As I highlighted in my weekly recap, October 10, 2009: Month to date Market Review:
While I think Washington is not disappointed in a relatively weak dollar, although they should be (”Dollar Devaluation Is a Dangerous Game”), other countries are not overly keen about further dollar weakness. Why? A weak dollar puts those countries in a marginally less competitive position in international trade. ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet voiced his concerns on this topic. Rest assured, the Asian nations feel the same way although they are careful in their comments.
Let’s navigate south and visit Brazil. The Brazilian currency, the real (pronounced “ray-al”), has appreciated by approximately 36% against the greenback this year alone. The real has appreciated over 50% against the greenback from its lowest valuation a few years ago. While that appreciation is a positive for Brazilian consumers, it is a major headwind for Brazilian exporters. (more…)
