I have just posted a number of videos that deal with current global macro events. They can be viewed on the gardenofecon youtube channel here. Will the austerity measures in Greece lead to a breakdown in civil society that breaks … Continue reading →

There is a lull in negative news from Europe. However, it is short lived. There are four facts that are very important to understand: Most European banks are insolvent The ECB is massively monetizing to keep the system operational Germany … Continue reading →

I have posted seven new videos to www.youtube.com/gardenofecon Topics include: • What do you think of the announcement from the EU about a fiscal compact? • Is it a big deal that the U.K. is not in the agreement? • … Continue reading →

Which is a greater force driving volatility: uncertainty about whether the U.S. can get its budget act together or Europe’s future? I would argue that Europe poses a much greater risk — and it is less understood in U.S. markets. … Continue reading →

You can access the videos at my youtube channel: www.youtube.com/gardenofecon The questions being answered are: 1. European debt crisis: a. What are the implications for the long term viability of the Euro? b. What is your perspective on the Greece austerity … Continue reading →

Do you hear that ticking sound? Today it was leaked that the Federal Reserve has requested a “contingency plan” for Bank of America (BAC). Supposedly, this includes the possibility of spinning off Merrill Lynch for some extra cash. Such a … Continue reading →

It makes sense that there is a secret group within the Deutsche Bundesbank working on a plan to resurrect the Deutsche Mark. It would be a gross failure of national risk management if they did not have a plan. Call … Continue reading →

QE2 does not address the fundamental issues that the U.S. economy faces. It is preposterous to think that reducing medium term interest rates by 25-50 basis points is going to lead to a significant increase in GDP and a reduction in unemployment.
Continue reading →

The following are my answers to a number of questions posed in a “Market Views” forum a few weeks ago. While we have had fresh data recently, the answers to the questions have not changed. 1. The Duke-CFO Survey was … Continue reading →

Whether it is Basel 3 or the Dodd-Frank bill – or the projected increased share of government in the economy, we need to understand the impact of regulation. The following is a summary of my remarks to a Finance Symposium … Continue reading →