In August, bank loans to consumers were 9.5% higher than they were a year earlier--the fastest increase since 2004. The year-to-year increase in consumer and industrial loans was 15.5%, down only slightly from a recent record high of 21.6% in March. Real estate loans were up 4.1% for the 12-month period ending this August--flat lately, but not dow
Did bank lending suddenly turn south since August? The latest data is for the week ending Sept.17, when the U.S. expropriated 80% of AIG (nyse: AIG - news - people ) equity and thus tanked most financial stocks. U.S. bank credit hit a record of over $7 trillion in the latest week--up from $6.57 trillion a year earlier and $6.92 trillion at the end of July.
Contrary to many comments, consumer and industrial loans actually increased in the latest week. Troubled giant banks have cut back on lending, but smaller banks have picked up the slack. Consumer and real estate loans dipped insignificantly through Sept. 17, remaining much higher than they were a year earlier.
If all the recent hysterical chatter about lending being "frozen" or "shut down" refers to anything real, it is not about banks loans (through Sept. 17) but about such arcane financial markets as asset-backed commercial paper or loans between banks. But this too is mainly about financial firms, not Main Street. Non-financial commercial paper increased from $156 billion at the start of the year to more than $204 billion from Sept. 3 to Sept. 17, dipping only modestly since then.
Economic journalists seem oddly fascinated with the last column of the table--interbank loans from one to another (aside from fed funds). "Banks won't even lend to each other," said a TV reporter, "so how can we expect them to loan to business or consumers?" But interbank loans are obviously tiny, and banks rightly regard lending to other banks more risky than lending to Main Street. There is no reason to expect the minuscule flow of interbank loans to determine consumer and business loans. That little tail can't wag the big dog.
The interest rate on interbank loans, the three-month London Interbank Lending Rate (LIBOR) rate, was a shade over 4% on Sept. 30, which inspired some scary talk on CNBC that morning. But a 3.9% LIBOR rate in January did not inspire such worries, nor did a 5.5% rate last September.
There has also been much hand-wringing about the wide "TED spread" between the very low interest rates on Eurodollars and the extremely low interest rates on three-month U.S. Treasury bills. But the TED spread does not predict recession--it flashed false alarms in September 1987 and December 1994 and provided no warning of the 2001 recession.
Everyone knows that U.S. banks have virtually stopped lending, deeply slashing their loans to U.S. consumers and firms. As is so often the case, however, what everyone knows is probably not true.
Alan Reynolds is a senior fellow with the Cato Institute.
I'm sorry, but this whole "people do not understand" thing is driving me nuts. Okay, most people do not understand macroeconomics. Granted. The full effect of this crisis is yet to be experienced. Granted. But that does not mean this package is the right path to go down, and it does not mean that the resources that will be appropriated will be utilized in a way that changes our course or even mitigates some of the effect of the crisis. But maybe if we keep telling people they haven't seen anything yet, they will agree that we know more than they do.
OK. Food and energy prices have moved up. Car and house prices have moved down. What to make of it? Things you don't need are falling; things you do need are rising.
In what respect are energy prices now moving up? Oil's down 35% in the last 3 months; natural gas is down even more.
And it always depends on what specific food items you're referring to, but I see most have stabilized and I'm seeing 2 for 1 deals coming back with a vengeance.
"In a world of fiat currencies, "reserve currency status" is fairly meaningless."
"countries peg to the dollar."
"Those circumstances are unlikely to change, as there is no viable alternative market that is deep enough to absorb those flows. And most other countries are too mercantalist to absorb the level of imports the U.S. routinely does."
As to 1 & 2,...Cognitive dissonance. It doesn't matter but it does? Why peg if it is irrelevant? It rather strengthens my point that countries warily watch US monetization, as Yen monetization was financed by Japanese savers.
"I was covering a hypothetical case in the future when there was serious debt deflation."
I don't remember that point being made, and as such makes tyour position irrelevant, as I was asking here and now how does the Fed inflate? I was very clear on that point.
The follow up:
"(1) The U.S. will have savings; otherwise there would probably be no major debt deflation."
That's a new point from your original argument, but I'll allow it as it is still extra topical. Because it addresses an issue not in the question. How do they do this say next week...which was my point.
Further, how does lack of savings preclude a major debt deflation? We're having one now with a very low savings rate. that some measures of savings seem to be increasing is simply 401k cash outs into monetary equivalents that are counted in statisitcs as savings.
As to 3:
What does absorbing imports, or mercantalist, or any of that statement have to do with hyper inflation. I request clarification before I issue a rebuttal. At this point it is a non-sequitor.
I like to debate...I'm not bashing you personally...I did NDT in college...I might read as insulting, but it's really just good clean intellectual fun for me.
Nostrovia,
Now back to your regularly scheduled VPILF rantings.
Simple question...why would anyone purchase equities at this time? The trend is down. The economy is in a shambles. Earnings are falling. What logical reason would cause someone to conclude US equities are worth buying?
Here was <a href="http://www.haloscan.com/comments/calculatedrisk/7075817006844822365/?a=12625#504200>my take on oil & USO back in late June.
My unsolicited TA take last Friday, that I'm staying with until proven invalid, is that crude (esp. the etf USO) gave a key reversal signal... 06.29.08
Both USO & oil contract topped less than 2 weeks later and have since plummeted with no end in sight. My point (besides gloating)? I've been avidly following the fundamentals with eyes on the market technicals and both are screaming deflation.
Zuckerman say that the bailout money should be invested in the same that Buffett has been making deals. The shareholders and mgmt should get the pain on the way down.
Z says we will see realistic appraisals on new home loans, based on values going down. I'm wondering how the market will flush out the dishonest appraisers?
Off Topic: The Department of Education has been extending its budget to credit markets by buying securitized student loans from institutions looking to withdraw. Only in the millions of dollars still, but they are essentially trying to prop up loans prices to keep the market attractive/liquid in the short term (source: cnbc tv)
OT PM Question, ...
This close spread between the price of gold and platinum, I do not remember seeing this in my limited amount of time following the PM prices. Deflational enhanced characteristics?
Today it is in serious decline. CEDA is the big game now. It's so sophist it's hardly worth paying attention to, but then look around politics and business here these days and makes perfect sense.
Sarah Palin is a symbol of everything that is wrong with the modern United States. As a representative of our political system, shes a new low in reptilian villainy, the ultimate cynical masterwork of puppeteers like Karl Rove. But more than that, she is a horrifying symbol of how little we ask for in return for the total surrender of our political power. Not only is Sarah Palin a fraud, shes the tawdriest, most half-assed fraud imaginable, 20 floors below the lowest common denominator, a character too dumb even for daytime TV and this country is going to eat her up, cheering her every step of the way. All because most Americans no longer have the energy to do anything but lie back and allow ourselves to be jacked off by the calculating thieves who run this grasping consumer paradise we call a nation.
Citizen Scotto: I don't favor the view of hyperinflation occurring but I believe your assessment is wrong. Consumers don't even need to touch the money for inflation to happe
kuros,
Drink haterade much? I think you'll like the bitter taste.
We've let "smart" people run our country into theground the past 20 years. It's time for the rubes to rise. I'm sick of accepting such mediocrity from Ivy Leaguers in our government.
Not that I'm voting for her and the old guy. I think an Obama-Palin ticket would kill... but I guess we don't want to go back to 1798 or someyear around then...and also Obama is an Ivy guy too.
Off Topic: The Department of Education has been extending its budget to credit markets by buying securitized student loans from institutions looking to withdraw. Only in the millions of dollars still, but they are essentially trying to prop up loans prices to keep the market attractive/liquid in the short term (source: cnbc tv)
Are they talking about FELP loans or other types? They have been purchasing FELP loans after the auction rate securities market blew up.
"This close spread between the price of gold and platinum"
I'll try that. The close spread simply reflects the fact that these PMs trade on different motivations. In an industrial contraction, lots of platinum demand goes away, especially if automobiles are not being build (use in catalytic converters). Gold trades on inflation and fear.
ynical Yes writes:
Simple question...why would anyone purchase equities at this time? The trend is down. The economy is in a shambles. Earnings are falling.
odd isnt it?
or even
for every seller of an equity position there is a buyer!!!!
OK. Food and energy prices have moved up. Car and house prices have moved down. What to make of it? Things you don't need are falling; things you do need are rising.
Mr. Market, jr. | 10.02.08 - 8:30 pm | #
food and energy bought with cash (or very near-term debt anyway)
Platinum has genuine value: it's the densest metal and is used industrially to remove pollutants.
As for glod and sliver - they've been bid up past any practical use. And their supply/demand characteristics (putting aside the speculative demand, which is unlimited) look bearish.
Buy practical things close to their inherent value during deflation.
I would agree with the kid that mainstreet doesn't have an adequate understanding of the crisis, who does?
But what's central is whether as taxpayers mainstreet understands the terms of the bill just passed by the Senate.
If they did, and contrasted it with other plans (like Sweden) or steps (like Buffett's) there would be outright rejection, and rightly so.
Not to mention that Mort's point about changes in SEC rules 2004 to allow for leverage unthinkable to any "regular guy" would lead that guy to let, no demand, those blood suckers hang...
Persecuted Comrade Anonymouse: I am surprised to hear you say the supply/demand characteristics of gold are weak -- I've heard the complete opposite -- Rising demand and falling supply. Why do you say this?
Simple question...why would anyone purchase equities at this time? The trend is down. The economy is in a shambles. Earnings are falling. What logical reason would cause someone to conclude US equities are worth buying?
Cynical Yes | 10.02.08 - 8:37 pm | #
On another (non-financial) board that I frequent, all people can say is "stocks are on sale" and "i'm not retiring for 30 years, I can afford to invest for the long term"
Thanks, and hence my point, the "real and imagined" leveraged in statistical form.
Yet, I do not recall the two, gold and platinum, being priced so closely together. I am wondering if the prices will invert, that would be a "trip" to me.
Comrade Misean:
"I'm gonna get me some platinum after it hits hard."
Tricky to time that one. By the time the market starts speculating on an automobile production recovery, platinum will probably be rising on speculation of the speculation. Everything depends on the recovery cycle length, which I am not smart enough to predict. This might not be a bad time to start investigating platinum producers, which I'm sure have just gotten hammered in today's market. I almost can't bear to look...
Those most opposed are the most informed. This Bailout will do nothing constructive but I guarantee you confidence will take a mighty blow. Sorkin is a patronizing idiot who knows nothing, you hear me nothing (a la Jim Cramer).
I said that her comments on the particular subject were on the mark.
I don't trust any gang members, Democratic or Republican! I do agree with some of their comments from time to time. Even street gang members make turthful comments sometimes.
I hate to waste my time on either of these idiots. Would anyone here want to sit down and have a glass of wine with these crooks? I'm talking Palin or the other guy, not Ross and Mort.
Lumber plunged to a 17-year low on speculation that the credit crunch in the U.S. will limit demand for building materials.
Home prices dropped in 24 of 25 U.S. metropolitan areas in July from a year earlier as foreclosures eroded property values, according to Radar Logic Inc. New-home sales fell to a 17-year low in August, the Commerce Department said Sept. 25. Lumber futures fell 15 percent in September, capping a 21 percent drop in the third quarter that was the biggest since 2002.
The credit crunch is definitely affecting demand,'' said Jamie Greenough, a lumber broker and analyst at Global Futures Corp. in Vancouver.Jobs aren't getting done because people can't get financing.''
Lumber futures for November delivery dropped $2.80, or 1.4 percent, to $196.40 per 1,000 board feet on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Earlier, the price fell the exchange's $10 daily limit to $189.20, the lowest for a most-active contract since October 1991. Futures are down 18 percent in the past year.
Anyone interested in Glod or Glod stocks take a look at this <a href="http://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=xaugolddb8.png>striking chart of the Glod/XAU ratio. (!!!)
What does anyone make of this: why does glod stay up so much higher relative to the glod equities. The stocks usually lead the commodity. I think this portends much lower glod prices.
--
What if "democratic Pakistan" is worse for the American People than dictatorship Pakistan? Both are bad, but one is worse because anti-American and pro Osama feelings among Pakistanis are strong.
The challenge of the Iranian negotiation is far more complex. For two years before the opening to China, the two sides had engaged in subtle, reciprocal, symbolic and diplomatic actions to convey their intentions. In the process, they had tacitly achieved a parallel understanding of the international situation, and China opted for seeking to live in a cooperative world.
--
"Jas, I'm an uber bear, but I don't see a great depression. Lower living standards? Definitely for the majority in relative terms to the rest of the world."
Angry Saver,
Depressions are measured relative to the peak prior to the depression. Peak-to-trough will be worse than during the Great Depression, although it would take longer period.
stead of focusing on specific issues of special interest to the US - mainly Washington's demands that Syria crack down hard against the infiltration of Sunni extremists into Iraq and stop supplying Hezbollah in Lebanon - the discussions also reportedly covered other topics as well, notably Damascus's appeals for Washington to involve directly itself in a burgeoning peace process between Syria and Israel.
Fars News Agency :: Iran Urges IAEA to Act within Safeguards
Iran's Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Ali Asghar Soltanieh said Wednesday that Tehran will continue cooperation with the IAEA, expecting the agency not to take any steps beyond its charter and comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.
Call or fax. They won't read your email anyway.
ren | 10.02.08 - 9:59 pm | #
Ren,
I have not faxed, but I have called over 30 senators and congresscritters in the last 7 days, and sent numerous emails. When I see one of the congresscritters on CNBC, I call their office and either encourage or chatise.
I am getting tired though. I thought we had won a great victory on Monday (or was it Tuesday), and then those idiots called a mulligan.
As security has improved in Iraq, it has worsened in Afghanistan. And as the surge of forces comes to an end in Iraq, there are calls for a similar one in Afghanistan. In its dying days, the Bush administration has ordered a full review of policy in Afghanistan. General Petraeus took part in lengthy high-level meetings in London and Paris last month, and in August he brain-stormed with Pakistans top brass on an American aircraft-carrier in the Indian Ocean.
I know right, i bet she goes door to door to destroy and destruct......everything....your dog, your kitchen, your 401k, your civil rights, your porn stash, your cocoa puffs....everything!....OMG....she is soooo powerful. oh wait, i thot she was a dummy.
More than 10 countries are patrolling (Somalia waters) but we have asked Russia and she agreed to our request," he said, referring to an international effort to contain piracy.
"The word I don't use for Afghanistan is 'surge'," the new US commander in Afghanistan, General David McKiernan, said in Washington this week. Instead, he spoke of a "sustained commitment" over "many more years" and what ultimately would be a political, not a military solution.
But McKiernan argued that co-opting the Afghan tribes, as the US had done in Iraq after spurning their help for three years, was more a recipe for civil war than it was for peace or stability. "We're in a very tough fight," he told reporters. "The idea that it might get worse before it gets better is certainly a possibility."
However, as Washington persists with fighting the war in Afghanistan on the cheap, investing just a fifth of what it spends in Iraq, unflattering comparisons are being made with past conflicts.
Zamir Kabulov, the Russian ambassador to Kabul, has lectured Washington that it is repeating the mistakes made by Moscow during its 1980s occupation of Afghanistan, when it believed that control of Kabul and the provincial centres equated with control of an essentially rural population
MOSCOW, Oct 1, 2008 (AFP) - Somalia welcomes Russian help in fighting piracy off its coast and is "not satisfied" with warships from other countries, the country's ambassador to Moscow said Wednesday.
These two are "opposites" in the US. There is no point in having two parties. They are more different within themselves than they are from each other at the top.
People often ask, What did you learn from Iraq that might be transferable to Afghanistan? The first lesson, the first caution really, is that every situation like this is truly and absolutely unique, and has its own context and specifics and its own texture,
General Petraeus is the pre-emininent figure when it comes to counter-insurgency, so vaunted in his profession that followers of his way of war have gifted him with near mythic status, calling him "King David." Others may have contributed more to the discussion of counter-insurgency, but no figure is more associated with the term than General Petraeus. An open declaration by the man who has mastered the lessons of Iraq, that those same lessons cannot be simply mapped onto Afghanistan, is absolutely devastating to McCain.
The U.S. is in a difficult, almost precarious, situation. If it attacks the Ukrainian ship, and Russian lives are lost; the divide and the creeping silent confrontation between the U.S. and Russia will triple overnight. Additionally; African nations will look upon us as inept, and would be less willing to partner with us in world affairs. If we can pull off a daring, successful, commando raid without loss of life, then we would be the golden boys, and our prestige would leap among the African nations. But I strongly suspect that a commando raid is rather untenable, imprudent, and untrustworthy. The safest course of action is to let the Russians handle this tangled affair themselves and see how it plays out. I suspect that the Russians will be heavy handed, and that hostages will wind up being killed. I pray that does not happen for the simple humanitarian sake of the hostages. But for us, it is a no win situation. Additionally, I also agree that AFRICOM in conjunction with State should be actively engaged in contacting and interacting with African governments on this issue, and any issue of mutual concern.
"What does anyone make of this: why does glod stay up so much higher relative to the glod equities."[?]
In general, because the metal is seeing big physical demand, and the stocks are stocks. If you want leverage, you play the stocks, whose profit is highly leveraged to the metal price when the price is near their cost of production.
But today seems to be a special case, as the POG didn't suddenly cross the cost of production for most miners. I'm thinking this was hedgies unwinding for the ongoing deleveraging. You have to remember that most miners trade in thin markets, so it's easy to get big moves if the herd rushes in one direction all at once.
In a speech that reflected his views on the comprehensive role of the U.S. military in facing the challenges ahead, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said American troops will remain in Iraq and Afghanistan for years to serve in advisory or counter-terrorism capacities.
Re calling and faxing, time is on our side. The longer this takes and the more people think about it, the more likely it is that wall street takes the pain with its bailout, and that we get a program that might actually increase liquidity.
I would love to sit every congress critter down in front of the Charlie Rose video. Not let them leave until they watch.
I have also called repeatedly. It might not work. But what else you gonna do?
LOL on the Dr.Suess stuff, the "Homie The Clown" version, no less.
And I think you are correct on gold,
relative to price, it will be under $700 in less one year, in my opinion.
(I will always keep some in physical form, in case I am wrong, though)
eff the debate, how long or short the equity market are you guys/gals? anyone planning to trade a very short term rally on the $700 gazillion bail/rescue/giveaway/pony express, how R U gonna position to do it?
The Unknown
As we know,
There are known knowns.
There are things we know we know.
We also know
There are known unknowns.
That is to say
We know there are some things
We do not know.
But there are also unknown unknowns,
The ones we don't know
We don't know.
Feb. 12, 2002, Department of Defense news briefing
Thanks for the thoughtful response. One follow up: if you were to assume the Glod/XAU ratio goes down, would it be Glod staying the same/rising more slowly and XAU taking off hard, or would Glod fall a bit and XAU moves up moderately?
XAU is currently heading for its lows; there's a good chance it'll break those heading down to 2002 levels. I can't image Glod/XAU shooting higher, so I would bet on both declining just Glod declining more rapidly.
04 Rule Let Banks Pile Up New Debt They wanted an exemption for their brokerage units from an old regulation that limited the amount of debt they could take on. The exemption would unshackle billions of dollars held in reserve as a cushion against losses on their investments. Those funds could then flow up to the parent company, enabling it to invest in the fast-growing but opaque world of mortgage-backed securities; credit derivatives, a form of insurance for bond holders; and other exotic instruments.
The five investment banks led the charge, including Goldman Sachs, which was headed by Henry M. Paulson Jr. Two years later, he left to become Treasury secretary.
A lone dissenter a software consultant and expert on risk management weighed in from Indiana with a two-page letter to warn the commission that the move was a grave mistake. He never heard back from Washington
Among all the sweeteners added to the $700 billion financial bailout bill passed by the Senate, none has attracted more attention than a tax break for wooden archery arrows used by kids.
The exemption would eliminate a 43-cent excise tax on the
arrows, which probably raises less than $200,000 a year for Uncle Sam. But the tax, which is more than the cost of the arrows themselves, has severely undercut archery programs for youths around the country.
SCotto, I like you, but I have to disagree...This election is so past over. McCain is losing freakin' Florida right now...Palin will only hurt his chances here...
SCotto, I like you, but I have to disagree...This election is so past over. McCain is losing freakin' Florida right now...Palin will only hurt his chances here...
Comrade Kristina | 10.02.08 - 10:30 pm | #
Yeah, actually I think you are right. This election will be won in Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, Florida and Missouri. Last I heard VA and MI were going blue, and if FL is leaning that way then it is over.
One more thing: Biden was a terrible choice. Never pick a washed up failed prez candidate as your running mate. People don't want to see that shit. If they had picked Evan Bayh this election would be over already.
In economic theory deflation is a general reduction in the level of prices, or of the prices of an entire kind of asset or commodity. Deflation should not be confused with temporarily falling prices; instead, it is a sustained fall in general prices.
Palin will only hurt his chances here...
Comrade Kristina | 10.02.08 - 10:30 pm | #
more thought: I am not surprised that McCain is losing ground in FL but I am surprised that Palin is hurting him there. I would have thought she would help if anything w/ all the Joe pickup and sally soccermom votes.
Scotto, my expertise is politics not economics..Biden was a great choice. He's likable in a gaffe prone way. He has uber Foreign policy expertise and he's a steady hand. That is what people wanted to see in a running mate for a young Senator. Someone with experience and connections. I would have loved to see Schweitzer or Sebelius but America is not ready for that Progressive of a ticket. McCain pulled his campaign out of Michigan today. Virginia is just about a lock for Obama..GAme is over.
Now - what has pushed the price of removing glod from the ground over the past decade? Answer: the rise in commodity prices (oil principally, also steel, equipment costs, some misc. others).
Now these input costs are coming down with a vengeance.
(--Comrade Persecuted)
Sure, just this week gasoline, diesel, steel, and equipment prices dropped dramatically. NOT.
Your thesis is half-fantasy, half ignorance. Try again explaining that gold supply has been or will begin outgrowing demand.
And you forgot to take into account that CB selling of gold reserves has been 500 tons/year, pumping up supply. Will that continue, under the threat of global fiat collapse?
We have a tsunami of cash crashing into short term financial pockets, which pushes the yield curve lower, yet, the long end, where no one wants to be is the better deal, and the curve is being forced to look like we are in a recovery. WTF is going on?
I'm not very good at predicting the future, especially right now with everything being manipulated. I don't expect the POG to fall much from here in the near term, the physical market is too strong.
I usually watch the HUI rather than the XAU. Based on recent action, I expect the miners to snap back up in the near term and perhaps ratchet down for a few months. The miners cannot drag glod down by collapsing, as that would ultimately reduce supply unless governments start dumping. But I would not be surprised to see governments start buying at this point as they try to diversify out of the dollar. I would also not be surprised to see the gold dinar get some traction here as money tries to move away from the current volatility.
Medium term, my crystal ball is very cloudy. We have to wait and see what the reaction to this mess is world-wide. The medium term inflation/deflation argument is not settled to my satisfaction, and since I don't have a confident prediction on that for the next year, I can't say much about medium term glod.
In the long term, inflation will be back big time, which is why I have not sold out my positions in miners. I don't trade those things, I just buy them when they're really cheap. Haven't bought any for years.
Scotto, quite a few anti semetic quotes from one of the people speaking at her church that she was present for. I live in the reddest of red areas (the panhandle) and even they won't try to defend her...It's amazing really. As a liberal here, we've had to be underground for years, now nobody bothers to challenge our beliefs, they are just beat down by Bush and the Palin pic...Many say they won't bother to vote, I'm a bartender so I get a first hand view of their reactions..
Scotto, my expertise is politics not economics..Biden was a great choice. He's likable in a gaffe prone way. He has uber Foreign policy expertise and he's a steady hand. That is what people wanted to see in a running mate for a young Senator. Someone with experience and connections. I would have loved to see Schweitzer or Sebelius but America is not ready for that Progressive of a ticket. McCain pulled his campaign out of Michigan today. Virginia is just about a lock for Obama..GAme is over.
Comrade Kristina | 10.02.08 - 10:36 pm | #
Re: ow can Americans support a general increase in the level of prices?
They can't! The demand will fall off as the price increases because of distribution disparity, i.e, fewer goods, less supply, more demand = hyperinflation.
Think of it this way. As credit contracts and less money is available for expansion, there will be consolidation and greater efficiency, but what ever supply is in the system will be in demand by more people and thus prices will go up as inventories fall.
Not this again. If money is scarce, and concentrated in the hands of few, prices for necessities will be high for others, in relative terms. This is termed "inflation" in ordinary speech, but deflation by the economist. There is never general rise or fall, just relative change, and it can starve you to death.
Scotto, remember the Billy Joel song?
The waitress is practicing politics? That is me... I spend about 7hours a day doing research of one sort or another, be it financial or political. I'm very hard to argue with
They can't! The demand will fall off as the price increases because of distribution disparity, i.e, fewer goods, less supply, more demand = hyperinflation.
Lumber Jack | 10.02.08 - 10:39 pm | #
I'm still not following your logic. If demand falls off, how can any inflation stick long enough to become hyper?
where is everyone
waiting for Sarah Palin to tell us to invest in Moose hunting gear and Salmon jerky
Can I get the Cliff notes?
I am from the government. I am here to help you moderate your opinions.
The economy is strong. Be a brave shopper. Shopping is good for you.
I want to buy the Syrah from Palin vineyards and toast the girl!
Mort,
You just renewed my interest in BXP.
I'm sending my resume in Jan!
.......
On Charlie Rose Video "Their hair isn't on fire yet" no, they (homeowners) have pulled it all out....
Wait... so CR could've posted anything and ya'll would be talking about the VPILF.
Can't wait for Nov. 5th.
"mainstreet doesn't understand because their hair isn't on fire yet"
We want a Palin thread! We want a Palin thread!.........I'M NOT WEARING ANY PANTS!
"the problem is the public doesn't appreciate the severity of where we are."
...hair on fire comment...
"people are still shopping at bloomingdales."
Sorry to repeat this, but I think it is key to the debate on the credit crisis- what do you think?
From Forbes: Bank Loans Have Not 'Dried Up'
Bank Loans Have Not 'Dried Up' - Forbes.com
In August, bank loans to consumers were 9.5% higher than they were a year earlier--the fastest increase since 2004. The year-to-year increase in consumer and industrial loans was 15.5%, down only slightly from a recent record high of 21.6% in March. Real estate loans were up 4.1% for the 12-month period ending this August--flat lately, but not dow
Did bank lending suddenly turn south since August? The latest data is for the week ending Sept.17, when the U.S. expropriated 80% of AIG (nyse: AIG - news - people ) equity and thus tanked most financial stocks. U.S. bank credit hit a record of over $7 trillion in the latest week--up from $6.57 trillion a year earlier and $6.92 trillion at the end of July.
Contrary to many comments, consumer and industrial loans actually increased in the latest week. Troubled giant banks have cut back on lending, but smaller banks have picked up the slack. Consumer and real estate loans dipped insignificantly through Sept. 17, remaining much higher than they were a year earlier.
If all the recent hysterical chatter about lending being "frozen" or "shut down" refers to anything real, it is not about banks loans (through Sept. 17) but about such arcane financial markets as asset-backed commercial paper or loans between banks. But this too is mainly about financial firms, not Main Street. Non-financial commercial paper increased from $156 billion at the start of the year to more than $204 billion from Sept. 3 to Sept. 17, dipping only modestly since then.
Economic journalists seem oddly fascinated with the last column of the table--interbank loans from one to another (aside from fed funds). "Banks won't even lend to each other," said a TV reporter, "so how can we expect them to loan to business or consumers?" But interbank loans are obviously tiny, and banks rightly regard lending to other banks more risky than lending to Main Street. There is no reason to expect the minuscule flow of interbank loans to determine consumer and business loans. That little tail can't wag the big dog.
The interest rate on interbank loans, the three-month London Interbank Lending Rate (LIBOR) rate, was a shade over 4% on Sept. 30, which inspired some scary talk on CNBC that morning. But a 3.9% LIBOR rate in January did not inspire such worries, nor did a 5.5% rate last September.
There has also been much hand-wringing about the wide "TED spread" between the very low interest rates on Eurodollars and the extremely low interest rates on three-month U.S. Treasury bills. But the TED spread does not predict recession--it flashed false alarms in September 1987 and December 1994 and provided no warning of the 2001 recession.
Everyone knows that U.S. banks have virtually stopped lending, deeply slashing their loans to U.S. consumers and firms. As is so often the case, however, what everyone knows is probably not true.
Alan Reynolds is a senior fellow with the Cato Institute.
they just agree with each other and out-do each others gloom and doom scenarios.
Couldn't he have invited Kudlow on or something?
Zuckerman is right on target, IMO.
RE I concur.
I've yet to hear a CEO talk like this.
I'm sorry, but this whole "people do not understand" thing is driving me nuts. Okay, most people do not understand macroeconomics. Granted. The full effect of this crisis is yet to be experienced. Granted. But that does not mean this package is the right path to go down, and it does not mean that the resources that will be appropriated will be utilized in a way that changes our course or even mitigates some of the effect of the crisis. But maybe if we keep telling people they haven't seen anything yet, they will agree that we know more than they do.
"even purists suggest that we should do something. Even those"
I guess he hasn't met some people on CR
Mark Fiore's Animated Cartoon Site
what, is the Jas Jain love fest over?
smartest PhD in the Room.
get it right this time, DOPES!
cmon Jas....ya' tenured faculty hack.
Bond Girl,
Or we could just loot the Treasury and hope the people don't notice. Either way's fine
OK. Food and energy prices have moved up. Car and house prices have moved down. What to make of it? Things you don't need are falling; things you do need are rising.
Mr. Market, jr.,
In what respect are energy prices now moving up? Oil's down 35% in the last 3 months; natural gas is down even more.
And it always depends on what specific food items you're referring to, but I see most have stabilized and I'm seeing 2 for 1 deals coming back with a vengeance.
Deflation central.
Comrade Bond Guy,
Posted on prior thread after thread call.
Here's my response if you're still around.
Comrade Bond Guy,
As to 1 & 2,...Cognitive dissonance. It doesn't matter but it does? Why peg if it is irrelevant? It rather strengthens my point that countries warily watch US monetization, as Yen monetization was financed by Japanese savers.
"I was covering a hypothetical case in the future when there was serious debt deflation."
I don't remember that point being made, and as such makes tyour position irrelevant, as I was asking here and now how does the Fed inflate? I was very clear on that point.
The follow up:
"(1) The U.S. will have savings; otherwise there would probably be no major debt deflation."
That's a new point from your original argument, but I'll allow it as it is still extra topical. Because it addresses an issue not in the question. How do they do this say next week...which was my point.
Further, how does lack of savings preclude a major debt deflation? We're having one now with a very low savings rate. that some measures of savings seem to be increasing is simply 401k cash outs into monetary equivalents that are counted in statisitcs as savings.
As to 3:
What does absorbing imports, or mercantalist, or any of that statement have to do with hyper inflation. I request clarification before I issue a rebuttal. At this point it is a non-sequitor.
I like to debate...I'm not bashing you personally...I did NDT in college...I might read as insulting, but it's really just good clean intellectual fun for me.
Nostrovia,
Now back to your regularly scheduled VPILF rantings.
Nostrovia,
All, I suggest listening to Zuckerman instead of quoting Sorkin.
Best to all.
I did NDT in college
Non Destructive Testing?
I didnt take you for a iron monkey!
Simple question...why would anyone purchase equities at this time? The trend is down. The economy is in a shambles. Earnings are falling. What logical reason would cause someone to conclude US equities are worth buying?
Calculated Risk writes:
All, I suggest listening to Zuckerman instead of quoting Sorkin.
I was kinda annoyed the kid cut off Mort. Mort was biting his tongue but did a good job of not getting tooo annoyed...
...
Here was <a href="http://www.haloscan.com/comments/calculatedrisk/7075817006844822365/?a=12625#504200>my take on oil & USO back in late June.
My unsolicited TA take last Friday, that I'm staying with until proven invalid, is that crude (esp. the etf USO) gave a key reversal signal... 06.29.08
Both USO & oil contract topped less than 2 weeks later and have since plummeted with no end in sight. My point (besides gloating)? I've been avidly following the fundamentals with eyes on the market technicals and both are screaming deflation.
Does Charlie interrupt everyone as always? No patitience for him, but he's a cut above.
Zuckerman say that the bailout money should be invested in the same that Buffett has been making deals. The shareholders and mgmt should get the pain on the way down.
I did CBT in college.
Z says we will see realistic appraisals on new home loans, based on values going down. I'm wondering how the market will flush out the dishonest appraisers?
Off Topic: The Department of Education has been extending its budget to credit markets by buying securitized student loans from institutions looking to withdraw. Only in the millions of dollars still, but they are essentially trying to prop up loans prices to keep the market attractive/liquid in the short term (source: cnbc tv)
OT PM Question, ...
This close spread between the price of gold and platinum, I do not remember seeing this in my limited amount of time following the PM prices. Deflational enhanced characteristics?
Slowly downloading for audio extraction. I'll post the audio if anybody's interested...
Comrade nades,
NDT-National Debate Topic.
Today it is in serious decline. CEDA is the big game now. It's so sophist it's hardly worth paying attention to, but then look around politics and business here these days and makes perfect sense.
Cross Examination Debate Association
Nostrovia,
Sarah Palin is a symbol of everything that is wrong with the modern United States. As a representative of our political system, shes a new low in reptilian villainy, the ultimate cynical masterwork of puppeteers like Karl Rove. But more than that, she is a horrifying symbol of how little we ask for in return for the total surrender of our political power. Not only is Sarah Palin a fraud, shes the tawdriest, most half-assed fraud imaginable, 20 floors below the lowest common denominator, a character too dumb even for daytime TV and this country is going to eat her up, cheering her every step of the way. All because most Americans no longer have the energy to do anything but lie back and allow ourselves to be jacked off by the calculating thieves who run this grasping consumer paradise we call a nation.
Comrade CR,
"All, I suggest listening to Zuckerman instead of quoting Sorkin."
Well DUH!
Nostrovia,
kuros excellent be aware ELP economize localize produce
Impressed with Sorkin. Zuckerman seemed so as well.
More impressed withCR.
And I wish to once again say a great big thank you to CR and Tanta for this 'place'.
I consider it 'my' place. Sort of a place where one can pop a top and shoot the bull in a fun and rollicking atmosphere with smart people.
Citizen Scotto: I don't favor the view of hyperinflation occurring but I believe your assessment is wrong. Consumers don't even need to touch the money for inflation to happe
Comrades,
Can't watch anymore. The interveiwer is after Zuckerman about how this is a rescue..."Main Street" (FU) doesn't understand blah blah blah.
Let it burn!
Nostrovia,
? writes:
where is everyone
some are getting stinkin drunk
poppin popcorn
and gettin ready to watch a comedy
....or a tragedy
on tv.
the rest of us are digging a banker-dome (banker-bunker for those who dont remember a venerable old poster on CR)
kuros,
Drink haterade much? I think you'll like the bitter taste.
We've let "smart" people run our country into theground the past 20 years. It's time for the rubes to rise. I'm sick of accepting such mediocrity from Ivy Leaguers in our government.
Not that I'm voting for her and the old guy. I think an Obama-Palin ticket would kill... but I guess we don't want to go back to 1798 or someyear around then...and also Obama is an Ivy guy too.
? writes:
where is everyone
? | 10.02.08 - 8:16 pm | #
sorry I'm late, I was caught in traffic on the previous thread
EvilHenryPaulson writes:
Off Topic: The Department of Education has been extending its budget to credit markets by buying securitized student loans from institutions looking to withdraw. Only in the millions of dollars still, but they are essentially trying to prop up loans prices to keep the market attractive/liquid in the short term (source: cnbc tv)
Are they talking about FELP loans or other types? They have been purchasing FELP loans after the auction rate securities market blew up.
volker-new to the site, but I'll drink to that!
"Moderator writes: "
here we goez agai
Comrade mock turtle,
"some are getting stinkin drunk"
AYE!
Nostrovia,
"This close spread between the price of gold and platinum"
I'll try that. The close spread simply reflects the fact that these PMs trade on different motivations. In an industrial contraction, lots of platinum demand goes away, especially if automobiles are not being build (use in catalytic converters). Gold trades on inflation and fear.
Audio Download
Podcast
Comrade sm_landlord,
I'm gonna get me some platinum after it hits hard. Not sure of the chart...but 6-9 months I'm taking.
Nostrovia,
ynical Yes writes:
Simple question...why would anyone purchase equities at this time? The trend is down. The economy is in a shambles. Earnings are falling.
odd isnt it?
or even
for every seller of an equity position there is a buyer!!!!
or as my dear old mother used to say
everybody has their price
OK. Food and energy prices have moved up. Car and house prices have moved down. What to make of it? Things you don't need are falling; things you do need are rising.
Mr. Market, jr. | 10.02.08 - 8:30 pm | #
food and energy bought with cash (or very near-term debt anyway)
cars and houses bought only with long-term debt
Platinum has genuine value: it's the densest metal and is used industrially to remove pollutants.
As for glod and sliver - they've been bid up past any practical use. And their supply/demand characteristics (putting aside the speculative demand, which is unlimited) look bearish.
Buy practical things close to their inherent value during deflation.
Gold trades on inflation and fear.
And deflation as I posted in the last thread.
HaloScan.com - Comments
emo got his butt kicked, this is a sign!
I would agree with the kid that mainstreet doesn't have an adequate understanding of the crisis, who does?
But what's central is whether as taxpayers mainstreet understands the terms of the bill just passed by the Senate.
If they did, and contrasted it with other plans (like Sweden) or steps (like Buffett's) there would be outright rejection, and rightly so.
Not to mention that Mort's point about changes in SEC rules 2004 to allow for leverage unthinkable to any "regular guy" would lead that guy to let, no demand, those blood suckers hang...
Persecuted Comrade Anonymouse: I am surprised to hear you say the supply/demand characteristics of gold are weak -- I've heard the complete opposite -- Rising demand and falling supply. Why do you say this?
Simple question...why would anyone purchase equities at this time? The trend is down. The economy is in a shambles. Earnings are falling. What logical reason would cause someone to conclude US equities are worth buying?
Cynical Yes | 10.02.08 - 8:37 pm | #
On another (non-financial) board that I frequent, all people can say is "stocks are on sale" and "i'm not retiring for 30 years, I can afford to invest for the long term"
Sorkin and Zuckerman are years late in recognizing the ponzi nature of our phony, sham economy.
Here's the gig. There is NO SUCH THING AS A JOBLESS RECOVERY!
We never recovered from the dot.CON bust. We tried to paper over the last recession and made matters worse.
Let the bad debts default.
The Paulson plan is nothing more than irresponsible rich people trying to lay off their foolishness on the productive economy.
Asset values in America are largely fiction and are highlyt over-valued based on wildly optimistic assumptions about the future.
gag.
The Sork just got a $700,000 advance on a book deal about "the meltdown".
If you really want to read a good book on the subject, try Chain of Blame.
Anonymous writes:
nemo got his butt kicked, this is a sign!
I agree, we may have just seen market capitulation.
sm_landlord,
Thanks, and hence my point, the "real and imagined" leveraged in statistical form.
Yet, I do not recall the two, gold and platinum, being priced so closely together. I am wondering if the prices will invert, that would be a "trip" to me.
This notion that main street doesn't understand the crisis is nonsense.
I own a company (blue collar union employees) and trust me they get "it" in spades.
Main street recognizes the disconnect between work and money. Wall street and the fed do not.
I hope Ms. Palin gets a one way ticket back to Alaska. Her family needs her more than we do.
Comrade Misean:
"I'm gonna get me some platinum after it hits hard."
Tricky to time that one. By the time the market starts speculating on an automobile production recovery, platinum will probably be rising on speculation of the speculation. Everything depends on the recovery cycle length, which I am not smart enough to predict. This might not be a bad time to start investigating platinum producers, which I'm sure have just gotten hammered in today's market. I almost can't bear to look...
Heard on NPR today that Palin Family has total assets of 1.2 Million. Maybe a little high for typical 44 year old Hockey Mom.
Yes, Zuckerman's right. Not that USN&WR was a rebel voice against the last three decades of Reaganism and debt bingeing.
Poor America. Seduced/traduced/reduced/Palin-moosed.
Those most opposed are the most informed. This Bailout will do nothing constructive but I guarantee you confidence will take a mighty blow. Sorkin is a patronizing idiot who knows nothing, you hear me nothing (a la Jim Cramer).
y, that was some strong language about corruption on WS.
Blue dope,
Red dope,
Born dope,
Bred dope.
What can we say about partisan dopes?
Yes, why prefer one ass cheek of the duopoly over another?
Democrats and Republicans: "Two cosily-fused buttocks of the same giant derriere."
We have controls in place to prevent another depression? Like what?
We had controls in place now that were supposed to prevent what is happening now.
There are no true controls, period.
Depression is coming people.
Obma/Biden support cramdowns
Wow:
AHI: United States » Bailout or bonanza? Part 1: what do you do?
y biden .... principal write down!!!
my whale watch way address needs a writedown to $350k
Zuckerman gets it. But it will be the Great Depression and it'll be worse than the first one except it won't be in black & white...
--
"Jas: And you believe her? "
briwerk,
I said that her comments on the particular subject were on the mark.
I don't trust any gang members, Democratic or Republican! I do agree with some of their comments from time to time. Even street gang members make turthful comments sometimes.
Jas
I hate to waste my time on either of these idiots. Would anyone here want to sit down and have a glass of wine with these crooks? I'm talking Palin or the other guy, not Ross and Mort.
I do not like greenbacks and pork.
I do not like them Hank you dork.
yogi, LOL
--
Observation: Palin is holding up much better than I would have expected.
Jas
lol, she said Joe Sixpack
wait wait wait.... which one was long winded?
Japan not doing too bad:
Bloomberg
Palin = circular responses
Jas Jain writes:
Observation: Palin is holding up much better than I would have expected.
I thought I was going to feel embarrassed for her (like I did for both McCain and Obama). She is tough!
Jas, your expectations must have been pretty damn low.
Lumber plunged to a 17-year low on speculation that the credit crunch in the U.S. will limit demand for building materials.
Home prices dropped in 24 of 25 U.S. metropolitan areas in July from a year earlier as foreclosures eroded property values, according to Radar Logic Inc. New-home sales fell to a 17-year low in August, the Commerce Department said Sept. 25. Lumber futures fell 15 percent in September, capping a 21 percent drop in the third quarter that was the biggest since 2002.
The credit crunch is definitely affecting demand,'' said Jamie Greenough, a lumber broker and analyst at Global Futures Corp. in Vancouver.Jobs aren't getting done because people can't get financing.''
Lumber futures for November delivery dropped $2.80, or 1.4 percent, to $196.40 per 1,000 board feet on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Earlier, the price fell the exchange's $10 daily limit to $189.20, the lowest for a most-active contract since October 1991. Futures are down 18 percent in the past year.
Drill!
CLF
I think she is falling to pieces.
She runs back to energy whenever she is out of her depth, which appears to be on every other issue.
observation: Palin just had the most awkward dodge of the question about cramdowns.
Fuck it, lets talk energy rhetoric. I shot a moose, y'all.
Is Palin text messaging?
She has a shit eating grin on her face...
--
"We have controls in place to prevent another depression? Like what?"
Burn-ass-ke! Hanky Panky!!
You need better controls? Look towards India.
Jas
Lumber plunged to a 17-year low on speculation that the credit crunch in the U.S. will limit demand for building materials.
I smell more deflation.
Talk about a shit eatin grin--look at Biden.
anonymous writes:
I think she is falling to pieces.
She runs back to energy whenever she is out of her depth, which appears to be on every other issue.
nods Biden is kicking her butt. So far.
Man...Palin said "nucular"....
Bush II
moderator: How do you get to point A?
Palin: Point A is where we are going
Look, no one listens to Couric, and that's where she got slammed... by like two people.
Uh oh, she used the R word.
the cutsy act is not resonating with the CNN wireless women.
More Mort
I'M NOT WEARING ANY UNDERWEAR!
--
Burn-ass-ke = On hot metal chair (Chairman!) with burner underneath.
Jas
She sounds like my 3rd grade teacher.
HTE put in a bottom A on the technical chart.
Biden's teeth scare me.
She keeps looking down at her notes...
Or is someone texting her the response?
"straight up"
That use to be an urban phrase no?
Constitutional marriage is about taxes, benefits, and taxes and benefits....
--
"Is Palin text messaging?"
nades.
She is using telepathy with Holy Ghost.
Jas
She keeps looking down at her notes...
Or is someone texting her the response?
Mentalic
I think the latter...
"Positively EEffect the impacts"??
We have a gay Congress
Jas,
I'm an uber bear, but I don't see a great depression.
Lower living standards? Definitely for the majority in relative terms to the rest of the world.
Palin: Pushed hard by another "great" american John McCain....Its so funny...
More money to Iraq!! Go baby go!
Palin has the largest lapel flag in the history of the US. I was hoping she'd debate in tongues.
Government: Stay out of my way if I want to wreck the environment drilling for oil. Now go arrest those 2 consenting adults.
both are stating the negative vote of the Presidential candidates in the Senate.
Senators must vote no, its the most powerful vote. unless you're bailing out the US economy.
She has a bug in her ear and this is all pre written shit
What plan??
Now Biden is trying to get all of the BK people to vote for him. Prob a good strategy.
I don't think Biden is that much smarter than her, just better practiced. Don't get me wrong, practice counts for a ton in politics.
She said conserving energy! Didn't she get the memo? The American way of life is non-negotiable.
Is this a plan?
John Ashcroft,
"debate in tongues." LMFAO
ummm, yer plan, is a white flag?
I'll be writing in a protest vote.
Jesse Ventura - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Republicans and Democrats are the same imo - they talk differently, but act the same.
She does need to quit going back to the energy thing. She is going to get creamed in the media for it.
PLEASE Biden, call her out for wanting to leave Zero oil for all those offspring of hers.
conservative? Bulls**t.
biden = filibuster
Ok, what is your plan honey?
Plan, plan, what is the plan... come on baby, spit out a plan!!! your time is up, dumbshit, the plan!!
Who would think there's a crisis going on? I guess it's up to Bush. Oh, wait...
John Mcain voted....for money.
Brak Obama vote for... not money?
More stories, no plan, palin lost
I was hoping Biden would rip her to pieces...
But I guess, I had too high hopes of Biden...or maybe, too low an opinion of Palin...
--
nods Biden is kicking her butt. So far.
Anoddamoose,
Isnt that battery and abuse?
Security, arrest Joe Bieden and escort him off the stage.
Jas
Lumber Jack,
Palin: What plan? We are going to the plan.
Both candidates have received over 20 million dollars from the financial sector, directly.
Yeah, I think she's texting.
Uh, a Madrassa is a school.
Anyone interested in Glod or Glod stocks take a look at this <a href="http://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=xaugolddb8.png>striking chart of the Glod/XAU ratio. (!!!)
What does anyone make of this: why does glod stay up so much higher relative to the glod equities. The stocks usually lead the commodity. I think this portends much lower glod prices.
"Would you like some Turnip with your Cabbage Soup Citizen?
ucular....mf
Tishman's $5.4 Billion NYC Apartment Purchase Hits Obstacles
Tishman's $5.4 Billion NYC Apartment Purchase Hits Obstacles - Bloomberg.com
huucudanode
Note that Biden keeps looking down, so he could be "texting" as well.
But, Biden does not look down when speaking...she does....
She said nuk-le-ar!! (this time).
Did Palin just cite Al Quaida as an authority on where the fight against terror was to take place?
Future US writes:
"Would you like some Turnip with your Cabbage Soup Citizen?
LOL!
The Castro Brothers. I LOVE their music!
--
What if "democratic Pakistan" is worse for the American People than dictatorship Pakistan? Both are bad, but one is worse because anti-American and pro Osama feelings among Pakistanis are strong.
Jas
I hate turnips and cabbage!
clarify!!!
Caribou Barbie looks rather naked and weak. Quite frankly, I can't stand listening to her.
She's getting upset. Biden is keeping his cool.
Congressman Blunt's email seems to be overloaded...can't get through.
I guess it is all those supporting his effort to destroy the republican party by supporting this abortion of a bill.
wow, I used to be stupid, now i know coal is clean and nat gas is green
Spain housing bubble worse than US.
Palin: I see Russia from my podium
The challenge of the Iranian negotiation is far more complex. For two years before the opening to China, the two sides had engaged in subtle, reciprocal, symbolic and diplomatic actions to convey their intentions. In the process, they had tacitly achieved a parallel understanding of the international situation, and China opted for seeking to live in a cooperative world.
This sounds like a high school presentation at midterms. Palin should have brought some VAs.
Wonder how she's playing overseas?
These are all talking points from the last debate -- boring!
Rice is hiding in a bunker with Bush!
Why couldn't I get benefits when I lived with my boyfriend? A bunch of crap.
Sniggle,
Call or fax. They won't read your email anyway.
"I'm a Zionist"
-Joseph Biden Stei
Hezbola is legit.
Al Jazera is CNN?
LOL, Palin is destroying Biden.
--
"Jas, I'm an uber bear, but I don't see a great depression. Lower living standards? Definitely for the majority in relative terms to the rest of the world."
Angry Saver,
Depressions are measured relative to the peak prior to the depression. Peak-to-trough will be worse than during the Great Depression, although it would take longer period.
Jas
I love Israel w/ chocolate!
stead of focusing on specific issues of special interest to the US - mainly Washington's demands that Syria crack down hard against the infiltration of Sunni extremists into Iraq and stop supplying Hezbollah in Lebanon - the discussions also reportedly covered other topics as well, notably Damascus's appeals for Washington to involve directly itself in a burgeoning peace process between Syria and Israel.
We love Israel?
HTE put in a bottom A on the technical chart.
cracker | 10.02.08 - 9:42 pm | #
I want to load up on this.
Just waiting a tiny bit longer.
Palin recites the slogans quite well.
Palin will destroy us, too
Did she just say, we both love Israel?
Wow...Are they contesting for American or Israeli VP position?
scripted.
The failure of Bush policy post-9/11
George W. Bush - Salon.com
AHHHHHH
Im so encouraged that we both love Israel.
--
Palin seems well rehearsed.
Jas
She needs experience and polish, but I like her way more than I thought I would.
Palin will destroy us, too
with all due respect | 10.02.08 - 10:01 pm | #
Like Lyndon Johnson did?
Nukular weapons...
Well, she nailed "naivete". Fitting.
HTE put in a bottom A on the technical chart.
cracker | 10.02.08 - 9:42 pm | #
I want to load up on this.
Just waiting a tiny bit longer.
risk is Tax code change....be careful chasing yield. its rallies to 18, before the drop to 11 in January.
Hy harpoon is standing stright up for Sarah!
--
Both are equally boring in delivery.
Jas
Fars News Agency :: Iran Urges IAEA to Act within Safeguards
Iran's Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Ali Asghar Soltanieh said Wednesday that Tehran will continue cooperation with the IAEA, expecting the agency not to take any steps beyond its charter and comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.
"It's hard work"
/me is having SNL flashbacks
Jas, we are all boring Americans, it's a breeding thing
ren writes:
Sniggle,
Call or fax. They won't read your email anyway.
ren | 10.02.08 - 9:59 pm | #
Ren,
I have not faxed, but I have called over 30 senators and congresscritters in the last 7 days, and sent numerous emails. When I see one of the congresscritters on CNBC, I call their office and either encourage or chatise.
I am getting tired though. I thought we had won a great victory on Monday (or was it Tuesday), and then those idiots called a mulligan.
This debate is, was, and will be unwatchable. It's horrifying.
HTE is a dog, btw.
and we both say Ackmadinejad. Let's hug!
Petraeus's next war
Oct 2nd 2008
From The Economist print edition
After success in Iraq, can Americas favourite general win in Afghanistan?
Premium content | Economist.com
thus the rally and selloff.
be careful chasing yield. its rallies to 18, before the drop to 11 in January.
cracker | 10.02.08 - 10:02 pm | #
Agreed. Jan will be rough...
Might nibble tomorrow.
McCain opposed nuclear test ban treaty.
In a sane world, that would be game over.
This debate is, was, and will be unwatchable. It's horrifying.
Have you ever seen one that wasn't..I mean really they are always bad.
As security has improved in Iraq, it has worsened in Afghanistan. And as the surge of forces comes to an end in Iraq, there are calls for a similar one in Afghanistan. In its dying days, the Bush administration has ordered a full review of policy in Afghanistan. General Petraeus took part in lengthy high-level meetings in London and Paris last month, and in August he brain-stormed with Pakistans top brass on an American aircraft-carrier in the Indian Ocean.
"Palin will destroy us, too"
I know right, i bet she goes door to door to destroy and destruct......everything....your dog, your kitchen, your 401k, your civil rights, your porn stash, your cocoa puffs....everything!....OMG....she is soooo powerful. oh wait, i thot she was a dummy.
HTE is a dog, btw.
Persecuted Comrade Anonymouse
Damn... cuz I respect your opinion...
Even with that 22% ?
I will have to stay cash.
Have you ever seen one that wasn't..I mean really they are always bad.
Not the ones with Ron Paul. Now there's a guy that doesn't cause douche chills.
--
Both are playing not to lose! Dopes.
Jas
This is boring as hell and they both are replaying the first presidential debate word for word
More than 10 countries are patrolling (Somalia waters) but we have asked Russia and she agreed to our request," he said, referring to an international effort to contain piracy.
"The word I don't use for Afghanistan is 'surge'," the new US commander in Afghanistan, General David McKiernan, said in Washington this week. Instead, he spoke of a "sustained commitment" over "many more years" and what ultimately would be a political, not a military solution.
But McKiernan argued that co-opting the Afghan tribes, as the US had done in Iraq after spurning their help for three years, was more a recipe for civil war than it was for peace or stability. "We're in a very tough fight," he told reporters. "The idea that it might get worse before it gets better is certainly a possibility."
However, as Washington persists with fighting the war in Afghanistan on the cheap, investing just a fifth of what it spends in Iraq, unflattering comparisons are being made with past conflicts.
Zamir Kabulov, the Russian ambassador to Kabul, has lectured Washington that it is repeating the mistakes made by Moscow during its 1980s occupation of Afghanistan, when it believed that control of Kabul and the provincial centres equated with control of an essentially rural population
MOSCOW, Oct 1, 2008 (AFP) - Somalia welcomes Russian help in fighting piracy off its coast and is "not satisfied" with warships from other countries, the country's ambassador to Moscow said Wednesday.
Palin seems well rehearsed.
As does Biden. However, Biden looks like he didn't get any sleep last night. Wonder why?
oh, you guys!!!
These two are "opposites" in the US. There is no point in having two parties. They are more different within themselves than they are from each other at the top.
I've never seen Ron Paul debate.
People often ask, What did you learn from Iraq that might be transferable to Afghanistan? The first lesson, the first caution really, is that every situation like this is truly and absolutely unique, and has its own context and specifics and its own texture,
General Petraeus is the pre-emininent figure when it comes to counter-insurgency, so vaunted in his profession that followers of his way of war have gifted him with near mythic status, calling him "King David." Others may have contributed more to the discussion of counter-insurgency, but no figure is more associated with the term than General Petraeus. An open declaration by the man who has mastered the lessons of Iraq, that those same lessons cannot be simply mapped onto Afghanistan, is absolutely devastating to McCain.
Oh man.... she sucks!
--
"Straight talk."
And Crooked walk!
Jas
Do they get the questions before the debate?
I've never seen Ron Paul debate.
Youtube Ron Paul. It's that easy.
Re: Do they get the questions before the debate?
They get them a week in advance and practice over and over
The U.S. is in a difficult, almost precarious, situation. If it attacks the Ukrainian ship, and Russian lives are lost; the divide and the creeping silent confrontation between the U.S. and Russia will triple overnight. Additionally; African nations will look upon us as inept, and would be less willing to partner with us in world affairs. If we can pull off a daring, successful, commando raid without loss of life, then we would be the golden boys, and our prestige would leap among the African nations. But I strongly suspect that a commando raid is rather untenable, imprudent, and untrustworthy. The safest course of action is to let the Russians handle this tangled affair themselves and see how it plays out. I suspect that the Russians will be heavy handed, and that hostages will wind up being killed. I pray that does not happen for the simple humanitarian sake of the hostages. But for us, it is a no win situation. Additionally, I also agree that AFRICOM in conjunction with State should be actively engaged in contacting and interacting with African governments on this issue, and any issue of mutual concern.
"What does anyone make of this: why does glod stay up so much higher relative to the glod equities."[?]
In general, because the metal is seeing big physical demand, and the stocks are stocks. If you want leverage, you play the stocks, whose profit is highly leveraged to the metal price when the price is near their cost of production.
But today seems to be a special case, as the POG didn't suddenly cross the cost of production for most miners. I'm thinking this was hedgies unwinding for the ongoing deleveraging. You have to remember that most miners trade in thin markets, so it's easy to get big moves if the herd rushes in one direction all at once.
In a speech that reflected his views on the comprehensive role of the U.S. military in facing the challenges ahead, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said American troops will remain in Iraq and Afghanistan for years to serve in advisory or counter-terrorism capacities.
Re calling and faxing, time is on our side. The longer this takes and the more people think about it, the more likely it is that wall street takes the pain with its bailout, and that we get a program that might actually increase liquidity.
I would love to sit every congress critter down in front of the Charlie Rose video. Not let them leave until they watch.
I have also called repeatedly. It might not work. But what else you gonna do?
Hey P.C. Anonymouse
LOL on the Dr.Suess stuff, the "Homie The Clown" version, no less.
And I think you are correct on gold,
relative to price, it will be under $700 in less one year, in my opinion.
(I will always keep some in physical form, in case I am wrong, though)
blenders?
eff the debate, how long or short the equity market are you guys/gals? anyone planning to trade a very short term rally on the $700 gazillion bail/rescue/giveaway/pony express, how R U gonna position to do it?
The Unknown
As we know,
There are known knowns.
There are things we know we know.
We also know
There are known unknowns.
That is to say
We know there are some things
We do not know.
But there are also unknown unknowns,
The ones we don't know
We don't know.
Feb. 12, 2002, Department of Defense news briefing
--
EngineerJim: "However, Biden looks like he didn't get any sleep last night. Wonder why?"
Worried about losing to a gal.
EngineerJas (With some inventions in common use in MPEG and VoIP)
The winking commander-in-chief
Sniggle writes:
Congressman Blunt's email seems to be overloaded...can't get through.
I've been sending faxes to my reps/sens been working just fine.
I think this guy is a crook and Palin is a sick person!
His conscience over the bailout vote kept him awake, of course.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
YouTube -
What was the question again??
McCain opposed nuclear test ban treaty.
In a sane world, that would be game over.
And that is a fact!
Neither of these boobs can respond to questions they add all sorts of shit and dance away from reality!
dog-gonnit!!!
So cute!
What was the question again?
sm_landlord,
Thanks for the thoughtful response. One follow up: if you were to assume the Glod/XAU ratio goes down, would it be Glod staying the same/rising more slowly and XAU taking off hard, or would Glod fall a bit and XAU moves up moderately?
XAU is currently heading for its lows; there's a good chance it'll break those heading down to 2002 levels. I can't image Glod/XAU shooting higher, so I would bet on both declining just Glod declining more rapidly.
Sad how neither has mentioned the poverty stricken, and only passing reference to the working class, which apparently no longer exists.
I'd also like to give a shout out to any dumbasses that would be stupid enough to vote for this simple minded fool. Increase the piece!
Sarah sends me checks to my home in Nome and she'll send you checks too.
She grew up in a lax education environment, but what was the question?
I am voting for the first one to discuss energy conservation as being important to the country.
--
"Neither of these boobs can respond to questions they add all sorts of shit and dance away from reality!"
Lumber Jack,
Evasion, a neessary quality for any good gang member, no?
Jas
Looking forward....
Q, what do they do?? She wants power, but....
Jas,
Yes, and too bad they have been placed in front of voters!
04 Rule Let Banks Pile Up New Debt
They wanted an exemption for their brokerage units from an old regulation that limited the amount of debt they could take on. The exemption would unshackle billions of dollars held in reserve as a cushion against losses on their investments. Those funds could then flow up to the parent company, enabling it to invest in the fast-growing but opaque world of mortgage-backed securities; credit derivatives, a form of insurance for bond holders; and other exotic instruments.
The five investment banks led the charge, including Goldman Sachs, which was headed by Henry M. Paulson Jr. Two years later, he left to become Treasury secretary.
A lone dissenter a software consultant and expert on risk management weighed in from Indiana with a two-page letter to warn the commission that the move was a grave mistake. He never heard back from Washington
Oh God, he should bring up Cheney and his lack of ... what
"I am voting for the first one to discuss energy conservation as being important to the country."
Ok. Jimmy Carter.
agenda, gangs, power, re-write constitution?
I'll vote for
Yah baby!!! Shoot at Cheney!
biden just said that "Article I" defines the power of the president...
Ok. Jimmy Carter.
yogi | 10.02.08 - 10:22 pm | #
if he was on the ticket, it would be a done deal
--
"Yes, and too bad they have been placed in front of voters!"
Lumber Jack,
Voter = dope (giving sanction to gang members and gang leaders). Scam Lover = dope. Partisan American = dope.
Jas
As McCain said "She was in the PTA".
Mayor of a huge city and a pot smoker
"g" seems not to be in her vocabulary.
Runnin', gettin', etc.
Putin speaks better English than she does.
Ray-Gun! Ray-Gun! Ray-Gun!
Jas,
I agree, look at what voters are going to get:
Among all the sweeteners added to the $700 billion financial bailout bill passed by the Senate, none has attracted more attention than a tax break for wooden archery arrows used by kids.
The exemption would eliminate a 43-cent excise tax on the
arrows, which probably raises less than $200,000 a year for Uncle Sam. But the tax, which is more than the cost of the arrows themselves, has severely undercut archery programs for youths around the country.
Good come back, but passion, that sounds like Mark Foley?
I bet Palin, given the chance, would vote NO on the bailout.
The democrats will lose once again because they are the Eeyore party. Only doomer porn addicts will like their message.
American dopes just want to hear the pretty lady say that things are great and gettin' better.
Didn't the democrats learn anything from the popularity of Clinton?
Obama/Biden = FAIL
McCain The Maverick, look at his rich friends
maverick: goose
"requesting a fly by"
negative ghostrider. the pattern is full.
--
Palin on McCain "He is the man we need to leave"!!!!!!
Freudian slip?
Jas
Wait till you hear her recipes for Whale Blubber Stew and Baby Seal Soup.Mmmmmmmm
SCotto, I like you, but I have to disagree...This election is so past over. McCain is losing freakin' Florida right now...Palin will only hurt his chances here...
Change, reform, Maverick..
Oh shit, I lost my feed........LOL, oh no, I'm folding, I'm out, ...
I got disconnected...
YouTube -
charlie rose looks so high
Huh? Quasi? What's that mean?
Baby Seal Soup! LOL!!
SCotto, I like you, but I have to disagree...This election is so past over. McCain is losing freakin' Florida right now...Palin will only hurt his chances here...
Comrade Kristina | 10.02.08 - 10:30 pm | #
Yeah, actually I think you are right. This election will be won in Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, Florida and Missouri. Last I heard VA and MI were going blue, and if FL is leaning that way then it is over.
I was overcome by my own cleverness re: Eeyore.
What about the Buffalo?
--
Bork! Bork!! Bork!!!
Sloughing Towards Gomorrah?
Jas
They both sounded like the guy in the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1t6IisLBU0&feature=related>Micro Machine commercials
One more thing: Biden was a terrible choice. Never pick a washed up failed prez candidate as your running mate. People don't want to see that shit. If they had picked Evan Bayh this election would be over already.
In economic theory deflation is a general reduction in the level of prices, or of the prices of an entire kind of asset or commodity. Deflation should not be confused with temporarily falling prices; instead, it is a sustained fall in general prices.
I don't see deflation, I see hyperinflatio
Palin will only hurt his chances here...
Comrade Kristina | 10.02.08 - 10:30 pm | #
more thought: I am not surprised that McCain is losing ground in FL but I am surprised that Palin is hurting him there. I would have thought she would help if anything w/ all the Joe pickup and sally soccermom votes.
The REAL reason for the bailout???
YouTube -
maybe this has already been posted & I might have missed it in one of the threads - if so, apologies
but, is this true? Is buying foreign debt the PRIMARY reason for the bailout? How has the MSM been shut down from reporting this if it is?
Maybe it's just being a born n bred dope, but this arguement sure sounds plausible.
closing statements.
Biden: nominee has judicial temperment. Bork....judiciary committee.....
Palin: Gov. budgets.
This week in Washington:
Biden: I vote with the wind.
Palin: soup of the day...
bubbles:
energy alternatives, infrastructure.
Im honored to meet you all and bitch about the bullshit, thanks.
who is the taxpayer? who is J6P? Who is America? Who is the consumer? Who is the producer?
Who is?
Scotto, my expertise is politics not economics..Biden was a great choice. He's likable in a gaffe prone way. He has uber Foreign policy expertise and he's a steady hand. That is what people wanted to see in a running mate for a young Senator. Someone with experience and connections. I would have loved to see Schweitzer or Sebelius but America is not ready for that Progressive of a ticket. McCain pulled his campaign out of Michigan today. Virginia is just about a lock for Obama..GAme is over.
"And in closing,if you see my ex brother in law ,kill the SOB!
Now - what has pushed the price of removing glod from the ground over the past decade? Answer: the rise in commodity prices (oil principally, also steel, equipment costs, some misc. others).
Now these input costs are coming down with a vengeance.
(--Comrade Persecuted)
Sure, just this week gasoline, diesel, steel, and equipment prices dropped dramatically. NOT.
Your thesis is half-fantasy, half ignorance. Try again explaining that gold supply has been or will begin outgrowing demand.
And you forgot to take into account that CB selling of gold reserves has been 500 tons/year, pumping up supply. Will that continue, under the threat of global fiat collapse?
Deflation should not be confused with temporarily falling prices; instead, it is a sustained fall in general prices.
I don't see deflation, I see hyperinflation
Lumber Jack | 10.02.08 - 10:34 pm | #
without access to more money (via credit or wages), how can Americans support a general increase in the level of prices?
We have a tsunami of cash crashing into short term financial pockets, which pushes the yield curve lower, yet, the long end, where no one wants to be is the better deal, and the curve is being forced to look like we are in a recovery. WTF is going on?
Comrade Anonymouse:
I'm not very good at predicting the future, especially right now with everything being manipulated. I don't expect the POG to fall much from here in the near term, the physical market is too strong.
I usually watch the HUI rather than the XAU. Based on recent action, I expect the miners to snap back up in the near term and perhaps ratchet down for a few months. The miners cannot drag glod down by collapsing, as that would ultimately reduce supply unless governments start dumping. But I would not be surprised to see governments start buying at this point as they try to diversify out of the dollar. I would also not be surprised to see the gold dinar get some traction here as money tries to move away from the current volatility.
Medium term, my crystal ball is very cloudy. We have to wait and see what the reaction to this mess is world-wide. The medium term inflation/deflation argument is not settled to my satisfaction, and since I don't have a confident prediction on that for the next year, I can't say much about medium term glod.
In the long term, inflation will be back big time, which is why I have not sold out my positions in miners. I don't trade those things, I just buy them when they're really cheap. Haven't bought any for years.
Scotto, quite a few anti semetic quotes from one of the people speaking at her church that she was present for. I live in the reddest of red areas (the panhandle) and even they won't try to defend her...It's amazing really. As a liberal here, we've had to be underground for years, now nobody bothers to challenge our beliefs, they are just beat down by Bush and the Palin pic...Many say they won't bother to vote, I'm a bartender so I get a first hand view of their reactions..
unirealist,
Did you see the Glod/XAU ratio chart? What's your take? Who's wrong about the unprecedented disconnect, the glod or the equities?
Scotto, my expertise is politics not economics..Biden was a great choice. He's likable in a gaffe prone way. He has uber Foreign policy expertise and he's a steady hand. That is what people wanted to see in a running mate for a young Senator. Someone with experience and connections. I would have loved to see Schweitzer or Sebelius but America is not ready for that Progressive of a ticket. McCain pulled his campaign out of Michigan today. Virginia is just about a lock for Obama..GAme is over.
Comrade Kristina | 10.02.08 - 10:36 pm | #
Damn CK you must be one hell of a bartender!
spin...
Re: ow can Americans support a general increase in the level of prices?
They can't! The demand will fall off as the price increases because of distribution disparity, i.e, fewer goods, less supply, more demand = hyperinflation.
i think you get deflation and hyperinflation simultaneously. the hyperinflation will be in things you need, deflation in things you don't need.
people have yet to realize how little they need. also, they will realize to what commodities they are tethered.
Think of it this way. As credit contracts and less money is available for expansion, there will be consolidation and greater efficiency, but what ever supply is in the system will be in demand by more people and thus prices will go up as inventories fall.
Not this again. If money is scarce, and concentrated in the hands of few, prices for necessities will be high for others, in relative terms. This is termed "inflation" in ordinary speech, but deflation by the economist. There is never general rise or fall, just relative change, and it can starve you to death.
Scotto, remember the Billy Joel song?
I spend about 7hours a day doing research of one sort or another, be it financial or political. I'm very hard to argue with
The waitress is practicing politics? That is me...
They can't! The demand will fall off as the price increases because of distribution disparity, i.e, fewer goods, less supply, more demand = hyperinflation.
Lumber Jack | 10.02.08 - 10:39 pm | #
I'm still not following your logic. If demand falls off, how can any inflation stick long enough to become hyper?