Category EU

Blain’s Morning Porridge Brexit democracy Economy EU Europe Government UK

A Tale of Two Cities: A New Hope with Europe?

Athens and London? The power of positive politics is very evident in Greece. Curiously, the surprise appointment of David Cameron as UK Foreign Secretary might just hint at a positive outcome for the UK if it triggers a proper discussion on Brexit failure and our relationship with Europe.

Athens, Brexit, Greece, London, UK
Bill Blain
November 15, 2023
7

Blain’s Morning Porridge ECB EU Europe geopolitics Russia Ukraine

Europe Grows a Pair? Bet the Russians never expected that!

The risks in Ukraine are escalating as Russia shows the nuclear card – but markets are behaving as if its Russia has been backfooted as the West finally wakes-up to the threat. Russia might have miscalculated some aspects of its strategy, but it would be wrong to think much has changed – yet!

Escalation, Nuclear Exchange, Risk of War, Risks
Bill Blain
February 28, 2022
2

Blain’s Morning Porridge ECB EU Germany

A New Germany – will it change much?

The new Germany looks almost exciting! What will a post-Merkel Germany look like? Will green and business interests align under the new fraffic-light government? How will the relationship with Brussels and the ECB shape up? “Interesting” times ahead.

European bond programme, European Union, German Politics, Traffic Light Government
Bill Blain
November 30, 2021
2

Blain’s Morning Porridge ECB EU Europe European Sovereign Credit France

Stock Market Dips and The ECB’s Power Play

Global Stock markets seem to be living the dream, but under the surface there are serious concerns. In Yoorp the ECB makes its power play this week to confirm its place within the political trinity of States, EU and ECB by effectively handing itself control of the fiscal and industrial policy levers that could power up Europe. No one tell the Germans…

ECB, Europe, France, Lagarde, Retail Investors, Stock Markets
Bill Blain
July 6, 2021

Blain’s Morning Porridge Climate Change ESG EU

Holier than thou ESG?

Demand for the EU’s Social Bond deal was strong as ESG funds scramble to find qualifying assets, but just how much ESG is enough? Has ESG got overly Woke?

Climate Change, ECB, ESG, EU Social Bonds
Bill Blain
March 24, 2021
11

Blain’s Morning Porridge EU USA

Blain’s Morning Porridge – Jan 14 2021: Distracting Times

Blain’s Morning Porridge – Jan 14 2021: Distracting Times “Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some…

Bill Blain
January 14, 2021

EU Blain’s Morning Porridge

Blain’s Morning Porridge – Dec 10 2020: Fog In Channel, France Cut Off!

“Hearts of Oak are our ships, Hearts of Oak are our men” Only 2 more days till Nicky and I…

Bill Blain
December 10, 2020

USA Brexit EU

Blain’s Morning Porridge – 7 Dec 2020 – Yoorp is nervous

“A day that will live in infamy…” This is the last week of this year’s charity appeal – raising money…

Bill Blain
December 7, 2020

Blain’s Morning Porridge – July 21st 2020: Ode To Joy? Why Not!

Blain’s Morning Porridge – June 21st2020: Ode To Joy? Why Not! “Europe will not be made all at once, or…

Bill Blain
July 21, 2020

Markets EU

Blain’s Morning Porridge – May 29th 2020: Yoorp Never Disappoints

Blain’s Morning Porridge – 29th May 2020 – Yoorp never disappoints! “Where Alph, the sacred river, ran through caverns measureless…

Bill Blain
May 29, 2020

COP 28 May Put Saving The Planet Back on Track
December 1, 2023
Farewell Alastair Darling and Shane MacGowan. COP 28 has been getting pushback from activists upset big-business is attending. That’s possibly the best thing for the planet if the commercial sector embraces the challenges and opportunities raised by climate change!Read More »
Interest Rate Scenarios: Stick with the Normalisation Cure, or another Puff of QE Skunk?
November 30, 2023
Expectations of early interest rate cuts are high, especially as recession signals are set to rise through Q1 2024. Will Central Banks stay the course and normalise interest rates, or will be take the easy option of further low interest rate distortion?Read More »
Some of Charlie Munger’s Genius Investment Quotes – And why bonds won’t get much better!
November 29, 2023
Charlie Munger has left us a deep well of investment advice – pithy quotes we can all learn from. Pay attention and remain deeply, deeply sceptical. Meanwhile, the fact bond rates are falling does not mean the global economy is fixed. It means trouble ahead.Read More »
Flying the Atlantic on Unicorn Poop!
November 28, 2023
Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson is set to cross the Atlantic in a plane powered by unicorn farts. It’s marketing smoke and mirrors. The reality is Sustainable Aviation Fuel is an evolutionary dead end. Solving the Air Travel issue will require lots of capital.Read More »
The Rise of the Right and it’s consequences for Markets
November 27, 2023
Events of the last few weeks highlight a new instability for markets. The Rise of the Right has implications in terms of investment priorities, law and markets, bonds and currencies, multiple consequences and the future outlook for economies.Read More »