Europe will face massive difficulties rejigging NATO for a post US era. It will be vulnerable to Russian disinformation while facing acute production, labour and cooperation instabilities. But if it could be done…..
Nations succeed because they are ruthless in pursuit of their goals; good and bad. Western politicians have decided the big issue is illegal migration – making it conditional and a priority in front of the really important challenges around growth, stability, geopolitics and avoiding conflict. Its Political Failure of the Worst Kind.
Jeremy Hunt tried hard to be interesting, but it was all a bit forgettable. An election is coming. How bad will it be? As for selling Natwest to fund UK growth – has Hunt actually considered the outlook for banks as the risk outlook deepens?
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.
The Gods of Chaos have brought together an alliance to bring down the West. If its not the weather, it will be Russia, Gas prices, the Middle East and Oil, or maybe the prime global commodity – Chips – is the next thing they will target. I'm staying long Gold.
Biden’s trip to Israel and Jordan vs Putin’s to Beijing - which will prove more meaningful? Meanwhile, Italy’s latest tax cuts and spending plans mimic the Trusterf*ck, but Meloni seems to have got away with it – for how long?
US Inflation looks to have been beaten, but that might not mean very much if the global economy is still headed into recession. Rates and consumption are a lagging problem for the markets, and there is a chance even strong economies will stall.
Markets have been far more positive than expected in 2023 – thus far. There is still much uncertainty out there, but what is the market missing? I have two particular under-played threats to watch – corporate debt and social unrest.
The debt ceiling crisis has lifted a cloud from markets, but we’re still looking for resolution on inflation, geopolitics and a host of other issues. Maybe the real issues are about valuations – which remain over-extraordinary.
There is a myth BRICS nations now exceed the GDP of the G7 West. It’s propaganda to boost a story of de-dollarisation, anti-G7 rhetoric and how China and its allies will create a stronger, more equal global market. It’s like watching Stags fight for dominance.