The difference between successful democratic economies and autocracy is that the rule of law works better. Autocracies trend towards corruption and inefficiency. Insider dealing and corruption is a fact of the financial markets – punishing it is a matter of the enforcement of justice and the willingness to do so. Europe is acting over Epstein. What’s happening in the USA?
We will likely never know the full truth about Epstein. It’s not a sex scandal – it’s a sordid tale of corruption, insider dealing, greed and arrogance dug deep into the highest echelons of business and society. It involves far more figures than the few who have been exposed. Some corruption is hidden. Increasingly much is in plain sight.
Donald Trump never disappoints in terms of “interesting”. MAGA/Trump might unravel, and Trump spontaneously combust, due to Epstein – but conflict was what we knew Trump would bring to the table. The real risk to markets is probably the US Consumer. They are not as resilient as the rosy earnings season thinks.





