The world may be going to hell in a handbasket, and tomorrow is the start of the Year of the Fire-Horse (the most volatile of the 60-year Chinese zodiac cycle) but what a fantastic weekend of sports we just had. It’s all positive stuff… Let’s enjoy it while we can.

Yet again I was wrong and overly bearish. Markets survived October with barely a shrug. Everything is apparently fine and dandy.. nothing to worry about? Complacency and belief abound. We have been here before…. And what does Rugby tell us about markets?

Friday’s US Employment Report confirmed the underlying strength of a robust economy. Little to worry about, except to wonder why 40% of the electorate are so unhappy and blame the current government. That’s an issue for investors to figure out.

“In yacht racing there is no second.”

Sports has become a major investment sector in recent years. An increasing number of funds are focused on sporting opportunities. The appeal, and the possibilities to monetise fans and events is rising. Why invest?

What does the Rugby World Cup tell us about markets? Expect the unexpected? Ignore nothing and don’t bet on favourites? Perhaps.. As the geopolitical threats pile upon each other, it’s time for caution. Forwards win games, but backs stop it being lost!

The Rugby World Cup is a reminder of all that is good, exciting and honest about 30 folk beating the crap out of each other. Enjoy the frenetic mayhem! Meanwhile, what is John Authers trying to tell us. And where are we this 9/11?

Golf – you have to laugh. But there is serious upside to be made from global sports franchise values as leisure time, AI, and prosperous middle classes emerge around the globe. Saudi might be the proverbial bull in a China-shop with their wallet, but it’s a plan!

Rugby, Balloons and Employment Data – so much to consider this morning, but what this market needs a dose of common sense, understanding of central banks, and catharsis. Real interest rates and normalisation will provide solid foundations for real growth and recovery – not market froth!