Monthly archive November, 2013
Bitcoin A New Currency or Ponzi Scheme
The virtual currency Bitcoin has soared to over $900USD, after a US Senate committee hearing were told virtual currencies are a “legitimate financial service” with the same benefits and risks as other online payment systems. “From a distance, it very much looks like it could be a speculative bubble. It’s a small market, with a...
Unprecedented Discussions at Toronto City Hall Shaping the Future of Politics in the Province of Ontario
After the dust settles from the Lady Gaga hosted SNL live show on Saturday, Toronto Council started a rumble regarding the fate of the Mayor and governance within the City of Toronto. The key point of debate may be a direct violation of our democratic principals which could strictly curtail the ability of our politicians...
Rob Ford Drama Sidetracks Real Life and Death Issues in the Philippines
A week after the typhoon struck the Philippines, there is immense need along this coast, much of it untouched by an aid effort that is struggling against clogged airports, blocked roads and a lack of manpower. But amid the desperation, a spirit of resilience was clearly evident Friday as the residents of Guiuan and other battered towns...
Janet Yellen will Stay the Course
Janet Yellen indicated she’ll press on with the Federal Reserve’s unprecedented monetary stimulus until she sees a robust recovery, downplaying risks the policy is inflating asset bubbles. The commodities acted positively as did markets. Gold rises +2.50 at $1,288.50USD/oz; Silver recovers to 20.75 +0.3 leaving the Gold Silver Ratio at 62.11 widening from historical norms,...
If You are Happy and You Know it Clap your Hands!
Those were the days as I was reminiscing about being in kindergarden. I remember bringing my fathers old flannel shirt to school, not knowing what to expect the teacher was going to have us finger-paint for the first time. Oh how the adrenaline raced through my body with anticipation as if I was a young...
Deflationary Talk Puts Damper on Gold
With deflationary pressures mounting in the Euro zone, the ECB took action by lowering rates 0.25%. This proactive response is meant to counter the more concerning and damaging effect of deflation. When prices are reduced and borrowing is based on values it is much more difficult to extract funds from non performing assets to borrow...
ECB Lowers Interest Rates ¼ %; Remember Movember for Prostate Cancer;
Euro tumbles sharply after ECB cut the main refinancing interest rate by 25bps to record low of 0.25%. The marginal lending facility rate was also lowered by 25bps to 0.75%. Deposit rate was held unchanged at 0.00%. The decision itself wasn’t a surprise to the markets as deflation risk is expected to force ECB to...
The Righteous Ones, Here They Come!
Last week you heard it here first when I alluded to the fact that Bill Blair, should resign as Police Chief. Prior to Rob Ford’s genuine confession, he insinuated from the findings of an investigation by directly implicating the Mayor in a public manner without ‘Due Process’. He politicized the event by pointing to previous...
Rob Ford Media Circus Moves Movember from the Spotlight
The beginning of November is the start of Movember a noble cause for the benefit of prostate cancer.Unfortunately the papers are too concerned about a more noteworthy cause, “The Mayor of Toronto”. Sure Rob Ford has not been a stellar, conforming, cultured individual. His actions speak louder than words and some of his decisions are...
I think I love you!