Every evening I engage in an exercise regimen I have been following for over three years. It has actually changed my life in many ways. Honestly, I have this renewed energy like I haven’t felt since my early 20’s, no word of a lie.

On Monday, a brother from a different mother, suggested I break my routine, to play floor hockey with him, so I agreed. Before, I started I did my stretching and wore a knee brace on my left knee. The game began and I ended up scoring the first goal for my team.  I haven’t played hockey for years and the last time I did I tore a muscle in my shoulder. But this time, I knew it would be different, after all, I am in better shape. I felt like Pat Boutette, flying down the wing when he skated for the Leafs in the 1970s, with my hair blowing in the wind, just like his but let’s face it he is more handsome.  A speed demon I was once upon a time now I felt like a cement truck arriving at a job site to drop a load, in my case, a lung.

My running shoes weren’t the most comfortable and now it was the right knee that was acting up, so I moved the brace to it. My shifts were becoming shorter as oxygen combined with the need for water kept me from feeling parched like a man on a deserted island.  I couldn’t wait for the game to end. Being grateful, I thanked everyone for the invitation while at the same time assisting someone to move the long wooden bench into its rightful place.

Guess what, it fell on my left foot and I absorbed the pain without yelping. For a second I thought I broke my foot. We ended up watching the hockey game at my friend’s home while I sat with an ice pack on my right knee and left foot. By the time I got home, I couldn’t walk and actually crawled into the house, up the stairs trying to get into bed. I couldn’t sleep a wink and at 5 am, I decided to crawl downstairs for Tylenol. You would think I would be smart enough to keep some in the medicine cabinet in my bathroom. No, not this guy, I am now using crutches.

Speaking of crutches, the economy has been supported by the availability of printed money for a prolonged period of time. Last week, I alluded to the major events that have occurred in the past leading to the indebtedness of the masses. Central Banks have controlled the cheap supply of money stating that inflation was consistently below their 2% target while deflation would be more concerning. Imagine, the banks having to recall loans because the collateral (your home) is worth less than the loans extracted.  All those with mortgages would be living in tents or taken in by friends or family. Eventually, like any good thing, everything comes to an end. Ultimately, if you are not prepared, you can expect consequences to come swiftly, while at the same time, punishing. Especially, those drowning in debt and living beyond their means.

Today, I decided to wait for the Bank of Canada’s announcement on interest rate policy. The expectations were for an increase of 0.75% (basis points). This added fuel to the fire for a strong Cad$ and a weakening USD Index now is comfortably below the 110.0 level. The currencies have all exploded higher based on overall USD weakness. Unfortunately, after the surprise announcement by the Bank of Canada (BOC), by raising rates only by 0.50%, less than expected, the potential for interest rate hikes could be coming to an end. Meanwhile, they screwed the momentum of the currency while doing a disservice to the economy. The economy will come into recession with unemployment rising further and debt loads becoming unsustainable.

The cause of inflation seemingly is a world phenomenon. Still, in actual reality, it is a reflection of government policy and the printing of money that correlates to the spending programs presented by the government. They borrow to enrich the wealthy by imposing more debt on the loyal productive tax paying soul to deliver services that won’t be sustainable over the long haul.

Overnight the Canadian dollar tested the 0.74 cent level and then sunk toward 0.73 cents, playing this range for now.  The focus will shift toward the European Central Bank (ECB) which will look to raise rates (0.75%) for the second consecutive time, on Thursday. Europe is heading into winter with massive inflation imposed on energy and food. Protests have broken across all major cities while the European Leadership looks to provide Ukraine with an additional €18 Billion in financing while citizens struggle.

The Federal Reserve is also on a trajectory to continue raising rates and The Biden Administration is trying to pass legislation to provide Ukraine with an additional $50 Billion in aid before the pending Midterm elections. All the power to accountability,  debate and transparency!

As predicted the game of smoke and mirrors continues as the Stock markets seem to be painting a rosy positive aura.  I don’t understand how gullible people are in believing a false reality. Yet, short-term benefits could translate into votes and the more complacent people are, the less likely they will come out to vote.