Good morning,
As we approach the Cinco de Mayo celebration I can honestly say that my Spanish has improved tremendously. But like anything we do in life, one must practice, practice, practice.
Yesterday, was a day of anticipation as the Federal Reserve did the expected and increased interest rates by 0.25%. But the caveat that created so much anxiety was what would be the direction taken moving forward.
Keep in mind, the Federal Reserve’s aggressive stance to curb inflation, which they helped accelerate by making money extremely cheap while governments encouraged spending is responsible for the following:
- doubling of mortgage payments
- Doubled the costs of auto loans & credit card borrowing and business loans
- Heightened the risk of a recession
All these factors contributed to Home Sales plunging as a result. Inflation peaked at 9.1% but they continue to implement a policy to demonstrate that it is working by continuing to increase rates. It’s like putting the power of a sledgehammer to a spike and driving it deep into the ground to reach the other side of the world. Unfortunately, this antidote isn’t working because Governments continue to spend blindly without regard for restraint.
The Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen makes mention of the fact that the nation can default on its debt as soon as June 1st, that is unless the debt ceiling is raised so that the government can continue to function. If this were to occur, a global financial crisis would be imminent.
Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve assures the public that rate hikes haven’t sufficiently cooled the economy, the job market or inflation. The target of 2%, seems unattainable, potentially leading to a mild recession in their opinion.
Yet the surge in interest rates has caused another phenomenon, Bank failures. Many purchased long-term bonds that paid low rates. As interest rates increased they lost tremendous value and ultimately failure. The most recent was First Republic Bank which needed to be taken over by the FDIC. The organization facilitated support for the over $100 Billion needed, to protect depositors. Subsequently purchased by JP Morgan for nickels and dimes on the dollar or just handed over. Now that becomes the deal of the century to the unsuspecting hard-working taxpayer.
Today, the ECB raised rates as well. The rate of inflation is far greater in the EU (7%), again caused by the mismanagement by the Central Bankers plus the impulsive spending of governments throwing money as well as the kitchen sink at the problems. Those in positions of authority worry about short-term solutions rather than long-term sustainability. Christine Lagarde even had the audacity to suggest they should have raised rates by 50 basis points rather than the 0.25% to justify their move. Europe, will not fair well.
Did you ever wonder where the money comes from to pay the ever-growing deficits, especially within the European Union? The attached clip is a great explanation of the futility being caused. Deficits continue expanding and ultimately something has got to give. At this pace, we could all witness something more disturbing than the Great Depression. It could bring the system as we know it, to a crashing halt! Definitely, not a favourable outcome.
Click below;
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1237364887146426?fs=e&s=TIeQ9V&mibextid=0NULKw
On the other hand, the USD Index could start to fall unabated. Hovering around the 101.0 level this morning, the DXY could continue in a free fall because the Federal Reserve might not have the nerve to cause further hardships to the population unless they are looking to get pummelled by the mobs. Meanwhile, Precious Metals are booming again as Gold tested the key support level of USD2080/oz, with no sign of retraction once it is broken. Silver approaching the $26/oz level, could be Gold on steroids if any signs of financial distress occur. Buy Gold or lose your shirt.
Lastly, Oil slipped toward the $64/Barrel level and has inched back toward the $68/B price point. As a result, keeping the Cad$ weaker around the 0.7350 cent level compared to other currencies. Maybe we can get a cheaper tank of gas to absorb the extra carbon tax imposed on humanity for breathing and moving. There is no climate emergency, it’s a tax grab. It would be more prudent if we started removing plastics from the oceans, then focused on making people’s lives better to encourage living rather than misery.
I think I love you!