The past few weekends, I have been pruning trees and prepping garden beds as spring has sprung. My father taught me well, as I spent countless hours in my parents’ backyard, combing through the work and repairs that have to be done. I used to say to my Dad, “Less is more,” and he would respond by saying, “More is more.” I could never win. 

As the day wound down, my mother insisted that I take a shower and leave my clothes to be washed. I did, and she handed me a pair of sweatpants, underwear, socks, and a shirt. Of course, they were my Dad’s. Ever since, I am not sure if my mind is playing tricks on me, but I started feeling all the aches and pains my dad would complain about. 

Speaking of pain, currencies took it on the chin this week after a surge in the market with optimism about a trade deal between China and the U.S.A.. The  Euro dropped 1.5% and is slowly recovering, as tariffs on Chinese goods dropped from 145% to 30%, and the Chinese maintain a 10% tariff on American goods. There will be a 90-day window as markets wait for a permanent trade deal to be announced. The USD Index initially soared close to the 102.0 level and today is back to the 100.80 range. This volatility is like watching my weight fluctuate as I switch from pants to sweatpants because the noose around my dependents are both nuts!

Meanwhile, Precious Metals, specifically Gold, continues to drop as Gold dips below the USD$3200/oz level and Silver hovers in the USD$32/oz range. The power-play between the   Federal Reserve and the Trump Administration has intensified as the drop in tariffs alone will see inflationary pressures reduced, prompting the Fed to start cutting rates. This should be positive for Precious Metals.

On the other hand, the potential of increased economic activity sees Oil rise toward the USD$63/B range. The CAD$ continues to come under pressure as it stands in the 0.7160 cents vicinity, as the Bank of Canada (BOC) is ready to lower interest rates. 

The BOC emphasized the word ‘uncertainty’ in their last statement 49 times. Matching the 49th parallel with their analysis. Consumer Confidence is quickly eroding as a result, Canadians are heading toward a recession of the worst kind. 

Click here to get a better perspective of what Canada is experiencing. 

https://youtu.be/D6bZKUMovCY

Admirably, the Trump Administration has announced a barrage of trade deals, including with the United Kingdom and, most recently, Saudi Arabia. The latter is approximately worth $1 trillion, and there is hope to keep energy prices low for the foreseeable future. 

In other hot spots in the world, the Americans aren’t looking for hostilities to escalate, instead, it’s about creating opportunities. Further, there is hope that negotiations can calm the tensions between India and Pakistan, to bring peace and economic prosperity for both sides. 

A priority is a Russian/Ukrainian peace deal allowing an agreement that will save face, not to embarrass the Ukrainian regime. Ultimately, it’s money that talks! 

The Europeans who have contributed in funding the war have guarantees on their loans. The Americans who also contributed Billions without any agreement, at least will walk away with access to Rare earths. Then there is Canada getting stiffed for all the billions of taxpayers’ money provided, and we get nothing in return #%{*!?#%#!!!!!. No wonder this country is in economic turmoil and will only get worse with the same old loyalists to the World Economic Forum (WEF) pulling our strings.

Lastly, as Bitcoin hovers in the USD103k/coin most of us who have missed the boat couldn’t care less. But if something meaningful were to happen, would you stand up to defend something that is so wrong that only the voice of people can make right? It’s about saving 400 healthy Ostriches from being slaughtered because the government says so. 

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1A6u7cFH18/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Drop the head of the CFIA a message and tell him how you feel about the slaughter of 400 HEALTHY ostriches.” 

Paul.MacKinnon@inspection.gc.ca 613-867-7045