Marc Faber's Highly-Unprofessional Know-It-All Interview

Marc Faber's Highly- Unprofessional Know-It-All Interview 

  Thai TV, September 20, 2013

Their Business Greats Tiger Team

There is little doubt the Marc has a fairly good grasp of the technical issues related to the global financial situatIon. Whether he is right or wrong is another matter. He conveys a strong sense of certitude with regard to his thoughts and opinions. Such an attitude should be expected from an investment promoter. 

The Fed is in a bind and there are signs that the QE program is faltering. As he points out, the ten year treasuries have risen from a low of about 1.5% a year ago, to almost to 3% today. As he says, "that's a 100% increase." Marc believes that the Fed will continue with its QE program with little; if any, tapering for some time, in an meager effort to hold down  low long-bond rates. By now, everyone is aware that a surge in these rates would be devastating to the global financial system and the overbought stock markets. We go along with his view.

He also makes reference to the absurdity of Keynesian and Neo-Keynesian (Turbocharged) economists - the latter apparently proposes fiscal deficits of $5 Trillion to resolve the US's economic problems. While we agree that such a move is unconscionable, Dr. Doom provides us with little insight into what remedies he would alternatively propose.

This lack of a deep understanding of the physical existential forces driving the world's economy is apparent in most of this interview. The very fact that Marc entirely discounts, any and all, participation or insights from academia, and concurrently holds business opinions and views, as the ultimate source of a monopolistic truth, speaks volumes as to the depth and objective quality of Marc's thinking, information, sources and analysis. This negativity further suggests a"know-it-all" attitude bias that tears apart the speaker's credibility, leading us to distrust the balance, integrity and substance of all else that was asserted. To be short, we were taken aback by the utter short-sightedness and arrogance of this remark and related thoughts.

This, of course, deepens our concern and skepticism about such pundits who operate with multiple narrow-minded agendas.  We would prefer a more open, professional approach to information, sources and thinking. Similar to the philosophical thoughts of Socrates: "the only true wisdom is in knowing that you know nothing." And maybe Abraham Lincoln's approach would also be useful to opening a wider discourse of opposing or alternative views for better decisions. Lincoln recognized that all of us have our limitations; so he sought the insights, company and advice of seven or eight folks smarter than himself. Hmm. Maybe even an academic or two?

Marc, we fully recognize and believe that you are entitled to your opinions regarding all these useless academics  - but then again, what do we know?

Dr Peter G Kinesa
September 26, 2013  

Our Humble Academic Bonehead Team   

              

  

FIRST FINANCIAL INSIGHTS: CREDIT BUBBLE BIGGER THAN 2008

FIRST FINANCIAL INSIGHTS: CREDIT BUBBLE BIGGER THAN 2008: 

(Read More)

CREDIT BUBBLE BIGGER THAN 2008 (Also Read Recent "The Telegraph" Article )  How could credit circumstances be worse than 2008? Did we not le...

"Why would you ever trade government guaranteed bonds for highly-levered, riskier, de facto bank equity that poses as a debt instrument? Is there a smell of personal interest here?" 

International Bank Regulator - 2013

Did you ever wonder who was selling all those long treasury bonds to the Fed? Where was all that money going? Bonds? Investments? Bonuses?  Well, gleaning from the content, in both the FFI and The Telegraph articles, the money trail looks pretty clear. Here is what we make of it, in a nutshell.

Big Banks sell their bonds to the Fed, then take the proceeds and buy other Banks' debt, that may be converted to equity should the other Bank's ratio fall, say, below 10%. An event that is almost certain to occur once rates spike upwards and all the Banks have to mark to market monetary assets. Marked to market accounting of these assets is sure to result in write-offs that correspondingly affects each Bank's capital structures. These debt instruments are simply a clever way to inject capital into the banks, so that they remain solid even as the rest of us suffer when interest rates rise.

This is also what you call a "Country Club Bail-Out' that quietly escapes the attention and scrutiny of  the media, pundits, public and, of course, our brilliant politicians. So under the radar, Uncle Ben is shelling-out up to $85 Billion monthly, to shore up Banks prior to the much anticipated interest-rate driven write-offs - "without congressional authorization." Nice trick. What's worse? Even if you explained this simple shell game to those political wizards, sadly there is no guarantee they would show even a slight flicker of understanding. 

For the stability of the financial system this is, however, a good move and should avoid the recording of losses by Banks provided that the conversion price provides for an equal dollar for dollar exchange of securities. Afterwards though, the capital positions of these Banks could be exposed to market fluctuations - so it is still fraught with risk issues down the road.

Banksters should also be personally happy with this short-term bail-out insurance, provided to protect their loans, businesses and  huge bonus entitlements  Who loses? Well, in the end it's the taxpayers who are quietly bailing out the Banks, without anyone being the wiser simply because they are doing it ahead of time with an invisible financial wand. Real estate will also get clobbered, unless owners have hedged their positions; say, by shorting long bonds. And long-term the economy and future generations will get to pay the biggest price!    

Just clever, sneaky or magical finance? Or fraudulent tricks? Hmm.

Dr Peter G Kinesa
September 21, 2013  

The Real QE Magic... 
Is it DEBT or EQUITY? 


   

The Marc Faber Blog Childish Remarks: "The FED Asset Purchase Disaster?"

The Marc Faber Blog : Childish Remarks -The Asset Purchase programme of the Fed has been a complete Disaster

Doctor Faber's conclusions are first premature and more than likely wrong. 

In fact, it will be difficult to measure how effective Fed policy has been or will be as history has yet to unfold. Had Uncle Ben not implemented this program, then interest rates no doubt would be much higher than they are today. There are a lot of very nervous long-bond holders who were obviously more than happy to pass their holdings back to the Fed. Everyone is living in fear of a sharp spike in the long rates that would absolutely clobber the principal market value of these bonds.

But QE is not just about keeping rates low, it is also a crafty way to hold asset values in place, including the equity market. This may actually be its main purpose. The last thing the Fed and Obama needs is to have huge bond losses realized and recorded by banks, portfolios, and other financial intermediaries.

Such losses would vacuum up all the liquidity in the repo, bond and money markets faster than Lehman's 2008 debacle, as well as knocking the proverbial crap out of their respective equity boxes. Think about it - this prevention is moping up about 40 billion (possibly more) monthly in marked-to-market accounting losses that would be caused by sharp rate  increases.

Like the Fed we are holding back a few cards here, but in all likelihood, there is more to the Fed's QE policy actions than meets the eye - and Marc should be a little more careful with his remarks - they come across as premature and childish! 

And that's being kind.

Dr Peter G Kinesa 
August 28, 2013 

Marked to QE Market

Uncle Ben's Converted Losses 

                

The Marc Faber Blog - Oil Prices Moving to $500? - (Video) Bullish on Crude Oil , Bearish on India

The Marc Faber Blog - Oil Prices Moving to $500? - Bullish on Crude Oil , Bearish on India

Not a good picture!

 

Impossible! Could Never Happen! Well actually in mathematical terms it has happened a number of times before. And $500 a barrel is not that ridiculous when you think about it.- that's just a five fold increase  Compare that to the jump it took between 1971 and 1980 when it moved from $2 to $35 a barrel - a 17 fold increase. Meaning a five-fold increase is possible and more probable to occur as time goes on.

So Marc's bullish attitude towards oil is well founded and supported by growing demand from increasing populations and on-going economic growth in Asian markets. However, it is quite the opposite on the supply-side as most believe we are at or near peak extraction and can no longer add to reserves an amount equal to this consumption.

Doing some simple analysis, we confront a rather disturbing destiny. With present global consumption running at 30 billion barrels annually - equating to 300 billion every decade - total  reserves of 1.2 trillion are thus set to be practically depleted by 2053, if not sooner.

But what comes between this date and now is much more disturbing, as the world scrambles to find a way to replace the cheap energy equivalent provided by these 30 billion barrels. One thing is certain, if alternatives are found they will not be any cheaper than today's energies prices. Expect more political and social turbulence as the world seeks to rebalance this physical loss of energy inputs - that will dramatically affect food and basic transportation needs. 


To the point, we are bullish on oil and bearish on currencies whose national economies are highly dependent on imported supplies - their turbulence could be devastating. As well it will place huge downside pressure on stock and bond markets - so cash, and better yet a farm, are certain to become increasingly popular as oil prices rocket to new heights.

Dr. Peter G Kinesa
July 11, 2013

One last drop -

ALJAZEERA (Video) - EGYPT IS HOT SPOT PUSHING OIL PRICES HIGHER?

ALJAZEERA (Video) - EGYPT IS HOT SPOT PUSHING OIL PRICES HIGHER?

Economics, Theology, Politics or EXISTENTIAL PHYSICS?

More and more, we are keeping an eye on these powder kegs around the world, as the potential for physical disruptions in oil supplies or critical raw materials grows with each new revolution or social disruption. Sure shootings and violence will bring the interested parties to the table, seeking diplomatic solutions, but we fear that they are short lived. Why? Because what is really needed are economic solutions that grow ever so much more impossible to effect, as these countries have overshot the physical capacities of their geographies. Too many people and too little resources.

There are two clear actions countries such as Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Japan, Egypt and the rest need to do - first,  effect civil policy measures  to reduce populations levels in the years ahead, as they can no longer draw blood from a stone. It is time to face the reality that certain geographies will only be able to sustain their population levels for so many years, before completely collapsing. And certainly, infinite sustainability is absurd. Secondly, develop and implement a  "National Business Strategy" - that may also mean opting-out of global or regional institutions (EU, IMF,WTO, etc.) that largely  restrict emerging foreign competition through trade agreements providing short-term benefits, but working to the long-term and over-weighted benefits of bigger players. In other words, denying or retracting their ability to develop sustainable "comparative advantages" through protective measures that allow industries to develop and grow over time.

Some tough medicine here, in very general terms, however if measures are not soon taken to re-balance a nation's physical economy's limits with the number of people it can optimally and sustainably serve; then the political situations in many nations will simply spin out of control. Not good for oil! markets! consumers!- and just about anything you can think of.


Dr Peter G Kinesa
July 9 2013     

Blood From an Existential Stone?

PLATINUM WEALTH PARTNERS - Paul Krugman, Jim Rogers, Peter Kinesa

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Week Ended July 7, 2013

 DR. PETER G. KINESA'S 
INTERNATIONAL INSIGHTS

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www.pwa2100.blogspot.com

The Paul Krugman Blog - Rationality of the Euro

(Click Below)

The Paul Krugman Blog - Rationality of the Euro

These comments reflect more on economics and thought-process rather than  markets, however that is what defines the markets when all is said and done.

Britain was certainly on the right track when it decided not to participate in the European experiment. And it remains shocking that Poland is seeking membership in this club, given the mess and clear failure of this project. What is it about Polish people? There is something that we just do not understand. All we can say, is that too often we give up long-term advantages, in order to remedy a short-term problem.

Why did the Brits decide not to join the club - by gosh, as Paul sarcastically notes in his New York tone, they did some "analysis." No one else apparently does? This point, in itself, raises some fascinating considerations when in comes to expressions such as: "they did their homework," "paralysis through analysis" analysed to death" and so on, and so forth. In fact, just writing about it makes one wonder and come to believe that analysis is much more perpetual in motion than stoic; as new ideas, devices, facts and knowledge is brought to the awareness of our cognitive processes. Particularly, for complex situations where the deterministic and subjective variables are always in a dynamic state of change, with the possibility of even  two opposites co-existing as truths at the same or different times. Go figure - the movie never ends !

So you see there is enough material here to write at least ten, five hundred page, books about the analysis of analysis. What is the right amount? the right tools? the right perspective? Or how about  analyzing the initial diagnostics and its tools - if its wrong, then so should be the supporting analysis. Then, there are the assumptions and we can assume that most people have different ones - or can we? The point being, do we ever really know if we are doing the most relevant  diagnosis, analysis and evaluation of goal, facts and constraints leading to the optimal solution for a moment or forever? I have a funny feeling that such knowledge is impossible to attain, except for those who command the arrogance to think otherwise.Why? Because they know, they know everything. 

In the end, this is a "very serious" topic and process, as it defines the fate of individuals, economies, businesses and our species in so many other ways. The case of Britain, supposedly doing the right analysis once, contrasts with years of bad analysis, that saw their Empire rise and fall, from being a political, economic and military powerhouse, to what it is today, and the tomorrows to come. Should we blame it on the analysis?

 Probably, but you may never know for sure!

First Financial Insights 
July 6, 2012

New Yorkers, eh!

ANALYZE THIS BUDDY !

The Dr Peter G Kinesa Blog : ALL ECONOMISTS ARE WRONG - DEAD WRONG: Captain, My Captain... ALL  ECONOMISTS ARE WRONG – DEAD WRONG! Why we are in this mess: Where did it all begin? Why? ..

Good  time to do a little report and see if there is any evidence that would suggest that Economists are right, and perhaps this conclusion is wrong. Let's see there's Europe, Cyprus, Egypt, Brazil, China, Japan, Greece, and, and, and...

Then of course there's the Fed and the interest rate trap ready to launch us into an asset deflation spiral.  As well as, overpopulation, unbridled growth, biosphere devastation and  exponential resource exhaustion. Hmm. Not much has changed, so....

ALL ECONOMISTS ARE STILL WRONG!

First Financial Insights
July 5, 2013 

Not that way- your other RIGHT!

The Dr Peter G Kinesa Blog : Human Longevity OR Unbridled Growth??: WHAT IS OUR GOAL: HUMAN LONGEVITY OR UNBRIDLED GROWTH? 

Stars of what we are...bringing them back into our arms -

Every now and then it is a good idea to return to a prior article and look at it with a older set of eyes to discover if your thoughts and ideas have been changed, modified or turned upside down in some strange way. In this case, very little has changed and there is a strong belief that to have a shot at the universe -  the orientation of humanity's goals must be towards its longevity; not just the absurdity of growth for the sake of growth.

Again, the mathematics speaks in a way that words cannot convey, insofar as the algebra of population and resources can define our visitig rights on this planet. Obviously, the lower the population levels, the greater the time we should have as a species, with all other things remaining equal. Then! And only then, could we come to know what is unknown, a path less chosen and yet to be discovered.

Why not? For that is what makes all the difference.

First Financial Insights  
July 4, 2013

Moving hearts is like trying to catch a star - bringing their minds into its heart; back where it belongs...

The Marc Faber Blog: Low Rates FREEZE markets - Mr. Bernanke is most likely to retire and unlimited QEs forever will continue

There is no doubt that Central Banks painted themselves into a corner - they have made it impossible to raise interest rates, regardless of inflation. Why? Because if they do, it will cause an unprecedented deflation in asset prices and bring consumer spending to its knees, as disposable income is siphoned away to service debt service costs that could double or worse. It would cripple consumer demand and confidence, in a horrifying way with these double knock-out financial blows, triggering a deep prolonged depression. Moreover, obliterating the balance sheets and capital boxes of  the world's biggest commercial and investment Banks, with the mere stroke of a pen.

What this also means is that governments will do all they can do to manipulate inflation numbers to fool consumers, investors and savers. Time will tell if this form of quiet debasement, confiscation and taxation will work. Probably, because all Central Banks are moving in a similar co-ordinated step - and there are no other planets offering better rates and liquidity. So far!

The big point being - is how did everyone manage to get into the same no-escape situation that Japan has been in for the past two and a half decades? We have some answers, but we will leave them for another time. Meanwhile, we concur with Marc insofar as we should get use to the QEs for a long, long time.  Pretty boring stuff.

First Financial Insights
July 2, 2013

Intergalatic Bankers Now Preside Over More Years of QE

The Jim Rogers Blog : Central Mystic Bankers Sell Holdings - GOLD Prices make a nice, firm bottom when mystics start selling

The Jim Rogers Blog : Central Mystic Bankers  Sell Holdings - GOLD Prices will make a nice, firm bottom when the mystics start selling their gold out of despair

Who are the Mystics, JIM? Why are they selling? The first answer is Central Bankers; starting in developing countries, second in marginally developed countries; and lastly, all the rest. And they all have plans to unload their holdings on whomever will step up to the plate, while the gold party still commands peak prices. Central Bankers are like everyone else; wanting to keep their jobs. Big market wins do little for their meal ticket, but if they get caught on the short end, they might as well  start heading for the cottage. Permanently! Or much worse in some cases. Hee, hee...

Central Bankers are dumping  to balance out debt or pay for fiscal austerity measures and shortfalls with no end in sight. Politicians almost everywhere are desperate to save their hides, stem social unrest and avoid having their nations fall into the hands of revolutionaries. More countries are sure to be selling gold reserves in the future, as they too face austerities, caused by ever dwindling national resources, and yet more mouths to feed. Our finite planet is tightening the noose. Meanwhile, buyers are waking up, to the fact, that gold is a terrible investment, currency proxy or insurance device, as demonstrated by the past 30 years market performance.

Should Mystics overwhelm the market with sales (either directly or through collateral monetization)  - NO ONE; not even Jim, can then predict or fathom how low gold's price could go - even $50 an ounce is possible. We must never forget that we are dealing with a social phenomena, and not a scientific phenomena subject to object deterministic rules and observation. Therefore, anything is possible. Anything - and that goes both ways in this commodity's market.


Dr Peter G Kinesa
July 6, 2013

MONEY, GOLD, MARKETS AND MYSTICS' PHENOMENA

Against Crony Capitalism -The gap between rich and poor will continue to grow until we give up on QE

Against Crony Capitalism - The gap between rich and poor will continue to grow until we give up on QE

Let me just say that this is an interesting read, but I do not believe that there is any cause and effect relationship between QE and the wealth gap. This is a gap that has been growing long before QE was a glimmer in Bernanke's eyes. 

American social decay has been going on since WW II and shows no signs of abatement. Look at the disgraceful conditions of their cities, physical infrastructures and superficial cultural Combined suggesting there is little hope in the context of its current frameworks and leadership anything will ever change. In fact even if they wanted to, there is no more pie to pass around and share as humanity is past "peak everything" . 

How really dumb is the situation? Well America continues to encourage more immigration that creates larger ghettos of poor folks, knowing full well the resources needed to feed these tens of millions more; just won't be there in ten years or so. But the Rich do enjoy interim benefits. So, expect a class war leading to a possible reconfiguration of the states into sovereign regional governments - this is starting to look more plausible as the gap between rich and poor grows. Also when you think about Texas's lone star ambitions.

Historically, feeding cake crumbs does not stop the barbarians at the gates. Storms are beyond control when the wealth gap is too big, for too long. Winds of revolution are stirring.

Dr Peter G Kinesa
May  16, 2013 

When will they storm the Bastille?

The Boston Globe - Chief of US Pacific Forces Calls Climate Biggest Worry

Chief of US Pacific Forces Calls Climate Biggest Worry 

click above

When the US military realizes and states that climate change is one of the greatest threats to security we should be very concerned. Particularly, when we considered that often coined oxymoron " Military Intelligence" . Think about how much it takes these guys to figure things out, after all these years?

Enough said,  and let's have Admiral Samuel Locklear tell us about their profound "Ah Ha" moment -  I don't want to rain on their parade.

Dr Peter G Kinesa
April  15, 2013   

"Folks, you will never believe what I am about to tell you... " 

China Feels Inflation, CPI Spikes

China Feels Inflation, CPI Spikes

Before getting into the deeper issues - the first thing to put on the table is the CPI number itself. Who believes any financial number coming out of China?
Who believes that an economy can grow at 5,7 or 10% without experiencing any inflation? Who believes that an economy with excessive liquidity can hold prices down? Then there's the growing need to import more and more commodities... well, you can decide this one.

The real concern is whether currency games are going to become the new form of protectionism - a new form of trade war. With so many countries debasing their currencies - global inflation is certain to follow as more funny sovereign paper will be needed to buy real things. Now if we take the abstracts out of all this and remember that we are past peak everything  - prices of all commodities are sure  to climb dramatically. Some will be more intense than others.

Chinese inflation - you can bet the farm on it. But it is the new protectionism we are most concerned about and the trade of cheap, oppressed labour for scarcer resources. Who will level the playing field now?

Dr Peter G Kinesa
April 14, 2013

How's about a level playing field too?

  

Marc Faber BLOG: The Market will push Interest Rates Higher

Marc Faber Blog : The Market will push Interest Rates Higher

In this video interview with Marc he suggests that markets could push rates higher regardless of what the FED does. So far, the FED has been winning the war with the markets as it throws liquidity into the banking system. And as Marc observes, little has trickled into the real economy. Raising the question as to whether the bank bail-outs are still on-going?

Are Bonds in a bubble? Let's try some simple calculations assuming that in ten years rates will normalize back to 6.4% and inflation averages a modest 4.2% over this period. We will use 30 year treasuries that are currently yielding 3.2% on a simple interest basis.

Cash yield from $10,000 Bond @ 3.2% =    $320
Inflationary cost of holding @ 4.2%       =    $420   
Principal loss due rate mean reversion =    $500 

EXPECTED LOSS HOLDING IN 10yrs =  $600?

Wow! This means on a simple interest basis, the bonds pay a negative 6% a year, assuming a modest inflation rate and a return of interest rates to normal levels. This may be a best case calculation, as higher inflation rates are more likely to occur, with the pundits expected shortages in key raw industrial materials along with the climatic impacts on food and water costs. 

Anyway, something to think about along with using shorts on Bonds as an inflation hedge. Hmm.

Dr Peter G Kinesa
March 15, 2013

When will it Burst?

The New York Times - Euro Zone Reports Record Joblessness Rates and Low Inflation

The New York Times - Euro Zone Reports Record Joblessness Rates and Low inflation

click here

Place your bets! For some reason I think that both numbers are much higher - particularly when you talk to anyone who shops regularly for groceries. Governments everywhere are fixing the CPI number in order to keep interest rates low and manage a "silent bail-out of the Banks" and to keep the Rich and Bankers solvent.

These high jobless numbers will have very serious political implications shortly. Expect a European Spring or Summer with massive protests, strikes and mayhem. Take Portugal, where unemployment for those under 25, now approaches an UNBELIEVABLE - 40 percent. 

This is another powder keg country,suffering from years of bad growth economics, that platformed overpopulation, climate chaos, and rapid resource depletion and misuses. The last time this happened, some funny looking short guy with a big mouth came to power when all seemed so hopeless. People get desperate.

The Euro Zone, like the Middle East, is also starting to transform itself into one big Nauru Paradigm - and you can't draw blood from stones, like these. Visit Nauru - see for yourself. What a mess.




Dr Peter G Kinesa
March 7, 2013    

When times are desperate...people change...never forget!

BTW: They are not voting for a new Pope