February 2011

The US dollar is broadly stronger this morning as geopolitical tensions in Libya and the Middle East prompt demand for safe haven securities. Indeed, the dollar, yen and Swiss franc are all higher as the reboot of risk-off has driven a…

By Win Thin The Libyan situation continues to deteriorate, with the expected impact on oil (up) and EM (down) being seen today. Libyan leader Qaddafi is hanging on to power despite reported defections by diplomats and soldiers, while his…

Claus Vistesen with one economist's view on China and EM currency revaluation, innovation in 3D manufacturing and the climate change debate

When multiplier relationships are recognized, the conclusion is that the U.S. did not have enough population to produce what it has been consuming.

Paul Kedrosky told Bloomberg's Pimm Fox that he doesn't believe we are in a social media bubble yet and that Facebook's valuation could go even higher in coming months. Revenue is doubling year-on-year at Facebook and that has Kedrosky…

The real question is whether the inflation that bondholders are expecting will actually lead to rate rises. Bond vigilantes can sell Treasuries in expectation of future rate hikes. (Remember, long rates are simply a chain of expected…

China is grappling with rising inflation. This column argues that the Chinese government, instead of focusing on micro-managing the economy, should grant its central bank room for further reform of its monetary policy. To make more…

By Comstock Partners It seems incredible that the Fed is creating the third bubble within 11 years, but that is what is underway. In the late 1990s the Fed kept the pedal on the gas and helped engender the dot-com bubble that collapsed…

You have to watch this video to believe it. The speculation in the commodities market is well out of hand. Cotton futures are at a record high on speculation that demand in China will continue to increase, as China is the world’s largest…

By Win Thin Portugal remains in the market spotlight as its 10-year yield remains above 7% for the 10th straight day. Furthermore, today Portugal’s 5-year yield broke above 7% for the first time and continues the pattern that we saw with…