risk

Government interference extends unstable market conditions longer than would otherwise be true. By doing so, George Eliot's observation (at the bottom, here) is even more appropriate in 2012.

Here's the skinny on how Jeffrey Gundlach sees the best tactical bond market approach for US-based investors

The S&P 500 volatility index - the VIX - is a measurement of volatility expectations. It has fallen 50% since the (latest) agreement to save the euro was announced. If the VIX falls to 18, call options are worth considering.

The last post by Randall Wray below is an interesting one because it points out how the world has changed since the end of the gold standard and why the sovereign debt crisis is centered in the euro zone. While I have an Austrian bias…

Volatility tends to drop when market risk is building up and leverage is rising, luring investors into complacency. Indeed, the lower volatility justifies investors taking on more leverage; if volatility has dropped by a third, why not take…

The US dollar is firm against all the major and emerging market currencies. Equity markets are lower, giving back all of Friday's gains and more. The euro has dropped 1% and the next level of support is seen near $1.3200.

Bill Black was on Capital Account talking to Lauren Lyster about MF Global. As usual, Capital Account delves deep into the real issues. Black never disappoints. Video below

Financial news links for 6 December 2011 featuring stories on MF Global, Facebook, class divides and retail sales.

It looks like Santa Claus is coming to town. Maybe we get a little consolidation over the next few days and then the next test for the S&P is 1257, the breakeven for the year, 1265.89, the 200-day moving average, and then the October 27…

Britain’s economy is a shambles as the negative impact of austerity has been made plain. Now, mind you, it was already clear from a leaked Greek bailout document that expansionary fiscal consolidation has failed in Greece. But now the…