Author Archives: Yves Smith

Oil Prices, Oil Profits, Speculation, and Inflation

n the not inconsiderable role of speculation in the crude oil market in the increase in the WTI crude oil price.

‘Really Big’: US Supreme Court Ruling Against Norfolk Southern Seen as Rebuke to Corporate Impunity

The Supreme Court nixed a Constitutional challenge to a Pennsylvania registration law that subjects compnaies to its jurisdiction.

Links 6/28/2023

America Has Just Destroyed a Great Empire

America is making a mess in trying to preserve its hegemony.

Turkey Continues To Challenge Sweden’s NATO Membership

Turkiye is still playing hardball with NATO and Sweden.

Most EU Hydrogen Projects Risk Prolonging Use of Fossil Fuels

Supposed green hydrogen projects are more often than not are Trojan horses for fossil fuel use.

‘We’re Not Doing That’: Why a Black Couple Wouldn’t Crowdfund to Pay Off Medical Debts

Why black patients burdened by medical debt are reluctant to solicit for funds.

IMF Confirms that Profits Are Driving Inflation

It’s now undeniable that corporate profits are playing a big role in our current inflation.

CalPERS Refuses to Spend $1 Million, or $1.30 Each, to Prevent Sale of Personal Data of 770,000 Beneficiaries on Dark Web

How CalPERS is inexcusably throwing nearly 800,000 beneficiaies under the bus in a massive data heist.

Putin Orders Reality Check – No Ukrainians Left on the Battlefield, No Sovereignty in Kiev

Putin and the Foreign Minsitry explain why Russia will not sign a treaty with the territory known as Ukraine over ending the conflict.

From Pugachev To Lebed – The Muzhik Rebellion Fizzles Out Without Bloodshed, Prigozhin to Exile

The Prigozhin rebellion is looking to be not that much more than a one day wonder.

Links 6/24/2023

Fog of Prigozhin: His Bizarre and Surely Doomed Military Revolt

Prigozhin has really completely lost it. But is his revolt as big a threat as the Western press seems to believe?