Author Archives: Yves Smith

Many Countries at UN Oppose Trump Interference in Venezuela

The US plans for Venezuela don’t have the degree of foreign support that the press would have you believe.

The Silicon Curtain: The Gloves Come Off With China

An Australian perspective on the West’s growing conflict with China.

The Natural Rate of Interest Is Anything But

Central bankers pursue a “neutral” rate that doesn’t exist.

Links 1/29/19

Brexit Is Good News for Those in the Business of War

Arms merchants are lining up deals in anticipation of Brexit.

Chinese Growth: A Balancing Act

What is driving the slow-down in Chinese growth and what are the implications for Chinese policymakers and the global economy?

Minnesota Winters Ain’t What They Used To Be

Wimpy winters are the new normal.

Private Equity Expert Dr. Ashby Monk Repudiates CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost’s Private Equity Scheme During and Immediately After Presentation at CalPERS

CalPERS can’t even get friendly private equity experts to back Marcie Frost’s hare-brained scheme.

Vital Economic Data Was Likely Lost During the Shutdown – Here’s Why It Matters to All Americans

Another shutdown cost….

Confirming Fort Lauderdale Meetup for Thursday, February 7

Confirming our first Fort Lauderdale meetup! I hope those of you in Florida can come by.

Links 1/26/19

Brexit “Singapore on the Thames” Fantasies

A jaundiced look at “Singapore on the Thames,” yet another barmy Brexit idea.

Are Federal Workers Being Forced Into Involuntary Servitude?

A useful, if disheartening, discussion of the limited legal grounds workers have for successfully pursuing “coercion” cases.

Gilets Jaunes Under Attack

The gilets jaunes have arisen out of the profound inequality that is fracturing societies across Europe. It is against that inequality that leaders must take a strong stance.