Author Archives: Yves Smith

Links 5/17/18

CalPERS Board Members Say They Don’t Want to Do Their Jobs, Can’t Be Bothered With Dealing With Their Mail

The CalPERS board makes an embarrassing display of how little interest it has in rolling up its sleeves and doing some work.

Yet More Brexit Idiocy: Cabinet Thinks Begging to Stay in Customs Union Will Solve Irish Border Problem

The UK is now trying to marry up two unworkable Brexit ideas and call it a solution.

IEA: High Oil Prices “Taking A Toll” On Demand

Mr. Market may not yet take issue with rising oil prices, but the real economy is starting to register the pinch.

Trade War: How Tensions Have Risen Between China, the EU and the US

A very useful recap of trade measures taken so far and potential impacts of various threats made by the US, China, and EU.

Links 5/16/18

Ecuador Hints It May Hand Over Assange

Assange’s luck in staying out of the hands of the US may be coming to an end.

Bill Black: Fair Seas and Following Wind John McCain

A missive from Bill Black to Senator McCain.

Announcing Birmingham Meetup for Next Wednesday, May 23

Announcing our meetup in Birminingham next week.

Do Not Even Consider Using the Voice Over Internet Service Vonage

Vonage deserves to die as a business for what they have put me through.

Official Unemployment Is at 3.9%? Economist Robert Pollin Says It Is More Like 12%

Why the headline unemployment numbers give a wildly rosy picture of the state of US labor markets.

Back to the Future with Empire Oil

A network of oil companies arond Mayfair, but registered in Britain’s offshore tax-haven network, provides a snapshot of the new imperialism.

Links 5/15/18

Corbyn Backs Hard Brexit

Jeremy Corbyn links arms with Theresa May on Brexit.