Author Archives: Yves Smith

Forecasting Elections

How have prediction markets done versus the pundits in forecasting the 2016 elections so far?

Links 3/5/16

Wolf Richter: Bavarian Banks Hoard Cash in Revolt Against ECB Negative Interest Rates

Little Bavarian banks take a bit shot at the ECB.

China Continues to Focus on Growth, Not Reform

Growth remains a top priority in China, but how will the central government achieve it?

Clinton Will Build Her Biggest Lead on March 15. Sanders Will Erode It After That.

The trajectory of the upcoming primaries for Sanders and Clinton.

Life after Brexit: The UK’s Options Outside the EU

What are UK’s options if a majority votes in favour of Brexit this June?

Links 3/4/16

Bill Black: The Clintons Have Not Changed – The Clintonian War on the IG Watchdogs

Hillary Clinton refused to appoint even the weak watchdog of an Inspector General (IG) at the State Department.

Hoisted From Comments: Banks Supporting the War on Cash

Banner Bank in the state of Washington closed a reader’s account because he made too many cash withdrawals. An overly conservative implementation of “Know Your Customer” rules or a sign of things to come?

A Feisty Debate on Corporate Tax: Tax Justice Network vs. Tim Worstall

Tax avoidance by multinationals has put the issue of the implications of the low levels of tax paid by multinationals in the spotlight.

The Implications of Brexit for the Rest of the EU

Brexit would leave the EU an even more impaired regional and geo-political player than now, when it already punches far below its economic weight.

Links 3/3/16

Google is Evil….

A case study of how Google tortures customers.