Category Archive: Op-Eds

Ad Hoc Commentary – 2014 outlook: the rise of Russia

by

Our outlook for 2013 can be found here: Ad Hoc Commentary – 2013 outlook Our basic premise for 2013 was the sovereign debt crisis will migrate from Europe to Japan, and then back… Continue reading

A Vortex To End 2013 – Signs of Trouble ?

by

Amidst all the market euphoria, stocks closing the year at highs, I notice a spate of ill news in my hectic social schedule which I cannot make sense of. It is my own… Continue reading

Dangerous Markets and Didier’s Formula

by

Dangerous Markets and Didier’s Formula   In 1923 an earthquake devastated Tokyo and became known as the Great Kanto earthquake. This mega earthquake was preceded by several years of increased incidents of intermediate… Continue reading

New Leadership Paradigm – Kicking The Can, Starting With The Fed

by

The Fed’s balance sheets have swelled over 1 trillion USD in the past year to exceed USD 4 trillion which is causing some angst amongst lawmakers despite an oblivious President. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-12-17/fed-s-4-trillion-assets-draw-lawmaker-ire-amid-bubble-concern.html We know… Continue reading

Thoughts on the Big Brother Chatroom Ban

by

No one I know in Singapore is making a big deal out of the NSA scandal even as Indonesians burn the Australian flag in protest. Big Brother has come to the banking world… Continue reading

Weekend Ironies For 1 December

by

Cannot help it. It has been an entertaining weekend in headlines. Chinese wife scratches car at motor show to force her husband to buy it. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2515654/Hilarious-moment-Chinese-wife-scratches-luxury-car-motor-FORCE-husband-buy-getting-older-looks-young.html >> The funny part is HER REASON… Continue reading

Ad Hoc Commentary – as China stops buying accumulating USD reserves, USD will first strengthen before declining

by

“It’s no longer in China’s favor to accumulate foreign-exchange reserves,” Yi Gang, a deputy governor at the central bank, said in a speech organized by China Economists 50 Forum at Tsinghua University yesterday.”… Continue reading

Financial Markets Layoffs Means Retail Balance Sheets Are Kings

by

Heard about the Morgan Stanley Conference this week. Sashimi, Ding Tai Fung, Jumbo Seafood, Ya Kun and Illy’s coffee at ballroom foyer… and wagyu beef and Hokkaido seafood. Take your pick. Free cab… Continue reading

Ad Hoc Commentary – saving the world monetary system

by

The Bretton Woods system was born on 22 Jul 1944 and was destroyed on 15 Aug 1971 when President Richard Nixon severed the US dollar link to gold. Thus, the system we have… Continue reading

Talking Aloud : Twilight In Trading Markets

by

Two top currency-dealing banks confirm involvement in global investigation into possible manipulation of FX markets – referring to UBS and Deutsche. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304200804579164841995315318 Stanchart puts senior fx trader on leave, reported yesterday on Reuters.… Continue reading