There are few questions about the one-dimensional nature of the driving force of markets around the world. Cheap money sustains equity markets as the vast amounts of central bank liquidity continues to provide support for low-cost borrowing and a lack of alternatives for investors. A subset of the cheap cost of capital has been the “hoped” for resolution to the China/U.S. trade conflict which without question has disrupted global trade. South Korea’s recent economic performance is a reflection of the impact suffered by key components of the global supply chain driven export-oriented economy.
Posts Tagged ‘South Korea’
Notes From Underground: Same Old Song With a Different Beat
December 1, 2019Notes From Underground: The Irish Government loses power as the GREENS pull the plug
January 23, 2011The weekend brought some political news from the EU. Brian Cowen gave up his leadership of the Fianna Fail Party but vowed to stay on as prime minister. However, the GREEN PARTY, who is the junior partner in the coalition, balked at the uncertainty caused by PM Cowen and pulled their support, which would force the dissolution of Parliament after this week’s vote on important budgetary matters. It is not as significant as it could be for elections were scheduled for March and the ruling party has been expected to suffer a total defeat. The most important outcome is that some of the leadership challenging Cowen within Fianna Fail will lose some precious time to secure their support within the party.
Notes From Underground: While Europe Slept…
December 19, 2010This weekend the European Union, again, failed to do anything to alleviate the PIIGS’ problems. Eurocrats continue to put Band-Aids on the problems of potential insolvency of the weakest sovereigns. Even though the official communique left more questions than it answered for investors and European citizens, there were two solid pieces about the why and how of some type of real bailout program. Nouriel Roubini had an insightful piece on Slate, but while economically sound it fails to deal with the political machinations that are in play in Europe. Adding to Merkel’s problems is the fact that her coalition lost a vote in Parliament on an education issue. While it’s not a serious affront to the chancellor’s coalition, it does reflect the serious political winds that are blowing and gathering force in Germany.
Happy Thanksgiving FROM NOTES : WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR OUR READERS AND THEIR THOUGHTS
November 23, 2010The markets were riddled with all sorts of political news today as North Korea felt neglected and found a way to move center stage. The North Koreans like to have the spotlight shine on them when they need something from the world. I figure they must need food and heating oil for the winter so they upped the tension on the PENINSULA by lobbing some artillery shells into a South Korean military exercise. It is sad that SOUTH KOREANS had to die while Pyonyang played their typical games. A boycott of the North cannot work as the corrupt dictatorship just raises the temperature on hostilities until the world provides them with what they want and need. It is time to start bringing the U.S. troops home. Let the Chinese and Koreas resolve the problems that result from the arrested development of the North Koreans. Let the South Koreans be under the U.S. NUCLEAR UMBRELLA and start cutting back on U.S. global overreach. Oh by the way, don’t forget the bread and the heating oil so the North can get on with its goal of sucking the life out of its “citizens.”
Notes From Underground: G-20 is History
November 15, 2010The G-20 is history and so should be the U.S. Treasury Secretary. It seems that the U.S. was the whipping boy of the new and improved world conclave. It was George W. Bush who set the wheels in motion by granting so much HOPE to the G-20 and the U.S. has been unable to accomplish almost nothing at this forum. So much hyperbole goes into the media guide and so little tangible comes out.
Notes From Underground [REPOST]: G-20 was in Korea looking for its Soul
November 11, 2010The statements coming from G-20 central bank chiefs and finance ministers in South Korea tried to calm the markets nervousness about currency wars. Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega didn’t attend as a form of mild protest to what he felt was previous inconsistencies between words and actions. The U.S. had put forth a proposal that was leaked to the media ahead of formal proceeding for some numerical target on current account surpluses and deficits. In the final communique no formal targets were established.
Notes From Underground: G-20 was in Korea looking for its Soul
October 24, 2010The statements coming from G-20 central bank chiefs and finance ministers in South Korea tried to calm the markets nervousness about currency wars. Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega didn’t attend as a form of mild protest to what he felt was previous inconsistencies between words and actions. The U.S. had put forth a proposal that was leaked to the media ahead of formal proceeding for some numerical target on current account surpluses and deficits. In the final communique no formal targets were established.