To us, inflation is assuredly returning, yet the degree of inflation is unknowable. Why are we so sure inflation will return? It is because for decades that has been the easiest political solution for the debt accumulation of our citizenry and our government. To wit, pay back the debt with “cheaper” dollars.
Every year PSMJ does a forecast of the various architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) markets. This year, we present PSMJ’s A/E/C Market Outlook: How do the A/E/C Markets Look in 2016 and Beyond? This report covers A/E/C industry and market trends for 2015 and 2016.
We begin by looking at trends in the overall economy–especially those trend that affect A/E/C firms. Next, we detail what is happening specifically in the A/E/C industry right now.
Then we present our outlook for next year and beyond—what we think is going to happen in the various market sectors. We look at which markets are up and which markets are down.
And finally, we conclude with recommendations on what A/E/C firms should to do to be successful in 2016 and beyond.
Capital Markets Industry Insights - Fall 2016Duff & Phelps
Middle-market issuers were greeted by strong demand this quarter from mainstream credit sources as well as those seeking higher degrees of risk and return. Macroeconomic fundamentals continued to improve, though the focus remained on monetary policy. With an increasingly stark dichotomy of views at the Federal Reserve, volatility persisted in anticipation of clearer guidance on the pace and timing of rate hikes.
BoyarMiller Breakfast Forum: The Energy Industry 2016 – Looking ForwardBoyarMiller
As part of its ongoing Breakfast Forum series, BoyarMiller gathered industry experts for a discussion on the energy industry.
Speakers included David A. Pursell with Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co., Matthew G. Pilon with Simmons & Company International and Robert A. Dye, Ph.D. with Comerica Bank.
A stream of new money flowing into loan and credit funds overwhelmed new issue supply, providing issuers (and their agents) the opportunity to run robust offering processes and gamer attractive economic and structural terms. The recent tightening in monetary policy and strong macroeconomic conditions notwithstanding, all-in-cost of leverage has, thus far, remained near recent lows.
Every year PSMJ does a forecast of the various architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) markets. This year, we present PSMJ’s A/E/C Market Outlook: How do the A/E/C Markets Look in 2016 and Beyond? This report covers A/E/C industry and market trends for 2015 and 2016.
We begin by looking at trends in the overall economy–especially those trend that affect A/E/C firms. Next, we detail what is happening specifically in the A/E/C industry right now.
Then we present our outlook for next year and beyond—what we think is going to happen in the various market sectors. We look at which markets are up and which markets are down.
And finally, we conclude with recommendations on what A/E/C firms should to do to be successful in 2016 and beyond.
Capital Markets Industry Insights - Fall 2016Duff & Phelps
Middle-market issuers were greeted by strong demand this quarter from mainstream credit sources as well as those seeking higher degrees of risk and return. Macroeconomic fundamentals continued to improve, though the focus remained on monetary policy. With an increasingly stark dichotomy of views at the Federal Reserve, volatility persisted in anticipation of clearer guidance on the pace and timing of rate hikes.
BoyarMiller Breakfast Forum: The Energy Industry 2016 – Looking ForwardBoyarMiller
As part of its ongoing Breakfast Forum series, BoyarMiller gathered industry experts for a discussion on the energy industry.
Speakers included David A. Pursell with Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co., Matthew G. Pilon with Simmons & Company International and Robert A. Dye, Ph.D. with Comerica Bank.
A stream of new money flowing into loan and credit funds overwhelmed new issue supply, providing issuers (and their agents) the opportunity to run robust offering processes and gamer attractive economic and structural terms. The recent tightening in monetary policy and strong macroeconomic conditions notwithstanding, all-in-cost of leverage has, thus far, remained near recent lows.
This report covers key macroeconomic and investment trends in the economies of Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. It also covers the foreign currency crunch in Ethiopia and what the country's outlook looks like.
In this special edition of Valuation Insights, we discuss some of the key valuation and compliance impacts that will likely result from Brexit. Specifically, we review the short-term and long-term economic implications, as well as compliance and regulatory considerations. We also highlight valuation issues, including how companies and investors determine cost of capital and measure risk in the current environment, and discuss implications for transfer pricing with respect to EU Directives. While all industries will be impacted by Brexit, in this issue we focus on the banking and financial services sectors, which stand to be the most heavily affected.
Client Alert: Brexit - The Impact on Cost of CapitalDuff & Phelps
On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum to decide whether to leave or remain as member of the European Union (EU). Against prior poll prediction, 51.9% of U.K. voters were in favor of leaving the EU, while 48.1% voted to remain a member. This decision is popularly known in the financial press as “Brexit”.
To assist in this discussion, on July 12, 2016, Duff & Phelps held the second of its Brexit webinar series entitled “The Impact on Cost of Capital,” featuring a panel of world-renowned cost of capital experts. The webcast focused on the challenges of estimating the cost of capital from the perspectives of U.S., U.K., and Eurozone investors in a post-Brexit world.
« Market Perspectives » est notre revue mensuelle des marchés. Elle présente de la façon la plus synthétique possible :
- notre analyse des principaux faits marquants et indicateurs macro susceptibles de dessiner les marchés sur le mois.
- notre vision sur les différentes classes d’actifs
Cette revue sera progressivement enrichie avec nos indicateurs quantitatifs.
Toutes nos analyses sont disponibles sur www.finlightresearch.com
Political Risk Could Undermine the Global Recovery. Review Dun & Bradstreet's research on global trade and the political risks that could impair global economic outlook. Dun & Bradstreet partners with international finance departments, World Bank Governance Indicator publications, and other global economic outlook experts to create comprehensive fiscal world view.
Market conditions at the fourth quarter’s outset largely reflected expectations of continued (albeit modest) economic growth and accommodative monetary policy. At mid quarter, the presidential election portended a period of fiscal stimulus and tightening monetary policy. Overall, the quarter witnessed a sharp rally in equities, tightening credit spreads, a downturn in Treasury prices and a strengthening of the U.S. dollar.
Despite a strong start in January, global stock markets became unnerved in the latter part of the first quarter of 2018. Rising trade tensions contributed to the unease investors exhibited as the US took a stronger stance on bilateral trade negotiations through the enactment of targeted tariffs.
The overall outlook for 2017 Canadian M&A activity remains moderately positive, despite the decrease in the number of Canadian companies sold in 2016. Corporate balance sheets are flush with cash, with corporations actively looking for quality investments. Interest rates remain low, and oil prices are showing signs of improvement. Private Equity firms also have large cash holdings and often see Canadian firms as good "bolt-on" opportunities. Read the report for more detail on trends, public market performance and deal activity.
Arbuthnot Latham: Global Markets Report Q1 2019Siôn Puckle
Our report discusses general developments within global markets over the first quarter of 2019, with a focus on the issues influencing portfolios. Following an economic and market summary, we expand upon a number of themes before concluding with a review of the major asset classes.
2017 Global Economic Outlook by Dun & BradstreetDun & Bradstreet
Learn from Dun & Bradstreet’s economists as they share our 2017 global economic outlook. Discover the top five economic game changers, take a look at the short-term economic outlook and view deep-dive analyses on featured countries.
The SVB Asset Management Economic Report, Q2 2017, is a review of and outlook on economic factors that impact global markets and business health.
In this edition, the team discusses the U.K.’s Article 50 notice and the FOMC’s current path towards normalization. The report also examines the Trump Administration’s first 100 days in office and current business sentiment.
A euphoric start to 2019!
After a dismal end to last year, global stock markets rebounded in the first quarter making up much of the ground lost in the final quarter of 2018. The underpinnings of this sudden reversal in sentiment are less clear. There appears to be a disconnect between the direction of the stock markets and the direction of the global economies. Economists continue to moderate the outlook for future economic growth. The issues that vexed the markets in 2018 remain and in many cases, those issues have deteriorated even further.
As the third quarter drew to a close, Canada had yet to come to terms with the US and Mexico on a renewed trade agreement. Investors woke up on Monday, October 1, 2018 to news that a deal had in fact been cobbled together at the last minute and that all was well in the world.
Corporate borrowing activity in the second quarter was robust, particularly in the middle-market, which exceeded the record volume seen in the first quarter. Supply and demand for middle-market credit became more balanced, as opportunistic issuers came to market and/or increased issuance size. Near team market conditions remain compelling for middle-market issues as borrowers are capitalizing on strong institutional appetite by pursing favorably crafted deals for acquisition, recapitalization and growth financing.
This report covers key macroeconomic and investment trends in the economies of Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. It also covers the foreign currency crunch in Ethiopia and what the country's outlook looks like.
In this special edition of Valuation Insights, we discuss some of the key valuation and compliance impacts that will likely result from Brexit. Specifically, we review the short-term and long-term economic implications, as well as compliance and regulatory considerations. We also highlight valuation issues, including how companies and investors determine cost of capital and measure risk in the current environment, and discuss implications for transfer pricing with respect to EU Directives. While all industries will be impacted by Brexit, in this issue we focus on the banking and financial services sectors, which stand to be the most heavily affected.
Client Alert: Brexit - The Impact on Cost of CapitalDuff & Phelps
On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum to decide whether to leave or remain as member of the European Union (EU). Against prior poll prediction, 51.9% of U.K. voters were in favor of leaving the EU, while 48.1% voted to remain a member. This decision is popularly known in the financial press as “Brexit”.
To assist in this discussion, on July 12, 2016, Duff & Phelps held the second of its Brexit webinar series entitled “The Impact on Cost of Capital,” featuring a panel of world-renowned cost of capital experts. The webcast focused on the challenges of estimating the cost of capital from the perspectives of U.S., U.K., and Eurozone investors in a post-Brexit world.
« Market Perspectives » est notre revue mensuelle des marchés. Elle présente de la façon la plus synthétique possible :
- notre analyse des principaux faits marquants et indicateurs macro susceptibles de dessiner les marchés sur le mois.
- notre vision sur les différentes classes d’actifs
Cette revue sera progressivement enrichie avec nos indicateurs quantitatifs.
Toutes nos analyses sont disponibles sur www.finlightresearch.com
Political Risk Could Undermine the Global Recovery. Review Dun & Bradstreet's research on global trade and the political risks that could impair global economic outlook. Dun & Bradstreet partners with international finance departments, World Bank Governance Indicator publications, and other global economic outlook experts to create comprehensive fiscal world view.
Market conditions at the fourth quarter’s outset largely reflected expectations of continued (albeit modest) economic growth and accommodative monetary policy. At mid quarter, the presidential election portended a period of fiscal stimulus and tightening monetary policy. Overall, the quarter witnessed a sharp rally in equities, tightening credit spreads, a downturn in Treasury prices and a strengthening of the U.S. dollar.
Despite a strong start in January, global stock markets became unnerved in the latter part of the first quarter of 2018. Rising trade tensions contributed to the unease investors exhibited as the US took a stronger stance on bilateral trade negotiations through the enactment of targeted tariffs.
The overall outlook for 2017 Canadian M&A activity remains moderately positive, despite the decrease in the number of Canadian companies sold in 2016. Corporate balance sheets are flush with cash, with corporations actively looking for quality investments. Interest rates remain low, and oil prices are showing signs of improvement. Private Equity firms also have large cash holdings and often see Canadian firms as good "bolt-on" opportunities. Read the report for more detail on trends, public market performance and deal activity.
Arbuthnot Latham: Global Markets Report Q1 2019Siôn Puckle
Our report discusses general developments within global markets over the first quarter of 2019, with a focus on the issues influencing portfolios. Following an economic and market summary, we expand upon a number of themes before concluding with a review of the major asset classes.
2017 Global Economic Outlook by Dun & BradstreetDun & Bradstreet
Learn from Dun & Bradstreet’s economists as they share our 2017 global economic outlook. Discover the top five economic game changers, take a look at the short-term economic outlook and view deep-dive analyses on featured countries.
The SVB Asset Management Economic Report, Q2 2017, is a review of and outlook on economic factors that impact global markets and business health.
In this edition, the team discusses the U.K.’s Article 50 notice and the FOMC’s current path towards normalization. The report also examines the Trump Administration’s first 100 days in office and current business sentiment.
A euphoric start to 2019!
After a dismal end to last year, global stock markets rebounded in the first quarter making up much of the ground lost in the final quarter of 2018. The underpinnings of this sudden reversal in sentiment are less clear. There appears to be a disconnect between the direction of the stock markets and the direction of the global economies. Economists continue to moderate the outlook for future economic growth. The issues that vexed the markets in 2018 remain and in many cases, those issues have deteriorated even further.
As the third quarter drew to a close, Canada had yet to come to terms with the US and Mexico on a renewed trade agreement. Investors woke up on Monday, October 1, 2018 to news that a deal had in fact been cobbled together at the last minute and that all was well in the world.
Corporate borrowing activity in the second quarter was robust, particularly in the middle-market, which exceeded the record volume seen in the first quarter. Supply and demand for middle-market credit became more balanced, as opportunistic issuers came to market and/or increased issuance size. Near team market conditions remain compelling for middle-market issues as borrowers are capitalizing on strong institutional appetite by pursing favorably crafted deals for acquisition, recapitalization and growth financing.
The advance figure for fourth quarter growth surprised to the upside, although the story was largely as anticipated. The GDP data will be revised at the end of February and again in late March (and in perpetuity, in annual benchmark revisions). Don’t get too wedded to the numbers. However, the story is unlikely to change much in revision.
The November Employment Report was disappointing. The stock market had set its sights high, anticipating stronger growth in nonfarm payrolls and a steady unemployment rate. Moreover, market participants seemed to be hoping for an upside surprise relative to the consensus forecast. The holiday shopping season apparently got off to a strong start, but that failed to translate into a corresponding jump in retail employment (at least, on a seasonally adjusted basis). Manufacturing jobs were soft. State and local government continued to shed jobs, reflecting budget strains. What’s in store for 2011? The November jobs data aren’t encouraging, but the recovery is likely to remain on track.
The advance estimate of fourth quarter GDP growth was relatively close to expectations. However, two major components, net exports and the change in inventories, were much larger than anticipated (net exports added to GDP, slower inventory accumulation subtracted). Underlying domestic demand was roughly as anticipated, but the inventory story (assuming that it holds up in revisions) implies stronger growth in the near term. Instead of GDP growth of 3.0% to 3.5% in 2011 (4Q-over-4Q), it now appears more like 3.5% to 4.0%
The first part of December is a busy time for economists. People want to know what’s going to happen in the coming year. However, nobody’s clairvoyant. Forecasts are certain to be wrong. We can only tell you what to expect. The outlook for 2011 has been especially challenging, as the ground has been shifting under our feet. The tax proposal, the rout in bonds, and simmering concerns about Europe would seem to have significant impacts on the growth outlook, and they do. However, as with any economic recovery, positive forces battle it out with negative forces, with the positive force eventually dominating. Along the way, the pace is typically uneven across time and across sectors. That implies some volatility in the markets as investors debate the strength of the recovery.
The Job Market Outlook – Recovery Still on TrackJeff Green
The May Employment Report was mixed. As expected, payrolls were boosted by a sharp rise in temporary jobs for the 2010 census (up by 411,000, to 564,000 – most of these jobs will be shed by October).
Senior Fed officials meet next week amid what is widely seen as a slow patch in economic growth. A key question for investors, as well as for monetary policymakers, is whether this slowing will be temporary. Most likely, growth should pick up in the second half of the year. However, there are downside risks in the near term. Moreover, monetary policy appears to be handcuffed and fiscal policy is set to go in the wrong direction.
Last week, the federal government breached the current debt ceiling, $14.284 trillion. The Treasury had begun taking evasive action the week before, but warned that it couldn’t do so beyond early August – and Congress would have to raise the debt ceiling before then. Will the government default? The strong betting is that it won’t. The bond market doesn’t seem to be worried. However, the increased rhetoric could have a bigger impact on the equity and currency markets.
The recent economic data have been disappointing, but hardly a disaster. The broad range of indicators suggest a slowing in the pace of growth – not a contraction. One month does not a trend make, but the data have generated some anxieties about whether the current slow patch could be a lot longer lasting or turn into something more severe.
Two clouds hung over the financial markets in the late summer: worries about a European financial crisis and concerns that the U.S. economy might be tipping back into recession. Real GDP rose at a 2.5% annual rate in the advance estimate for 3Q11, which should put to rest fears that the U.S. economy has already entered recession. However, there are still some important uncertainties in the growth outlook for 2012. European leaders dodged a bullet last week, with the agreement on Greek debt (failure would have triggered a more immediate crisis). However, they did not put a number of problems to bed completely. So, how long will the good feelings last?
High levels of government debt are a big concern for investors both here and abroad. Efforts must be made eventually to reduce deficits. However, acting too soon will weaken the economic recovery. Looking ahead, there are no easy solutions.
Is there a fate worse than debt? If there is, it seems to be not dealing with the debt. When there is too much leverage in the system, there is always a risk that things go wrong quickly and unexpectedly. Ken Rogoff and Carmen Reinhart have an op-ed piece on Bloomberg today about the debt overhang and its implications for economic growth. They are among the few commentators who have been consistently correct about the path of the financial crisis, probably because they are among the few who have studied the actual data.
The Federal Open Market Committee, the Fed’s policymaking arm, will meet on November 2-3. Clearly, there are some differences of opinion among senior Fed officials regarding the appropriate path for monetary policy. However, the dissenters (those wanting to do less) are a small minority. The FOMC will come together with a somewhat less troublesome near-term economic outlook (no recession in the near term), but there are more concerns about growth in 2012.
The recent data have been mixed, consistent with a slower rate of economic growth in the near term. The economy faced a number of headwinds in the first half of the year. Some of those headwinds are likely to be temporary. Others will linger. Growth should pick up in the second half of the year, but the pace seems unlikely to be especially strong
Inflation Expectations, Budget DecisionsJeff Green
On the surface, the February Employment Report was strong, but the details suggest more moderate improvement in the labor market. Still, new hiring is likely to pick up in the spring. Higher oil prices threaten the outlook for jobs and the overall economy. The Fed appears to be in a tough spot, but should keep monetary policy accommodative for some time.
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012Jeff Green
The new year began with some political drama, as last-minute negotiations attempted to avert sending the nation over the "fiscal cliff." Technically, we actually did go over the cliff, however briefly, as a host of tax provisions and automatic spending cuts took effect at the stroke of midnight on December 31, 2012.
Time Running Out for Large Gifts in 2012Jeff Green
Currently, the exemptions for federal gift tax, estate tax, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax are at historic highs, and the gift, estate, and GST tax rates are at historic lows. But, in 2013, the exemptions are scheduled to substantially decrease, and the tax rates are scheduled to substantially increase. This raises the question of whether 2012 might be a good time to make large gifts that take advantage of the current large exemptions while they are still available.
What is the "fiscal cliff"? It's the term being used by many to describe the unique combination of tax increases and spending cuts scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2013. The ominous term reflects the belief by some that, taken together, higher taxes and decreased spending at the levels prescribed have the potential to derail the economy. Whether we do indeed step off the cliff at the end of the year, and what exactly that will mean for the economy, depends on several factors.
What Does the Supreme Court Ruling on the Health-Care Reform Law Mean for You?Jeff Green
On June 28, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, in a landmark decision, that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), including the provision that most Americans carry health insurance or pay a penalty, is constitutional.
It's no secret that what's happening in Europe is driving financial markets worldwide. Even if you have a sound asset allocation strategy and a well-diversified portfolio, it's hard to ignore the fact that this summer seems to have the potential for turbulence. Markets dislike uncertainty, and at this point uncertainty is high, particularly in advance of the June 17 elections scheduled in Greece.
The S&P 500 (SPX) has tested 1366 on the upside twice, and not had any success even hanging around this level, as it’s been pushed down quickly both times. This doesn’t bode well for an upside resolution in the near term, but it’s certainly a possibility.
Background
As 401(k) plans have become more popular, plan participants have become increasingly responsible for making their own retirement savings decisions. The Department of Labor (DOL) has become concerned that participants in self-directed 401(k) plans (those that allow participants to direct the investment of their own accounts) might not have access to, or might not be considering, information critical to making informed decisions about the management of their accounts--particularly information on investment choices, fees, and expenses.
The Federal Open Market Committee will meet on Tuesday to set monetary policy. The Fed is widely expected to leave short-term interest rates unchanged and the wording of the economic assessment should be largely the same as in the previous statement. However, we could see another round of asset purchases or some changes to the Fed’s communications.
Loan growth plays a key role in economic expansion. Simply put: no loan growth, no economic growth. However, there’s a downside. Debt doesn’t matter until it does. Debt has played a key part in the economic downturn and in the gradual recovery. Europe’s sovereign debt crisis has continued to escalate, with no easy way out. In the U.S., the government has borrowed more, but the markets have not punished it for doing so. There’s no sign that that is going to change anytime soon.
A positive sign that has come as a result of the back and forth action in the markets over the past couple of weeks is the emergence of a triangle pattern in the S&P 500 (SPX). A triangle pattern, in and of itself, is neither a bullish pattern nor a bearish pattern until the pattern has completed.
Faster than a speeding tortoise, more powerful than suntan lotion, unable to leap small objects in a single bound – the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (aka “the super committee”) is stumbling toward its November 23 deadline.
Later this month, the government will release the advance estimate of 3Q11 GDP growth. There are uncertainties in that estimate – inventories and foreign trade make up a relatively small part of the economy, but account for much of the quarterly variation in GDP growth. We already have a good idea regarding the “meat and potatoes” of that report. Consumer spending and business fixed investment expanded further in the third quarter, suggesting no recession in the near term. However, the economic outlook for 2012 is a lot less clear.
The Economic Outlook – In A Holding PatternJeff Green
Recent economic figures have been consistent with the view of lackluster-to-moderate growth in the near term – not a recession, although the risk of a renewed downturn remains. Whether the U.S. slips back into recession depends on a number of factors: gasoline prices, developments in Europe, and policies that may or may not come out of Washington, D.C.
In the last few months, some have taken to calling the current economic period, “the Lesser Depression” (instead of “the Great Recession”). There’s no precise definition of “a depression” (and as it is, the definition of “a recession” is rather vague). Most economists would say a depression is a lengthy period of elevated unemployment. That’s exactly what we may be staring out now. Monetary and fiscal policy could provide further support for growth, but there’s a lot of resistance.
After all the debate in recent weeks over issues related to raising the nation's debt limit, it's hard to know exactly what might happen after August 2. Borrowing represents more than 40% of the nation's expenses, and any default on the country's obligations would be unprecedented.
The debt ceiling crisis heated up last week, as Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s threatened to lower the credit rating on U.S. debt. The financial markets appeared not to notice or to care, but may simply be expressing a confidence that the debt ceiling will be raised in time. After all, we’ve been here before. As dysfunctional as Washington is, lawmakers aren’t foolish enough to cause a self-inflicted financial calamity. Or are they?
1. 6363 Woodway Dr Suite 870
Houston, TX 77057
Phone: 713-244-3030
Fax: 713-513-5669
Securities are offered through
RAYMOND JAMES
FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
Member FINRA / SIPC
Green Financial Group
An Independent Firm
Investment Strategy by Jeffrey Saut
How Inflation Begins
April 12, 2010
“I am a large volume importer of industrial hardware, mostly out of Asia. I just received my April
ocean freight rate update. Container cost up 5% from March and up 21% from April 2009. For my
products, the YOY increase represents a 3% increase to cost of goods. Cost of steel as we know is
going up significantly and these price increases for us – contrary to what the popular spin may be – are
effective immediately. Obviously, as we are replacing fast-turning inventory, we are passing on these
increases immediately. About a year ago, I reported to you that our business was extremely slow and
our inventories very high. Despite price increases going on offshore, I pointed out that in our world,
these increases would take time to trickle through due to the high inventory levels that we and our
competitors were sitting on. Our position was that if we had it in stock, we would sell at basically any
price for cash flow reasons. Any new inventory would be sold based on actual current cost. Needless to
say, the purchases we made through the year were very minimal as we (correctly) were not optimistic
about business looking forward.”
“Now, business is still terribly slow but inventories have been depleted to the point that shortages are
occurring. These shortages are exasperated by the fact that no one is buying any significant volume of
replacement inventory. Our statistics would show that our purchases in March (for delivery this
summer) are up about 400% from any given month last year BUT are still only about 30% of our peak
going back before all hell broke loose. Can you imagine how this data can be spun by focusing on the
former and conveniently ignoring the latter? We feel that we have hit bottom and have reasonable
expectations to survive this debacle simply because we have downsized to about 20-25% the company
we once were. Our domestic competitors and vendors overseas basically report the same. ... (The)
bottom line is this: no one is (all that) busy but prices are literally skyrocketing. Smells like stagflation
to me. Anyone who tells me that there is no inflation on the horizon is delusional and in for one hell of
a shock.”
... a post on Bill Fleckenstein‟s website Ask Fleck
2. Annualized inflation in India is running at about 15% and China is not all that far behind. In the
Philippines, March‟s inflation figure was just reported at +4.4%, up from the previous month‟s 4.2%,
with the cost of Philippine fuel/electricity/water up 14.6% over the trailing 12 months. In our country,
since January 2009 the price of copper is up ~185%, crude oil is better by ~118%, and rubber is higher
by ~167%. Moreover, from August of 2009 until now hog prices have rallied ~75%, while cattle prices
have lifted ~19%. Such actions caused the Reuters CRB Commodity Index to travel above its 200-day
moving average in June 2009 and stay there ever since (read: bullish and inflationary). Meanwhile,
economists continue to insist there is no inflation because wage inflation is non-existent. That,
however, may be changing given some of the recent “worker strike” announcements.
To us, inflation is assuredly returning, yet the degree of inflation is unknowable. Why are we so sure
inflation will return? It is because for decades that has been the easiest political solution for the debt
accumulation of our citizenry and our government. To wit, pay back the debt with “cheaper” dollars.
Given the recent geometric rise of debt, we see only three ways out for our government: sovereign
default (unimaginable); severe economic contraction (unlikely); or, currency debasement (read:
inflation). We choose “door” number three as the most likely course. In past missives we have
suggested that a 10% per year inflation rate, for the next five years, would go a long way in solving the
nation‟s debt problems. As one savvy seer writes:
“In 1979 the government ran a deficit of more than $40 billion – about $118 billion in today‟s money.
The national debt stood at about $830 billion at year‟s end. But because of 13.3% inflation, that $830
billion was worth what only $732 billion would have been worth at the beginning of the year. In effect,
the government ran up $40 billion in new debts but inflated away almost $100 billion and ended up
with a national debt smaller in real terms than what it started with.”
So yeah, we choose inflation. Recently, however, in addition to inflation, another “way out” has been
proffered as the phrase Value Added Tax has emerged. Wikipedia defines VAT as “A Value Added
Tax (VAT) avoids the cascade effect of sales tax by taxing only the value added at each stage of
production. For this reason, VAT has been gaining favor over traditional sales taxes. In principle, VAT
applies to all provisions of goods and services. VAT is assessed and collected on the value of goods or
services that have been provided every time there is a transaction (sale/purchase). The seller charges
VAT to the buyer and the seller pays this VAT to the government.”
Hey “body politic,” have you not learned ANYTHING about the folly of a VAT tax from the
Europeans?! I think it was my beloved France that first introduced the VAT tax over 50 years ago; and,
the implementation of that spurious tax spread quickly across the region. It is a politically sly tax
because it is embedded into the price of everything you buy. Frighteningly, body politic can raise said
tax at their collective will. Accordingly, the government controls the revenue stream, which permits
government to do what it does best e-x-p-a-n-d! Hey America, are you listening? Such a tax only aids
in lowering an economy‟s structural growth rate with a concurrent compression in corporate price
earnings multiples. And if you don‟t believe me, the only state in this country to ever use a VAT tax
has been my home state of Michigan – „nuff said!
Speaking of increased government intrusion into the private sector, there was an interesting story in last
Friday‟s Wall Street Journal titled “The Massachusetts Insurance Blackout.” The gist of the article is
that the state‟s Governor, for purely political reasons, rejected 90% of the non-profit insurers‟ requests
3. for a price increase (think about that – not for profit organizations). As it turns out, those insurers lost
$100 million last year, making it impossible for them to pay the anticipated cost of healthcare claims.
As stated, “It may even threaten the near-term solvency of some companies. So until the matter is
resolved, the insurers have simply stopped selling new policies” – „nuff said.
Ladies and gentlemen, our government is running amok. As Dr. Ed Yardeni writes:
“The wall of worry is higher now following the passage of ObamaCare. The coming tax hikes could
depress consumer spending and increase the odds of a subpar recovery in employment. The new law is
likely to raise healthcare costs and widen the federal deficit, which might explain why the 10-year
Treasury bond is as high as 4%. This can‟t be good for consumer spending and profits. The Obama
administration is likely to be emboldened to push congress to pass more of its liberal agendas, which is
bad for business. Yet, I remain bullish until November 2, 2010. That‟s when our democratic political
system will determine whether the liberal agenda will prevail, or will be reversed by a conservative
backlash. Until then, I expect that better-than-expected earnings, along with near-zero money market
rates, will continue to push stock prices higher. If the political backlash occurs, then a powerful year-
end rally is likely. If the liberal agenda prevails, 2011 could be a very good year for the bears.”
The call for this week: We are on the road this week and consequently these will likely be the only
strategy comments for the week. That said, our short-term indicators have wrongly been counseling for
caution since mid-March. But as Lowry‟s notes, “The probabilities have favored a relatively brief and
shallow reaction. Investors can use such periods to upgrade portfolios by reviewing holdings to identify
laggard issues to be sold, and use the proceeds to buy stocks with stronger Power Ratings within the
strongest Sectors and Industry Groups.” Plainly, we agree and since March we have mentioned more
than 20 such stock names from the Raymond James universe of stocks.