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Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know Newsby SA Editor Rachael Granby- Bank trio becomes duo. Wells Fargo (WFC) will become the largest U.S. bank by branches with its bid for Wachovia (WB), after Citigroup (C) withdrew from compromise negotiations late yesterday on concerns about the quality of some of Wachovia's assets. Wells Fargo, with a bid valued at $11.4B, expects the purchase to be completed by the end of the year, and denies it will have to absorb assets shakier than originally thought.
- Government considers next steps. As the financial crisis continues to worsen, the U.S. government is considering two dramatic steps to turn around, or at least slow, the damage: guaranteeing billions of dollars in bank debt and temporarily insuring all U.S. bank deposits. The moves, which would mark the government's most extensive intervention to date, are in discussion stages only.
- Credit stays frozen. As frozen credit markets refuse to thaw, the cost of default protection on corporate bonds reaches new global records amid investor concerns the credit crisis will trigger corporate failures as companies struggle to finance their businesses. Interbank lending remains limited, and borrowing from the Fed's expanded discount window continued its trend of setting new highs every week, as the total daily average rose to $420.2B vs. $367.8B last week.
- Oil demand withers. The International Energy Agency warned Friday worldwide oil demand...
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- An Outcry from Emerging and Developed Markets Alike by Jonathan O'Shaughnessy
- Long Term, Financials Look Good by Michael Filloon
- Round 3 of the Recession: Main Street by Paul Fekula
Oil Price- Oil Below $75: Increased Chance of OPEC Production Cuts by Money Morning
- Oil Down 48% from Highs by Bespoke Investment Group
- Oil & Gas Headed Lower as Economy Strikes Consumers by Michael Filloon
Economy- Long Term, Financials Look Good by Michael Filloon
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- Perhaps Industrials... Cramer's Stop Trading! (10/14/08) by SA Editor Joan Wickham
Long Ideas- Utilities Beginning to Generate Interest for Longs by Joe Kunkle
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- Two Global Infrastructure Investment Opportunities in ETFs by Investment U
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- Jim Cramer's Picks -SampleBetter Choices - Cramer's Lightning Round (10/15/08)by SA Editor Rachael GranbyStocks discussed in the lightning round session of Jim Cramers Mad Money TV program,
Wednesday, October 15.Bullish Calls:Continental Resources (CLR) -- "This is a remarkable decline. All of the high quality ones are down so much, I can't go against it. This is where you pull the trigger.
3M (MMM) -- The moment this stock starts yielding 5%, I'm a buyer. Until then, keep your powder dry.Bearish Calls:Computer Sciences (CSC) -- This is a company that was going to be bought, but they passed up the chance. Now I don't want to buy it."Email continues...
Annaly Mortgage (NLY) -- I think this is a business model that needs to borrow money. Definitively do not buy."
Northrop Grumman (NOC) -- You can't own the defense stocks right now. If I had to own one, I'd look at Lockheed Martin (LMT) with its good dividend. - Stocks & Sectors -SampleSeeking Alpha - Stocks & SectorsInternet
- eBay: Q3 Looks Good but Q4 Guidance Disappoints by Greg Feirman
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Media- A Triple Financial Whammy Afflicts Newspapers by Ken Doctor
- Three Years On, Buying MySpace Looks Like One of Murdoch's Smartest Bets by Erick Schonfeld
- How Will Arbitron Fare in This Market? by Sreeni Meka
Telecom- Ten Ways to Invest in Louisiana by Stockerblog
- Earnings Preview: Electro-Optical Engineering by theflyonthewall.com
- Shared Docks Via WiFi All the Rage by Dean Bubley
Financial- Switzerland Strengthens Its Banks; Short Interest Remains Low by Jessica Johnson
- Reality Bites As Stocks Continue To Collapse by The Mole
- LIBOR Shows Worst Is Yet to Come for Credit Markets by Keith Fitz-Gerald
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- An Outcry from Emerging and Developed Markets Alike by Jonathan O'Shaughnessy
- USANA Health Sciences Inc. Q3 2008 Earnings Call Transcript
- Perfect World Announces Share Repurchase Program by Trader Mark
- China: Hot Money Inflows Down, Nervousness Up by Michael Pettis
India- Indian Economy Has Much to Cheer About by Equitymaster
- India: RBI Cuts Cash Reserve Ratio by Equitymaster
- India: Markets Continue Downward by Equitymaster
Japan- Sanyo Enters Thin-Film Market, Goes Up Against Sharp by Greentech Media
Asia- Four International Dividend Stocks to Watch by David Hunkar
Eastern Europe- Reality Bites As Stocks Continue To Collapse by The Mole
- Alternative Energy Investing -SampleSeeking Alpha - Alternative EnergyAlternative Energy
- Seven Stocks for an Impending Apocalypse by H.J. Huneycutt
- Solar Shares Under Pressure From Credit Crunch and Pricing by Eric Savitz
- Trina Solar Looks Good, Though Market Yawns by Trader Mark
- The Electric Car Market: Wise Energy Use Stocks by Tom Konrad
- Investing in the Power of the Sea
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- Too Early To Buy Homebuilders ETF by Larry MacDonald
- Utilities Beginning to Generate Interest for Longs by Joe Kunkle
- Two Global Infrastructure Investment Opportunities in ETFs by Investment U
New ETFs- First Trust Launches Infrastructure ETF with Global Reach by Index Universe
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Emerging Market ETFs- Brazil Is the Best of BRIC by Carl T. Delfeld
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- The Daily Dispatch -SampleSeeking Alpha - Daily DispatchWall Street Breakfast
- Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News by SA Editor Rachael Granby
US Market- An Outcry from Emerging and Developed Markets Alike by Jonathan O'Shaughnessy
- Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News by SA Editor Rachael Granby
Housing & Real Estate- Too Early To Buy Homebuilders ETF by Larry MacDonald
- Another 'Root Cause' That Isn't: Tumbling Home Prices by Tim Iacono
Transcripts- TrueBlue, Inc. Q3 2008 Earnings Call Transcript
- Polycom, Inc. Q3 2008 Earnings Call Transcript
ETF- Too Early To Buy Homebuilders ETF by Larry MacDonald
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5 Reasons Why the $700B Bailout Could Translate to $250 Oil
www.senate.gov/general...
5 Reasons Why the $700B Bailout Could Translate to $250 Oil
www.senate.gov/general...
Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News
Text of the bailout plan (from the NY Times):
graphics8.nytimes.com/...
Sec 109c line 14 "principal write downs" of mortgages
Sec 110-2 Modifications (to mortgages)
(a) Reduction in interest rates
(b) Reduction in loan principal
Now think about this example:
There are two neighboring houses.
In the first house, Peter was prudent, saved his money, lived within his means, worked hard, and could afford his mortgage.
In the second house, Paul took on too much debt, lived beyond his means (possibly even taking out a HELOC or two to "live the good life"), worked just enough, and frankly cannot afford the mortgage he got himself into.
The aforementioned sections essentially say that the tax money that Peter has paid will go to help his neighbor Paul. Truly robbing Peter to pay Paul's mortgage!!
On top of that, everyone else who knew they couldn't afford a house and thus are renting... their tax money goes to help Paul too!!
That is f***ing ridiculous.
Sec 113a1. "Minimizing negative impact" -- This section is pure fluff but does clearly say there *will* be a negative impact, which they will attempt to minimize (ya right). None of "the gov't might actually make a profit" absurd punditry.
Here is a graphic showing who in the House voted for or against this absurd, Socialist bill:
www.nytimes.com/ref/wa...
I will vote for, and contribute to, the incumbent campaigns of those who voted against this bill.
I will vote against, and contribute to, the challenger campaigns of those who voted for this bill.
As a taxpayer, one who lives well below his means, and an American, I am utterly furious that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Paulson and House Republican Whip Ray Blunt, R-Mo could come up with this absolute garbage.
Moreover, the fact that Henry J Paulson originally asked for $700,000,000,000 without any oversight at all, just a "trust me, I'll spend it right" attitude, is completely un-American and goes against our democratic system of checks-and-balances. He is a snake, a complete failure at his duties, and should resign immediately.
I implore all of you:
PLEASE send emails, write letters and tell your Senator and Representatives that you-- as a financially responsible homeowner-- REFUSE to help pay the mortgages of your financially irresponsible neighbors. They don't need to be very long-- just a paragraph or two to get to the point.
Tell them you will send money to support the challengers to kick out the incumbents to voted for this bill.
And tell those Representatives who voted against this bill that you wholeheartedly support their vote, and will be contributing to their campaigns.
They need to know: Vote for this bill and they will be out of office.
Alternative Bailout Plan: Good and Bad Ideas
Text of the bailout plan (from the NY Times):
graphics8.nytimes.com/...
Sec 109c line 14 "principal write downs" of mortgages
Sec 110-2 Modifications (to mortgages)
(a) Reduction in interest rates
(b) Reduction in loan principal
Now think about this example:
There are two neighboring houses.
In the first house, Peter was prudent, saved his money, lived within his means, worked hard, and could afford his mortgage.
In the second house, Paul took on too much debt, lived beyond his means (possibly even taking out a HELOC or two to "live the good life"), worked just enough, and frankly cannot afford the mortgage he got himself into.
The aforementioned sections essentially say that the tax money that Peter has paid will go to help his neighbor Paul. Truly robbing Peter to pay Paul's mortgage!!
On top of that, everyone else who knew they couldn't afford a house and thus are renting... their tax money goes to help Paul too!!
That is f***ing ridiculous.
Sec 113a1. "Minimizing negative impact" -- This section is pure fluff but does clearly say there *will* be a negative impact, which they will attempt to minimize (ya right). None of "the gov't might actually make a profit" absurd punditry.
Here is a graphic showing who in the House voted for or against this absurd, Socialist bill:
www.nytimes.com/ref/wa...
I will vote for, and contribute to, the incumbent campaigns of those who voted against this bill.
I will vote against, and contribute to, the challenger campaigns of those who voted for this bill.
As a taxpayer, one who lives well below his means, and an American, I am utterly furious that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Paulson and House Republican Whip Ray Blunt, R-Mo could come up with this absolute garbage.
Moreover, the fact that Henry J Paulson originally asked for $700,000,000,000 without any oversight at all, just a "trust me, I'll spend it right" attitude, is completely un-American and goes against our democratic system of checks-and-balances. He is a snake, a complete failure at his duties, and should resign immediately.
I implore all of you:
PLEASE send emails, write letters and tell your Senator and Representatives that you-- as a financially responsible homeowner-- REFUSE to help pay the mortgages of your financially irresponsible neighbors. They don't need to be very long-- just a paragraph or two to get to the point.
Tell them you will send money to support the challengers to kick out the incumbents to voted for this bill.
And tell those Representatives who voted against this bill that you wholeheartedly support their vote, and will be contributing to their campaigns.
They need to know: Vote for this bill and they will be out of office.
Speculating on the Future
Text of the bailout plan (from the NY Times):
graphics8.nytimes.com/...
Sec 109c line 14 "principal write downs" of mortgages
Sec 110-2 Modifications (to mortgages)
(a) Reduction in interest rates
(b) Reduction in loan principal
Now think about this example:
There are two neighboring houses.
In the first house, Peter was prudent, saved his money, lived within his means, worked hard, and could afford his mortgage.
In the second house, Paul took on too much debt, lived beyond his means (possibly even taking out a HELOC or two to "live the good life"), worked just enough, and frankly cannot afford the mortgage he got himself into.
The aforementioned sections essentially say that the tax money that Peter has paid will go to help his neighbor Paul. Truly robbing Peter to pay Paul's mortgage!!
On top of that, everyone else who knew they couldn't afford a house and thus are renting... their tax money goes to help Paul too!!
That is f***ing ridiculous.
Sec 113a1. "Minimizing negative impact" -- This section is pure fluff but does clearly say there *will* be a negative impact, which they will attempt to minimize (ya right). None of "the gov't might actually make a profit" absurd punditry.
Here is a graphic showing who in the House voted for or against this absurd, Socialist bill:
www.nytimes.com/ref/wa...
I will vote for, and contribute to, the incumbent campaigns of those who voted against this bill.
I will vote against, and contribute to, the challenger campaigns of those who voted for this bill.
As a taxpayer, one who lives well below his means, and an American, I am utterly furious that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Paulson and House Republican Whip Ray Blunt, R-Mo could come up with this absolute garbage.
Moreover, the fact that Henry J Paulson originally asked for $700,000,000,000 without any oversight at all, just a "trust me, I'll spend it right" attitude, is completely un-American and goes against our democratic system of checks-and-balances. He is a snake, a complete failure at his duties, and should resign immediately.
I implore all of you:
PLEASE send emails, write letters and tell your Senator and Representatives that you-- as a financially responsible homeowner-- REFUSE to help pay the mortgages of your financially irresponsible neighbors. They don't need to be very long-- just a paragraph or two to get to the point.
Tell them you will send money to support the challengers to kick out the incumbents to voted for this bill.
And tell those Representatives who voted against this bill that you wholeheartedly support their vote, and will be contributing to their campaigns.
They need to know: Vote for this bill and they will be out of office.
Looking for Hope
Text of the bailout plan (from the NY Times):
graphics8.nytimes.com/...
Sec 109c line 14 "principal write downs" of mortgages
Sec 110-2 Modifications (to mortgages)
(a) Reduction in interest rates
(b) Reduction in loan principal
Now think about this example:
There are two neighboring houses.
In the first house, Peter was prudent, saved his money, lived within his means, worked hard, and could afford his mortgage.
In the second house, Paul took on too much debt, lived beyond his means (possibly even taking out a HELOC or two to "live the good life"), worked just enough, and frankly cannot afford the mortgage he got himself into.
The aforementioned sections essentially say that the tax money that Peter has paid will go to help his neighbor Paul. Truly robbing Peter to pay Paul's mortgage!!
On top of that, everyone else who knew they couldn't afford a house and thus are renting... their tax money goes to help Paul too!!
That is f***ing ridiculous.
Sec 113a1. "Minimizing negative impact" -- This section is pure fluff but does clearly say there *will* be a negative impact, which they will attempt to minimize (ya right). None of "the gov't might actually make a profit" absurd punditry.
Here is a graphic showing who in the House voted for or against this absurd, Socialist bill:
www.nytimes.com/ref/wa...
I will vote for, and contribute to, the incumbent campaigns of those who voted against this bill.
I will vote against, and contribute to, the challenger campaigns of those who voted for this bill.
As a taxpayer, one who lives well below his means, and an American, I am utterly furious that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Paulson and House Republican Whip Ray Blunt, R-Mo could come up with this absolute garbage.
Moreover, the fact that Henry J Paulson originally asked for $700,000,000,000 without any oversight at all, just a "trust me, I'll spend it right" attitude, is completely un-American and goes against our democratic system of checks-and-balances. He is a snake, a complete failure at his duties, and should resign immediately.
I implore all of you:
PLEASE send emails, write letters and tell your Senator and Representatives that you-- as a financially responsible homeowner-- REFUSE to help pay the mortgages of your financially irresponsible neighbors. They don't need to be very long-- just a paragraph or two to get to the point.
Tell them you will send money to support the challengers to kick out the incumbents to voted for this bill.
And tell those Representatives who voted against this bill that you wholeheartedly support their vote, and will be contributing to their campaigns.
They need to know: Vote for this bill and they will be out of office.
Citi in Talks With Wachovia as $700B Bailout Plan Moves Forward
Text of the bailout plan (from the NY Times):
graphics8.nytimes.com/...
Sec 109c line 14 "principal write downs" of mortgages
Sec 110-2 Modifications (to mortgages)
(a) Reduction in interest rates
(b) Reduction in loan principal
Now think about this example:
There are two neighboring houses.
In the first house, Peter was prudent, saved his money, lived within his means, worked hard, and could afford his mortgage.
In the second house, Paul took on too much debt, lived beyond his means (possibly even taking out a HELOC or two to "live the good life"), worked just enough, and frankly cannot afford the mortgage he got himself into.
The aforementioned sections essentially say that the tax money that Peter has paid will go to help his neighbor Paul. Truly robbing Peter to pay Paul's mortgage!!
On top of that, everyone else who knew they couldn't afford a house and thus are renting... their tax money goes to help Paul too!!
That is f***ing ridiculous.
Sec 113a1. "Minimizing negative impact" -- This section is pure fluff but does clearly say there *will* be a negative impact, which they will attempt to minimize (ya right). None of "the gov't might actually make a profit" absurd punditry.
Here is a graphic showing who in the House voted for or against this absurd, Socialist bill:
www.nytimes.com/ref/wa...
I will vote for, and contribute to, the incumbent campaigns of those who voted against this bill.
I will vote against, and contribute to, the challenger campaigns of those who voted for this bill.
As a taxpayer, one who lives well below his means, and an American, I am utterly furious that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Paulson and House Republican Whip Ray Blunt, R-Mo could come up with this absolute garbage.
Moreover, the fact that Henry J Paulson originally asked for $700,000,000,000 without any oversight at all, just a "trust me, I'll spend it right" attitude, is completely un-American and goes against our democratic system of checks-and-balances. He is a snake, a complete failure at his duties, and should resign immediately.
I implore all of you:
PLEASE send emails, write letters and tell your Senator and Representatives that you-- as a financially responsible homeowner-- REFUSE to help pay the mortgages of your financially irresponsible neighbors. They don't need to be very long-- just a paragraph or two to get to the point.
Tell them you will send money to support the challengers to kick out the incumbents to voted for this bill.
And tell those Representatives who voted against this bill that you wholeheartedly support their vote, and will be contributing to their campaigns.
They need to know: Vote for this bill and they will be out of office.
Defensive Positioning in the Bailout's Absence
Here is a text of the bailout:
graphics8.nytimes.com/...
Here are who voted for it and against it:
www.nytimes.com/ref/wa...
Defensive Positioning in the Bailout's Absence
Text of the bailout plan (from the NY Times):
graphics8.nytimes.com/...
Sec 109c line 14 "principal write downs" of mortgages
Sec 110-2 Modifications (to mortgages)
(a) Reduction in interest rates
(b) Reduction in loan principal
Now think about this example:
There are two neighboring houses.
In the first house, Peter was prudent, saved his money, lived within his means, worked hard, and could afford his mortgage.
In the second house, Paul took on too much debt, lived beyond his means (possibly even taking out a HELOC or two to "live the good life"), worked just enough, and frankly cannot afford the mortgage he got himself into.
The aforementioned sections essentially say that the tax money that Peter has paid will go to help his neighbor Paul. Truly robbing Peter to pay Paul's mortgage!!
On top of that, everyone else who knew they couldn't afford a house and thus are renting... their tax money goes to help Paul too!!
That is f***ing ridiculous.
Sec 113a1. "Minimizing negative impact" -- This section is pure fluff but does clearly say there *will* be a negative impact, which they will attempt to minimize (ya right). None of "the gov't might actually make a profit" absurd punditry.
Here is a graphic showing who in the House voted for or against this absurd, Socialist bill:
www.nytimes.com/ref/wa...
I will vote for, and contribute to, the incumbent campaigns of those who voted against this bill.
I will vote against, and contribute to, the challenger campaigns of those who voted for this bill.
As a taxpayer, one who lives well below his means, and an American, I am utterly furious that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Paulson and House Republican Whip Ray Blunt, R-Mo could come up with this absolute garbage.
Moreover, the fact that Henry J Paulson originally asked for $700,000,000,000 without any oversight at all, just a "trust me, I'll spend it right" attitude, is completely un-American and goes against our democratic system of checks-and-balances. He is a snake, a complete failure at his duties, and should resign immediately.
I implore all of you:
PLEASE send emails, write letters and tell your Senator and Representatives that you-- as a financially responsible homeowner-- REFUSE to help pay the mortgages of your financially irresponsible neighbors. They don't need to be very long-- just a paragraph or two to get to the point.
Tell them you will send money to support the challengers to kick out the incumbents to voted for this bill.
And tell those Representatives who voted against this bill that you wholeheartedly support their vote, and will be contributing to their campaigns.
They need to know: Vote for this bill and they will be out of office.
Throw Bailout Money at the Causes, Not the Symptoms
About Pinnacle Airlines, and Concentrated Risk
Judging by Mohnish Pabrai's Form 4 purchase history, I'd say Mr. Pabrai has learned a few hard lessons by trying to smash a value investing "home run" with super-cheap small caps. It really just doesn't work that way. Perhaps it was a desire to rapidly catapulting himself to a level where others will bid $650,100 to have lunch with *him*. Pigs gets slaughtered, and the market ate Monish for lunch. I'm not one for excessive schadenfreude and I have a great deal of compassion for the huge losses he's had to swallow, but I'm sure Pabrai is digesting a lesson that will only make him come back stronger.
Always keep in mind: small/micro cap + "great" value = value trap. (Much more often than not.)
As quaint as the story of David and Goliath may be, no matter how great/underappreicated a particular micro-cap "David" may seem... 99 out of 100 times, Goliath smashes him and soon everybody forgets he ever existed. But that 1 time out of a 100 makes for great CNBC news fodder and bedtime stories. Everybody kicks themselves for "missing the boat" and so are on the look-out for that next undervalued David to pick up a rock.
Remember, all the present day "Goliaths" were once "Davids"-- because they have a proven track record for surviving and thriving. Invest in Goliaths when the price is cheap... but not so cheap that their market cap makes 'em look like a scrawny David. And don't gamble your hard earned money on the next chump to toe the line and throw rocks at the giants.
California Signaling A Housing Bottom? [Housing Tracker]
The Dollar Holiday Blues
Speaking of Europe and your statement that oil @ $131 will affect them as much or more than us, I respectfully differ. Since oil is priced in dollars, and the dollar has been collapsing in a rather healthy manner almost in lock-step with the rising price of oil, a barrel of oil costs only 83 Euros. Moreover, European countries have huge fuel taxes... and it's far easier for them to lower taxes slightly to maintain their economies than it is for the US to print and loan, print and loan fresh new dollars at 2%, as the more dollars Uncle Ben has printed, the weaker our dollar gets and conversely the higher the price of crude goes. It's a vicious cycle, but mainly for holders of the once and nevermore mightly US dollar.
And while that may be open to some debate, I think it simply cannot be argued that you need to use a different mugshot... and I don't mean the one they took from the side. :)
Full disclosure: Long and heavy on FXA (better interest than FXE).
Don't believe Paulson: S&L 2.0, the Bank Failure Redux
drmalaka -- Respectfully, I have to disagree with your assessment on inflation. The money supply absolutely *IS* going up, and unfortunately since the Fed stopped publishing the M3 numbers, we can only speculate by how much. Keep in mind that even when a homeowner pays $1M for a $500K home, that money isn't exactly buried in the ground... shares of it are paid to the home seller, home builder, mortgage originators, etc. So that money still very much exists and is circulating.
Moreover, with the Fed accepting the toxic loans as collateral to give out yet more freshly printed money at 2%-- and thus allowing these loans to blow up on their books... namely the books of all taxpayers-- that money is going somewhere, maybe not directly to Joe Schmoe home owner with a HELOC at twice the value of his property, but it is making its way into the economy, and thus driving up the prices of all goods. We're first seeing the impact on non-discretionary items such as food, fuel, etc.-- and isn't no surprise at all that these are exactly the items the Gov't does *NOT* include in their inflation numbers?
As I've mentioned before, it's best to not think of yourself as paid in dollars, but rather in the dollar equivalents. We can't eat dollars, and we can't fuel our cars with dollars. One dollar buys half as much gas as it did 5 years ago. One dollar buys half as much food as it did 5 years ago. That's the hidden pay cut of inflation. Inflation is here and now. If our incomes remained the same, we're all paid half as much as we were 5 years ago.
In short, until I hear that the Fed is actively not replacing old bills (net decline in dollars available) you can bet your last ever depreciating dollar that inflation is here, is real, and will be hidden tax on sensible Americans that bails out these unscrupulous lenders and the fools who overpaid by 100%+ for their homes. Until then, I am and will continue to very actively take every spare $US I have and diversify away from the every collapsing US dollar.
minor fyi-- your "Counterparty risk analyses" hyperlink appears to be broken. (not sure if you can edit your article now to fix.)
Considering Disaster
Didn't think so. But you sure as heck need to buy fuel for your car, and food to fuel you and your family.
"Inflation" moderating for those items you mentioned is moot for 90% of the population 90% of the time. Everybody buys gasoline-- and gasoline has doubled in 5 yrs. Same with food. Think about it.