Inspector general’s report on FBI and Clinton’s emails shows secrecy threatens democracy
"Few commentators are recognizing the vast peril to democracy posed by the sweeping prerogatives of federal agencies."
Auto Lenders Taking More Risks: Longer-Term, Higher Balances, Lower Quality
"In addition to blaming the lack of creditworthy borrowers, banks are all blaming the rising prices of vehicles as a reason for their disintegrating lending standards."
SEC Criticizes Corporate Insiders Cashing Out Via Share Buybacks
"Share-buyback announcements led to 'abnormal returns' in the share price over the next 30 days. Executives used this share price surge to cash out."
16 Most ‘Systemically Important Banks’ In The World See Their Stocks Crash
"What many of the harder-hit Sifi banks have in common, said Mr Harnett, was a heavy dependence on US-dollar funding, putting them at risk of a squeeze if US rates continue to rise and the dollar continues to strengthen."
Argentina’s Peso Collapses Further Despite $50 Billion IMF Bailout
"The collapse of the peso comes despite an endless series of measures to halt it."
The U.S. economy is roaring, but the yield curve is flattening. What gives?
"The flattening curve pointed to a deep pessimism among bond investors who see the economy fading away its short-term boost from fiscal stimulus and tax cuts."
If The Fed Fears An Inverted Yield Curve, Why Is It Producing One?
"An inverted yield curve has been a great tool to predict U.S. recessions, with the yield spread between three-month bills and 10-year notes falling below zero before each of the past seven slowdowns. But it doesn’t usually happen immediately. That means a recession could come in late 2019, in 2020, or even later. That probably doesn’t come as a surprise to most investors after one of the longest economic expansions in history."
Fund managers joining Buffett in preparing for an ‘ugly’ downturn
"Beinner highlights the increase of global debt, now upwards of $237 trillion and the way the debt has been dispersed as risks to the economy. Rather than banks holding most of the debt as it happened in the financial crisis, this time it’s hedge funds, private equity and investment managers holding most of it. Also worrisome, he says, ratings agencies are again being overly generous with their appraisals allowing for companies with very high debt levels to gain investment-grade ratings."
South African far-left party leader assures white people he won’t kill them – yet
"It’s truly astonishing that someone so dangerous and out of touch has been able to rise to power. And even more astonishing how quickly it’s happened."
A Deal With North Korea: Don’t Blow It This Time
"Unfortunately, a very strong faction in Washington doesn’t support any peace agreement and instead seeks to overthrow the DPRK government."