Investment/Trends

Syria and Second Passports

"You won't be any worse off by moving some of your savings into multiple friendly jurisdictions and into things that are hard to confiscate, such as physical precious metals and foreign real estate. Obtaining a second passport is also an important ingredient in the mix. The Syrian government, for example, previously refused to renew the passports of Syrians abroad it suspected of being associated with the opposition. This is not surprising and should have been completely predictable. Any government has the ability to revoke the citizenship and/or passport of its citizens at a moment's notice under any pretext that it finds convenient. Look at how the US cancelled Edward Snowden's passport by fiat." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingSyria and Second Passports

Marc Faber: “Western Imperial Arrogance Will Ignite Middle-East ‘Powder-Keg’”

"When asked what is the catalyst for the crash he expects in US equity markets (following crashes in various markets around the world), he shocks a stunned anchor looking at equity markets near all-time highs with some ugly truths - 'interest rates are no longer a tail-wind, earnings growth is not there, and emerging economies are collapsing (so no global growth).' However, with asset allocators 'swimming in the pool of liquidity' it is hard to say 'when' it will occur especially as money floods out of EM markets. Critically though, it is Syria (and the spillover) that has Faber most concerned; as he concludes that Western governments 'meddling' is 'going to be a disaster.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingMarc Faber: “Western Imperial Arrogance Will Ignite Middle-East ‘Powder-Keg’”

Bitcoin in India: Drivers and Barriers to Adoption

"Bitcoin’s growth in 2013 has accelerated tremendously, driven largely by economic concerns which bitcoin is uniquely positioned to solve. This has been evidenced so far this year by conditions in Cyprus, China and Argentina, and has highlighted bitcoin’s potential in less developed nations likeKenya as well. All of the countries listed above are known for high inflation rates, strict capital controls, or a combination of both – a scenario that is beginning to unfold in India. This analysis will address India’s current economic climate and the factors that would affect the population’s propensity to adopt bitcoin on a large scale." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBitcoin in India: Drivers and Barriers to Adoption

Bitcoin in India: Drivers and Barriers to Adoption

"Bitcoin’s growth in 2013 has accelerated tremendously, driven largely by economic concerns which bitcoin is uniquely positioned to solve. This has been evidenced so far this year by conditions in Cyprus, China and Argentina, and has highlighted bitcoin’s potential in less developed nations likeKenya as well. All of the countries listed above are known for high inflation rates, strict capital controls, or a combination of both – a scenario that is beginning to unfold in India. This analysis will address India’s current economic climate and the factors that would affect the population’s propensity to adopt bitcoin on a large scale." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBitcoin in India: Drivers and Barriers to Adoption

Bitcoin in India: Drivers and Barriers to Adoption

"Bitcoin’s growth in 2013 has accelerated tremendously, driven largely by economic concerns which bitcoin is uniquely positioned to solve. This has been evidenced so far this year by conditions in Cyprus, China and Argentina, and has highlighted bitcoin’s potential in less developed nations likeKenya as well. All of the countries listed above are known for high inflation rates, strict capital controls, or a combination of both – a scenario that is beginning to unfold in India. This analysis will address India’s current economic climate and the factors that would affect the population’s propensity to adopt bitcoin on a large scale." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBitcoin in India: Drivers and Barriers to Adoption

U.S. Funds Score Big by Betting Against Yen

"Wagering against the yen has emerged as the hottest trade on Wall Street over the past three months. George Soros, who made a fortune shorting the British pound in the 1990s, has scored gains of almost $1 billion on the trade since November, according to people with knowledge of the firm's positions. Others reaping big trading profits by riding the yen down include David Einhorn's Greenlight Capital, Daniel Loeb's Third Point LLC and Kyle Bass's Hayman Capital Management LP, investors say. The growing trade has itself helped pressure the yen, which has slid almost 20% in about four months. That, in turn, is helping fuel what could become a world-wide currency war." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingU.S. Funds Score Big by Betting Against Yen

U.S. Funds Score Big by Betting Against Yen

"Wagering against the yen has emerged as the hottest trade on Wall Street over the past three months. George Soros, who made a fortune shorting the British pound in the 1990s, has scored gains of almost $1 billion on the trade since November, according to people with knowledge of the firm's positions. Others reaping big trading profits by riding the yen down include David Einhorn's Greenlight Capital, Daniel Loeb's Third Point LLC and Kyle Bass's Hayman Capital Management LP, investors say. The growing trade has itself helped pressure the yen, which has slid almost 20% in about four months. That, in turn, is helping fuel what could become a world-wide currency war." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingU.S. Funds Score Big by Betting Against Yen

U.S. Funds Score Big by Betting Against Yen

"Wagering against the yen has emerged as the hottest trade on Wall Street over the past three months. George Soros, who made a fortune shorting the British pound in the 1990s, has scored gains of almost $1 billion on the trade since November, according to people with knowledge of the firm's positions. Others reaping big trading profits by riding the yen down include David Einhorn's Greenlight Capital, Daniel Loeb's Third Point LLC and Kyle Bass's Hayman Capital Management LP, investors say. The growing trade has itself helped pressure the yen, which has slid almost 20% in about four months. That, in turn, is helping fuel what could become a world-wide currency war." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingU.S. Funds Score Big by Betting Against Yen

U.S. Funds Score Big by Betting Against Yen

"Wagering against the yen has emerged as the hottest trade on Wall Street over the past three months. George Soros, who made a fortune shorting the British pound in the 1990s, has scored gains of almost $1 billion on the trade since November, according to people with knowledge of the firm's positions. Others reaping big trading profits by riding the yen down include David Einhorn's Greenlight Capital, Daniel Loeb's Third Point LLC and Kyle Bass's Hayman Capital Management LP, investors say. The growing trade has itself helped pressure the yen, which has slid almost 20% in about four months. That, in turn, is helping fuel what could become a world-wide currency war." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingU.S. Funds Score Big by Betting Against Yen

India pushes ‘shock and awe’ currency plan to save BRICS

"India is pushing for joint 'shock-and-awe' intervention by key developing states to halt capital flight and shore up currencies, in a move that risks backfiring and triggering a vicious spiral. 'It is going to happen in a matter of days rather than weeks, Brazil and India can start the move,' said Dipak Dasgupta, a top Indian official. Mr Dasgputa told Reuters that China, Brazil, India, Turkey, Russia and South Africa have all been squeezed as the US Federal Reserve prepares to tighten monetary policy. Joint action would give emerging markets greater firepower, allowing them to deploy their combined $8.7 trillion (£5.6 trillion) of reserves and crush 'speculators', rather than being picked off one by one." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingIndia pushes ‘shock and awe’ currency plan to save BRICS