The Federal Reserve raising the 25bp was pretty much expected throughout, with a few possible outlier exceptions. However, it was not really the hike that spooked markets, but that they had built-in so much belief that the no change in hiking rhetoric they was expecting. This is probably why markets are reacting so violently, as […]

Another volatile session for US markets, but then we should expect it now that there are fewer and fewer houses running positions. The break of the psychological $50 price level in WTI oil yesterday, was one of the key reasons given for today Asian weakness. Shanghai closed the session down a little over 1% and […]

QUESTION: Hi Mr. Armstrong, Quick question for you, as someone who grew up in Quebec in the 90’s, when Quebec was voting to separate. And now living in Alberta, and seeing the sheer anger here towards Canada, is there a legitimate chance Alberta moves towards the path of separation and actually brings it to a vote? […]

The afternoon sell-odd seen in the states, has had further negative influence on Asian markets at a time when nerves are present everywhere. Markets look tp be taking their lead from US markets anyway and if anyone was in doubt, the recent reactions have justified the fear. Most of the core finished lower even though […]

COMMENT: Hi Martin, Happy Holidays. First of all thank-you, you and Socrates are amazing, I have all the wrong instincts as a trader but since I have been following you I have finally turned that around. Regarding global warming, I only argument I have found effective when trying discussing this topic is: If it was real, […]

A solid day for the Asian region with gains of 1.25% for core Shanghai and the Hang Seng and was closely mirrored by the Nikkei (+1%). Continued optimism surrounding the China-US trade negotiations is restoring confidence, as the constructive headlines begin to appear. We have seen both parties conceding consolatory ground as evidenced by strong […]

QUESTION: I have been a reader for 10+ year, Socrates subs and reg for Orlando WEC. Thank you and as a Veteran, I admire your courage and service. Ques: Under Dodd-Franks & Bail-In & Bankruptcy Priority; and, due to the Global Debt Crisis, is there a Custodial Risk for Investors a) who are “beneficial owners” […]

More disappointment today for Asian stocks following the release of yet another weak economic data point. This morning markets responded to the poor trade data for November release as a 5.4% release was way below the double digits expected. Australia ASX had the first opportunity to respond and although held openings levels for a while, […]

The reason given by many, for todays weakness was the arrest of Huawei CFO (Meng Wanzhou) and that rocked confidence. Technology shares were hit which led to core indices declining across the region. The Hang Seng performed the worst declining 2.47% and that was closely matched by the Shanghai’s -1.7% fall. The CNY reversed much […]

The number one talk behind the curtain going around is the #MeToo movement after the Christine Blasey Ford confrontation against Brett Kavanaugh. The outright slander and lies that were hurled at Kavanaugh have done far more damage to women as a whole than mainstream media cares to talk about. The advice coming down for professional men is to distance themselves […]