A lot of questions, but not many answers:
- Is anyone in Washington concerned that the big Wall Street banks continue to grow massive in size?
- Is there any concern in Washington that insurers, hedge funds and asset managers account for more than 70 percent of assets on the street?
- Since interest rates around the globe are negative and or close to zero, do we really know how much risk these banks are taking in order to boost the bottom line?
- If the FED raises rates in December and calls for more rate hikes in 2017 will the stock market be able to sustain its current enthusiasm?
And now for the question I really want to explore today: Is anyone here in the states familiar with the name Marine Le Pen? Ms Le Pen is the head of the far-right National Front party in France whose following is gaining momentum. Ms Le Pen has declared that if she is elected next year, she will post a referendum within six months to exit the EU. If Frexit (France’s exit from the EU) emerges will that be the beginning of the end of the EU? Other countries, like the Netherlands, Austria, Finland and Hungary have said they will go that route also.
The reason I’m bringing this up is because I believe a breakup of the EU will have a systemic risk to the world’s financial system. If this happens I can’t see the EU maintaining its economic unity and maintaining a single monetary policy among all countries.
In the event of a breakup, how will the revitalized currencies be valued and what effect will this have on the world currency markets?
How solid is Italy’s banking system? If Italy fails, does it take the rest of the EU with it? Will the debt crisis in Greece ever be solved? Just like the politicians here, the group that controls the EU financial debt is no different. Their attitude appears to be: “Let’s just ignore it and hope it will go away or maybe we could ride out the problems and leave it for someone else to worry about.”
A great strategy, destined to fail.
I will leave you with one more question: In the end, what will be one of the investments the world will turn to?
I’ll let you fill in the blanks: G _ _ _
Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Disclaimer: This editorial has been prepared by Walter Pehowich of Dillon Gage Metals. This document is for information and thought-provoking purposes only and does not purport to predict or forecast actual results. It is not, and should not be regarded as investment advice or as a recommendation regarding any particular security, commodity or course of action. Opinions expressed herein are current opinions as of the date appearing in this editorial only and are subject to change without notice and cannot be attributable to Dillon Gage. Reasonable people may disagree about the opinions expressed herein. In the event any of the assumptions used herein do not come to fruition, results are likely to vary substantially. All investments entail risks. There is no guarantee that investment strategies will achieve the desired results under all market conditions and each investor should evaluate its ability to invest for a long term especially during periods of a market downturn. No part of this editorial may be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Dillon Gage Metals. This information is provided with the understanding that with respect to the opinions provided herein, that you will make your own independent decision with respect to any course of action in connection herewith and as to whether such course of action is appropriate or proper based on your own judgment, and that you are capable of understanding and assessing the merits of a course of action. You may not rely on the statements contained herein. Dillon Gage Metals shall not have any liability for any damages of any kind whatsoever relating to this editorial. You should consult your advisors with respect to these areas. By posting this editorial, you acknowledge, understand and accept this disclaimer.