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Articles by L Bean
Bedding Best Buy
We adore a comfy bed and investing in good linens for your bed is one of the best ways to improve the quality of your life. After years of sleepless nights (on scratchy sheets), it dawned on us that we spend most of our life in bed, so why not insure that our beddng is the best of what we can afford?
Boeing To Lay Off "Hundreds" Of Engineers
President Trump will not be amused.
Trump Statement On Syria Air Strikes
Shortly after he concluded his dinner with Xi Jinping at Mar-A-Lago, Trump authorized the airstrike against Syria in which at least 60 cruise missiles were launched, and delivered the following brief statement: My fellow Americans, on Tuesday Syrian dictator Bashar al Assad launched a horrible chemical weapons attack on innocent civilians. using a deadly nerve agent, Assad choked out the lives of helpless men, women and children.
Pentagon Releases Video Of Tomahawk Cruise Missile Launches
Having unleashed 59 Tomahawk missiles into Syria, The Pentagon has released video of the attacks against Assad's assets... WATCH: Pentagon releases video of Tomahawk missile launch on Syrian airfield https://t.co/pBXL0y20Be — MSNBC (@MSNBC) April 7, 2017 How long until President Trump retweets these images with a 'punchy' hashtag? .@USNavy photos from the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter in the Med, launching Tomahawk missiles at Syrian airfield.
Super SEALs? "Promising Signs" From Navy SpecOps' "Brain-Stimulating Technologies"
At a conference near Washington, D.C., in February, Military.com's Hope Hodge Seck reports that the commander of all Navy special operations units made an unusual request to industry: Develop and demonstrate technologies that offer "cognitive enhancement" capabilities to boost his elite forces' mental and physical performance. "We plan on using that in mission enhancement," Rear Adm. Tim Szymanski said.
How Musicians Die
The passing of George Michael this week reminded many of the seemingly short life expectancy of musicians (and performers in general). In fact, as on study found, while blues, jazz, and country singers typically live as long as the average American; rock, techno, punk, metal, rap, and hip hop stars die significantly sooner. “I hope I die before I get old,” The Who’s Roger Daltrey sang in “My Generation” in 1965.
Trump Is Not Seeking Yellen's Resignation, But Won't Nominate Her For A Second Term
As we reported first thing this morning, one of the burning questions troubling Wall Street at this moment, is whether president elect Donald Trump plans on reshuffling the Fed, eliminating its so-called "independent" and perhaps going so far as firing or "requesting" Janet Yellen's resignation.
Global Central Banks Are On A Collective Suicide Mission
Submitted by M.N.Gordon via EconomicPrism.com, One of the more preposterous deeds of modern central banking involves creating digital monetary credits from nothing and then using the faux money to purchase stocks. If you’re unfamiliar with this erudite form of monetary policy this may sound rather fantastical. But, in certain economies, this is now standard operating procedure.
Jihad Awakens Europe
At least 84 people were murdered this week in France's third major Islamist terrorist attack in less than a year. Will Europeans succumb to Islamization, or will they rise to fight radical Islam and hold onto Western values?
Larry Summers Wants To Give You A Free Lunch
Submitted by MN Gordon via EconomicPrism.com, The existing capital stock continues to be frittered away at the expense of savers and retirees. Nonetheless, central bankers don’t give a doggone about it. This, after all, is one consequence of roughly eight years of near zero interest rate policy. Another related consequence is that the pricing equilibrium of capital markets has broken down.
S&P Futures Reach Pre-Brexit Highs
While cash indices erased the Brexit losses earlier, S&P futures have now reached their pre-Brexit highs (having rallied after the cash-close before the Brexit decision). Where to now? All-time-highs? Why not? From 2119.50 to 1981.5 and all the way back... Now that Europe has closed, will we extend?
Dallas Massacre Boosts Gun-Maker Stocks
As a continuation of our comments from Thursday afternoon, we are watching gun-maker stocks skyrocket this morning as the country prepares for perhaps more restrictive measures on how guns can be purchased in the US.
AG Lynch Explains Who (Or What) Is Really To Blame For The Dallas Massacre - Live Feed
Having shrugged off Hillary Clinton's "reckless" emails, Attorney General Loretta Lynch will deliver her remarks on the police and civilian murders in Dallas overnight, careful to tread a fine line between 'blaming the guns', not infuriating Hillbama's base, and ensuring the support of the government's enforcers... Live Feed (due at 1130ET)...
Oil Market Structure (Video)
By EconMatters Always avoid the last 45 minutes of the "Pit Close" in the Oil Market, unless you have reached the Master`s skill level as a Oil Trader, and even then you better be on your A-Game as a Trader. Institutional Traders often close out or initiate new positions on the last 5-minute bar of the "Pit Trading Session" which often results in large relative volume to overall market liquidity dynamics and leads to explosive spikes in Oil at the close (1:30 CST).
Breuphoria - Stocks Explode Higher On Biggest Short Squeeze In 7 Years
We hope this helps...
What Risk? Post-Brexit VIX Crash Is Greatest Ever
After a wild few weeks... VIX dropped almost 42% this week - its biggest decline in history - as nerves settled over Brits' decision to "leave" the EU. A bigger "relief" than the end of the Gulf War, than the post-Bear Stearns fund liquidations bounce as Central Banks saved the world, and than the last minute decision to not shut down the US government on Dec 31st 2012, "Bre-lief" is indeed the great dumping of protection in history...
Weekend Reading: Bre-lief?
Submitted by Lance Roberts via RealInvestmentAdvice.com, Quite a week. Last week, the markets rallied in anticipation Britain would “Remain” in the European Union which reversed the sell-off from the previous week. Despite a variety of polls and betting sites showing rising odds of Britain remaining in the EU, the “inconceivable” occurred last Thursday proving everyone wrong. But this week, the markets proved everyone “wrong” again.
Another Planned Attack? Suspect With Explosives, Camo Outfit, Assault Weapons Arrested In West Hollywood
While initial reports are scarce and there is no confirmation yet, moments ago a ProPublica reporter wrote that according to LA law enforcement, a suspect dressed in a camouflage outfit and wearing a security badge, transporting explosives and assault weapons, was arrested in West Hollywood, a popular neighborhood among the Los Angeles gay community, just as the local gay pride Parade was set to begin. Source: this just went out to top LA law enforcement officials.
Another Headline Head Fake - The Consumer Can't Save The U.S. Economy
After a week in which all the big retailers—Macy’s, Kohl’s, Nordstrom’s, Gap, JC Penney, Dillard’s——reported exceedingly downbeat results for their April quarter, it is not surprising that the Census Bureau’s statistical fabrication mill reported robust April retail sales. Likewise, you could count on the financial press to trot out the superlatives, as in the case of the Reuters’ headline proclaiming, “U.S. retail sales rise strongly, boost economic outlook”: Not exactly.
Gold And Negative Interest Rates
We hear more and more talk about the possibility of imposing negative interest rates in the US. In a recent article former Fed chairman Ben Bernanke asks what tools the Fed has left to support the economy and inter alia discusses the use of negative rates. We first have to define what we mean by negative interest rates. For nominal rates it’s simple. When the interest rate charged goes negative we have negative nominal rates.
Crude Loses Key Technical Support As BNP Sees Oil "Revisiting The Year's Lows"
The early exuberance in oil has faded today as WTI tumble to fresh one-month lows... ...crucially losing the key 40-week moving average once again as the downtrend looks set to continue. With BNP Paribas warning that WTI is set to revisit the lows of the year: Ahead of a producer gathering in Doha on 17 April aiming to freeze output, recent comments by Saudi Arabia indicate that the Kingdom’s participation is conditional on that of other producers, including Iran.
Verge Of Revolution: The Story You Aren't Being Told About The Brazilian Uprising
As online publications have hailed the major protests overtaking the streets of Brazil at the outset of an apparent political revolution, few discuss the problems that have been brewing for decades in South America’s largest nation. While Brazilians are angry and tired of their economic hardships, they are also incensed at the country’s history of corruption, which now includes a massive presidential scandal carried out by politicians and lobbyists during the current and previous administrations.
US Manufacturing Surveys Bounce Despite The Biggest Industry Job Losses In 7 Years
Following China's miraculous PMI jump back into expansion, Markit reports US Manufacturing also rose to 51.5 in March (despite the biggest drop in manufacturing jobs since 2009). As Markit details, output growth is unchanged from February’s 28-month low, and prices charged decline amid further drop in input costs. ISM Manufacturing also jumpedfrom 49.5 to 51.8 - the first 'expansion' in 7 months.
In 24 Hours Gartman Flips From "Don't Fight The Fed" To "A Major Downside Turning Point Is Upon Us"
When documenting Gartman's latest flip-flop yesterday just after 12 pm, in which the "world renowned" CNBC contributor and newsletter writer finally threw in the bearish towel, a position he had stuck with since March 16.
Who Needs Helicopters? Draghi Plans "Fool-Proof" ECB-Backed Debit Card
First day of a new quarter, and it feels like we have an answer to the all-important question of the modern age: how many Euro 100 notes can you squeeze into a Chinook (a very big and noisy helicopter). The second part of the question is – what’s the right height to optimally helicopter drop an economy? I discern a disturbance in the force as a mounting number of learned articles discuss these critical issues. Yet, the answer may be extraordinarily simple.
Dozens Arrested, Tear Gas Deployed As French Labor Reform Protests Turn Violent
In a stark reminder of the entrenched problems facing the French economy, today police used tear gas to disperse thousands of angry activists across the nation, who are protesting new labor reforms. French rail and air traffic suffered serious disruption on Thursday after transport staff stopped work and took to the streets along with high-school students to challenge plans for a pro-business loosening of the country's protective labor laws.
The Doha Dilemma - Prolonging The Agony Deeper & Longer
Another month, another flight to Hamad international airport for 17th April after initial agreement to hold ‘upstream horses’ in February 2016. While it’s no doubt great fun getting back into the OPEC ‘masters of the oil universe’ routine, second time round, the stakes are rapidly rising in Doha given another supposed ‘freeze’ announcement would actually be read as outright OPEC / Russia failure without clear signals the market will see actual cuts.
Trump Explains His Women "Problems": "I Never Knew I Was Going To Run For President"
To let CNN tell it, Donald Trump has women problems.
Top Silicon Valley VC Laments: Startups Being Funded Are "Mostly Crap & Largely Worthless"
Palihapitiya’s firm, Social Capital, has backed numerous tech companies with valuations in the billions, such as Slack, Box, and SurveyMonkey. But that doesn’t mean that he is bullish on unicorn culture. Here, Palihapitiya speaks about Mark Zuckerberg’s secret sauce, which start-ups are going to make it, and the saga between Apple and the F.B.I., among other topics. Funding is slowing down, both in seed rounds and mega-rounds.
Presenting The Complete Brussels ISIS Cell Org Chart
Earlier today and on several occasions since Tuesday morning when the Bakraoui brothers blew themselves up at the Brussels airport and city metro, we’ve documented the connection between the Brussels attacks, the brazen assault on Paris in November, and other terror-related events that have unfolded in Belgium over the past 14 months.
The Stunning Size Of China's Housing Bubble In One Chart
Over the past month we have documented the surreal reemergence of China's latest housing bubble (recall the first one burst in early 2014 which forced Beijing to reflate the stock market bubble, which also burst over a year later), in recent articles such as: But nothing does China's housing bubble justice quite like a simple chart showing what is going on right now with home prices in Shenzhen, which incidentally also puts the housing bubble in the context of China's recently burst stock...
Day Of Reckoning Looms
Authored by Bill Bonner of Bonner & Partners (annotated by Acting-Man.com's Pater Tenebrarum), A dear reader wrote in to complain that the Dow was up some 1,500 points since he acted on our gloomy view… and sold out of the market. But we hold to our opinion: This ship is sinking. As an investor, you face two kinds of risk: the risk of missing out on gains and the risk of taking losses. It’s up to you whether you continue to bet on rising U.S. stocks.
The Biggest Threat To The S&P In The Next Month: "Only Buyer Keeping This Market Alive" Stops Buying
Even Bloomberg gets it. In a note issued yesterday, the news behemoth reported what our readers had known for years: that "There's Only One Buyer Keeping S&P 500's Bull Market Alive", namely corporate buybacks, the same "buyer" of stocks that the smart money has been selling to for the past 7 weeks.
Islamic State Closing In On Germany
Submitted by Soeren Kern via The Gatestone Institute, A 15-year-old German girl of Moroccan descent stabbed and seriously wounded a police officer in Hanover. The stabbing appears to be the first lone-wolf terrorist attack in Germany inspired by the Islamic State. The incident occurred at the main train station in Hanover on the afternoon of February 26, when two police officers noticed that the girl — identified only as Safia S. — was observing and following them.
Up The 'Anti' | Zero Hedge
Gold prices are up between 13% and 23% year-to-date in the major currencies. However, this upward trend started long before the recent price rally.
The Next Fukushima? Active Fault Line Discovered Directly Below Japanese Nuclear Power Plant
Five years after the Fukushima disaster, things are getting worse. As we reported last week, "the fuel rods melted through their containment vessels in the reactors, and no one knows exactly where they are now. Tepco has been developing robots, which can swim under water and negotiate obstacles in damaged tunnels and piping to search for the melted fuel rods.
Which Countries Have The Highest Default Risk: A Global CDS Heatmap
Sweden beats USA and Germany as the least likely to default on its bonds but at the other end of the global sovereign risk spectrum lie two socialist utopias - Venezuela (CDS just shy of 6000bps) and Greece (CDS around 1800bps) are the nations most likely to default. Of course, our readers will be well aware of this: back in December, when its CDS was trading at "only" 2300 bps (or whatever points upfront equivalent it was back then) we said Venezuela CDS are going much, much wider.
This Is What JPM Meant When It Said The "Market Is Trapped"
Two weeks ago, JPM's Marko Kolanovic put out a very interesting observation, according to which further gains in the S&P500 are capped to the upside due to one very popular reason: the US Dollar.
Consumer Credit Growth Weakest Since March 2013
Against expectations of a $17 billion surge, US consumer credit grew at just $10.5 billion - the weakest and biggest miss since March 2013. The biggest driver of this disappointment was an actual contraction in revolving credit (down $1.1 billion) for the first time since Feb 2015. On an percentage basis, given December's massive downward revision - December and January's 0.48% rise in consumer credit is the weakest since Sept 2011... This is not what The Fed demands...
Is It All Just A Publicity Stunt: Apple Unlocked iPhones For The Feds 70 Times Before
The event that has gripped the tech and libertarian community over the past 48 hours has been Tim Cook's stern refusal to comply with a subpoena demanding that Apple unlock the iPhone 5C belonging to one of the San Bernardino shooters for a full FBI inspection.
Should You Buy "Falling Knives"
Long before the saying "BTFD" emerged on Wall Street as a result of some $13 trillion in central bank liquidity injections (now rapidly unwinding as a result of the failure off the Petrodollar and the so-called Quantitative Tightening) which made corrections impossible if not yet illegal, the phenomenon of buying sharply falling stocks had a different name on Wall Street: "catching a falling knife" (alternatively "dash for trash").
Politics & Oil - What The President Failed To Mention
“What we have here is a failure to communicate.” That’s what the warden says to Paul Newman in the movie Cool Hand Luke, right after he knocks him into a ditch. The oil and gas industry has its own failure to communicate and the longer prices bump along the bottom, the worse it seems to be getting. Much of the communication problem centers on whether the world still needs oil and gas and how long that need will last.
Full Summary Of Chinese Actions To Prevent An All-Out Economic Collapse
Last summer, China unleashed an unprecedented array of measures - up to and including the arrest of "malicious short sellers" and prominent hedge fund mangers - to prevent its stock market bubble from bursting. It failed. A few months later, the chaos has spilled over from the relative containment of the capital markets and has engulfed not only the country's FX reserves, and capital account, but also the entire economy.
The Failure Of The Economic Establishment's Grand Experiment
Grand Experiments That Are Too Big To Fail As the great and the good gathered in Davos to ponder the next big thing, the pummeling of global equity markets brought key assumptions into question. Yet, their collective heads stayed buried in the snow with regard to the big ideas from years past, namely, the three grand economic experiments launched by the U.S., Japan and China following the Global Financial Crisis.
Dutch Bond Yields Collapse To Record Lows At -42.5bps!
Faber warns that the S&P 500, which fell to 1,881 on the 19th of January, could drop to its 2011 low below 1,200.
Art Cashin Comments On Today's Crash: "The Fed Will Try Anything"
"The Fed will try anything," warns Art Cashin, calmly explaining that markets "are in 'deep concern' mode," currently and if the S&P hits 1857, "there might be another whole new round of selling." The Fed's solution, Cashin stoically explains to a dumbstruck CNBC anchor, that "it doesn't matter that it hasn't worked in the past," The Fed will unleash moar QE to save the world. The venerable Art Cashin unleashes some rather uncomfortable truths and no one dares disagree with him...
“Future Economic Historians” Will Probably Call the Period That Began In 2007 “the LONGEST DEPRESSION”
Sure, last year was the first pre-election year stock market loss since the Great Depression. And admittedly, this week was the worst opening week of any year … EVER. But that’s not the big news.
Despite TurmOIL Stocks Stage Furious Last-Hour Comeback
The Fed's apparent new communication policy (as the rest of the world's markets and policy-makers try to force its hand)... This has never happened before (even with the panic buying)... The S&P 500 is down 6.5% year-to-date - that is officially the worst start to a year ever... The gaping truth of The Fed policy error is now being exposed in tumbling rate-hike odds... March odds down to 36.8% (from over 55% a week ago) On the day, it was ridiculous - here are futures to show the swings...
Auto Sales Are About To Choke: Increase In Non-Revolving Credit Is Smallest In 4 Years
Moments ago, the Fed released the latest, November, consumer credit data: it was not good. Rising by just $13.95 trillion, it was a big miss to the $18.5 trillion expected, and below the $15.6 billion downward revised increase in October. In fact, three months after the historic surge in September to the highest print in the revised series, total consumer credit has tumbled to the lowest since January. But the big problem was not in the total data, but in one of the two key component data sets.
China Matters | Zero Hedge
Over the past few days I have repeatedly heard the following statement: While that may be a true statement in relation to the economy, it is a far different matter when it comes to the financial markets. With financial markets so closely correlated, what happens in China has a direct and immediate impact on U.S. markets. Beginning in 2014, China financial markets went parabolic as investors levered up to speculate.
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