China
Apple Changes Its Message.
Late Monday evening, Apple posted an update on their Investor Relations Page. It was the President's Day Holiday, and obviously Apple was anxious to down-play this news. The news was that Apple would have to reduce their Quarterly Guidance. Two factors were reducing Apple sales: the first was slow down in Apple iPhone production due to the Covid-19 Virus affecting China. And the second, related news was that Apple Stores throughout China were closed also due to the pandemic.
Read moreChina, all the Cunning of the Planned Economy.
Over the next few months, we will no doubt see economic history begin made. On full display will be all of the tools and strategies of a Centrally Planned Economy. As China deals with the full ramifications of the Novel Coronavirus, now labeled Covid-19.
Read moreThe Chinese Coronavirus: How to Keep ScoreNew Article
It was just over 2 weeks ago, that the Chinese Celebrated their News Years, the Year of the Rat. Legally the New Year's celebration last an entire week. And businesses and factories are often closed for most of that time. But this year, in light of the Coronavirus, the Chinese Authorities extended the holiday for another week, and closed many shops and manufacturing plants.
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Coronavirus: The Numbers Don't Add Up.
With that mindset, we come to the outbreak of the Coronavirus in China, with a very different perspective. We try to look past the wild speculation that we see on the internet and much of the main stream press. Just as we look beyond the official proclamations of the Chinese Authorities. Why? Because those sources may not have the information and/or they may have an agenda, that will slant the information that they provide. To me, the best current information on the Coronavirus, is the actions of the companies and businesses in China.
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Coronavirus: An Investor's Challenge.
Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus, just a couple of weeks ago, the Chinese Authorities have carefully managed this epidemic. Quarantining entire cities, limiting travel, and closing the stock market for an extended “holiday.” For investment professionals this presents a particular challenge. Like any investor, they must decide whether to hold on to their current positions, or to sell. Whether to maintain their current course, or correct to a new direction.
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How An Investor Should Approach The Coronavirus.
This is a time, when just such a crisis is threatening. The Wuhan China Coronavirus. Before we begin there are three basic questions that we want to ask in any crisis like this: 1. How close are we to a resolution of the problem. 2. How serious might this problem be and 3. How might this crisis affect my personal portfolio.
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Coronavirus: Where Did It come From?
For those of you who follow this podcast, you know that our primary interest are the financial markets. But sometimes outside events can be so strong, that they affect the world's stock markets. I think this is one of those events. So, today a look at this new Coronavirus. Known to scientist as: 2019 n-CoV, the “Novel” Coronavirus.
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Coronavirus: A New Health Threat
Its that time of the year again: the Flu Season. We see it every year at this time, and we try to take all the necessary precautions. If you're more conscientious than I am, you have probably taken a flu shot. My daughter, who works at a local school, told me recently that 40 of their students were home sick. That's a large number for this small school. And we try not to come in contact with any strangers. At Church, our Priest has instructed that there will be no passing of the Peace, until Flu Season is over. Perhaps most surprising to many, even the Stock Market took note of the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus in China, by opening down on Tuesday's opening. And I think that financial markets are right in begin concerned about a possible outbreak of this new strain on Viral Infection.
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China: What a Deal!
To me, trade representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, reached for the brass ring, and they got it. I encourage you to take 10 minutes and read the Agreement especially Article 1. In Article 1, you'll find a complete outline of the Agreement on Intellectual Property. I doubt that you've heard much if anything about this, if you've listened to the mainstream media. But to me, this is the heart and soul of this agreement.
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China Comes To The Table.
As you know the United States is currently billions of dollars in the hole each year in their trade with China. According to the latest figures from the Census Bureau, which keeps track of these things. The US Trade Deficit with China exceeded $360 billion dollars last year. Clearly that is not a number that is sustainable over time. And no rational nation would seek to continue such a relationship. So the goal of the Trump Administration is clear, stop the bleeding. Bring trade from China, somewhere close to balance.
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