One reason for the volatility the past week is Pension Financial - largest indy provider of clearing and settlement services around the world (ever hear of them?) - increased its margin requirements on options 100%. Chicago Mercantile Exchange recently hiked gold margins for 2nd time this year and increased silver margins 7 times in '11. Belgium joined France, Italy, Spain and Greece in banning short selling. Its a lot harder to play the game when the rules can change at any time.
Global hydropower industry at $56B this year.
Historically, at stock market bottoms you can pick up the 30 bluest stocks for 1-2 oz of gold. Today it's some over 6 oz.
China reported higher-than-expected growth in July. Trade surplus of $31B v. $22B in June. Exports up 20% v. July '10 @ $175B. Imports up 3% to $144B (up 19% in June). O yea, and they've launched their first aircraft carrier.
US business 2Q profits came in @ annual rate of $1.66T, highest in 60 years (since gov started keeping track). Add that to their over $2T in cash. And, again, I'm going to say this. 10M $30K/Y jobs would cost $300B. Or make it all 15M for $450B. Doesn't it seem we have a stingy business community? Or is it just politics?
Trails, pards.
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