Can a Single Onion Slice Reshape the Future of Fast Food?In a dramatic turn of events that has sent ripples through the quick-service restaurant industry, McDonald's Corporation faces a watershed moment that transcends mere food safety concerns. The recent E. coli outbreak linked to Quarter Pounder burgers, resulting in 49 reported cases across 10 states, serves as a powerful reminder of how seemingly minor supply chain decisions can cascade into significant corporate challenges. With shares plummeting 7% in after-hours trading, this crisis presents a compelling case study in crisis management, operational resilience, and the delicate balance between efficiency and safety in modern food service operations.
The revelation that slivered onions from a single supplier could potentially trigger such widespread impact challenges conventional wisdom about supply chain diversification in the fast-food industry. McDonald's swift response - removing Quarter Pounders from menus across several Western states and implementing immediate supply chain modifications - demonstrates the complex interplay between brand protection and operational agility. This situation raises profound questions about the industry's approach to supplier relationships and the potential vulnerabilities created by centralized sourcing strategies in pursuit of consistency and cost efficiency.
Beyond the immediate health concerns and financial implications, this crisis illuminates a broader narrative about consumer trust and corporate responsibility in the modern food service landscape. As McDonald's navigates this challenge, their response may well set new standards for crisis management and transparency in the industry. The incident serves as a catalyst for reimagining food safety protocols and supply chain resilience, potentially ushering in a new era where consumer safety and operational efficiency are not just balanced but fundamentally integrated into the fabric of fast-food operations.
Supplychain
Will the World's Most Vital Artery Become Its Achilles' Heel?In the intricate dance of global energy markets, few factors wield as much influence as the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway, often overlooked in daily discourse, stands as a silent titan, controlling the ebb and flow of 21% of the world's daily oil consumption. As geopolitical tensions simmer in the Middle East, the stability of this crucial chokepoint hangs in delicate balance, challenging us to confront a stark reality: how vulnerable is our global economy to disruptions in this single maritime passage?
The potential for conflict to spill over into the Strait of Hormuz presents a fascinating study in risk assessment and market psychology. Despite the looming threat of supply disruptions that could send oil prices soaring to unprecedented heights—some analysts project as high as $350 per barrel—the market remains surprisingly sanguine. This dichotomy between potential catastrophe and current calm invites us to explore the complex interplay of factors that shape oil prices, from geopolitical maneuvering to the subtle influence of alternative supply routes.
As we stand at this crossroads of energy security and global trade, we are challenged to think critically about the future of oil markets and international relations. The Strait of Hormuz serves not just as a geographical feature, but as a mirror reflecting our world's intricate dependencies and the delicate balance of power that underpins global stability. In contemplating its significance, we are invited to look beyond the immediate concerns of oil prices and consider broader questions of energy resilience, diplomatic strategy, and the evolving landscape of international trade in an increasingly uncertain world.
Can Rio Tinto Save the Day? The Looming Mining Supply CrisisAs the world races towards a greener future, a critical challenge looms on the horizon: a looming supply shortage for essential energy-transition metals, particularly copper. This shortage, if left unchecked, could jeopardize our ambitious plans for a sustainable future.
Rio Tinto, a global mining behemoth, has sounded the alarm, urging the industry to expand mining operations to meet the escalating demand. The company's chairman, Dominic Barton, has dismissed the notion that mergers and acquisitions alone can solve this crisis. He insists that organic growth, involving the discovery and development of new mines, is the only viable path forward.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. The demand for copper, a vital component in electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure, is set to skyrocket in the coming decades. Failure to secure adequate supplies of this critical metal could hinder our progress towards a sustainable and electrified world.
Rio Tinto's leadership in the mining industry is undeniable. Their proactive stance on addressing the supply crisis is commendable, and their commitment to organic growth and exploration for critical minerals demonstrates their dedication to the cause. However, even with the efforts of industry giants like Rio Tinto, the road ahead is fraught with challenges.
The Chinese economy, a major player in the global mining landscape, is currently facing its own difficulties. While Barton remains optimistic about China's ability to overcome these challenges, their current economic state could further exacerbate the supply crisis.
As the world grapples with the pressing issue of climate change, the mining industry must rise to the occasion. The time for complacency is over. It is imperative that we invest in exploration, expand mining operations, and secure the critical resources needed to power a sustainable future. The stakes are high, and the world is watching. Can Rio Tinto and the mining industry save the day?
Is the End of an Era for Tupperware?The iconic Tupperware brand, once a household staple, has recently faced a significant setback with its declaration of bankruptcy. This unexpected turn of events has sparked a deep dive into the factors contributing to its financial decline and the potential avenues for its revival.
A closer examination reveals that the changing consumer landscape, rising costs, and the shift toward digital commerce have played pivotal roles in Tupperware's struggles. However, amidst these challenges, there also lie opportunities for innovation and reinvention.
To navigate this critical juncture, Tupperware must prioritize product innovation, brand revitalization, and digital transformation. By developing sustainable alternatives, reconnecting with its heritage, and embracing emerging technologies, the company can potentially overcome its current challenges and secure a prosperous future.
The bankruptcy of Tupperware serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-evolving business landscape and the importance of adaptability in the face of adversity. As the company grapples with its future, the question remains: Can Tupperware reinvent itself and reclaim its position as a leading brand in the food storage industry?
Is IBM's retreat from China a strategic gamble or a harbinger ofIBM's recent strategic decision to shutter its research and development center in China has sent ripples through the global tech industry. This move, coupled with the exodus of other American tech giants, has ignited a heated debate about the forces shaping the future of business in the world's second-largest economy.
Is IBM's retreat a calculated response to changing market dynamics, or is it a canary in the coal mine, signaling a broader shift in the geopolitical landscape? As we delve deeper into the intricacies of this decision, a complex picture emerges, one that challenges our understanding of the delicate interplay between business, politics, and economics.
IBM's withdrawal from China is not merely a corporate decision but a reflection of the evolving tensions between the world's two superpowers. The escalating trade wars, regulatory hurdles, and geopolitical uncertainties have created a challenging environment for foreign businesses, forcing them to reassess their strategies.
However, IBM's decision is also a strategic one, driven by factors such as cost optimization and a desire to focus on core competencies. By relocating its operations to regions with lower labor costs, IBM can enhance its profitability and allocate resources more efficiently.
As we navigate the complexities of this situation, it's imperative to recognize that IBM's retreat is not an isolated incident. It is a symptom of a broader trend, a reflection of the challenges faced by foreign companies operating in China. The economic slowdown, increased nationalism, and regulatory uncertainty have created a perfect storm that is forcing businesses to rethink their China strategies.
The future of business in China remains uncertain. IBM's decision is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between economic opportunities and geopolitical risks. As the world continues to evolve, it is essential for businesses to remain agile, adaptable, and prepared to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
Is This the Beginning of a Global Food Crisis?Wheat, a cornerstone of global food security, is facing unprecedented challenges.
Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and geopolitical tensions are converging to create a perfect storm for wheat production. The result? A significant wheat rally that could have far-reaching implications.
Climate Change's Impact:
As the planet warms, wheat-growing regions are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Extreme heat and unpredictable weather patterns are disrupting harvests and reducing yields. This is especially pronounced in Europe, where persistent rainfall and heatwaves have devastated crops.
Global Supply Chain Disruptions:
The war in Ukraine, coupled with export restrictions and transportation challenges, has further strained global wheat supplies. This has led to a surge in demand for wheat from other regions, exacerbating the price increase.
The Looming Food Security Threat:
The rising cost of wheat, a key ingredient in many staple foods, poses a significant threat to food security, particularly in developing countries. As prices continue to climb, access to affordable food becomes increasingly difficult for millions.
The Road Ahead:
The future of wheat production and global food security is uncertain. The world must adapt to the changing climate, invest in sustainable agricultural practices, and develop strategies to mitigate the risks posed by geopolitical tensions. The stakes are high, and the time for action is now.
What's unraveling the economic powerhouse of Europe?Once a stalwart of European stability, Germany's economic engine is facing unprecedented challenges. This deep dive explores the intricate factors driving its recession and the far-reaching implications for the continent.
Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions have wreaked havoc on Germany's economy. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, coupled with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has disrupted energy supplies, increased production costs, and hindered global trade.
Rising interest rates and weak global demand have further exacerbated the downturn. The European Central Bank's aggressive monetary tightening to combat inflation has made borrowing more expensive for businesses and consumers, dampening investment and spending. Meanwhile, a global economic slowdown, driven by factors such as rising interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and inflation, has reduced demand for German exports, a crucial driver of its economy.
The consequences for Germany and Europe are profound, with potential for increased unemployment, slower growth, and political instability. As Germany is one of Europe's largest economies, its downturn has a ripple effect on other countries in the region. The recession could lead to job losses, as businesses cut costs to weather the storm, exacerbating social tensions and increasing the burden on government welfare systems. Slower growth in Germany will contribute to slower growth in the Eurozone as a whole, limiting the ECB's ability to raise interest rates further and potentially hindering its efforts to combat inflation. Economic downturns can often lead to political instability, as governments face increased pressure to implement policies that alleviate economic hardship. This could lead to political gridlock or even changes in government.
Can Germany weather this storm? Join us as we delve into the complexities of this economic enigma and explore potential paths forward.
India's Nifty 50: A Rising Star in a Geopolitical StormIn 2023, the Indian stock market, represented by the Nifty 50 index, has emerged as a standout performer. Outpacing its U.S. counterpart, the S&P 500, by a significant margin, the Nifty 50 has captured the attention of global investors. Several factors converge to explain this impressive performance, with geopolitical tensions playing a pivotal role.
The Great Manufacturing Shift: India as a Prime Beneficiary
One of the most compelling narratives driving India's economic ascent is the global shift in manufacturing. As the world grapples with heightened geopolitical risks, particularly the escalating tensions between the United States and China, businesses are seeking to diversify their supply chains. India, with its vast market, skilled workforce, and government's "Make in India" initiative, has emerged as a compelling alternative to China for many multinational corporations.
Diversification of Supply Chains: Companies like Apple and Google are actively exploring manufacturing operations in India to reduce their reliance on China. This trend extends to various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and textiles.
Government Support: India's government has proactively created a conducive business environment through infrastructure development, tax incentives, and ease of doing business reforms. These efforts have boosted investor confidence and accelerated the country's industrialization process.
India's Economic Characteristics and Domestic Consumption
India's strong domestic consumption and the rise in manufacturing are major factors in the country's economic expansion. The demand for goods and services is increasing due to the growing middle class and increased disposable incomes. The approach of consumption-led growth enhances the resilience of the Indian economy by acting as a buffer against external shocks.
India's economy boasts several key characteristics:
Rapid Growth: India has consistently been one of the fastest-growing major economies globally.
Large Domestic Market: With a population of over 1.4 billion, India offers a vast consumer base, driving domestic consumption.
Young Population: A large and young workforce provides a demographic dividend, fueling economic potential.
IT and Services Dominance: The IT and services sector is a major contributor to India's GDP, with companies excelling in software development, outsourcing, and business process management.
Agricultural Importance: Agriculture remains a crucial sector, employing a significant portion of the population, although its contribution to GDP is declining.
Challenges and Opportunities
While India's economic trajectory is promising, it faces challenges such as:
Infrastructure Gaps: Improving infrastructure, including transportation, energy, and digital connectivity, is essential for sustained growth.
Poverty and Inequality: Addressing poverty and reducing income inequality remains a priority.
Education and Skill Development: Investing in education and skill development is crucial to enhancing human capital.
Environmental Concerns: One of the main challenges is balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth.
Despite these challenges, India offers immense opportunities for businesses and investors:
Large Consumer Market: The growing middle class presents a lucrative market for consumer goods and services.
Favorable Government Policies: The government's focus on economic reforms and ease of doing business creates a conducive environment for investment.
Digital Transformation: India's rapid adoption of digital technologies presents opportunities in e-commerce, fintech, and digital payments.
The Road Ahead
While the Nifty 50's performance has been impressive, challenges remain. Inflationary pressures, global economic uncertainties, and the potential impact of a prolonged geopolitical standoff could pose risks. However, India's demographic dividend, its digital transformation, and its focus on renewable energy offer promising avenues for long-term growth. Continued focus on infrastructure, education, and skill development will be crucial for realizing its full potential.
In today's complex geopolitical environment, India seems well-placed to take advantage of the opportunities arising from global supply chain disruptions. The performance of the Nifty 50 index reflects India's increasing economic influence and its potential to emerge as a global manufacturing and consumption hub.
The Orange Juice Crisis: A Climate-Induced Market ShiftOrange juice prices have hit record highs due to a confluence of climate-related challenges, including extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and altered rainfall patterns. These factors have decimated citrus crops, particularly in key production areas like Florida, leading to significant supply shortages and driving up prices. This crisis underscores the fragility of our food supply and highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions and international cooperation.
The orange juice industry faces a severe crisis driven by climate change, leading to soaring prices and dwindling supplies. Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and altered rainfall patterns have devastated citrus crops, particularly in Florida, the heart of U.S. orange production. This has led to a bidding war for orange juice concentrate, exacerbated by inflationary pressures on fertilizers, pesticides, and labor costs.
Globally, major producers like Brazil, Mexico, and Spain also grapple with these climate-induced challenges, resulting in reduced yields and increased vulnerability. The economic toll extends beyond agriculture, affecting jobs and local economies.
Addressing climate change is crucial for the industry's future. Investing in research to combat diseases like citrus greening, improving water management practices, and adopting sustainable farming methods are essential steps. Diversifying crops and exploring alternative citrus products could also offer relief.
This crisis highlights the fragility of our food supply and the urgent need for global cooperation to ensure the long-term viability of the orange juice market. As climate change continues to impact agricultural production, innovative and sustainable solutions are imperative to stabilize prices and secure the future of this beloved beverage.
Teamsters Union advises YRC will 'be out of money by August'Teamsters not 'bailing out' Yellow again
The teamsters union says YRC has been poorly managed for years, and they will no longer bail out YRC again. The union said that YRC contacted them advising they will be out of money by August.
“ Yellow has been unable to effectively manage itself for a long time,” said Sean O’Brien, Teamsters general president, in a video to members. “Now, the company says it’ll be out of money by August. Do not forget — Teamsters have already given back everything they possibly could to keep Yellow afloat. ”
The Teamsters General President said that the union gave billions to the company in wages, benefits and concessions already. O'Brien referenced the $700 million government bailout already provided from COVID-relief. The money was supposed to go towards reinvesting in new equipment, and catching up on delinquent health & pension payments. It is not left for the Teamsters to save this company; we have given enough, O’Brien said. “ What happens next is out of our control. ”
The key sticking point has been the driver requirement that they must work freight on the docks and potentially at locations other than home terminals. The Teamsters union are contending that the letter of agreement violates the current contract as it expands utility positions.
A letter from John Murphy, Teamsters Freight Division Director, sent out on Monday advised that the change of operations in the West was different from the current proposal as the utility role in that region was contractually permitted and “all affected road drivers had their earnings protected and were allowed to continue to perform traditional road work.” John Murphy advised that Yellow is seeking to "assign employees to any job, anywhere, at any time across operating companies."
Yellow's memo on Thursday advised that 1,000 drivers (20% of total drivers) would have to work the docks, and they already have 400 compliant with these functions. They would fill the remaining 600 roles based on the least seniority.
“Let’s be clear: If you were at a non-union company — a very realistic possibility for MOST of you if Yellow does not survive — ALL of you would be subject to potential dock work regardless of your time in the industry,” the internal YRC memo read.
Yellow is willing to implement another pay hike ($0.60/hour and $0.015/mile) to get a deal completed. The problem with this proposal is Yellow does not have the financing to fund the increase and would need a loan, and is seeking to refinance its $1.5 billion of debt to a future date, while interest rates are at substantially higher.
John Murphy advised that the small promise of a modest increase that may not happen "is insulting". Murphy said, "Yellow wants to establish a one-way street that allows it to get everything it wants up front and early. The company wants our members to wait to see what happens down the road, even if it means workers are once again left holding the bag.”
Within the Teamsters General President video, O'Brien said, "Sometimes a bad job isn’t worth it anymore".
The parties agreed to pull forward negotiations of collective bargaining which expires March 31, 2024 and find a suitable operational change. Yellow is in a rush to begin negotiations, however the union has been consistent in its stance that it will follow normal negotiating protocol and will not begin discussions till August.
The Teamster Union are also negotiating with TForce (NYSE:TFII) and UPS (NYSE:UPS). It recently reached a conclusion with ABF Freight's (NASDAQ:ARCB) LTL unit ABF Freight.
Deteriorating Logistics Market, Untenable Financial Conditions
At the end of the first quarter, Yellow reported sales of $5.14 billion, and $168 million in liquidity. Y/Y they repaid $98 million in debt. The company is not generating any profit.
he company continues to book net losses with a net margin of -0.10%, and is operating near breakeven. Currently the company is spending more than they are generating. Tonnage declined 16% y/y, and is down 1/3rd over the past two years.
Yellow excused the tonnage decline as part of their multiyear overhaul of "One Yellow" to consolidate its LTL brands and reduce cost by closing terminals. The drop in tonnage has been steep enough to indicate customers are routing freight through alternative carrier options.
The “company is running out of cash and is at risk of closure/liquidation,” the Yellow memo read. “Delays to Phase 2 and the One Yellow transformation has come with a serious cost. The company is unable to pay its bills and secure lender financing without showing to the market that we are able to implement on our One Yellow plans.”
Yellow currently provides 22,000 union jobs, and is pushing for full support to keep the survival of their brands intact. Yellow is attempting to push the Union to negotiate immediately, however O'Brien said the union will keep its current deal while it can.
“Yellow has shown that it doesn’t deserve and cannot be expected to continue under its current structure,” O’Brien said. “The Teamsters cannot and will not keep bailing out this company with concessions.”
Nordex: Profit Warning from May 2022 underestimated actual costsRECAP: Back in May 25, 2022, Nordex issued a profit warning and its stock was down -17.05%. The new estimates where:
FY2022 PROFIT WARNING ESTIMATES FROM MAY 2022 (Source: Nordex's IR website section):
– FY2022 Consolidated sales: EUR 5.2 to 5.7 billion
– FY2022 EBITDA-margin: minus 4 to 0 percent, including all one-off effects
- Capital expenditure: EUR 180 million
- Working capital ratio: below -7%
In March 31st, 2023 investors got to know the actual figures of the company.
FY2022 ACTUALS (Source: Nordex's IR website section):
– FY2022 Consolidated sales: EUR 5.6936 billion
– FY2022 EBITDA-margin: -4.3%
- Capital expenditure: EUR 204.8 million
- Working capital ratio: -10.2%
Capital expenditure and staff costs were up 21.4% and 18.5%, respectively.
The company suffers from delays in project intakes.
Overall, I reckon Consolidated sales were in the upper boundary of the profit warning but costs increased dramatically, probably due to inflation and related supply-chain issues that are still not fully corrected from China today, in 2023.
Oracle Corp (ORCL) bearish scenario:The technical figure Rising Wedge can be found in the daily chart of the US company Oracle Corp (ORCL). Oracle Corporation is an American multinational computer technology corporation. The company sells database software and technology (particularly its own brands), cloud engineered systems, and enterprise software products, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, human capital management (HCM) software, customer relationship management (CRM) software (also known as customer experience), enterprise performance management (EPM) software, and supply chain management (SCM) software. The Rising Wedge broke through the support line on 29/11/2022. If the price holds below this level, you can have a possible bearish price movement with a forecast for the next 10 days towards 77.63 USD. Your stop-loss order, according to experts, should be placed at 83.48 USD if you decide to enter this position.
Oracle is expected to post earnings of $1.17 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -3.3%.
The consensus earnings estimate of $4.96 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +1.2%. This estimate has changed -0.4% over the last 30 days.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $5.55 indicates a change of +11.8% from what Oracle is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -0.2%.
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AMD:Bear market rally or turnaround?Advanced Micro Devices
Short Term - We look to Buy at 95.03 (stop at 83.57)
Although the bears are in control, the stalling negative momentum indicates a turnaround is possible. The trend of higher lows is located at 90.43. This is positive for sentiment and the uptrend has potential to return. We look to buy dips. Further upside is expected.
Our profit targets will be 125.60 and 133.11
Resistance: 125.60 / 140.00 / 157.50
Support: 93.50 / 84.00 / 72.30
Please be advised that the information presented on TradingView is provided to Vantage (‘Vantage Global Limited’, ‘we’) by a third-party provider (‘Signal Centre’). Please be reminded that you are solely responsible for the trading decisions on your account. There is a very high degree of risk involved in trading. Any information and/or content is intended entirely for research, educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or consultation advice or investment strategy. The information is not tailored to the investment needs of any specific person and therefore does not involve a consideration of any of the investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any viewer that may receive it. Kindly also note that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking or past performance statements. We assume no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information and/or content provided herein and the Company cannot be held responsible for any omission, mistake nor for any loss or damage including without limitation to any loss of profit which may arise from reliance on any information supplied by Signal Centre.
Gap:Bargain buy despite gapping down!Gap
Short Term - We look to Buy at 8.08 (stop at 5.20)
This stock has recently been in the news headlines. They reported an earnings surprise miss. We are trading at oversold extremes. A move lower faces tough support and we remain cautious on downside potential. Dip buying offers good risk/reward.
Our profit targets will be 15.00 and 17.50
Resistance: 15.00 / 17.50 / 25.00
Support: 7.50 / 5.26 / 2.50
Please be advised that the information presented on TradingView is provided to Vantage (‘Vantage Global Limited’, ‘we’) by a third-party provider (‘Signal Centre’) . Please be reminded that you are solely responsible for the trading decisions on your account. There is a very high degree of risk involved in trading. Any information and/or content is intended entirely for research, educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or consultation advice or investment strategy. The information is not tailored to the investment needs of any specific person and therefore does not involve a consideration of any of the investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any viewer that may receive it. Kindly also note that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking or past performance statements. We assume no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information and/or content provided herein and the Company cannot be held responsible for any omission, mistake nor for any loss or damage including without limitation to any loss of profit which may arise from reliance on any information supplied by Signal Centre.
MOS/USD Daily TA Neutral BearishMOS/USD Daily neutral with a bearish bias. *Critical Resistance watch* . Recommended ratio: 45% MOSAIC, 55% cash. Commodities have fallen with the broader market but can benefit from more supply chain woes. Price is currently trending up at $62.32 after bouncing off the uptrend line from 01/24/22 (~$57.50) and is approaching a test of $64.22 resistance. Interest has waned but Volume remains moderately high and fairly mixed between buyers and sellers. Parabolic SAR flips bullish at $67.50, this margin is neutral at the moment. RSI is currently trending up at 46.40 after reclaiming 40.33 support; the next resistance is at 58.12. Stochastic remains bullish and is currently trending up at 51 but is still technically testing 39.11 resistance; if it can flip 39.11 resistance to support, the next resistance is at 80.49. MACD is currently trending sideways at -1.91 as it attempts to form a bullish crossover (would need to break out above -0.94 resistance to do this); the next support is at -2.52. ADX is currently trending down at 23 as Price is defending support at the uptrend line from 01/24/22, this is mildly bearish. If Price is able to break out above $64.22 resistance, it will likely test the 50 MA at $65.50. However, if Price is rejected here or at $64.22, then the next likely target is a retest of the uptrend line from 01/24/22 at ~$57.50 before potentially heading lower. Mental Stop Loss: (two consecutive closes above) $65.50.
Oil Short From 108$ Oil has been propped up in recent days on the back of EU embargo on Russian oil rumours. It seems as if there might be a consensus among the member states but most are requesting exemptions for at least a matter of years before they are forced to get off it. China are also struggling with COVID-19 implications, lockdowns and seems as though the supply chain link to the U.S. is also becoming strained once again. On the back of that demand decline in China, potential slowdown in the U.S. as a result of that and combination of higher rates.
US Inflation is 8.4% For March. How Does This Affect Crypto?Many are bracing for "ugly" numbers for inflation in the United States in this week's Consumer Price Index report - as high as 8.4%.
Inflation was, of course, the result of the US Treasury having printed record amounts of money in recent years - highly accelerated in the last few years due to COVID spending; further made worse by lockdown procedures that caused disruptions in the supply chain that inflated prices even further.
White House officials are attempting to peg it to Putin's action against Ukraine but that's only a small part of the picture and may not make a difference as consumers and voters start to feel inflation pressures directly in their day to day lives. As poll numbers and approval ratings continue to turn against the incumbency a tones of desperation can be seen in the way the current administration talks about economic issues at hand. (Massive upsets in political races are already happening and is expected to continue into Nov 22' and beyond.)
In the short-term, both crypto and stock markets (including Russia's MOEX) has taken a downturn after the news of high inflation numbers began to hit. Fears of inflation have spooked off part of the investor community - however, being that Bitcoin (and most crypto coins) have branded themselves as being a "hedge" against inflationary woes, the real trend is yet to come. Crypto investors are banking on there being a massive loss of confidence in the USD and have much of that money flow into the crypto ecosystem for outsized gains. Either way, a "moment of truth" seem to be well on its way in 2022 as these trends continue unabated.
(As talked about in "Is Dogecoin Crypto's New Stablecoin?" and "The 'People's Coin' - Why Dogecoin is Forever", DOGE has shown relative resilience against today's downturn - the upside to its focus on utility over speculation.)
$GSL Buy the dip - global supply chain issues
- high rates in shipping locked
- 2022 estimates:
590M revenue
32% YoY revenue increase
65% YoY EBITDA increase
332M free cash flow
- either it should rebound from the support line of the channel or decline more towards the 200SMA where the entry point is even sweeter.
This is a nice BUY setup IMHO that satisfies both short term and long term factors
The Housing Market is About to Pop. How Does This Affect Crypto?The US Census Bureau recently published population numbers for cities across the US, and the numbers don't look too good: most large urban centers in the country have taken significant population losses in 2020-2021. Politicians and media pundits typically blame COVID and supply chain woes, though these trends were already happening even before the pandemic - the lockdown only accelerated what was already there. Los Angeles lost around 1% of its total population - which is already significant - but San Francisco and New York lost a staggering 6.7% and 6.9%, respectively.
Most US urban centers have been struggling with a housing shortage crisis in the last few decades as housing costs, rents, and costs of living have been outpacing both inflation and wage growth exponentially since the financial crisis "recovery" in 2008. (This was around the time Bitcoin was invented, coincidentally.) In addition to rising crime, homelessness, and loss of quality of life, the well-paying jobs are also leaving the state citing high taxes and unfavorable business policies - giving people less reason to be there as well.
The housing market is no different than other markets in that it operates on supply and demand . Housing advocates typically propose building more housing units (increase the supply) to bring costs down, but most cities have opted for the other "solution" - which is to bring costs down by decreasing the desirability of the city itself. (It's an unfortunate series of events, but it is what it is.) Nominal vs real pricing charts of US housing shows that listed prices are vastly inflated compared to its "real" value, which is contributing both to the bubble and the loss of quality in housing construction itself.
San Francisco's Case-Shiller Index was chosen since it's objectively the most housing-inflated area right now, objectively speaking. The housing bubble is most likely to pop there, then cascade downwards onto other markets as people's faith in its growth starts to stagger. The reasons above (combined with the Fed's interest rate hikes this year) are why even Wall Street and big companies have taken an interest in crypto, NFTs, and metaverse assets lately, since they see it as a hedge against a weakened dollar and a recession (potentially a depression) looming in the horizon. At this point it's not a matter of "if", but "when".
For crypto/metaverse investors, the thing to keep an eye on is the level of trust that the general public has in the banking system right now. When the housing bubble pops, it could potentially lead to a liquidity event of a magnitude never before seen, since technically there would be a lot cash sitting in people's hands, looking for places to invest.
- The pessimistic outcome for crypto investors is the "money running scared" scenario - where panicked money runs back to the banks and other "conservative" investments assets (bonds, cash) that are seen to have less volatility overall. This may lead people to cash out and leave the crypto ecosystem altogether, causing a downturn in the asset class overall. Keep in mind, though, that housing, cash, and bonds have *traditionally* been seen as "reliable" investment choices, but in recent years those are the exact assets that have been inflating - which has lead many experts to question if they are functioning in the way it was originally intended overall. If that perception becomes shattered, a lot could change overnight.
- The optimistic outcome for crypto investors is if the money that was intended for buying housing or other related assets becomes "free", potentially going into alternative assets, which includes crypto. Since a major housing bubble at this scale hasn't happened here there's not much data to show one way or another but we do know that the Evergrande crisis in China has had basically no (arguably inverse) effects on the crypto market as a whole. Panicked money may flow into crypto in ways never before if it's seen as a safe-haven against the turbulence of the housing market and the USD as a whole.
Realistically, there will probably be a little bit of both going on, but being that the size of the US housing market is much bigger than the size of the crypto market cap, crypto needs much less of a % of money flowing inwards in order for it to grow. The housing market, on the other hand, has nowhere to go but down. Time will tell, but it would be advisable for people to be prudent about where to put their money this year, because a lot could happen very quickly as the United States faces its biggest financial crisis in decades in the near future.
The Housing Market is About to Pop. How Does This Affect Crypto?The US Census Bureau recently published population numbers for cities across the US, and the numbers don't look too good: most large urban centers in the country have taken significant population losses in 2020-2021. Politicians and media pundits typically blame COVID and supply chain woes, though these trends were already happening even before the pandemic - the lockdown only accelerated what was already there. Los Angeles lost around 1% of its total population - which is already significant - but San Francisco and New York lost a staggering 6.7% and 6.9%, respectively.
Most US urban centers have been struggling with a housing shortage crisis in the last few decades as housing costs, rents, and costs of living have been outpacing both inflation and wage growth exponentially since the financial crisis "recovery" in 2008. (This was around the time Bitcoin was invented, coincidentally.) In addition to rising crime, homelessness, and loss of quality of life, the well-paying jobs are also leaving the state citing high taxes and unfavorable business policies - giving people less reason to be there as well.
The housing market is no different than other markets in that it operates on supply and demand. Housing advocates typically propose building more housing units (increase the supply) to bring costs down, but most cities have opted for the other "solution" - which is to bring costs down by decreasing the desirability of the city itself. (It's an unfortunate series of events, but it is what it is.) Nominal vs real pricing charts of US housing shows that listed prices are vastly inflated compared to its "real" value, which is contributing both to the bubble and the loss of quality in housing construction itself.
San Francisco's Case-Shiller Index was chosen since it's objectively the most housing-inflated area right now, objectively speaking. The housing bubble is most likely to pop there, then cascade downwards onto other markets as people's faith in its growth starts to stagger. The reasons above (combined with the Fed's interest rate hikes this year) are why even Wall Street and big companies have taken an interest in crypto, NFTs, and metaverse assets lately, since they see it as a hedge against a weakened dollar and a recession (potentially a depression) looming in the horizon. At this point it's not a matter of "if", but "when".
For crypto/metaverse investors, the thing to keep an eye on is the level of trust that the general public has in the banking system right now. When the housing bubble pops, it could potentially lead to a liquidity event of a magnitude never before seen, since technically there would be a lot cash sitting in people's hands, looking for places to invest.
- The pessimistic outcome for crypto investors is the "money running scared" scenario - where panicked money runs back to the banks and other "conservative" investments assets (bonds, cash) that are seen to have less volatility overall. This may lead people to cash out and leave the crypto ecosystem altogether, causing a downturn in the asset class overall. Keep in mind, though, that housing, cash, and bonds have *traditionally* been seen as "reliable" investment choices, but in recent years those are the exact assets that have been inflating - which has lead many experts to question if they are functioning in the way it was originally intended overall. If that perception becomes shattered, a lot could change overnight.
- The optimistic outcome for crypto investors is if the money that was intended for buying housing or other related assets becomes "free", potentially going into alternative assets, which includes crypto. Since a major housing bubble at this scale hasn't happened here there's not much data to show one way or another but we do know that the Evergrande crisis in China has had basically no (arguably inverse) effects on the crypto market as a whole. Panicked money may flow into crypto in ways never before if it's seen as a safe-haven against the turbulence of the housing market and the USD as a whole.
Realistically, there will probably be a little bit of both going on, but being that the size of the US housing market is much bigger than the size of the crypto market cap, crypto needs much less of a % of money flowing inwards in order for it to grow. The housing market, on the other hand, has nowhere to go but down. Time will tell, but it would be advisable for people to be prudent about where to put their money this year, because a lot could happen very quickly as the United States faces its biggest financial crisis in decades in the near future.
ETHEREUM AT CRUCIAL LEVELWelcome back,
ETH has converged into a crucial zone between the 60 Day (white) and 500 Day (orange) Simple Moving Averages. We have not seen a close below the 500 MA since April 21, 2020, and this may represent a reversal area for the downtrend beginning back in November of 2021. We tested this metric with a false break wick just days ago on 03/07/2022, and we are currently retesting support. If support fails, we may see some incredible buying opportunities. The white lines represent high volume nodes where support may be found. IF support fails, you will want to have the levels at the bottom of the page written down. $1700 is a notable low if we go into a bad recession, however that seems quite unlikely.
Although we are certainly experiencing uncertain times amongst war, supply bottlenecks, inflation, and interest rate hike scares, there may still be hope. NATO is largely united against Putin's delusional desires to reform the former Soviet Union, likely because if Russia finds success in Ukraine, the surrounding former soviet countries may be soon to follow. The Russian economy is suffocating, and the longer the war effort is maintained, the more devastating it will be for Russia. One may worry about China's position, however the CCP is 'China first' before anything else. With economic growth slowing and monetary policy still accommodating, there may be bigger problems at hand if China's growth continues to dwindle.
When he speaks on March 16, Jerome Powell may not want to be the one who possibly forces a global recession with the world economy is in its current fragile state, and the war forces the FED to proceed with extreme caution. With markets previously attempting to price in a 50 point base rate hike with extreme volatility, anything over a 25 point rate hike will likely be received very negatively by the markets. This would be great for the bears. For the bulls however, a clean upwards break of this 60MA-500MA zone will likely signal the next bull market is in. The 180 day (blue) MA may act as resistance on the way up, and will also be an important level to transcend.
Summary
You will need to follow the news on the war, we are in extremely headline sensitive times. On March 16, Jerome Powell will hopefully clarify the FED's plan to tackle inflation. Ideally for the Bulls, he will provide clarity, and much needed confidence which the markets have desperately lacked since the end of 2021 (the period when the FED's original plan 'transitory' estimated inflation would revert back towards normalcy.)
Headline war news may catalyze the markets in either direction.
Resistance Levels:
$3,235
$4,028
$4,375
$4,868
Support Levels:
$2,455
$2,322
$2,133
$1,975
$1,830
$1,700
$1,300
Disclaimer:
I am neither licensed nor certified to provide financial advice, and this is posted for entertainment purposes only. I am not responsible for any losses or damages, you are responsible for doing your own research and making your own decisions. Good luck and thanks for reading!
$TSLA - SHORT TEAM RELIEF EVs have not been a hot sector as of late.
Largely due to the supply chain crisis, lack of chips, and the fact many are extremely speculative stocks.
However, Tesla does not like to spend time below the 800 for long. The bulls usually come in and fire this stock back upwards.
Expecting a short-term relief rally up to around 870 and likely heading lower again. Likely between Monday and Wednesday FOMC.