Best Of The Best Share Discussion Threads

[traderabc] 04/5/2009 21:24

Study reveals true extent of ‘old boys network’ between Government and banks


Tom Peterkin
Scotsman
Monday, May 4, 2009

LINKS between Government and the banking sector have been condemned in a new report that has uncovered the extent of the “old boys network” at the top of British public life.

Britain has a greater culture of cronyism than Europe or the US, according to the study, which identified key individuals who have moved jobs between politics, financial institutions and the bodies charged with regulating the banking industry.

The report warns the close relations between business and politics “lead to a conflict of interest at best and a suspension of critical faculties at worst”.

[traderabc] 04/5/2009 18:01

I just finished that book 'The Farm' by Richard Benson.

Here are some lines from the last page,that I'd like to share.
(bear in mind that it was published in 2005)

"In 1939 there were 500 000 farms in Britain, including part time holdings. The majority of these farms were small mixed units of less then 50 acres, and one and a half million families made their living directly from agriculture.

There are now 191 000 farms left, and of those 19 000 account for more then 50% of national output. It is estimated that 3 out of 4 jobs in British agriculture have been lost since 1945.

The Common Agricultural policy costs the UK £6.5 bn annually. Since the scheme's inception, across the European Union 17% of farms have received over 50% of the subsidies provided by the CAP. In 2002, 87% of respondents to a survey of British farmers conducted by the farmers organisation FARM said they would prefer to operate in a subsidy-free market.

Two international grain traders - Cargill and Archer Daniels Midlands - control approximately 80% of the world's grain trade. Six companies BASF, Bayer, Dow, Dupont, Monsanto and Syngenta - control almost 70% of global pesticide sales.
Four companies - Tesco, Asda-Wallmart, Sainsbury's and Morrison's - control more then 70% of UK grocery sales. British farmers receive on average 7.5p out of every £1 spent on food in Britain. 50 Years ago the comparable figure was 50p.

[i_hopi] 03/5/2009 09:15

I suppose we could buy some gold and put it away for our 6 months old great granddaughter. It could be a nice boost to her state oap.

Personally I prefer the raw material and buy and sell mining stocks.

[traderabc] 02/5/2009 23:51

Casey Files:
Gold isn't going to $2,000 an ounce

Jeff Clark, Editor, BIG GOLD
Casey Research snippet
May 4, 2009

Gold isn't going to $2,000 an ounce.

Before you gag on your coffee or suffer chest pains, allow me to explain.

[i_hopi] 02/5/2009 19:16

Well I can't contain it any longer.

During the worst economic downturn in decades, over a 7 month period I've increased our 'cash pot' by 52%. I did it mostly with short term trades in BLT and FP. Just straight forward buying low and selling higher.

Who needs Baron Wuffet or Dim Rogers :o))

PS don't tell IOMhere, he'll demand proof.

[traderabc] 02/5/2009 12:54

While they bombard us with 'pig flu fear', here is something they don't want you paying attention to. Their corruption is well documented, don't ignore it.

Craig Murray - Torture 1 of 7

[traderabc] 02/5/2009 12:28

Obalt won't believe this...


"we will see an increase in food prices ....Farmers miners and Lumberjacks are the ones who will have all the money .....many farmers cannot get loans for fertilizers ...farmers will make a lot of money , they will drive Lamborghinies not the brokers , the brokers will drive tractors for the farmers .."


Jim Rogers from Singapore 01 May 2009 put your money in Agricultural commodities

[traderabc] 30/4/2009 13:46

Jim Rogers Interview with Gold Seek Radio pt 1/2 24-04-09

Part 1



Part 2

[traderabc] 30/4/2009 11:43

'His company Stratfor was called by Barron "the shadow CIA"'

Dutch Alert, if the CIA knew something bad was going to happen and there was nothing they could do about it, would they admit that? Would Stratfor admit it?

'the US are in trouble the rest of the world have more of it.'

The US were in 'trouble' from 2000 onwards, they are a declining power, their $ collapse is testament to that fact. During this period many other nations were doing well. This is a long term primary trend of American decline, that is very unlikely to change anytime soon. The recent credit crisis has now dragged many countries into the American 'fire', some will recover others will fall. Perhaps the crisis was designed to 'save' America at the expense of other nations. Time will answer these questions.

"China can't survive without the US."

I think they can, they have the rest of the World to export to, what trade they lose to the US can be taken back with other growing markets, even their own. Equally one could claim the US can't 'survive' without China. Remember the US are essentially bankrupt, the reason they can limp on is because countries like China lend them money.

'If you have to choose under witch system you would like to live'

Agreed, though the US would not be my first choice either, they are a 'has been' nation, there are many other better choices.
If someone like Ron Paul got to power and actually carried out the changes needed, they could soon regain their footing.

'So I don't get it why Rogers is not bearish on banks in China.

I doubt Rogers is bullish on Chinese banks, perhaps they are mainly exposed to their own economy and not heavily into US sub-prime. I shouldn't comment as I know nothing about them.

'If one nation is capable for it it is the US '
'I think you are to bearish on the capability of the US to restore their economy.'

Again I agree, with proper management the US could easily recover,however they seem unwilling to take their 'medicine' and so their 'illness' just gets worse. The solutions to their problems are politically unacceptable so it is inevitable that they will continue to decline as a superpower. They need to 'change', Obama isn't delivering it (yet)

Problem with credibility?

Certainly, look at what they actually do as opposed to what they say. Vast chunks of the world no longer trust them, their track record is that of a nation ruled by central bankers with a sick agenda.
Obama has no intention of opposing the ruling elite. Look at this BBC article, read between the lines, they are equating Obamas policy with that of Kissinger. Nobody could argue that Kissinger represents anything good or productive for humanity.

[traderabc] 30/4/2009 11:00

"Make no mistake. We are selling off our future and the future of our children to prevent the bondholders of US financial corporations from taking losses. We are using public funds to protect bondholders of some of the most mismanaged companies in the history of capitalism, instead of allowing them to take losses that should have been their own." -John Hussman

[rdlaing] 29/4/2009 23:27

Tuesday 28th April 09

CII with guest
Adrian Salbuchi

Audio Part 1

Audio Part 2

Audio Part 3

[traderabc] 29/4/2009 00:46

Jim Rogers The Swine Flu could be a Disaster for world Economy

Don't miss Min 2.30, his comment on the Fed, priceless.

[traderabc] 26/4/2009 14:48

Dutch Alert, A good post which I will reply to soon.

[dutch alert] 25/4/2009 22:29

Traderabc - I think you have to take George Friedman very seriously. He is well informed and he knows where he is talking about. His company Stratfor was called by Barron "the shadow CIA". Look at their site www.stratfor.com to get an impression what they do with news and analyses.
In my opinion if the US are in trouble the rest of the world have more of it. China can't survive without the US. The US can survive without China. Take a look into the pocket "world in figures 2009 edition" of the economist and see how far China is behind the US.
If you have to choose under witch system you would like to live, under China's partycapitalism or US democratic system. My choice would be the country inwich it was possible that Obama became president.
I think you also know how difficult it is for foreign companies in China to become profitable. That's also the case for chinees companies. The p/e are on averidge very high. Finance is given on base of the relation with party officials and not on base of normal financialanalyse. So I don't get it why Rogers is not bearish on banks in China. As long as growthfigures where high problems of defaults could swept under the carpet, but now the figures drop and probably will bring a very big rice in company and bank default's

I think you are to bearish on the capability of the US to restore their economy.
We are in a heavy recession and like the one in the seventies and eighties also this one will take a lot more years. Also in that last recession after a devestating war in Vietnam it was the US where the new innovations comes from gives the world Sillicon Valley and Microsoft etc. Also this difficult period will give new opportunities. Clinton started with a financial mess and the change of mood results in a strong turnaround. So why not again. If one nation is capable for it it is the US.

Problem with credebility? I think the financial crisis could have started in many other places. For instance Spain. In 2006 they build more homes then UK, France and Germany together. Heavely financed what results into a financial storm in Spain. And what about Eastern Europe and not to forget UK.

[dutch alert] 24/4/2009 23:17

Jim Rogers has high hopes for China. But probably their banking crisis is
a lot deeper like the crisis in the States. According to Friedman from Stratfor:
The total of bad loans are probably surpasing 25% op GDP. 25% led Japan
into crisis in the 90thies. China only could keep the problem under control
with an annual growth of 8%. Friedman expects China will fal apart like it did
several times in history. If the rich in the east are not able to compensate the
poor in the west, you have trouble. So goodbye worldpower China.
Tip read the book of George Friedman "the next hundred years". It is very
contrarian to the mainstream VS Armagedon stuff. Refressing medicin against
the brainwashing.

don't get me wrong - there will be a shipload of problems coming our way
but will the others be better off? I hardly believe. It is my opinion that
besides the US the others inclusive UK and Europe also will be hitt hard
but the US will stay the topdog.

Greetings from Holland
Fred

[i_hopi] 24/4/2009 18:21

I suppose if you're around 30 years old you could buy his commodity index and keep it 'til you're 80. LOL

[montyhedge] 24/4/2009 17:48

Jim Rogers talks his own stock positions on tv, he admits he is the worst market timer in the world, whatever his says do the opposite and make a fortune.

[i_hopi] 24/4/2009 17:22

traderabc - 24 Apr'09 - 15:12 - 287 of 288
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LOL @ 'Old Thin Face'. Just cos' enough votes didn't go his way. Poor, sad loser.