The choice for a private investor of when to make strategic comprehensive purchases, sales or changes in operations and remain as rational and unemotionally biased as possible whilst doing so takes concerted effort and diligence. So far in 2026 events are proving their case over multiple points and a view formed in early March, post- […]
The Markets, Middle East, and Me Read More »
October 2023’s ‘Higher for Longer: A Cure and a Curse’ blog requires an update to how much longer will central bankers hold interest rates at their current levels before rate cutting begins- for instance, the European Central Bank is expected to start in June. Central Bankers and their economic advisors, along with media pundits, are
Higher for How Much Longer and Steady the Shipping? Read More »
The 70th year celebrations of the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation has been less an occasion of congratulations and more of niggling squabbles and backstabbing gossip. The meeting of members took place in the UK in Hertfordshire and Buckingham Palace, London. US President Trump complained about the Canadian Premier reneging on the 2%
NATO Wobbles and Kurds Abandoned: You Left Me Just When I Needed You Most Read More »
In light of recent developments in Saudi Arabia where the new Crown Prince has asserted his authority over his rivals and critical institutions within the Kingdom (see LDC, December 2017). There have been stirrings of discontent within the Islamic Republic of Iran enough to rattle the ruling clerics and provoke a response from Supreme Leader
Iran- A Better Revolution In The Making? Read More »
Events in the Middle East since November 2017 have taken some dramatic steps even for this politically volatile region. Wars in Syria and Iraq grind on against now a much reduced ISIS threat however the Syrian Defence Force/Kurdish (YPG led and US supported) coalition are now vying for land and political control in regained territories.
Part 2: Iran’s Nuclear Deal: Road to Peace or Road to War? The long protracted Iranian deal over nuclear development restrictions coupled with sanction lifting between Iran and the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council, namely the US, China, France, the UK, Russia plus Germany (G5+1), has been reached. It was announced on
Summer Pursuits: Iran Read More »
Part 1: Opening Corridors and Pathways to Peace in the Middle East: Territorial Gains In Syria & Nuclear Agreement Reached In Iran. With a disaster in Tunisia creating yet more despair. On Monday 15th June the Syrian Kurdish YPG led forces captured the strategic town of Tel Abayd long held by the jihadi forces of
Summer Pursuits: Syrian Kurds Read More »
Where are we headed is the question? Will oil be the issue of 2015 or Eurozone deflation? There’s been some volatility in recent months for financial markets were the VIX index, referred to as the fear index for markets, showed larger peaks appearing as investor concerns rose over issues like the ending of QE in
Down and Up the Markets Go, Eurozone Sucks and Middle East Blows Read More »
Once again the US Air Force has commenced a bombing campaign in Iraq. This time in support of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces fighting in north western Iraq against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (now simply called IS). The RAF sent Tornado fighter bombers to conduct surveillance missions with a combat role now
The friendly Commonwealth Games are underway in Glasgow. The Test Series between former British colony and now Commonwealth partner India continues in Southampton in Hampshire. The Golf Open and Wimbledon Tennis Championships are already past. The UK is enjoying some pleasant summer weather along with economic growth and GDP finally back above 2008 levels (though
