Odds and Ends: September 2023

- Let me issue and control a nation's money and I care not who writes the laws.

- Mayer A. Rothschild

Those words are true, but I feel it put an arrow on Jewish people because most problems in society can find their root in money. Today, in the US, the Federal Reserve prints and controls our currency. In China, the Communist Party dictates to its central bank in the same way. This does not fall under an "odd" in our monthly piece, but the other half, "ends" has a whole other meaning. 

Last week, the US military released a report where they predict war with China by 2027. Talk about the end, this would be it. The report claims China is in preparatory stages to start the conflict.

In a different style and approach, the Chinese government offered a "carrot and stick" to the islands off its coast, mainly Taiwan. The missive states that its province, Fujian, would tender beneficial trade and development to the coastal islands which include Kinmen Islands, some Matsu Islands and some Wuqui Islands. Many of these islands are under self-rule. The ultimate goal is to find a way for Taiwan to return to China. At the same time, Chinese warships circled the Island of Taiwan. 

We Say...

...all those islands were never really a part of China, so the propaganda is a lie. Taiwan had 17 different ingenious tribes before an influx of people from the China mainland, mainly the Yaggi clan. This was due to the constant warfare under different Chinese dynasties and other invaders. There are records of Chinese and Vietnam Chinese trading from the islands. This Chinese claim amounts to nothing more than any conqueror like Rome controlling the Mediterranean Sea, saying that all those lands should belong to Italy.

Nothing New

This is how China operates. They offer help to a nation to develop a project, mainly shipping ports. Then, they wait for corruption or other problems. They offer more money for full control. China now controls 17 large world ports like the Panama Canal and shipping centers in Germany. They are in the process of controlling trade in South America and many parts of Africa. This is their playbook. 

The US military has too much say in our government and you can see the results by their lion share of our yearly budget. Our military and the Chinese Communist party have only caused ill well and distrust throughout the world. The final "end" would be using war to solve domestic economic problems in both nations.

Our Answer

Both nations agree to cut trading and go their separate ways. No hard feelings. No more threats. No more hacking and stealing data. Both governments seek to do the best for their nation, climate and peace. Because the other way, millions will die, the world climate could be destroyed, many millions more will die a slow death of starvation and both nations will face WWIV like Einstein said, "With rocks and stones."

Meanwhile

The Federal Reserve admits losing $100 billion. How, you ask? They receive less for the old bonds that they purchased and they pay out more to the newer higher yielding notes.

We told you back in our yearly forecast that this year, strikes would be in vogue. There have been 70 strikes so far. 

Sadly, rising inflation and health costs are forcing more health concerns to close. The number is shocking - 580. There are waiting lists to see a doctor or an assistance care facility. I feel for those workers. Patients enter too late and die in a bed that these workers have to service. A new patient enters in the same poor condition. Death calls and the cycle continues. Needless to say, depression fills these workers.

Market

A small bounce could be in the works. However, the calendar turns to October. This is the worst month for the market. The Dow appears weak. NASDAQ has more strength. Keep in mind that the dollar rose over 105 and the next resistance is 107. Even with window dressing approaching, King Dollar will act like a lid on the market. In addition, there are many gaps in the high flyers like Amazon, Apple, Google and Invidia. The chip stock looks bullish, but the others are trending lower to close the gap and or, remain in consolidation.        Peace.