Author Archive: Jeremy Parkinson
Spanish inflation reaches three-year high
According to data released by Spain’s Office of National Statistics on January 13, Spanish inflation jumped to a three-year high in December 2016. The annual change in the consumer price index reached 1.6 percent in December, up 0.9 percent from the previous month. Meanwhile, the annual change in the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices hit […]
Global growth set to accelerate following post-crisis low in 2016
A World Bank report has branded 2016 as the worst year for global growth since the Global Financial Crisis, with growth estimated at just 2.3 percent. While the forecast for 2017 is slightly more optimistic – at 2.7 percent – the World Bank warns many uncertainties remain and political risks have the potential to undermine […]
China set to grind down its salt monopoly in market shake-up
China’s state control of the salt sector – thought to date back to the seventh century BC – was officially dismantled on January 1 as salt producers were exposed to market forces. The monopolistic system was previously under full state control, with producers required to operate under a national quota. Under the new reforms, licensed […]
Fed interest rate rises amid ‘vote of confidence’
Following a unanimous decision by the Federal Open Market Committee on December 14, the Federal Reserve announced an increase of 0.25 percent in the US federal funds’ interest rate – rising to 0.75 percent. The rate increase was broadly anticipated by commentators and reflects positive momentum in the US economy – with rising inflation and an improving […]
IMF chief on trial in Paris
On December 12, Christine Lagarde put her responsibilities as president of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to one side as she faced trial on official charges of ‘negligence by a person in position of public authority’. The charges relate to an arbitrage payment she approved during her time as the finance minister of France – […]
India cuts out cash for online payments
In a world first, Indian citizens have been offered a 10 percent discount on insurance policies, highway tolls and train tickets purchased online. India’s Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, said the government also plans to waive the service tax for online transactions below 2,000 rupees ($29.70) and introduce a 0.75 percent discount on cashless petrol station purchases. […]
US trade deficit widens 17.5%
On December 6, The US Department of Commerce released figures showing a hike in the size of the US trade deficit – its biggest monthly rise for more than one-and-a-half years. Looking forward, there appears to be little hope that the deficit will see a substantial improvement. Growth in consumer spending looks set to maintain […]
Dollar Rallies: Fiscal Stimulus Spending, Rate Hike And Inflation Expectations
The US dollar posted strong gains this week, at one point staying firm above the psychological level of 100, a resistance level that has been breached as the Dollar Index jumped to 101 yesterday. After the initial turmoil of the election outcome just a week ago, the US dollar maintained strong gains, led by market […]
E Gold: Caveat Emptor
Here is why I’m tentative on holding significant positions in gold, silver, and miners right now. Prices have fallen below all of the key weekly moving averages, and we are still within the timing window for an 8-year cycle drop. The 8-year cycle forces will abate after February of next year. Until then, we need to proceed […]
Dividend Aristocrats In Focus Part 45: Hormel
Hormel (HRL) is a huge food company today, but it started from humble beginnings. In 1891, George A. Hormel established the Geo. A. Hormel & Co. in Austin, Minnesota. The company realized rapid growth, as consumers took a liking to fresh pork products. By 1910, the company was already planning nationwide and international expansion. In […]
