2014

QE Ending Or Just Getting Started?

While the Federal Reserve has laid out specific plans to end their quantitative easing (QE) program, a new season of QE may be getting ready to kick-off across the pond. From Reuters:
The euro fell broadly on Wednesday, hitting a 19-month low against the Swiss franc, as speculation that the European Central Bank (ECB) will resort to quantitative easing was fueled by yet more bad news from the eurozone…ECB chief Mario Draghi fueled speculation that monetary policy would be further loosened in the eurozone over the weekend by saying the central bank would use “all the available instruments” to deal with the threat of deflation at the U.S. Federal Reserve’s annual conference in Jackson Hole. Developments on Wednesday only worsened the picture for the eurozone: data showed German consumer morale fell for the first time in 1-1/2 years, while Italy’s economy minister said the country must cut its growth forecast.

QE Ending Or Just Getting Started? Read More »

Central Bank Smackdown

The opening riposte came from the Bank for International Settlements, the “bank for central banks.” In their annual report, released this week, they talked about “euphoric” financial markets that have become detached from reality. They clearly – clearly in central banker-speak, that is – fingered the culprit as the ultra-low monetary policies being pursued around the world. These are creating capital markets that are “extraordinarily buoyant.”

Central Bank Smackdown Read More »

Ghawar Oil Field

The World’s Five Most Important Oil Fields

The world currently consumes roughly 82 million barrels of oil a day. These five oil fields produce roughly 9.5 million barrels a day with West Qurna hoping to increase production by another 2 million per day. So together they currently produce about 11% of the total world consumption. If production is increased as anticipated they could be producing as much as 14% of world consumption.

The World’s Five Most Important Oil Fields Read More »

gazprom pipeline

Russia’s Weakened Hand Could Pay Off For Beijing In Major Gas Deal

A major gas deal between Russia and China could finally be sealed this week when Russian President Vladimir Putin visits China on May 20-21 and meets with President Xi Jinping. In the lead up to Putin’s arrival, the two sides have been working on putting the finishing touches on a 30-year contract for a gas

Russia’s Weakened Hand Could Pay Off For Beijing In Major Gas Deal Read More »

Scroll to Top