If you can imagine waking up this week only to discover anything that has an international origin or making costs TWICE what is cost just six months ago.
This from the BBC:
Technology giant Apple says it cannot sell products online in Russia because the rouble’s value is too volatile for it to set prices.
The company stopped sales of its iPhones, iPads and other products in the country after a day in which the currency went into free-fall.
The rouble has lost more than 20% this week, despite a dramatic decision to raise interest rates from 10.5% to 17%.
You Would Be Waking Up in Russia
Russia Rouble Devalued
Devoured by fellow currency markets may be more descriptive. On Tuesday morning USA time, Russia increased their benchmark short-term rate by over 6% (recall we are watching for .25% moves here in the USA) in order to stop their home currency, the Rouble, from falling. Ahhh… it did not work!
An upward sloping line in this chart (US$/Rouble) would mean your currency is losing value (devoured).
The scare here is Putin’s reactions, none of which are easy.
- Leave Ukraine and stop sanctions (doubtful, too much pride loss)
- Wait it out (look out recession and social unrest)
- Slap a neighbor to distract (sure hope not, but possible)
- Throw Putin out (yikes…ugly and disruptive, maybe)
This photo recently surfaced (purposely of course) and is not the face of a fearful 62-year-old leader.
We are not calling for a Russian conflict of any kind, this would be absurd and illogical. We are open to a possible drag on global economies due to Putin’s no easy/save face way out!
And on that note Happy Holidays…. being silly here, but wanting to acknowledge what is going on!
John Kvale CFA, CFP
8222 Douglas Ave # 590
Dallas, TX 75225
32.862838
-96.808190
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Newsletter Near the Presses – Neat topics-
Our editor is finishing up our regular Quarterly newsletter. This Newsletter offers some very timely topics, including some that are hitting the headlines right now.
Sentiment Rises
In an article titled “Everybody is Happy” we discuss various readings from the University of Michigan Consumer Surveys that show sentiment rising in multiple areas. Just by chance the following poll, from Gallup was just released… totally different poll…same result…
Russia- Putin
In one of our more lengthy articles, former Prime Minister of UK, David Cameron speaks candidly about Russia and Putin. With activity over the weekend occurring in Russia, another timely topic! Cameron’s interesting takes on Putin and his actions were very insightful.
Travel Tips
We offer three travel tips that may save you time, angst and money over the coming months as many of us non-regular travelers (present party included) hit the road.
The first tip, on how to help protect yourself when renting a car is from a recent and still pending situation earlier this year. Always glad to use personal experiences to warn and help others !
So we have teased the Newsletter enough, we will get it to the presses and publish it here soon along with our Video/Podcast review!
Have a Great Monday!
John A. Kvale CFA, CFP
Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.
A Dallas Texas based fee only
Financial Planning Total Wealth
Management firm.
www.jkfinancialinc.com
www.street-cents.com
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Posted in Investing/Financial Planning, Market Comments, Newsletters, World Political
Tagged Gallup Pole, Newsletter, Putin, Russia, Sentiment, Travel Tip