Tag Archives: Russia

Our friend Peter Zeihan Explains the Latest Geopolitics, Russia and Ukraine … 500k Followers and 1 Million Views in less than 24 hours …

In a continuance somewhat of a “Behind the Scenes” Look at how we stay up to date on items… We go back to our Friend Peter Zeihan

After a fun (AC experience included), but totally exhausting week, a sleepy Saturday morning garnered a comment from the 15 year old “Did you hear about the Russian conflict?” A very interesting super popular video game (Rise of Nations), one which there are plans to review later this summer, brought this to his attention….

For the record, much of the success in “Staying Up to Date” on these items is finding a trusted source … the reporters out there (yes we have followers that are reporters) you are probably saying Duh to this… but we are learning on the job!

One quick call out that was just discovered, Peter has 500k Followers and this series garnered over 1 million views in less than 24 hours… probably lots more by the time this hits your in-box… of course, just large numbers do not always mean competence, but we have run across Peter in multiple vetted venues, hence our comfort with his competency and accuracy!

Enjoy!

Peter Zeihan Cuts to the Chase in 20 Minutes

Part 1 – 12 Minutes – The Coup

Part 2 – 5 Minutes – The Propaganda

Part 3 – 6 Minutes – Russia Global Footprint

Best of all, Peter’s YouTube channel is free (not to worry he is doing fine based on those viewed numbers-thankfully) to those who take the time to listen, like us!

Part 4 – 9 Minutes – The Psych – Very good information about Putin near end of

Added Part 4 just before sending to you guys – if more informative ones come, will let you know!

Have a great “Geopolitical Informed” Day!

John A. Kvale CFA, CFP

Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.

A Dallas Texas based fee only

Financial Planning Total Wealth

Management firm.

jkfinancialinc

street-cents

Q2 2017 Newsletter Podcast and Audio Review By John Kvale

Here are a few of the topics discussed in our new Podcast, Audio Video review.

  • David Cameron Speaks at length
  • University of Michigan Sentiment Indicators
  • Updated Price Earnings Multiple
  • Three Travel Tips to save you aggravation and time

Q2 2017 Newsletter Podcast and Video Review

 

Have a Great Day!

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

 

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…

An all time high for this poll!

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

 

January 2016 Video Monthly Review By John Kvale

January 2016 Video

 

Important tax dates:IMG_0043-0

  • February 15, 2016 – Most tax forms latest arrival date
  • March 15, 2016 – Corporate filing deadline
  • April 18, 2016 – Personal filing due date

 

The big news this month as seen by many headlines:

“Stock Market Puts in Its Worst Opening Week Ever”

 

Wall Street Journal

Dow, S&P off to worst four-day Jan start ever as China fears grow!

Reuters

But does it really mean anything?

011916_Worst10DaysTable

NAH!

How about the Presidential Race … Could anyone have guessed this?

1-28-16 Real Clear Politics Republican Poll

Ok … This is maybe not as surprising !

1-28-16 Real Clear Politics Democratic Poll

Black Gold…. After Putin gets a bit more strong hold in Oil regions for his protection…. Interesting!

1-29-16 Crude Front Month

Have a Great Day !

John A. Kvale CFA, CFP

http://www.jkfinancialinc.com
http://www.street-cents.com
8222 Douglas Ave # 590
Dallas, TX 75225

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image You Awaken to Foreign Goods Costing Twice what it did Six Months Ago

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).

US to Rub 12-15-14

 

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)

Putin on Horse

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

http://www.jkfinancialinc.com
http://www.street-cents.com
8222 Douglas Ave # 590
Dallas, TX 75225

International Conflicts, Capital Markets, and Investment Reactions

After working very hard over the weekend on our February review post and video, I decided a conflict update post today may be more timely. As you certainly know, the Russia/Ukraine conflict has heated a bit, as such we wanted to remind ourselves of actions and reactions.

Conflicts and Capital Markets

If history rhymes as it has in the past, capital markets will remain a slave of headlines until a workable resolution is seen. We would expect rumors galore, and a few nervous nellies bailing. We are slightly surprised by the muted reaction so far today, however this could change at any moment.

Investment Reactions

While definitely showing our age, we have experienced 911, several flash crashes, and the awful 07-09 great recession. Making it through without knee jerk reactions and sticking to our diversified allocations offered the best defense and offense.  If opportunity presents itself we will indulge. Otherwise we will stick to our guns and let events unfold as they may.

Have a Great Monday!

John Kvale CFA, CFP

http://www.jkfinancialinc.com
http://www.street-cents.com
8222 Douglas Ave # 590
Dallas, TX 75225