TOTALINVESTOR

Monday, August 3, 2009

U.S. Stock Market – I said in my July 17th update the attitude is to “Party on dude” and ignore the real problems for now. In my July 24th commentary, I noted we should not expect any bear sightings until at least the fall. I noted the technical picture had improved as well.

It would be foolish to suggest from a technical outlook that the stock market is not technically strong at the moment. These are quite bullish formations and while they show the markets to be overbought, there’s no argument to be made that they suggest any serious declines for the foreseeable future. Technically, these charts suggest at the moment another 10% higher before any good selling opportunity presents itself. Ideally, it would be great if we went straight up to those levels without any meaningful correction as that would almost certainly become a screaming sell. But markets usually don’t make things easy so I remain on the sideline with mucho cash waiting for a real good opportunity. (more)

The Nature of Deception, Usury, and ETFs

When I first began studying Bible Prophecy just over 10 years ago, I was curious about the fact that there are False Prophets, or false interpretations. What's interesting is that false prophets are deceived, and they deceive their followers. And what's amazing is that those who are deceived don't know they are deceived. But what's more, it's truly frightening to realize that God Himself can deceive the false prophets! (more)

Euro Vs. The Dollar

To watch the video click here

Cash For Cunkers? Glenn Beck: Government Website Takes Over Your Computer Forever

Pay attention to your pension because you may lose it

The drive to dismantle the welfare state has a new target. Governments have already gutted unemployment insurance and social assistance. Out-of-date labour laws make it tough to organize unions in the new, decentralized, service-based economy. Now, thanks in large part to the dynamics of the recession, pensions are under attack.

Curiously, the war against pensions has received less attention than it should. People understand taxes, and usually complain when they rise. They also understand the notion of wages, and raise a similar stink when they go down.

But pensions appear to baffle most of us. They shouldn't. Pensions and other retirement benefits are simply deferred wages – money you earn now and sock away (or have someone else sock away for you) so that you'll have something to live on when you're too old, tired, sick or unwanted to work. (more)

Market Review: Weakening Dollar, Rising Urban Unemployment

On Wednesday the Treasury’s five-year auction yield was 2.69% with 21.15% allotted at the high and bid to cover was 1.92 to 1. The average of the past ten auctions has been 2.20%. Indirect, central bank participation was 35.7% versus an average of 36.8%. Overall that was weak demand. Do not forget the Treasury has to raise $2 trillion by 9/30/09.
The result of these mediocre to poor auctions has to be more pressure on the dollar, as budget deficits continue to widen.
Mortgage applications fell for the first time in four weeks, driven by a drop in demand for refinancing loans. Both purchase and refi loans fell 6.3%.
This is an early appraisal of the Chinese visit to Washington. There is no question the Chinese have the Illuminists stymied. The big question is has China demanded the rest of our high technology expertise that Bill Clinton was unable to deliver to them? Or have they pledged government properties to the Chinese? (more)