A financial world spinning out of control. Are we all doomed? A look at what happens next.

Pat and I loved to watch an old British television sitcom called Dad's Army, about the call up of elderly men to defend the home front in the last war. One character, a morose Scotsman, used to forecast: "We're all doomed. Doomed." Well, that's exactly how I see the world economy. If I were not born again I would be a worried man. As it is I see this as the most exciting time in history - especially prophetic history - as the signs of the Lord's soon return mount on all sides. The coming financial meltdown will lead to a one world currency, government - and dictator. Now read this incisive rundown of the looming catastrophe from a financial expert I respect. ALAN FRANKLIN.
 British Pound in for a Sharp Fall?
by Bryan Rich
Bryan Rich

In my December 26 Money and Markets column I focused on the outlook for 2010, and the looming threats to global risk appetite. I warned that sovereign debt problems posed a major threat to global economic recovery. And I concluded that this threat represented a catalyst for a return of global risk aversion.

I also said that in a global crisis, these sovereign debt fears have the ability to be contagious. Such fears can destroy investor confidence in the capital markets of troubled countries, as well as in the overall global economy.

And when confidence wanes, capital flees ... a surefire recipe for falling dominoes. That's especially true in the wake of a deep global recession that has left many countries with bloated deficits and debt loads.

Despite the European leadership's attempt to lessen the sense of urgency in the euro zone and despite the ambitious plans rolling out to shave outsized deficits, the problems with governments' finances are not finding a resolution.

More likely, it's just the beginning of another major destabilizing force for the global economy. And the result is looking more like another bout with recession ... or perhaps depression.

Sovereign debt is setting the dominos up for a fall.
Sovereign debt is setting the dominos up for a fall.

Here's a brief look at how the dominos are setting up to fall, and ultimately why I think the British pound is the next vulnerable currency, as fear and instability spread from country to country.

Falling Domino #1:
Dubai, the Wakeup Call

In late November the Dubai government created a hiccup in the rosy plans that many market participants were increasingly hitching their wagons to: A V-shaped economic recovery.

All of the sudden the new, innovative center for global finance was in default. And contrary to what was assumed, its rich neighbors weren't there to provide a lifeline.

Internal Sponsorship

Final Days to Save!

Since 1971, the time-honored, scientific, cyclical research upon which our new Rapid Growth Portfolio is based has anticipated almost every major directional shift in stocks, gold, bonds, commodities and currencies.

Time is running out for you to lock in substantial savings during our Charter Enrollment Period. You have just TWO days to reap these tremendous savings!

Click here for all the details on this remarkable portfolio approach.

 

Now Dubai World's debt holders are getting only 60 cents on the dollar for their government bond investment.

Falling Domino #2:
Greece, Next in Line

Greece, the weakest of the sixteen-member European monetary union, the euro, was running a budget deficit more than four times the limits set forth in the euro-zone's fiscal constraint guidelines.

The ratings agencies took the alert from Dubai. And they started slashing Greece's sovereign debt ratings sending out a warning signal to all debt holders and making Greek government debt refinancing that much more difficult.

Falling Domino #3, #4 and #5:
Portugal, Ireland and Spain
The Next Troubled Spots

Greece isn't the only euro-zone country in trouble ... Portugal, Ireland and Spain all have severely bloated deficits and debt levels. That puts them in violation of European monetary union (Emu) guidelines, not to mention diminishes their outlook for economic growth — a tool desperately needed to start dealing with their red ink.

S&P stripped Spain of its AAA rating.
S&P stripped Spain of its AAA rating.

Consequently, the ratings agencies have put these weak countries under the magnifying glass. And ratings and outlooks have been downgraded. For example, Spain, the third largest economy in the euro zone, lost its AAA rating in January.

In prior Money and Markets columns I've discussed in more detail how the developments within these troubled Emu members have exposed structural flaws in the euro and have created an irreparable moral hazard.

Now, European leadership has stepped in and promised to provide support to the most immediate need: Greece.

By doing so it opens the floodgates. Meaning there is nothing to stop the other weak, fiscally-irresponsible members from lining up hat-in-hand to be bailed out by the stronger, more fiscally-responsible ones.

As for the euro, this total breakdown in the foundation of the currency union has it on a path for destruction or, at best, an extended period of uncertainty.

Falling Domino #6:
The UK, Looking Grim

The next, most vulnerable and biggest domino in line to fall is the UK. Among G-7 countries, the UK has the weakest performing economy, the largest deficit and the worst deterioration of its debt position.

As conditions get worse in the euro zone and it becomes increasingly evident that there are no clean fixes, the UK is the most likely candidate to come under the gun.

The pound is  becoming more exposed to speculators.
The pound is becoming more exposed to speculators.

The British pound plunged to its lowest level in 24 years against the dollar at the height of the financial crisis ... now just a year later it appears another test of that level is in the cards.

And that's where the outlook for the pound looks grim. Already, this week, negative forces have gathered against the pound taking it to its lowest level vs. the dollar in more than ten months!

So while the uncertainty about the UK government's finances continues to build, I expect the pound to be the next victim of currency speculators.

Falling Domino #7:
The U.S.? In the Crosshairs

In this spread of sovereign debt fears, bond market pressures and falling dominos, the U.S. is in everyone's crosshairs. And in a scenario where a sovereign debt crisis spreads through the major economies of the world and impacts some of the largest, most liquid currencies, the world doesn't look like such a safe place any longer.

Therefore, if you're evaluating your investment options, you're likely seeking the highest probability for return of your capital rather than return on your capital. And I think the flow of global capital will demonstrate that the currency of choice will be the U.S. dollar and dollar-based assets.

Regards,

Bryan





About Money and Markets

For more information and archived issues, visit http://www.moneyandmarkets.com

 

Attention editors and publishers! Money and Markets issues can be republished. Republished issues MUST include attribution of the author(s) and the following short paragraph:

This investment news is brought to you by Money and Markets. Money and Markets is a free daily investment newsletter from Martin D. Weiss and Weiss Research analysts offering the latest investing news and financial insights for the stock market, including tips and advice on investing in gold, energy and oil. Dr. Weiss is a leader in the fields of investing, interest rates, financial safety and economic forecasting. To view archives or subscribe, visit http://www.moneyandmarkets.com.


06/03/2010

 
 
Insert key words to search our site and archives






















If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9

© Copyright 1995-2024 Designed by www.visual-craft.com
visitors counter
11884802