Gravity Sucks

Our two greatest problems are gravity and paper work. We can lick gravity, but sometimes the paperwo


Want to continue reading this and the other 1,500+ essays you won't find anywhere else?




Already a subscriber? log in here

To learn more about Epsilon Theory and be notified when we release new content sign up here. You’ll receive an email every week and your information will never be shared with anyone else.

Comments

  1. No doubt that “trade” and “tariffs” have been moving markets lately. But does anyone really expect truly meaningful outcome on this topic. Personally I expect that the US and China will eventually settle on some grand soundings, but ultimately toothless/empty resolution so that they can both claim a “win” on this issue. Longer term, I think the damage on trade! and tariffs! (no italics available in the comments apparently) has already been done. A suspicion of Chinese links in supply chains has seeped into the American psyche (not just wackos, people that matter like politicians) and businesses no longer trust either the US or Chinese government to put commerce ahead of their respective political agendas.

    See this article from AP earlier this week for an example of the alarming language used to describe the risks of working with Huawei https://www.apnews.com/f373e15671884f35bbe085a131c59262.

    On the other side of the world, no matter what the outcome of Brexit is, the damage has been done. Economies have begun disintermediating at an accelerating rate. The world is no longer flat. To me that spells higher prices and competition for resources. I’m curious to what extent de-globalization plays into the inflation risk narrative.

  2. Is there anything to the fact that the positive words “surged on,” “rose on,” “hope,” “optimism” generated more responses than the negative words? Does that indicate the market is leaning toward a perceived favorable outcome or (as I have a feeling I am) am I not really understanding the meaning of those charts?

  3. Avatar for rguinn rguinn says:

    Yeah, it MAY mean that, to some extent. It may also mean that the financial media is generally a bit rah-rah about this kind of thing. It may also mean that the words (selected for ubiquity and for simultaneous opposite comparisons) are an incomplete representation of overall sentiment, which wasn’t really where this article was going. Probably a mix of all of these.

  4. Thank you sir.

  5. Avatar for Trey Trey says:

    Two data points were recently brought to my attention and I’m curious how much the trade narrative has played a role. The first is the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) that measures the cost of moving dry bulk goods around the world. BDI “plunged” in January and is down 51% since the beginning of the year. The second is the Small Business Optimum Index. One of the index components is Plans to Increase Inventory, which came in a net gain of 1%. Meaning just 1% of respondents intended to increase inventories in the months to come. If raw materials are not moving around the world and if business are not building out inventory it’s only a matter of time until GPDI is contracting.

    My concern is the trade and tariff narrative pulled forward activity last year and companies plan to sell through their inventory this year.

    Or am I wasting my time because as long as money is loose and fast none of this matters?

  6. Avatar for rguinn rguinn says:

    Not wasting time. It matters. But trade and tariff narratives are in many ways abstracted from the realities of trade. Here the realities you’re observing just happen to coincide with some of the fears attached to the narrative. What you saw in Jan is consistent with trends Ben had written about concerning global trade for a couple years now, even if the Baltic isn’t the top tier indicator it used to be. I’m not sure what to make of the Plans to Increase Inventory, but there’s no question that the Zeitgeist is a general slowdown in global trade activity.

Continue the discussion at the Epsilon Theory Forum

Participants

Avatar for rguinn Avatar for Mkahn22 Avatar for Trey Avatar for Flat_Arthur

The Latest From Epsilon Theory

DISCLOSURES

This commentary is being provided to you as general information only and should not be taken as investment advice. The opinions expressed in these materials represent the personal views of the author(s). It is not investment research or a research recommendation, as it does not constitute substantive research or analysis. Any action that you take as a result of information contained in this document is ultimately your responsibility. Epsilon Theory will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information. Consult your investment advisor before making any investment decisions. It must be noted, that no one can accurately predict the future of the market with certainty or guarantee future investment performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Statements in this communication are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are as of the date of this publication. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, and there is no guarantee that any predictions will come to pass. The views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. Epsilon Theory disclaims any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities. This commentary has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Epsilon Theory recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives.