When the War In the Ukraine Ends

A recent publication from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University discussed the benefits of the post-war reconstruction as a good investment. They use post-World War II as an example of how much money should be spent and how it benefits the war-torn country very quickly.

The paper pointed to specifically The Marshall Plan following World War II. The Marshall Plan had two goals; European economic recovery and the containment of the Soviet Union. Stabilizing Europe’s economies were vital to promoting income growth around the world and entrenching democracies in Europe.

Whenever the Ukraine War is over, I think the Marshall Plan should be adopted identically from what happened 80 years ago since we will essentially be trying to do the same thing in Ukraine as we did all over Europe back then.

However, it will be much more expensive this time around. Post World War II, American leaders sent roughly $130 billion (In 2010 dollars) to help with the European reconstruction of railways, utilities, roads, and airports, the same type of facilities that will need to be rebuilt in Ukraine.

However, economists estimate that restoring the lost infrastructure in Ukraine will cost at least $200 billion, and that figure will climb the longer the war continues. And remember, $200 billion is to rebuild Ukraine.

After World War II, the Marshall Plan not only gave funds to countries that had been friendly to the US during the war but also to Germany and Italy.

The belief back then and now is that not helping to rejuvenate all parties involved after the war ended would only cause more issues later down the road. That has some people thinking that Russia and even Belarus could see new investments from outsiders when the war ends, perhaps not in a straightforward financial manner but in other ways, such as new business opportunities and deals.

At this time, no money has started flowing back into Ukraine to help rebuild the country or increase business and the economy.

But, a deal has already been made between Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy and BlackRock’s (BLK) CEO Larry Fink that has BlackRock coordinating the investments to help rebuild Ukraine when the war is over. Continue reading "When the War In the Ukraine Ends"

Situation With Russian ETFs Highlights A Bid Risk

As the world watches Russian troops attack Ukraine, global leaders impose sanctions on Russia, as opposed to sending military personnel to assist the Ukrainian people with repelling Russian forces. Over the long term, these sanctions may impose more damage on Russia and the companies that lay within its borders than troops perhaps could. It is unknown, though, at this time, what the total economic toll of these sanctions will be on Russia and its economy; however, most analysts feel it will be substantial.

But what may be more destructive long-term for Russia is not what is happening to the country today but what may not happen to Russia in the future, new development and investing. The Russian stock market shut down shortly after Russian troops entered Ukraine. But not only did Russian stocks stop trading in Russia, but also in the US and other markets worldwide. Furthermore, countless foreign businesses that had operations in Russia have pulled out and no longer operate their stores, shops, and factories in the country.

So, both the individual business investments have walked away from Russia, and the world financial markets have essentially cut Russia off from capital. This lack of capital both from the smaller individual standpoint and the larger global point of view, could put Russia in a tight spot in years to come as the country and its businesses may struggle to grow and re-invest in themselves without the support of foreign investment. Continue reading "Situation With Russian ETFs Highlights A Bid Risk"

Geopolitics - Sell The Rumor, Buy The News?

Relentless Selling

The old adage is buying the rumor and selling on the news; however, during this recent market correction, it's been the opposite. Selling the rumor and buying the news has prevailed when it comes to interest rate hikes and the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine. In both cases, the anticipation of rate hikes has sent the market into a downward tailspin despite the fact the Federal Reserve hasn't put forth any rate hikes. In addition, the anticipation of the Russian/Ukraine conflict boiling over into an invasion by Russia drove the markets further into correction territory.

As a result, the markets entered deep into correction territory. Over a third of the Nasdaq 100 stocks traded off at least 30% or more from their highs, over half of the S&P 500 fell 15% or more while the median biotech stock had sold off by 60% or more. In addition, massive amounts of market capitalization have been eviscerated across the board, with many individual stocks selling off 50% or more throughout this downward spiral.

Per Tom Lee, many factors, including the market's big reversal at the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, indicate the markets are now bottoming around these levels. Lee stated that the market's stunning comeback in stocks and a reversal in the Cboe Volatility Index signal that the pain in the market could be coming to an end. The market had a "buy the invasion" moment, Lee said in a note. The S&P 500 opened down more than 2.6% on the invasion news, and oil prices surged above $100 per barrel. However, markets typically sell off into the buildup of geopolitical escalations but rally on the day of the invasion. Continue reading "Geopolitics - Sell The Rumor, Buy The News?"

With The World Spinning Out Of Control, Have The Markets Got It Right?

It seems everywhere you turn there is bad news around the world. Whether it's the Ukraine and Russia shooting down a passenger plane, all the problems in Afghanistan and Iraq with ISIS, and let’s not forget, Hamas and Israel.

Despite having every known obstacle and block thrown in its path, the markets continue to march on and trend higher. How much longer this can go on is anyone's guess.

Somewhere along the line, the markets will make a turn to the downside and when that happens I certainly don't want to be left holding the bag based on what the pundits are saying. I trust in the Trade Triangle technology given its solid track record.

Today, I will be looking at the major indices and indicating where the "line in the sand" is drawn to exit positions should a downturn occur.

I'll also be looking at Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) with its big break down today. I'll share with you one indicator that could have helped predict today's move. Continue reading "With The World Spinning Out Of Control, Have The Markets Got It Right?"

Two Bullish Stocks And Two Bearish Stocks To Watch

Hello traders everywhere! Adam Hewison here, President of INO.com and co-creator of MarketClub, with your video update for Tuesday, the 6th of May.

In addition to looking at the regular markets I track, I will be looking at four other stocks. Two of the stocks are in bull trends, while the other two are in bearish trends. All four show you the power of the Trade Triangle technology that we have been perfecting over the years.

The two bullish stocks are Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), which I have always liked, and Denbury Resources (NYSE:DNR) which may be new to you, but it's a pretty attractive price and the formation on chart looks very positive. Continue reading "Two Bullish Stocks And Two Bearish Stocks To Watch"