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Good News for our economy, submitted by Tim Howe

Big Al
November 21, 2017

The Economy is Accelerating Brian S. Wesbury – Chief Economist Robert Stein, CFA –

Dep. Chief Economist Strider Elass – Economist

We’ve called it a “Plow Horse” economy, which was our metaphor invented to counter forecasters who said slow growth meant a recession was on its way. A Plow Horse is always slow, but that slowness hides underlying strength – it was never going to slip and fall. Now, the economy is accelerating. Halfway through the fourth quarter, monthly data releases show real GDP growing at a 3%+ annual rate. If that holds, it would make for three consecutive quarters of growth at 3% or higher. Believe it or not, the last time that happened was 2004. Last week saw retail sales, industrial production, and housing starts all come in better than expected for October, the latter two substantially better. And while retail sales grew “just” 0.2% in October, that came on the back of a 1.9% surge in September. Overall sales, and those excluding volatile components like autos, gas and building materials, all signal a robust consumer. Meanwhile factory output surged 1.3% in October, tying the second highest monthly gain since 2010. Production at factories is now up 2.5% from a year ago, and accelerating. By contrast, factory production was down 0.1% in the year ending October 2016 and unchanged in the year ending October 2015. The current revival is not due to the volatile auto sector, where output of motor vehicles is down 5.9% from a year ago while the production of auto parts is down 0.3%. The last piece of last week’s good economic news was on home building: housing starts surged after a storm-related lull in September. Single-family starts, which are more stable than multi-family starts – and add more per unit to GDP – tied the highest level since 2007. Housing completions hit the highest level since 2008. As a result of all this data, the Atlanta Fed’s “GDP Now” model says real GDP is growing at a 3.4% annual rate in Q4. The New York Fed’s “Nowcast” says 3.8%. Of course, if we get anything close to those numbers, some analysts will claim the fourth quarter is just a hurricanerelated rebound. But the conventional wisdom has been way too bearish for years, and Q3 is likely to be revised up to a 3.4% growth rate from the original estimate of 3.0%. Put it all together, and things are looking up. It’s no longer a Plow Horse economy. In fact, after years of smothering the growth potential of amazing new technologies, the government is finally getting out of the way. The Obama and Bush regulatory State is being dismantled piece by piece, and spending growth has slowed relative to GDP. Tax cuts are moving through Congress. These positive developments have monetary velocity – the speed at which money moves through the economy – picking up. “Animal spirits” are stirring. We don’t have a cute name for it, but growth is accelerating. This reduction in the burden of government would be easier, and much more focused on growth, if Republicans had fixed the budget scorekeeping process when they first had the chance back in 2015, or even in the mid-1990s, after having gained control of both the House and Senate. Instead, they took a cowardly pass. As a result, when assessing the “cost” of tax cuts, Congress still ignores the positive economic effects of tax cuts on growth. Oddly, while refusing to “score” better GDP growth, we understand the budget scorekeepers assume tax cuts lead to higher interest rates, which add to the cost of the tax cuts. In effect, the scorekeepers will use dynamic models to count the negative effects of tax cuts on the overall economy, but not the positive ones! This kind of rigged scoring system is why the current tax proposals don’t cut tax rates on dividends or capital gains, and why some of the tax cuts are temporary. It’s also why the top tax rate on regular income for the highest earners is likely to end up near the current tax rate of 39.6%. We were never satisfied with Plow Horse growth, but we always thought it showed the power of innovation. The power of new technology caused the economy to grow since 2009, despite the burden of big government. Now with better policies, growth is on the rise. We haven’t fixed enough problems to get 3% real growth in every quarter, and maybe not even as the average growth rate over time. That would probably take some major changes to entitlement spending programs. But the recent improvement is hard to miss and signals that entrepreneurship is alive and well in the United States.

Consensus forecasts come from Bloomberg. This report was prepared by First Trust Advisors L. P., and reflects the current opinion of the authors. It is based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.

Discussion
113 Comments
    Nov 21, 2017 21:26 AM

    Dow 50,000

      Nov 21, 2017 21:29 AM

      I don’t know about that one OOTB, but this is making Trump look pretty good.

      Best

    Nov 21, 2017 21:40 AM

    Who is Tim Howe?

      Nov 21, 2017 21:06 PM

      A good friend of mine who is up to speed on current political issues.

      How’re you doing Eddy?

    Nov 21, 2017 21:04 AM

    Zimbabwe’s President Mugabe resigns

    BBC – 7 minutes ago Africa

    http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42071488

      Nov 21, 2017 21:06 AM

      “Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has resigned, parliament speaker Jacob Mudenda has said.”

      “A letter from Mr Mugabe said that the decision was voluntary and that he had made it to allow a smooth transition of power.”

      “The surprise announcement halted an impeachment hearing that had begun against him.”

      “Lawmakers roared in jubilation and people have begun celebrating in the streets.”

        Nov 21, 2017 21:13 AM

        Does this means Mugabe’s kids won’t be washing their $60,000 watches in $500 a bottle champagne anymore?

          Nov 21, 2017 21:16 AM

          😮 Hilarious!

          It means as a nation, Zimbabwe has a chance for a new chapter. Can’t wait to turn the page on that dirt-bag.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:05 AM

            My guess is Zimbabwe’s next chapter contains some other thug who will become ruler.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:46 AM

            the kid better watch out…….papa can not protect him anymore…..

            Nov 21, 2017 21:03 PM

            the kid better watch out…….papa can not protect him anymore…..

            That’s what I thought about his kids. They must have 100s of millions stashed away in accounts overseas. My guess is they high tail it out of Zimbabwe and never come back but continue to live their lives in luxury in Europe or somewhere else far away.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:05 PM

            My guess is Zimbabwe’s next chapter contains some other thug who will become ruler.

            And of course will remain a hell hole probably forever.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:46 PM

            It’s been a rough place, but it would be nice to see a government where they don’t let black empowerment groups, gangs, and solders openly beat up, kill, and steal from citizens just because they are white.

            Mugabe more than condoned doing whatever was necessary to people just because of the color of their skin, and openly took houses from people for just this reason alone, and decided to take no action against people openly committing these crimes against humanity. He and his ilk are the real epitome of modern day racism.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:53 PM

            He was a real menace and negative force in mining business in that country too, and upset the applecart with his nationalist policies and ridiculous overturning empowerment group ownership rules to such a degree that many companies just decided to steer clear altogether. he lacked any concern for the companies and employees that decided to invest in his country, in favor of local ownership AFTER they had spent millions. His actions are criminal and I’m glad the military finally said enough with that jerk.

            South Africa is up to the same insane policies, which will absolutely crush foreign investment. They did this about 10-15 years ago and they ran most of the operations into the ground without the foreign expertise and it only further distressed their GDP and economy.

            Hopefully someone with 2 brain cells to rub together will replace him. If not, maybe they’ll at least have a heart. He was missing all those things.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:13 PM

            I tell you, Ex, with my luck Mugabe will come here and the Demorats will run him in 2020 and he just might win… 🙂

            Nov 21, 2017 21:32 PM

            Or more likely, the Dems run Mugabe for Governor of California.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:22 PM

            The MuGovinator of California sounds about right….

            Nov 21, 2017 21:37 PM

            Governator

            Nov 21, 2017 21:37 PM

            correction: MuGovernator

            Nov 21, 2017 21:59 PM

            Well, if Mugabe is going to be the MuGovernator hopefully he does not impregnate the maid like Arnie did.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:20 PM

            Check out the bottom half of this piece for the section on good ole’ Arnie…..

            “I Fell In To A Burning Ring of Fire” — Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Masonic Ring, Newt Gingrich’s T-Rex Dinosaur, and Other Mysterious Messages on Rings and Neckties of the Elite

            https://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/codex_magica/codex_magica23.htm

          Nov 21, 2017 21:08 PM

          Probably so, Eddy!

        Nov 21, 2017 21:07 PM

        From what I know about the guy, his resignation was a necessity Excelsior.

          Nov 21, 2017 21:15 PM

          Big Al – All joking aside, terrible atrocities were committed under his rule and with is full awareness, and for the longest time his regime has held back an entire country full of vibrant people. When he refused to step down, an impeachment campaign was launched, but ultimately the military got involved to shut things down, and magically he decided to resign. It’s a good day for Zimbabwe.

          Like Ebolan mentioned, the vacuum will likely get filled by another thug, but hopefully someone a little less sinister.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:59 PM

            For the sake of the country, I would hope that you are correct, Excelsior!

    CFS
    Nov 21, 2017 21:05 AM

    Mirasol Signs Option and Farm-in Agreement with Newcrest for a Joint Venture on the Altazor Gold Project in Chile

    Canada NewsWire

    VANCOUVER, Nov. 21, 2017

    VANCOUVER, Nov. 21, 2017 /CNW/ – Mirasol Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: MRZ, OTCPK: MRZLF) (the “Company” or “Mirasol”) is pleased to announce that it has signed an option and farm-in agreement (the “Agreement”) with Newcrest International Pty Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) for Mirasol’s Altazor High Sulfidation Epithermal (HSE) gold project in northern Chile (the “Altazor Project”). NCM has the right to acquire, in multiple stages, up to 80% of Mirasol’s wholly-owned Altazor Project by completing a series of exploration and development milestones and making staged option payments totaling US$1.8 million to Mirasol.

      Nov 21, 2017 21:55 AM

      Why is Newcrest fooling around in S. America when Wits2 is in their backyard?

    CFS
    Nov 21, 2017 21:09 AM

    2017-11-20 16:27 ET – News Release
    Mr. John Seaberg reports

    KLONDEX ENCOUNTERS HIGH-GRADE MINERALIZATION AT HATTER GRABEN; MIDAS MILL RECOVERY OF HOLLISTER ORE IMPROVING

    Klondex Mines Ltd. provides the initial results from the 2017 surface exploration drill program at the Hatter Graben zone near its Hollister mine and report on progress made at the Midas mill regarding recovery of Hollister ore. Both Hollister and the company’s Midas mill are located in northern Nevada.

    Hatter Graben surface drilling highlights

    H17-001: 1.53 ounces per ton silver-equivalent over 3.1 feet, or 52.4 g/t over 0.9 m;
    H17-005: 1.18 o/t AuEq over six feet, or 40.5 g/t over 1.8 m;
    H17-004: 0.87 o/t AuEq over 2.5 ft, or 29.7 g/t over 0.8 m;
    H17-001: 0.74 o/t AuEq over 6.5 ft, or 25.4 g/t over two m;
    Including 1.25 o/t AuEq over 2.9 ft, or 42.9 g/t over 0.9 m.

    Nov 21, 2017 21:17 AM

    @PamplonaTrader – “$URA at horizontal resistance. Does she fill the gap $12.65-$12.88 or break through and rally to $19?”

    Momentum and seasonality working for #uranium stocks.

    https://imgur.com/qJiJmAX

    Nov 21, 2017 21:22 AM

    This past week in gold

    Jack Chan – Nov 18, 2017

    “Speculative activity favors overall higher gold prices.”

    “Speculative activity favors overall higher silver prices.”

    “Our stocks/gold ratio is now at the same level as Dec 2016 with a divergence to boot.”

    “Long-term – on major buy signal.
    Short-term – on buy signals.
    Gold sector cycle is down.
    COT data is supportive for overall higher metal prices.
    We are holding long-term positions.”

    http://www.321gold.com/editorials/chan/chan112117.html

    Nov 21, 2017 21:26 AM

    $MXSG Mexus Gold

    Santa Elena Mine lead Geologist confirms 4 grams of Gold per ton on heap leach pad; New high grade ore fire assayed showing high values of 12 and 14 g/t Au

    November 20th, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    “Importantly there is approximately 40,000 tons of ore on the pad now with additional material being added daily. The new material being placed on the pad was recently fire assayed by Mr. Lemas showing 12 grams and 14 grams per ton Au and 28 grams per ton Ag. These tests were confirmed and validated by Mexus engineer Robert Garcia.”

    “The second Merrill Crowe system recently shipped from Walnut Creek, CA is expected to clear customs Monday November 20th. Robert Garcia, Cesar Lemas, and Mexus CEO Paul Thompson will be on-site to assist in the set up and fine tuning of the new Merrill Crowe gold recovery system.”

    http://mexusgoldus.com/santa-elena-mine-lead-geologist-confirms-4-grams-of-gold-per-ton-on-heap-leach-pad-new-high-grade-ore-fire-assayed-showing-high-values-of-12-and-14-gt-au/

    Nov 21, 2017 21:37 AM

    New presentation (CDB) (CDBMF) Cordoba Minerals Corporate Presentation:

    Inferred resource of 53.5M tonnes at 0.70% Cu and 0.37 g/t Au (0.95% CuEq or 1.41 g/t AuEq)

    • Resource Expansion:

    – Resource estimate update – expected by Q12018
    – PEA – expected by Q2 2018

    http://www.cordobamineralscorp.com/assets/docs/2017-11-20-CP.pdf

    Nov 21, 2017 21:52 AM

    ARGONAUT GOLD ANNOUNCES THE ACQUISITION OF THE CERRO DEL GALLO PROJECT IN GUANAJUATO, MEXICO FOR US$15 MILLION (From Primero)
    November 14, 2017

    “Argonaut Gold Inc. (AR) (ARNGF) is pleased to announce its has reached an agreement with (P) (PPPMF) Primero Mining Corp. whereby it will acquire the Cerro del Gallo project through the purchase of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Primero subsidiary San Anton Resource Corporation for cash consideration of $15 million, which is payable upon closing. Argonaut expects to be able to recover approximately $1.7 million of value added tax, which reduces the total purchase price to $13.3 million. The Company expects the transaction to close on or before November 30, 2017. ”

    http://www.argonautgold.com/news_events/news/news_release/index.php?content_id=359

    Nov 21, 2017 21:55 AM

    Another Game Over…………..Venny better button down the hatches…….
    http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-11-21/bankrupt-venezuela-demanding-oil-jv-partners-without-payment

    Nov 21, 2017 21:17 PM

    For those who still love bitcon, one more slight problem.

    Another Cryptocurrency Gets Hacked. Here are the 30 Biggest Crypto Hacks So Far

    https://wolfstreet.com/2017/11/21/tether-cryptocurrency-hacked-list-of-biggest-crypto-hacks-money-stolen/

    Nov 21, 2017 21:30 PM

    Bix Weir is going to debate Bill Holter and Sinclair in a couple of days……..according to his report TODAY…….about 1 hour ago………….Just info….. OOTB

    Nov 21, 2017 21:36 PM

    B:
    This is a response to your post yesterday. We all have our big boy pants on here.
    This is not just about how I made some coin in Bitcoin.This has been about myself being one of the few who has stood up to the naysayers and the uninformed concerning Bitcoin and the Cryptos.
    For example”At least I have never used Bitcoin”- Al Korelin. This comment really hit home.What it did was cast some sort of negative connotation on those who have actually used Bitcoin.Al says he is impartial,nothing could be farther from the truth.
    No b, I am still here because collectively the audience contains some of the most perceptive people in the Jr Mining investing sphere.I continually learn new things and that’s what keeps me coming back.Plus it gives me something to do as I watch in real time TPTB control these markets,and try make some sense of it all. Sometimes I feel some guilt for being part of those who called for your buddy Birdman to be gone. I think I now know how he must have felt. You try to add value to the forum, but at some point you take off the gloves after there has been enough of an assault on your character. Finally you reach a point where you no longer care if you get booted of the site. The reasoning becomes that I would probably be better off. A person can only take so much blather,pertaining to the praises of the Mises Institute and Dr Ron Paul and then espouse how much respect you have for the Bushes. “Houston,We Have A Problem”
    James the Lesser was another that bought into Crypto phenomenon .Where’s he at?

    I use to be a member of a six man Framing Crew that framed seven figure houses. Every night after we were done working we would start a fire and consume cases of Bud Light and tell stories.
    After a few months of this,the stories were the same, only they started to get more of this or more of that. Once someone’s story,that we all had heard before, didn’t add up to the last time they told it, someone would invariably call “BULLSH*T”

    At the end of the day Bullsh*t walks and money talks.
    Whose turn is it to get the Bud Light?

    Nov 21, 2017 21:43 PM

    Most Young Americans Will HODL their Bitcoin Until it Reaches $190,000.00 Dollars.
    Maybe a couple of “Old Ones” to.
    https://www.cryptocoinsnews.com/young-americans-will-hodl-bitcoin-reaches-190000-survey/

      Nov 21, 2017 21:52 PM

      They might be selling short………
      ……if you compare it to tulip bulbs.
      The rare tulip bulb ….sold for 230tons of butter…so, if there are
      2,000 lbs. in a ton, that is 480,000 lbs….at today price of $5 per lbs.
      That would be…………$2,400,000 . …………. 🙂

        Nov 21, 2017 21:01 PM

        Jerry:
        You can sell your Bitcoin,but you can’t sell it short.
        That is what the CME wants to do. Stay Tuned.

          Nov 21, 2017 21:07 PM

          I should have said……..they will be selling it to CHEAP

          Nov 21, 2017 21:09 PM

          Who ever listens to the CME…. might be a little short of brains……. 🙂

          Nov 21, 2017 21:10 PM

          I equate the CME and the Clinton Foundation on the same level….. 🙂

    Nov 21, 2017 21:52 PM

    Afghan opium production almost doubles in 2017.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmF6FDQMeTg

      Nov 21, 2017 21:59 PM

      Liberals give Canadians until Jan. 20 to respond to marijuana regulations
      Proposed regulations being structured to prevent diversion of legal cannabis to black market
      By Catherine Cullen, Susan Lunn, CBC News – Nov 21, 2017

      “Federal Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor has released the Liberal government’s proposed cannabis regulations, giving Canadians until Jan. 20 to offer opinions on the measures before they are implemented.”

      http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pot-regulations-1.4412015

        Nov 21, 2017 21:19 PM

        I watched a presentation where they said that canaboid acids were being used to help restore the fractured brains of Children that had suffered abuse.
        They also said that low grade marijuana, not the stuff high in THC was a good source to decalsify the pineal gland.
        Also marijuana seeds are an excellent source of polyunsaturated fats containing 30-35%.
        Furthermore it was said that consuming raw green marijuana,high in Omega 3&6 aided in the rejuvination of new brain cells

          Nov 21, 2017 21:29 PM

          Yes, I eat a few spoonfuls of shelled hemp seeds every day. Lots of good Omegas as noted.

          Johnk – It is primarily the CBD oil along with CBG CBN and CBC oils that contain many of the medicinal properties you are discussing and doesn’t have much to do with whether it is high grade or low grade THC.

          The delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and delta 8 THC and delta 9 THCH all have other healing properties of their own by they are the more psychedelic qualities that some patients prefer not have much exposure to (so they can hang on to their rigid views of reality) 🙂

          http://cannabischris.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/cannabinoid-pie-chart.jpg

            Nov 21, 2017 21:32 PM

            THCH = THCA

            THCV is another helpful cannabinoid as well.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:34 PM

            That last chart was not complete enough, and didn’t even have CBN on it.

            This health chart is much better:

            https://s3.amazonaws.com/leafly/content/cannabinoids-101-what-makes-cannabis-medicine/0kDQdUNqR0GCXCMdfgbs_leafly-cannabinoid-wheel-large.jpg

            Nov 21, 2017 21:44 PM

            They said the oil spoils real fast so you need to get the “Fresh” stuff.
            Actually it was said the most beneficial was eating the seed and the pod together.
            I have never really paid much attention to it. I liked the hope it provided for Abused Children and those suffering from Alzheimer’s.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:56 PM

            Just like any plant, seeds are amazing dense with nutrients, oils, and beneficial alkaloids, but they have ways of cold pressing or CO2 extracting the oils fairly easily. You can also take them distilled in tincture (which I do) and they last much longer.

            There are hundreds of products on the marketplace now and most people don’t know what they don’t know….

            Nov 21, 2017 21:59 PM

            Wow Shad:
            I can see why there is so much lobby against the legalization from big pharma.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:27 PM

            Bingo. They always drum up fear of anything that could enable others to become more conscious, and less plugged into the matrix that they control.

            Remember if it doesn’t enrich Codex Alimentarius then it’s bad…..

            How would we ever decide what to put into our bodies if it wasn’t for their brilliant foresight. Aspartame is fine. MSG is fine. High fructose corn syrup is fine.

            A plant that has been growing for centuries though….. well, it’s just…. criminal.

            http://www.fao.org/docrep/t3530e/t3530e0l.jpg

            Nov 21, 2017 21:46 PM

            Thanks again Shad:
            Just when you think the rabbit hole couldn’t get any deeper.POW
            Thanks for the book.

            GH
            Nov 21, 2017 21:09 PM

            Lots of excellent points here, Excelsior.

            Thanks for reminding me of Codex Alimentarius, something that had slipped my mind.

            It’s quite a net the oligarch parasites have built for us plebes.

            Nov 22, 2017 22:58 AM

            GH – Quite a net they have built indeed…..

          b
          Nov 21, 2017 21:32 PM

          I could use a few extra brain cells.
          Definitely lottsa good stuff from pot.

          What I find funny from these guys that have never smoked a joint in their lives, trying to figure out what to do concerning legalization.
          Driving for example, why do they have to do anything dif than they have been doing for the last 50 years?
          Do they believe that a cop can tell if a person is under the influence of illegal pot but not legal pot?

          Do these people not understand the reason weed is called weed is because it is a weed?

          Well, Im sure they will get it right..or better after trying multiple methods of mistakes.

          Good grief, license, watch for pesticides sell and tax, just like carrots, special outlets I suppose.
          They are making it a far bigger deal than it is, I have a feeling alot of people are trying to justify their positions.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:06 PM

            b,

            In Washington state it is all about the huge tax revenues and not much else!

        GH
        Nov 21, 2017 21:06 PM

        Free the Weed!

          Nov 22, 2017 22:38 AM

          The Federal Government should be small and limited by securing borders, defending National security, negotiating trade with other countries, and assistance with massive infrastructure projects. Other than that they should get the hell out of the way on a moral issues like marriage rules, abortion, what people put in their bodies, what is politically correct to say, etc…. If anything those should be State’s right issues, but really no “free” government should be deciding for the individual any of those things anyway. Set up the perimeter, protect/defend, and then negotiate national trade and get out of everyone’s life.

          The rest of the bloated Federal government and it’s minions and agencies, should be cut out like the tumor it all is and shrunk down to 1/10th it’s current size and get everyone currently feasting off the government teat and siphoning off hard working people’s tax money kicked off to the curb.

          That is how to shrink the budget and get away from this Nanny State mentality. Then move towards a mild consumption tax to fund the small limited government & reasonable sized military, and disband the Federal Income tax, the IRS, and accountants.

          It would be a much simpler world, and much less abuse of power. I believe the founding fathers would be shocked at the current monstrosity of the huge Federal Government (& related agencies) that continues to think it knows best how to force it’s will on the world and the people within it’s borders that it is supposed to serve, not boss around with tanks and mountains of regulations.

          Rant over…..

    Nov 21, 2017 21:53 PM

    China is winning electric cars ‘arms race’

    by Daniel Shane – November 20, 2017

    “China is outmaneuvering the U.S. and other countries in the global scramble for a vital element for electric cars.”

    “As demand for the vehicles surges, Chinese companies have been doing deals around the world to secure supplies of lithium, a silvery-white metal mined from rocks in Australia and brine pools in South America.”

    “China is the top market for electric and hybrid cars, accounting for roughly half of global sales, and the government is pushing the development of the industry within its borders. That calls for a lot of lithium, a key component of the vehicles’ batteries.”

    “Whoever controls the lithium supply chain will control the future of the electric vehicle space,” said Simon Moores, managing director at research and data provider Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. “There’s a global battery arms race.”

    http://money.cnn.com/2017/11/20/investing/lithium-china-electric-car-batteries/index.html

      Nov 21, 2017 21:11 PM

      China will not need any Petro Dollars will they…….. 🙂

        Nov 21, 2017 21:18 PM

        Nope. With the Shanghai exchange they’ll just swap gold for Oil…….

        ….. until they have switched over to White Oil = Lithium Ion batteries

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFwprS_L6tg

        Nov 21, 2017 21:08 PM

        At least possibly in the future, OOTB.

      Nov 21, 2017 21:08 PM

      Thanks Excelsior, I did not know that.

        Nov 22, 2017 22:18 AM

        China has shown a great propensity for locking up strategic resources in the past, so it isn’t surprising. I’ve been investing in Lithium companies since 2011/2012 when Talison Lithium was the first company to go into commercial production as strictly a Lithium company. It was bought out by Albamarle and a Chinese conglomerate called Tiangqi (who eventually took over total contol and still holds that significant Greenbushes asset today).

        The Lithium space had a rough slog in 2013,2014 and the first half of 2015, and I didn’t get more serious about following the miners again until 2015. At the time it was very easy to see who the survivors and real companies were, because it was before the new frenzy had really picked up pace and the only companies still operating really had economic deposits even back at those prices. Now it is a very crowded space with over 100 companies claiming to have Lithium assets.

        The legitimate companies that had spent years working in the sector to advance their deposits (when it wasn’t trending in fashion) were the ones we mentioned here on the KER that would be first to production or in advanced development…..and we nailed most of them.

        Orocobre, Galaxy Resources, NeoMetals/Mineral Resoures, and next in cue are Lithium Americas, Nemaska Lithium, Pilbara Res, Birimian, International Lithium etc…

        If you follow up on those stories now, the Chinese or South Koreans have got their talons in many of those as strategic investments, JVs, memorandums of understanding, or most importantly in lock down off-take agreements and supply contracts.

        The rest of the world is twiddling their thumbs, as once again, China and Asia in general are going to have a hold on a huge chunk of the legitimate supply of Lithium and other specialty metals.

        Part of the reason the West has lost ground on the global scale isn’t because they are losing jobs overseas, it is because the west lacks the Vision of where the supply chain is coming from. Instead of subsidizing Coal and trying to bring back Coal jobs, we should be working on keeping our domestic supplies of strategic metals and minerals “in house” and be the leaders in Batteries. Instead all people discuss is Tesla and his 1 giga factory for batteries. There are about 20 being built and most of those are in Asia. That’s called a clue. The first big one was built by Galaxy Resources (an Australian company) but Tiangqui bought that as well and nobody blinked an eye.

        Maybe in 10 years we can have scandals and news every day on how 20% of the US or Canadian Lithium supply was sold to the Asians, just like we are today about the Uranium (that nobody cared about back in 2010) being sold to the Russians.

        People never learn to keep their eye on where the puck is going to be, and are obsessed with skating only to where it is at present. They’ll miss every time with that strategy. China is skating to where the puck is going to be…..

          Nov 22, 2017 22:24 AM

          Ganfeng is one of the larger public companies that is gobbling up investment in and supply contracts with a number of Canadian & Australian Lithium companies that were leading the charge the last few years. I wonder if in a decade these countries will cry foul when they realize their best Lithium assets were nabbed by the Chinese.

          https://internationallithium.com/

      Nov 21, 2017 21:20 PM

      BITCOIN ALERT…….

        Nov 21, 2017 21:21 PM

        NOW ,this is too funny for words……….

    Nov 21, 2017 21:38 PM
    Nov 21, 2017 21:48 PM

    Just remember Trace Mayer pitched Bitcoin to the Sprott group when it was a quarter(.25)

        Nov 21, 2017 21:07 PM

        Old farts think they know it all……….. 🙂

          Nov 21, 2017 21:17 PM

          Jerry:
          Careful now.You must define “Old Fart”

            Nov 21, 2017 21:56 PM

            We are safe, Owl is usually asleep on Tues………. 🙂

          CFS
          Nov 21, 2017 21:38 PM

          Here’s a hint from a really old fart……
          Bitcoin cash (BCH) will most probably out-grow bitcoin (BTC) over the next few years.

          It’s the younger farts like Rick Rule that worry me, with their apparent lack of ability to adapt.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:47 PM

            Really Jerry, I don’t think you can fault any of them. This happened real fast.
            One minute your standing on the beach looking at a wave and the next thing you know it’s a tidal wave.
            The hardest part of the move was done from .25 to 100.00. Once that happened all the heavy lifting had been done.
            Those who got in early are “Surfing” with the houses money, riding the wave of a lifetime.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:55 PM

            CFS………I think , you have some others that think the same …in regards to bitcoin cash.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:08 PM

            Coin Base has not released the Bitcoin Cash tokens to the account holders of Bitcoin yet.
            This is suppose to happen in January. Watch Bitcoin Cash get taken to the wood shed.
            That being said, the South Koreans are goofy about Bitcoin Cash.Either way I have them both.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:10 PM

            John………u the man……..I officially crown you Guru BitMan……. 🙂

            Nov 21, 2017 21:12 PM

            John, ….I am going to call my man Bix , and see if I can get you a gigg on his show. 🙂

            Nov 21, 2017 21:52 PM

            Bix is truly a pioneer.
            It’s fun to watch him eat his Silver call. In time I believe he will be proved right on Silver also.
            Road to Root A.

            Nov 21, 2017 21:26 PM

            Yes, Bix carried the silver story , way to long……….Silver stealers.net……..

            Nov 21, 2017 21:28 PM

            As long as comex and cme, and cftc are still in control……..silver going nowhere…..jmo

            Nov 21, 2017 21:34 PM

            Notice Ross involvement with the Whitney Museum of American Art, named for the Pilgrims Society Whitney dynasty from Standard Oil; Ross involvement with the anti-silver money Brookings Institution; in the early 1980s he was a high level Democrat (now a “Republican” Pilgrims Society member, as I say, near 100% probability). This probability is bolstered by the fact of his leadership in the Japan Society, as Pilgrims Society fronts founded by Pilgrims Society members decades ago invariably remain managed by current Pilgrims Society members today—herewith info on Lindsay Russell from the Who’s Who in America, 1916-1917, page 2131, notice Russell founded the Japan Society in 1907—keep in mind The Pilgrims Society is identified as “THE FIRST ORGANIZATION” in The Review of Reviews, May 1902, page 557, meaning its members would found many other groups acting as fronts for them, and at all times inferior to them—

            Nov 21, 2017 21:20 PM

            Interesting, Jerry

            Nov 21, 2017 21:36 PM

            Ross…..is Wilber Ross…….other fine mentions of the Trump cabinet are in the Pilgrim Society talked about in ……..silver stealers.net.

            GH
            Nov 21, 2017 21:14 PM

            Ross also worked for many years for Rothschild.

    Nov 21, 2017 21:04 PM

    Professor………some of these moron should have been home schooled…… 🙂
    http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-11-20/look-which-students-are-most-likely-default-their-student-debt