German Chancellor Angela Merkel has stepped down as the leader of the Christian Democratic Union, the party she has led for nearly two decades. Yesterday's election in Hesse, normally a CDU/SPD stronghold was abysmal for them. She had to do something to quell the revolt brewing against her. Merkel knew going in what the polls … Continue reading Lame Duck Merkel Has Her Legacy on Her Mind
Merkel
More Peace Dividends as Merkel and Macron Join Syria Summit in Sochi
Over the summer Russian President Vladimir Putin went on a charm tour across Europe. In a whirlwind weekend he danced and dined his way through two important meetings, first at the Austrian Foreign Minister's wedding and then a garden party summit with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. I wasn't the only one to note the importance … Continue reading More Peace Dividends as Merkel and Macron Join Syria Summit in Sochi
Merkel’s End Could Spark EU Breakdown
The pieces have been moving into place for months now. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has seen her power within German political circles wane for more than a year. Italy's opposition to the European Union's budget rules is stiffening. Bond yields are beginning to not just rise, but blow out uncontrollably. The Fed keeps raising rates … Continue reading Merkel’s End Could Spark EU Breakdown
Never Go Nuclear — The EU Goes After Hungary
If there is one thing people with power always do when confronted with intransigence it is they always go nuclear. As a parent we've all been there. That moment when your child calls your bluff on a particular thing you've been arguing over and you're left with no other option than to go through with … Continue reading Never Go Nuclear — The EU Goes After Hungary
A League of Leagues of Their Own in Europe
"There's no crying in baseball!" — A League of Their Own The Great Realignment is coming to Europe next year. All the writing is on the wall. This summer saw German Chancellor Angela Merkel survive a leadership challenge by her coalition partner Horst Seehofer over her immigration policy. She needs political wins to maintain her … Continue reading A League of Leagues of Their Own in Europe
Trump Doesn’t Want Peace with the EU
Donald Trump is on a mission. His goal? Destroy the post-WWII institutional order that has outlived its usefulness. And there have been a number of major moves that fundamentally tear at the fabric of that order. In a span of a day we've had the following things occur in quick succession. French President Emmanuel Macron … Continue reading Trump Doesn’t Want Peace with the EU
Private Blog – Market Report: Buh-Bye McCain, Hello Merkel?
I have a new Private Blog post up for my subscribers on Patreon discussing tthe weird day thanks to the Jackson Hole Central Bank Summit and how Friday's bounces fair from a technical perspective. If you’d like to subscribe to the Private blog head over to my Patreon to sign up for it and the Gold Goats ‘n Guns Investment … Continue reading Private Blog – Market Report: Buh-Bye McCain, Hello Merkel?
Is Trump Pushing Germany and Russia Together?
Vladimir Putin's charm tour of Germany and Austria last weekend is a significant sign of change to come. To the U.S. and European press Putin is only a step or two away from Hitler reincarnated (thanks chiefly to Bill Browder). It serves the purpose of maintaining the post WWII institutional order. But, Putin is always … Continue reading Is Trump Pushing Germany and Russia Together?