.Austerity Doesn’t Pay as Debt Markets Ignore Rating Cuts – Bloomberg 06-18-12

Salient to Investors: Bloomberg study of 314 upgrades, downgrades and outlook changes since 1974 shows interest rates moved in the opposite direction 47 percent of the time for Moody’s and for S&P. IMF studies show prices moved in the expected direction 45 percent of the time for developed countries and 51 percent for

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Ex-Soros Adviser Fujimaki Says Japan to Probably Default by 2017 – Bloomberg 06-14-12

IMF estimates Japanese public debt will balloon to 245.6 percent of GDP in 2014, up from 67.3 percent in 1984. Former adviser to George Soros, Takeshi Fujimaki recommends buying assets in U.S. dollars, Swiss francs, sterling, Australian and Canadian dollars, because Japan may default within five years, before Europe does. Fujimaki says the yen

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IMF Says Yen Is Overvalued and BOJ Should Add Stimulus: Economy – Bloomberg 06-12-12

Salient to Investors: IMF said the yen is moderately overvalued medium-term because of safe-haven inflows, and the Japanese central bank should consider further monetary stimulus. Intensification of the flight to safety in financial markets could lead to exchange-rate volatility, further strengthen the yen and depress equities and business and consumer confidence. Read the full

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Copper Trade Most Bullish Since March as China Cuts: Commodities – Bloomberg 06-07-12

Salient to Investors: National Securities Corp said that a Chinese stimulus package will turnaround copper prices. Hedge funds and speculators remain bearish on copper. Predictions: IMF is predicting EU GDP will fall 0.3 percent in 2012. Goldman Sachs sees copper at $9,000 in three months. Morgan Stanley sees a 130,000-ton shortage for copper supplies in 2012

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