Posts in Global Economy
The Sweet Spot of Zero Leverage Equity?

Global economic momentum is modest at best, equities and bonds are overvalued, and while allocating your funds entirely to gold, cash and shorts is enticing, it isn’t possible for the majority of money managers. What are investors to do then? The ranking of creditors and equity in the capital structure suggest that high grade corporate bonds—and sovereigns—is the optimal allocation. When the goings get tough, the equity is wiped out, but as creditor you are at least assured a recovery on your investment; even if it may be a slim one. This time could be different, however. 

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The (Impossible) Economics of Helicopter Money

Interest rates were first slashed to zero, then came successive rounds of QE, and most recently the ECB has led the world's central banks into the netherworld of negative interest rates. Neither of these tools, however, have worked completely according to central banks’ and governments’ wishes. Unless you have been living under a rock, you will have noticed that "helicopter money" has been touted as the next policy tool which central banks will deploy in their attempt to reach their "targets." 

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