The Cardinal Crisis
Signs Of The Coming Uranus-Pluto World Squares: Autumn 2011, Manhattan, New York City, U.S.A., Wall Street Financial District. Do not say that the priori science of Mundane Astrology did not warn the powers that be - far in advance - of what inclinations are to come by means of the transits of the stars and planets relative to the Earth.
Forewarned is foretold.
Video Credit: RT
The Banking & Stock Market Crash Of 2012-2013
&
Signs Of Uranus Square Pluto:
Americans 'Occupy Wall Street?'
Plus,
Mundane Astrologer Jude Cowell On The Autumn Equinox Of 2011:
Mundane Astrologer Jude Cowell On The Autumn Equinox Of 2011:
Drastic Measures
Also,
Mundane Economic Report:
Europe's Bank & Debt Crisis...
"I said left, no go right, stop, no, not that way, go here, yeah that's the ticket... Oh no, not good, can't trust them, can't trust their balance sheets... fuzzy math... it's all ponzi lies and shit... the wealth managers all scratch their heads. They don't know what to do. Can't manage the money. Let's split dude. Whoa, that was close. How about over there? Yeah, that looks good. Come on! Let's hedge our bets. Into those stocks? Those bonds?
What do you think? Assets safe here? Hey wait a minute, let's pull out, sell, then we buy this, go into metals and into ETFs and buy lots of shit... park our money. We'll be safe. Will it work? What do you think? Hey! You there! Hey buddy! Where do you think you're going with that 20 billion in cash there feller?!"
"I said left, no go right, stop, no, not that way, go here, yeah that's the ticket... Oh no, not good, can't trust them, can't trust their balance sheets... fuzzy math... it's all ponzi lies and shit... the wealth managers all scratch their heads. They don't know what to do. Can't manage the money. Let's split dude. Whoa, that was close. How about over there? Yeah, that looks good. Come on! Let's hedge our bets. Into those stocks? Those bonds?
What do you think? Assets safe here? Hey wait a minute, let's pull out, sell, then we buy this, go into metals and into ETFs and buy lots of shit... park our money. We'll be safe. Will it work? What do you think? Hey! You there! Hey buddy! Where do you think you're going with that 20 billion in cash there feller?!"
... With Billions $loshing Round The Globe And $trange Goings On...
&
Astrological Tips For Wise Investors:
Better Watch Those ETFs
Stranger still... go right ahead, be my guest, knock your socks off and try to figure out this next one...
"What you talking 'bout Willis?"
Better Watch Those ETFs
Stranger still... go right ahead, be my guest, knock your socks off and try to figure out this next one...
"What you talking 'bout Willis?"
POOF!
UBS Bank Of Switzerland Loses $2.3 Billion Up In Smoke By Way Of Mysterious Trader $candal?
UBS Bank Of Switzerland Loses $2.3 Billion Up In Smoke By Way Of Mysterious Trader $candal?
And Geez!
Do we really need to hear that...
...Even More Spanish Banks Failed?
Then, there's the stranger still - geopolitics of it all. We've already got a TON of negative global economic STUFF sitting crammed on all our plates to digest and so, we're all just asking about now ... you know, in Rodney King-like style:
"Can't We All Just TRY To Get Along?"
A Mundane Review
The U.S. & Pakistan:
Allies Or Sworn Enemies?
Global Astrology
By
Theodore White, mundane Astrolog.S
Peace and Goodwill to Humanity
Praise and Glory Be to the Immortal God
In this October 2011 edition of Global Astrology we examine a wide range of economic and geopolitical news worldwide as we peer deeper into the burgeoning global economic crisis.
This autumn 2011 edition will remain up during November as I work on a December edition that will contain further mundane forecasts of significant events to come in 2012.
This autumn 2011 edition will remain up during November as I work on a December edition that will contain further mundane forecasts of significant events to come in 2012.
My autumn edition of Global Astrology will require the reader to concentrate diligently; so as to digest the wealth of data and information provided on my forecast that the world is about to enter a great economic depression. It is closer now - will cause major disruptions throughout the globe - and will soon be coming to a neighborhood near you.
Many people say we have already been in a strong economic recession. This is true and has been for several years. However, those in the so-called mainstream media - along with TV pundits, policymakers, politicians, bankers, some economists and corporate lobbyists - would have you believe otherwise.
For several years, I have warned about the series of powerful cardinal crisis transits that the world has been experiencing in diverse ways - especially by means of the strengthening Uranus-Pluto world squares.
For instance, the Bank Of England announces a massive quantitative easing in the United Kingdom to stave off what is being called the worst financial crisis since the 1930s.
I continue to say that we are living in historic times with rebellions, revolts and revolutionary sentiments against a plutocracy that has and continues to commit great financial crimes against populations.
These powerful astrological inclinations are global - as we are also witnessing in the United States.
For several years, I have warned about the series of powerful cardinal crisis transits that the world has been experiencing in diverse ways - especially by means of the strengthening Uranus-Pluto world squares.
For instance, the Bank Of England announces a massive quantitative easing in the United Kingdom to stave off what is being called the worst financial crisis since the 1930s.
I continue to say that we are living in historic times with rebellions, revolts and revolutionary sentiments against a plutocracy that has and continues to commit great financial crimes against populations.
These powerful astrological inclinations are global - as we are also witnessing in the United States.
World astrological transits never lie. They clearly reveal the climate and weather to come. I provide readers of Global Astrology with my mundane analysis lens and forecasts of what I and others see by means of the stellar and planetary transits relative to Earth.
In this October 2011 edition, we explore the 'Occupy Wall Street' movements in New York City and other cities and countries as the tactics used against these voters who hit the polls in massive waves in 2012; following the first series of the Uranus-Pluto squares set to officially begin next year.
We also examine the curious losses of $2.3 billion from the coffers of Switzerland’s UBS Bank and the mysterious role of its so-called ‘rouge trader.’
Exchange Traded Funds – ETFs – are examined as I warn private investors away from the unabashed corruption of those running the ETF scam.
Be forewarned investors, as there isn’t a lot of time to get your assets out of the hands of criminals who are destined for the perditions of Hades itself. You had better hurry to save your money.
Be forewarned investors, as there isn’t a lot of time to get your assets out of the hands of criminals who are destined for the perditions of Hades itself. You had better hurry to save your money.
We also explore the strange happenings in Europe's ongoing Bank & Debt Crisis – with billions sloshing around the globe as the late summer of 2011 ended in the northern hemisphere.
Also examined is the health of Spanish banks - with more of Spain's savings institutions being shut down or merged into other banks.
The strange and deadly relationship between the United States and Pakistan is also explored as we ask: The U.S. & Pakistan: Allies or Sworn Enemies?
Also examined is the health of Spanish banks - with more of Spain's savings institutions being shut down or merged into other banks.
The strange and deadly relationship between the United States and Pakistan is also explored as we ask: The U.S. & Pakistan: Allies or Sworn Enemies?
The generational transition is now underway as the baby boomers' time as establishment over the last 18.5 years is now coming to its end as the astrological year of 2011 winds down:
Enter the New Establishment - Generation X
Generation Xers, those in America, grew up as small children learning about good manners and how to stand up for yourself - even when someone likes you.
I used to watch each episode of a late 1960s-early 1970s TV comedy-drama 'The Courtship of Eddie's Father,' (video below) all the time when I was a kid. This Sunday morning, I stayed in my pajamas and just enjoyed a reminder that the good days always lives with us.
Anyhow, I thought to share it with you before we get all serious and intense on the world and stuff... And yes, that tough little girl is none other than Gen Xer Jodie Foster - here on the small screen giving Eddie his 'licks.'
Enjoy!
Gen X Schooling the Foolin'
Now, a Gen X teacher shows how to deftly handle hostile maladaptive behavior; as seen in the video below during a September 2011 incident.
Expect more of the same kinds of correction to come towards world policymakers, bankers and political pundits alike - coming to a neighborhood and nation near you - as Generation X starts to read out loud the riot act and lay down the laws of old school rules - to all the fools:
Expect more of the same kinds of correction to come towards world policymakers, bankers and political pundits alike - coming to a neighborhood and nation near you - as Generation X starts to read out loud the riot act and lay down the laws of old school rules - to all the fools:
World Events
More Than 700+ Arrested In Growing 'Occupy Wall Street' Protests
Americans love pro football and are a strong and very patient people. But, when Americans get outright upset about wrongs... oh boy, better then watch out for the 'Dont Tread On Me.'
See For Yourself -> http://www.livestream.com/globalrevolution
See For Yourself -> http://www.livestream.com/globalrevolution
October 1, 2010 - NEW YORK - Police reopened the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night after more than 500 Occupy Wall Street protesters were arrested for blocking traffic lanes and attempting an unauthorized march across the span.
The arrests took place when a large group of marchers, participating in a second week of protests by the Occupy Wall Street movement, broke off from others on the bridge's pedestrian walkway and headed across the Brooklyn-bound lanes.
"More than 500 were arrested on the Brooklyn Bridge late this afternoon after multiple warnings by police were given to protesters to stay on the pedestrian walkway," a police spokesman said.
"Some complied and took the walkway without being arrested. Others locked arms and proceeded on the Brooklyn-bound vehicular roadway and were arrested," he added. The bridge was reopened at 8:05 p.m. EDT after being closed for hours.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene on the famous suspension bridge as a sea of police officers surrounded the protesters using orange mesh netting.
Yemen
The United States issued a worldwide travel alert on October 1, 2011, warning its nationals of the "potential for retaliation" after two key Al-Qaeda figures were killed in an air raid in Yemen.
The State Department notice came one day after the killing of US-born Islamic cleric Anwar al-Awlaqi, who President Barack Obama said was the external operations leader of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Also killed in the air strike was Pakistani-American Samir Khan, the editor of Al-Qaeda's English-language magazine, "Inspire."
Comments On Astrology
By Theodore White, mundane Astrolog.S
Some readers of Global Astrology may find it difficult at times to understand the complexities of the horoscopes and astrological terminology used in mundane forecasts. This is expected since Astrology - although known by name by most people on the planet - is not well understood due to lack of awareness and education.
Here are a few basics things to know:
Astrology is a priori-based science that is 6,000 years old. The original forecasting science. It is practiced as an art only by experts.
Astrology is the observation of celestial forces of time cycles relative to the Earth and which correspond directly to events on earth - those that are temporal, physical and metaphysical.
For without the movement of the Sun, Moon and planets there would be no Time at all.
Celestial forces rule over our planet's climate and weather, those things that are natural and supra-natural.
All spheres are in constant motion. Astrology is a discipline by which the professional astrologer reads and interprets by means of variable mathematics - the most advanced form of mathematics known to the world.
There are two trees of Astrology:
Natural Astrology
Judicial Astrology
In Natural Astrology, there are the disciplines of weather forecasting, stellar cartography, (astronomy) and medicine. Also included is the history of astrology.
Judicial Astrology is the more advanced tree and can only be practiced expertly by those who first have studied under the tree of Natural Astrology.
Included in Judicial Astrology are the disciplines of Natal Astrology and Mundane Astrology, along with the various subsets and techniques of practice.
The problem with those who jumped to the more advanced natal astrology is that they did not first learn Natural Astrology. So, the practice of reading natal horoscopes of individuals means trying to perform advanced variable mathematics, like trying to do algebra before learning the basics - addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc.
The popularity of natal astrology over the last two hundred years has led to many learners of astrology with major gaps with fragmentation in their understanding and so are unable to forecast according to astrological principles. Again, this is the direct result of not first learning and then applying the principles of Natural Astrology.
Most learners will begin to try to attempt to read their own nativities, again, this is of the more advanced tree of Judicial Astrology. It should be left to the professional astrologer to read and interpret nativities, a complicated task that is both intense and time-consuming for the professional.
For it is the observation and study of the natural world we inhabit that is Astrology. Our natural world includes the stars and planets of space - known as stellar cartography - the mapping of the heavens, or what is known as astronomy - a subset of Natural Astrology.
The basics of Astrology, once learned over years, leads to a change in consciousness so that the learner is now able to see the true inclinations on the world, first by physical means, then, when learning the more advanced methods, by metaphysical means.
My early training in astrology first began with climate/weather forecasting and astronomy - under the tree of Natural Astrology. In this way, the learner can see the physical influences and causes of the changes and rhythmics of the climate and weather by stellar forces. We call these changes seasons.
The process of learning Astrology takes years. Advancement depends on the skills, talent, commitment and training of the learner. As a mundane astrologer I am not a fan of taking shortcuts. A step-by-step approach is always best - especially with a priori-based science as complex as Astrology.
For how can one to assess the 'inner weather,' or the psychology of any individual by means of their nativity, if one is unable to first assess the 'outer weather'?
I wrote the following in July 2009 in my efforts to wake astrologers and non-astrologers alike to what I saw coming by means of the astronomical motions relative to the Earth.
How To Prepare For the Uranus-Pluto World Squares
By Theodore White; mundane Astrolog.S
July 2009 - In a little less than three years from now one of the most surprising series of outer planet square aspects between two transpersonal outer planets - Uranus and Pluto - will be in effect.
The coming Uranus/Pluto squares of the early-to-mid-2010s will be a challenge for everyone seeking to live their lives in a world which has changed radically since the start of the 21st century.
In less than two years, Uranus’ full entry into tropical Aries in March 2011 will signal a crossroads moment in world history. Uranus will have completed a cycle started in 1928 and will have crossed the Aries point on March 11/12, 2011 – opening up a totally new orbital cycle relative to the Earth.
Uranus will then begin an incredible series of multiple square aspects to Pluto in tropical Capricorn, during the years 2012 to 2015. The squares will affect the entire globe, even after 2015, as Uranus progresses further through Aries after 2015, and enters tropical Taurus for good by March 2019.
This Aries ingress of Uranus’ into tropical Aries has powerful effects on the world-at-large through restlessness, rebellions, revolts and an overall feeling among populations of the world that things must change.
Pluto's transit in Capricorn highlights power structures that are being forced to transform by means of phoenix or to completely fail.
We saw this occur in 2008-2011 with the failures of many companies, large and small; with the decline of political faith and the public's loss of confidence in badly-run institutions. This is Pluto's function as it transits slowly through the tropical sign of Capricorn.
The unconventional and suddenness of action subscribed to Uranus indicates that through tropical Aries – populations the world over will have had enough of attacks on their ways of life and will strike out to take back control over the direction of their lives, and their nations.
The changes will not be easy, but they can be for those who are willing to prepare before the first Uranus/Pluto square arrives in June 2012.
These global squares last overall from the years 2012 to 2018 – with an amazing seven (7) exact world squares between 2012 to 2015 that will revolve worldwide:
1. June 24, 2012 – first global square at 8-degrees Aries/Capricorn
2. September 19, 2012 – second square at 6-degrees Aries/Capricorn
3. May 20, 2013 – third square at 11-degrees Aries/Capricorn
4. November 1, 2013 – fourth square at 9-degrees Aries/Capricorn
5. April 21, 2014 – fifth square at 13-degrees Aries/Capricorn
6. December 15, 2014 – sixth square at 12-degrees Aries/Capricorn
7. March 16/17, 2015 – seventh square at 15-degrees Aries/Capricorn
Effects on the World-At-Large
Uranus/Pluto square to one another from Aries to Capricorn features radical and sometimes dramatic changes in how society functions, putting pressure on the basic objectives, desires, objectives, or goals of all groups, organizations and countries.
The frustrations will come from the Cardinal sign inclinations to start "anew" - but not being able to fully bring about changes fast enough to satisfy everyone.
This function of wanting to change, but being stymied for whatever reasons given, forces populations to react in headstrong (Aries) and forceful (Capricorn) manner, and encourages rebellious sentiments to quickly grow.
This can fester into open revolts - and in some cases - outright revolution.
Therefore, expect to hear stories of the lives of individuals being radically altered by larger forces beyond their personal control, which is typical of the inclinations of the two outer planets' effects on the mundane affairs of the world.
Expect these influences under the Uranus/Pluto Square:
* Popular Rebellions & Revolts
* Corporate and Governmental Power Struggles
* Sudden Financial Losses
* Revolutions in Various Nations
* Unexpected Deaths
* Break-ups of long-term friendships & associations
* Disturbing Psychic influences
* Dangerous and Violent People Looking For Trouble
How to Counter The Above Influences:
* Prepare Early in the years 2009, 2010, and 2011
* Ability to adjust by shifting Personal/Professional goals to meet the new challenges
* Forming associations with people of common, positive purpose
* Seeking new positive opportunities opened by the radical changes
* Avoid time wasters, lazy & unreliable people
* Shifting relationships to focus on building trust, love, and respect
* Be Tolerant, and apply conflict resolution techniques
* Avoid petty arguments
* Use Caution in Travel During 2012-2016
The effects on individual transits will occur mostly on the cardinal signs Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn and will reflect the frustrations, and the needs to "re-start" one's life in the areas of home, career, along with personal and professional relationships.
These “shifts” in relationships – all of kinds –will be challenged by the strength of aspects between the planets Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto – in the major transitional years of 2010/2011 and then emerge from those years into the year 2012 - when the first of a series of squares between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn will redefine all kinds of personal and transpersonal relationships through to the mid-2015s.
Things to Do
One of the best ways to face challenges and radical changes is to expect them in advance. Many people who will have the most difficult time are those who are resistant to change and want things to remain as they have been for years.
With the world transits of 2009, 2010, 2011, and especially by 2012, 2013, and 2014 - things will not be the same. It will be a new global era.
Some of things to do prior to the years 2012-2016:
* Prepare Early, Think & Plan Ahead - Do not be lulled into thinking that there is plenty of time to prepare for the transits of 2010, 2011, and those of 2012-2015. It is closer than you think.
One of the reasons for Astrology is that it affords people the time and space to prepare, and to plan in advance, which can greatly reduce the negative effects of coming transits, while increasing the chances for success.
The longer lead time one has - the better prepared you will be in handling these global changes. Global is local and affects us all. Those people who are able to plan ahead in increments, and remain focused on these coming world transits will do the best.
* Get Yourself Emotionally & Mentally Ready for Change - This is easy to say, but hard to do for most people. The easiest way to start is to begin to take time with yourself first to think about what it is that you want to do in the next decade with your life, career and personal relationships.
Write down a list of pros & cons of any choices and decisions you see yourself having to make over the coming five years.
Talk with others who share your sense of changes on the horizon and make sure that these people are not surface-thinkers, or time wasters, but who are genuine people whom you can share your thoughts with about the changes you either know, feel, or have heard are coming in the world.
* Personal Astrological Transits - Have your personal natal and progressed transits looked at by professional astrologers. Because of the length of extended time the aspects between the outer transits of the planets will last relative to the Earth; it is essential to cover several years rather than a single year in your personal transits.
Take the time to have your own astrological reports started now, so you will have enough lead time to make adjustments before the onset of these transits.
Most of the Cardinal Crisis transits will form by summer 2010, and the beginning of the global emergency will start in October 2009 with the first Saturn-Pluto square that extends into mid-2010.
Knowing how you will be able to navigate through the years 2010-2016 will be very important to your success.
* Stay Calm & Cool Headed - One of the inclinations of a Uranus/Pluto square is for people to become very impulsive and hotheaded, and also to resist change by any means necessary.
There will be many people throughout the world who will react negatively based on their own stubbornness, ignorance, or vanity in denying what has become obvious.
Those who do best will not only have their eyes and minds open, but also those who have prepared in advance and are calm and cool headed during any kind of challenges.
In order to survive the coming strength of these outer planet placements be aware that they are very real, and avoid those who would rather stick their heads in the sand, and who allow themselves to be affected while not realizing that they are affected.
The coming world transits, especially the Uranus/Pluto Squares, will affect people in a wide variety of different ways, but will generally help to create an electrically-charged atmosphere between 2012-2015 overall.
The sense will be one of not knowing what the results will be of the world events. Some people will react better than others; while other people will be in a full state of denial and still others so angry that they will want to strike out at anyone because they are frustrated and lost.
One can be of help to people like this early on, by talking to them about how times are changing and helping others to see that it is necessary to begin to plan to make positive changes in their lives gradually.
Those who begin now will do much better than those who start later.
~
Mundane astrologer Jude Cowell has been covering the machinations of politicians in the U.S. and worldwide for years.
Anyone who has been keen enough to listen to her warnings about what was coming down the road by means of her excellent delineations of mundane transits, would now have no doubt that the hidden forces behind the scenes have helped to create a dangerous climate in the world - and under the worst kind of skies astrologically.
Let's hear master astrologer Jude Cowell's examination of the social and political inclinations into the 2011 autumn season in the northern hemisphere.
~
The Cardinal Crisis
The Autumn Equinox Of 2011:
Drastic Measures?
September 2011, Manhattan, New York: Two peaceful protesting young women writhe in pain after being attacked with pepper spray by a NYC Police supervisor during the growing 'Occupy Wall Street' protests.
By
Jude Cowell, mundane Astrolog.S
Below is an image of the Autumn Equinox 2011 horoscope, the Libra Ingress, set for the White House, Washington DC.
Autumnal Equinox - September 23, 2011 5:04 a.m. EDT
Mundane Chart delineated by Jude Cowell, mundane Astrolog.S
click on horoscope to enlarge
Hour Mars at 2-Leo-37 conjuncts President Obama's natal Mercury; chart-ruler Mercury 25Vir23 in the First House makes two applying aspects - conjunct Sun (4A37) and opposite Uranus 2-Aries-41 retrograde (Rx) conjunct 8th House cusp which conjoins the U.S. natal IC 00-Aries-53 (Sibly version of America's natal horoscope (5:10 pm LMT, July 4, 1776, Philadelphia, PA.)
The 8th House cusp Uranus-natal IC trio with Autumn Equinox Sun conjunct 2nd House cusp indicates financial matters not coming together as expected; so we must concentrate on what's working rather than on new methods.
Compromise remains elusive as the president (Sun) knocks heads with radical political types (Uranus in Aries = Utopians, says Ebertin) over monetary policy and reform.
And the whole world is watching as radical elements attempt to destroy our entire system of government, imperfect as it may be (and it is.)
Thanks a lot, Ronald "Government Is Evil" Reagan, you really got the Destroy American ball rolling and the Dark Legacy of Reaganomics keeps on giving to the rich and taking from the poor.
click on graphic to enlarge
Thanks a lot, Ronald "Government Is Evil" Reagan, you really got the Destroy American ball rolling and the Dark Legacy of Reaganomics keeps on giving to the rich and taking from the poor.
And of course, the Deficit Reduction Committee's work is covered in the Autumn Equinox 2011 chart with the extraordinary power of a 'Super' Congress handed to 12 congress members which to my mind is unConstitutional.
Their recommendations are due on November 23, 2011 in time for the November 25, 2011 Solar Eclipse at 2-Sagittarius - sitting at the Foundation of the Autumn EQ 2011 horoscope!!
As you see, a few of President Obama's natal planets are penned in around the chart: rising is his natal Pluto in Virgo opposite natal Chiron which here sets (conj DESC--Chiron opposite Pluto = 'knight in shining armor' on a Quest.)
Mr. Obama's natal Moon in Gemini (publicity through speeches) is at Midheaven (MC = The Goal; Aspirations; Public Status) along with two midpoints which create angular pictures with the MC and one with Obama's natal Moon...any, all, or none may apply...
Mars/Uranus = MC: taking drastic measures; extraordinary achievements;putting a gun to someone's head; an inflexible character; an act of violence. Note: on C-SPAN this morning (Sept. 21, 2011) Charlie Rangel referred to people "putting a gun to (the president's) head."
Mars/Uranus = BHO natal Moon: feelings govern; a desire to achieve something very big; ambition.
Moon/Uranus = MC: excitement and great energy; pursuit of ambitious aims; determination; ready for action; taking a hand suddenly or interfering.
Mercury also rules the 10th house of Public Standing by way of Gemini which indicates changes on the world stage for the US--Gemini's Mercury relates to communications, plans, but also commerce and trade.
Plus, the fixed star Mirfak (Alpha Perseus) is at Midheaven (MC) keywords - young male energy with hunting and fighting abilities.
In any horoscope, a chart-ruler's applying aspects show how things will proceed.
As mentioned above, Virgo is rising, so changeable Mercury at 25Virgo23 in the First House rules the chart.
The applying conjunction to the Sun will perfect on September 28 at 5Libra20...'6Lib' = "The Ideals of a Man Abundantly Crystallized," which may refer to the president's new push back stance gaining momentum.
Mercury opposing Uranus (7A18) shows oration, communications, and plans embroiled in quarrels, disagreements, and disruptions - and serious conflicts arise between the generations related to finances and ideologies.
This opposition may also refer to social networking (Uranus) activism as young Americans (Mercury) get out on the streets in protest.
September/October 2011: Wall Street financial district, Manhattan, New York.
Now manipulative Pluto, pulling strings from behind the scenes (and from abroad) is apex planet in a YOD pattern ('Finger of God', special task, crisis, turning point, crossroads.)
This is a very karmic configuration and, as we know, the crisis has been a long time coming (slow moving Pluto.)
Apex Pluto in a YOD formation shows those with fixated opinions and plans that have disturbing effects upon others (not that Pluto cares about others) and past conditions must die so that a new path is revealed.
This Pluto represents those with high executive positions of authority who are determined to usher in a New Order.
Perhaps I don't need to tell you this, but the people represented by this anti-social Pluto hold extreme perspectives that are out of focus with society's views and values.
A midpoint picture is created from the YOD:
Mars/MC = Pluto: extraordinary zeal and great vigor; the desire to bring immense tasks to a successful conclusion.
Transiting Pluto continues to oppose the U.S. natal Jupiter at 5Cancer56 and denotes America's financial, political and social struggles against powerful plutonian forces desiring to break down our nation and all civil institutions.
Yes, Pluto is very busy this Autumn as apex in a second planetary pattern - a T-Square between the Sun/Uranus opposition.
First, the midpoint picture:
Sun/Uranus = Pluto: radical reformers (we know!!) - a desire to rearrange things (without the American people's consent!); tragic experiences; imprisonment; very provoking others with constant rebellion and distractions; disruptions of events to gain recognition; direct attacks on the individuality of others to gain more notoriety for self or interests.
As apex in a Cardinal T-Square, Pluto denotes those with intense focus on objectives and an inability to compromise with others; sharing power is a non-starter, and explosive endings may be thought necessary in order to make a new start.
Again, this Pluto represents high powered executives who feel much contempt for those they manipulate and in the case of this T-Square - those whose plans they block.
~
Got to commend mundane astrologer Jude Cowell for telling it like it is as the world cascades towards what will amount to be the historic year of 2012 just ahead.
Let's now take a further view of the diverse, and I have to say, the totally pathetic state of global economic affairs that we all can be sure to see more of into next year and beyond.
There is some strong Capricorn medicine that follows. Now, the medicine may taste sour at first, but if you digest it; faithfully taking your tincture of this mundane cod liver oil - then perhaps things may turn out sweeter for you in the long run.
Here we go...
The Cardinal Crisis
The Truth About The Global Economy?
By
Theodore White, mundane Astrolog.S
Theodore White, mundane Astrolog.S
I would like to preface this October 2011 edition of Global Astrology with comments on my mundane overview on the future of the economic, social and geopolitical state of the world.
For years, it has been my forecast that a wider and severe recession – properly called an Economic Depression – is just ahead. It will begin in the second half of the astrological year 2012 and continue into the middle years of this decade - the Twenty-Tens.
Now, most people who listen to television and radio pundits who have been living in a dream world since the events of 2008 - they cannot imagine a Great Depression in our present times. Nor will they tell you the truth.
Few people will, and when they do, they will be called ‘fringe’ and treated as if they are some kind of nut.
Make no mistake about it, I am not a nut. Far from it. You will find mundane astrologers to be the sanest people on the planet. It is some of the people amok in the world whom we observe who are, in reality – crazy – and others - who have run the world's banks into the ground - who are mad as hatters.
Astrology is the pre-eminent prior-based science. It is a forecasting science. Those who would dismiss mundane astrological forecasts do so at their own peril.
Public statements by 2013 on the business outlook for that year, and for 2014, will further show just how sad are the forecasting abilities of wealth managers, bankers, economists and pundits.
The world may not end – but the public/personal 'worlds' of other people just might as 2012's events will certainly make things 'appear' that way. A healthy portion of the economic world we once knew is now on the verge of a great crash, according to my mundane forecast.
Even those who use non-astrological methods and have their eyes open can see the writing on the wall. I keep saying to people to prepare themselves. Here's another person who will tell you the same thing:
The world may not end – but the public/personal 'worlds' of other people just might as 2012's events will certainly make things 'appear' that way. A healthy portion of the economic world we once knew is now on the verge of a great crash, according to my mundane forecast.
Even those who use non-astrological methods and have their eyes open can see the writing on the wall. I keep saying to people to prepare themselves. Here's another person who will tell you the same thing:
This is what Global Astrology is about - the truth.
It is essential to prepare your minds and emotions for the years just ahead. It can be done and must be done in order to be of use to your family, your friends and to yourself before the economic calamity strikes full tilt - as it certainly shall do.
Most people will be scared and that is certainly a normal first reaction. However, there is positive fear and negative fear. A positive fear keeps a person on the ball and sharp while a negative fear freezes one - often into complacency and procrastination.
Therefore, know this:
The world transits of the span from October 2011 to January 2013 will feature very powerful events concerning the health of the economies of nations.
What is most important from October 2011 to August 2012 is to use the time to prepare yourselves for a quantum change in the way the economy functions because of the onset of the new great depression years.
Now, in the wake of the coming events of 2012-13 those bankers, economists, policymakers, industrialists and government officials will publicly declare their confidence in stocks, the markets and the banks and not to mention the ‘strong fundamentals’ of corporations.
It is essential to prepare your minds and emotions for the years just ahead. It can be done and must be done in order to be of use to your family, your friends and to yourself before the economic calamity strikes full tilt - as it certainly shall do.
Most people will be scared and that is certainly a normal first reaction. However, there is positive fear and negative fear. A positive fear keeps a person on the ball and sharp while a negative fear freezes one - often into complacency and procrastination.
Therefore, know this:
The world transits of the span from October 2011 to January 2013 will feature very powerful events concerning the health of the economies of nations.
What is most important from October 2011 to August 2012 is to use the time to prepare yourselves for a quantum change in the way the economy functions because of the onset of the new great depression years.
Now, in the wake of the coming events of 2012-13 those bankers, economists, policymakers, industrialists and government officials will publicly declare their confidence in stocks, the markets and the banks and not to mention the ‘strong fundamentals’ of corporations.
Far from the truth all of it will be. In reality, they will be scared.
The 'optimism' on show will hardly be representative of the truth on the street.
In my mundane astrological analysis of the world’s economy, performed back in the heady years of 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, I knew that an economic bubble was already in play.
As I advanced my astrological calculations forward in time, what I saw was shocking, but I was not amazed, considering that fact that world transits are also cyclical.
What I know is this –
There are dark years ahead for many nations and their populations due to the rampant corruption, greed and stupidity of bankers, regulators, traders, investment houses, governments, states, cities, economists and policymakers along with that of the oligarchy and outgoing establishment of baby boomers.
There is no turning back.
For those with eyes to see and ears to hear the signs are all around us.
For instance, a trader recently told the BBC that "Governments don't rule the world, Goldman Sachs rules the world."
That's what London-based independent trader Alessio Rastani told the BBC on September 26, 2011 in what they said was a ‘jaw dropping’ interview.
Now, the powers that be quickly jumped into the fray in late September 2011 with attempts to make what Rastani said appear as a ‘hoax’ – which has long been common fare for those who prefer to lie than to tell the truth.
But just as quickly, rumors were spun that Rastani was a member of the Yes Men, a loose-knit group of pranksters and imposters that attempt to manipulate the mainstream media with the goal of exposing the evils of big corporations.
However, the Yes Men denied that Rastani was connected in any way to their group. The BBC said that it doesn't think he is either: "We've carried out detailed investigations and can't find any evidence to suggest that the interview with Alessio Rastani was a hoax. He is an independent market trader and one of a range of voices we've had on air to talk about the recession."
"We've never heard of Rastani," the Yes Men said, "He isn't a Yes Man. He's a real trader who is, for one reason or another, being more honest than usual."
For his part, Rastani says he was simply misunderstood. "A lot of people just got the wrong end of the foot, misunderstood what I was saying. They thought I was joyful or licking my lips about the idea of making money from people's miseries. That's probably the way it looked on the video,” he said.
“But if they watch the whole video, what I was really trying to say is people need to educate themselves about how to do that ... what I was trying to say was, look, everyone should basically prepare. I was trying to be the good guy. If this market's going to crash, then you've got to prepare yourself."
Yet another sign of just how much the powers that be want to disguise their crimes despite the fact that even independent traders know what is going on and expect a crash.
Consider this - in the United States, this year of 2011 has seen the poverty rate hit its highest level in 18 years.
There are a record 46 million Americans said to be living below the poverty line. This, according to a government report in August 2011 that depicted the grim effects of high double-digit unemployment.
Underscoring the economic challenges that face everyone, the U.S. Census Bureau said the U.S. poverty rate rose for a third consecutive year and reached 15.1 percent in 2010. That poverty rate was the largest since the government first began publishing estimates in 1959.
According to the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the U.S. has the highest poverty rate of all the developed nations. The poverty line for an American family of four with two children is an income $22,113 a year.
The data also showed children under 18 suffered the highest poverty rate, 22 percent, compared with adults and the elderly.
In a sign of severe decline for middle-class Americans, figures depict a rapid decline in the number of Americans with employer-provided health insurance, while ranks of the uninsured hover just below 50 million..
Underlying this Census data was that a rate of economic growth proved much too meager to compensate for the losses of hundreds of thousands of jobs in 2009 and 2010.
These was supposed to be the years when the recession “officially ended,” but even conventional jobless rates were said to rise from 9.3 percent to 9.6 percent.
These was supposed to be the years when the recession “officially ended,” but even conventional jobless rates were said to rise from 9.3 percent to 9.6 percent.
The numbers would have been worse, analysts said, but for government assistance programs including extended unemployment compensation, stimulus spending and Obama's health reforms, which appeared to reduce the number of uninsured young adults.
"All of this deterioration in the labor market caused incomes to drop, poverty to rise and people to lose their health insurance," said Heidi Shierholz of the Economic Policy Institute think tank.
"One of the immediately obvious issues this brings up is that there is no relief in sight."
"One of the immediately obvious issues this brings up is that there is no relief in sight."
Salvation Army Major David Harvey knows well the effects of grinding poverty on Chicago's South Side, where he attended a food giveaway.
"There are more families falling into poverty," he said. "That's multiplied on the South Side of Chicago where there are pockets with 20 percent, or more, unemployment."
"You've got people crying for jobs. They move out of state to get jobs because employers are leaving because of the tax increases here," Harvey said.
The Census report coincides with President Barack Obama's push for a $450 billion job creation package, along with the deliberations by a congressional "super committee" that has been given the job of cutting at least $1.2 trillion from the U.S. budget deficit over 10 years.
Faced with deteriorating job approval ratings, the president is trying to convince Republicans in Congress to support his jobs package.
Analysts said poverty-related issues have relatively little hold on politicians in Washington D.C. but hoped the new figures would encourage the bipartisan super committee to avoid deficit cuts that would hurt the poor.
Analysts said poverty-related issues have relatively little hold on politicians in Washington D.C. but hoped the new figures would encourage the bipartisan super committee to avoid deficit cuts that would hurt the poor.
The poverty rate increased for non-Hispanic whites, blacks and Hispanics but did not differ significantly for Asians. Blacks and Hispanics together accounted for 54 percent of the poor with whites at 9.9 percent and Asians at 12.1 percent.
The South states performed worst among American states - recording the highest poverty rates with a significant drop in median income and also with the largest number of residents without any health insurance.
The Obama administration was quick to seize on data showing a 2.1 percent drop in uninsured young adults, aged 18 to 24, as evidence that families were benefiting from an Obama healthcare reform that allows parents to extend their coverage to children as old as 25.
The Affordable Care Act is the centerpiece of Obama's domestic policy agenda but has come under fierce attack from Republicans including presidential candidates who hope to challenge the president in the 2012 general election.
"We expect even more will gain coverage in 2011 when the policy is fully phased in," Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a blog posting.
Some analysts agreed. "That almost certainly is coverage from mom or dad because this is an age group that obviously has been having trouble getting a job and because they're young, they're probably less likely to be getting jobs that also include health insurance," said Joseph Antos of the conservative American Enterprise Institute.
click on graphic to enlarge
Still, the United States has long had one of the highest poverty rates in the developed world. Among the 34 nations that are tracked by OECD, only Chile, Israel and Mexico have higher poverty rates.
The years of the Twenty-Tens feature a series of powerful planetary transits relative to the Earth which I call the ‘cardinal crisis.’ These planetary configurations are in play now and have been since 2008. The mix of the cardinal energies with those of additional planetary bodies features a transitional decade.
The Twenty-Tens, in my mundane view, will be one of a deep deflationary spiral (a great depression) along with frustrating bouts of commodity price inflation.
This means that most of the world’s economy, at least 60% of it, will deflate for years – caused directly by decades of widespread financial corruption, speculation and economic malfeasance on gigantic levels.
This means that most of the world’s economy, at least 60% of it, will deflate for years – caused directly by decades of widespread financial corruption, speculation and economic malfeasance on gigantic levels.
According to my astrological calculations pertaining to economics, the next decline (that follows the previous Dec. 2007 to June 2009 recession) will be the most serious one yet and will begin in 2012.
It will extend to late into the year 2016 – a period of deep economic depression of four (4) years and ten months.
That is my mundane forecast. It has not changed.
It will extend to late into the year 2016 – a period of deep economic depression of four (4) years and ten months.
That is my mundane forecast. It has not changed.
The effects on society – nations, states, cities, counties, neighborhoods and communities – will be much like that of the 1930s deflationary spiral, or the great depression.
The signs have been with us for several years; however few saw these signs prior to 2005-06, at the height of the massive mortgage derivatives housing bubble.
The signs have been with us for several years; however few saw these signs prior to 2005-06, at the height of the massive mortgage derivatives housing bubble.
The bank crisis is similar to what occurred in the 1920s, when planetary transits were likened to that we recently experienced in the decade of the 2000s.
Operation Twi$t?
Operation Twi$t?
U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke
It is said that investors may be expecting the U.S. Federal Reserve's 'Operation Twist' to work, but what they really want seems to be a kind of surprise grand gesture that will woo them back into the stock market.
In late August and through the month of September 2011 investors have been anticipated the announcement of Operation Twist - that is, a plan to sell short-term notes and buy long-term U.S.Treasuries.
The 'twist' is the gamble to force down longer-term rates so the banks will begin lending to businesses again.
But with the American economy more than struggling - but stagnant and heading into ever dangerous economic territory - investors continue to hope for the unexpected. As forecasted last year by me, we hear more talk of yet another round of quantitative easing - the third by the Federal Reserve. This is a bond-buying program that the Fed has employed twice (QE I and QE2) in an effort to spark credit lending.
"The market right now appears to be anticipating a move so investors will buy the rumor sell the fact," said Thomas Sowanick, chief investment officer at Omnivest Group.
That means, if the Fed announces more than its Operation Twist, then the expected result would be that investors would race into the stock market.
"My concern is that the Fed has done all they can do at this point," said Joseph Tanious, market strategist at J.P. Morgan Funds. "What's Twist really going to do for the markets and economy?"
Indeed, one problem with formally announcing Twist: it quickly exposes the impotence of monetary policy in a global economy that's in turmoil.
Is the Bond Market Dysfunctional?
Interest rates on benchmark 10-year Treasuries hit an all-time low of 1.87% in late September 2011, and has barely budged over 2% that entire month. According to analysts, that is a worse performance than at the height of the initial banking crisis. That was when the 10-year yield hit a low of 2.08% in December 2008.
Ahead of the two-day meeting, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke is said to be more aggressive about laying down the economic ball at the feet of the U.S. Congress. Still, even if it's not much, investors will still seek assurances that the Federal Reserve will do something.
"The Fed can't be seen to do nothing," said Scott Clemons, chief investment strategist at Brown Brothers Harriman.
So Operation Twist is being viewed as the middle ground of monetary policy during the autumn of 2011 into the winter and spring of 2012.
Economists had been waiting on the Federal Reserve to specifically outline what kinds of bonds it will purchase. Investors say that they are not entirely sure whether the Federal Reserve will buy 10-year or 30-year Treasuries or a mix of both.
Bond prices moved down on 10-and-30-year Treasuries. So if the Federal Reserve concentrates on buying 10-year Treasuries, then the bond prices on those notes would move up and the yields would move down. This means that 30-year Treasuries would move in the opposite direction - with yields rising on the longer-term bonds.
While it may not be politically palatable, market observers still see another round of quantitative easing as a possibility either now or in the future if the economy remains stalled. "You can't take QE3 off the table," said Clemons.
Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve's actions along with global central bankers on the Europe's banking crisis in late September 2011 revealed plans to place an economic ‘firewall’ around Greece and other debt-laden EU nations.
The behind-the-scenes activities with Jupiter retrograde in Taurus by the central bankers led to the prices of gold and silver being driven down.
GOLD PRICES PLUNGE?
The behind-the-scenes activities with Jupiter retrograde in Taurus by the central bankers led to the prices of gold and silver being driven down.
GOLD PRICES PLUNGE?
SINGAPORE, Sept 26, 2011 – Reuters reported that Spot Gold fell 5.2 percent and Silver dropped by the most in three years, extending Friday's rout as investors bolted for the ultimate safe havens of cash and the dollar.
A debt crisis in the euro zone that could infect the global economy is causing a widespread flight to safety that has hammered commodity markets across the board.
Spot gold dropped to an 11-week low of $1,534.49 an ounce before edging back to $1,558.39 by 0706 GMT, bringing losses so far this month to nearly 15 percent, the biggest decline since the financial crisis in October 2008.
Spot silver was down 16 percent at one point to a low of $26.04; it’s weakest since November last year, before bouncing back to $27.97, a fall of just under 10 percent. The metal has lost more than a quarter of its value in just three sessions.
"Many have highlighted the risks of gold being in overbought territory, having gone up in a straight line in the past four years," said Song Seng Wun, a regional economist at CIMB Research in Singapore.
"With recessionary pressure piling up, flight to safety means flight to really safe investments, and those are the U.S. dollar and U.S. Treasuries."
Spot gold is approaching a key support at the 200-day moving average of $1,526.58, while the Relative Strength Index was observed to drop below 30. This is considered an indicator that the market is oversold.
Spot gold is approaching a key support at the 200-day moving average of $1,526.58, while the Relative Strength Index was observed to drop below 30. This is considered an indicator that the market is oversold.
U.S. gold futures GCcv1 fell 4.7 percent to $1,563.40 an ounce, and U.S. silver SIcv1 tumbled as much as 13 percent to $26.15.
The dollar, which has rallied nearly 6 percent so far this year against a basket of other currencies, touched on a seven-month high as investors fled risky assets to seek a safe haven in the U.S. greenback.
"The dollar still has room to strengthen more in the short term because the fear of crisis is not over," said Dominic Schnider, head of commodity research at UBS Wealth Management in Singapore.
A stronger dollar pressures gold as it becomes more expensive for buyers holding other currencies. The drive to force gold prices down seems to have been decided just as Venus turned to evening star on August 16-17, in Leo, the Zodiacal Sign for Gold.
It also appears that as Jupiter was slowing to retrograde in tropical Taurus in late August 2011, that the move took place on August 23-24, as the Sun entered tropical Virgo.
Gold Chart for Week Of August 17-24, 2011.
European policymakers began working on new ways to stop fallout from Greece's near-bankruptcy from inflicting more damage on the world economy after stinging criticism for failing to stem the debt crisis.
It also appears that as Jupiter was slowing to retrograde in tropical Taurus in late August 2011, that the move took place on August 23-24, as the Sun entered tropical Virgo.
European policymakers began working on new ways to stop fallout from Greece's near-bankruptcy from inflicting more damage on the world economy after stinging criticism for failing to stem the debt crisis.
But gold's longer-term prospects remain bright, analysts and traders said, as the reasons supporting high gold prices, such as low interest rates in most developed economies and high inflation in the world's top two gold consumers are still in place.
"For the longer term, after prices stabilize and life returns to normal, safe-haven flow will slowly come back. In 2012, there is a chance that gold could reach $2,000 an ounce," according to Ong Yi Ling, an analyst at Phillip Futures.
David Beers, the head of S&P's sovereign rating group said that it was still too soon to know how European policymakers will boost the European Financial Stability Facility - how effective that will be and the potential credit implications.
He said the various alternatives could have "potential credit implications in different ways," including for the two leading Eurozone countries of France and Germany.
European officials, seeking more resources to protect the European Union against fallout from the debt crisis, are still debating ways to increase the impact of the proposed 440 billion-euro fund by leveraging.
It remains unclear exactly how.
It remains unclear exactly how.
Beers said it was evident that policymakers cannot leverage the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) without limits. "There is some recognition in the euro zone that there is no cheap, risk-free leveraging options for the EFSF any more," Beers said.
Some analysts say at least 2 trillion Euros would be needed to safeguard Italy and Spain if the Greek crisis spreads. "We're getting to a point where the guarantee approach of the sort that the EFSF highlights is running out of road." Beers added.
Metals Margin Increased & ETF Holdings Steady?
Adding to the bearish sentiment out there, the CME Group raised the margin requirements on Gold, Silver and Copper Futures contracts on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 after market volatility rose dramatically in August and September - thus raising the cost of holding positions.
In response, speculators cut their bullish bets on gold futures and options for the sixth time in seven weeks by Sept. 20, as the price of bullion continued to unravel from its record highs.
Spot gold fell 8.6 percent in late September - its sharpest such drop in more than 28 years.
Spot gold fell 8.6 percent in late September - its sharpest such drop in more than 28 years.
"Retail punters are scared," said a Singapore-based trader. "There is a big dollar-buying frenzy now, which is dragging everything down and people have to liquidate just like 2008."
In 2008, spot gold prices initially shot up after the Lehman Brothers' bankruptcy, but then tumbled more than 25 percent within two weeks in October of that year.
Holdings in the world's largest Gold-backed exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Trust, stood unchanged at a one-month high of 1,252.211 tons by Sept. 23, 2011.
Holdings in the world's largest Gold-backed exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Trust, stood unchanged at a one-month high of 1,252.211 tons by Sept. 23, 2011.
The world's largest silver-backed exchange-traded fund, iShares Silver Trust, also reported its holdings unchanged, at 9,868.49 tons.
If ETF positions unwind, it could put additional pressure on prices, traders and analysts said. Prices of other precious metals also tumbled. Spot platinum dropped to $1,463.99, its lowest since May 2010 while Spot palladium fell to an 11-month low of $600.49.
~
As we can see, the fear out there is palatable.
The fact is that if the European Union had tried to seriously tackle their structural economic banking issues straight-away – even as late as early 2010 – then the Eurozone would not be in the mess that it is in now.
The fact is that if the European Union had tried to seriously tackle their structural economic banking issues straight-away – even as late as early 2010 – then the Eurozone would not be in the mess that it is in now.
But Belgium remains divided as the European Union headquartered there takes years to accomplish what could have been done in a few months. Now, time runs short and a deep economic depression of an austere cul-de-sac awaits.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank fights back against the metals market and gold, silver and copper buyers. All eyes are on Europe as the Fed pushed down on metals prices - increasing margin spreads.
We obviously are living in even more interesting times.
The T-square between Saturn, Uranus and Pluto that took place in the late 1920s and early 1930s, recently reappeared in 2009-10 - and thus has opened up the cardinal crisis years of the Twenty-Tens.
The synodic returns of Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto feature what I have said are historic times. The generational transition now underway worldwide will lead to new ways of living and working in the early 21st century.
Those committed to the old methodologies of the late 20th century will soon find themselves outdated and outworn.
The years ahead will feature a dark time for many and for others a time of deep assessment of what is really important in life.
Double-digit unemployment with the burdening crisis of debt on individuals, groups, communities, municipalities, cities, states and nations must be solved by those who played no part in creating the great economic mess.
Double-digit unemployment with the burdening crisis of debt on individuals, groups, communities, municipalities, cities, states and nations must be solved by those who played no part in creating the great economic mess.
There is still time to prepare for the years ahead, not by hoarding - something being done by an ideological oligarchy that fears; but rather by creating new, fresh solutions, at times taking older ideas and placing them newer bottles of thought and good deeds.
Those who wait for the tired oligarchy to solve the ever-deepening economic crisis they created are waiting on useless ghosts of the past that will revisit the world frequently this decade with gloom.
Astrologically, the synodic returns of Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus will provide a volatile mix of conflicting and competing forces all trying to stem the deflationary spiral now underway.
The real estate deflation continues. I expect at least another 30-40% drop on top of the 31% fall in housing prices since 2009.
By the time all is said and done, most markets will have seen housing values fall as much as 75% - an incredible number, but true nonetheless in the wake of the corrupt practices of the real estate players, appraisers, banks, and Wall Street.
The real estate deflation continues. I expect at least another 30-40% drop on top of the 31% fall in housing prices since 2009.
By the time all is said and done, most markets will have seen housing values fall as much as 75% - an incredible number, but true nonetheless in the wake of the corrupt practices of the real estate players, appraisers, banks, and Wall Street.
According to my calculations, the true bottom of the real estate market is in 2014 - that is when Jupiter will be in tropical Cancer, sign of land and the home. Moreover, that is also the year of the Grand Cardinal Square with Uranus in Aries, Pluto in Capricorn and transiting Mars in Libra.
The crash that arrives during the election year of 2012 will see housing prices fall another 25% in a single year with additional falls in 2013 with the bottom mostly reached by 2014.
The transit of Saturn in tropical Scorpio from October 2012 to September 2015 will cover much of the depth of austerity - economic and social depression - into the middle years of this decade. It is a time of intense life for many millions of people worldwide in the midst of generational transition and social fragmentation.
The crash that arrives during the election year of 2012 will see housing prices fall another 25% in a single year with additional falls in 2013 with the bottom mostly reached by 2014.
The transit of Saturn in tropical Scorpio from October 2012 to September 2015 will cover much of the depth of austerity - economic and social depression - into the middle years of this decade. It is a time of intense life for many millions of people worldwide in the midst of generational transition and social fragmentation.
The Uranus-Pluto squares provide the inclinations for the pitched battles between a plutocracy against the People as governmental and regulatory reforms will be demanded and initiated while major investigations of corruption take place.
It is important to be proactive during the remaining of this astrological year of 2011 and into next year of 2012. Preparations will include social psychology, in understanding how the lifestyles of tens of millions of people and businesses have radically been altered by the bank crisis as society itself undergoes sweeping alterations and changes as a result.
There will be deep economic change by the time 2013 arrives. Know and expect this beforehand. The atmospheric effects on society at large will be great; so it is essential to make preparations for how you and your family will survive these coming years into the latter years of this decade.
My advice for those who want to protect their assets is to do so and to have your astrological transits read professionally for the decade ahead. I continue to do so for my private clients.
Preparing astrological reports is time-consuming, so the sooner you think that you will need an astrological report then you should get to it as soon as possible.
Many people still refuse to think outside the box, but continue to rely on the bubble market thinking of the recent past in how they conduct business. But the coming years just ahead will prove that strategy to be fatal.
Many people wait until the very last minute, often because of ignorance and propaganda to keep people asleep until it is too late.
Ask yourself - what would you do, say, if you knew that this year of 2011 was the autumn of 1928 to be followed by what you knew the next decade ahead would bring?
I advise that those reading this to begin taking action this year, through the autumn of 2011 and into the winter and spring of 2012 - so that they can protect their assets as well as make plans for the next 4-5 years. A Greater Depression is coming.
Realize that the last three decades – that of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s – are gone. But the corruption of those 30 years will be with us throughout this new decade.
Those who will solve the crisis once and for all will come from a new generation – the children born in the 1960s and 1970s, known as Generation X.
~
The Cardinal Crisis
Signs of Uranus Square Pluto:
Occupy Wall $treet?
By Theodore White, mundane Astrolog.S
One of things you must understand about the current leaders, politicians, economists and bankers is that most of them are basically, well – ignorant.
History is replete with human clowns dressed as policymakers and bankers.
I have said, and continue to say that we are living in historic times amid worldwide generational change. For the elderly generation to behave as if it is the only voice of reason in a time of obvious ‘non-reason’ is laughable to say the least.
It is time for you to go out into the pasture. It does not matter how much money and wealth you have; or how much political ‘influence’ you think you have. The world transits, those here, and especially those just to come, will show you otherwise. But, okay, don't believe me. See for yourselves.
Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Manhattan's financial district on September 17, 2011 in a largely peaceful protest aimed at drawing attention to the role powerful financial interests played in wreaking havoc on America's economy.
The demonstrations are partially modeled on the "Arab Spring" uprisings that swept through Egypt, Tunisia, Syria and other countries in 2011.
Called Occupy Wall Street, so far it is a "leaderless resistance movement" orchestrated using the technological tools of social media tools.
The activist magazine Adbusters spearheaded the Occupy Wall Street event, putting the call out two months ago for participants to take part in a Sept. 17, 2011 demonstration in lower Manhattan.
The demonstrators arranged to meet and discuss their goals at the iconic Wall Street Bull statue as well as at a "people's assembly" at One Chase Manhattan Plaza at 3 p.m.
"The NYPD is aware of various protests and we have planned accordingly," said Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne.
Early on that Saturday morning of September 17, New York City police barricaded off Wall Street, erecting barriers around the bull statue that protesters had planned to make their rallying point.
Protesters instead took to the surrounding streets, blocking traffic. By 2 p.m., nearly two dozen uniformed police officers surrounded the bull, while others worked to disperse the crowd.
"Something needs to change," said one protester, who declined to give his name and covered half his face with a bandanna. "We need an economy for the people and by the people, not for the rich and by the rich."
Another protester, Rheannone Ball, chimed in: "It's our duty as Americans to fight for our country and to keep it true to serving its people. When it doesn't do that, it's immoral not to stand up and say something."
Calls For Economic & Social Justice
Kalle Lasn, the editor-in-chief of Adbusters - an activist magazine with a worldwide circulation of 100,000 readers -- said the editors there are angry that leaders in the financial sector "had not been brought to justice."
Their inspiration came when pro-democracy uprisings broke out in Egypt on January 25 and quickly spread to other countries.
Their inspiration came when pro-democracy uprisings broke out in Egypt on January 25 and quickly spread to other countries.
"We thought - why isn't there a backlash here?" Lasn said in an interview before the event. "We need to shake up the corporate-driven capitalist system we're in," he said.
"To do that, we needed something radical."
"To do that, we needed something radical."
That mystique is what drew Josh Dworning, a 20-year-old college student, to shell out $300 for a 24-hour train ride from Florida to New York.
"I heard about the protest through StumbleUpon, and I just really agreed that there's widespread discontent with the banks and corporations," Dworning said. "I'm no crazy radical, just a student who believes in something."
Dworning, who brought a tent for camping near Wall Street said he's "planning on staying as peaceful as possible."
"It takes a lot to rise up and reform the global economic system," Lasn says. "And maybe this time we fail. But if we do, we're just setting the tone for the next revolution."
One of the dumbest things I have seen yet is that media pundits, corporations, banks and the politicians that serve them actually believe that their acts this year will lead to winning elections next year?
My question to them is – are you out of your mind?
Another clear point of stupidity is the fact that as a mundane astrologer, I have been giving out, what amounts to free astrological advice and guidance here on Global Astrology to policymakers who act to do the very things that will bring all of them down.
It is not a wonder to observe how IQs have dropped among the so-called hallowed ‘halls of power’ – but wait and see for yourselves during the general election year of 2012.
See how many of you will be put out to pasture by voters worldwide. See for yourselves. And don’t say I did not say anything beforehand. I am forecasting it.
But, go right ahead. See for yourselves. Be my guest.
But, go right ahead. See for yourselves. Be my guest.
The Gemini Transits of 2012, along with the coming upgrade of the Cardinal Crisis years, will show – very clearly – where one stands and will bring, to a fitful end, the ridiculous mismanagement of the economy and society by a dead oligarchy and a baby boomer generation that said it knew better. Obviously, it did not.
The exclusive, rather than inclusive generational behavior of the baby boomer generation during 18 years of its time as establishment has effectively sealed the boomers’ own fates.
Consider this - the same Wall Street banks, whose irresponsible actions led to the U.S. and European Unions’ economic collapse, are now pressuring all 50 American states to give them legal immunity over millions of illegal mortgages sold for years on the global market.
The bankers want to block any and all criminal or civil accountability for actions that have yet to be investigated. Can you believe that shit? Let me see here, Colombo can investigate the culprits but they have immunity first?
So, what’s the point of investigating at all?
Yeah, that’s the ticket.
But it will not work - at all - under a Uranus-Pluto World Square.
You see, that is just going to piss off even more millions of the People. Don’t you guys get this yet?
All of your necks are on the line – especially in Europe, but you people have not seen anything yet in the United States.
Consider this APO report from September 2011 on the Robo-signing scandal.
A gift that just keeps on giving and giving and giving...
Robo-Signed Mortgage Documents date back to late 1990s?
By Pallavi Gogoi
AP
Counties across the United States are discovering that illegal or questionable mortgage paperwork is far more widespread than thought, tainting the deeds of tens of thousands of homes dating back to the late 1990s.
The suspect documents could create legal trouble for homeowners for years.
Already, mortgage papers are being invalidated by courts, insurers are hesitant to write policies, and judges are blocking banks from foreclosing on homes.
The findings by various county registers of deeds have also hindered a settlement between the 50 state attorneys general who are investigating big banks and other mortgage lenders over controversial mortgage practices.
The problem of shoddy mortgage paperwork, which comprises several shortcuts known collectively as "robo-signing," led the nation's largest banks, including Bank of America Corp., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Wells Fargo & Co., and other lenders to temporarily halt foreclosures nationwide last fall.
At the time, "robo-signing" was thought to be contained to the affidavits that banks file when a mortgage is issued and somebody buys a house. The documents are used to prove they have the right foreclosure if the homeowner isn't making mortgage payments.
Companies that process mortgages said they were so overwhelmed with paperwork that they cut corners.
Companies that process mortgages said they were so overwhelmed with paperwork that they cut corners.
But now, as county officials review years' worth of mortgage paperwork, in some cases combing through one page at a time, they are finding suspect signatures - either signed with the same name by dozens of different people, improperly notarized or signed without a review of the facts in the paperwork - on all sorts of mortgage documents, dating as far back as 1998.
"Because of these bad titles, property owners can't prove they own the properties they think they bought, and banks can't prove they had the right to sell them," says Jeff Thigpen, the registrar of deeds in Guilford County, N.C.
In Guilford County, where Greensboro is located, a sample of 6,100 mortgage documents filed since 2006 turned up 74 percent with questionable signatures. Thigpen says his office received 456 more documents with suspect signatures from Oct. 1 through June 30.
The suspect signatures found by Thigpen and other registrars around the country were on documents from the banks involved in the temporary foreclosure halt and others.
Widespread robo-signing that stretches back a decade or more could create problems for homeowners. Regulators have so far not asked lenders to clean up the potentially millions of suspect documents filed in the past decade or earlier.
That troubles some banking experts, including Sheila Bair, who until early July 2011 was chairwoman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
"We do not yet really know the full extent of the problem," Bair said in written remarks to the Senate Banking Committee. She and others have called for a comprehensive study on the extent of the fraudulent signatures in mortgage documents.
"We do not yet really know the full extent of the problem," Bair said in written remarks to the Senate Banking Committee. She and others have called for a comprehensive study on the extent of the fraudulent signatures in mortgage documents.
If documents with robo-signed signatures are challenged in court, judges could question the ownership of the properties, says Katherine Porter, a professor at University of California Irvine School of Law and an expert on consumer credit law. The consequences extend to homeowners in good standing when they try to sell.
If invalid documents are discovered in the chain of ownership, it could delay the sale or make it difficult for buyers to get a mortgage because title insurers won't write a policy for the property, says Justin Ailes, vice president of government affairs of the American Land Title Association, a trade association representing the title insurance industry.
Banks and other mortgage lenders won't write a home loan without title insurance.
Among the findings by county officials from several states:
* An investigation of mortgage documents in the county that includes Salem, Mass., found that more than 25,000 had suspect signatures. The earliest date to 1998, says John O'Brien, the registrar of deeds there.
* In Michigan, the state attorney general has sent criminal subpoenas to three companies that processed mortgage paperwork after 24 local recorders of deeds looked through their files and found rampant robo-signing.
* An Illinois county, Kankakee, pulled a sample of 60 documents filed since 2007 to look for suspect signatures. All 60 were "signed" by people who have been identified as robo-signers. At least 12 county officials in Illinois have sent their findings to the state attorney general.
The results of these reviews are troubling to the registers of deeds in counties across the country. It's the job of these officials to record documents on property transfers, and they say, they need to be able to trust that notarized paperwork is legitimate.
"I want papers that come into our office to be clean," says Lori Gadbois, the recorder of deeds in Kankakee County, whose office handles more than 15,000 mortgage documents in a typical month.
Many banks began outsourcing paperwork at the beginning of the housing boom around 1998. That's when an increasing number of home loans were being packaged into securities on Wall Street and sold off to global investors.
As demand skyrocketed, lenders and mortgage processing firms hired entry-level employees to sign hundreds of mortgage documents a day. Sometimes they forged the signatures of executives who were qualified to sign.
Other times, actual executives signed the documents without verifying their accuracy. Many of the documents were stamped by notaries even though the people who had signed the documents weren't present when the papers were notarized, a requirement by law.
All are instances of robo-signing, and are potentially illegal. The 50 state attorneys general have been negotiating a settlement with major lenders over robo-signing and other bad mortgage practices.
Analysts say it could top $20 billion.
Analysts say it could top $20 billion.
But the attorneys general of some states, including New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, Delaware and California, have balked because banks have demanded a release from all future liability on past mortgage practices or the mortgage-backed securities they sold to investors.
Meanwhile, federal bank regulators have focused on getting banks to clean up their act in the future, not on fixing the potentially millions of tainted documents that have been filed in land record offices in counties across the country.
Robo-signing came to light in autumn 2010, when the largest banks halted foreclosures for several months to clean up their paperwork problem. The lenders promised last fall to stop the practice.
But the Associated Press reported in July 2011 that robo-signing has continued.
Officials in at least four states say mortgage documents with suspect signatures have been filed with counties in recent months. The revelation led to calls for Congressional hearings.
Officials in at least four states say mortgage documents with suspect signatures have been filed with counties in recent months. The revelation led to calls for Congressional hearings.
On September 1, 2011, the mortgage unit of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. agreed to stop robo-signing and other controversial mortgage practices under an agreement with New York state's banking regulator.
The Federal Reserve, meanwhile, launched a formal enforcement action against the unit, Litton Loan Servicing, ordering it to review foreclosure proceedings from 2009 and 2010.
"The banks are playing with the integrity of the land record system," says John O'Brien, the recorder of deeds from Salem, Mass.
The documents that are filed in county deed offices are legal affidavits that transfer loans from one bank to another in a sale, refinancing, or foreclosure and certify if a loan has been paid off. They verify that there are no claims against the property.
Robo-signing could ultimately invalidate tens of thousands of home ownership documents, potentially millions according to legal experts. In addition to delaying regular sales, banks could be blocked from foreclosing even if the homeowner falls behind on mortgage payments for the same reasons.
That's already happening.
Judges who handle foreclosures in Maine, California, Arizona, New York and other states have thrown out foreclosure cases if documents contain signatures of known robo-signers.
On July 1, a state judge in Brooklyn ruled that HSBC lacked the legal authority to foreclose on homeowner Ellen Taher because the mortgage documents that accompanied the filing were signed by at least three known robo-signers.
In May 2011, a Maine judge dismissed another foreclosure involving HSBC, calling mortgage documents presented in a case untrustworthy because they contained signatures of one person posing as three different people.
HSBC spokesman Neil Brazil says another company handled the mortgage paperwork in the New York case, and the bank is working with regulators to address and resolve issues related to robo-signing.
Registrars like Thigpen in North Carolina and O'Brien in Massachusetts say they have taken their findings to federal authorities. Except for a call from the North Carolina attorney general's office, though, Thigpen says he has been ignored for months.
Deed offices in North Carolina and Massachusetts have stopped recording documents if they contain signatures of names known to be part of the robo-signing scandal. Such actions could delay new sales. O'Brien, the recorder of deeds from Massachusetts, says he's only responsible for one county out of more than 3,000 in the U.S.
"Federal regulators with a lot more authority than me have to step up to the plate and help correct this," he says. Those attorney Generals from Delaware, Minnesota, Nevada, and New York have been fighting back and stated recently that -
"Today's economic crisis was caused by Wall Street acting improperly. Every American has paid the price with families losing their homes, investors losing their money, and many Americans losing their jobs.
There should be absolutely no criminal or civil immunity given to banks for activity that has not yet been investigated."
~
The Cardinal Crisis
A Laundry List For What Policymakers & Bankers Should Not Do Under Uranus Square Pluto
The coming series of world squares between Uranus and Pluto, featured many times in my mundane forecasts in previous editions of Global Astrology, will effectively turn out the oligarchy and baby boomer establishment into history.
And, when that history is written, it will not look kindly at all on both generations.
And, when that history is written, it will not look kindly at all on both generations.
There are six months remaining to astrological year of 2011 leading into the new astrological year of 2012. By June of that year, the first of seven (7) powerful world squares between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn will begin in earnest.
The transit of Pluto through Capricorn is forcing those who have bought into government by means of stolen wealth to come to terms with themselves. Little do they know that there very souls are on the line. But then again, remember, most of them are ignorant.
As a native Philadelphian, where we fought the American Revolution - and won - we Philadelphians know how to fight and we always fight hard. We know America. We know the pulse of the nation. That is the very nature of my beloved city.
So, it is not a surprise to witness, as Uranus and Pluto soon begin their first series of world squares next year, Americans saying that 'enough is enough.'
As a native Philadelphian, where we fought the American Revolution - and won - we Philadelphians know how to fight and we always fight hard. We know America. We know the pulse of the nation. That is the very nature of my beloved city.
So, it is not a surprise to witness, as Uranus and Pluto soon begin their first series of world squares next year, Americans saying that 'enough is enough.'
A few things not to do under Uranus Square Pluto
Do not attempt to obstruct the path of People’s justice
Do not trash the People’s land
Do not attempt to quell mass demonstrations and protests
Do not steal from and raid the treasury of the People
Do not anger the People
Do not attempt to cover up your crimes
Do not attempt to hide billions and trillions
Do not lie to the People
Do not lie to the People
Do not lie to the People
My father, a fearless police officer who took on the worst criminals and won - fighting to protect the public, once told me that the only thing he feared were large protests and demonstrations where the People were justifiably pissed off.
You see, when you see people of all ages, from diverse backgrounds and upbringings share a common cause – and rightly ticked – then watch out. An army cannot stop them, much less the police.
But this is what the New York City Police Department decided to do a year away from the 2012 General Election (as the mainstream media continues to play see no evil, hear no evil… but not for long after the stock market crash arrives… )
Now, what you just witnessed clearly is an aged generation totally out of touch with the American People.
The white-shirted New York City police officer – a supervisor no less – who maced the women on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 and then slicked himself back into the crowd - was identified as Deputy Inspector Anthony V. Bologna of the NYPD Patrol Borough Manhattan South Division.
New York City Police Deputy Inspector Anthony V. Bologna
You can see how the white-shirted Bologna quickly walks away in the video above while the women scream in pain.
The baby boomer deputy inspector seems to enjoy using his pepper spray a lot. Here, Bologna is seen smiling as he attacks yet another young woman on the streets of Manhattan.
Why would you spray toxic pepper chemicals into the faces of young American women who have the right to demonstrate in public? In the country they own? On their own sidewalks?
It is reported that Deputy Inspector Anthony Bologna also stands accused of false arrest and civil rights violations in a claim brought by a protester involved in the 2004 demonstrations at the Republican National Convention.
The baby boomer deputy inspector seems to enjoy using his pepper spray a lot. Here, Bologna is seen smiling as he attacks yet another young woman on the streets of Manhattan.
Why would you spray toxic pepper chemicals into the faces of young American women who have the right to demonstrate in public? In the country they own? On their own sidewalks?
It is reported that Deputy Inspector Anthony Bologna also stands accused of false arrest and civil rights violations in a claim brought by a protester involved in the 2004 demonstrations at the Republican National Convention.
Then, 1,800 people were arrested during protests against the Iraq war and the policies of former U.S. President George W Bush.
Alan Levine, a civil rights lawyer representing a protester at the 2004 event, told the Guardian that he filed an action against Bologna and another officer in 2007. The case is expected to be heard in 2012.
Alan Levine, a civil rights lawyer representing a protester at the 2004 event, told the Guardian that he filed an action against Bologna and another officer in 2007. The case is expected to be heard in 2012.
It appears that NYC Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly and Mayor Bloomberg has a serious economic, control, political and social problem on his hands – as does Wall Street.
The fear of those running things, especially in New York, is obvious. When an establishment loses power and respect – by their own hands – what you will find are scenes like in New York City, where those with ‘power’ fear losing it.
And that is exactly what is going to happen. Wait and see for yourself.
And that is exactly what is going to happen. Wait and see for yourself.
People have very long memories in challenging times. The General Election of 2012 is a mere year away.
I suggest that many who now roam the halls of Congress to the White House, Republicans and Democrats, had better start making plans for their public service retirements. There will be many and the year 2013 will see the start of most of them being put out to pasture.
Today, there is no public service. But, okay, go ahead and run for that office again. See for yourself how the voting goes – see how all your careers come to a fitting end.
Now, what we all have here seems to be a failure to communicate.
With double digit unemployment, a credit crisis, banks hiding and playing ‘funny money’ with the People’s money, the futures of children, stealing, taking and raking in bribes, massive 'bonuses' all the while destroying Middle Class wealth, etc., etc.
With double digit unemployment, a credit crisis, banks hiding and playing ‘funny money’ with the People’s money, the futures of children, stealing, taking and raking in bribes, massive 'bonuses' all the while destroying Middle Class wealth, etc., etc.
What those involved in this giant Ponzi scheme have been doing is setting themselves up for very nasty years ahead and there is no place to hide.
Be wealthy all you want, but if you refuse to come clean – know this:
The world transits, those just around the corner, will bring to you that which you fear the most. I will not say it, because those who know - know what I mean.
They already know what it is and yet, with Uranus square Pluto amid the other combinatorial world transits, most want to remain clueless.
Be clueless all you want - but do not say that you were not warned in advance.
Mundus = Forewarned is foretold.
~
The Cardinal Crisis
Here Come The OWSers
By James Howard Kunstler
All last week across the media landscape, in pod, blog, flat-screen, and crunkly old newsprint columns, fatuous professional observers complained that the 'Occupy Wall Street' marchers "have no clear agenda" or "can't articulate their positions."
What impertinent horseshit. I saw a statement on one OWSer's sign that said it all:
$70,000 College Debt
$12,000 Medical Bills
I'm 22
Where's My Bailout?
What part of that is unclear to interlocutors of what we called 'the establishment,' back in the day?
That would be the day of the Vietnam War and the Aquarian Upsurge.
One difference being that in 1968 we at least had some solidarity in the older generation coming from figures of gravity like Senators Robert Kennedy (bumped off), Eugene McCarthy, J. William Fullbright, George McGovern, Rev Martin Luther King (bumped off), and even one US Attorney General, Ramsey Clark.
Today, the entire "establishment" is a clueless, hopeless blob of self-interested, craven opportunism. Even the arty fringe - the people who pretend to be an avant garde - are nothing but narcissistic self-branding operations masquerading as culture leaders.
The worst offender this past week was the prating empty vessel Nicholas Kristoff at The New York Times, who affected to offer the OWSers his own tidy agenda of nit-picky, arcane tax reforms (e.g. "Close the 'carried interest' and 'founders' stock' loopholes") and limp-dick banking regulations (e.g. "[move] ahead with Basel III capital requirements.")
David Plotz and his Gen X sidekicks at the Slate Political Podcast were equally mystified.
I have some heartier suggestions:
Bring the full weight of the RICO Act and the federal anti-fraud statutes down on Lloyd Blankfein, Jamie Dimon, Brian Moynihan, Angelo Mozilo - and a host of other impudent schmekels still at large in their world of Escalade limos and Gulfstream vistas.
Or, if that's just too difficult, how about a handy lamppost and about 40 feet of stout nylon cord?
It is cosmically ironic; of course, that the same generation of Boomer-hippies that ran in the streets and marched through the maze of service roads around the Pentagon has become a new "establishment," - more obtuse, feckless, greedy and mendacious than the one they battled with over 40 years ago.
I guess they just don't see that their time has come to get right with reality - or get shoved aside and trampled.
The essence of the OWSer's argument is pretty simple:
They've got a raw deal; somebody dealt them a bad hand; someone ran their society into a ditch and not a goddammed one of the older generation will set in motion the machinery to correct the situation - or even acknowledge it.
At the apex of this establishment is the Baby Boomer's moral trophy president: Barack Obama, whose election made the Boomers feel good about themselves - while they proceeded to loot the national treasury's accumulated capital and then reach forward a few generations to rob their legacy, too.
I haven't heard Nicholas Kristoff (or any of his colleagues at The New York Times) complain about Mr. Obama's stupendous inattention to the crimes of Wall Street, or to the dereliction of his proconsuls in the SEC and the Department of Justice. I'd at least send somebody to hold a mirror under Eric Holder's nostrils to see if he is actually alive.
For my money, the OWSers have plenty to yell about.
Apart from the crimes and turpitudes of their elders - the younger generation hasn't even been prepared for the massive change in reality that these times are heaving them into.
If it was me out there, I'd conclude that I'd better make up the future on my own, with no help from my parent's generation.
In fact, that future is rushing toward all of us so cold, hard, and fresh even in this autumn season that it might splatter the banking establishment - and the global economy - like a bug on a windshield.
The OWSers have a front row seat down there in lower Manhattan. The financial gangrene (thank you Zero Hedge) is not just seeping anymore; it's blowing through the arteries of the money underworld like fracking fluid.
The damage can't be contained. Let the Arabs have spring. The OWSers of America own the fall.
Rock on OWSers and don't let the "pigs" (as we used to call them) get you down.
The Cardinal Crisis
Multi-Billions $loshing Around The Globe With $trange Goings On…
By Theodore White, mundane Astrolog.S
World transits and their configurations continues to show that the United States and global banking crisis remains very, very serious and continues to undermine the stability of the U.S. and the entire Transatlantic financial system.
This, as the Federal Reserve cut interest rates severely, and continues to hold rates near zero, as the U.S. government attempts another series of fiscal emergency measures to stabilize the economy – but there is no sign that the U.S has actually adopted any real structural reform – of the banks and Wall Street.
A Lesson on Economics 101:
Wall Street uses pure speculation, the inflation of financial bubbles, risk externalization, extraction of usury and the use of ‘creative accounting’ - to create money from nothing.
This is totally unrelated to the creation of anything of real value and serves no valid social purpose.
This is totally unrelated to the creation of anything of real value and serves no valid social purpose.
The Wall Street corporations that engage in these activities are not in the business of contributing to the creation of real community wealth. They are in the business of expropriating it - a polite term for theft. They should be aggressively regulated or taxed out of existence.
Consider this - let’s look at what has amounted to the quasi-nationalization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; along with Citibank - and it is easily observed is that the United States continues to pay a high price for years of rampant and widespread corruption along with piss poor leadership and horrid management of the banking system as a whole.
Why President Barack Obama has not taken these actions will be left to another edition, but we obviously can see that the general election in 2012 beckons. So can Congress and the President.
With little to no regulatory supervision of Wall Street’s corrupt investment banks as well as the piss poor workable framework (and I mean piss poor) that allowed rating agencies to function on very little professional standards – all of this – of all it – has contributed to a Bank/Credit crisis that nearly led to the collapse of the Interbanking system - and its markets in the U.S. and Europe.
Now, we hear central bankers have started work on a three-pronged strategy, behind the scenes in their efforts to build a Euro "firewall" around Greece, Portugal and Ireland to prevent the crisis spreading to Italy and Spain.
Have we missed something? Hasn’t the economic crisis long ago already passed to Italy and Spain?
Reports say that the new plan as of late September 2011 includes €2trillion to be raised for what is called the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) – this with a 50 percent default on Greece’s €350bn of sovereign debt and the French, German and U.S. banks that hold that debt - to be bailed out.
This is effectively what happened with the TARP and Federal Reserve bailout of banks in the United States in 2008-2010.
So, Europe's EFSF is basically a EuroTarp bailout.
Changes to the current €440 billion facility that will allow EFSF to be used to support banks is said to be currently being ratified by individual countries.
This idea behind a larger bailout is that it attempts to allow exposed bondholders of Greek debt to buy even more time (rather than the threat of Greece’s coming default) without excluding Greece from the Eurozone – which the EU fears because of what it means to the Euro and other nations (like Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal) who may follow Greece’s lead towards outright default.
Reuters reported that an increase to the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) is likely, but that it might not be as large as some have speculated, according to a top European central banker on September 26, 2011.
"We are just now discussing an extension of this EFSF," said European Central Bank Governing Council member Ewald Nowotny from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
"It is something more than it is now" but "might not be a trillion (Euros)," Nowotny said.
Markets chatter recently has suggested the fund could be increased to as much as 2 trillion Euros from the current 440 billion Euros.
Still, in Berlin earlier, Germany's Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble cast doubt on any plan to top up the EFSF.
Meanwhile, on September 26, 2011 Eurozone officials were said to working to magnify the firepower of their ESFS as U.S. President Barack Obama put on pressure for Europe to put a stop to Europe’s sovereign debt crisis that threatens to drag the globe into depression.
Obama, saying the crisis "is scaring the world," said EU leaders were not responding quickly enough.
“The region has not fully healed from the 2007 financial crisis or fully addressed issues in its banking system, and its problems have been compounded by the Greek debt crisis,” he said.
"They are trying to take responsible actions but those actions haven't been quite as quick as they need to be," Obama said while campaigning in Mountain View, California.
ECB Executive Board member Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, speaking from New York, said European policymakers had begun to discuss the next steps to shore up the EU financial system and prevent the crisis from derailing an already fragile world economic recovery.
The 440 billion Euros in assets of the the EU’s rescue fund - the European Financial Stability Facility (ESFS) -- could be used as collateral to borrow from the ECB - making more money available to stop a crisis spread; but it was up to individual European Union governments to decide how to do this, Bini Smaghi said.
"I know that people are thinking about these things. They may not be willing to admit it in the public, but they are thinking about these things," he said, citing two U.S. programs [TARP] used to rescue banks in the 2008-09 financial crisis.
"Initially the TARP was used to buy assets and then it was used to recapitalize the banks and it was used to pay TALF, so I think we are now discussing how to do this, how to leverage the money out of the EFSF in a more innovative and efficient way," he told a conference.
A unnamed senior European official said that the aim was to leverage the fund five-fold to shield bigger economies like Italy and Spain from economic contagion. But that there was no agreement on how to do that.
Speculation was rife on what steps Europe might take. In the United States, stocks rose after CNBC reported that a detailed plan was in the works to leverage the fund as much as eight-fold.
CNBC also said that some EFSF money would go to the European Investment Bank to issue bonds and then buy up the sovereign debt of troubled countries.
An EU official involved in crisis resolution dismissed the report as "just bizarre."
"It's not where the talks are. We are talking to the EIB about scaling up its capacity but only in terms of (infrastructure) project bonds," the official said.
In Brussels, Eurozone officials were also seen playing down press reports of emerging plans to cut Greece's debts in half and then to recapitalize European banks to cope with the economic fallout. EU officials stressed that no such scheme was yet on the table in late September 2011.
PRESSURE FROM GERMANY?
Meanwhile, from Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel urged the European Union to strengthen its power so as to discipline EU member states who break fiscal rules. Huge budget deficits are the source of the debt crisis.
"There should be the right to declare such budgets null and void...,” Merkel said, “Otherwise we will not get out of the situation.”
So, on September 29, 2011, being seen to remove a significant obstacle in the European Unions's debt crisis, the German Parliament voted overwhelmingly for expansion of the bailout fund for heavily indebted EU nations. Attention now shifts to Slovakia with questions about an approval process.
In passing the measure Germany promised to increase its share of loan guarantees to 211 billion euros, or $287 billion, up from 123 billion euros - as agreed by national leaders in Brussels in July.
Under EU procedures, however, all 17 EU countries that use the Euro currency must approve the agreement, a process that has revealed widening fissures with layer upon layer of decision-making and political complexity which add up to what some see as the inability to react quickly and decisively to upheaval in lightening speed financial markets.
“The markets see that Europe cannot decide anything quickly, and uncertainty is always an inducement to speculation,” said Gustav Horn, director of the Macroeconomic Policy Institute in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The process also leaves the EU potentially hostage to its smaller members. A significant hurdle was overcome when Finland passed the bailout fund measure on September 28 despite domestic objections and an unresolved dispute over its demand for collateral from Greece.
Meanwhile, it was reported that the countries of Estonia and Cyprus approved the plan as well on Thursday, Sept. 29 and that a vote in Austria may go as expected on Friday, September 30.
Fears have been voiced about Slovakia, the impoverished nation and a former Communist bloc country whose population suffered greatly to adopt the Euro. It is well known that Slovakians have little stomach for bailing out richer countries like Greece.
Of the handful of countries left to approve the bailout measure, it is the only wild card left. Leading Slovak politicians have been highly critical of the agreement with the governing coalition itself is divided about supporting the fund.
The speaker of Parliament in Slovakia, Richard Sulik, has said he will do whatever he can to stop the bailout fund from coming to a vote, even as advocates have desperately sought a compromise.
"The Euro is our common future," said a beaming Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Angela Merkel with German lawmakers voting for the EU bailout agreement
Image: Michael Kappeler/European Pressphoto Agency
"Approving this European fund is of the very, very greatest significance."
Critics say the German public is angry over bailing out countries they believe are squandering the funds of the European Union on social spending. They say the bailout would not stop Greece from doing more of the same. A recent poll showed 66% of Germans oppose bailouts for Greece.
"A rescue package will only help in the short run, and in three to four years, Greece will be in the same spot again," German lawmaker Frank Schäffler said.
Many in Greece reacted bitterly to the bailout because of the strings attached.
In Athens, taxi drivers said they would remain on strike to protest a forced liberalization of their monopoly on taxi permits. Hospital workers walked off state jobs to protest wage cuts demanded by the EU bailout administrators.
The two most powerful Greek trade unions that represent 730,000 workers said members would march on Parliament over a demand that their ranks be slashed by a fifth and their salaries cut by 20%, as well as lowered pensions. Craftsmen, printers and tax officials also staged strikes.
Drivers of trains, subways and buses were on strike as well, preventing children from going to school and making it hard for businesses to make deliveries.
International debt inspectors returned to Athens on Thursday, September 29, 2011 to complete a review on its attempts to install tax hikes, wage cuts and spending decreases.
Protesters blocked government offices to complain that the banks that lent Greece money should forgive a large portion of the debt rather than squeeze ordinary Greeks to help pay back the loans.
Greece must extend a new property tax until the year 2014. This is two years longer than originally planned, after EU inspectors said that Greece's estimates on what the tax would haul in were too rosy. Protestors have been burning copies of that bill in the streets.
The latest German guarantee comes on top of a $600 billion fund approved earlier this year by the 17 EU nations that replaced their currencies with the Euro. That fund did not prevent Greece from nearing a point where it would default on its loan payments and declare bankruptcy.
Germany, with the largest European economy; has provided more money to EU bailouts than any other nation. Germans are worried that things are nearing a breaking point.
"I am convinced we are going to get high inflation because the politics of cheap money, these rescue funds: that means the savings of millions of Germans who made investments will be devalued," Schäffler said.
Others said there was no alternative to approving the measure no matter how distasteful.
"We don't feel good at all about this (bailout) thing," said Bert Van Roosebeke, an economist with the European Center for Policy in Freiburg, Germany.
Roosebeke added, "But you have to ask yourself at the moment, 'Is there a viable alternative?' At least in the short term, I don't think there is. So with a big stomachache, I would say, it was probably a good decision to make."
Roosebeke added, "But you have to ask yourself at the moment, 'Is there a viable alternative?' At least in the short term, I don't think there is. So with a big stomachache, I would say, it was probably a good decision to make."
Other financially stable nations must still approve the new bailout if Greece is to be saved.
Austria's parliament takes up the measure on the last day in September. The Netherlands votes in October as does Slovakia - these are where a sizable bloc of legislators have threatened to torpedo the bailout approval.
The vote was a measure of confidence for Merkel who has struggled against the anti-bailout/anti-Greece sentiment of German voters who voted against her coalition in several state and local elections this year.
Economists say the vote in parliament is not enough to end the crisis, but that it shows Europe that Germany wants the EU to survive. The approval "takes away the fear that Germany might stop the European project," said Carsten Brzeski, chief economist at the Dutch financial group ING in Brussels.
Jan Timken, leader of Bürger in Wut (Citizens Enraged), suggested it was time for Germany to consider whether the EU should live on as is.
"We are very against it," he said. "Better would be the exclusion of Greece and other indebted states from the eurozone."
Background
Europe came under fierce pressure from the United States and other nations at weekend talks in Washington D.C. to take swift action to stop Greece's debt woes from engulfing more Eurozone nations while also wreaking wider damage on global markets.
EU officials said that reports saying that plans were already in place for a 50 percent write-down of Greek debt and a vast increase in the Eurozone rescue fund were highly premature.
"There is no change to the framework we are working on," said a euro zone official involved in policymaking on financial assistance to Greece, Ireland and Portugal.
"All this talk of a specific haircut for Greece or an enlargement of the EFSF, it is all just speculation. We are not working along those lines," said the official.
German Chancellor Merkel, who struggled to convince her fractious center-right coalition to agree to a strengthening of the EFSF headed into the crucial vote on September 29, 2011. She warned that letting Greece default would destroy investor confidence in the euro zone.
Diplomats said any talk of a fall back plan for Greece that would raise the cost to German taxpayers could only make her task more difficult in parliament.
GREECE DEFAULTS WITHIN MONTHS?
Economists and Brussels think-tank insiders quietly say in private that they expect a Greek debt default within months or sooner. This coupled with a capital injection for European banks and a leveraging up of the new EFSF.
Euro zone officials acknowledged that such policy ideas are circulating and some could constitute a longer-term response to the 20-month-old debt crisis. But policymakers continue to insist – at least publicly - that no specific plans are yet in the works.
Rather, planning continues on the basis that Greece's debt burden, which is close to 160 percent of Greek GDP, can be sustained as long as the Greek government fully implements crushing austerity measures demanded by the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
On Saturday, September 24, 2011, U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner spoke on global concerns about inadequate European crisis management, pointing out that, "The threat of cascading default, bank runs and catastrophic risk must be taken off the table."
U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner
IMF Chief Christine Lagarde, the former French finance minister who until four months ago was tackling the crisis from the EU side of the table, also made clear that Europe needs to act more decisively - notably to recapitalize its banks on a grand scale.
Director of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde
Quietly, Eurozone policymakers appeared to generally accept that a combination of a much deeper Greek debt restructuring allied to coordinated bank recapitalizations and a bolstered rescue fund would make sense and might help the euro zone get on top of the crisis.
However, such a plan requires unanimous support from all 17 EU countries, and that takes time, considering how slowly the EU's decision-making structures take to bring all the moving parts together at once.
"The ideas are all there, but it's not as straightforward as just sitting down and deciding it," said another EU financial official involved in the crisis.
"Many of us can agree privately that anything less than a 50 percent haircut for Greece would just be cosmetic, but getting that decided by all and implementing it is not so easy."
PROPOSAL $OUP?
The next step is expected to be a decision by the EU, ECB and IMF to sign off on the next tranche of support for Greece - the sixth payment from the original 110 billion euro emergency package agreed to in May 2010 under a Mercury retrograde in Taurus.
The timing depends on when the troika of the ECB, IMF and EC completes a review of Athens' progress in implementing deeper budget cuts and tax-raising measures.
Without those 8 billion Euros - Greece will run out of money to pay their October 2011 national wages and pensions.
Without those 8 billion Euros - Greece will run out of money to pay their October 2011 national wages and pensions.
Financial markets and the private sector seem to be moving more rapidly than policymakers to prepare for the likelihood of a Greek default.
Safe-haven German government bonds fell and shares rallied partly on a belief that European policy makers were working on more decisive action to tackle the debt crisis. Such hopes could be quickly dashed.
J.P. Morgan Securities said it expected euro zone governments to ease the funding crisis among European banks via capital injection of up to 150 billion Euros. This initiative is similar to the U.S. TARP used to bail out the 'too big to fail' banks.
"Euro-TARP is in our view the best risk-reward medicine for opening the Eurobank funding market," J.P. Morgan analyst Kian Abouhossein wrote in a note to clients.
In a separate report, UBS analysts said they expected some form of intervention from the ECB and a euro zone guarantee scheme for bank term-debt, or a Euro-TARP initiative, to provide "sticking plasters" for the system.
Euro zone officials acknowledge that the EFSF is not big enough to handle a bailout of Italy or Spain, the region's third and fourth largest economies. But there is no clarity on how the fund could be raised without more guarantees.
One idea is for the fund to act as an insurer, guaranteeing the first portion of losses on Italian or Spanish debt. That could "leverage" its capacity four or five times, but the legality of such a scheme remains to be established and nothing has been put to euro zone finance ministers.
Another proposal would be to turn the EFSF into a bank, which would allow it to access ECB funds, meaning that it would effectively have unlimited capacity.
But the ECB has raised concerns about such a step, which would politicize the bank's operations and put it on the line for massive liabilities.
~
A commentator says,
“Seems pretty simple to me: Create a new fund financed by bonds and use the EFSF as the lowest tier. Offer the AAA pieces to private investors at say 4%, 30-year fixed. Then use the proceeds to buy your damn sovereign debt and remove them off your precious banks.
Germany would be happy as they would not have to foot more money for the likes of Greece. And if you could get at least 1.5 trillion euro and enough sovereign debt off the bank’s books, then you can let Greece restructure.
It should go without saying that I don’t want any Greek bonds in this bucket. You guys can keep that stuff.”
~
Peter Tchir of TF Market Advisors on the EFSF
As alleged details are leaked about an alleged proposal to leverage the EFSF all I can do is cringe. I'm waiting for some actual details, but as far as I can tell, Europe is attempting go all in.
It is going to make leveraged bets on itself. If it doesn't work, the senior debt holders will own Europe if the BRICs buy the senior tranche and will end in a fast and furious death spiral if the senior tranche is owned by the ECB or European banks.
We may get a lift on the news. We are trying to rally on the back of the news right now. But if this plan goes ahead, even the slightest cold in the future will turn into the plague.
There will be no strong countries left as they will have tied themselves to the PIIGS anchor with a Gordion Knot that will never be untied in time.
Haven't they seen what happens to SIV's? Are the so confident in an economic recovery that will risk it all at this time? If they get it wrong and it doesn't work, there will be no fall back.
All I can hope is they are tired and too happy with the late night ‘solution’ and the markets initial reaction that after the initial euphoria, cooler heads, like Schaeuble, will prevail. This has the makings of an Epic disaster in the making.
The plans to ring-fence Greece, to erect support for banks and other countries all made sense. Painful - but made sense. If this even manages to avoid pain, it ensures the next crisis won't be manageable.
I do like the idea that the EFSF is going to become an ‘investment bank.’ At least it is consistent with solving every problem with more of the same.
The best part will be when they pay up to poach talent from the banks that they are bailing out. With Gardening leave in Europe it should take about 6 months before the first employee can start.
The best part will be when they pay up to poach talent from the banks that they are bailing out. With Gardening leave in Europe it should take about 6 months before the first employee can start.
I will take a look at the details but in meantime, for first time in this crisis, am worried that not only are they doing something that won't work, but something that will make the problem intractable and ensure that the crisis ends worse than anything we had post-Lehman.”
~
There have been strange goings on during the months of August and September 2011 with billions sloshing around the globe in and out of Europe and into the U.S. - which has almost eliminated normal risk premium.
This is the measurement of the spreads between corporate bonds with A-ratings and government bond yields – such as that during the real estate boom bubble years of 2002 to 2006.
This is the measurement of the spreads between corporate bonds with A-ratings and government bond yields – such as that during the real estate boom bubble years of 2002 to 2006.
Far too many A-rated sub-prime bonds were unloaded onto the world’s financial markets and for reasons that are still partially unknown, the senior tranches of almost all mortgage-based securities - exploded in volume between 2002 and 2006.
But as Saturn began to enter tropical Virgo in 2007, the U.S. banking crisis started that spring when housing prices began to fall along with doubts about the true spread values of mortgage-based securities (MBS.)
This made the refinancing of the banks’ ‘special investment vehicles’ – with a strong focus on asset-backed securities (ABS)/MBO – very difficult to ascertain.
We can look back to the origins of all this to the 1980s and especially in the late 1990s when the sources of the fragility of U.S. banks and financial markets dated to the late 1990s when risk-taking hedge funds seeking high rates of return on equity created enormous pressures for Wall Street investment banks.
Today, in the midst of the ongoing interbank crisis, European banks teetered towards the edge with widespread fears in the Eurozone and the world of imminent collapse.
In late September 2011, the market rallies of the previous week of September 12-16 clearly showed that angst and fear about the ‘health’ of the world’s economies have risen - even in light of the U.S. Federal Reserve starting Quantitative Easing, Part III, or what they call ‘Operation Twist.’
All this, while readying to take part along with five central banks to hand out a trillion plus starting October 12, 2011 to huge European banks (and some small ones too) and their nations that are effectively insolvent on years of crushing debt financing.
On September 22, 2011, Reuters reported that Europe's debt crisis looks more intractable than ever. The Federal Reserve appears to be shooting blanks when it comes to firing up the U.S. economy.
Add to that, the clear signs that Chinese growth is slowing by the day, and it explains why financial markets took a hammering Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011 with global stock markets, oil, metals and even gold sliding.
Take as a small example the serious financial problems in Europe, as the Caja del Mediterráneo (CAM), that was taken over and is operated by the Bank of Spain, has a huge risks in construction and property development of around 17.5 billion Euros - with a delinquency rate greater than 40%+. More on CAM later.
And now, in the autumn of 2011 with Jupiter retrograde in Taurus, investors now fear there isn't much that authorities can do to stop the slide: central banks are running out of ammunition and the political will among U.S. and European leaders is in very short supply.
I warn private investors who hold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) to steer clear of them. Transits show lots and lots of corruption and great risk.
Also, in light of the rather curious events of the so-called ‘2-billion Swiss Franc rogue trading scandal at UBS, we see cracks showing regarding ETFs.
Further below, we will examine the mystery of Kweku Adoboli, 31 year-old, a director of ETFs at UBS who has been accused of causing losses of $2.3 billion in creating fake ETF trades to hide massive positions.
Now, UBS says that “no client money was lost in the affair,” but astrological transits that I certainly can read and interpret say that investors are basically clueless about how the these ETFs – touted as low-cost index-tracking funds, actually work and the major risks ETFs carry.
Meanwhile, all the advertising by hedge fund players and traders shows that 44 percent of investors plan to increase their ETF holdings in 2012.
I would not do that under this particular synodic return of Jupiter in Gemini. You heard it here on Global Astrology first and remember - planetary transits never lie – they always tell the truth and I just work here yall.
Reading the mundane world transits and seeing all of what is going down in the world, you would not believe some of the dumbest shit being perpetuated by people who claim to be smarter and elevated above everyone else.
The amount of corruption, greed, arrogance and stupidity is mind-boggling to say the least.
Now, even as central bankers and finance ministers from the world's largest economies had met in Washington under the G20, very few I say held out much hope for that-give-me-another-economic-bubble miracle that’s been their shared fantasy since 2009.
"People are losing confidence in policymakers altogether," said Kathy Lien, director of research at GFT Forex, an online retail currency platform. "If they keep failing to boost growth and confidence, we may see the kind of deep global crisis we saw three years ago."
In 2008, the investment bank Lehman Brothers' collapse nearly brought down the entire U.S. banking system and pushed much of the world economy into recession.
This time, the main fault lines are in Europe, where officials have struggled to come up with decisive plans to address a possible Greek default and drum up resources to support other troubled countries and banks.
But U.S. officials have hardly been more inspiring. The Federal Reserve’s policies look increasingly impotent, and with the expected political bickering to come under the Gemini transits of 2012 - a major election year – many matters are about to reach a fever pitch.
"Popular trust in the agencies of government is declining everywhere," said Robert Madsen, senior fellow at the MIT Center for International Studies.
"The pattern of a crisis followed two or three years later by a stark deterioration in political power is exactly what occurred in most of the major economies other than the United States in the early 1930s."
That left governments grasping at bad policies such as protectionism, which halted world trade and deepened the depression in most economies. In Germany, Madsen noted, economic privation and distrust in leaders enabled the rise of Hitler.
"I don't see anything like Nazism happening now," he said, "but the gradual erosion of centrist power seems almost inevitable."
Markets were already flashing signs of distress since August 2011.
The S&P 500 tumbled 3.2 percent Sept. 22, 2011, its fourth straight decline, and European shares hit a 26-month low. Copper crashed 7.5 percent to its lowest price in a year, benchmark Brent crude oil fell more than 5 percent, while the 10-year Treasury yield fell to 1.71 percent, its lowest in at least 60 years, as investors sought safety.
Investors worry a default in Greece or elsewhere could spark a crisis for euro zone banks with a lot of troubled government debt on their balance sheets.
David Gilmore, principal of currency advisory firm Foreign Exchange Solutions, said the lack of a common fiscal policy and bickering among national leaders does not inspire hope.
"I can't see how Europe avoids a major crash in asset prices, the euro and the banking system, and I can't see how anywhere else on the planet avoids serious contagion," he said.
Seven world leaders urged Europe to "confront the debt overhang to prevent contagion to the wider global economy.
Possible remedies, such as recapitalizing European banks so they can cope with sovereign defaults or adopting a common euro bond for member states, have so far gained little traction.
A European Central Bank study, co-authored by an outgoing executive board member, said the euro project is in danger due to runaway spending and the ongoing sovereign debt crisis.
The euro hit an eight-month low beneath $1.34 late September 2011, and there are predictions that it will fall further. Barclays Capital sees the euro falling to $1.25 in three months.
Many have taken the ECB to task for being slow to cut interest rates. The Fed, meanwhile, appears to be all out of bullets - and markets know it.
In 2008, the U.S. central bank cut rates sharply to zero and recently pledged to hold them there until at least 2013.
It has also poured $2.3 trillion into the financial system through asset purchases, a policy that helped boost stock prices but did little for an economy where growth has slowed to a crawl and the jobless rate remains stuck above 9 percent.
But the Fed's latest move on Sept. 21, 2011 - targeting lower long-term interest rates by selling Treasuries with short maturities to buy longer-dated ones - was met with a sharp stock market selloff and widespread doubts about its ability to boost growth.
"It was a terrible omen, because the stock market had rallied like clockwork after previous Fed policy moves as if it were Christmas day," said Michael Cheah, who helps oversee $1.5 billion at SunAmerica Asset Management.
"This was the first time the market reacted very badly. It shows they are out of magic dust."
Bill Gross, manager of PIMCO, the world's largest bond fund, told Reuters in August, "It is increasingly apparent to us that policy options are limited and that economic growth is slowing down."
With consumers not willing to spend and businesses wary of hiring, some investors have called for the government to step up spending to keep the economy afloat.
"Without it, at best, we muddle along. At worst, we double dip," Doug Kass, who runs hedge fund Seabreeze Partners in Palm Beach, Florida, wrote in a note to clients.
POLICY PARALYSIS?
And with the United States already running one of the largest budget deficits as a share of output since World War II - political opposition to such spending is high.
President Barack Obama proposed a $447 billion job package this month but is facing stiff resistance from Republicans, who object to tax hikes on the rich to pay for it.
Markets even had the specter of a potential government shutdown to contend with after the House of Representatives defeated a bill Sept. 21, 2011 that would have funded federal operations past September 30; which was then extended into October 2011.
Markets even had the specter of a potential government shutdown to contend with after the House of Representatives defeated a bill Sept. 21, 2011 that would have funded federal operations past September 30; which was then extended into October 2011.
Republicans said the issue will be sorted out, but the flap conjured bad memories of last summer's battle over the debt ceiling that ended with the U.S. losing its top AAA credit rating for the first time in history.
What's more, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators are said to be pushing a bill that would crack down on China for keeping its currency undervalued against the dollar.
Economists fear that may spark a trade war - another threat to a once healthy world economy and yet another echo of the synodic cycle of the1930s.
Economists fear that may spark a trade war - another threat to a once healthy world economy and yet another echo of the synodic cycle of the1930s.
ANY ROOM FOR OPTIMISM?
Yes, but the room for optimism may be somewhat muted is my mundane answer.
The problem has been the 'kicking the can down the road,' by policymakers who obviously do not know what to do.
Each reaction to a reaction creates a domino effect of yet more reactions down the line and so the problem gets worse - and larger - with each and every reactionary step to the crisis.
Each reaction to a reaction creates a domino effect of yet more reactions down the line and so the problem gets worse - and larger - with each and every reactionary step to the crisis.
This means that their time in leadership has nearly come to a fitting end.
I continue to advise those who would listen keenly to mundane astrological forecasts that unless we gain fresh new leadership, with sane heads and coolness flowing that things will only get worse.
The time of the tired establishment, that of the baby boomers and the oligarchy has ended.
The time of the tired establishment, that of the baby boomers and the oligarchy has ended.
Clearly, it is time for them to be put out to pasture. The health of the world’s economy depends on it.
Now, some will say that there may be a silver lining to all the turmoil. "Policymakers - be they in the U.S. Congress or Europe - often need a crisis to act," said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at Harris Private Bank, with $55 billion under management. "Maybe watching the stock market plunge will light a fire under them."
For the bold, the latest market swoon may be a golden opportunity to buy on the cheap.
David Kotok, chairman and chief investment officer at Cumberland Advisors, said guaranteed S&P 500 index yields as a percentage of stock prices still look set to out pace yields on government bonds, calling it "an extraordinarily high reward for anyone willing to invest in stocks."
But Cheah said investors should play it safe for now.
"When driving into a thunderstorm, you slow down and, if possible, stop the car. This is not the time to say the stock market is cheap, I want to buy or the bond market's overvalued, I'm going to short it," he said. "If you go to cash, you live to fight another day."
$TRANGE GOINGS ON...
$TRANGE GOINGS ON...
There were strange goings on during the week of September 12-16, 2011 – the third anniversary of the collapse of Lehman Brothers.
AP reported September 15, 2011 that:
A joint effort by five major central banks to support Europe's financial system set off a rally in U.S. stocks. Gold plunged and Treasury yields rose as traders sold the safest investments. Markets in Europe soared.
The European Central Bank, the U.S. Federal Reserve and three other central banks said Sept. 15, 2011 that they would provide European banks with unlimited dollar loans.
The aim is to fend off worries that the banks could be weakened by their holdings of government bonds from Greece and other struggling European countries.
The aim is to fend off worries that the banks could be weakened by their holdings of government bonds from Greece and other struggling European countries.
"It's a pretty powerful action," said Brian Gendreau, senior investment strategist at Cetera Financial Group. "And it's another piece of news that leads you to think the crisis in Europe could be on the road to resolution."
Worries that European banks would have difficulty borrowing have hung over markets in recent weeks. It's a key element in the European debt crisis, rooted in the fear that cash-strapped governments in Greece and Italy won't pay back their banks' debts.
European banks hold large amounts of debt issued by Greece and Italy, which they use as collateral to borrow dollars. The danger is that banks could lose their ability to raise money when other lenders won't take the collateral.
Gold plunged $45, or 2.5 percent, to settle at $1,781 an ounce. Treasury prices fell, pushing their yields up. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which is used to set interest rates on a wide variety of loans, rose to 2.08 percent.
Dave at Truthingold.blogspot.com responded:
I don't have time to explain the details, but essentially over the past few days the Fed, ECB, Swiss National Bank and Bank of England have been working in concert in order to make liquidity available to prevent the European banking system from collapsing - similar to what happened here in the autumn of 2008.
To simplify things, what has happened is that European banks have dollar liabilities (shorter term loan funding of various sorts denominated in dollars) that are being used to finance non-dollar income-producing assets (mostly denominated in Euros.)
Greek and Italian sovereign debt securities, for instance. The assets are falling way short of being able to support the cash flows required to fund the liabilities (repos, for instance). So, the European banking system is at the brink of "freezing up" and collapsing.
You can read about the details HERE In addition, our Fed has made $500 billion swap "liquidity" facilities available for use - this has been in place for awhile.
And even more startling, it turns out that some big U.S. banks have been engaging in private market repo transactions with some big Euro banks, which have been using crappy collateral. Zerohedge sourced this article: LINK
I was actually stunned when I saw that because it shows how desperate European banks have become for cash. But why are the big U.S. banks willing to take crappy collateral in exchange?
Traditionally repos are done using very short term Treasuries or Agency debt as collateral. Why would U.S. banks be willing to take this shit to keep Euro banks solvent?
And why is the Fed extending half a trillion of taxpayer-backed funding to keep the Euro system from collapsing?
I don't know for sure, and we'll never know until everything collapses, but I suspect that if countries like Greece and Italy and Spain collapse, then the big too-big-too-fail Euro banks collapse.
And if that happens, I suspect that our too-big-to-fail banks - primarily Citi, JP Morgan and Goldman - would collapse under the weight of a very large amount of credit default derivatives and interest rate swaps that require Euro bank counter parties to be able to fund in the event the default parameters are triggered.
In other words, U.S. banks and our Fed are just as desperate to keep the Euro banks alive as are the ECB/SNB/BOE bank members desperate to stay alive.
This scenario is startlingly similar to what happened right before Lehman was allowed to tank, which triggered the big bailouts here. Only this time the scale is Lehman x 50 or 100 because it includes a couple of countries and all of the U.S./UK/European/Swiss To-Big-To-Fail Banks.
I also believe that what I just surmised has a very high probability of being pretty close to what is actually going on.
It also is interesting to me that some big, anonymous banks/Central Banks are lending/swapping out their gold holdings in order get their hands on badly needed U.S. dollars to meet dollar liquidity needs: LINK
What would be frightening to me with these gold swap transactions is that there is a high probability that a lot of this gold being leased out may actually be coming from the same HSBC vault that "safe keeps" the GLD gold.
HSBC is one of the largest LBMA depository banks, which contain a large percent of the world's 400 oz. gold bars. This is exactly why Hugo Chavez wants Venezuela's gold removed and delivered to Venezuela.
Remember the CNBC video in which Bob Pisani is standing in the HSBC vault and supposedly picking up a bar from the GLD "allocated" section? Remember how that bar was NOT actually a bar on GLD's gold list but was purported to be a GLD bar?
More than anything else you read that event underscores why you can't trust ANY of the gold in that HSBC vault and you can't trust that GLD truly has 100% backing of unencumbered bars (i.e. leased out or used in derivatives deals).
I said in my original GLD research report back in Feb 2009 that one day we'll wake up and the price of gold will be up $200 and the opening price of GLD will be down 50-percent.
What is happening right now in the financial system is exactly the kind of scenario and events that I envisioned would cause GLD to ultimately be exposed for what it is.
We could be closer than any of us realize to this type of situation actually occurring. In other words, if you own GLD and think that you own gold, you don't. Get rid of your GLD and buy the real stuff.
Finally, do not let this latest 2-day smack on the price of gold shake you out of your positions or scare you off from buying more physical gold/silver.
This hit on gold, I believe, was nothing more than a coordinated Central Bank intervention in order to get the price lower ahead of all of the above massive fiat/liquidity operations.
This is what happened in the summer of 2008 as well. It also means that the global financial system is in far worse trouble than anyone not inside the Central Bank nerve centers realizes.”
~
What a mess.
I continue to state that the boomer establishment has run its failed course over the last 18.5 years. There is no more time for that establishment, which failed across the board by means of its own arrogance, greed and hegemony. The end game is near and is confirmed by world transits.
Pluto’s transit in tropical Capricorn is basically bringing an end to the old establishment and centrist globalists who are not acquainted with the afterlife.
And there is an afterlife, but where you will spend it forever will depend on what you do in life.
When an old establishment fails it comes down to acts of desperation and we have plenty proof of this worldwide. Consider recent events on Wall Street against Americans who protest the criminal activities that have gone on for years and driven the American and global economy to its knees.
Witness the public ‘bailouts,” the double-digit unemployment, the degradation of society, the low wages, the commercial and residential real estate collapse, the destruction of the education system, the shutting down of schools, libraries, fire stations, the high forced debt onto young college students, and of course, the post office in massive red - all of it debt.
The kicking of people on the streets of New York, the brutality against your own children, the theft of billions, even trillions of resources and wealth that does not belong to you.
Does all that look like generational baby boomer success to you? It doesn’t to me.
The events of September 2011 had Jupiter, retrograde in the money-sign of Taurus, transiting back to its second trine to Pluto in Capricorn.
In September, transiting Mercury in Virgo continued its strong earth trine to Jupiter as global central bankers made their moves to shore up European banks who are in very deep trouble.
In September, transiting Mercury in Virgo continued its strong earth trine to Jupiter as global central bankers made their moves to shore up European banks who are in very deep trouble.
Let’s examine other odd happenings:
On Monday, Sept. 12, 2011 - out of Basel, Switzerland:
Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the European Central Bank and Chairman of the Global Economy Meeting, spoke at a press conference at the BIS's (Bank for International Settlements) bi-monthly meeting at a hotel in Basel, Switzerland on Monday, Sept. 12, 2011.
Trichet said central bankers agreed they "have the weaponry to provide liquidity" to banks as needed worldwide, and on an unlimited basis at fixed rates in the Eurozone.
The head of the European Central Bank said recent market turmoil proves the global economy is not back to "business as usual" and that governments need to redouble their efforts to strengthen the financial system against new shocks.
Speaking on the third anniversary of the collapse of U.S. investment bank Lehman Brothers, Jean-Claude Trichet said governments must move quickly to implement internationally agreed rules on strengthening bank laws - known as Basel III - and an agreement on keeping "systemically important financial institutions," or SIFIs, from pulling down the global economy if they fail.
"As the continuous challenges demonstrate clearly, we are not back to 'business as usual' as some thought some months ago," Trichet said at a financial conference before a meeting of Eurozone finance ministers in Wroclaw. "We need resolve and fortitude of the public authorities and lucidity on the part of the private sector.
He said the world's central banks were working together and called Thursday's decision to join in providing dollar credit to struggling banks "a clear illustration of our very close cooperation at the global level and of the unity of purpose" that is needed.
The ECB is playing a key role fighting Europe's debt crisis, providing unlimited credit to banks and taking the risky step of buying Italian and Spanish government bonds in the secondary market. That is aimed at driving down borrowing costs that threaten those governments with financial collapse.
Trichet said collective global action had helped keep the 2008 Lehman collapse from turning into an outright depression. The investment bank's failure inflicted heavy losses throughout the globalized financial system and froze credit and lending, contributing to a deep recession.
Even though a worse outcome was prevented, Trichet warned that "we still have a long way to go to move beyond this crisis."
He said voices had been raised recently against the new bank financing rules and the measures to impose capital surcharges on institutions deemed to big to be allowed to fail.
"In a crisis period where confidence is of the essence, it would be extremely damaging if the authorities were to hesitate, demonstrate an absence of resolve and of the fortitude that is required by the circumstances," Trichet said.
"I see resistance of some in the financial sector against Basel III. I see similar messages on the Sufis. For me, it is crystal clear: what has been decided is decided."
Trichet, who chaired the group working on systemic institutions, is leaving office Oct. 31 after eight years as head of the ECB, the euro zone’s chief monetary authority.
Then, on Thursday, September 15, 2011 –
Poof!
A Couple Of Billion Gone Up In $moke?
A Couple Of Billion Gone Up In $moke?
UBS suddenly said that a ‘rogue ETF trader’ in its investment bank had lost $2 billion - then said to be $2.3 billion - delivering a fresh blow to the beleaguered Swiss bank.
A week later it led to the resignation of the UBS Chief.
A week later it led to the resignation of the UBS Chief.
The police in London arrested a European equities trader, Kweku Adoboli, 31, in connection with the case, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly.
A revealed internal UBS memo – Sept. 15, 2011
Dear colleagues,
We regret to inform you that yesterday we uncovered a case of unauthorized trading by a trader in the Investment Bank. We have reported it to the markets in line with regulatory disclosure obligations.
The matter is still being investigated, but we currently estimate the loss on the trades to be around $2 billion US dollars. It is possible that this could lead UBS to report a loss for the third quarter of 2011. No client positions were affected.
We understand that you have already had to contend with unfavorable, volatile markets for some time now. While the news is distressing, it will not change the fundamental strength of our firm.
We urge you to stay focused on your clients, who are counting on you to guide them through these uncertain times.
We want to reassure you that we, together with the rest of the management, are working closely with the Investment Bank’s management and risk and controlling to get to the bottom of the matter as quickly as possible, and will spare no effort to establish exactly what has happened. We will keep you updated on the progress of our investigation.
Yours,
The Group Executive Board
UBS
UBS
When I reviewed the astrological transits on this situation at UBS and on the accused European $2 billion-dollar-loss equities trader, Kweku Adoboli, some strange things were observed.
More on that further down, but first let’s look at the fallout which will tell us if UBS may have paid for this to happen because of more serious – and dire concerns on their plate – rampant financial criminality, corruption, greed and of course - insolvency.
A little more than ten days later on Monday, September 26, the swift exit of UBS Chief Executive Officer Oswald Gruebel - head of Switzerland’s largest bank since February 2009 – was announced.
He was replaced on an interim basis by Sergio Ermotti – a man who joined UBS less than six months ago as CEO for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The resignation of Gruebel, 67, who restored the Zurich-based bank to profit after record losses, marks the third CEO departure since 2007.
“This is a bank now in disarray,” said Christopher Wheeler, an analyst at Mediobanca Securities SpA in London who has an “outperform” rating on the stock. “The board made a terrible blunder” by not persuading Gruebel to stay,” he said.
Morale within UBS has already fallen like a rock following the trading scandal, dropped even further in the wake of Gruebel’s departure, according to an executive at the unit who requested anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly.
As the fallout from the trading scandal widens, a senior executive at UBS speculated that Gruebel resigned to prevent a greater disruption that might have resulted from the departure of investment-banking chief Carsten Kengeter, who was said to be in the midst of shrinking the division.
Kengeter, 44, is viewed by some at UBS as a favorite of Chairman Kaspar Villiger and told reporters after Gruebel’s departure that Kengeter had done an “excellent job” in covering positions after the loss and that there was no doubt about his future.
Gruebel ‘$hocked’?
Oswald J. Gruebel, Chief Executive of Swiss Bank UBS. Gruebel resigned his position after the mysterious trading losses of $2.3 billion at the bank.
Image: Sebastian Derungs/AFP
Gruebel, in a memo to UBS staff, said he was convinced a change of leadership at the top was in the best interests of UBS.
He resigned as the board grappled with the aftermath of the trading loss in Singapore, where members and executives convened for a meeting scheduled to coincide with the bank’s sponsorship of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix.
He resigned as the board grappled with the aftermath of the trading loss in Singapore, where members and executives convened for a meeting scheduled to coincide with the bank’s sponsorship of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix.
“That it was possible for one of our traders in London to inflict a multibillion loss on our bank through unauthorized trading shocked me,” said Gruebel, a former trader whose career in finance spanned half a century.
Of course, the scandal dealt a “significant setback” to UBS’s efforts to rebuild trust, he said in the memo. Gruebel, joined UBS after working for 37 years at rival Credit Suisse Group AG. He is the only man to have served as CEO of two of the biggest Swiss banks.
Brought out of “retirement” to rebuild UBS after record losses, Gruebel returned the bank to profit about six months after he arrived and was said to have resolved a dispute with the United States over banking secrecy that threatened UBS’ existence. Meanwhile, he slowed down nine straight quarters of client losses at UBS.
Are More UBS heads to Roll?
Two senior UBS executives speculated on whether other departures might follow, such as Kengeter, Maureen Miskovic, 54, who took over as chief risk officer in January 2011 and Thomas Daula, the chief operating officer at the investment bank.
Miskovic previously served as chief risk officer at State Street Corp. and held the same role at Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. for six years until 2002.
Daula, who was hired in June 2008 to run risk management at UBS, had been chief risk officer at Morgan Stanley in 2007 when that bank wrote down $9.4 billion on “wrong-way proprietary trading bets” on mortgage-related securities. He then became chief operation officer at UBS’s investment bank in January.
Gruebel and Kengeter tried since 2009 to rebuild UBS into a top-tier investment bank. They hired more than 1,700 people and brought in new business heads to replace those that left or were fired.
They also increased risk-taking while global market turmoil and rising capital requirements led them to reverse their own strategy before the $2billion loss. It is expected that UBS’ retrenchment will accelerate.
“In the future, the investment bank will be less complex, carry less risk and use less capital to produce reliable returns and contribute more optimally to UBS’s overall objectives.” A 70-year old observer said.
UBS is expected to scale back on credit businesses which they see as not profitable and that will be affected most by the higher capital requirements under the rules of Basel III, according to Cormac Leech, an analyst at Canaccord Genuity Ltd. in London.
He says he has placed a “hold” rating on UBS’ stock. The equities business, by contrast, “has a relatively high return so you’d expect them not to close that down,” Leech said.
UBS said that it announce further changes to their investment bank in a presentation to investors scheduled for November 17, 2011.
Jupiter Retrograde In Taurus
“They’ve got to change the aspirations of the investment bank and they’ve got to shrink it,” said Peter Thorne, a London-based analyst at Helvea SA.
UBS said it may be unprofitable in 2011’s third quarter after the $2 billion debacle. The loss came less than two months after Gruebel said UBS had “one of the best” risk-management units in the industry.
So this obviously raises questions about the bank’s controls under the current establishment management, does it not?
Going back to the $2 billion loss, UBS said on Sept. 18, 2011 that it also resulted from trading in Standard & Poor’s 500, DAX and EuroStoxx index futures over the last three months.
While the positions were taken within the “normal business flow of a large global equity trading house,” the size of the risk was hidden by phony trades, UBS said.
Kweku Adoboli, 31, the UBS trader charged with fraud and false accounting that may have resulted in the loss, remained in custody shortly after the news but was released on $1 million dollar bail.
The bank’s shares have declined by 7.4 percent in Swiss trading since the trading loss was announced and 34 percent this year. That compares with a 37 percent tumble in the Bloomberg Europe Banks and Financial Services Index, which tracks 46 companies.
Gruebel’s decision to leave throws into relief the lack of a succession plan at UBS, analysts said. Villiger is scheduled to step down in 2013 and be replaced as chairman by former Bundesbank President Axel Weber, 54, who lacks hands-on experience running a commercial bank. The trading loss also reduces the chance Kengeter will ascend to the top job.
Villiger, on the conference call with reporters on Sept. 24, said the board tried unsuccessfully to persuade Gruebel to remain until the annual shareholders meeting.
He will be paid for a six-month notice period and have no further role at the bank. His sudden departure suggests a worrying level of disorder, especially as Chief Financial Officer Tom Naratil took up his post only three months ago, said Mediobanca’s Wheeler.
“They’ve left themselves in a vacuum,” Wheeler said. “It’s got a brand new CFO and now they’ve let the CEO walk away.”
Ermotti in Charge?
Ermotti, a 51-year-old Swiss national who joined UBS in April after working at Merrill Lynch & Co. and UniCredit SpA, will be interim CEO while the board seeks a permanent successor to Gruebel, the bank said.
In his 18 years at Merrill Lynch, Ermotti oversaw businesses including the global equities division before leaving in 2003 to join UniCredit, Italy’s biggest bank.
As UniCredit’s investment-banking chief, Ermotti also supervised global transaction and private banking. Ermotti had aimed to compete with the world’s top securities firms as mergers soared and business flourished before the subprime crisis spread and credit became scarce.
He later scaled back the plan to focus on corporate and investment-banking business in UniCredit’s home markets.
The incident raises questions about UBS’ management and its risk policies at time when UBS is said to be trying to rebuild operations and bolster its flagging client base.
The case could also bolster the efforts of regulators who have been pushing in some countries to separate trading from private banking and other less risky businesses.
The revelation about the rogue trader comes as the bank tries to regain its financial footing.
Last month, UBS announced it would shed 3,500 jobs, following poor second-quarter results.
In an internal memo, the bank said the unauthorized trading could drag down earnings in the third quarter to a loss, adding that “no client positions” were involved in the “unauthorized trading.”
“It’s a shock, a real negative surprise,” said Panagiotis Spiliopoulos, head of research at the private bank Vontobel in Zurich. “People thought that after the bank had been revamped following the 2008 crisis, it was set up in a way that could avoid this kind of event.”
The UBS rogue trading case is the biggest such incident in Europe since Jérôme Kerviel’s unauthorized trades in equity-linked futures at the French bank Société Générale in 2008.
Mr. Kerviel was convicted October 2010 of breach of trust and other crimes and sentenced to at least three years in prison. He was also ordered to pay restitution of 4.9 billion Euros ($6.7 billion), the amount the bank lost in unwinding his trades
UBS said that they uncovered the trading losses late Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011, reporting the matter to the police several hours later. Then, at 3:30 p.m., British authorities arrested the 31-year-old Adoboli at his place of work at UBS offices on Finsbury Avenue. citing suspicion of fraud by abuse of position.
Adoboli was taken into custody for questioning at a station in the City of London. According to a police spokeswoman, he was to be sent home, released on bail pending further inquiry or charged with an offense.
UBS said the matter was still being investigated and did not disclose other details. Regulators declined to comment on the trades or the markets in the case.
Adoboli, who graduated with an honors degree in computer science from the University of Nottingham, was a director on the exchange-traded funds and Delta One desk. It is the same sort of group for which Mr. Kerviel worked for at France's Société Générale.
Adoboli, who graduated with an honors degree in computer science from the University of Nottingham, was a director on the exchange-traded funds and Delta One desk. It is the same sort of group for which Mr. Kerviel worked for at France's Société Générale.
Delta One desks, considered an increasingly important profit center for big financial firms, undertake a number of activities for clients.
In one such area, index arbitrage, traders try to capitalize on slight differences in the price of stock indexes and index futures.
In one such area, index arbitrage, traders try to capitalize on slight differences in the price of stock indexes and index futures.
Analysts offered up conflicting theories on the nature of Adoboli's alleged unauthorized trades. Some have suggested they involved stock-related financial products while others pointed to derivatives in the foreign exchange market - worth an estimated $4 trillion a day.
Business Insider conducted a poll because of the rumors that all is not what it appears to be. I agree, considering the configurations of the planets regarding all the strange goings on and huge amounts of funny money bouncing around the globe:
Quote -“UBS's Kweku Adoboli is in trouble for allegedly making trades that ultimately cost the beleaguered bank $2.3 billion.
However, theorists think Adoboli is no rogue trader. Rather, they think UBS is letting him take the fall for the firm's wide losses.
Now, why the hell would they do that?!?!
UBS's name has already been dragged through the mud. Tax evasion. Multi-billion dollar write downs. Retention problems. The last thing clients and investors need to hear is that UBS doesn't know if its own employees are crooks. Adoboli was acting on his own. He was a rogue trader.
NOT $O FAST SOME SAY...
UBS would much rather be embarrassed for having lax operational risk management, than be known for financial market incompetence. After all, what good is a financial services firm that doesn't know how to trade in the financial markets?
If UBS announced Q3 earnings and said, "We lost billions of dollars on wrong-way bets on the market," they'd look really stupid.
For market credibility's sake, they would be better off saying, "We lost money because just one of our guys committed fraud. Sorry, for not keeping tabs on him."
Adoboli was paid off to be a scapegoat. (An 8-figure hush fund in a secret Swiss bank account would explain that million dollar smile.) He was a fall guy.
This has sparked intense debates inside Switzerland and throughout the world.
“The question that will be posed is how could this happen given the fact that all banks have committed to reduce proprietary trading,” said Rainer Skierka, an analyst a Sarasin, a private Swiss bank, referring to the practice of firms trading with their own money. “The next question is how the supervisor’s line of control works.”
Mr. Skierka said the loss was unlikely to materially affect the capital position of UBS. The bank has a reported 38.7 billion Swiss francs ($44.2 billion) and a Tier 1 ratio of 18 percent, based on criteria from the Bank for International Settlements and is reputed to be among the strongest worldwide.
“It’s more about the timing, given current discussions in the Swiss Parliament on the ‘too big to fail’ problem of systemically relevant banks, and reputational issues,” he said.
Swiss lawmakers are due to debate new rules in autumn 2011 intended to “shore up” their two giant banks, UBS and Credit Suisse.
Those contentious laws are of particular importance to the Swiss people, because banks there generated 6.7 percent of the Switzerland’s gross domestic product in 2010.
Now, there had been previous calls in Switzerland for the too-big-to fail banks’ investment units to be split away from deposit-banking – a type of Glass-Steagall Act that was undone in 1999 under the Clinton Administration in the U.S. – and frantically led by former senator Phil Gramm, who worked for guess who? UBS.
But those proposals fell by the wayside and were replaced with plans for tighter capital adequacy rules. The transits show that British regulators were informed of the UBS trading case and have been in contact with their Swiss counterparts.
According to the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, Tobias Lux, a spokesman for the Swiss regulator said it was “promptly” informed of the $2 billion loss by UBS.
“We are in very close contact with the bank,” he said, but he declined to provide any details.
What UBS has been struggling with has been to turnaround its operations after the crippling bank crisis of 2007-2008 when UBS was forced to accept government support.
Earnings fell to about one billion Swiss francs in the third quarter of 2011. This is down from 2-billion francs from a year earlier. So, in their moves to cut costs, UBS announced in August 2011 that it would eliminate 3,500 jobs - with 45 percent of the firings out of their investment banking unit.
This latest episode will present an immediate challenge to a management team that is in flux. Axel Weber, the former Bundesbank chief, is set to take over as chairman from Kaspar Villiger next year.
While UBS chief executive, Oswald Grübel, brought out of retirement to stabilize UBS in 2009, is now expected to follow others binto retirement in the next couple of years.
So JUST what the hell HAS been going on?
Well, we all know that since Jupiter’s retrograde at 10-Taurus on August 30, 2011, that central bankers, politicians and international traders have been playing a three-card where’s-the-shell game with the economic systems and treasuries of nations hanging in the balance.
Here’s a take on it from Tyler Durden at Zerohedge.com:
The European equities trader, Kweku Adoboli, he is said to be known as a naked short silver trader:
This could probably explain a lot.
According to the FT, which has managed to sneak a peek into Kweku Adoboli aka, the scourge of UBS, Facebook’s profile, in a July 31, 2011 update said:
“Will they? Won’t they? Reduced to watching Fox News for guidance, it’s a grim affair.”
Kweku Adoboli
It appears that Adoboli should thus be commended - under those conditions we believe it is a miracle a person’s loss can be confined to just $2 billion.
FT continues with the cyber stalking: That was followed a week later amid steep market falls, by an entry that read:
Adoboli : “Can we shut down global markets for a week so everyone can just chill out?”
It also appears that the Delta One’er (which is just a fancy name for “correlation desk” trader) enjoyed his downtime as well:
“He came across as someone who worked quite hard to get where he was and played quite hard too,” said the acquaintance.
Yet by all counts it appears that the event that did ole’ Kweku in was the Swiss [franc] intervention on September 6, 2011:
However, the final message left by the trader on his own Face book page on September 6 simply read, “need a miracle.”
Odd: so does Tim Geithner and the Eurozone. Alas, as the latest “rogue trader” incarnation just found the hard way, those are in short supply these days.
Also from the Financial Times: According to entries on Facebook, the UBS trader, Kweku Adoboli, is a 31-year-old computer science graduate described as an ‘up and coming’ trader by colleagues, had been following the recent market turmoil closely.
Mr. Adoboli is thought to have been arrested on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011 by City of London police on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position.
He is currently being remanded in custody. A 2003 graduate from Nottingham University, where he studied computer science, Mr. Adoboli began working at UBS in London in 2006.
“There is a lot of shock, horror and disbelief,” a person said of his arrest. “He was incredibly straight and upstanding with very high integrity.
He would definitely not be the first place you start looking.”
~
On Those Exchange Traded Funds:
Better Watch Your Money, Honey
By Theodore White, mundane Astrolog.S
A) Check what kind of ETF you own
ETFs can be divided into physical and swap-based funds. Physical ETFs own all or a selection of the stocks in the index they are tracking. So a physical FTSE 100 ETF will own all or some of the UK’s largest companies.
A swap-based, or “synthetic”, ETF may not own any of the stocks in the index it tracks. Instead, it relies on a third party investment bank to provide the index return at a future date, through an index swap contract with that bank – the ETF itself may contain a variety of different stocks not related to the index it tracks.
Stocks held in an ETF can therefore change on a daily basis. Some providers will allow you to monitor this daily: iShares launched physical commodity ETFs this week that allows investors to check exactly what the fund holds on a website.
B) Wise Up To Counter-Party Risk
A swap-based ETF depends on a third party to provide the index return – so, by definition; it is partly dependent on the solvency of that third party. If it were to go belly up you will not get all your money back.
For instance, in Europe, swap-based ETFs are only allowed to take a maximum counterparty risk of 10 per cent – which means that the most you could lose if the third party did go bust is exactly 10 per cent.
So it is a matter of common sense for American and non-European investors to discover from your ETF provider what counterparties are involved.
You had better really look into the strength of which institutions they are or you could be very sorry. Don’t say that a professional astrologer did not warn all of you.
C) Find Out If Your ETF is lending out stocks
Remember, a counterparty risk does not only apply to synthetic ETFs but you may discover that your physical ETF may also be lending out stocks it owns to interested third parties. That pops in yet another counterparty risk.
You see, they may not be able to return those stocks.
D) Look Into Those Tracking Errors
Tracking errors happen when an ETF does not perfectly replicate its own index. For instance, if the ETF only buys a selection of stocks in an index. There is more risk with smaller, illiquid stock markets where stocks are harder to buy and sell.
This kind of thing is far more prevalent to occur with physical ETFs, because the swap-based ETFs rely on a third party to provide the return rather than doing it themselves.
As a mundane astrologer who provides economic guidance, my general advice to any investor reading this is to avoid – that is – stay as far away as you can from some ETFs because these instruments are too complex – even for smart private investors.
The global transits show that there is so much corruption, stupidity and malfeasance been going on in the financial sector that under present generational and political management, you will lose your shirts and dresses to these fools.
Want to stay liquid? Get proper astrological vetting done of your broker houses, brokers and wealth managers. See if they have the transits to either make you money or to send you to the poor house. In these times – you had better be certain.
Since Jupiter’s station to retrograde in August 2011, there sure has been a lot of financial news and goings on in what typically is the slowest month of the year – the height of summer vacation.
Consider this:
On Thursday, September 15, 2011 it was suddenly announced that Morgan Stanley's chairman, John J. Mack, will step down from that post at the end of the year. This paves the way for firm's chief executive, James Gorman, to take over Mack's role.
John Mack
The bank's board met via telephone to vote on the decision, according to people familiar with the matter but not authorized to speak on the record.
Mr. Mack, the firm's former chief executive who has been chairman since early 2010, is expected to retain a senior advisory role at the firm and is currently working on a book about leaders and his years on Wall Street, which is scheduled to be published next September.
It is expected that Mr. Mack, a graduate of Duke University, will join other corporate boards. He already sits on a number of not-for-profit boards and is chairman of Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman's panel of economic advisers.
The decision to have Mr. Gorman succeed Mr. Mack as chairman was widely expected.
Mr. Mack, 66, is one of Wall Street's best-known figures. He worked at Morgan Stanley for years, rising from bond salesman to the firm's president. After a long-running dispute with Morgan Stanley's chief executive, Philip Purcell, he left the firm in 2001.
He soon resurfaced at Credit Suisse, which named him chief executive of the Credit Suisse First Boston investment bank, and later co-C.E.O. of the parent company, Credit Suisse Group.
At Credit Suisse he lived up to his nickname "Mack the Knife", slashing jobs and costs. But the relationship in the end was ill fated. At one point he proposed merging Credit Suisse First Boston with another investment bank. The Swiss bank's board disagreed and his contract at the Suisse Bank lapsed in 2004.
Soon Morgan Stanley would be asking for him back, however. In 2005, following an uprising at the bank against Mr. Purcell, the board asked Mr. Mack to return as chief executive. He received a standing ovation when he walked into the trading floor on his first day.
Yet his record as Morgan Stanley's lead was mixed. He ramped up risk after returning to the firm, giving it some of its former swagger, but was unable to pull it back in time in 2007 and 2008 as the New York bank sustained significant losses.
During the financial crisis, the firm required billions of dollars in emergency support from the federal government as well as a big investment by Japanese bank Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group in order to survive.
Mr. Mack however received credit for negotiating the Mitsubishi deal, convincing the Japanese bank to move ahead with the partnership despite the difficult environment.
Mr. Gorman has been running the day-to-day operations of Morgan Stanley since 2010. He has been working to turn around the firm's fortunes, reducing risk and rebuilding units that were injured during the credit crisis.
He has received credit from analysts for his efforts but Morgan Stanley's stock, like that of other financial firms, continues to languish. It is currently trading just above $16 a share, down from $29.60 when Mr. Gorman took over. When Mr. Mack took the helm in 2005 the firm's stock was trading above $43 a share.
Morgan Stanley's move to combine the role of chief executive and chairman is likely to raise eyebrows among corporate governance watchdogs, who typically encourage companies to have a non-executive chairman, a move they feel gives the board a more independent voice against management.
Wall Street is now split on this issue. Citigroup and Bank of America have split the roles, while Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase and now Morgan Stanley have combined it.
~
The Cardinal Crisis
Even More Banks In Spain Fail?
Back in Europe, where the summer of 2011 has been anything but normal as Spain’s official bank rescue fund nationalized three more savings banks - and valued them even lower than their directors’ worst expectations only a few weeks ago, according to the Bank of Spain and private bankers.
Miguel Angel Fernández Ordóñez, governor of the Bank of Spain, said Friday, September 30, 2011 that the Fund for Orderly Bank Restructuring or Frob was spending €4.75bn on recapitalising the banking operations of NovaCaixaGalicia (NCG), CatalunyaCaixa and Unnim.
The takeover of the three savings banks was expected as September 30th was the deadline for banks to find new capital to ensure that their 'principal capital' - akin to what is called Tier One core capital under international banking rules - reached 10 per cent of risk-weighted assets for lenders without outside investors.
Valuations were exceptionally low however, suggesting that the Frob was unimpressed with the assets of the cajas or savings banks concerned, all of which have been affected by the collapse of the Spanish property bubble since 2007.
NCG’s banking business was valued at 0.12 times book value, CatalunyaCaixa’s at 0.09, and Unnim at zero, said Mr Fernández Ordóñez and Javier Aríztegui, who heads the Frob executive.
That gives the Frob 93 per cent of NCG, 90 per cent of CatalunyaCaixa and 100 per cent of Unnim, they said. Unnim was assigned a nominal value of €1.
“When a caja is worse, as when anything is worse, then it’s worth less,” was the blunt comment of Mr Fernández Ordóñez. By contrast, CaixaBank, the new banking arm of Barcelona-based La Caixa, was floated at 0.8 times book value, while Bankia, a merger of Caja Madrid and six other savings banks, managed 0.4 times.
Spanish regulators have consistently been more optimistic about the state of the country’s banks than Spanish commercial bankers and foreign analysts, arguing that tight supervision has limited potential losses.
Regulators say the Frob is investing a total of €7.55bn, with private investors having put in €5.84bn, most of it through the initial public offerings of Bankia and Banca Cívica in July 2011.
Spanish officials insisted that they see no immediate need for further recapitalization of the country’s lenders; although independent analysts say €30 billion or more of extra money injections may be needed to stabilize the system.
“As of September 30, the process of recapitalization is complete,” said Mr Fernández Ordóñez.
In the restructuring of the Spanish banking sector, the number of Cajas has been reduced from 45 to 15 through mergers.
But successive interventions to rescue failing cajas – first Caja Castilla La Mancha, then CajaSur and most recently Banco Cam (formerly Caja Mediterráneo) – have weakened the case of authorities.
However, soon after each rescue, the published figures showed that loan losses were much worse than first thought.
click on graphic to enlarge
After being seized in July, Cam reported a first-half net loss of €1.14billion euros and disclosed that its bad loan ratio had risen to 19 per cent of assets, compared with the officially published figure of 9.1 per cent in December 2010.
The authorities will now try to sell the cajas controlled by the state, starting with Cam, but are expected to find it difficult to find buyers unless they offer generous “asset protection schemes” to insure the new owners against loan losses.
click on graph to enlarge
We discovered that on September 20, 2011 news broke that the Bank of Spain endorsed the purchase of CAM with up to 20,000 million Euros.
The Spanish Libremercado said, “This means that the entity that is made with the box will have a mattress for Valencia provided by all Spanish taxpayers in case the brick sector losses that are hidden in their balance sheets are larger than expected.
In fact, it should not surprise anyone.
Since beginning the process of restructuring the financial system, Spanish banks' balance sheets have been losing face with negative showings in 2007 and 2008.
The bodies were found in the accounts of billions of bad loans - unpaid or very high risk - resulting from the bursting of the housing bubble.
click on graph to enlarge
Since beginning the process of restructuring the financial system, Spanish banks' balance sheets have been losing face with negative showings in 2007 and 2008.
The bodies were found in the accounts of billions of bad loans - unpaid or very high risk - resulting from the bursting of the housing bubble.
All of them have had to go slowly accepting discounts on your portfolio. But the three boxes so far have highlighted intervened with its own light (although not by a positive issue).
Had it the actual accounts of the CAM, Cajasur and CCM been know then there would have immediately been headlines in the Spanish press.
The industry has been in constant tension, among other things because the fact it was known that the balance of these boxes were not as clean as it was supposed also affected, if only indirectly, to the rest.
In this way, seeing the numbers that CAM is logical that the Fund has been in need of rescue (Frob) is injected so far 5,800 million (2,800 direct and 3,000 in cash a liquidity) and the Bank of Spain endorsement with up to 20,000 million sale to another entity.
And, the profit of CAM increased from 40 million to reflect a loss of 1,136, while the declared default would septiemvre 5.2% in 2010; it exceeded 19% after intervention.
Not that his two traveling companions have done much better. So went from declaring losses Cajasur 196 million to discover about the red of 950 million Euros - and its default soared to 13.2% when it was assumed that was half of that figure.
With these two changes, it is not strange that his experienced buyer (the Basque BBK) request to the Bank of Spain to assume 90% of losses from real estate assets, saying he did not know the true situation of the institution.
Finally, there Caja Castilla-La Mancha (CCM), which was the first box intervened in this crisis.
In this case, delinquencies rose in a month from 6% to 17% declared real, while a modest but reasonable profits of 30 million Euros will be converted in just a few days in a loss of 740 million that had FROB Cajastur to eat for the buyer who sought the Bank of Spain, agreed to stay with the case of La Mancha.
In total, after being intercepted, these three cases yielded higher losses to 2,500 million Euros - resulting from a dramatic increase in arrears (in some cases nearly quadrupled compared to the official announcement before he entered the Bank of Spain).
The problem is that these entities had passed without difficulty supposedly strict regulatory controls.
Although the Spanish government insists that there are no surprises and that the financial system is recapitalized and in recovery - with this background it is not surprising that there are still many who do not really finish.”
Although the Spanish government insists that there are no surprises and that the financial system is recapitalized and in recovery - with this background it is not surprising that there are still many who do not really finish.”
~
The Cardinal Crisis
Mundane Review:
The U.S. Versus Pakistan
The U.S. Versus Pakistan
Allies or Sworn Enemies?
By
Theodore White, mundane Astrolog.S
The thing that all policymakers and leaders, both civilian, military and those of intelligence services should always remember - is to mind the world's astrological transits.
The Earth has entered a strong synodic cycle in relation to powerful planetary transits which I call the 'cardinal crisis.' These crisis planetary configurations will be with the world for years - so it is important for all sides and interests to very carefully mind the planetary inclinations that influence them.
Often, those in positions of power 'think' that they know all that there is to know about one another and the geopolitical situations they game out. Yet, what is more often the case than not is that the astrological transits that revolve above and below the world are much more important to observe.
History has shown us time and again the folly of those whose 'games' - be they overt or covert - often play out with tragic and unintended consequences.
The United States and Pakistan, along with their respective intelligence agencies, the CIA and Pakistan's ISI, have been engaged in a sort of small 'hot war' when it comes to the situation in Afghanistan and inside the hotbed of activities within Pakistan.
I urge all sides to consider the world transits and to mind the future consequences of their games and acts of attacks; followed by retaliations, then revenge followed by more attacks.
On September 28, 2011 Pakistanis were seen to shout anti-US slogans in a rally outside the U.S. Consulate in the eastern city of Lahore as Pakistan's intelligence chief said that Islamabad will respond to any potential United States-waged military action against his country - apparently responding to alleged threats by U.S. officials?
Reuters reported that Pakistan said that it would not allow "the situation to get to a point of no return," should the US carry out an attack against the country, according to the comments of Director General of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lieutenant General Ahmed Shuja Pasha.
"American attack on Pakistan in the name of (fighting) extremism is not acceptable," he said.
On September 26, 2011, US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Washington had to consider military action against Pakistan in the event of, what he called, "Islamabad's continued support for militant attacks against the US troops in Afghanistan."
Graham said U.S. lawmakers might support military options beyond the drone strikes, which the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been conducting in Afghanistan and Pakistan for years.
Haqqani Network Was Once The CIA?
On October 1, 2011 Reuters reported that NATO-led forces said they captured the senior commander of the Haqqani network in Afghanistan, a man named Haji Mali Khan, during an operation in eastern Paktia province earlier in the week.
Khan is called "the uncle of Siraj and Badruddin Haqqani ... one of the highest ranking members of the Haqqani network and a revered elder of the Haqqani clan," said a NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) statement.
Siraj, or Sirajuddin, Haqqani and his brother, Badruddin, are sons of veteran Afghan militant commander Jalaluddin Haqqani.
NATO said Khan had managed bases and operations in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, and moved forces across the border for attacks, as well as transferring funds and sourcing supplies. The force called him "the senior Haqqani commander in Afghanistan."
Khan was captured in Jani Khel district of Paktia province along with his deputy and bodyguard, in an operation by Afghan and foreign forces, NATO said.
He was heavily armed but "submitted ... without incident or resistance," the force said. It did not detail how they had identified Khan.
The Taliban, to whom the Haqqani network has pledged allegiance, denied that Khan had been captured.
"I have just spoken with Haji Mali Khan, he is fine and is somewhere else and hasn't been detained," spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Reuters. "This is a baseless news and it has been released in order to weaken Mujahideen's morale," he said.
Members of the Haqqani network declined to comment on the ISAF statement, but confirmed to Reuters that Khan is Sirajuddin Haqqani's maternal uncle.
They said he was not a senior commander but his relatives are involved in the Haqqanis' fight against NATO forces in Afghanistan.
A Pakistani intelligence official, however, said Khan was closely involved in the affairs of the Haqqanis, and managed the group's links with other militant organizations in Pakistan's northwestern Pashtun tribal areas.
"This is a blow for the Haqqanis," the Pakistani official said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
NATO said this year they had arrested 1,300 suspected Haqqani insurgents and 300 insurgent leaders in 500 operations that aimed to disrupt the network. About 20 "network facilitators" were killed, the force added.
Khan had also established a militant camp in Paktia province in the past year, and reported directly to Sirajuddin Haqqani, NATO said.
Sirajuddin is now believed to be in charge of day-to-day affairs of the Haqqani network because his father has health problems.
Before fighting in Afghanistan, NATO said Khan had served as a Haqqani network envoy to Baitullah Mehsud, former leader of the Pakistani Taliban who was killed in 2009.
In late September 2011, the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, said the ISI was supporting Taliban-allied Haqqani network of militants that Washington blames for recent attacks on the U.S. Embassy and NATO's headquarters in the Afghan capital, Kabul.
But Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, was said to have rejected Mullen's allegations; and he warned that military course of action by the United States inside 'a sovereign country' would not be 'acceptable.'
Meanwhile, hundreds of Pakistanis participated in anti-US rallies in several Pakistani cities in late September 2011, protesting the remarks made by U.S. officials.
The strange geopolitical and intelligence services games played during this decade of the global cardinal crisis years shows that all sides will need to take many steps back and reconsider true motives and future implications.
The finger pointing, in the final analysis, only works against all sides and is extremely counter-productive.
The finger pointing, in the final analysis, only works against all sides and is extremely counter-productive.
The heated back and forth between Washington and Islamabad requires knowledge of future mundane transits as players on both sides have become more myopic and exclusive - rather than the much more favorable broad-minded and inclusive.
These are dangerous times especially with the start of the Uranus-Pluto world squares that officially begins in 2012.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar denied American accusations against the ISI, Pakistan's intelligence agency. She said that the 'Haqqani' network was once the “blue-eyed boy” of the CIA.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar (right) and her counterpart Pakistan's Ambassador to the United Nations, Abdullah Hussain Haroon (left) are observed during the 66th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011.
Image: United Nations
“If we talk about links, I am sure the Central Intelligence Agency also has links with many terrorist organizations around the world, by which we mean intelligence links,” Khar said in an interview with Al Jazeera news channel.
The Pakistani foreign minister, who led Islamabad's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, pointed to the al-Qaeda-affiliated Haqqani group and added that “this particular network, which the United States continues to talk about, is a network which was the blue-eyed boy of the CIA itself for many years.”
The remarks come as outgoing U.S. Joint Chief of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen claimed on September 22, 2011 that Pakistan's spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was supporting the Taliban-allied Haqqani network of militants that has been blamed for a recent assault on the U.S. embassy in the Afghan capital, Kabul.
"The Haqqani network, for one, acts as a veritable arm of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency," Mullen asserted in a recent testimony to the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee.
“In choosing to use violent extremism as an instrument of policy, the government of Pakistan, and most especially the Pakistani Army and the ISI, jeopardizes not only the prospect of our strategic partnership but Pakistan's opportunity to be a respected nation with legitimate regional influence,'' he claimed.
Responding to Mullen, Khar noted that "it is something that goes very, very unappreciated on our side,” adding, "This is unsubstantiated. No evidence has been shared with us."
Washington has frequently blamed Pakistan for not doing enough to fight terrorism in its troubled northwestern tribal belt along the Afghan border.
Another contributing factor to souring bilateral ties have been the unauthorized CIA-drone attacks on Pakistani soil, something Islamabad regards as violation of its sovereignty. Many Pakistani civilians have fallen victim to CIA-drone attacks in the country.
Despite the U.S. allegations against Islamabad, the security situation in both Afghanistan and Pakistan have severely deteriorated over 10 years - ever since the October 2001 U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan under the pretext of the 'war on terror.' There have been steadily growing terror attacks in both countries leading to civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, the covert acts causing death and destruction continue.
On Thursday, September 29, 2011 at least six people were seriously injured after an explosion ripped through a hotel in the commercial area of the Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.
Pakistani security officials, medics and local residents gather at the site of a blast in Islamabad on September 29, 2011. The blast took place late Thursday night on the top floor of the Citi Hotel in the 'Blue Area,' - a bustling district of shops and restaurants in Islamabad. The force of the explosion blew out windows in the building and threw chunks of concrete onto cars in the parking lot in front of the hotel. Senior police official Beni Amin Khan said the cause of the blast "appears to be a gas leak" as gas was still leaking at the site of the blast. "Apparently, it was caused by a gas leakage,” he said. The police official pointed out, "There is no smell of explosives and gas is still emitting from one pipe.
However, we are still checking."
Image: AFP
Meanwhile, US-led forces in Afghanistan fired at least 16 mortar shells at areas in North Waziristan Agency in northwestern Pakistan, according to Press TV reports.
Local sources told media that the mortar shells were fired from bordering Afghanistan's Khost province in North Waziristan Agency on Thursday, September 29, 2011.
No loss of life has yet been reported as a result of the attack. Sources added that five NATO helicopters were also flying over areas in North and South Waziristan Agencies that border Pakistan that Thursday morning.
The mortar attack comes amid increasing tensions between Washington and Islamabad.
Islamabad has frequently slammed Washington over the US drone attacks on Pakistani soil and says such attacks violate the country's sovereignty.
The United States regularly carries out CIA-drone attacks on Pakistan's tribal areas. Washington claims the air raids target Pakistani militants, but Pakistani officials counter that it is mostly civilians whom are killed in the attacks.
According to a report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, an estimated 957 Pakistani people fell victim to CIA-drone strikes in 2010.
Afghanistan Quagmire?
U.S.-led soldiers in Afghanistan
At least five US-led soldiers with NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) have been killed across Afghanistan in late September 2011, the military coalition says.
According to an ISAF statement, a bomb attack killed three in eastern Afghanistan on Wednesday, September 28. Another two were killed in separate incidents in southern and eastern parts of Afghanistan on the same day.
According to the website iCasualties.org, at least 459 US-led soldiers, most of them Americans, have died in Afghanistan so far this year.
Nearly 10 years after the U.S.-led military invasion of Afghanistan, this war-ravaged country continues to be one of the least secure regions of the world.
This, despite the presence of about 150,000 American and NATO troops. Terrorism, as well as narcotics production and its trade have skyrocketed in Afghanistan since the US-led occupation.
This, despite the presence of about 150,000 American and NATO troops. Terrorism, as well as narcotics production and its trade have skyrocketed in Afghanistan since the US-led occupation.
The increasing number of troop casualties in Afghanistan continues to cause widespread anger in the U.S. and other NATO member states - undermining public support for the drawn out Afghan war.
It was reported September 29, 2011 that Pakistani security forces killed at least 35 pro-Taliban militants and wounded several others in northwestern Pakistan.
The clashes erupted after militants reportedly attacked a security forces' checkpoint in the Herkai area of the lower Dir tribal region Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011.
In retaliation, Pakistani security forces were said to pound the militants' hideouts in these areas, leaving an estimated 35 militants dead and several others wounded. Three militants' hideouts were destroyed in the attack.
Local sources said that the death toll is expected to rise as several injured militants are in critical condition.
Despite an offensive by the Pakistani government against pro-Taliban militants, they have spread their influence in various regions, killing hundreds of people and security forces in Pakistan.
Since late 2009, there has been a surge in militant and bomb attacks in Pakistan.
Again, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan in 2001 with the official objective to curb Taliban militancy and to bring in peace and stability. Yet, ten years after the occupation began, the region remains unstable and militancy has expanded into Pakistan.
Pakistan is estimated to have lost more than 35,000 people in militant attacks and bomb explosions since 2007, according to the Associated Press. Millions more have been displaced by the wave of violence and militancy across the country.
The events of late September shows a number of strange and violent attacks and bombings under the concavity of the stars and planets.
In another mysterious killing on Thursday, September 29, 2011, a roadside bomb was said to have exploded in western Afghanistan's Herat Province. It left at least eight Afghan policewomen dead and several others wounded.
The deadly attack occurred Thursday morning near an airport in western Afghanistan when a bomb hit a police vehicle that carried eight female police officers.
The policewomen were on their way to their jobs at the airport.
Meanwhile on Wednesday, Sept. 28, another eight other policemen were killed in Afghanistan's troubled southern province of Helmand after unidentified militants attacked a checkpoint.
World Transits Over Afghanistan and Pakistan
The events of late September 2011 over Afghanistan and Pakistan depict earlier planning by all sides to 'disrupt' by means of violence.
A typical and very dangerous stupid ruse that has long been held in the contempt of mundane astrologers of yore, considering the ignorance of the 'intelligence' of all players - to the inclinations on them - by the planets above them.
The new moon of Tuesday, September 27, 2011 over Afghanistan and Pakistan clearly reveals the rise in attacks by deception and prior planning.
New Moon In Libra - September 27, 2011: Afghanistan
click on mundane chart to enlarge
The New Moon over Afghanistan at 4-degrees Libra is ruled by the position of Mercury in Libra close to the Sun, also in tropical Libra.
The position of the new moon, just inside the Eighth Mundane House, shows an exact square to Pluto in Libra, which is in square aspect to transiting Uranus in Aries on the cusp of the Second Mundane House opposing the New Moon.
Bomb attacks paid for by intelligence monies from the wealthy on both sides is clearly shown by the New Moon horoscope.
Mercury in Libra opposes Uranus in Aries showing disruptions of work routines and schedules by eccentric, unstable, and clearly out of their minds individuals, groups and organizations.
The nervousness, irritability and practiced behaviors of others are bent - under these inclinations - for violence against the innocent.
The nervousness, irritability and practiced behaviors of others are bent - under these inclinations - for violence against the innocent.
The air trine from the Gemini IC of the new moon over Afghanistan and Pakistan to the triple stellium of Sun, Moon and Mercury in Libra is ruled by Mercury, so the bombings and attacks were planned and communicated to organization which perpetuated them.
Moreover, the significator of transiting Juno and Venus conjunct Saturn in Libra, all three also located in the Eighth Mundane House depicted the eight Afghan policewomen killed on their way driving to work.
The sextile aspect from the Juno-Venus-Saturn stellium in Libra to the Dragon's Head in Sagittarius is associated with a potential attack on the Afghan airport and by plane out of Afghanistan.
The Midheaven is at 3-Sagittarius, close enough to the coming New Moon of November 25, 2011, also a partial eclipse, though not seen in this region.
The future airport/airliner attack out of the region has not yet been fully funded considering the applying square of transiting Mars in Leo to a retrograde Jupiter in Taurus.
However, the separating fire trine of Mars to Uranus in Aries shows eccentric backers willing to cause more mayhem into November and December 2011 by means of their evil machinations.
The Immortal God forbid.
The geopolitical situation between Afghanistan, the United States and Pakistan could use new personalities who have cooler heads.
The fact of the matter is that the outdated and outworn methodologies are shedding innocent blood that exacerbates - not solves - the points of contentions between governments and their agents.
The global economic crisis calls for caution, restraint and the use of humane discussions and honest diplomatic negotiations between adults; rather than the deadly activities of intelligence agencies manned by those who are clearly not aware of world transits - but nonetheless inclined by them.
The Ineffable, the Immortal God Himself watches as his invisible servitors, who see, hear and record all things, attach seals for every good or evil thing that anybody ever does. They seal all human souls whom they follow, no matter where they go.
Jesus Christ On The Fate Of Murderers
Mary said: "Woe, woe, unto sinners!"
Salome answered and said:
"My Lord Jesus, a murderer who has never committed any sin but murdering, if he cometh out of the body, what is his chastisement?
Jesus answered and said:
"A murderer who has never committed any sin but murdering, if his time is completed through the sphere, that he comes out of the body, the receivers of Yaldabaōth come and lead his soul out of the body and bind it by its feet to a great demon with a horse's face, and he spends three days circling round with it in the world.
"Thereafter, they lead it into the regions of the cold and of the snow, and they take vengeance on it there, three years and six months.
"Thereafter they lead it down into the Chaos before Yaldabaōth and his forty-and-nine demons, and every one of his demons scourges it another three years and six months.
"Thereafter they lead it down into the Chaos before Persephonē and take vengeance on it with her chastisements another three years and six months.
"Thereafter they carry it on to the way of the Midst, and every one of the rulers of the way of the Midst takes vengeance on it with the chastisements of its regions another three years and six months.
"Thereafter, they lead it unto the Virgin of Light, who judges the righteous and the sinners, that she may judge it.
And when the sphere turns itself, she commands that it shall be cast into the outer darkness until the time when the darkness of the Midst shall be upraised; and it, the soul, will be destroyed and dissolved.
This is the chastisement of the murderer."
- Jesus Christ, The Pistis Sophia, Chapter 145
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4 comments:
Watching little Jodie Foster made me happy. Have you ever watched "The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane"? If not, highly recommended!
The Aries full moon is already in effect, bright and early or something...
:) Deb
Thanks Deb, a little fun is like a healthy dose of good medicine in these curious and challenging times.
However, I remind people to take serious note of mundane forecasts as what is forecasted will come to pass by means of the inclinations of the planets.
Theo--Thank you for telling it like it is--and how it's going to be. I've been following your forecasts for the past few years, and they have been spot on. I've often felt like I was watching a slow-motion train wreck as world events confirmed your forecasts.
It can't be easy for you, but please know that your talent and efforts are very much appreciated.
The effects of Mars going into Virgo from 11/10/11 to 7/3/12 should prove interesting....
Theo:
I cannot express how much I appreciate your work. I take everything you say to heart as the energies are pure and high. I hope this message finds you well. I look forward to your Mundane Forecast for the month of November. Has the link been changed? I am unable to find it.
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