Mm-hmm, criticism from the West toward China is practically a global hobby. Even during the recent Olympics, when China raked in the gold, many Western commentators could not resist the urge to take a jab or two. Ironically, a lot of these critics, including some of my partners in the US, have never even set…
Author: YH Wong
Crude debate
Earlier this morning, a Bloomberg article, unexpectedly, sparked a debate among my team partners about whether to funnel more cash into the oil trade in our macro portfolio. We have already got some skin in the energy game through an alternative trading program that has been performing right on cue, no surprises there, just steady…
Back to school
Everyone is feeling stressed these days. Concerns range from financial issues and raging inflation to local politics and family-related tensions. We all need ways to calm down that do not involve abusing alcohol or medical prescription. Work is another major source of stress. The American Institute of Stress reports that 86% of US workers experience…
Explaining the dollar weakness to a 5-Year-Old
Have you heard of some adults talking about the US dollar feeling a bit “weak” lately? It is like saying the dollar is taking a little nap, not feeling as strong compared to other countries’ money. Now, some folks are getting a bit nervous about this, especially if they have money invested in dollars. Yeah,…
Outperforming in uncertain times
As we continue to navigate the rollercoaster of global markets, I’m excited to bring you an update from one of my partners, who has been successfully steering through the alternative investment universe for years. In this update, he shares his latest strategies and insights designed to help investors not only survive but thrive, no matter…
Survey Monday
There has been lots of discussion about the Fed moving its policy rate of interest by 50 basis points last week. Typically, the central bank adjusts interest rates in quarter-point increments, but last Wednesday’s rate cut was a notably bolder move. Did the Fed overreact with its jumbo rate cut? Was it a mistake to…
Pranayama breathing
Pranayama, an ancient practice rooted in the Vedas and detailed in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, a foundational Hindu scripture from around 200 B.C., involves breathing exercises designed to clear physical and emotional blockages, freeing the breath and allowing the flow of prana, or life energy. Typically, Pranayama is practiced before meditation to prepare the mind and…
Shall we repeal the laws of economics?
When a memo from Howard Marks of Oaktree lands in my inbox, it is the first thing I open. I never fail to learn something valuable from his insights. Here is a section: There are so many examples of governmental attempts to ignore or override the laws of economics that it is daunting to think…
Back to school
You might be wondering, “Why should I care if the US central bank cuts interest rates?” Well, here is the deal: the US is a major player in the global economy, and central banks around the world keep a close watch on its moves to guide their own economic decisions. There is an old saying:…
The Fed goes 50
The Federal Reserve finally (yes, finally) pulled the trigger on a rate cut, shaving off half a percentage point, the high end of what everyone was guessing. A cut was all but inevitable, with just one burning question before Wednesday: How much? Would it be the polite quarter-point that says, “we are being careful,” or…