Understanding China

Many in the west equate the rise of China’s economy as a sign that they have embraced western ideals.  While it is true that the economic benefits that capitalism has realized for many are coveted, the Chinese mindset, at least in the ruling political class, is not at all aligned with the west. 

Basic economics and human nature #3

U.S. President Donald Trump has spent much of his time since entering the White House trying to rearrange the status quo.  That is not necessarily a bad thing, but skilled negotiators understand that the goal should always be win-win, and not win-lose.  Mr. Trump appears not to understand the intricacies of this concept.

What Trump’s Trade War Is Really About

The U.S. and China today (July 6, 2018) have each implemented tariffs on US$34 billion of the other’s imports in an escalating trade conflict initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened to increase the scope of his protectionist measures to target over US$500 billion of Chinese goods. 

Politics, trade, economics and investing

Politics have an impact upon investing – consider the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project that Canadian taxpayers have acquired (see Pipeline politics – moving ahead).  On a bigger stage, U.S. President Donald Trump has been imposing his views upon trade and existing agreements.