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John Hulsman's avatar

thanks so much, Rob. I'm just about to wearily sign off for the evening and your stalwart support is a ver nice end to the day. Staff have been working round the clock so I will be sure to pass on that it is noticed, as I'd be nothing without them. as to your point, I've lost decades-long friendships going back to childhood over this very point; my politics shouldn't be all that defines me, or anyone else, and yet in our increasingly hyper-partisan world it is. All I can do is to make my case with humour and passion, be open to others and not be the one to shut the door. And on that note, I'm done for today!

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Erik Vynckier's avatar

I think Trump forced the markets back (up). Wall Street is no longer running the country. That's a good thing.

Really, ultimately, Trump is making a bet on the USA. The animal spirits, the American dream. Frankly, I think that bet will work out.

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Kieran Wilson's avatar

For decades, politicians handed over power to markets and technocrats, hoping they would bring order to chaos. They failed. Are we now witnessing them take it back?

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John Hulsman's avatar

Yes that’s one way to look at it Kieran, but I think this salient phenomenon is part of the populist nationalist takeover from the globalist internationalists. It’s a means to this larger end

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Terri's avatar

Me too Erik!! I am not a market analyst, we pay a modest fee for fiduciary services, money well spent in our opinion. I just don’t think he would “tank the economy “ for lack of better way to say it. The long term plan is so clear to me

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Paul Vierveijzer's avatar

“Don’t hate your enemy”, a wise advise for a lot of Europeans (at least in The Netherlands)

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John Hulsman's avatar

Yes, Paul, you ae entirely right. The problem with hatred (beyond the ethics of it) is that it invariably leads to confirmation bias, which I too see everywhere in Europe. Trump has failed (it means we dont like him), America has failed (which means we dont like it) drives every bit of news, totally obscuring Aristotelean reality. Keep thinking, dig deep, and let the facts take you where they will. That ought to be our community motto

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Rob Witcombe's avatar

Thanks John, really enjoyed this one. You mentioned Trump derangement syndrome and it got me thinking about how partisan our world has become. Logic dictates that no one political party could own all the good or all the bad ideas (although Labour certainly has a monopoly on the bad ideas) yet Trump is the epitome of this insane partisanship. The media in the UK cannot get their head around any of this. You are are either 100% for Trump (bad) or 100% against (good) and only if you are in the latter camp can you be their friend! You are correct with your 8 year olds analogy. It is actually really sad that we (society) simply cannot have a sensible debate anymore. The House of Commons, once home to some of the worlds finest orators (including the misunderstood Enoch Powell) is now more like Barnum & Bailey's Circus and is definitely populated by clowns. I have never been frightened to express my views as a conservative (especially when it comes to economics) but you really do have to be careful when you mention the man in the White House. Perhaps it is safer to call him Mr T? But I pity the fool (see what I did there) who mentions him positively in the centre of Manchester, you might not get out in one piece! One of my best friends is a major lefty from my Uni days. On the rare occasions we meet up, we get drunk and politely disagree with each others politics (we are British after all) but I still have enormous respect for him. Maybe one day gentlemanly conduct will return to our politics. Anyway thank you again for another great podcast and also thank you for the daily updates too! Your hard work and dedication is a blessing and hasn't gone unnoticed :-)

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Dianne Carlson's avatar

Hi Rob, It's extremely difficult to navigate any and all relationships in the last few years. Feelings have overtaken thinking, logic and facts. Stay strong... facts, history and seeing reality are always the correct course.

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Kieran Wilson's avatar

Good morning John and team,

Many congratulations on the quite exquisite timing of the call.

I may see the pause slightly differently, but there is no doubt this is primarily about China. A great call!

Please do send the lottery numbers.

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John Hulsman's avatar

Thanks Kieran, many thanks! Yes, political risk is like love and dancing…it’s all about timing! Lottery numbers to follow

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Rob Witcombe's avatar

LOL! I'll take those Lotto numbers too!

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Dianne Carlson's avatar

Kieran, I see your growth:)...sending my best to you always

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Clyde Larsen's avatar

John, I appreciate all your insights, but what do you see for the future of the US dollar? It seems to be tanking.

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John Hulsman's avatar

Hi Clyde, thanks very much for the kind words in these frenetic days; they are entirely appreciated. One of the big points for the Trump team (as was true when Nixon got America off the gold standard) is to in effect depreciate the dollar,r while maintaining its global primacy. As there is absolutely no immediate candidate to replace it, this will be managed. But the problem with hoping for a depreciation (to make exports more competitive) is that it has to be controlled. We will see if they manage this in the weeks and months ahead; but I am non a panicon (as Trump would put it). I think it will be fine

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Dianne Carlson's avatar

John, Pop the Bubbles!, clink the champagne glasses!!!..celebrate with your team!!!! The psychological perspective and analysis you hit on today is so critical. Most never look past their own internal bias, mind set and feeling. Winners Do!

Best as always....

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John Hulsman's avatar

Hey Dianne, thanks so much for this! We actually had a little party at lunch in downtown Milan (pizza and beer) and toasted the community! Yes, couldn’t agree mote, psychologically one has to get by one’s own bias and see things as they really are, if we are to make them better; cheers to us all!

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Erik Vynckier's avatar

Maybe the Chinese leadership is not the equal of Western leadership (particular US), but possibly, the Chinese population is our equal. We will find out over the course of the 21st century.

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John Hulsman's avatar

I wouldn’t bet against us; for a host of reasons to come in an upcoming substack

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