SNB & CHF

Overview: Amid a light news stream, the dollar is mostly in narrow ranges against the G10 currencies. Leaving aside the Norwegian krone, the others in a +/- 0.15% against the dollar today. We note that the technical tone of the euro and sterling have improved withe the five-day moving averages crossing above the 20-day moving averages. On the other hand, the dollar is approaching the year's low set last week near JPY150.90. Emerging market currencies are mostly...

Earlier this month, The New York Post reported that the mayor of New York is giving away pre-paid cash cards—each carrying "up to $10,000"— to foreign nationals in New York. Most of these foreign nationals—i.e., "illegal immigrants"—have arrived in New York with no invitation, no employment prospects, and no plan for housing. But most of them plan on staying. And why shouldn't they? Upon arrival, thousands of them immediately went on the public dole in some way or...

Much of the developed world is slipping into a hyperregulated malaise. Growth rates are down across most major economies, and the developing countries are catching up to our errors almost as fast as they are growing. Increasingly, even in the US you would have to be outside the norm to afford a house by age forty. The median age of a first-time homebuyer in 2023 is the same as a repeat buyer in 1981. We’re not allowed to build and grow, but we’re told everything is...

Ryan McMaken and Tho Bishop talk with Jane Johnson about why the feds will never pay down the debt. Instead, they have two choices: rampant inflation or default.  Discussed on the Show  "The Federal Mega-Debt is Here to Stay" by Jane L. Johnson: Mises.org/RR_174_A Claim your free book: Mises.org/RothPodFree Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at Mises.org/RadioRothbard. Radio Rothbard mugs are now available at the Mises Store. Get yours at Mises.org/RothMug...

Here are three news stories from Switzerland you shouldn't have missed this week. Tap the links below to find out more. 🇷🇺Neutrality trumps Navalny in measured Swiss criticism of Russia: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/neutrality-trumps-navalny-in-measured-swiss-criticism-of-russia/72855730 🚫Switzerland mulls five-year ban on Hamas as terror group: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/switzerland-mulls-five-year-ban-on-hamas-as-terror-group/72854570 💍Switzerland moves...

Reports on the death of the present cycle of politically motivated monetary easing, in the words of Mark Twain, grossly exaggerated. Contemporary market analyses are full of how the Fed and ECB are dialing back on previous hints of Spring 2024 rate cuts. In tune with this, commentators are lauding the central banks, especially the Fed, for a show of political independence as elections approach. The bigger picture though suggests otherwise. In the economic aftermath...

The approaching second anniversary of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine marks a grim toll: thousands killed, towns in ruins, and millions of refugees. Where do we go from here? Listen to our Inside Geneva podcast to find out: 🎧Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ch/podcast/the-war-in-ukraine-whats-next/id1506227169?i=1000645968866 🎧Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6veyHSIE8RTH3kFFBvXTfo --- swissinfo.ch is the international branch of the Swiss Broadcasting...

The State knows no limits when it comes to intervening in the economy and our lives. From the value of our hard-earned income to the flow of water in our showerheads, nothing is out of reach for meddling bureaucrats. Ludwig von Mises explained, "The ultimate basis of an all around bureaucratic system is violence." Yet we advocate and hope for a world of peaceful cooperation and flourishing markets.  It's doubtful that politics holds all the answers. We cannot just...

Today marks the second and final day in what could very well be Julian Assange’s last extradition trial in front of the British High Court. For almost five years now, the United States government has been working to get the Wikileaks founder extradited to the US to face charges that he violated the Espionage Act. Inspired by Daniel Ellsberg’s release of the Pentagon Papers back in 1971, Julian Assange founded Wikileaks in 2006. Assange’s vision was to develop an...

Overview: The dollar is trading quietly after being sold yesterday. It is still soft against the dollar bloc and the Swiss franc but is firmer against the other G10 currencies. Narrow ranges have dominated. Emerging market currencies are mixed, with central European currencies and the Taiwan dollar trading softer. The offshore Chinese yuan is firmer for the sixth consecutive session. The highlights of today's North American session features minutes from last month's...