The world’s central banks have printed unimaginable amounts of money in recent years. Neil Macdonald explores what this means for the global economy and for your financial well-being.Here is a direct link.
This is an excellent piece. “Mark” comes off a bit agitated and a little smarmy with a condescending tone to interviewer “Neil”. But truthfully there have been many actors in this play. The bed we were making has been obvious for a long time. I wrote the following in Juggling Dynamite in 2007 before the credit bubble first burst:
“Those who spend more than they earn need to maintain excellent relations with their bankers. Over the past few decades, North American governments have become increasingly dependent on the kindness of lenders. Such support now forms the bedrock of our incredibly indebted nations. Spendthrift leaders are repeatedly elected to help the masses spend our way to prosperity. The majority is evidently not keen on electing fiscal restraint. A leader who suggests a life of restraint and paying down debt is, so far, unlikely to win the popular vote. The financial machine provides the products and the funding to support the vision of the have-mores. And so the vested interests favour the continued borrowing and spending of today without worrying about tomorrow.” (pg 70)
“I often liken leverage to an addictive drug. Although it may feel good in the moment, it is often dangerous to our long-term peace and health. Some people will tell you that crack cocaine is the most incredible high ever. Okay, I say, let’s concede that it is. Where does that take us?” (pg 133)
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