Juggling Dynamite

As more Chinese people migrate toward western-style diets, obesity and other diet-related diseases are on the rise.  The Chinese Ministry of Health is looking to be proactive and is now recommending that citizens limit meat, egg and diary intake.

An added bonus is that by following the recommended intake cut in China, global greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to reduce by 1.5%.

Growing awareness on this key issue is good news for the planet, since numerous studies have concluded it is animal-based agriculture and consumption–more than fossil fuels and transportation–that is causing the largest share of global greenhouse emissions (15 to 51% depending on what is measured).  See  What China’s move to cut meat could mean for the planet:

…Our everyday food choices have the power to heal our broken food system, help improve global health, and pave the way for a truly sustainable future. While innovation in plant-protein and even cultured meat is underway (so people can still enjoy their favorite foods), by simply reducing meat consumption, we can begin to lower the impact of our diets.  With governments from Sweden, Brazil, the Netherlands, the UK, and now China, all taking action to include “more plants, less meats” recommendations in their dietary guidelines, it is now up to the rest of the world’s leaders [and thinking consumers] to follow suit. The future of our planet and health of our population depends on it.”

“I’m working on it, because I’m an investor that ultimately does believe in the system, but believes that the system itself is at risk.”

Central bankers, seeking to stimulate economies, have lowered rates below zero in Europe and Japan, driving down returns on national debt, while investors seeking higher yield have pushed up the value of other credit. Stimulus from central banks worldwide has artificially pushed up values of stocks and credit, which has made Gross cautious on such assets, he said.

Eliminating credit as an investment means “not buying stocks, not buying high-yield bonds,” Gross said.  Here is a direct video link.

Meanwhile global capital seeking shelter from other markets continue to move into US Treasuries driving so-called ‘safest’ yields lower in a vote for continued deflation.

“Low risk for the bank”…well with taxpayers underwriting the risk of capital loss, and bank bailouts and social payments to families when credit busts, recessions, job losses and foreclosures wreck havoc, and bank executives getting to sell junk, commit fraud, keep profits and stay out of jail– you can see why banks think these products are golden alright.

Branded “yourFirstMortgage,” Wells Fargo’s new product has a minimum down payment of 3 percent for a fixed-rate conventional mortgage of up to $417,000. Down payment help can come from gifts and community-assistance programs.

“We are fully underwriting the borrowers, we are partnering with Fannie Mae to originate and sell these loans…”  Here is a direct video link.