Juggling Dynamite

This video presentation offers an illuminating comparison of US housing market risks today versus the last bust in 2008.

Many economists are talking about a potential 2022 housing crash, but very few are comparing this housing market to the 2008 crisis. In the video we will look leading indicators, debt levels, and monetary policy from both periods to determine the most probable path forward for the 2022 housing market. Here is a direct video link.

This time, a magnifying feature for the global downturn is that simultaneous property bubbles are also bursting in the world’s second-largest economy China, as well as places like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Sweden.

Over the past 15 years, Chinese real estate development has been the world’s most impactful economic driver and commodity consumer. Now, sales and prices have fallen for 11 consecutive months in the 70 largest Chinese cities, and nine of the ten largest property developers have defaulted on payments to lenders. It is estimated that Chinese banks are some 3.5x more leveraged than the US banking system was in 2008.

Andrew Huberman has one of the most popular health podcasts for good reason. This episode is a must-listen for those of us who prioritize health and drink alcohol.

In this episode, I discuss the physiological effects that drinking alcohol has on the brain and body at different levels of consumption and over time. I also describe genetic differences that predispose certain individuals to alcoholism, binge and habit-drinking. I explain alcohol metabolism in simple terms and how it effectively acts as a poison, leading to cellular stress and damage. I then explain that it impacts neuronal function and changes our thinking and behavior – hallmarks of inebriation. I also discuss how alcohol consumption of different amounts impacts inflammation, stress, neurodegeneration, and cancer risk and negatively impacts the gut microbiome, brain thickness, hormone balance, mood and feelings of motivation. Additionally, I discuss the biology of hangovers and describe science-based strategies to mitigate the severity of a hangover. Since alcohol is one of the most widely consumed recreational substances, this episode ought to be of relevance to everyone.

Indeed, even low-to-moderate alcohol consumption negatively impacts the brain and body in direct ways. The goal of this episode is to help people make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption that are in keeping with their mental and physical health goals.  Here is a direct audio link.

David Rosenberg, founder of independent research firm Rosenberg Research & Associates Inc., talks with Financial Post’s Larysa Harapyn about how rate hikes will end sooner than markets think. Here is a direct video link.