SATURDAY 1/25/14

Egypt violence continues with tear gas filling the air on the 3-year anniversary of the beginning of the Egyptian Revolution. Several folks are killed in more bombings. The supporters of the military and new government square off against the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt is very violent and in chaos. In the Ukraine, the city of Kiev burns as the anti-government protestors now demand President Yanukovich to step down. Many government buildings in Ukraine cities are now occupied by the protestors as the situation deteriorates. Terrorist warnings continue for the Sochi Olympics creating worry among athletes, families and spectators. Financial concerns grow over Russia spending $51 billion to host the Olympics; the most expensive games ever. The delicate and fragile Syria peace talks continue.

The Whitehouse says that 3 million people have signed up for Obamacare but refuse to say how many have actually paid the premiums. A total of 7 million paid enrollees are needed by March. Judging by the 3-months of data thus far, the taxpayer will have to bailout another mistake. A shooting occurs at a ZUMZ store at a Columbia, Maryland, shopping mall. Consumers will continue to decrease the shopping trips to physical stores and instead buy via the Internet. The World Economic Council wraps up in Davos and was overshadowed by other global events. ECB’s Draghi says there is dramatic improvement in Europe’s economy and inflation will gradually recover higher. Draghi also sees no signs of deflation occurring. Perhaps if he removed the rose-colored glasses his eye sight may improve?