Global Economy: My Top Five Articles from 2012

As the year 2012 winds down, we thought it would be a good idea to revisit some of our top performing articles from the past year. So, here are my top five articles from 2012:

• The thesis on Japan is shaping up amid growing pressure on the current account balance and the Bank of Japan pushing an inflation target of 1%. Here’s the link to my popular primer on Japan.
• We are now in the early stages of QE3 with the Fed committed to buying $40 billion per month of various bonds indefinitely. This phenomenon is similar in impact to the current account deficit.

• JPMorgan and the London Whale — remember him? As so often happens, here’s how an otherwise good trader compounds his initial mistakes and ends up with a great big mess on his  — and his firm’s  — hand(s): “Understanding the Hedge that Wasn’t.”
• If we live in a fiat world, why should we care about gold? My friend, it is precisely because we live in a fiat world that you should care about gold.
• Obamacare survived the US Supreme Court, and Obama survived the election. Obamacare is now moving forward full steam ahead. Are you prepared?

So, there you have it, my top five posts for 2012. Have a great new year and remember, never stop learning!

For more news and trends, visit the Economics Community of Practice.

Please note that the content of this site should not be construed as investment advice, nor do the opinions expressed necessarily reflect the views of CFA Institute.