Alternative Visions - Global Stock Markets Crashing: What’s Next?

The big news of the past week is the collapse of global stock markets, now having fallen by nearly 15% and continuing. Dr. Rasmus explains why, and why such a fast rate of contraction—comparable to what happened in 2008-09. Also, an update on the various ‘channels’ by which the virus impacts stock and other financial markets, and in turn how both propagate by means of various channels to the ‘real’ US and global economy.  Discussion next examines the weak state of the US economy in fourth quarter 2019, driven by ‘weak’ indicators like inventory build up and faster fall in imports than in exports. Why business investment, manufacturing, commercial building are all falling, and why the household consumer spending picture is especially weak for the middle class and below. How the virus effect will depress the real US economy in coming weeks. A review of the rest of world economies’ markets and emerging recessions. Dr Rasmus concludes with a review of the lack of preparedness and reporting of actual virus cases in the US, especially in California. Why there are essentially no virus test kits now available. Will consumer panic buying in Hawaii soon spread to California and elsewhere?  The show concludes with a comment on the Democratic party primaries and the growing ‘get Sanders’ movement within the party leadership and money contributors. (For more on this check out Dr Rasmus’ recent published articles on the primaries on his blog, jackrasmus.com) Next week: the Super Tuesday primaries results analysis, with guests.