The European economy is grinding to a halt. Fourth quarter GDP growth slowed to the lowest for almost seven years, and supply-side disruption from the coronavirus and new regulations in the auto sector will compound the weakness.
Consumers see the stock market as a gauge of the health of the economy and the state of their personal finances. When the stock market sells off violently, it sends an ominous message.
"Forty vessel sailings have been canceled from Asia, mainly China, to the Port of Los Angeles from Feb. 11 through April 1. Those 40 vessel cancellations would represent nearly 25% of our normal traffic."
Unfortunately, those in power, who benefit from the status quo and from holding the reins of large states, are unlikely to relinquish their power without a fight...