Tag: currency

  • Trump's Reset Moves Into High Gear With Stephen Miran's Fed Nomination

    Trump's Reset Moves Into High Gear With Stephen Miran's Fed Nomination

    Authored by Lau Vegys via InternationalMan.com,

    Recently, I wrote to you about how Trump had found “the perfect opening” to reshape the Federal Reserve when Governor Adriana Kugler unexpectedly resigned.

    What I didn’t expect was how perfectly this would confirm everything we’ve been tracking about Trump’s Reset.

    Trump didn’t just fill that vacant Fed seat with any dovish voice. He appointed Stephen Miran—the mastermind behind what’s probably the most audacious economic strategy in modern history.

    If you’ve been following our analysis, you already know Stephen Miran—and if you do, chances are you’ll agree this appointment is the clearest sign yet that Trump’s Reset isn’t just on the horizon. It’s already underway.

    The Architect of Trump’s Reset

    Stephen Miran is the author of A User’s Guide to Restructuring the Global Trading System—the blueprint for what’s been dubbed the “Mar-a-Lago Accord.”

    Published just days after Trump’s victory last November, it outlines a comprehensive plan to flip the U.S. dollar’s reserve status from a burden into a bargaining chip. To turn America’s towering debt from an embarrassment into leverage. And to reorient the entire global economic structure in Washington’s favor.

    Now, to understand why Miran sees a reserve currency’s status as a burden in the first place, you have to dig into a little-known economic paradox.

    It’s called Triffin’s Dilemma, named after Belgian economist Robert Triffin, and it describes the paradox that arises when a country’s currency also serves as the world’s reserve currency—like the U.S. dollar today.

    To meet global demand for its currency, the issuing country must run persistent trade deficits—exporting more of its currency than goods and services.

    This arrangement can help support global growth, but over time it wears down the issuing country’s industrial base, piles on debt, and leaves the economy more fragile.

    If that country stops running deficits, the world can face a shortage of the reserve currency—slowing trade and pushing others toward alternative systems. But if it keeps running them, debt and imbalances keep growing. That’s the bind.

    So if you’ve ever wondered why the U.S. economy is so financialized, so reliant on debt, and so heavily tilted toward “services”—this is why.

    Triffin’s Dilemma is also why Miran refers to the U.S. dollar and Treasuries as “costly global public goods” America provides to the world—a burdensome affair he aims to address through “burden-sharing at the global level,” as he outlined in his April speech at the Hudson Institute. Here’s a snippet from that address:

    “In my view, to continue providing these twin global public goods, there needs to be improved burden-sharing at the global level.

    (…)

    The best outcome is one in which America continues to create global peace and prosperity and remain the reserve provider, and other countries not only participate in reaping the benefits, but they also participate in bearing the costs. By improving burden sharing, we can enhance resilience, and preserve the global security and trading systems for many decades into the future.”

    Now, I’ve read the whole speech, and I’m not wild about a number of things in there—like the “create global peace” line in the quote above. Nevertheless, with Miran now just steps away from becoming a Fed governor, pending Senate confirmation, it’s worth recalling what this “burden-sharing” actually looks like in his view. Here’s a quick rundown of his plan:

    • Accept tariffs without retaliation — Let U.S. tariffs stand, generating revenue for Washington.

    • Open their markets — End unfair trade practices and buy more American goods.

    • Increase defense spending — Procure more U.S.-made weapons and equipment.

    • Build factories in the U.S. — Set up local production and avoid tariffs altogether.

    • Write checks to the Treasury — Yes, really. Direct financial contributions to help the U.S. fund “global public goods.”

    As far-fetched as some of this sounds, it’s worth keeping in mind that parts of Miran’s strategy are already playing out.

    The European Union (EU), for one, recently backed off its planned €93 billion (~$102 billion) in retaliatory tariffs—agreeing to a new trade framework with Washington that keeps Trump’s duties in place while committing to buy $750 billion worth of U.S. energy and invest another $600 billion in the American economy, including U.S. military gear.

    Over in the corporate world, big Indian consumer packaged goods names like Amul and ITC are looking at setting up plants in the U.S. or in third countries to keep their exports flowing.

    Even Apple is now falling in line—announcing an additional $100 billion in U.S. manufacturing investments over the next four years, bringing its total U.S. investment to $600 billion.

    The Takeaway

    It was interesting to watch the market’s reaction to Miran’s Fed nomination…

    The dollar slid, while gold, Bitcoin, and stocks all pushed higher.

    Clearly, someone’s been reading the same breadcrumbs we have.

    Meanwhile, JPMorgan called it an “existential threat” to Fed independence.

    Sure—if we’re still pretending the Fed is truly independent, they might be right. But that’s the whole point—and exactly the bigger picture they’re missing: this is the execution phase of the most ambitious economic plan we’ve seen in generations.

    This isn’t just about getting another dovish vote for rate cuts—Trump could’ve slotted in any of his yes-men for that. This is about installing the architect of America’s monetary reset directly inside the Federal Reserve.

    As I noted earlier, parts of Trump’s Reset have already shown up in trade deals and investment shifts—but with Miran inside the Fed, the playbook moves from white papers and speeches into the heart of monetary policy.

    Will they succeed?

    We don’t know. What we do know is that the reset will present big opportunities for those who see it coming and position accordingly—and plenty of pain for those who don’t. As Matt Smith put it:

    “Succeed or fail, Trump’s plan will impact all of us and our investments. I confess I’m delighted Team Trump sees the problem… has a plan to avoid the worst, and catapult the U.S. to new prosperity. But what they need to do will not come without pain. A LOT of pain.”

    If you want the full picture but don’t want to slog through Miran’s dense 40-page white paper, Matt has already done the hard work—connecting the dots, including some that were barely hinted at in the original report (because stating them outright could have caused unnecessary alarm at the time).

    Whatever you do, you’ll want to educate yourself on the topic—because the reality is, if you don’t understand what Trump’s Reset is about, you’re flying blind into one of the most significant monetary shifts in modern history.

    *  *  *

    Stephen Miran’s appointment isn’t just another Fed nomination—it’s a signal that Trump’s Reset is moving from theory to execution. The gold rush in London, the strategic accumulation in New York, and the looming overhaul of the U.S. monetary order are all part of a much bigger plan. If you don’t understand how this will impact your savings, investments, and standard of living, you could be flying blind into one of the most significant economic shifts in generations. To see how Trump’s strategy could revalue gold, restructure America’s balance sheet, and reshape the global monetary system—and how you can position yourself before the reset hits—read the full briefing here: Get Ready for Trump’s Monetary Reset.

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  • 《鱿鱼游戏》女主江浩炫首度登场:揭秘高值角色魅力

    《鱿鱼游戏》女主江浩炫首度登场:揭秘高值角色魅力

    Your New Netflix Obsession: Meet the Woman Who Outplayed the Squid

    Ever binge‑watches Squid Game and wonders who’s the real show‑stopper? It’s Jung Ho‑yeon, the girl that stole the spotlight as Kang Sae‑byeok – the sweet‑sassy, no‑nonsense player with the number 67 badge. After the series exploded, she pulled herself out of the shadows to become a bona fide star, and yes, you’re probably already scrolling through her Instagram.

    Why the world can’t stop talking about her

    • Relatable heroism: Jung’s character wasn’t just a plastic-numbered pawn. She was the embodiment of grit—like a warrior who’d do a bit of soul‑searching in the middle of a survival circus.
    • YouTuber‑style charisma: Whether she’s in a sleek robe on the set or in a casual hoodie in her hometown, her way of conveying vulnerability and bravery feels like real life, not a scripted cue.
    • Model to influencers: Not only is she a screen icon, but a runway power‑house. The very same smooth skin and killer eyes can be spotted on high-fashion covers—no wonder fans brag about her double‑dose.

    The “Can’t-Miss” moments you’ll love

    Look back at the scene where she helps a fellow player escape an impossible trap—talk about Emmy‑night drama! And if you’v seen her awkward yet earnest selfies after that binge‑swing, it’s a reminder that real‑life heroes are just a post away.

    Ready to see the full story?

    Stick around, because we’re about to dive deep into Jung Ho‑yeon’s background, her super‑talent moments off-screen, and even the little quirks that make this actress a living legend for your next Netflix lineup.

    What Is Squid Game About?

    Budding Bizarre Bid: 456 Dreamers Challen‑Gadgets

    Picture this: you’re rim‑sharpened with duzzled debt, and someone elbows you into a secret bunker that isn’t your typical pub trivia. They’re calling it a game‑show—a deadly one—where you compete in six impossible childhood challenges for a gloriously outrageous jackpot.

    The Set‑Up

    • 456 participants, all swimming in liabilities (a labrador of debt, if you’ll forgive my metaphor).
    • A secret spot that looks like a multipurpose sphere of hushed tension—no Netflix camera, just adrenaline.
    • Six “kids’ games” that are just fun, if you’re a child, otherwise kill‑joy.
    • The dash money: 45.6 billion won—that’s about 38 million US dollars—the sweet breath of freedom.
    • Lose? That’s a suicide payoff. Turn your life into a graduation ceremony—yours.

    The Stakes—Living, Hunting, Redemption

    Why does a normal Family Feud feel carefree? Because the danger in “Squid Game” isn’t just a plot twist—it’s a life‑dead line. The participants must survive; you win the cash, you gobble it up, you escape the fiscal fast‑track; otherwise you… well, you’re a footnote.

    The Charts—Shot‑Bingo Trending

    • First-Time Net-Fuzz: It blew past 90 countries when it launched on September 17th.
    • Mountaineering Records: It’s on track to become Netflix’s most‑watched show ever. Yep, many of us dreamed of Netflix awards, but this is the reality.

    Why We’re Talking About It—and Why It Shouldn’t Be Lightly Ignored

    Maybe because the temptation to binge is strongest when you know only a handful of your friends will out‑live the entertainment. Or maybe it’s because we’re all too bank “balanced” for comparison: “I can’t afford ramen!”. The drama cuts to the raw below-19th-century borrowed decadence: “no cheating, no cowardly; survive, or die.”

    Final Verdict

    If you’re looking for a Zep–Turtle comedy pie—dances, actors, dazzling talk, each lap—you’ll find it there. If you’re searching for one’s approach to breaking debt or failing to stay alive, you’ll gain a viral focus. This is what may keep the net–apparently jockeys tilting, edge‑growing.

    《鱿鱼游戏》女主江浩炫首度登场:揭秘高值角色魅力

    Netflix’s Latest Binge‑Bounty

    Those who can’t resist a good sit‑down binge know that Netflix is the place to be. From mind‑bending dramas to laugh‑out‑loud comedies, there’s something for every mood in the streaming lineup.

    Squid Game: The Pitch‑Perfect Pitch

    • In the high‑stakes arena of Squid Game, a survivor named Sae‑byek digs for the prize that could finally reunite her fractured family.
    • Her shtick? A knack for thumb‑tapping purses, coupled with a heart as hard as her sneakers.
    • Fans have fallen in love with her unflappable determination—no wonder her followers blew through 400,000 to hit an eye‑popping 13 million.

    “The Pickpocket Princess” Goes Viral

    Backstage-y talk? She’s got it all: smart, savvy, a touch of grit, and a whole lot of charm. No wonder the film crew had to squeeze in a “watch‑this” moment in the show’s final season. The Instagram numbers? Staggering. It’s easy to see how the streaming behemoth’s fan‑base is left green‑thumbed for more content.

    What’s Next?

    Keep your popcorn on standby, because every new release feels like a fresh episode of heart‑thrilling suspense. Phone’s on, commitment’s in, and Netflix is the only one you’ll watch alone.

    《鱿鱼游戏》女主江浩炫首度登场:揭秘高值角色魅力

    Meet Lee Dong‑hwi: From Stage to Stardom

    Picture credit: Seokyong Lee / Penta Press / Shutterstock

    Who’s the guy?

    • Born in 1992, Lee Dong‑hwi started his journey as a stage actor before crossing over to film and television.
    • He’s known for blending quirky humor with heartfelt drama—think spicy and sentimental in one bite.
    • Famously appeared in the hit Crash Landing on You, earning fans a reputation for his “one‑liner” charm.

    Why fans love him

    • Relatable: He’s the “everyman” who still manages to outshine the cool‑boy roles.
    • Comic timing: When he delivers a punchline, the audience laughs so hard they forget their shoelaces.
    • Emotionally honest: One of his scenes in Again My Life had viewers crying into their popcorn.

    The roles that defined his career

    • Miss Granny – He turned a punchy comedic part into a memorable twist of fate.
    • Parasite (cameo) – Though short, his presence hinted at the film’s dark humor.
    • Hi Bye, Mama – A more dramatic take that showcased his deeper, quieter side.

    Future projects

    Lee’s upcoming releases have fans buzzing—expect a mix of laugh‑and‑sniff moments in him. Stay tuned!

    Who Is Jung Ho-yeon Dating?

    Lee Dong‑hwi: The Unsung Cheerleader Behind a Squid Game Star

    Since 2016, her romance has blossomed on the set of films and behind the scenes. She says she’s grateful for one man who’s gone from “just a co‑actor” to a full‑time support system.

    • “He’s proud of the success of Squid Game,” she told the Herald Pop buzz.
    • “Being an actor, he’s automatically a senior, a friend, and a genuinely caring human being.”
    • He’s the kind of teammate who cheers her on and casually worries about her well‑being, making the grueling filming process feel like a game—just one where the stakes are higher.

    In short, whenever you hear her talk about that blockbuster, you’ll know it’s not just the plot that’s brilliant—it’s the partnership that fuels it.

  • The Smoot‑Hawley Tariff: Catalyst for the Great Depression?

    The Smoot‑Hawley Tariff: Catalyst for the Great Depression?

    Why the Smoot‑Hawley Law Keeps Showing Up in History Buffs’ Notes

    Bottom line: school kids are reminded that America’s 1930 tariff act was the extra dose that worsened the Great Depression, sweeping the globe into a whirlwind of debt‑deflation and stubborn economic shrinkage.

    • It slapped a hefty 5% tariff on most imported goods.
    • Manufacturers felt the burn, causing cutbacks in wages and layoffs.
    • Other nations retaliated, choking off trade and deepening the crash.
    • The outcome? A decade‑long contraction that made the economy feel like it was on a roller coaster stuck in reverse.

    So the next time your history teacher drags out the Smoot‑Hawley story, you won’t just nod—you’ll smirk at the irony that the lesson comes from a real policy blunder.

    Why Smoot‑Hawley Was Already a Bad Idea Before It Even Happened

    Picture the United States in the 1920s: a land of endless lollipops, too many of them, and prices dropping faster than a goldfish on a diet. The Great Depression didn’t come out of nowhere; it was the grand finale of a decade-long price plummet that started back in 1920 with falling farm product costs. By the time the world saw the massive tariff hike of Smoot‑Hawley, the economy was already on a slippery slope.

    The Real Culprit: Deflation and Technology

    • After World War I, deflation hit like a snowball in summer—farmers lost money, real estate collapsed, especially in Florida where air‑conditioning and better transport made swamps sell like hotcakes, only to sink two years before the crash.
    • Technological strides—electricity, automation in bread factories, and a flood of cheap foreign goods—thudded the market harder than any tariff can.
    • The tariff spike was the political response to a problem that was already more of a “positive” wave of efficiency than a negative one.

    Who Really Quipped the Tariffs?

    Protectionism was a staple of the corporate and farm lobbies for decades, riding with both parties across the political spectrum. Reed Smoot, a Republican from Utah, called the tariff move a “mistake of ignorance.” He argued that the U.S. was already suffering from an economic imbalance, and any additional hoarding of foreign goods was just the cherry on top of a disaster that had been building for years.

    The Tumble That Came After 1929

    From 1929 to 1930, unemployment jumped from 4.6% to 8.9%. Congress thought caps on imports were a fix, a decision that turned out to be more broom than flashlight. In reality:

    • Higher tariffs contributed to the Depression’s depth, but they weren’t the only culprit.
    • Electricity and tech-driven growth kept the economy humming in many sectors, absent the farm.
    • Industrial efficiency meant more goods than people wanted to buy—an oversupply mishap rather than a tariff blunder.

    A New View

    Scholars like Bernard Beaudreau emphasise that the Smoot‑Hawley act was less about reversal and more about fine-tuning the Republican protectionist agenda that had been in place even before 1920. Utilities, factory productivity, and cheap imported gadgets were the real threads pulling the economy apart.

    Post‑War Re‑balancing and Contemporary Trade Wars

    After WWII, U.S. policy flipped to open markets, feeding the prosperity of the first fifty years of the recovery. But after decades of moving resources to foreign jobs, current administrations (like the elected President Donald Trump in 2024) are latching onto tariffs again—this time to force a fair deal against “predatory mercantilist superstates” like China.

    In the Trump era, tariffs are being used as a moral compass, not injuring Americans but encouraging reciprocity and preventing cutthroat global practices. Some argue this marks a return to pro‑labor roots of the Democratic Party, now wrapped in modern patriotism.

    Remembering Hoover and FDR

    Herbert Hoover commented on the dollar devaluation under FDR as a form of “great tariff”—raising the cost for American buyers. Hoover noted that the real increases in import tariffs were modest, while the dollar’s devaluation amplified the burden dramatically.

    He also warned that the New Deal’s anti‑business policies lowered domestic trade, both imports and exports per capita between 1935 and 1938.

    Wrap‑Up & Bonus Reading

    If you’re still feeling the weight of the 1930s, Christopher’s Inflated: Money, Debt and the American Dream is a good read. James Grant praised it for providing a “marvelously accessible history” that ties past finance to the present, and promises a future where readers might save big on the price of ideas.

    Remember: history is often a little more tangled than any tariff can untangle. The real lesson? Understanding the complex dance of policy, technology, and market forces is key to preventing the next economic snowball. Happy reading!