Economics is neither tasty not nutritious!

Entitlement is deceptively subjective; politics an unfortunate structural requirement and yet, one thing's true, you can't feed your kids on hope and hype.

Tinkering with or restating GDP data is one thing; not addressing unemployment is something else altogether. Too many people from all walks-of-life and in most geographies are in financial stress. Although we're on the cusp of the next innovative age, there is little suggestion that the REAL issues are being adequately addressed. We're surprised when consumer-spending data shows that consumers are spending less.... Consumers are spending less because they, wait for it, have LESS to spend! Following on from that companies obviously stock less, build less, manufacture less and sell less... Why then the surprise when 'manufacturing data' deteriorates? Since companies sell less they employ fewer people who then spend less and so on. That's not economics it's common sense. Ironically companies reliant on technology and laying-off staff are merely 'passing-the-bill' hoping other industries employ the people they sell their goods to. It's not sustainable..

Do yourself a favour and employ as many people as you can. Your financial security, like mine, depends on them and theirs and his on hers and mine on yours.... The rest is rubbish.

Zun Zhong* - my master....

It's 'Amazing Africa Season' on BBC Knowledge this week. In case you hadn't noticed it's been 'amazing Africa season' in China for years.  [indicative perhaps of how far behind the curve the western world now finds itself....] China's quest for resources knows no bounds and like good subjects it's STD practice to show them the way.. Nevertheless, moving forward, some will say that China's influence on Africa's infrastructure has been positive. Time will tell.

Africa's dependence is established. But what of China? Recent data shows that manufacturing activity expanded in May but at its weakest pace in three quarters. New orders are declining. Our mother ails... or does she?

China recently tightened its monetary policy, stirred the pot and 'turned down the heat' on inflation concerns. Chased from the kitchen, Western penchant for fast food screamed foul. Temporarily, commodity prices sold off....

Connoisseurs know, however, that the freshest resources cooked slowly, make the finest dish. A 'kitchen-sneak-peek' will prove that 'Mother knows best'.


*Zun zhong - respect