Cuidemos a nuestros viejos. Son los sabios de la sociedad.

Hoy caminaba rápido rumbo a una reunión y de repente delante de mí un señor mayor casi se cae en la vereda. Llegó a agarrarse un poco de un semáforo y otro poco se afirmó con su bastón. Una chica lo atendió casi al mismo tiempo que yo para preguntarle si estaba bien. El señor dijo que sí. Estaba agitado, quien sabe hace cuanto casi corriendo. Al usar bastón pensé que con el piso mojado por la lluvia lo apoyó mal y resbaló. Seguí caminando rápido porque llegaba tarde a mi reunión pero no pude evitar seguirlo con la mirada. Pude ver como otra gente hacía lo mismo.  Como esperando lo inevitable. Y lo inevitable sucedió. Se cayó sobre el cordón. Corrimos algunos de los que lo seguíamos con la mirada más adelante pero no nos dió tiempo a llegar y ya estaba erguido  y caminando rápido como retando al destino. Lo paré en seco y le dije que parara que se iba a lastimar de nuevo. Ví que tenía el meñique sangrando, la cara golpeada, el labio roto. Porqué está corriendo tanto señor? Tengo que llegar a Edesur y pagar antes que me corten la luz. Quédese tranquilo que hoy no va a ir. Ya cerró (le mentí) quédese un poco acá conmigo hasta que se tranquilice un poco y pueda volver a casa. Tengo que llegar. Hoy no señor. Le va la salud en el intento. Se arrimó otro muchacho a ayudarme y darle charla mientras llamaba al 911 para que lo atendieran. Vive en barrio norte, solo, de su jubilación. Le sacaron el subsidio y se le complica pagar. Tiene la cultura de pagar a término pero este mes no pudo. Tiene la culpa de vivir en barrio “rico”. Llegó el policía y al rato la ambulancia. Me debería sentir bien porque lo ayudé pero me sentí tan mal porque como sociedad no cuidamos a nuestros viejos. Me pregunté cómo puede ser que en diez años la única idea que se nos cayó es cobrarle más a los que viven en algunos barrios. Se puede ser jubilado, vivir en barrio norte y no tener subsidio o vivir en la 11 14, ser un drug diller y que el estado te subsidie el consumo de electricidad. No se nos cae una idea. Somos tontos?. No como vamos a ser tontos si somos argentinos. Tengo la sensación desde hace un tiempo que no cuidamos a nuestros viejos, nuestros sabios, pero debe ser una sensación nada más, como tantas otras.    

Mobile Wallet Technology: The New Barbarians are at the Gate

As I discussed in Part One, the sky is the limit when it comes to mobile wallet technology. The big brand credit card issuers: American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover Card, along with every other card issuer and wannabe credit extension intermediary are all already into the mobile wallet space. Their offerings vary and competition between them will be as brutal as it always has been. And that's good for consumers. Creating choices for consumers to drive business will lead to more innovation and more services offered at more competitive prices. At least, that's the way the free market is supposed to work. But, traditional credit card issuers that are forcing banks to compete to offer credit to card borrowers, aren't the "disintermediators" I talked about in Part One. They help spread banking relationships across the spectrum, they do not remove banks from the equation. And because banks are all in the present equation, pricing pressures aren't prevalent and fees and costs remain stubbornly high. But as you'll see, that's about to change.

Mobile Wallet Technology Will Make You Rich

Your future is calling on your mobile phone, and the ringtone sounds like a cash register. The proliferation of affordable mobile phones has created a global paradigm shift that will give investors with vision innumerable investment opportunities. As I discussed in an earlier article, you don't realize it but there's a fortune in your wallet right now. Mobile wallet technology will make you rich. Let me explain.

The treehugger who put ICI back on the world stage

The man who brought a British giant back from the dead tells the Telegraph why it is thriving in the BRICs.

Rising US recession risk poses the real threat to Europe

The US economy has slowed to stall speed. A few lonely forecasters fear that America has already fallen back into recession, replicating the terrible double-dip of 1937.

Forget Greece - China Poses Biggest Threat to Global Economy

A slowdown in China poses the biggest threat to the global economy and not a Greek exit from the eurozone, says economist and investor Marc Faber, publisher of the Gloom, Boom and Doom Report. Greece is teetering on abandoning the eurozone, which could roil global markets. Big deal, Faber says. Read more: Faber: Forget Greece - China Poses Biggest Threat to Global Economy

Germany isolated as Latin Bloc calls the shots

The eurozone's 'Latin Bloc' is in full revolt. The trio of French, Italian, and Spanish leaders - backed by world powers - are to push for a radical shift in Europe's economic strategy at crucial summit on Wednesday.

Global banks see market rally on Greek exit

Major global banks are advising clients to prepare for a stock market rally and a resurgence of the euro if Greece is forced out of monetary union, betting that world authorites will flood the international system with liquidity.

Debt crisis: Greek euro exit looms closer as banks crumble

A tsunami of capital flight from Greece threatens to overwhelm the authorities, forcing the country out of the euro before fresh elections in June.

Italy's banks shaken as economic slump deepens

As Greece erupts, Italy is moving into the eye of the storm. Its economy is contracting at speeds not seen since the depths of the slump in 2009 as draconian austerity bites, greatly increasing the risk of social revolt and a banking crisis.

Britain to share costs of Greek exit

Germany has drawn up plans to make Britain pay a share of the multi-billion pound clean-up costs if Greece is ejected from the euro, risking a clash with Downing Street.

Everything You Need to Know About Gold Prices

Gold's hot. Then it's not. Now what? Where did the love for the shiny metal go? Now the gold bugs are crying, and the "I told you so crowd" is warming up in the wings. After a stunning rally to $1,895/oz., gold prices are down hard, falling below $1,600/oz. That's a 16.11% drop that has the gold bears drooling for more-but probably not for long. Let's start with gold prices themselves. Right now they're down three months in a row and many gold investors fear there's no bottom in sight. What they don't realize is that the fall in gold prices is as rare as proverbial hen's teeth. This is the first time we've seen gold prices tumble three months in a row since March of 2001. In fact, since 1957 we've only seen gold prices fall three months in a row 65 times out of a total of 661 three-month periods, according to data compiled by Bloomberg and Standard and Poor's. But here's the thing about gold prices... Gold could fall all the way through May, turning what it already a rare occurrence into an ultra-rare occurrence. Would that be a bad thing? In the bigger scheme of things, not really. People forget that gold prices fell by more than half from 1975 to 1976, and were down 17 out of 24 months. At the same time, gold prices also recorded 10 three-month declines during the period. That was, incidentally, right before gold rose 721.25% to $850.00/oz.-- a peak gold hit on January 21, 1980. The point is, bear tracks always precede bull market runs. So I am not especially concerned by this pullback in gold. In fact, as you can see from an earlier forecast, we're right on target with my expectations for gold this year. Take a look at what I shared with my readers on January 2, 2012: The drop in prices we're seeing is simply a matter of traders adjusting their risk tolerance by taking money off the table. They are moving out of gold and into dollars.

What’s next for oil prices?

It’s been a pretty grim week for markets. We had the usual rumblings in the eurozone, with panic over Greece and Spain. Meanwhile, Chinese economic data was weak. Export and import data missed expectations, as did figures for investment, retail spending, and industrial production. On top of all that, JP Morgan has just lost a couple of billion down the back of the sofa. No wonder investors are rattled. There is an upside to all this though – oil prices are dropping back. Will this last? And can you profit from it?

The mining supercycle is over: here’s what that means for your money

The commodities supercycle – the idea that the rampant growth of emerging markets and Asia in particular would drive raw materials prices ever higher – has been a major investment theme for the past decade. But all good things must come to an end. We’ve argued for some time that China was heading for a hard landing following its money-printing extravaganza. It’s now becoming clear to others that China is in trouble. And even if the country does avoid a crash, it has changed its focus. Whatever happens, its intense demand for commodities is set to drop off. And that’s got to be bad news for mining stocks.

The Commodities Bull Market: Insights on Gold, Energy and Agriculture

Despite the setback caused by the 2008 financial crisis, the commodities bull market rolls on. A short four years later, many commodities are trading at or near all-time highs. And thanks to huge swaths of the developing world moving up the ranks, the current bull market in commodities promises to be one for the history books-- both in time and size. After all, the wants and needs of 7 billion people are an irresistible and monumental force. Soon virtually every substance vital to modern life will become enormously expensive − and profitable for investors who know how to play it. In fact, today's scarcity and soaring costs could spur history's biggest gains. It is one of the reasons why I recently sat down with resource investor extraordinaire Rick Rule. A leading American retail broker specializing in mining, energy, water utilities, forest products and agriculture, Rick has dedicated his entire life to all aspects of the natural resource industry. Rick is without question something of a heavy hitter. At Sprott Global Companies, he leads a team of professionals trained in resource-related disciplines such as geology and engineering. Together, they work to evaluate commodities-related investment opportunities. I think you'll enjoy what Rick had to say during our recent Q&A.

Romneynomics: What You Can Expect if Mitt Romney Wins the Election

Yesterday I wrote about what to expect if President Obama wins a second term in office. Today it's Mitt Romney's turn. I'd like to look at Romneynomics - the policies that are likely headed down the pike if the underdog Mitt Romney wins in November. As for the horserace, I think it is President Obama's to lose. But last Friday's weak employment report indicates again that the economy could slow enough to push Romney ahead. As with an Obama victory, I think the election will be a close one even if Romney emerges the winner. That means the Republicans will not have an overwhelming majority in Congress. On the other hand, the Republicans might just get the four seats they need to win the Senate; if Romney wins I assume they will accomplish this. That would give them theoretical control of both the presidency and Congress, but with only small majorities.

Obamanomics: What You Can Expect if President Obama Wins the Election

Now that we are left with a two-horse race for president, the markets are going to begin to handicap the November results. However, when the markets begin to handicap the race it will be about a lot more than just picking the eventual winner. Instead, everything will revolve around the policies and consequences that come along with the winner. The difference in approach promises to be stark with "Obamanomics" on the left and "Romneynomics" on the right. Each one comes with its own set of consequences, though. Today I'm going to look at "Obamanomics II," or the policies we will get if President Obama is re-elected. But those on the left shouldn't despair...In my next piece, it's Romney's turn. As for the horserace itself, it's too close to call, with neither side having much chance of winning a big victory.

All Occupations by Industry: Average Income and 10 year job change

JP Morgan $2bn loss: Dimon's in the rough

JP Morgan Chase boss Jamie Dimon has egg on his face as he admits self-inflicted 'egregious mistakes'.

It’s too late for Germany to save the euro

Despite belated gestures from Berlin, the single currency cannot survive if and when Greece leaves it.

Spain nationalises Bankia as euro crisis escalates

Spain has nationalised crippled lender Bankia in a dramatic move to contain the escalating crisis and restore faith in the country's management.

Crisis escalates as insurrection breaks German control of Europe

The political dam has broken in Europe. German Chancellor Angela Merkel no longer has enough allies in the club of EU prime ministers to impose her hairshirt agenda. Her methodical plans are disintegrating on every front.

Francois Hollande has ten weeks to avert a French bond crisis

There will be no speculative attack against French bonds on Monday morning because François Hollande has been elected president, the first socialist to take the Élysée since the Mitterrand debacle of 1981.

France faces 40pc house price slump

France faces a property slump of Anglo-Saxon proportions as the frothiest boom in French history finally tips over, threatening the country with an economic shock just as austerity hits.

Embry - This is What I’m Doing with My Own Money Right Now

“One of the basic goals now is to hold the Dow above 13,000 because this imparts confidence to the public. This is totally unrealistic and unsustainable because there is nothing in the backdrop other than money creation that would suggest the stock market should be higher. No market in history has traded like this, particularly considering how bad the fundamentals are at this point.

Bolivian President Evo Morales seizes assets from Spanish energy company Red Electrica

Bolivian President Evo Morales ordered his military to seize the local assets of Spanish energy company Red Electrica, in the latest example of muscle-flexing by a South American leader.

Economy Face Off: Ron Paul vs Paul Krugman

Nobel-prize winning economist Paul Krugman and Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul talk about inflation, monetary policy and the role of the Federal Reserve. They speak on Bloomberg Television's "Street Smart." (Source: Bloomberg)

US Economy Faces Risk of 'Fiscal Cliff': Fed Officials

Two Federal Reserve officials warned Tuesday that the U.S. could be heading for a "fiscal cliff" at year's end if mandated tax increases and spending cuts are implemented.

Total US Debt Soars To 101.5% Of GDP

There is nothing quite like a $70 billion debt auction settlement at the last day of a month to bring total US debt to a record $15.692 trillion, which happens to be just $600 billion shy of the $16.394 trillion debt ceiling. (and no, contrary to simple economic textbook lesson, this does not mean that the private sector just got another $70 billion in debt capacity courtesy of taxpayers, as explained here). And now that we know what Q1 GDP was at the end of Q1, or namely $15.462 trillion, it is simply math to divine that today alone total US/debt to GDP rose by 50 bps to a mindboggling 101.5%.

Even Chancellor George Osborne would shy from eurozone austerity

David Cameron has described the euro crisis as not yet even halfway through, a statement that may variously be regarded as either far too optimistic or, as the shadow chancellor Ed Balls sees it, a desperate attempt to blame the eurozone for Britain's own home grown economic malaise.

Europeans will never accept a federal banking system

Hope springs eternal when it comes to efforts to save the euro.

What next for the euro if France rejects austerity?

What on earth is going on with our money?

Electoral silence on France's slow economic decline

France's economy has weathered the global crisis of the last five years deceptively well, shielded by a Leviathan state and the postponement of hard choices.

Hollande's 'Growth Bloc' spells end of German hegemony in Europe

For two years Germany has had its way in Europe, treating historic nations much as Bismarck treated Bavaria – sovereign only in name.

Brussels to relax 3pc fiscal targets as revolt spreads

The European Commission is preparing a major shift in economic strategy, fearing that excessive fiscal tightening will inflict unnecessary damage on a string of eurozone countries.

Nightmare week for Angela Merkel as austerity bloc crumbles

Europe's political centre is starting to crumble, replicating the pattern of the early 1930s as the crisis ground into its third year under a similar mix of fiscal and monetary contraction.

IMF encourages Europe's economic suicide

China, Japan, America, the oil powers, and the rising economies of Latin America had a chance to pull Europe back from suicide through IMF pressure, but the world dropped the ball.

German tempers boil over back-door euro rescues

Controversy is raging in Germany over soaring "payments" by the Bundesbank to shore up Europe's monetary system and cope with a tidal wave of capital flight from southern Europe.

Fitch doubts Dutch AAA as property slump reaches 'coma'

Fitch Ratings has issued the clearest warning to date that Holland faces losing its AAA rating if it fails to deliver austerity cuts or lets political conflict intrude on economic management.

Nicolas Sarkozy lambasts ECB's rigid policies

French president Nicolas Sarkozy has lashed out at the hard money policies of the European Central Bank and launched a veiled attack on Germany's austerity drive, hoping to bolster his flagging re-election campaign.

Swimming naked in Brazil's bubbly waters

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/9205775/Swimming-naked-in-Brazils-bubbly-waters.html

Argentina poised to seize Repsol assets, endangering shale dream

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/9201039/Argentina-poised-to-seize-Repsol-assets-endangering-shale-dream.html

Europe's banks beached as ECB stimulus runs dry

The European Central Bank's €1 trillion (£824bn) lending spree over the winter has stored up a host of fresh problems, leaving parts of the banking system more vulnerable than before as the short-term "sugar rush" nears exhaustion.

Spain’s 'lose-lose' struggle reignites euro crisis

The eurozone crisis has returned with a vengeance after Spain’s mounting woes pushed 10-year bonds yields back to the danger line of 6pc and the Madrid bourse crashed to its lowest level since the 2009.