The 19 Countries Most Likely To Default: Ireland Surges Higher

Ireland's bank bailout and the failure of its austerity budget has been the big sovereign debt story since September.

This country's place on CMA Datavision's cumulative probability of default rankings has spiked as from 14th place in July, to 5th place by the end of Q3.

http://www.businessinsider.com/19-countries-most-likely-to-default-2010-10

27 Signs That The Standard Of Living For America’s Middle Class Is Dropping Like A Rock

Very Interesting

Meanwhile, the U.S. economy is being rapidly assimilated into the emerging one world economy.

http://beforeitsnews.com/story/205/391/27_Signs_That_The_Standard_Of_Living_For_Americas_Middle_Class_Is_Dropping_Like_A_Rock.html

Wal-Mart ends profit sharing with employees

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the nation's largest private employer, plans to end automatic profit-sharing contributions for its employees in a revamp of its benefits package that it says will give workers more chance to share in its financial success.

The discounter will replace profit-sharing starting in February with retirement plan contributions of up to 6 percent of pay -- as long as workers sign up and contribute an equal amount, Wal-Mart said in a memo it provided The Associated Press late Friday.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/WalMart-ends-profit-sharing-apf-3150722021.html?x=0

Three Horrifying Facts About the US Debt “Situation

This sums it up...financial death spiral. No way out...

http://www.zerohedge.com/article/three-horrifying-facts-about-us-debt-%E2%80%9Csituation%E2%80%9D

Doug Casey on the Violence of the Storm, the Destruction of the Middle Class and the Coming Gold Standard

http://www.thedailybell.com/1436/Doug-Casey-on-the-Violence-of-the-Storm-the-Destruction-of-the-Middle-Class-and-the-Coming-Gold-Standard.html?bcsi_scan_24DE46460B4E2EF0=Qe4DXLzF2Bhsxfu0B8FN9Fy2ArADAAAAXF99AQ==&bcsi_scan_filename=Doug-Casey-on-the-Violence-of-the-Storm-the-Destruction-of-the-Middle-Class-and-the-Coming-Gold-Standard.html

Far More Derivative Exposure Today Than Two Years Ago

Harold Bradley, chief investment officer for the Kauffman Foundation, discusses the increase in derivatives held by commercial banks with CNBC's Maria Bartiromo and Herb Greenberg.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2010/10/06/kauffman_foundations_harold_bradley_risks_from_derivatives_look_terrifying.html

Investors see silver lining in economic gloom

Silver prices have risen 31pc in 2010 to a 30-year high, outperforming gold, equities and most base metals. On Tuesday, the gold-silver ratio dropped below 60 for the first time in 11 months.

The ratio varies wildly. In 1970, it was about 20 and it peaked at just under 100 in 1991. The average is around about 40 – and that is the key to any silver bull's argument. Historically, it appears that silver is undervalued in relation to gold, they argue.

In 2010, the ratio has been as high as 72, recorded in February, and is now just below 60. Many believe it could have further to fall.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/8039595/Investors-see-silver-lining-in-economic-gloom.html

Base metals are more precious by the week

Why are tin, copper, lead, zinc, aluminium and nickel so expensive at the moment and is the general base metals rally sustainable?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/marketreport/8053986/Base-metals-are-more-precious-by-the-week.html

Gold coins and quantitative easing

Governments keep printing more money, hoping to ignite an economic barbeque. But cheap cash – also known as quantitative easing – burns more like a highway flare. You want slow-burning, steady value? That's gold, not greenbacks.

http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/The-Daily-Reckoning/2010/1011/Gold-coins-and-quantitative-easing

Poor Crops, Soaring Demand, Currency Wars: A Recipe for Food Shortages

Prices for agricultural commodities spiked so much on Oct. 8 that they triggered daily movement limits on the Chicago exchange. Options markets saw prices for commodities like corn soar more than 13% during the day following reports of supply shortages around the world.

Commodity-oriented exchange-traded funds like the PowerShares DB Agriculture (DBA) leaped as well. The ETF surged almost 10% over the previous week, with more than 6% of the gains registered on Friday alone.

http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/poor-crops-soaring-demand-currency-wars-a-recipe-for-food-sho/19667693/

Finance Chiefs Fail to Resolve Currency Spat as G-20 Splits

Leaders of the world economy failed to narrow differences over currencies as they turned to the International Monetary Fund to calm frictions that are already sparking protectionism.

Exchange rates dominated the IMF’s annual meeting in Washington on concern that officials are relying on cheaper currencies to aid growth, risking retaliatory devaluations and trade barriers. China was accused of undervaluing the yuan, while low interest rates in the U.S. and other rich nations were blamed for flooding emerging markets with capital.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-10/global-finance-chiefs-fail-to-resolve-exchange-rate-spat-as-g-20-splinters.html

Fed Undaunted by Uncertain Prospects for Money Printing

The U.S. Federal Reserve runs the risk of diminishing returns from its next round of money printing to amplify the subdued economic recovery, but that won't stop it from trying.

Minutes due Tuesday from the Fed's most recent policy-setting meeting may reflect some divisions among officials over whether to launch another round of asset purchases, known as quantitative easing.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/39604937