Misc info from screenshots

 

to accompany the last two presentations.

Fed to Inflict More Pain on Economy as It Readies Big Rate Hike

"Fed policy makers have already pushed back on that narrative, pointing to the strength of the job market. "It's really odd to think of an economy where you add 2.5 million workers and output goes down," Fed Governor Christopher Waller said on July 7, while stressing his determination to lower inflation to 2%.

(Like I said, were adding jobs alright, because everybody needs three or four to try and keep up :-)

NASA satellite images show how much Lake Mead has receded since 2000

"According to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, water levels dropped to 1,041 feet. Water levels need to stay above 1,000 feet to continue operating hydropower turbines at the dam at optimal levels.

(Excerpt taken from an article published by "The Hill".)

U.S. to sell additional 20 million barrels of oil from strategic reserve

"The United States will take bids in autumn to begin the process of buying back 60 million barrels of crude for reserve, a first step in replenishing the stockpile after the 180 million barrel release, the Department of Energy said in May. read more"

"The department will soon propose a rule to help put oil back into the SPR, where levels have sunk to 475.5 million barrels, the lowest since June 1985, by allowing it to enter forward contracts to purchase oil in future years at fixed, preset prices."

"Oil purchases to replenish the SPR will not be competing with demand for oil in the near term as they will likely take place after fiscal year 2023, an official told reporters."

(The whole thing is a big mistake right now and plays right into our adversaries hands.)

Goldman Strategists See Inflation Keeping Fed Hawkish for Longer

"While Morgan Stanley strategists say it's too early to expect the Fed to stop tightening its policy even as fears of a recession grow -- suggesting stocks have more room to fall before finding a bottom, JPMorgan Chase & Co. strategists say bets that inflation has peaked will lead to a Fed pivot and improve the picture for equities in the second half."

"The rainfalls there (St Louis) and in Kentucky have less than a 1 in 1,000 chance of happening in a given year.

Human-caused climate change has spurred extreme precipitation events to increase significantly in the past century. Heavy rainfall is now roughly 20 to 40 percent more likely in eastern Kentucky.

(Excerpt taken from the Washington Post)