Posts by Olav Dirkmaat
How OPEC Became Irrelevant: Traditional Oil Producing Countries Still Fail to Face the New Reality
The large traditional oil-producing countries — both OPEC and non-OPEC — are still catching up with the new reality. After deciding to extend the production cuts — agreed upon half a year ago — for another nine months, oil prices plunged below $50/barrel. Not quite the effect these oil giants were hoping for, but nothing out of the ordinary. After all, the fact is that supply and demand dynamics in the oil market have changed for good.
Read MoreBeyond the Bitcoin Hype: Limitations of Bitcoin and Blockchain Technology
A lot has been written about the benefits of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and blockchain technology. Blockchain technology will no doubt revolutionize the world. It should be no coincidence that one of our recent guests to Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Nick Szabo, has labeled blockchain technology “the Napster of finance.” While recognizing the value of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology,
Read MoreThis Is What Businesses Are Doing with Record Corporate Debt
Last year, non-financial companies issued $674.3 billion in corporate debt, a new record high. Low interest rates are wrecking the allocation of capital: the increase in debt is not used to invest, but rather to distribute cash to shareholders. However, there is one important caveat to this whole scheme that will threaten the U.S. economy.
Read MoreThe European Central Bank Is Close to Committing Suicide – Here’s Why
The European Central Bank embarked upon an enormous expansion of its balance sheet and is now running into its limits: there are simply not enough (eligible) assets to buy. How much time has ECB-chairman Mario Draghi left?
Read MoreThe Recent Rise in Delinquency Rates on Bank Loans Is Shocking (Is a New Banking Crisis Imminent?)
The delinquency rate on loans is key in understanding banking. What percentage of loans is overdue for payment? And is a new banking crisis imminent?
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