Harsh developments

The political scene of Israel is showing stress never seen before. The left coalition is talking to Muslim extremist parties like Balad, which is causing a revolt in its right wing. Already three representatives have deserted. On the right side, Netaniyahu is preparing the fourth election in a year, and even if he becomes Prime Minister, the crazy Judiciary is moving ahead with three trials against him. We may have a situation where the ruling Prime Minister is fighting a trial, causing the self-destruction of the legal structure of Israel.

Israel is closed because many of the incoming travellers carry the virus. The police has been activated to implement the quarantine. Soon a hundred thousand persons may be in closure - and not in their homes. Soon people will be arrested for coughing in public.

China is the key

The hit to the oil price was no surprise as China is the largest energy consumer in the world. A similar fate for other commodities like copper & iron ore or services (like hospitality,education in the USA). On the supply side too their are issues. China produces around 1 million TV's a month. Last month due to the shutdown it was only 100,000. The markets are pricing in the risks associated with the pandemic.

When will China recover?

Are shares cheap enough?

Collectors of shares like me should exploit the corona-panic and continue buying. After the production of a vaccine everything will return to normal and shares will be sold for they are worth. I have to take courage and keep buying.  I do not believe that the end is near and anyway, my personal end cannot be very far. Airlines will be very cheap, they will return to their prices after the panic. Hotels and tourism sector. People will not give up living. Tomorrow!

Life goes on (or not)

Yesterday I was the only teacher in the exam, the others did not show up. The students - one step before graduating as civil engineers - displayed shocking ignorance. The university employs elderly "celadores" (guardians?) to prevent copying, they too were surprised by the elementary level of the questions. It depressed me and left after two hours.

I am not interested in politics, but the situation here is worrying. The Jewish electorate is divided equally and the 400,000 Israeli Arab voters are kingmakers. Their program is to dismantle Israel. In case of war, their loyalty is in no doubt: they are enemy. And for the first time they will be an important part of the govening coalition.

Went down to the corner shop for eggs. The woman before me was buying foodstuff enough for a month, she said they have to stay at home. Corona virus! Instinctively touched my nose, then ran home to wash my hands for a minute.  

Muddy Waters

Saudi Arabia drops the price of oil to keep market share and eliminate shale and other competitiors. It will inhibit phasing out motor cars. It will kill wind and sun generation. At $30 a barrel, Venezuela and Iran’s economies collapse. My Israeli oil and gas shares already lost half of their worth. 

On the other hand, cheap oil stimulates world economy. Add costless credit and prosperity may be ahead. Spring is near and with it the demise of the flu epidemy. If I were less tired and depressed, I would start collecting shares.

All The Best. 

It is starting to bite

There is less traffic in the streets because people has heard that a pestilency is out there. I have been closed in my office working all day on the Munier project, that now has been completed. It is a cake factory and the owners are stressed because their other business - an events hall - is dead, no one is reserving dates for fiestas. I am starting to work on two new gym projects. Tomorrow, Sunday, I have to supervise two exams in Ariel University. The semester starts the 17th.  Life goes on.

High emotions in Israel

MK Dichter: This is going to be a tragedy. Deputy Defense Minister warns against a government supported by the Joint List party. Dichter is former head of the Mossad, the Organization for Special Activities.

"And this is being committed by three Chiefs of Staff, two Hausers and Hendels, and one Ivette Liberman. People whose hatred of Netanyahu drove them insane and they're willing to sell the State of Israel to its enemies just to get the Prime Minister out of his chair. It's sad, shameful, and dangerous." Bezalel Smotrich is a national/religious leader.

The head of the opposition, the one who is planning to form a coalition government with Arab anti-Jewish parties because his blind hate of Netaniyahu, Benny Gantz, said that "a political assesination is around the corner".

Pic.: The United Arab List, formed by three anti-Jewish fractions. The Arab (Palestinian) population of Israel (25% of the total) voted uniformly for the Arab List. Politically, they are a solid undigested  ethnic block of the conquered native population. This is a typical sitution of a "diverse" society - each ethnic votes for his own candidate.