Matt Underwood

US Markets: Is Diversification a Permanent Shift?

Everyone is pulling their money out of U.S. markets as they diversify away. Maybe permanently. This assertion certainly sparks some thought, doesn’t it?

One of the most immediate red flags seems to be the feeling that the U.S. market is overpriced. The value seems inflated, and when combined with a sense of uncertainty coming from the political landscape, it’s understandable why investors might look elsewhere. The removal of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for what some perceive as releasing unbiased numbers creates an environment where trust is eroded. If the data is questioned, the foundation of investment decisions crumbles, and there isn’t a good way to recover from that without creating a great deal of suspicion.… Continue reading

Russia Unearths 1,000 Old Tanks From Storage Amidst Ukraine War Strain

Russia found 1,000 old tanks in Siberia. The news might sound unbelievable, but it seems the situation is dire enough to warrant dusting off a thousand relics of a bygone era. It’s a stark indication of the military hardware shortage Russia is facing in Ukraine, forcing them to dig into the depths of their storage facilities to find anything resembling a tank. This reveals a significant depletion of their modern armored vehicle stocks after years of intense combat. The fact that these aging machines are being considered, let alone retrieved, speaks volumes about the current state of affairs.

These tanks do not possess modern technology, meaning they lack features we take for granted in contemporary warfare.… Continue reading

Texas Sues Eli Lilly Over Alleged Provider Bribes

Texas is taking legal action against Eli Lilly, alleging the pharmaceutical giant engaged in bribery to influence healthcare providers to prescribe its medications. It’s a bold move, especially considering the long-standing practices within the pharmaceutical industry.

Now, a lot of folks are quick to point out that this isn’t exactly a new phenomenon. For years, drug companies have been wooing doctors with perks, from fancy meals to educational programs and all sorts of seemingly small gifts. The legal boundaries, though, have evolved over time. There was a time when the lines were much blurrier, and the types of inducements offered were far more liberal.… Continue reading

CDC Employees Angered by RFK Jr. and Trump After Shooting

After CDC shooting, its employees turn their anger to RFK Jr. and Trump, it’s understandable that a sense of outrage and disillusionment would permeate the atmosphere. The shooting, regardless of its specific motivations, becomes a symbol of the tangible consequences of the spread of misinformation and the erosion of trust in institutions. For CDC employees, the incident may feel like a direct attack, not just on their workplace, but on the very principles of scientific inquiry and public health that they dedicate their lives to upholding.

The anger is likely channeled towards individuals like RFK Jr. and Donald Trump, whose rhetoric and actions have been perceived as contributing to the climate of distrust and animosity.… Continue reading

Paxton Seeks to Jail Beto O’Rourke Over Fundraising for Texas Dems’ Walkout

Ken Paxton asks judge to jail Beto O’Rourke for fundraising Texas Dems’ walkout. Honestly, this whole situation feels like something out of a dystopian novel, doesn’t it? It’s hard to believe that a state’s Attorney General is actively trying to get a political opponent, specifically Beto O’Rourke, jailed. And the reason? Fundraising that allegedly supported Texas Democrats during a walkout. It just screams of political maneuvering and a blatant attempt to silence opposition.

The crux of the matter seems to be a temporary injunction that Paxton claims O’Rourke violated. The specifics are somewhat murky, but apparently, O’Rourke made a statement at a rally – something about “f**k the rules” and encouraging support for retaliatory redistricting in other states.… Continue reading

Trump’s BLS Nominee Suggests Halting Jobs Report Publication

Trump’s BLS nominee suggests suspending jobs report, and the implications are pretty striking. The idea, apparently, is to simply stop reporting the jobs numbers altogether. It’s like a magician making a problem disappear, but instead of a rabbit, you get… well, the truth. The basic logic seems to be: if you don’t test for COVID, there’s no more COVID; likewise, if you stop publishing job reports, there are no more job losses. Simple, right?

The potential motivation behind this move is pretty clear: to obscure the reality of the economic situation. Some see it as a way to cover up the administration’s failures, much like a shell game.… Continue reading

Protests Erupt Near White House as Trump’s D.C. Plans Unfold

Protesters Gather Near White House as Trump Unveils D.C. Plans

The sight of protesters gathering near the White House as Trump unveils new plans for the District of Columbia undoubtedly sparks a range of reactions. It’s a potent symbol of the ongoing tensions and divisions within the nation. These individuals, demonstrating in the heart of the political establishment, are clearly expressing their disapproval and concern. Their bravery is noteworthy, especially given the current political climate and the perceived potential for increased repression.

This situation feels different from previous instances, particularly the protests of Summer 2020. Concerns are heightened given the perception that some checks and balances that were in place then may no longer exist.… Continue reading

Iran’s “Kill List” of Israeli Leaders Mocked for Incompetence and Ineffectiveness

Iran posts chart of Israeli leaders it plans to kill, and honestly, the whole thing feels less like a credible threat and more like a poorly executed attempt at intimidation. I mean, let’s be real, the chart itself is rife with errors, from misspelled names to incorrect titles. It’s the kind of mistake you’d expect from someone putting together a project with minimal effort, not a state-sponsored assassination list. One can’t help but wonder how seriously anyone is taking this when it appears the creators couldn’t even get the basics right.

Speaking of basic, the execution seems lacking. The chart includes some individuals listed with the same name, duplicated entries.… Continue reading

Russia Suspected in Federal Court Filing System Breach Following DOGE Access

Russia Is Suspected to Be Behind Breach of Federal Court Filing System

You know, when you hear “Russia” and “cyber breach” in the same sentence these days, it’s hardly surprising. Unfortunately, that’s exactly where we’re at again, with mounting suspicion that Russia is behind a breach of the federal court filing system. It’s almost become a cliché, hasn’t it? That said, it doesn’t make it any less serious.

The situation is made all the more concerning when you consider the potential context. It appears that there might have been some pretty convenient actions taken, like halting cybersecurity measures meant to defend against Russian cyberattacks, around the same time this breach likely took place.… Continue reading

Zelenskyy’s Stance: No Donbas Concessions, Defying Propaganda

Zelenskyy insists Ukraine will not pull its forces out of Donbas. It’s a pretty clear statement, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine him doing anything else. The idea of Ukraine simply ceding territory, especially in the Donbas region, in exchange for some vague promise of peace just doesn’t hold water. It’s a brilliant piece of propaganda from the other side to even suggest that in the first place, designed to create a false narrative.

The core of the issue is this: there are absolutely no guarantees of peace if Ukraine simply hands over land. Zero, zilch, nada. To frame the situation as “giving up land = peace” is a fundamentally flawed equation.… Continue reading