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Austin Smith

Understanding the Dynamics of Oil Futures Trading

: U.S. set a record for oil production in December, the highest ever by any country. Shale production continues to debunk “peak oil” predictions. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could increase oil prices.…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

Oil Prices on a Rollercoaster: What’s Driving the Decline?

: Significant drop in oil prices due to weak demand and oversupply. Traders are using a dual strategy: shorting gasoline and going long on crude oil. Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) offer high yields, and…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

The 1 Thing That Could Cause a Recession Right Now

: Rising consumer debt, especially in credit cards and car loans, signals financial strain. Persistent inflation adds pressure on already stretched consumers. Overextended consumer spending could lead to a recession, with early warnings from…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

Buffett Is Scared About Something Big

: Warren Buffett is concerned about cybersecurity insurance after recent breaches. He’s wary of bank holdings as loan payments falter, with Ally Financial and JP Morgan showing signs of trouble. Buffett is reducing his…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

What Oil Traders Need to Pay Attention to Today

: The U.S. set a record for oil production in December, the highest ever by any country. Shale production continues to debunk “peak oil” predictions. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could increase oil…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

A Clever Way to Play MLPs for Energy Income

: Significant drop in oil prices due to weak demand and oversupply. Traders are using a dual strategy: shorting gasoline and going long on crude oil. Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) offer high yields, and…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

The EU Can’t Quit Bashing Big Tech Stocks

: The EU aggressively targets big tech companies, especially American firms, with antitrust and tax penalties. Recent fines include $14.4 billion for Apple and $2.7 billion for Google. The EU’s focus on tech companies…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

The New Weapon That Changes Ukraine’s Abilities

: F-16s with JASSMs could deter Russian actions by expanding Ukraine’s operational range. The potential of these weapons might be more impactful as a deterrent than their actual use. The situation is still unfolding,…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

Ukraine’s F-16s Are a Misunderstood Weapon

: Russia doesn’t currently have full air superiority, which has prolonged the conflict. Ukraine’s limited F-16s and air defense capabilities are crucial but insufficient for significant impact. Strengthening Ukraine’s air power could improve its…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

Ukraine Needs Flying Tigers, but Who Will Step Up?

: The Flying Tigers in WWII offer a parallel to Ukraine’s need for skilled pilots. F-16s’ widespread use provides a potential pool of volunteer pilots, though this could escalate tensions. Recruiting volunteer pilots is…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

The One Thing That Wrecks Ukraine’s F16’s Air Force

: F-16s are ideal for Ukraine, but pilot training is a major bottleneck. Ukraine’s pilot pipeline is limited, with only about 20 pilots being trained this year. Training and maintaining F-16s require time, resources,…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

This 50-Year-Old Fighter Puts the World on the Edge of War

: Fear of escalating the conflict into a regional war limits F-16 support to Ukraine. Donor countries impose conditions, restricting F-16 use within Russian territory. Domestic politics and security concerns delay F-16 deliveries to…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

Why a 50-Year-Old Jet Could Save Ukraine

: The F-16 is highly versatile, making it valuable for Ukraine despite being a 50-year-old aircraft. Its wide availability and flexibility in fitting different munitions make it an ideal choice for Ukraine. Donor countries…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

These Republicans Can’t Work Across the Aisle

: Katie Britt of Alabama is currently the most partisan Republican senator. Senators from the South and Bible Belt are generally less bipartisan. Britt may become more bipartisan over time as she builds relationships…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

The Democrats Preventing the Most From Getting Done

: Bipartisan Leaders: Susan Collins and John Cornyn are key bipartisan Republicans in the Senate. Ideology and Flexibility: Strong ideologies don’t hinder bipartisanship; experience often leads to pragmatism. Senate Advantage: Longer Senate terms allow…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

These Senate Democrats Are the Most Bipartisan by Far

: Top Bipartisan Democrats: Gary Peters (MI), Maggie Hassan (NH), and Joe Manchin (WV). Independents: Three independents, including Kirsten Sinema and Angus King, rank high in bipartisanship. Challenges Ahead: Many bipartisan senators are retiring…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago

The House Democrats Who Could Do the Most for Ukraine

: Chris Pappas (NH-01) is the top bipartisan Democrat in the House. Don Davis (NC-01) has been highly active, sponsoring 800 bills since 2023. Bipartisan lawmakers focus on pragmatism and effective legislation, especially in…

Austin Smith · 2 years ago