Yellow Vest Protests - France

Violence certainly is not a pleasant experience but neither is life under a semi-democratic state that gives citizens no say except in a box-ticking exercise every few years. And even that is not addressing specific problems but is mostly based on personalities and vague statements that are never properly followed when a politician is elected.
France plots tougher response to 'undeclared' protests

Balyasny said to cut 125 People

It is quite amazing that a Hedge Fund - or any Investment Manager - with an AuM just under $12 billion can have a cast of hundreds, more than six hundred staff in Balyasny's case. So it is no wonder that such a large cut in staffing numbers became inevitable.
Hopefully most Firms have a tighter control over their headcount - a strategy of hire and fire is not conducive to a good working environment and investment clients are less than happy if they see frequent staff changes.
Balyasny Cuts 125 People as Hedge Fund Bleeds Assets

RBS/Natwest worried about Irish Border question

One should think that RBS/Natwest has more problems than this one. Not sure why there is such a fuss about the Northern Ireland border. Simple Solution: UK keeps it open, should go for unilateral free trade anyway. Then it is up to Ireland/EU to make their move. If there is hard border it is clear who is to blame
RBS on Irish border questions

Beware of Age Discrimination with targeted Ads

Facebook job ads allow age discrimination lawsuit claims (Marketwatch)

Bitcoin: Regulators wash their hands - too long for some?

While some are supposed to have become rich due to the wonders of the digital "currency" hype one should remember that this is a giant ponzi scheme where the lucky few owe their winnings to the late-comers who splash out serious money in order to get hold of one ephemeral electronic bit - wherever that is. A chain letter at least gives you a piece of paper to put on your wall. Where are the regulators, why are they busy concocting ever more intrusive regulations that hardly serve any purpose except increasing costs for ordinary savers? Should they not at least apply the rules for the digital space?
CNBC

Bitcoin: Regulators wash their hands - too long for some?

While some are supposed to have become rich due to the wonders of the digital "currency" hype one should remember that this is a giant ponzi scheme where the lucky few owe their winnings to the late-comers who splash out serious money in order to get hold of one ephemeral electronic bit - wherever that is. A chain letter at least gives you a piece of paper to put on your wall. Where are the regulators, why are they busy concocting ever more intrusive regulations that hardly serve any purpose except increasing costs for ordinary savers? Should they not at least apply the rules for the digital space?

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/12/05/winklevoss-twins-head-the-list-of-people-getting-very-rich-from-bitcoin.html

Bitcoins: The drumbeat goes on

The drumbeat goes on, any number of self-appointed 'experts'  push bitcoin etal, still not clear what 'value' it has or provides, just question of time that regulators impose restrictions, to market, buy/sell it through traditional banking channels unless full 'know your customer' disclosure is made. and who REALLY needs bitcoins, internet banking is so efficient already! Price easily manipulated due to complete lack of transparency, and who are the idiots that pay $10,000 for a bit with REAL money?
Here's why not to put your money into bitcoin (Evening Standard)

Active ETF's - just a type of Closed-end fund?

ETF's have not been really tested in a major market downturn or panic. 2008-09 does not count as amounts involved were still quite small, and focused on simple structures linked to major indices. The next 'Big One' will be different. As I see it, active ETF's are pretty similar to Investment Trusts (UK) or Closed-end Funds (USA). They are just trying to keep NAV and Market Prices as close as possible. But will they succeed? Only time will tell. I for my part will be happy to capitalize on any price distortions - and distortions there will be (or the 'Authorities' will shut the market).

Vanguard to launch active ETF's

Super High Margins required on Bitcoin Futures

In my opinion the collateral required to back up futures trading - but also all over-the-counter derivatives trading - is way too low and not sufficient to withstand a market crash like the one in October 1987 or during the GFC (Great Financial Crisis).
2%, even 8% margin as suggested in this article are never going to be sufficient when markets move 10, 20 per cent of more within days.
The outcome can only be described as truly catastrophic, not only for market participants, but for society and the economy as a whole. It would drive a stake right through the heart of Capitalism.
Why Interactive Broker's Founder fears Bitcoin Futures (Barron's, Pay Wall)

MIFID: Now the Tax Man wants to have his cut

Just when you thought the 1000+ pages MIFID nonsense could not get any worse this news hits the wire. Could it be that it was all along the main purpose of this unnecessary and counterproductive EU edict to create new tax raising opportunities for the voracious appetite that quasi-democratic politicians so desperately are looking for? Just one more reason to make it more attractive for the Financial Service Industry to decamp to friendlier climes, such as New York, Dubai, Singapore. Maybe a successful Brexit will make Britain to abolish this convolut.
Bloomberg