I regret that it took a while to find this thread because it is fascinating reading...even for an economic layman. The ticking time bomb in my World is the continuing devaluation of the RMB and the lack of focus that US retailers have given it. All major chains either refuse cost increases or hold "auctions" for low bids and keep assuming that Asia is a bottomless pit of yearly cost decreases. That is so over. The lead paint issues that surfaced this year are just the tip of the iceberg over what will happen in the next 3-5 years as China factories demand currency and labor cost equality. There are three supposedly "immoveable" parties here...the factory, the retailer and the consumer. One is about to give in a big way and everyone will feel the consequences.
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"but there's just no point in trying to predict when the narcissits finally figure out they aren't living in the most important time ever."
hi im god quote
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