1) President Trump’s suggestion of buying Greenland is bringing to light international interest in the world’s largest island because of its geopolitical importance. Since World War II, there has been a strategic interest as a result of Atlantic shipping lanes. But the island nation also has stocks of natural resources such as coal, zinc, copper, iron and rare minerals. Even China has made proposals to Greenland for economic development. Some think that Greenland also harbors vast reserves of oil.
2) Twenty-two city municipalities have had their computer systems hacked and taken ransom, all simultaneously which indicates the ransom attacks is by a single unknown entity. So far, more than forty municipalities have been digitally hijacked this year, including major cities such as Baltimore and Albany. Most attacks are upon small cities and towns who have limited monetary resources for strong cyberdefenses or backing up data. There are more ransom ware attacks simple because they work and pay so well.
3) Foreign oil companies are leaving Canada to the tune of $30 billion dollars in the last three years. Canada’s oil industry has struggled to recovered from the 2014 crash in global oil prices, an industry that accounts for one fifth of Canada’s exports. The lack of pipelines has seriously effected Canada’s heavy crude prices for years. Consequently, capital is draining out of the industry effecting overall production and hence revenues.
4) Stock market closings for – 22 AUG 19:
Dow 26,252.24 up 49.51
Nasdaq 7,991.39 up 28.82
S&P 500 2,922.95 down 1.48
10 Year Yield: up at 1.61%
Oil: up at $55.39