Habakkuk 1:5 Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. -LORD God
The Ezekiel 38-39 prophecy continues to align with modern day headlines. Russia makes a big move in the natural gas markets by inking a deal with Iran in the Chalous Gas Fields of the Caspian Sea. Experts think this deal allows Russia to potentially control the European Gas Market. How will this affect global prices?
Russia launched a missile into space and destroyed one of their satellites. Why? Because they can…
Russian President Putin positioned himself as a broker with recent skirmishes between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The Turkish Lira continues to plummet against the US Dollar. Inflation is hitting Turkey hard over the last year. Turkey is starved for cash and needs revenue in a hurry. Turkey vows to start drilling for natural gas in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Sudan’s government remains in chaos. Former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has been released from house arrest and is likely to be reinstated as Prime Minister. Eventually Sudan will turn to Russia according to Ezekiel 38-39 and join in the coalition of countries against Israel. Remember, Sudan signed the Abraham Peace Accords with Israel during the Trump Administration.
The volcanic eruption on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands continues on for over 2 months. Earthquake activity is increasing in regards to intensity and the quakes are occurring at a deeper depth. Lava continues to flow and destroy property. Landslides are now taking place on the island. Tsunami warnings are being discussed.
All of this and more on This Week in Prophecy. Click on the YouTube link below for analysis and commentary on the events above.
Breaking News: Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan has fired the Central Bank Chief. The market is not responding well to this news.
As of the open of trade on Sunday night in America, Monday morning in Turkey, the Lira has dropped up to 15-17% against the dollar.
There is big time concern this could to lead to a recession in Turkey. Monday could be an interesting day in the markets. Sadly, this means more inflation for the people of Turkey.
4)Turkish heavy industry imports raw materials to produce. They are commodities such as steel traded in USD or industrial production equipment (from Germany or US) 5)Turkey is a net energy importer. Traded in USD. 6)Turkey has already spent the majority of its currency reserves.
A weak Lira will dismantle the Turkish middle class and push further into poverty the poorer eroding consumer power. Whoever has reserves will rush to sell currency. Whoever doesn't, will exchange as soon as they have it. Pushing Lira into a tail spin. This does not end here.
There are many reasons to watch Turkey as a key player in Bible prophecy. Turkey will be part of a coalition lead by Russia along with Iran and others when they will invade Israel from the north.
Recent history tells us that Turkey’s President Erdogan responds to financial crisis with military aggression. Somebody is likely to get attacked…
The brothers of Magog (Meshech, Gomer, and Tubal) appear to point to modern day Turkey.
Ezekiel 38:1-3 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
Ezekiel 38:6 Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-Togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.
Magog was a son of Japheth. Genesis 10:2 The sons of Japheth wereGomer and Magog and Madai and Javan and Tubal and Meshech and Tiras. Japheth was the son of Noah. The sons of Japheth were born after the flood (Genesis 10:1).
Isaiah 47:11 But evil shall come upon you, which you will not know how to charm away; disaster shall fall upon you, for which you will not be able to atone; and ruin shall come upon you suddenly, of which you know nothing.
Pay Attention!!!
By Michael Douville – I have forecast the Global Slowdown and now that fact has been recognized by virtually everyone. The Globe is slowing so quickly that the World may be entering a period of vulnerability to a sudden downdraft.
To paraphrase the famous question of “how does this happen?”: slowly, then all of a sudden! The economy has been dragged to the edge of a cliff; something just needs to push it over!
The last decade of repressed interest rates has encouraged a Global Debt Binge!
Italy is in Recession, The Netherlands is also. Germany is teetering avoiding a the statistical recession as the 3rdQuarter GDP was -0.2% but the 4thQuarter managed to rise to 0.0%. Revisions later may change the statistics.
The 1stQuarter of 2019 is looking dismal as Global demand for Autos declined and mighty BMW announced it will not make earnings projections. The stock dropped over 6%. Lower earnings = lower stock prices!
More bad news for Germany as several Economic Indices are severely declining and the European Industrial powerhouse may be heading into further trouble. As Germany’s trading partners suffer, so suffers Germany as the German Economy is certainly Export driven.
European Interest Rates have been driven into negative returns forcing European Banks to search for better yields in Sovereign and Corporate Debt. Many Spanish, Italian, and German Banks have still not recovered from the Great Financial Crisis and are “woefully unprepared” for the next financial crisis and the currency union is not resilient enough to emerge unscathed from unexpected economic storms” as reported by Christine Legarde.
Which brings us to Turkey! The last decade of repressed interest rates has encouraged a Global Debt Binge! Not only has business and private borrowers indulged beyond their capacity, but Nations across the World have found that it was very easy and expedient to borrow their way to Prosperity!
Turkey is in trouble! The Turkish Economy has officially entered a Recession. Inflation has been unleashed on the population driving prices of everyday goods beyond reach. The Turkish national currency the Lira has lost tremendous value as the Foreign Exchange rate, although improved from the near 7 Lira to the US Dollar, is still vastly devalued at 5.75 Lira to the US Dollar. To make matters worse, the US Dollar is cycling higher. Portending Turmoil!
Debt denominated in US Dollars is now coming due; Billions and Billions of US Dollars are coming due all while the Lira sinks and the Nation of Turkey is gripped by a Recession. Much of this debt is owed to the Banks of Spain, Italy, and Germany; Banks that are “ill prepared” for Loss!! Banks that are “Systemically Important”!
Could Corporations in Turkey, struggling with Debt Repayment default on their loans? For that matter, could Turkey default on it’s Sovereign Debt? A Turkish default could lead to losses in Systemically Important Banks; losses now, while Europe struggles, would be felt everywhere!!!
As I have recommended before, build reserves, pay down debt, cut expenses, review vulnerabilities both personal and Business, and discuss with your advisers as to what is Prudent in your Investment Portfolio. If contagion ignites, financing will be restricted; check with your lenders and review loans for refinance and Lines of Credit. Preserve Capital for the huge Opportunities that will surely present themselves. Review rental agreements and maximize tenant quality rather than maximize revenue. Rental cash flows may be the “Life Boat” to sustain the quality of life jeopardized by a Global Recession.
For Seven years Turkey has borrowed from Western Banks; European Banks like Deutsche Bank seem to be the favorites. However, JP Morgan has estimated that $179 Billion US or 25% of Turkish external debt will rollover between August of 2018 to July of 2019. Some $146 Billion in private debt. As shown by the chart below, the Turkish Lira has recovered some from the August 2018 conversion low of 6.95 Turkish Lira to the US Dollar, however, the repayment in Lira is significantly higher than what was originally borrowed. The Cyclical change in International Exchange Rates has drastically altered the Foreign Debt owed by Turkish Governmental Agencies and Private Corporations. If Turks borrowed $100 in 2014 with the exchange rate at 2 Lire to the US Dollar, they received 200 lira. Today, not only must they pay interest, they repay with drastically depreciated currency at 5.4 Lira to the US Dollar; instead of 200 lira, it is today over 540 lira. Almost 2.5 times the original amount! Loan Shark Territory!!
The drastic depreciation of Turkish currency has driven local inflation through the roof with skyrocketing prices for basic commodities like fuel for the family car, electricity to light the home and maintain modern life, food, medicine such as heart medication for elders, insulin, and hospital supplies. Not only have prices risen, but as the currency depreciates, the international suppliers are reluctant to extend credit limiting quantities. Not only can basics be expensive, they can be difficult to obtain. There is no end in sight.
As I warned in October of 2018, Turkey was heading into Economic Turmoil. Now, it appears Turkey has officially entered a Recession.
Repayment will be even more difficult as Business Conditions deteriorate.International Systemically Important Banks will be at risk for non-payment of Turkish Debt or delayed payment, and even possibly total default of loans made to Turkish entities. The Global Economy is intertwined; these may be early symptoms that will eventually spread. As Revenues decline, the solutions for repayment to worried Banks decline in tandem with the accounts receivable. Debt default may be a more and more plausible option; we will know shortly in the next few quarters.
Look for more and more Military Adventure in Economically Challenged nations as Governments seek to distract their population. Globally Systemic Banks are not prepared for an Economic Contagion of Sovereign defaults; well known but under-Capitalized Banks could fail. A Global Recession will lead to major Civil unrest; political institutions will be challenged. The US Dollar and US Financial Assets likely will rise as Capital flees to Safe Havens. Turmoil throughout the World will rise in both Developed and Un-developed nations. It is time to be careful, it is time to be cautious, it is time to be very conservative.
Raise cash, pay down debts, look to US short term Treasuries for safety of principal. Extra food, medicine, along with cash for 3 to 6 months of expenses might be prudent to have at home. Review Income Streams for credit downgrade vulnerabilities, review Tenant quality to protect Cash Flows, and prepare to purchase the opportunities that will surely arise.
Ezekiel 38:1-3 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
Ezekiel 38:6 Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-Togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.
The brothers of Magog (Meshech, Gomer, and Tubal) appear to point to modern day Turkey.
For more evidence pointing to modern day Turkey, see the link below.
No Presidential Decree from Turkey’s de facto ruler will stop the Lira’s decline against the US Dollar.
Nations are no different than Families; each has a credit line. Using credit to enjoy today is always at the expense of tomorrow; maybe at the expense of a lot of tomorrows.
The US Dollar is cycling higher as uncertainty in Financial Markets starts to spread; just Capital looking for Safety! The easy credit and absurdly low interest rates of the last decade have encouraged gorging on Debt across the Villages, Hamlets, Towns, Cities, and Nations of the World. The Joy of Financed Prosperity is ending and the Day of Judgment is coming as the servicing of the Debt now is impeding Prosperity and the Creditors are looking for re-payment. Emerging Markets rely heavily on Debt to finance schools, airports, roads, water sanitation and all of the infrastructure already in place in modern countries. Further, Emerging Markets rely heavily on Foreign Investments for Capital to build retail, restaurants and housing. When local currencies start to decline against the benchmarks such as the US Dollar, these pools of Capital start to leave causing a liquidity problem for local governments and eventually a loss in confidence which can quickly and adversely affect exchange rates. Capital in Argentina, Brazil, India, Greece, Macedonia, Poland and of course Turkey is fleeing to the Safety of the US Dollar and their currency’s purchasing power is declining. Once started, it is very difficult to stop: even Presidential decrees do not work.
JP Morgan Emerging Market Currency Index
Nations are no different than Families; each has a credit line. Using credit to enjoy today is always at the expense of tomorrow; maybe at the expense of a lot of tomorrows. Eventually the credit line is completely spent; maybe an extension or two will postpone the inevitable. However, just as Families, nations can only service so much Debt and then something has to change. Families can declare Bankruptcy or allow a Foreclosure. Nations DEFAULT!!
Before a Nation Defaults, plans must be made for the continuation of the Government and essential services. This is done by securing funding from other sources; sources that previously would not even be considered; desperation changes things! Turkey is running out of Credit! Turkey will not accept constraints imposed by the IMF or creditor Banks and has received an emergency $15 Billion from Qatar. The Debt must be addressed while the Turkish economy and currency is quickly declining creating a very difficult situation. Overtures to Russia and China for funding will be a game changer. If the future funding requirements can be obtained, Turkey will be able to default on it’s Debt; geopolitics are also economic realities. Capital is fleeing now, time is short.
Prepare for Turmoil, but also prepare for opportunity! Defaults in Emerging Markets would impact Stocks and Bonds across the Globe. Reduce or eliminate debt, create personal reserves, stockpile needed medicine, store extra food and water, and keep personal cash handy. The Financial Asset Cycle is ending and Real Assets will rise. Natural Resources, Agriculture, Mining and Minerals, Lumber, Copper, Oil, Aluminum, and most if not all of the basic materials should rise as currencies decline. Things should be accumulate; very conservative Real Estate such as rental houses should do well. It is time to prepare, time to change, time to prepare for the next opportunity.
Currently, American economic sanctions and a strong US dollar are crippling the currencies of Russia, Turkey, and Iran. All of these countries are feeling an economic, monetary squeeze. Ultimately, the reason for the invasion of Israel from the north appears to be economic. Israel is a prosperous country.
Ezekiel 38:13 Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its leaders will say to you, ‘Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your hosts to carry off plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to seize great spoil?’
Is now this time? It is looking like it more and more with each passing day. But, that remains to be seen. Will Turkey Align with Russia? God’s prophet Ezekiel says emphatically “Yes”!
Ezekiel 38:1-3 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
Ezekiel 38:6 Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-Togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.
The brothers of Magog (Meshech, Gomer, and Tubal) appear to point to modern day Turkey.
For more evidence pointing to modern day Turkey, see the link below.
Michael Douville is a syndicated writer for the Wall St. Greek.
Capital is the Life Blood of Business. When Credit is readily available, expansion of existing facilities to increase production becomes possible. With new production, employment expands, a ripple effect and a virtuous spiral starts spreading throughout the Economy. Optimism and Hope prevails as the outlook for the future brightens! Hope and Optimism are being crushed in Turkey!
Monday August 27, 2018, Turkey’s 10 year Bond closed over 21%. These rates spell doom for the Turkey.
Commercial debt in Turkey is estimated as $330 Billion US Dollars; Us Dollars have become a very precious commodity. The Turkish Lira has been declining for several years, but the US Dollar index DXY seems to have stopped declining and bottomed at 88.5 in February of this year and has been flirting with 97 just 6 months later; a technical target of 103.8 has been suggested by several analysts. The strategy of borrowing in a declining currency and gambling that the decline will hold until time for repayment has backfired on all of the Emerging Market debtors; Turkey has also lost that bet! Not only has the Turkish Currency declined, economic conditions have deteriorated swiftly causing a lack of confidence which then results in a Credit Risk Premium for new debt.
The unfortunate reality is Corporate and Sovereign Debt is never retired, just Refinanced; this negative loop has driven rates higher, unsustainably higher. Monday August 27, 2018, Turkey’s 10 year Bond closed over 21%. These rates spell doom for the Turkey.
Business will certainly suffer as Credit becomes illusive. Employment will suffer and Optimism will die. Compounding the loss of credit is the Currency Inflation that will transform any imported Goods or Services such as Oil, electrical and machinery spare parts, medicine, iron and steel plastics, fertilizer, and many industrial components into extremely expensive items; the Turkish Lira has lost 40% this year alone. This currency inflation will affect the populace as the Currency Inflation devastates their buying power. If shoes and jeans, bread and butter, antibiotics and insulin become HYPER EXPENSIVE, expect civil unrest!
Turkey has the real possibility of defaulting on it’s debt! Planned, intentional? Probably not! It really does not matter. Turkey will look for new allies to extend crucial new credit such as Russia and China. New Business allies often become new military allies; overtures to other previously unthinkable Middle East nations such as Iran become thinkable. Turmoil may be on the Horizon.
Learn the lessons from Turkey! Debt eventually overwhelms everyone and everything! Inflation, even currency inflation, raises the price of real things. Therefore, invest in REAL things, get out of personal debt, use investment debt judiciously and preferably use a fixed rate. Review your reserves and stockpile things that might become difficult to buy if Turmoil comes to our shores! Maintain and extend cash levels to weather an extended storm!
Ezekiel 38:1-3 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
Ezekiel 38:6 Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-Togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.
The brothers of Magog (Meshech, Gomer, and Tubal) appear to point to modern day Turkey.
For more evidence pointing to modern day Turkey, see the link below.
The strategically important nation of Turkey is in Trouble; big Trouble! Turkey has threatened to invade Greece, has threatened Cyprus and oil explorers Exxon Mobil, Eni, and France’s Total for exploring in the Mediterranean; going so far as to threaten to sink oil rigs and Hydrocarbon Survey ships before the US 6thFleet intervened.
Turkey has invaded Syria and attacked the Kurds in Iraq as recently as last June. The Government of Erdogan seems to be searching for an external enemy; a classic diversion from an Economic Decline that may be inevitable.
You do not talk nice enough and do not give us enough respect; you are so mean to us! We may not pay the money we owe you and it’s YOUR fault!
Turkey is in trouble economically as it’s currency, the Turkish Lira, plummets in value causing massive internal inflation as the prices of raw materials, energy, and of course food and gasoline skyrocket. A plummeting Lira means more than just higher and higher prices for the populace, it means more Lira are needed to pay back International Loans denominated in US Dollars. The Lira dropped almost 20% Friday August 10th; Turkey owes $240 Billion US Dollars.
The decline of the Turkish Lira makes repayment more and more difficult. The US Dollar exchange reached a high of 6.43 Lira to the dollar; a loss of 40% so far this year. Loan repayment has jumped 40% in just 8 months!!!! The Turkish Sovereign 10 year bond has hit a record of 20.67% from 11.5% in January.
Rising rates are a direct indicator of Market Risk. Mr. Market is stating Turkey will struggle to pay it’s Debt. These loans are never repaid, just rolled over; 20%+ is definitely a danger zone! Turkey has defaulted and not paid it’s debt 5 times in the last 100 years. A Turkish default will rock the Global Economy and hit the European Banks particularly hard. Italian Banks have been in the news recently and not in a good way; 20% are reported to be struggling with solvency. Deutsche Bank of Germany has recently closed offices and furloughed 10,000 employees; none can easily afford Sovereign Debt losses. These are Systemically Important Financial Institutions! A Turkish default or even the thought of a default should send shivers down your spine.
An authoritative ruler who has replaced the head of the Central Bank with his son-in-law, who is threatening neighboring nations, who is threatening the US, who has a crumbling domestic economy that is heavily debt ridden may be looking for an excuse to blame others and not repay those that have wronged him. You do not talk nice enough and do not give us enough respect; you are so mean to us! We may not pay the money we owe you and it’s YOUR fault! Pay attention! Everything is connected. Turmoil will cause the US Dollar to get stronger; maybe a lot stronger!
Ezekiel 38:13 Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will say to you, ‘Have you come to capture spoil? Have you assembled your company to seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to capture great spoil?
Turkey’s economy is struggling for the reasons stated above. Sanctions against Iran are taking their toll on their economy. The Iranian currency continues to get pummeled against the US dollar. American economic sanctions against Russia are taking a bite out of their economy.
Ezekiel says Russia and its cohorts invade Israel for economic reason. Five times in Ezekiel 38:13, verbs of the verse indicate taking goods from Israel.
‘Have you come to capture spoil? Have you assembled your company to seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to capture great spoil?
With struggling economies of the modern day countries involved, Ezekiel’s prophecy is making more sense every day…
