Profound theorists know there's a big difference between correlation and causality.  Recent cursory examination and highly anecodotal evidence suggests that the further south on the European continent your country is located, the more financial trouble you are likely to encounter.The location (latitudinally speaking), the temperature and the likelihood of financial insolvency are highly correlated.  But what about causality? Stay tuned....

Rising mortgage rates preclude fricitionless refinancing and repricings.  Monthly payments create confidence-shattering sticker shock.  Strap on your seat belts. Groundhogs Day? See link for infographic @Visual Capitalist here.

From the Visual Capitalist-- click link for interactive version

No commentary necessary...

Jamie Dimon doesn't want to say anything more about cryptocurrency.  Let's just say he's not a fan.  Blockchain is real but bitcoin and other cryptos not so much... and that's being diplomatic. Where's Clark Kent when you need him.

The next really big thing? The greatest thing since sliced bread? Or just the mother of all bubbles?  Well, it's kinda hard to say. And therein lies the problem. As the bitcoin-crypto-blockchain progression continues to evolve, the weak link could bring down the house of cards...or establish the foundation of a new, more resilient  financial system devoid of central bank interference. quantitative easing, taxation, non-transparency, and a digital haven for  drug and arms dealers. If you ask the Bankers' Banker, J.P. Morgan's CEO Jamie Dimon, all-things-crypto are nother but one big scam.  Come on now Jamie-- tell us how you really feel.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1CGbB6nsKU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaQ5k7yPsGY

Gas economies are not real economies in a bear market for oil....ya think?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/12/18/the-latest-bad-news-for-putin-russias-banks-need-to-be-bailed-out-now/