Countries Supporting Ukraine With Weapons: Map

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In the current Ukraine-Russia war, some 30 Western countries are sending weapons to Ukraine so that Ukraine can use those against Russia and defend itself. The lone Asian country that is also participating in this coalition is Japan. In addition, the global south is participating in this war by supporting Ukraine with arms as the map below shows. Major emerging countries such as China, India, Brazil and a host of others are not supporting either of the two parties to the war militarily.

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Source: The Western weapons fueling the Ukraine war, Asia Times

Though it is a proxy war for now, there is a huge risk should Russia ever decide to retaliate either directly or indirectly against any of the countries supporting Ukraine militarily.

Minerals and Metals in Your Smartphone: Infographic

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More than 40 metals and rare earths are used in the manufacture of a smart phone. The following infographic shows some of those that are present in a smart phone:

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Source: Canadian Mining

The following graphics from U.S. Geological Survey shows more details on the metals including where they are mined in the world:

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Source: USGS

Related:

The History of Metals: Infographic

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I came across the below excellent infographic on the history of metals. The discovery and use of metals is as old as the human civilization. For instance, gold was used to make jewelry as early as 6,000 BC. Similarly other metals such as copper, silver, iron, etc. were already in use during the ancient times.

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Source: Makin Metals

Related ETFs:

  • SPDR Gold Trust (GLD)
  • United States Copper Index Fund (CPER)

Disclosure: No positions

Europe According to Vladimir Putin 2014: Humorous Map

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I came across the below funny map of Europe according to Vladimir Putin in 2014 by author Yanko Tsvetkov of Atlas Prejudice. In a blog post, he wrote about how humor has morphed into horror in 2022. Putin’s view of Ukraine at that time is also shocking as the author has marked it as “EuroFascists”.  The same false narrative is used by Russia in its ongoing war on Ukraine.

 

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Source: Atlas of Prejudice by Yanko Tsvetkov

Growth Stocks Underperform During Rising Interest Rates

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Growth stocks are getting hammered this year for good reason. In a rising interest rate environment growth stocks perform poorly relative to value stocks. When rates increase investors are reluctant to pay premiums for companies whose profits are projected in the future. Companies with no earnings but great ideas or projections fare even worse. Many such firms that became darlings during the past two years are already down significantly.

Below is an excerpt from an excellent article by Eric Savoie at RBC Global Asset Management:

Growth stocks underperformed amid rising interest rates

One of the major equity themes so far this year has been the underperformance of growth stocks given their heightened sensitivity to changes in interest rates. The S&P 500 growth index is down 17% year-to-date and very close to its March low, whereas the S&P 500 value index is only down 2.6% year-to-date and remains relatively close to its record high. As interest rates rise, investors are less willing to pay up for the promise of much higher profits generated by growth stocks far out into the future and prefer more attractively priced value stocks (Exhibit 12). That said, even though growth stocks have faltered relative to value stocks, the recent pullback pales in comparison to the significant gains generated by growth stocks over the last several years. Growth stocks could continue to come under pressure in an environment where central banks remain hawkish, inflation proves more difficult to calm and yields push even higher.

 

Source: Investors on edge as central banks buckle down to fight inflation and rates rise, RBC

With interest rates projected to rise further thru the rest of the year, growth stocks are likely to be more volatile and decline. Unprofitable companies are best avoided.

Related ETFs:

  • SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)
  • iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV)
  • Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)
  • Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG)
  • SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPLG)
  • S&P MidCap 400 SPDR ETF (MDY)

Disclosure: No positions