Tuesday, February 10, 2009

The Inflation/Deflation Optical Illusion

Here's a chart.

Which way is the price of this silver company going to go next? Inflationists might see the price returning to the 2000-2008 trend line. Deflationists might see a continuation of the downtrend that started in 2008, possibly with yet another crash.

So which is it? I certainly can't tell you. I look at the chart and see both, but not at the same time. I tend to toggle back and forth between the two as my brain attempts to make sense of the puzzle.

Don't answer yet. Watch the following video first. Trust me. It will help you make a more informed decision. It sure helped me, well sort of!

Optical Illusion Girlfriend

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Stag,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Face_and_Fruit_Dish.jpg

Face & dish. But don't miss the dog!

Stagflationary Mark said...

mab,

Inflation or deflation and all I get in response is face and dish with bonus dog?

Have you given any thought about becoming a future Treasury Secretary?!! ;)

Anonymous said...

Inflation or deflation and all I get in response is face and dish with bonus dog?

Have YOU given any thought to becoming a future wall street banker?!!! You clearly have a highly developed sense of "bonus" entitlement! ;)

Stagflationary Mark said...

mab,

Have YOU given any thought to becoming a future wall street banker?!!! You clearly have a highly developed sense of "bonus" entitlement! ;)

I'd work for a one dollar salary and no bonuses (as long as I got my cut of previously issued stock options that are repriced just in time for the great reflation).

Heck, I'd be comfortable living in a (luxury mansion with assorted) Van (Gogh paintings) down by the river too, assuming you wished to hire me.

Did I mention that I'm especially good on a board of directors? Pay me very well and I'd see to it that you are paid very well. Seems like a pretty easy job too.

Third Year of Double-Digit Increases in Board Compensation
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29098356/

I also promise to live in an unreal region of detached altruism and to act in the vague mood of ideal abstraction from obvious facts which must be present to the mind of any honest and intelligent man, even though not required to do so by law.

Board of Directors
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Board_of_Directors

"[directors are] not required by the law to live in an unreal region of detached altruism and to act in the vague mood of ideal abstraction from obvious facts which must be present to the mind of any honest and intelligent man when he exercises his powers as a director."

I'm also adept at checking and double checking golden parachutes. Safety first!

Anonymous said...

Stag,

Did I mention that I'm especially good on a board of directors?

Actually, I was thinking we need a "water boarding" of directors. Check this out:

http://online.wsj.com/mdc/public/page/2_3024-industryearn.html?mod=topnav_2_3021

We're heading for a quarter of NEGATIVE earnings (aka losses) on both an operating and as-reported basis. Sales are off ~ 10% too!

But bonuses must be paid.

If it looks like a depression, feels like a depression....

Stagflationary Mark said...

mab,

Actually, I was thinking we need a "water boarding" of directors.

Based on the data in your link, would you settle for a water hoarding director?

August 1, 2008
40% water rate hike proposed
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/seattlepolitics/archives/144996.asp

Seattle Public Utilities officials on Friday announced plans for a 40 percent water rate increase over three years.

We're being Simon and Garfunkled.

Hello green grass my old friend
I've come to water you again
Because the prices softly creeping
The rate hikes while I was sleeping
And inflation that was planted won't refrain
Still remains
Within the "hope" of high rents

Optical Illusion said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Stagflationary Mark said...

Spam Deleted.