Oddly Relevant Jan-31-2013

January resurgence of interest in FX trading: Record highs for Citi (highest volume in Yen), Barclays (2^nd and 3^rd highest trading days on record in Jan), DB (volume hit record high), and UBS (trade in yen up 100% since start of year). [Note: could be beginning of year hedges after a successful 3-week sales pitch? Not sure if indicative of risk-on]…Source: http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/51676514-6a39-11e2-a7d2-00144feab49a.html#axzz2JWk5uAfE

The best negative GDP report? 10 bp shrinkage in 4Q12. But take note: Personal consumption, durable goods, and residential investments all up QoQ, and the private sector, in some way, had its strongest 3-month period in 2 years. [Note: the painful restructuring the Austrian school likes]…Source: http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/01/the-economy-just-shrank-but-this-is-the-best-negative-gdp-report-you-will-ever-read/272676/

Will Obamacare spur firms to drop workers’ health cover? From Jan 2014 onwards, Obama’s law will make individual market more attractive with subsidies. Survey suggest ~5% likely to discontinue medical schemes within 5 years, >30% consider adopting “defined contribution” scheme, and > 40% expect employees to pay a greater share. [Note: Kicker, $2,000 fine per worker w/o health insurance sponsorship, perverse incentives there]…Source: http://www.economist.com/news/business/21570756-will-obamacare-spur-firms-drop-workers-health-cover-insured-and-unsure

A Swiss solar-powered plane: 10 years and $130 million in the making. 208 feet wingspan (like a Airbus A340) but only 3,527 pounds (like a sedan). 4 batteries enough for 26-hour flight. Average flying speed is 43 miles/hour. [Note: It probably can go on forever, I want one]…Source: http://gigaom.com/2013/01/30/coming-to-america-a-swiss-solar-powered-plane/

Where is the most plastic surgery performed? South Korea is not a surprise, next ups are Greece, Italy, United States, and Columbia. None-invasive treatments account for > 50%. [Note: Never knew that Greeks are keen on that]…Source: http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2013/01/daily-chart-22