The US, Canada and the Looming Economic Storm

“The floor is about to crumble, and we are worried about pronouns?”

Once characterized by its bustling cities, diverse landscapes, and entrepreneurial spirit, North America faces a fiscal threat that could drastically alter its image. The ballooning national debts of the United States and Canada and their continuous struggle to balance income and expenditure hint towards a potential economic storm. It’s reminiscent of a company continually running on borrowed money, seemingly oblivious to the unsustainability of its business model.

This debt ceiling can be complex, so allow me to break it down into plain language. Visualize owning a company where you routinely pay salaries with borrowed funds, creating a cycle of credit dependency. As your income fails to keep pace with expenditure, the bank continually increases your credit limit to help you avert disaster. Unfortunately, this does not solve the underlying issue of income-expenditure discrepancy but instead plunges you deeper into debt. One day, the bank will inevitably call in the loan. With no means to repay, you’d have to witness the disheartening collapse of your company.

This analogy provides a startlingly accurate representation of the current fiscal reality of the US and Canada. The US Department of the Treasury has reported that the debt limit has been revised, extended, or raised 78 times since 1960. In December 2021, the federal debt ceiling swelled by an additional $2.5 trillion to a jaw-dropping $31.381 trillion. This figure is expected to last the country until at least July 2023.

Lawmakers, when they raise the debt ceiling, are not necessarily advocating for new spending. Instead, they’re extending a lifeline, allowing the government to accrue enough debt to cover pre-existing spending obligations. In effect, the government is perpetuating a cycle of borrowing more money to repay earlier debts.

Meanwhile, Canada’s situation is equally concerning. The country’s central bank has relied heavily on quantitative easing, a policy of buying government bonds to inject money into the economy. However, recent data indicates that the results of this policy have been less than fruitful. Much like our hypothetical company, the country is finding itself cash-strapped in a bear market.

Fuel and food prices in Canada are at record highs, further straining household budgets. The housing market, once a reliable source of wealth and stability, is seeing a significant drop in house prices. And as the saying goes, “if the US gets the flu, so does Canada.” This statement holds particularly true in the current economic climate, as Canada, heavily tied to the US economically, is feeling the tremors of the US’s fiscal instability.

The implications of this persistent debt cycle are dire. Growing national debt results in increased interest payments, leaving less money for essential public services, infrastructure investments, and other government functions. High debt levels can breed economic instability, deter investors, and potentially hamper economic growth.

As creditors’ confidence wanes, there is always a risk that they will one day call in their loans, thrusting the country into a financial crisis. This looming threat of economic instability calls for the US and Canada to reassess their fiscal policies, emphasizing sustainable spending and revenue generation.

The debt ceiling and quantitative easing may appear to be effective short-term solutions, but they do not address the root problem. It’s akin to applying a band-aid to a gushing wound – it may stave off the immediate crisis, but without proper treatment, the condition will worsen. The real issue – the fiscal imbalance – needs to be addressed to avoid an era of economic instability and hardship.

In the face of this brewing storm, both countries need to examine their economic frameworks, focusing on a sustainable balance between income and spending. A shift towards fiscal responsibility is not just a necessity but an urgent priority to secure a stable economic future for North America.

A stark warning arises from the current fiscal situation in the United States, as the continued reliance on raising the debt ceiling poses significant threats to the national and global economy. The signs of this impending crisis include plummeting stock markets, higher interest rates for borrowers, a potential credit downgrade for the American government, and a weakened US dollar.

Moreover, many government-funded programs, such as Social Security, veterans’ benefits, and federal employees’ salaries, are at risk, potentially facing delayed payments or defaults. As investor confidence decreases, interest rates could surge, increasing prices and contributing to inflation.

In the words of US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, the failure to meet government obligations could “cause irreparable harm to the US economy, the livelihoods of all Americans, and global financial stability.” This statement serves as a stern warning that immediate actions are needed to address the root of the problem: the constant imbalance between income and spending.

Cast your mind back to 2011, when the threat of a looming default – a dark, ominous specter hanging over our heads – rocked the foundations of our economic stability. Barack Obama held the reins in the White House, with Joe Biden serving as his stalwart vice president. That mere threat, that whisper of disaster, spurred the only credit rating downgrade in the rich tapestry of American history. S&P Global Ratings – the formidable adjudicator formerly known as Standard and Poor’s – stripped the US economy of its treasured AAA status. It was a blow, not just to our numbers, but to our pride.

Just imagine, for a moment, the U.S. Treasury Department building standing tall, bathed in the soft glow of the dusk in Washington on June 6, 2019. That building, a symbol of our national financial backbone, housing decisions that shape lives across our great nation and beyond.

The debt limit, as crucial as it is, has become a political football, kicked around and used as leverage by political parties to bulldoze their agendas through the resistant landscape of opposition. As we move past the November midterms, the newly minted Republican House majority stands in negotiation with Democrats, engaged in a fiscal tug of war. Their aim? To force the government’s hand to cut down the ever-growing tree of spending.

Kevin McCarthy, the House Speaker, once made a poignant remark about this debt ceiling that hangs over our heads like the sword of Damocles: “You couldn’t just keep increasing it. Let’s sit down and change our behavior for the good of America. Because we’re going to bankrupt this country and these entitlements if we don’t change their behavior today.” A stark statement, filled with sombre truth, and a call to action we can’t afford to ignore.

Peering into the murky depths of the future, one can almost foresee several months of rigorous debate over the debt ceiling issue. If past instances are any indication, we may be walking a precarious path towards government shutdowns. Recollect, if you will, the longest of such standoffs between December 22, 2018, and January 25, 2019. These are the challenges we face, the trials we must endure, all in the pursuit of financial stability and fiscal responsibility.”

Now how will this US financial bombshell impact Canada which already face a plethora of financial problems? Well, it’s not good at all, in fact, it’s pretty bloody horrible. Historically, the economic health of the United States has had a significant influence on Canada due to its deep interconnectedness. As two of the largest trading partners in the world, any financial tremor in the United States tends to have ripple effects on the Canadian economy.

If the US faces an economic crisis, it could decrease consumer and business spending. With the US being Canada’s largest trading partner, this could result in a decrease in demand for Canadian goods and services, affecting Canadian businesses and potentially leading to job losses.

A financial crisis in the US might lead to a loss of confidence in financial markets worldwide. Given the interconnectedness of the markets, this could cause a decrease in the value of Canadian stocks and bonds. Furthermore, American businesses might pull back their investments in Canada, potentially leading to job losses and slower economic growth.

Canada is a significant exporter of commodities, including oil. An economic downturn in the US could lower demand for these commodities, leading to lower prices and affecting Canada’s commodity-dependent provinces.

Economic instability in the US could lead to fluctuations in the value of the US dollar. Given the close relationship between the two currencies, this could affect the value of the Canadian dollar, impacting imports, exports, and inflation.

In the face of an economic crisis, the US may adopt fiscal and monetary measures that could indirectly affect Canada. For instance, if the US reduces interest rates to stimulate the economy, Canada might feel compelled to follow suit to prevent the Canadian dollar from appreciating too much against the US dollar, affecting Canadian exports.

An economic crisis in the US could have social and political ramifications for Canada. Increased economic uncertainty could lead to higher levels of immigration from the US to Canada. Moreover, it could shift the political landscape, as parties react to the economic circumstances.

While it’s challenging to predict the exact impact of a US economic crisis on Canada, historical precedent suggests that it would likely have significant economic, financial, and potentially social and political effects. As such, it’s crucial for Canadian policymakers to keep a close eye on the economic health of their southern neighbor.

The forthcoming potential default of the United States on its loans has sent waves of anxiety throughout the world, with all eyes turned towards President Biden’s administration. There is an increasing sense of concern, and yes, some might even say a metaphorical “ass puckering”, as we stand on the precipice of what may be the start of an economic depression.

President Biden’s administration has been marred by an array of unprecedented challenges that haven’t favored the economic wellbeing of everyday people. From the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to rising inflation and supply chain disruptions, these issues have been exacerbated by the looming debt ceiling crisis.

In the face of this impending economic calamity, there is a perception that Biden’s administration has been deflecting blame. The President has indeed stressed that raising the debt limit is a shared responsibility of both parties, reflecting spending that has already been approved by past congresses and administrations, including those led by Republicans.

However, critics argue that this approach seems to avoid taking full ownership of the current fiscal predicament. With the government potentially days away from a default, critics are calling for more decisive action and leadership, rather than what they perceive as finger-pointing.

In truth, the debt ceiling issue isn’t new and isn’t attributable to one party. It’s a chronic problem that has been building for decades. However, the current circumstances – the potential first default in US history – occur under President Biden’s watch. Therefore, the resolution of the crisis, or the lack thereof, will undoubtedly leave a significant imprint on his legacy.

The fact that Biden’s administration is at the helm during these challenging times means that it must bear the responsibility of steering the nation away from the precipice. While historical context is important, critics are looking for concrete steps and action plans to address the immediate crisis. The focus, they argue, should not be on laying blame, but rather on averting disaster and safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of Americans.

In conclusion, there is a growing sense of apprehension as the potential US default looms. Amidst this, the perceived blame deflection by the Biden administration is causing unease. As we tread these uncharted waters, decisive action and clear leadership will be critical in restoring confidence and averting a potential economic depression.

Smell the coffee!

Listen up and listen well because I’m about to break down for you the domino effect of a US debt default – a hard, bitter pill that we’re on the brink of swallowing.

• First off, interest rates aren’t just going to rise – they’re going to skyrocket. Your money? It’s about to become as scarce as hen’s teeth and as expensive as diamonds for banks. And you can bet your last dollar that these banks will be passing that cost right on down to you, the customer.
• The business sector isn’t going to escape unscathed either. Business debts will soar, spiraling out of control faster than you can say ‘bankruptcy’. This isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet we’re talking about here. We’re talking about businesses going under, and jobs – lots and lots of jobs – disappearing into thin air.
• Think it can’t get worse? Think again. We’re looking at instant insolvency as businesses find themselves in a chokehold, repayments rapidly overtaking their cashflow.
• And the stock market? That’s going down too, crashing harder than a lead balloon. We’re talking values dropping faster than a stone in water.
• Asset values, well, they’re about to enter a spin. Think you know what your house, your car, your savings are worth? Think again. When nobody’s got the cash to buy, those numbers become as unpredictable as a roll of the dice.
• The global trade? It’s set to fracture, cracks appearing like spiderwebs across the system we’ve relied on for so long. And those government bonds you thought were safe as houses? Think nuclear wasteland, that’s the level of trashing we’re talking about.
• This isn’t a drill. This isn’t a hypothetical. This is the cold, hard reality of what a US debt default could mean. It’s high time we wake up and take this threat seriously, before it’s too late.

Let’s cut to the chase – there’s no other option but to raise the debt ceiling once again. This is not a matter of choice; it’s a dire necessity. For anyone with even a modicum of economic understanding, the path is clear. The US debt limit has to be raised. Full stop.

This is no longer about the tiresome back-and-forth of partisan politics. This isn’t about scoring points on the floor of Congress or posturing for the next election. This is about survival, pure and simple.

Take a moment to comprehend the gravity of the situation. If the US credit market goes down, we’ll all be in the trenches. This isn’t about a single country – the United States is woven so intricately into the global economic fabric that a thread pulled there unravels the cloth worldwide.

This crisis could dwarf the 2008 financial meltdown, making it look like child’s play in comparison. Think about that – the economic despair, the lost jobs, the ruined lives from that time – and then imagine a scenario multiple times worse.

We stand at the edge of a precipice, with the dark abyss of unprecedented economic crisis staring back at us. This isn’t the time for complacency or political maneuvering. It’s time to act with resolve and urgency.

So, let me reiterate: The US debt limit has to be raised. It’s the only viable path forward, not just for the sake of the American economy, but for the stability and wellbeing of the global economic landscape. We are all in this together, and we’ll either survive together or go down together. The choice seems clear.

Picture this: Canada’s housing market, once a symbol of economic prosperity, has taken a precipitous dive. Home values are falling, and those who have overextended themselves in pursuit of the Canadian dream now face the grim reality of negative equity. The pillars of their financial stability are shaking.

Inflation, that insidious thief of purchasing power, is skyrocketing at a pace not seen in recent memory. Everyday goods are becoming more expensive, and the value of hard-earned dollars is eroding, erasing the financial progress made by millions of Canadian households.

Interest rates, historically low for so long, have suddenly shot up to dizzying heights. As the Bank of Canada scrambles to control inflation, borrowing has become an expensive endeavor. For many, the dream of owning a home or starting a business has become prohibitively costly.

Simultaneously, the cost of life’s necessities is spiraling out of control. Food and fuel prices have soared to astronomical levels, making it harder and harder for families to make ends meet. The simple act of feeding a family or heating a home is becoming a luxury out of reach for too many Canadians.

Meanwhile, the specter of an economic downturn in the United States, Canada’s most significant trading partner, looms large. If history serves as a guide, it’s a stark warning that Canada is likely to feel the aftershocks of any economic turmoil in the U.S.

This is the chilling scenario we find ourselves in. Canada is navigating an economic tempest, with challenges at every turn. It’s a storm that threatens to sweep away the economic gains of the last decade, leaving hardworking Canadian families to pick up the pieces.

As we brace for what may come, one thing is certain – it will take resilience, unity, and prudent decision-making to weather this storm. The road ahead may be challenging, but Canadians have proven time and again that they can rise to the occasion when faced with adversity.

To add, let’s not ignore the elephants in the room – the leaders of these two nations, President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau. Their stewardship, or perhaps more accurately their mismanagement, has significantly contributed to the predicament we find ourselves in.

Both administrations have perpetuated the dangerous cycle of borrowing and spending with a seeming disregard for the long-term implications. This fiscal irresponsibility has led us down a path where we are dependent on continually raising the debt ceiling, creating a ticking time bomb of debt and inflated money supply.

Their respective economic policies, while politically palatable, have failed to address the root causes of the issues we face. Indeed, it could be argued that they have exacerbated the situation. Despite this, they continue to deflect blame and avoid accountability for the economic fallout that their actions have helped to create.

In plain terms, both the United States and Canada are on a precarious fiscal ledge, and the policies of Biden and Trudeau have played a major role in putting us there. So, brace yourselves, dear readers. If the past is anything to go by, we could be in for a rough ride. As things stand, we may well be about to feel the economic equivalent of a punch to the gut.

Imagine this economic crisis as a brutal UFC fight, with us, the North American economy, up against an opponent named Debt Limit, a veritable Jon “Bones” Jones in the arena of finance.

Debt Limit is unyielding, hammering us with relentless attacks. Suddenly, he delivers a crippling liver punch, akin to the record-high inflation we’re experiencing. We’re reeling, trying to stay on our feet, when a second punch lands, just as devastating – the blow of soaring interest rates.

Down we go onto the mat, winded and struggling. As we’re grappling with the pain and shock, we hear the iconic voice of Joe Rogan, resounding through the arena. His words cut through the chaotic atmosphere, echoing with grim finality, “He’s hurt!”

There’s no sugarcoating it, we’re hurting. The economy has taken some heavy blows, and it feels like we’re on the ropes. But as Rogan would likely remind us, “This isn’t just a game, it’s survival!” So, we better brace ourselves, because this fight is far from over.