Iain Little's Fund Manager's Diary: Of Arabia, Geopolitics and Markets
Comment of the Day

← Previous article Next article → Print this Item Email this article

September 09 2013

Commentary by David Fuller

Iain Little's Fund Manager's Diary: Of Arabia, Geopolitics and Markets

published by Global Thematic Investors. My thanks to the author for this topical diary, posted in the Subscriber's Area, but here is an interesting sample, hosted without further comment

A client emailed us this letter written to the FT and asked us what we thought:

Sir,
Assad is against Muslim Brotherhood. Muslim Brotherhood and Obama are against General Sisi.
But Gulf states are pro Sisi! Which means they are against Muslim Brotherhood!
Iran is pro Hamas, but Hamas is backing Muslim Brotherhood!
Obama is backing Muslim Brotherhood, yet Hamas is against the US!
Gulf states are pro US. But Turkey is with Gulf states against Assad; yet Turkey is pro Muslim Brotherhood against General Sisi. And General Sisi is being backed by the Gulf states!
Welcome to the Middle East and have a nice day.
K N Al-Sabah, London EC4, UK

Bruce replied to our client from our research office in Abu Dhabi:

How true about the Middle East. And we could add Obama is in favour of democracy, but also probably prefers the Generals in Egypt to the Muslim Brotherhood so he favours a military takeover of a democratically elected government.

This week the Head of the UAE Military who is also the Crown Prince and effectively runs the country was warmly greeted in Egypt by the Generals. The Gulf States told Egypt not to worry about the US withdrawing any financial support as the Gulf States will make it up. Qatar is a bit upset since its earlier financial aid to Egypt was very poorly received (ie stolen) by the Brotherhood.

The UAE has in jail over 60 convicted members of the Brotherhood who wanted to overthrow the country. But this week the UK Guardian attacked the UAE for holding these people without in their opinion a fair trial.

Elsewhere Putin wants to talk to Obama not as Obama as head of the USA or Obama as a friend but rather Obama as the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Putin says how can a Peace Price holder attack another country like Syria while refusing to show the world the proof that Assad used chemical weapons. So now we have Putin the moralist against Obama the War monger. In Congress the Democrats are supporting Obama's suggested attack upon Syria while still condemning Bush's action in Iraq and Afghanistan. Gung ho Republicans are not so sure. And in the UK, Germany etc etc.

P.S. The author of the letter to the editor is an Al Sabah the name of the Royal Family in Kuwait
May we live in interesting times.

← Previous article Next article → Print this Item Email this article

Most Recent Audio: 29 September 2023

Testimonials

I just want to wish you and your family many happy years in your new abode. My wife and I relocated to the UK from South Africa two years ago so am familiar with the levels of stress involved. Now rapidly approaching my 80th year and being a subscriber on and off since the hard copy days , I really have gained so much from your knowledge and expertise. The Friday videos I find especially useful where your wisdom and understanding brings together so many facets of the markets which I would not have thought of.

PH 24 May 2021

Eoin, Prompted by a recent subscribers comment I would just like to mention that I have been a subscriber for many years and can happily say that I have always considered it money well spent.I read and listen to your market commentary most days and very much appreciate your calm insight and intuitive free thinking.I find your choice of topic and charts chosen on any particular to be more powerful for the very reason they are your choice of topic and charts chosen for that particular day. Please keep up the great work.

NS 10 February 2021

Your appreciation of the macro position is unmatched by any of your peers! Coupled with a practical and current assessment of the opportunities currently available it provides me with an invaluable source of information and the strength of the “Chart Library” which I depend on year after year. Thank you. David would have been so proud of how you continue to promote his and your investment philosophies. Keep doing what you do so well although I find it incredible that you can still maintain such a high quality with all your other commitments.

DH 06 February 2021

Eoin-As a very long time subscriber I would like to thank you for the excellent service you provide. Your explanation of the "financial repression" term today was superb. I also want to thank the subscriber who asked the question. Best rgds

JA 15 January 2021

Eoin -long term picture video What a masterful summary of the position we find ourselves in and a clear sighted exposition of the opportunities and threats that face us in 2021. Thank you again for your guidance.

DH 04 January 2021

Dear Eoin Happy Holidays to you and your family and thank you for the very informative briefings. I am so impressed at the breadth and depth of your insights. It is truly an enjoyable journey to see the world through your eyes and gain the benefit of your years of experience in the financial markets. Wishing you a safe and prosperous 2021

DR 24 December 2020

Eoin - I have been a subscriber for just over 30 years, and in that time I can't recall many times when a clear and concise analysis of economic and political conditions was as important as it is today. You are doing a wonderful job at keeping the collective informed, allowing us to see a broader picture than our individual biases might otherwise give us. Thanks so much!

GB 26 November 2020

Dear Eoin, Congratulations our last subscriber commentary was exceptional. You have done wonders for my confidence and ability to help my clients. Keep up the good work.

RB 26 November 2020

Eoin - I recently renewed my annual subscription (for about the 30th time) and I had to write to tell you that Friday's big picture audi/video was worth the entire amount for the year. Thanks so much for sharing such interesting information. I hope all subscribers are paying attention right now. Thanks again, Glen Baird Little Silver, NJ

Glen Baird 20 July 2019

High quality analysis, reporting and insightfulness delivered eloquently in plain english

T.R. 20 December 2017

Its a service I have used over many many years and have grown to trust. I find the commentary and analysis provided to be a reliable guide to market action.

C.C. 09 September 2016

FTM looks at markets globally and technically; the best.

J.P. 08 September 2016

I find David's and Eoin's analysis is refreshingly different, with it's basis in crowd behaviour combined with a relatively uncomplicated use of charts.

T.K. 30 August 2016

I want to say thanks for all your interesting charts from all over the world. You both give us a fantastic wiew from around the globe! Some examples,Valeant,Kinder Morgan,Orocobre and metals. They have all recently helped me pay my expenses and more.

L.K. 27 July 2016

I have been a subscriber since the 70's. I have grown with your service and have no hesitation in recommending your service !!!

R.D. 19 June 2016

Experience, relevant data sourcing that is not often though about, consistency using both technical and fundamental inputs, as well as the understanding of market psychology, contrarian behaviour and sentiment.

J.E. 29 May 2016

I'm a long time subscriber and very familiar with the service!

T.M. 15 April 2016

Essential chart library plus interesting thematic comment

N.B. 06 April 2016

Good product, simple as that.

D.S. 05 April 2016

I appreciate David and Eoin's insightful, level-headed commentary.

M.N. 30 March 2016

It's a very time efficient and considered source of financial information.

H.T. 16 March 2016

I have subscribed for many years. I value David's judgement highly - he has made some excellent investment calls and his commentary is often insightful. The Chart library is a particularly useful resource.

A.L. 11 March 2016

Global scope, technical analysis, Fullers verbal.

J.P. 04 February 2016

Very long time subscriber and found service helpful in not missing major trends

S.O. 20 January 2016

I have been a long term satisfied customer myself.

C.B. 11 January 2016

See all testimonials

Receive David Fuller’s Free Comment
of the Day by email

Iain Little's Fund Manager's Diary: Of Arabia, Geopolitics and Markets Comment of the Day

Commentary by David Fuller

Iain Little's Fund Manager's Diary: Of Arabia, Geopolitics and Markets
Comment of the Day