In this episode we discuss which, if any, techniques are useful for predicting market directions. We talk about everything from cosmology and technical analysis to tea leaves. We also talk about growing problems with underfunded private and public pension plans.

In this episode we discuss stimulus, and whether government spending can jump-start moribund economies. We also explore whether the fact that significant technological advances have resulted from government funding demonstrate a role for the state in economic development.

In this episode we discuss what role governments play in bubbles and whether diversified investment portfolios make sense when all asset classes rise and fall at the same time. We also investigate what growing disparities between the wealth of the rich and middle classes say about the economy.

In this episode special guest Matt Stiles fills us in on the asset bubble and bullish fever that is raging in Canada. We also talk how Isaac Asimov's fictional idea of scientifically controlling human behaviour is symptomatic of broader desires to manage the economy.

In this episode we talk about the inevitable failure of any trading system and explore the definition of the "money supply". Panelists give their take on why the money supply is shrinking despite massive government printing of cash.

In this episode we talk about unions, and what responsibility they bear for pushing governments into insolvency. There is also in-depth discussion on market technical indicators, and what they portend for trends in the near term.

In this episode we discuss the possible end-game of the Euro, the future of interest rates, and examine how eerily the Shanghai stock exchange has been a leading indicator for the US markets in the last few years.

The Optimistic Bear, and guests, ask if this week's market rally was caused by the pan-European bail-out announced over the week-end, and whether the markets have turned the corner. The frequent "coincidence" of market news and stock moves is revealed.

In this episode, the Optimistic Bear and guests discus sovereign debt. With all the problems in Greece, and Europe, prudent investors are wondering if purchasing bonds of nation states makes sense anymore. Are US T-bills, or German bunds safe?

In this show, the Optimistic Bear (and friends) discusses the role ratings agencies play in finance, and whether their judgments hold any value for investors.