(Originally posted on July 21st 2009)

One of the best feelings I get is when the “experts” from the major financial institutions come up with the same conclusion that I have after I have realised it. Yes, it is narcissistic of me but that it is the flower of my birthday and therefore it is to be expected. The latest episode was last night when one of the sports commentators on Sky said “One small step for Flintoff, one big step for England.” Earlier in the day, I wrote on my Facebook “One small step towards the Urn and one big step for England.” The ASX increased by .01% today. That .01% increase can be attributed to the applause the populace at Lords gave Ricky Ponting applause when he admitted that they were outplayed. The FTSE, on the other hand, has increased by over 1%. The share price of all the sponsors of the English Cricket Team has increased since yesterday. The only sponsor of the Australians who has had their share price increased is 3G. However, 3G is 50% owned by Vodafone. Now, what would a normal Aussie bloke do if he knew that? Does the average Aussie cricket fan know that Fosters have sold the rights to brew Fosters in Europe to Scottish and Newcastle which is owned by Heineken? In Europe, the beer associated with Australia is not Australian!! Everything is not what it appears to be. Pure transparency among equity funds and hedge fund does not, will not and should not exist. If transparency did exist then everyone from a 90 years old grandmother in Timbuktu to people in Wall Street would be buying the same things. If that would happen then there will be no money to be made. Efficient markets cannot exist. It is the risk and uncertainty that gives rise to the opportunity. All creation stories and theories begin with Chaos. Since that is the case then who are we to go against the Gods?