Politics

With concerns that Italy may proceed with early elections as soon as January or February of 2017 slamming the Euro in early trading, which taking place so soon to the Renzi referendum would likely assure anti-establishment forces a victory (whether or not they can form a coalition cabinet is a different topic), moments ago Reuters reported that Italy's constitutional court said it would hold a hearing on the legitimacy of a new electoral law on Jan.

The U.S. monthly international trade deficit increased in October 2016 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, rising from $36.2 billion in September (revised lower from $36.4 billion) to $42.6 billion in October, higher than the $41.8BN consensus estimate, as exports decreased and imports increased which was to be expected following the recent surge in the US Dollar. The goods deficit increased $6.3 billion in October to $63.4 billion. The services surplus decreased $0.1 billion in October to $20.8 billion.

With last Friday's phone call between Donald Trump and Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen which broke decades of US protocol, still creating ripples among diplomatic circles and the political punditry, not to mention continue to fascinate the media which leads today with such speculative headlines as Wooed by Trump, Taiwan Trembles, China urges U.S. to block transit by Taiwan president, U.S.

The oil company company responsible for constructing the Dakota Access Pipeline has openly stated that they will defy an order by the Army Corps of Engineers who refused to grant them permission to extend the pipeline beneath a Missouri River reservoir on Sunday. Energy Transfer Partners have said that the denial of an easement necessary to drill under the river is of no consequence for its plans to complete the project.

Update: it appears that early elections are indeed coming to Italy, which could be another major calendar event for Italy, and one which would have far more significant consequences for the political make up of the country should M5S win as many expect. From Reuters:

ITALY INTERIOR MINISTER, SPEAKING AFTER CONVERSATION WITH RENZI, SEES NEW ELECTIONS LIKELY IN FEBRUARY - CORRIERE DELLA SERA 

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