n August, equity markets finally displayed the volatility that many had been anticipating. Other asset classes, including currencies, high-yield and emerging market bonds, and, of course, energy and commodities, had roiled throughout the year. But equities had been largely immune—until the past month.
Read moreOur imperial disdain for the emerging world
August this year has been exceptionally unkind to the emerging world. We know that Egypt has been plunged into political and economic turmoil, yet that is only the most extreme case. Elsewhere, stories proliferate about economic slowdowns in Peru and China, and protests in Brazil and Turkey (among others).
Read moreYou Can be Great at Soccer or Globally Dominant — You Can’t be Both
So the United States lost to Brazil in the final of the FIFA Confederations cup, in that thrilling but painful tale of two halves, with the U.S. up 2-0 only to see Brazil roar back (or rather dance and prance and glide with balletic ferocity) and win 3-2. All I can say is, thank god.
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