November 10, 2020:  71 Days To Go

The opinions and observations are solely my own views, and I take full responsibility for any errors of fact, not to mention any predictions that prove to be wildly inaccurate.

THE TRANSITION:Six days after the election, Joe Biden has won the electoral vote and overwhelmingly took the (aggregate)popular vote despite the unfounded claims of voter fraud and the unsubstantiated claims of improprieties in specific states made by Donald Trump. Trump refusing to accept his new role as lame duck president will not gracefully concede the election AND will not offer any assistance for a smooth transition despite the fact that his reign is basically over. Last night, Monday, November 9, 2020, President Trump fired DEFENSE SECRETARY MARK ESPER, a curious move to say the least. Most lame duck presidents leave key officials in place to help with a smooth transition of power.ESPER on numerous occasions received Trump’s wrath for not ordering troops in to areas with domestic uprising during the summer months.

COVID-19 Task force of 12 members was announced by President-Elect Joe Biden. Biden suggests a face mask mandate but will defer to the governors first. PFIZER  Corporation which despite Trump administration claims of government financial assistance, fully funded their own study and announced their vaccine could be 90% effective. ELI LILLY Corporation also announced successes with their in home I-V antibody serum used to treat mild to moderate positive cases. The drug has been authorized to use in “emergency” situations.

The EUROPEAN UNION (EU) on November 9, 2020 would impose $4 Billion in tariffs on US goods and services over the illegal aid the US gave to Boeing (against Air-Bus). This tariff as awarded by the WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO). The EU expressed hope that trade ties would improve when Donald Trump leaves office. They see BIDEN’s victory as an opportunity to take a new approach to trade relationships and to solve the trade conflict with the United States.

The DOW jumped up 2.9% (834.57) to reach 29157.97 upon the news of a possible vaccine and the determination of the election. It appears WALL ST.  embraces the idea of a moderate BIDEN presidency checked by a (possible) GOP SENATE (barring Dems sweep in Georgia runoff).