#RussianSanctions
1st tranche of sanctions by #Biden & NATO allies are real but harsher ones certainly available: 1. Germany will not move forward w #NordStream2 2. Freeze assets & prohibit business w 2 key banks: Vnesheconombank (VEB) & military bank Promsvyazbank
(cont)
3. Sovereign debt prohibitions restricting access to U.S. capital markets and investors. 4. Sanctions on 5 Russian elites and their family members with the Kremlin (Putin's friends)
5. Warning: Over 80% of Russia’s FX transactions in U.S. $s & 50% of Russia’s international trade. "No Russian financial institution is safe from our measures, including the largest banks" 6. Real hammers still available:
-Ban use of SWIFT
-Export Controls
The Biden "Build Back Better” plan focuses on four main national challenges: 1. Infrastructure and Clean Energy
•Biden will make a $1.7 trillion accelerated investment, with a plan to deploy those resources over the first four years.
The plan will create millions of private sector jobs, and rebuild roads, bridges, water systems, battery charging stations, and electricity grids. This pillar also emphasizes access to clean air & water by providing zero-emissions public transportation to cities
Here is a framework for stimulus package that I have been discussing w @RoKhanna & @TimRyan
1. Right now protect small business & cover loss wages via cash, grants, loans –needs to be well north of $1 trillion
2. Post 3 months :
Rid sales tax & lower payroll tax to stimulate demand
3. 6+mo: Treasury should issue coronavirus recovery bond where proceeds go to help those individuals & small business impacted.
Act 2009 - Build America Bonds.
Let's invest to help USA make the rate a little higher than savings account so those at or near retirement earn a little more income.
recall:
WWI - Liberty Bonds.
WWII- Defense / War Bonds.
NYC Post 9/11- Liberty Bonds.
Great Recession/ Recovery Act 2009 - Build America Bonds