The $400 Trillion Global Retirement Gap
As we do so, keep an old trader's slogan in mind: "That which cannot go on forever, won't." Or we could say it differently: An unsustainable trend must eventually stop.
Lately I have focused on the trend in US public pension funds, many of which are woefully underfunded and will never be able to pay workers the promised benefits, at least without dumping a huge and unwelcome bill on taxpayers. And since taxpayers are generally voters, it's not at all clear they will pay that bill.
Readers outside the US might have felt smug and safe reading those stories. There go those Americans again, spending wildly beyond their means. You are correct that, generally speaking, we are not exactly the thriftiest people on Earth. However, if you live outside the US, your country may be more like ours than you think. Today we'll look at some data that will show you what I mean. This week the spotlight will be on Europe.
First, let me suggest that you read my last letter, "Build Your Economic Storm Shelter Now," if you missed it. It has some important background for today's discussion.
Lately I have focused on the trend in US public pension funds, many of which are woefully underfunded and will never be able to pay workers the promised benefits, at least without dumping a huge and unwelcome bill on taxpayers. And since taxpayers are generally voters, it's not at all clear they will pay that bill.
Readers outside the US might have felt smug and safe reading those stories. There go those Americans again, spending wildly beyond their means. You are correct that, generally speaking, we are not exactly the thriftiest people on Earth. However, if you live outside the US, your country may be more like ours than you think. Today we'll look at some data that will show you what I mean. This week the spotlight will be on Europe.
First, let me suggest that you read my last letter, "Build Your Economic Storm Shelter Now," if you missed it. It has some important background for today's discussion.
Read more at http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-10-01/crisis-greater-any-government-can-handle-400-trillion-global-retirement-gap.
