Syz the moment

"In the few places where full Level 5 autonomous cars are being tested in real world conditions (San Francisco, Austin), they have blocked ambulances on their way to the hospital, hampered other emergency responders, caused accidents, increased congestion and run over pedestrians, one instance of which reportedly resulted in the resignation of Cruise’s CEO. Waymo has added technology to reportedly allow firefighters to take control of its vehicles if they stop moving. LiDAR (autonomous vehicle technology) stocks have collapsed by 85% from their peak - see chart below. A possible backlash might be coming from citizens who believe, as in the case of the despised urban scooter plague, that convenience for some results in dangers and inconvenience for others. Tesla is experiencing problems even at Level 2, which requires driver oversight. The NHTSA investigated a series of crashes involving Tesla autopilot and found that its methods of insuring driver compliance are inadequate and can lead to “foreseeable misuse”. In December, Tesla issued a recall of 2 million vehicles to update the software to require greater driver compliance". Source: JP Morgan, www.zerohege.com

Source: Win Smart, CFA

Source: Markets & Mayhem

Update "slowbalization" chart by IMF.

by Compounding Quality

As an engine of growth, global trade broadens consumer choices and can lower the cost of goods. For businesses, it can improve the quality of inputs and strengthen competitiveness. This graphic shows the 50 largest importers, with data from the World Trade Organization.

They join Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as a formidable economic powerhouse, representing 29% of global GDP and 43% of global oil production. Although tensions exist between member states such as China and India, BRICS is a growing challenge to the G7. President Xi: “I wish to extend a warm welcome to leaders of new BRICS members.” Source: IMF, Reuters, China Daily, Mario Nawfal

Source: Markets & Mayhem, github.com