News that Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez urged his Latin American allies on Saturday to begin withdrawing billions of dollars in international reserves from U.S. banks, warning of a looming U.S. economic crisis, begs the questions: Is Hugo an astute financial planner who feels the need to preach global diversification, or is his ulterior motive, to confiscate these reserves.
"We should start to bring our reserves here," Chavez said. "Why does that money have to be in the north? ... You can't put all your eggs in one basket." That sure sounds like it's a direct quote from a financial planning 101 course.
Of course many would postulate that Hugo is just trying to stir up trouble, as good dictators are wont to do. With the recently launched ALBA -- Bolivarian Alternative for the Nations of Our America -- organization sure to be an economic powerhouse, with such countries as Nicaragua, Bolivia, and Cuba, and the newest addition, the Caribbean island of Dominica, should Hugo's neighbors to the north be worried?
Would you be worried if Dominica pulls reserves? If I was Dominica I would be worried that Hugo is setting you up to raid the purse of ALBA and confiscate all your hard earned money. Dominica, watch out!
Aaron Katsman is the lead Portfolio Manager and Managing Director of America Israel Investment Associates, LLC. and Senior Editor of IsraelNewsletter.com. DISCLOSURE: Writer has no positions in any stock mentioned as of 1/27/08
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