Structure

I am all for structure, but “structures” is a whole different story. Those you can keep away from me!

For the past decade I have been hearing about this curious term "hedge funds". And I have met quite a few wealthy hedge fund managers. When I ask these people what they do they never can give me a straight forward answer.

I have always been inspired by people who have taken a chance and created something. From a designer pizza, to a high-tech online service. I am drawn to so many things, and I have had my imagination captured by so many people. But when I am told that "he makes a fortune from structuring deals" I honestly have no clue what this means.

I have been following the news lately and I see that corporate greed in America, for example, is as bad as ever. Have we not learnt anything in this current financial crunch? I have been reading about protests in the US because government bailout money is not being used where it matters the most, to create jobs (which are a real challenge in the world right now - the stock market may be going up, but the job market is hitting new lows all the time). Instead, we are still hearing of this incredible fatcat bonuses that are getting paid out. No wonder there are protests.

I see "structuring" is here to stay. It seems we are bent on collapsing, because that is exactly what is going to happen if this continues. The current stock market run of the past 6 months is not based on anything fundamental in my view. This nonsense about bailouts and stimulus is only trying to cheat nature some more. But, nature will eventually kick in, and the bubble will burst for real.

But what do I know, I am just some silly guy in Africa.

Posted by Ronnie Apteker