Monday, January 10, 2011 12:26 AM

Brazil Accuses US, China of Currency Manipulation; Intense Monetary Tightening in China; Iceland Solution Tempts Ireland;Unprecedented Hell in Belgium

Here are a few of the many stories I am following: The risk of trade wars escalates as Brazil accuses the United States and China of currency manipulation. In turn, the IMF is upset at Brazil for imposing capital controls. In Belgium, the king wants to end the "unprecedented hell" that has left Belgium without a government for 211 days smack in the midst of a budget crisis. China is set for multiple rounds of credit tightening even though China's growth is weakening. Interest rates in Portugal and Spain suggest more bailouts coming up. Ireland is pondering the Iceland Solution and that has the IMF more than a bit upset.

Brazil Finance Minister Warns of Trade Wars

The Financial Times reports Brazil Warns Trade War Looming http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6316eb4a-1c34 ... z1AbdsmEB8

Brazil has warned that the world is on course for a full-blown “trade warâ€