Analysis & Opinion

Bowie’s financial legacy is actually Hunky Dory

The rock legend’s 1997 catalogue securitisation prompted a host of securities backed by unusual assets. Music industry-specific issues meant Bowie’s own bonds were later downgraded. But despite a global financial crisis, the wider field of esoteric ABS has a genuine future.

In North Korea, kids learn to love the bomb – and Minnie Mouse

North Korea is the most mysterious and oppressive regime on earth. Few journalists penetrate Pyongyang and fewer still stay long enough to understand the country and its people.

Cooperation and conflict between ranchers and the feds

Troubled relations between Western ranchers and the federal government do not have to lead to an armed standoff. Yet, rancher Ammon Bundy and his militia, who are occupying a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon, are part of the American West’s long tradition of fierce battles between public and private land ownership.

Western grievances are real, but Bundy is the wrong guy to raise them

Bundy believes he has a quasi-constitutional, quasi-divine right to defy federal rule. But his neighbors demur.