George Pearkes
@peark.es
No longer Bluesky’s only resident finance bro | Macro Strategist | Even the blind squirrel get a nut sometime. | QCR: Non Culto, For The Crown. | 🇺🇸 via 🇨🇦. Not 🏴. | Normal man, one of the Normal Men
*ALL CAPS HEADLINES LIKE THIS ARE FROM BLOOMBERG
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*ALL CAPS HEADLINES LIKE THIS ARE FROM BLOOMBERG
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George Pearkes
@peark.es
· 22d
New policy: "oh you believe this data?" just gets you blocked.
Reposted by George Pearkes
300+ likes to hate on the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy:
January 15, 2026 at 12:33 AM
300+ likes to hate on the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy:
I don’t even necessarily think this is a bad idea but it is hitting Levels of Ritchie Torresing that we previously couldn’t have conceived of.
I am introducing the Quick Recognition (QR) Act, which requires ICE and CBP officers to wear uniforms featuring QR codes. When scanned, the code would generate a digital ID displaying the officer’s name, badge number, and law enforcement agency.
ICE should be unmasked both physically and digitally.
ICE should be unmasked both physically and digitally.
January 15, 2026 at 1:02 AM
I don’t even necessarily think this is a bad idea but it is hitting Levels of Ritchie Torresing that we previously couldn’t have conceived of.
Not at all surprised to see this between an irony-poisoned-but-still-earnest-Millennial-at-heart and the Zoomer.
January 14, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Not at all surprised to see this between an irony-poisoned-but-still-earnest-Millennial-at-heart and the Zoomer.
Reposted by George Pearkes
Folks, Trump has brought the full force of ICE to bear on a mid-sized city and he can't even stop the demonstrations there. He's not going to be able to cancel the midterm elections by fiat or station his goons outside more than a handful of polling places.
January 14, 2026 at 9:14 PM
Folks, Trump has brought the full force of ICE to bear on a mid-sized city and he can't even stop the demonstrations there. He's not going to be able to cancel the midterm elections by fiat or station his goons outside more than a handful of polling places.
Reposted by George Pearkes
the guy they beat unconscious and dragged out of his car at a gas station has been confirmed to be alive, but was moved to El Paso, and is reportedly not receiving treatment for his injuries.
Man detained by agents at St. Paul Speedway gas station confirmed alive
Here’s the latest Wednesday around the increased federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota and the protests against the killing of 37-year-old Renee Macklin Good in Minneapolis last week by a U.S. ...
www.mprnews.org
January 14, 2026 at 9:49 PM
the guy they beat unconscious and dragged out of his car at a gas station has been confirmed to be alive, but was moved to El Paso, and is reportedly not receiving treatment for his injuries.
Reposted by George Pearkes
everybody else is going to make accidental self-shooting jokes, I’m going to make fun of when Plaxico Burress made an OnlyFans and then never posted
A recurring bit we've done on the podcast is a guy in a Jeremy Shockey jersey, might need to rework that for a guy in a Plaxico Burress jersey.
*TIFFANY BURRESS LAUNCHES GOP BID FOR NJ HOUSE SEAT: FOX NEWS
*BURRESS IS WIFE OF FORMER NY GIANTS PLAYER PLAXICO BURRESS: FOX
*TIFFANY BURRESS LAUNCHES GOP BID FOR NJ HOUSE SEAT: FOX NEWS
*BURRESS IS WIFE OF FORMER NY GIANTS PLAYER PLAXICO BURRESS: FOX
January 14, 2026 at 8:54 PM
everybody else is going to make accidental self-shooting jokes, I’m going to make fun of when Plaxico Burress made an OnlyFans and then never posted
Housing is not "affordable" (especially on a down payment basis) but it is *getting more affordable* as mortgage rates slowly drop and wage growth ticks along.
January 14, 2026 at 8:38 PM
Housing is not "affordable" (especially on a down payment basis) but it is *getting more affordable* as mortgage rates slowly drop and wage growth ticks along.
A recurring bit we've done on the podcast is a guy in a Jeremy Shockey jersey, might need to rework that for a guy in a Plaxico Burress jersey.
*TIFFANY BURRESS LAUNCHES GOP BID FOR NJ HOUSE SEAT: FOX NEWS
*BURRESS IS WIFE OF FORMER NY GIANTS PLAYER PLAXICO BURRESS: FOX
*TIFFANY BURRESS LAUNCHES GOP BID FOR NJ HOUSE SEAT: FOX NEWS
*BURRESS IS WIFE OF FORMER NY GIANTS PLAYER PLAXICO BURRESS: FOX
January 14, 2026 at 8:32 PM
A recurring bit we've done on the podcast is a guy in a Jeremy Shockey jersey, might need to rework that for a guy in a Plaxico Burress jersey.
*TIFFANY BURRESS LAUNCHES GOP BID FOR NJ HOUSE SEAT: FOX NEWS
*BURRESS IS WIFE OF FORMER NY GIANTS PLAYER PLAXICO BURRESS: FOX
*TIFFANY BURRESS LAUNCHES GOP BID FOR NJ HOUSE SEAT: FOX NEWS
*BURRESS IS WIFE OF FORMER NY GIANTS PLAYER PLAXICO BURRESS: FOX
Reposted by George Pearkes
Just guessing here, but I suspect the White House is pushing so hard for wars of conquest on multiple fronts because they see their support collapsing ahead of the midterms and worry they won't get another shot. An example of how tyrants become more dangerous as they get weaker, not less.
January 14, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Just guessing here, but I suspect the White House is pushing so hard for wars of conquest on multiple fronts because they see their support collapsing ahead of the midterms and worry they won't get another shot. An example of how tyrants become more dangerous as they get weaker, not less.
Just shy of 1 in 5 Republicans/leaners thinking ICE is making cities *less* safe is an absolute disaster polling result.
New CNN polling:
Most Americans see an immigration officer’s fatal shooting of Renee Good as an inappropriate use of force. Roughly half view it as a sign of broader issues with the way ICE is operating, w/under 1/3 saying that ICE operations have made cities safer.
www.cnn.com/2026/01/14/p...
Most Americans see an immigration officer’s fatal shooting of Renee Good as an inappropriate use of force. Roughly half view it as a sign of broader issues with the way ICE is operating, w/under 1/3 saying that ICE operations have made cities safer.
www.cnn.com/2026/01/14/p...
January 14, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Just shy of 1 in 5 Republicans/leaners thinking ICE is making cities *less* safe is an absolute disaster polling result.
If Zenger survives this it's going to be about the worst possible November that is mathematically possible for NC Dems IMO.
North Carolina's #HD74 will be a premier battleground district in the state this year.
This Winston-Salem district only re-elected Republican incumbent Jeff Zenger by four in 2024. His Democratic opponent (Amy Taylor North) is running again, setting up a rematch in a bluer year.
This Winston-Salem district only re-elected Republican incumbent Jeff Zenger by four in 2024. His Democratic opponent (Amy Taylor North) is running again, setting up a rematch in a bluer year.
January 14, 2026 at 7:51 PM
If Zenger survives this it's going to be about the worst possible November that is mathematically possible for NC Dems IMO.
Good news everyone! The non-consensual explicit image website is paywalling the non-consensual explicit images. You're all very welcome.
January 14, 2026 at 7:48 PM
Good news everyone! The non-consensual explicit image website is paywalling the non-consensual explicit images. You're all very welcome.
"economic activity increased at a slight to modest pace in eight of the twelve Federal Reserve Districts, with three Districts reporting no change and one reporting a modest decline. This marks an improvement over the last three report cycles where a majority of Districts reported little change."
National Summary
The Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington DC.
www.federalreserve.gov
January 14, 2026 at 7:18 PM
"economic activity increased at a slight to modest pace in eight of the twelve Federal Reserve Districts, with three Districts reporting no change and one reporting a modest decline. This marks an improvement over the last three report cycles where a majority of Districts reported little change."
Danes are on the right course here
January 14, 2026 at 7:17 PM
Danes are on the right course here
Reposted by George Pearkes
🔥 Potential victims of xAI can file a complaint at oag.ca.gov/report
Consumer Complaint Against A Business/Company
oag.ca.gov
January 14, 2026 at 6:11 PM
🔥 Potential victims of xAI can file a complaint at oag.ca.gov/report
*CALIFORNIA AG LAUNCHES PROBE INTO XAI, GROK
*CALIFORNIA AG: PROBE OVER UNDRESSED, SEXUAL AI IMAGES
*CALIFORNIA AG: PROBE OVER UNDRESSED, SEXUAL AI IMAGES
January 14, 2026 at 5:20 PM
*CALIFORNIA AG LAUNCHES PROBE INTO XAI, GROK
*CALIFORNIA AG: PROBE OVER UNDRESSED, SEXUAL AI IMAGES
*CALIFORNIA AG: PROBE OVER UNDRESSED, SEXUAL AI IMAGES
"Still, many lenders extend introductory offers to entice customers, with some banks dangling 0% promotional rates for as long as 18 months. Bilt’s variable annual percentage rate on purchases will jump as high as 34.74% after one year."
Bilt Unveils Credit Cards Capped at 10% After Trump’s Demands
Bilt Rewards is unveiling three new credit cards with interest rates capped at 10%, days after President Donald Trump threatened lenders that failed to do so.
www.bloomberg.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:04 PM
"Still, many lenders extend introductory offers to entice customers, with some banks dangling 0% promotional rates for as long as 18 months. Bilt’s variable annual percentage rate on purchases will jump as high as 34.74% after one year."
What a delightfully NYC corollary to Senate campaigns that hit every county.
There are 54 subway stops in NY-12 and I'm hitting all of them before Primary Day on June 23rd.
This morning, 23rd St. R/W marked my fourth stop of this campaign. (Shout out to the local food truck for displaying our campaign lit!)
This morning, 23rd St. R/W marked my fourth stop of this campaign. (Shout out to the local food truck for displaying our campaign lit!)
January 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM
What a delightfully NYC corollary to Senate campaigns that hit every county.
Reposted by George Pearkes
I spoke with @wired.com about how if local elected officials want to protect their community from ICE attacks, one of the most important things they can do is roll back city-level surveillance programs and restrict law enforcement use of Flock, facial recognition, etc www.wired.com/story/what-t...
What to Do if ICE Invades Your Neighborhood
With federal agents storming the streets of American communities, there’s no single right way to approach this dangerous moment. But there are steps you can take to stay safe—and have an impact.
www.wired.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:02 PM
I spoke with @wired.com about how if local elected officials want to protect their community from ICE attacks, one of the most important things they can do is roll back city-level surveillance programs and restrict law enforcement use of Flock, facial recognition, etc www.wired.com/story/what-t...
SF Fed from earlier this week suggests 50k breakeven rate for payrolls, with the downshift almost entirely driven by immigration changes. Consistent with prior Dallas Fed note arguing breakeven payrolls around 30k by 2H '25.
SF: www.frbsf.org/research-and...
Dallas: www.dallasfed.org/research/eco...
SF: www.frbsf.org/research-and...
Dallas: www.dallasfed.org/research/eco...
January 14, 2026 at 4:55 PM
SF Fed from earlier this week suggests 50k breakeven rate for payrolls, with the downshift almost entirely driven by immigration changes. Consistent with prior Dallas Fed note arguing breakeven payrolls around 30k by 2H '25.
SF: www.frbsf.org/research-and...
Dallas: www.dallasfed.org/research/eco...
SF: www.frbsf.org/research-and...
Dallas: www.dallasfed.org/research/eco...
@wendyedelberg.bsky.social @taraelizwatson.bsky.social
is the data for Figure 4 in your piece on recent immigration changes available for download? really liked the work.
www.brookings.edu/articles/mac...
is the data for Figure 4 in your piece on recent immigration changes available for download? really liked the work.
www.brookings.edu/articles/mac...
January 14, 2026 at 4:33 PM
@wendyedelberg.bsky.social @taraelizwatson.bsky.social
is the data for Figure 4 in your piece on recent immigration changes available for download? really liked the work.
www.brookings.edu/articles/mac...
is the data for Figure 4 in your piece on recent immigration changes available for download? really liked the work.
www.brookings.edu/articles/mac...
NASDAQ 100 testing the 50-day down 1.6%
January 14, 2026 at 3:51 PM
NASDAQ 100 testing the 50-day down 1.6%
Leadership in both Houses of Congress are increasingly weak. It's a much more dire situation for Johnson in the House but the Senate is surprisingly close behind.
*THUNE: NOT SURE I HAVE VOTES TO STOP WAR POWERS ACT VOTE TODAY
*THUNE: NOT SURE I HAVE VOTES TO STOP WAR POWERS ACT VOTE TODAY
January 14, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Leadership in both Houses of Congress are increasingly weak. It's a much more dire situation for Johnson in the House but the Senate is surprisingly close behind.
*THUNE: NOT SURE I HAVE VOTES TO STOP WAR POWERS ACT VOTE TODAY
*THUNE: NOT SURE I HAVE VOTES TO STOP WAR POWERS ACT VOTE TODAY
Reposted by George Pearkes
I could absolutely see CC companies creating & advertising new cards with 10% rate caps from an appeasement/deflection standpoint. Then either setting limits absurdly low or only allowing access to customers who never carry balances regardless. But that would be the extent of this absurd plot line.
The thing about the CC interest rate cap- other than being illegal- is that it won’t affect rewards (those are paid from merchant fees), but it will affect credit availability because banks don’t want to give $50k limits at 10% the way they do at 30%, as that kicks them way down in payment priority.
January 14, 2026 at 3:28 PM
I could absolutely see CC companies creating & advertising new cards with 10% rate caps from an appeasement/deflection standpoint. Then either setting limits absurdly low or only allowing access to customers who never carry balances regardless. But that would be the extent of this absurd plot line.
Reposted by George Pearkes
In Dec 2025, new business applications fell 7% month-over-month, but they're still up 8% year-over-year.
Notably, there's been something unusual going on with business applications spiking except for businesses with planned wages, which are down 23% YoY.
Source: www.census.gov/econ/bfs/cur...
1/
Notably, there's been something unusual going on with business applications spiking except for businesses with planned wages, which are down 23% YoY.
Source: www.census.gov/econ/bfs/cur...
1/
January 14, 2026 at 3:15 PM
In Dec 2025, new business applications fell 7% month-over-month, but they're still up 8% year-over-year.
Notably, there's been something unusual going on with business applications spiking except for businesses with planned wages, which are down 23% YoY.
Source: www.census.gov/econ/bfs/cur...
1/
Notably, there's been something unusual going on with business applications spiking except for businesses with planned wages, which are down 23% YoY.
Source: www.census.gov/econ/bfs/cur...
1/