KW: Financial commentators are slowly waking up to the fact that the bankruptcy of Korean based Hanjin Shipping is likely to put a severe damper on Christmas retail sales in the U.S. and hence be a factor in showing that the U.S. is already in recession despite the stock market being at all time bubble highs with the FED being the one factor to keep markets happy in the meantime. Jim Rickards writes….. ‘Read why this bankruptcy could put a dent in retail sales in the fourth quarter and help push the U.S. economy into a technical recession. Just-in-time inventory is fine when it works. But when one of the largest shippers files for bankruptcy, just in time becomes not in time for Christmas.’

Hanjin Shipping Co.’s vessels are getting stranded at sea after the South Korean container mover filed for court protection, roiling the supply chain of televisions and consumer goods ahead of the holiday season.

Source: Hanjin Ships Get Stranded in High Seas, Roiling Supply Chain – Bloomberg