If nothing happens over the weekend, I also think we open around 10 ES points higher on Monday. VIX tests 13 handle. However, I don't see VIX going back to 8 anytime soon. I think will stay a little higher over next few months. After that, no predictions.
I doubt US would attack NK alone unless NK strikes first. That would be too risky. Of course we did that in the past with other countries, but this is different. Geopolitical situation has changed. NK won't attack the US. That would be suicide for them. So then nothing will happen. Just talk. Also, if a country is really serious about attacking first, why would they announce their plans and completely give up the element of surprise advantage? Best national defense would be strong automation aimed at manufacturing in order to take manufacturing out of China. China is propping up NK because they don't want a unified SK affecting their sphere of influence in Asia. That's why I would love to see one of the fat boy's missiles hacked and taken off course right into Shanghai (although I don't want to see the Chinese people get hurt / die...it would just be convenient if China had to take responsibility for what they helped create).
Defend by maybe helping NK but I don't envision China going into NK to actively participate in the war or go into active combat in some way against US like last time if US stays out of China.
Well what COULD happen is that NK would attack SK because even though an Armistice was signed which ended the Korean War last time, an official peace treaty was never signed between NK and SK so technically NK and SK are still at war. And NK has always seen SK as part of one Korea and has always felt justified in its cause in uniting SK and NK as one. And since SK is not really US territories so NK would not be necessarily be attacking the US if it goes into SK wants to "unite" SK with NK just like North Vietnam wanted to unite South Vietnam to form ONE unified Vietnam. And this is where it gets tricky. If this time around, if NK chooses to go into SK again like last time, to attack or not attack? That would be the question for USA. It's talks for now but it's not all talks. There could be potential for the real stuff.
Hey, elite traders will make money if nothing happens. Elite traders will also make money if something happens. The ring lies the beauty of trading!
Whether or not North Korea attacks first, I am certain that China does not like the idea of: 1) The US setting up military bases within North Korea since it sits on the Chinese border. 2) 25 million North Korean refugees being created overnight once Jung Un is removed, millions which will head for the Chinese border ala what we have seen in the Middle East. And to be honest, can you blame them?
Well NOBODY likes it when any country, big or small, set up military bases in the country right next to it. Imagine somebody going into your next-door neighbour's backyard and set up an arsenal shop of all kinds of guns, grenades, bombs, high-tech drone control centre, thermo-sensitive surveillance cameras while your children play right next to them, you are not going to like it either. Technically that somebody is not invading your house but you are going to be nervous. Same thing.