Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. And it bears mention that most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of JWR. (SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor.) Today’s focus is on the economic predictions of money manager Michael Pento. (See the Stocks and Bonds section, near the top of this column.)

Precious Metals:

First, at Seeking Alpha: Germans Have Quietly Become The World’s Biggest Buyers Of Gold ^[1]

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Clive Maund: Silver Market Update

Stocks and Bonds (Michael Pento):

Next, here is a Greg Hunter video interview that is well worth watching: Michael Pento – Crazy Stock Market Will Crash ^[2]. Pento is predicting a crash in 2018 because of the Central Banks will become net sellers of bonds and stocks. He foresees “an epic moment of reckoning” as bond prices collapse. Interest rates will surely jump. Insolvency will become rampant. Be ready for that, folks.  Get out of any non-fixed rate debt (such as credit card debt or variable interest rate home loans), soon! It is also important to hedge into tangibles to be ready for mass inflation. He also expresses concern that the North Korean crisis could lead to another World War. Pento predicts a massive bull market in precious metals and a global currency reset. Like me, Pento, expects that the Fed will try to inflate their way out of this problem, with  “helicopter money.”

Commodities and Trade:

Arthur Berman: Oil Prices Poised To Rise In Early 2018 ^[3]

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Will NAFTA negotiations collapse?

Forex:

Dollar strengthens after data; sterling slips on Brexit talk woes

Economy and Finance:

Gun companies are feeling a long Trump hangover. ^[4] JWR’s Comment:  In the presently depressed market you can buy a new M4gery of decent quality for around $350.  If you have the vault space, then stack them deep!

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Brazil’s Push Toward Privatization Worries Economists ^[5]

Troubling Trends:

Next, over at Negotium: Gap Between College Costs and Inflation

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Warnings grow louder over cryptocurrency as valuations soar. ^[6] JWR Asks:  Are we witnessing a 21st Century Tulipomania?   The value of a Bitcoin just exceeded $5,000 USD for the first time yesterday.

Tangibles Investing:

Things To Keep In Mind Before Investing In Gemstones ^[7]

Provisos:

SurvivalBlog and its Editors are not paid investment counselors or advisers. So please see our Provisos page for our detailed disclaimers.

News Tips:

Please send your economics and investing news tips to JWR ^[8]. (Either via e-mail of via our Contact ^[9] form.) These are often especially relevant, because they come from folks who particularly watch individual markets. And due to their diligence and focus, we benefit from fresh “on target” investing news. We often “get the scoop” on economic and investing news that is probably ignored (or reported late) by mainstream American news outlets. Thanks!