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 investing in tax lien properties. (See the Tangibles Investing section, near the end of this column.)
Precious Metals:
First up, Two-Thirds Of The Top Primary Silver Miners Suffered Production Declines In 2017 – SRSrocco Report
o o o
Metals Focus: PV, Auto Demand For Silver Rising
Stock Markets:
It is surprising to see at article like this posted at the CNBC Perpetual Cheering Section: There’s something weird going on that’s worrying the markets
Commodities:
I generally shy away from posting links to “sponsored” posts, but this one has some merit: Cobalt Prices To Rocket As Tech Giants Scramble For Supplies
o o o
Next, it is noteworthy that there has been a 31% gain in the past year: ICE Brent Crude Oil Front Month
Taxes:
Bloomberg reports: Here’s Where the GOP Tax Plan Stands Right Now
Global Banking:
A one-hour documentary that is worth watching: The True Story Behind The Secret Nine-Month Paradise Papers Investigation (HBO)
Troubling Trends:
Moving on to some sobering news: Household debt rises by $116 billion as credit-card delinquencies pile up
o o o
Self-driving bus involved in accident on its first day
Tangibles Investing (Tax Lien Properties):
Finally, I’m often asked about buying tax lien properties. These are commonly called properties “being sold for back taxes.” Yes, this can be a way to buy a retreat property. But it takes lots of study and patience to find a piece of land that is both a bargain and retreat worthy. Here is a good starting point: A Crash Course in Tax Lien & Deed Investing (and My Love/Hate Relationship With Both). The article notes that there are no two States alike, in the way that they handle land tax delinquencies. So, as with all other tangibles investing: Research, research, research!
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. (Either via e-mail of via our Contact 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!
We may gripe about self-driving vehicles, but recognize the parallels between now and 100 years ago when people transitioned from horse-and-buggy to vehicles.
There will be mistakes. There will be problems. Then as the tool gets better people will begin the transition. The transition will happen in the larger cities first.
I’d prefer to keep doing my own driving. I can’t afford today’s new cars let alone what these new self drivers will cost. I still hope to be putting around in my ’51 Ford in 20 years.
Here is a noteworthy article about gold that I found very interesting.
http://harrydent.com/exclusives_new/harvard-economist-warns-700-gold-by-2018/?z=795768
bout tax lien sales: I have a moral/philosophical problem with this. To me, property taxes are extortion, and the gov selling off the property of people who can’t pay taxes is theft. So you are buying stolen property and aiding and abetting the thieves. The only exception to this is property where you know the owner truly doesn’t want it and stopped paying the taxes because they don’t want it.
I also have a problem with property taxes, and tax lien sales. Since my local government does not pay my property taxes and demands a tax on any improvements etc. They have declared my property is public property. This is unconstitutional and there fore void. Why are all you people not outraged and doing something about it?