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 vintage motorcycles and mopeds. (See the Tangibles Investing section, near the end of this column.)
Precious Metals:
Gold Prices Expected To Trend Higher In Quiet Holiday Week [1]
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2018 Gold Price Forecast: A Major Bottom Is Forming [2]
Stock Markets:
Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Finish Lower After Trump Signs Tax Bill Into Law [3]
Economy and Finance:
Asset Class Year In Review: Equities, Commodities, Cryptos, And Cannabis [4]
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Yield Curve Alert! Could the ‘curve’ be warning of a US recession?
Forex:
Euro dips on Catalan vote; bitcoin plummets [5]
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Forex Market Trends for Saturday 23 December 2017 [6]
Tangibles Investing (Vintage Motorcycles):
I recently had a relative mention investing in vintage motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds. From a practical prepping standpoint, I believe that a restored moped would be ideal. In a situation where gas is very scarce, owning one of these could be a life saver. That is because they get phenomenal gas mileage. (More than 100 miles per gallon is not unusual–at least with a rider who watches his diet.)
I don’t claim to be any sort of expert on motorcycles. But I did some web searches and found a few reference articles. Some of these are dated, but they are valuable reading, nonetheless.
- First at Hemmings: Top 10 Affordable Collectible Motorcycles [7]
- What’s in a Name? Vintage, Classic and Antique Motorcycles 101 [8]
- Collecting Vintage Motorcycles Is More About The Machine Than The Money [9]
- Six Beautiful and Reliable pre-1980’s Motorcycles for Under $3000 [10]
- Top 10 future classics: Ten bikes we’ll all be fighting over in 10 years’ time [11]
- Moped Restoration Checklist [12]
- 1980 Puch Maxi moped restoration [13]
- The Vintage-Moped Resurgence [14]
- And there is this article, from England: Five of the best up-and-coming investment motorcycles
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 [15]. (Either via e-mail of via our Contact [16] 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!
Comments Disabled To "Economics & Investing For Preppers"
#1 Comment By Jerry On December 25, 2017 @ 8:54 am
I’ll stick with my customized KLR650 and TW200 (in storage, with two identified electronic parts pulled, and wrapped in mylar).
Practical and tactical.
#2 Comment By Longreach On December 25, 2017 @ 7:06 pm
DR650 with even fewer electronics.Complete with saddle bags and a gel seat for the missus.
#3 Comment By JBH On December 25, 2017 @ 5:01 pm
It is probably an age thing but I also just very much enjoy looking at those older bike. Few of the new ones turn my eye with the exception of a few Triumphs, some of which look like they maintained older looking styling.
#4 Comment By Jerry On December 26, 2017 @ 7:52 am
One thing I like about the older bikes, especially Hondas were that they were dual-purpose, even before the term was created: High ground clearances and knobby tires.
#5 Comment By Anonymous On December 25, 2017 @ 8:20 pm
David Stockman – Thundering Collision Coming in Bond Market
Greg Hunter
Published on Dec 19, 2017
[17]
#6 Comment By Charles K. On December 25, 2017 @ 8:29 pm
For a hoot, watch American Pickers. The prices they pay for old mopeds, Vespas and other scooters, and old motorcycles are quite surprising. Also watching the pickers gives information on what to look for on condition, parts acquisition, etc. They are also good on antique bicycles and cycle cars.
#7 Comment By Rob Culbertson On December 25, 2017 @ 8:41 pm
I have a number of Vintage bikes from the 60s & 70s and regularly ride a couple of them. Vespas do get phenomenal mileage BUT have quite small wheels compared to other bikes. When – not if – our pavement becomes badly potholed or an off road shortcut is necessary then a cycle with 18″ or larger wheels would be a better choice.
#8 Comment By Alan On December 27, 2017 @ 3:10 am
As has been mentioned in these pages for years, the Kawasaki KLR 650 is a simple, easy to fix survival bike that will be worth a lot when the SHTF.