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 real money versus fiat currency, aka “funny money.” (See the Forex section.)
Precious Metals:
COT Silver Report – February 16, 2018
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Johnson Matthey: Expect Platinum Surplus in 2018
Stocks:
Zacks: Stock Market News for Feb 16, 2018
Forex (Real Money):
The Trump Administration seems intent on continuing a Weak Dollar policy, to bolster American exports. The question is: What currency is the best hedge? I’m still betting on the Swiss Franc (CHF). But I also have small positions in British Pounds (GBP), Canadian Dollars (CAD), and even some Israeli Shekels (NIS). Oh, and a bit of Bitcoin. But in the final analysis, all fiat currencies and cryptos have zero intrinsic value. Barterable tangibles (including silver coins) are the last real money in the world–even if the governments of the world ignore them as such. Their game: Force everyone to do business using their funny money, and force everyone to pay taxes using their funny money. Don’t confuse the term currency with real money. They are different animals.
Economy and Finance:
Fannie Mae Needs First Bailout Since 2012 After Tax-Cut Loss
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Claire Wolfe’s blog alerted me to this simple case of supply and demand economics: So Many People Are Fleeing the San Francisco Bay Area, It’s Hard to Find a U-Haul
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Reader H.L. sent us the link to this MSN article: Winn-Dixie and Tops Owners Are Said to Prepare for Bankruptcy?
Tangibles Investing:
The BBC reports: Inside the world of super-rare car investing
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Five Unusual Collectibles that are Soaring in Value
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!
When I lived in the San Francisco area in the late 80’s KFSO had talk shows and would play Rush Limbaugh. But some of their employees would disagree and do crazy things like shut off the Rush feed or during breaks loudly disagree with what the various talk show hosts were saying. One subject even back then was about the numbers of small businesses moving out of the area to Nevada and Texas. The loud mouth liberal at the station between ads commented “let them go! Who cares, who needs them?”. This was followed by a caller who was a small business owner calling from Las Vegas where he had just moved his construction company. He pointed out that when he left he had to let employees go and that those companies that took over in his absence hired illegal aliens and payed them under the table and that California was driving businesses out with higher taxes and greater regulation only to be replaced by companies that didn’t pay taxes and were not obeying the regulations. All of this fell on deaf ears and the underground economy today in California is bigger than ever.
Regrettably, California needs to secede. Now. Just go.
Where / how can I buy physical platinum, like I can buy physical silver?
With silver, I can go to a local coin shop, and pay cash for 1 oz silver rounds.
Can I do the same with platinum?
If you want physical platinum that is easily recognized as genuine, then I would recommend U.S. Mint Liberty 1-ounce, 1/2-ounce or 1/4-ounce coins that have been slabbed by PCGS or NGC. Presently, platinum is selling for LESS than gold, so it is is a “buy.” If your local coin shop doesn’t have any slabbed Platinum Liberty coins on hand, then they can easily order them in for you. Then, pay cash.