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 Free Ride”–wasteful government “programs” and policies.
Precious Metals:
First off, over at Wall Street Window: Fed Hikes, Dollar, and Gold – Adam Hamilton
o o o
INTL FCStone: ‘Stronger Dollar Should Weigh On Gold’ In March
Stocks:
Global stocks plunge after Wall Street bloodbath. The Dow is now down around 8% from its all-time high. Just as I predicted, rising interest rates are what precipitated the plunge. To repeat my words of warning: Many stocks are still over-valued. Interest rates will probably continue to rise. So do some hedging and put stop-loss limits in place!
Commodities:
Trump’s Tariffs Lead To Selloff In Oil Markets
The Free Ride:
There are now a plethora of wasteful government “programs” and policies. Most of these Free Dire programs seem designed to build Democrat voter bases, ensuring that leftist politicians will hold office indefinitely. Here are just a few article links that illustrate this profligate waste:
First, at CNBC: More Americans now support a universal basic income
Lifeline Phone Service (commonly called the “Obamaphone” subsidy) is continuing, despite widespread abuse.
What Happens When States Go Hunting for Welfare Fraud
Craigslist makes turning food stamps into cash a SNAP
Sheriff: Federal ‘EBT’ Cards ‘Ultimately Buying Drugs’
Stockton Gets Ready to Experiment With Universal Basic Income. Note: Unlike Finland’s ongoing tax-financed scheme, in this pilot experiment no taxpayer funds will be used.
$8.5 Billion U.S. Counter Narcotics Effort in Afghanistan Boosts Opium Production – Judicial Watch. The net result: Greater production of opium!
States Where Welfare Recipients Are Paid More Than Minimum Wage
Judicial Watch Sues For Records on Failed $7 Billion School Grants Program Under Obama
The Mid-America Airport in St. Louis has only one commercial airline and pitiful traffic, yet it has received $200 million in taxpayer dollars in the past 20 years.
But there is some good news: No More Free Rides: People Will Have to Work for Food Stamps if They Are Able
Trade and Tarriffs:
The WSJ reports: Trump Tariffs Spark GOP Rift
Tangibles Investing:
BNC Paribas offers this perspective on tangibles, from France: Protecting Against Inflation Risk Via Tangible Assets
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!
Wouldn’t be surprised if we see a sharp rise in prices of rare earth mineral production and mining stocks. When taken in the context of Trump’s Section 301 investigation of China’s IP practices and his attempt to balance our trade (which the MSM is branding as a “trade war”), tightening the supply of this crucial material seems a likely move for China. Australian REM miners in particular might benefit from a tightening by China. This could result in an excellent opportunity for investors.
http://www.internationalman.com/articles/chinas-most-powerful-weapon-in-the-coming-trade-war
The perspective on tangibles and inflation risk from France was short but basically ‘said it all’. Interesting they view the US as most at risk.
Free money for everyone? Hard work is what has driven our economy from the beginning.
We need infrastructure repair. Pay people to pick up a shovel, build a new emp proof transformer etc.
When we were young our parents told us, ” you will appreciate it and take care of it if you work and save for it.” Plug in whatever you remember in it. I my used JC Higgins single shot 22 that I purchased for 8.00. I did get a little help from my Mother in 1965 but I still have that rifle.
My Wife remembers her Mother receiving assistance in the 1960s. She remembers a bag of flour, and one whole chicken in a can. Yum chicken and dumplings. We were much smarter before socialism!
I have to prep for my colonoscopy so I will be thinking of flushing Karl Marx all day.
God bless
I see the trade deficit building every time I go past our seaport: 3000 shipping containers per vessel coming to the cranes for unloading to take US dollars for payment while pitifully few shipping containers get loaded leaving our ports to sell overseas.
Bring on the Trade War. At least we can clearly use our economic capability to win this one. I’m glad to see Cohn quit/fired. No place for the wimpy here. Both my kids and I fought in AFGN and IRAQ. Trade wars are far better.
God bless you all .
Counter Narcotics efforts? We invaded because opium production was eliminated,plus we wanted to build a pipeline. Ask anyone who was there the major efforts were to protect the poppies from the locals(guard duty at a field of flowers was routine). Afghanistan,where empires go to die,read Kipling before you send your kids.