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 Fiddleback Forge custom knives. (See the Tangibles Investing section.)
Precious Metals:
First off, these observations by Peter Hug: Gold Continues To Search For Direction
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Gold Still ‘Fantastic’ As All Currencies Are Losing To U.S. Dollar – America Silver
Forex:
The Indian rupee is under pressure — that may signal economic trouble ahead
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Next at The WSJ: Italy Sparks Global Fear of Fresh Euro Crisis
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Dollar at 10-month high against euro as ‘Quitaly’ fears rise
Commodities:
Why U.S. Oil Exports Are Only Heading Higher
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Oil Drops After Saudi-Russia Output Revival Plan Rattles Traders
Economy & Finance:
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America has a massive truck driver shortage. Here’s why few want an $80,000 job
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These are the most expensive cities in the world
Tangibles Investing:
The famous Fiddleback Forge Knives company of Braselton, Georgia has recently expanded their original product line (with designs by from Andy Roy) to branch out into designs by Dylan Fletcher. Thus, they now have second line of knives that are more affordable for most buyers.
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Nine Basic Rules: Long-Term Investing: Art, Antiques & Collectibles
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 investing in tangibles I believe we need to add items that we enjoy. I did not see that concept in the Nine Basic Rules. I do remember seeing this posted here in the past.
If a guitar says Martin on the headstock it will most likely hold some value and if it doesn’t I will still enjoy it.
A recent article talked about investing in tractors. I agree, old tractors are very interesting and they hold value. If not they can be used to cultivate crops or be driven by the grandchildren.
I am also drawn to old tools at garage sales. I went through a pipe wrench stage. I have a few Ridgid wrenches. I also walk straight to any cross cut saw I see. I have a friend who cannot ignor any piece of American pottery. I tend to stay way from fragile stuff as I am not graceful.
Holding a silver coin in my hand is enjoyable too. I often wonder where that coin traveled to while in circulation. A worn quarter from the 40s or 50s may have been held by an American soldier overseas.
How about old family Bibles? It occurred to me that if I see one at a contracted estate sale or auction I might purchase it and reconnect it to a family member. A little investment in that family would definitely be tangible.
Same here. I get quite a bit of satisfaction in collecting certain things. I’ve had to train myself to ask four questions before buying any tangibles. First, is it easily convertible to cash in almost any economic climate without a high risk of significant losses? Second, is there a significant market for the class of items I’m collecting? Third, do I have a reasonable assurance the items I’m collecting will continue to increase in value over the long haul (at the very least a hedge against inflation). Fourth, can it be stored securely for a relatively low cost? If it doesn’t meet this simple test, I don’t touch it. It means I had to drop a few categories of items I like to buy and liquidate those possessions, plus eliminate impulse buys. I focus on just two items now. The first is coins (graded early American gold/silver and silver half dollar commemoratives). The second – which I’m not yet very knowledgeable about is firearms. I have a big soft spot for 1970s pickup trucks and they seem to be going up rapidly every year, especially 4WD models. But that particular item doesn’t meet my test for ease of storage. One other thing – my wife and children need to be educated on how to offload these possessions at favorable prices should anything happen to me. I’ve seen so many people get taken in by dealers looking to make huge profits by buying out estate collections. I’d rather have my family members sell at higher prices even if it’s via online venues.