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 [1]. (SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor.) Today’s focus is on 3D Printers. (see the Tangibles Investing section.)
Precious Metals:
Gold Bullion Rebounds After US GDP Data Released [2]
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Bonds:
CNBC reports: This unusual move in the bond market could be signaling interest rates are about to break out [4]
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Also at CNBC, this from Cramer, the market mad man: Cramer translates what US bonds are saying, and it’s not good for the… [5]
Cryptos:
Bitcoin’s Price Moves Below $8K as Bull Case Weakens [6]
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Bitcoin’s Second-Ever Developer Is Back (With a Big Vision for Crypto) [7]
Economy & Finance:
John Rubino: Is The Interest Rate Death Spiral Finally Starting? [8]
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Over at Wolf Richter’s Wolf Street blog: The Most Splendid Housing Bubbles in America [9]
Derivatives:
The Delta Report – Derivatives Newsletter: July 2018 [10]
Tangibles Investing (3D Printers):
Tangibles usually perform very well in time of high price inflation, and clearly there is now inflation ahead. So now is the time to diversify out of all Dollar-denominated investments and get some tangibles. In past columns I’ve discussed a wide range of tangibles, including tools.
One category of tangible tools that has really matured in the past couple of years is 3D printers. The market is now crowded, costs have plummeted, and practicality has jumped substantially. As for practicality: 3D printers with wider temperature ranges for melting filament allow a wider variety of plastics to be used. Higher temperature generally equates to stronger plastic.
In my estimation, the time is now right to jump in and buy a 3D printer, but only if you are a creative and innovative person and can keep your new machine busy.
Keep in mind that this is NOT the sort of tangible investment that will go up in value! If anything, its Dollar value will go down. This is a tangible that can be used to create things to sell. Hence, it must be kept busy, churning out marketable products. Making gun accessories is a natural, for preppers. 3D printers can be used to make plastic magazine loaders, magazine pouches, cleaning rod guides, stock cheek risers, pistol grips, assorted Picatinny bits, and much more.
Owning a 3D printer fits with my philosophy of owning one or morehome-based businesses. Creativity, innovation, and marketing skill are what will make your 3D printer a worthwhile investment. If you aren’t a real “go getter”, then it will probably end up as expensive clutter in your garage or craft room.
I found a useful Buyer’s Guide that was published in July. [11]
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And also this: The 15 Best 3D Printers of 2018 [12]
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And for project ideas there is of course Makezine [13] and its many regular spin-off MakerFaires [14].
Provisos:
SurvivalBlog and its Editors are not paid investment counselors or advisers. Please see our Provisos [15] page for our detailed disclaimers.
News Tips:
Please send your economics and investing news tips to JWR [1]. (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!