Here are the latest news 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 SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today’s focus is on Chinese debt. (See the Economy & Finance section.)
Precious Metals:
Supply Problems Worsen in Minted Silver
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Sentiment Speaks: Be Careful – Something Is Wrong With The Gold Market
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Stewart Thomson: The Trade Deal: Great News For The Gold Price
Economy & Finance (Chinese Debt):
This is some interesting reading, over at Mises.org: A Chinese Bomb: Are We Really on the Threshold of Another Global Financial Crisis? A quote:
“The Chinese debt is overwhelming not because of the volume—more than $34 trillion —but because the figure has quadrupled in seven years (2007–14) according to estimates from the central bank, although, to be sure, Chinese authorities supplying such public information do not have an exemplary reputation (China is not Switzerland or Japan).
Debt is not a trivial problem. However, President Xi Jinping’s methods are those of a political leader who tries to inhibit the fluctuations of an economy with a plan. In the twelfth five-year stimulus plan (2011–15), Xi noted the need for “an economic and social balance” to guarantee long-term development goals, which include encouraging consumption, liberalizing interest rates, removing capital controls, and, crucial for Chinese propaganda, increasing the supply of services for citizens.”
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At Wolf Street: Inventory Pileup Sounds Alarm for Goods-Based Economy
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The Most Splendid Housing Bubbles in America Get Pricked.
Commodities:
Freres Lumber February Market Report: Wood Products Industry Affected by a Drag in Housing Starts
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Oil Prices Could Soar On Trade War Truce
Cryptos:
Warren Buffet: Bitcoin Is a ‘Delusion’ But Blockchain Is ‘Ingenious’
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A Major Swiss Bank Just Enabled Clients Access to Cryptocurrencies
Tangibles Investing:
Bear market – antiques and collectible investing for 2019
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Investing in Fine Wine Is More Lucrative Than Ever
Provisos:
SurvivalBlog and its Editors are not paid investment counselors or advisers. 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!