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. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at The New Economy.
Precious Metals:
First up, Jan Nieuwenhuijs, at The Gold Observer: Why the Gold Price Is Sinking
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Gold is here to stay but base metals are more attractive – PDAC Panel
Economy & Finance:
An inflation warning: Dollar’s Purchasing Power Dwindles to Another Record Low. Fed is Getting its Wishes
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Speaking of inflation, take a look at this chart released by the St. Louis branch of the Federal Reserve: M1 Money Stock. JWR’s Coimments: That is alarming. And what is even more alarming is that it does not reflect the $1.9 Trillion in new spending passed by congress last week. And stand by for another $3 Trillion in spending promised for “Green Energy Programs”. Apparently, that sort of “green” requires spending lots of green. And that will all be created out of thin air.
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At Zero Hedge: Friends Again? US, China To Hold Top-Level “Reset” Meeting In Alaska. JWR’s Comments: The Trump administration played trade policy hardball with China. The Biden (Xiden?) administration isn’t playing softball. They’re playing badminton.
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Reader H.L. flagged this: “Not Since Madoff…” – Greensill Collapse Could Ripple Through Markets In A Systemic Way.
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The Fed’s Move To Redefine The Money Supply Is An Ominous Sign
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At Wolf Street: Consumers Paid Down Credit Cards Again! By Most Ever. But Cash-Out Refis Spiked to Highest since 2005/6 Peaks. JWR’s Comment: This urge to get out of debt seems to indicate that the collective subconscious senses that an economic crisis is looming.
Commodities:
At Seeking Alpha: Tesla secures supply of nickel.
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OilPrice News reports: How Oil Could Go To $100 Per Barrel
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As Gas Prices Soar, Americans Can Blame Biden
The New Economy:
At Wolf Street: Signs Are Everywhere: Businesses Have Changed Permanently as a Result of the Pandemic
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74 Amazon Statistics You Must Know: 2020/2021 Market Share Analysis & Data. JWR’s Comment: I’m now happily a former Amazon Associate.
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Shopping malls were struggling before COVID-19 and now have more empty stores: What’s next after the pandemic? JWR’s Comment: It appears that Amazon.com has completed a Grand Mall Seizure… They’ve taken most of their business away from them.
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Biden just endorsed a law that endangers 57 million jobs
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75% Of All Jobs Added In February Were Waiters And Bartenders.
Forex & Cryptos:
Somewhat Firmer Dollar as Long-Term U.S. Treasury Yields Rise Anew
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EUR/USD Forecast: Attempts to Rebound Still Weak
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GBP/CAD Predictions: Strong Oil Prices Support Loonie And Soften Pound-Canadian Dollar Outlook
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Veteran Fund Manager Blames Bitcoin for Massive Gold ETF Outflows
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Bitcoin bulls stampede toward $60,000 after a key BTC resistance is broken
Tangibles Investing:
I was recently queried by a consulting client about which tangible investments to emphasize, in 2021 and 2022. Here is my advice, in summary:
- Coins: Silver and platinum coins are still strong buys.
- Guns and Magazines: Very strong buy.
- Ammunition: Selectively buy, where and when it is affordable.
- Jewelry: Sell, and buy guns!
- Watches: Sell, and buy guns!
- Collectables: Sell, and buy guns!
- Art & Antiques: Sell, and buy guns!
- Tools/Instruments: Hold
- Furniture: Sell, and buy guns!
- Classic Cars: Sell, and buy guns!
- Sterling Silver Flatware: Hold or trade into silver coins
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A Reminder: I presently have Elk Creek Company‘s shopping cart system shut down, for my travel during the month of March. I plan to reactivate it starting on March 31st, 2021. (Mark your calendar.) Worst case is that the Senate version of the dreaded H.R. 8 will pass. Yes, Universal Background Checks for post-1898 guns could become Federal Law — with the law taking effect in 180 days — sometime around October of 2021. I can foresee this as a Sea Change event. One long-tern unintended consequence of this law is that it could cause the value of pre-1899 guns to double or triple. That is because they will be the only cartridge guns that will still be available to be bought and sold without a background check and Federal paperwork.
I’m still buying inventory. Here is a link to a list of the antique guns that I’m looking for: Elk Creek Company – Our Wants.
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 closely watch specific markets. If you spot any news that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers, then please send it in. News items from local news outlets that are missed by the news wire services are especially appreciated. And it need not be only about commodities and precious metals. Thanks!