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 recently-announced increase to Social Security payments. (See the Tangibles Investing section.)
Precious Metals:
Bank of America still sees gold price hitting record highs and silver price pushing to $30.
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After Nickel Rush, Silver And Gold Are Next – Ed Steer.
Economy & Finance:
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Brandon Smith: Basic Solutions To Our Economic Problems That Establishment Elites Won’t Allow.
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City of Detroit Displaces 100,000 Residents After Tax Error.
Commodities:
Reader Ron M. sent us this: Former Central California water manager stole $25 million in water over 23 years, prosecutors say.
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A WSJ article, by way of Zero Hedge: Rivian CEO Warns Of Coming EV Battery Supply Shortage.
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Ukraine’s biggest steelmaker vows to never work under Russian occupation. (A hat tip to H.L. for the link.)
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CF Industries: Union Pacific Curtails Fertilizer Shipments, Delaying Deliveries and Preventing New Rail Orders from Being Taken. JWR’s Comment: This could have a huge impact on both plantings and crop yields this summer, and various grain and produce prices, stretching into next year.
Inflation Watch:
The upward spiral: Social Security recipients could see biggest cost-of-living raise since 1981. tHis article begins:
“Social Security recipients are on track to receive the biggest cost-of-living raise in four decades as sky-high inflation rapidly diminishes the buying power of retired Americans.
The Senior Citizens League, a nonpartisan group that focuses on issues relating to older Americans, estimated the adjustment could be as high as 8.9%, based on March inflation data, which showed that consumer prices soared 8.5% from the previous year, the fastest year-over-year jump since December 1981.”
JWR’s Comment: But of course, Socialist Insecurity payment hikes will never match the real rate of inflation.
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Video interview: Inflation Will Wipe Out 50% of Population, It’s the End of America Warns Robert Kiyosaki.
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We Still Haven’t Reached The Inflation Finale.
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Richard Cutin, in Barron’s: Inflationary Psychology Has Set In. Dislodging It Won’t Be Easy.
Forex & Cryptos:
This chart does not bode well: Euro Area Inflation Rate. JWR’s Comment: The proverbial Race To The Bottom amongst western currencies seems to be accelerating!
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Over at Currency Thoughts: Circumstances and Results Surrounding Previous Times When the Fed Raised Interest Rates in Increments Greater than a Quarter Percentage Point.
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Crypto Market Cap Falls By $80 Billion In A Day As Bitcoin Dumps Below $40K.
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They’re stealing cryptocurrency: North Korea Cyber Threat Overview and Advisories. (Thanks to Jim A. for the link.)
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Amazon CEO says not adding cryptocurrency as payment option anytime soon.
Tangibles Investing:
An Alternative to Cap & Ball For Self Defense.
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The economic shock hitting the housing market is starting to do some damage.
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 or 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!