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 rising interest rates and their nascent effect on the housing market.
Precious Metals:
Gold SWOT: Gold Is Headed For The Longest Run Of Gains In More Than A Month.
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Metals shortages ahead, net-zero targets at risk — BofA.
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Is global ‘slavery’ coming? Gold guards against ‘total control’ – Bob Moriarty.
Economy & Finance:
UCLA: Global, domestic impediments will slow economy, but no recession yet.
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Costco membership price hike: ‘It’s not a question of if,’ analyst explains.
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Reuters: Peak interest rates may be lower than expected as growth slowdown looms.
Commodities:
OPEC+ raises output faster than expected as Russia’s war roils global energy markets.
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METALS – Copper dips on dollar strength, global growth concerns.
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OilPrice News reports: How Russia Has Remained One Step Ahead Of Western Sanctions.
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Over at a discussion forum, the owner of a small trucking company spells out the implications of high diesel prices: The Reality. (Thanks to D.M. for pointing us to that post.)
Inflation Watch:
A Note from JWR: I grew up in a time of inflation. My early adulthood was in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and that coincided with a period of strong inflation. I knew how to cope with inflation, by keeping a tight budget. I feel sorry for the younger generation, who have grown up in a time of minimal inflation. Now, with a resurgence of inflation, the Gen X, Y & Z crowd has been blindsided. They assumed that if they simply showed up to work on time, put in a good effort, kept their promises, and paid their bills promptly that they would get by just fine. They would even have some money left over, to save up for a house mortgage down-payment. But welcome to the Age of Bidenflation. With gasoline, rent, and groceries all now soaring, paychecks are fully spent with some month left over, for most folks. The bad news is that inflation will probably get a lot worse, before it gets better. My advice: Find a serviceable used small car that is very fuel-efficient, and buy it with cash. Minimize your debt, and live frugally. Put most of your savings in useful and barterable tangibles. Why? Because if you leave it in the bank, then you will just see your nestegg melt in the withering heat of inflation.
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USN&WR: Fed ‘Beige Book’ Finds Economy Moderating, Concern About the Future.
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Euro zone inflation hits yet another record high as food and energy prices soar.
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Swiss catch inflation bug as prices rise fastest in 14 years.
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Malaysia: Malaysia Bans Poultry Export in Latest Attempt to Curb Inflation.
Forex & Cryptos:
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USD / CAD – Canadian Dollar Drifting Higher.
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LUNA blowup underscores need for ‘clear and holistic’ regulation: CFTC commissioner.
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Brace For Impact: Bitcoin Miners Have Begun Dumping Their Holdings.
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Institutional Investors Turn To Competitors As Ethereum Tumbles.
Tangibles Investing:
Home listings suddenly jump as sellers worry they may miss out on the red-hot housing market.
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The recent jump in 30-year fixed mortgage rates is troubling. It may signal both a housing market top and an imminent recession.
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!