Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. In this column, JWR also covers hedges, derivatives, and various obscura. This column emphasizes JWR’s “tangibles heavy” investing strategy and contrarian perspective. Today, another look at Equities markets. (See the Equities section.)
Precious Metals:
On Wednesday (December 18, 2024) “the bell rang” when spot silver dipped down to below $30 per Troy ounce. To restate my position from my recent investing columns: Silver is a bargain, anywhere below $30.50. So stack it deep! – JWR
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Nick Giambruno: Whoever Does Not Respect the Penny is Not Worthy of the Dollar.
Economy & Finance:
About as expected: Fed cuts by a quarter point, indicates fewer reductions ahead.
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St. Onge, over at X/Twitter: “Debt services hits $1.4 trillion per year — bigger than Social Security. Debt service now soaks up 28% of all taxes collected — 47% of the income tax you pay.”
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Linked over at the Whatfinger.com news aggregation site: Operation Choke Point 2.0: How the Feds Are Seeking to ‘Debank’ Targeted Industries.
Commodities:
Reader C.B. sent us this: Egg prices may soon ‘flirt with record highs,’ supplier says. Here’s why.
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At Farms.com: 2024’s Battles Over the Next Farm Bill, Dismal Outlook for Farm Economy to Extend in to 2025.
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At Zero Hedge: WTI Holds Gains As ‘Tank Bottoms’ Loom At Cushing Hub; Crude Stocks Drop For 4th Straight Week.
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From OilPrice News: World’s Coal Demand at Record High in 2024, IEA Says.
Equities:
Three Contrarian Investments for 2025.
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Motley Fool: Best Growth Stocks: Top Picks for December 2024.
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Three Contrarian Picks for Trump 2.0 With Yields up to 7.5%.
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Forbes: Five Top Stocks To Buy In December 2024.
Forex & Cryptos:
Bloomberg: Strong Dollar, Trump Risks Shape Asia Investors’ Top 2025 Bets.
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At Currency Thoughts: A U.S. Current Account Stunner Prior to the FOMC Announcement.
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Bitcoin could surge to $200,000 in mid-2025: Bitfinex analysts.
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What will the Bitcoin price be in 2025 and 2045?
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Pro-crypto regulatory stance clears path for industry growth.
Tangibles Investing:
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Textron Halts ATV, UTV, Snowmobile Production Amid Imploding Consumer Demand. JWR’s Comments: In a time of over-supply, this is the logical time to go out and negotiate a low price for your next ATV or snowmobile. If you do some gentle persuading, you can probably get one near dealer cost.
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Palmetto State Armory (one of our affiliate advertisers) has some great specials in their Christmas Deals this week. Here are just two examples, from among dozens: Blemished PSA 11.5″ Carbine-Length 5.56 1/7 Phosphate 10.5″ Lightweight M-Lok Upper – No BCG & CH for $179.99. To find this deal, paste the SKU 51655134067B in their search box. And: Winchester USA 5.56 Bulk Ammo 55 Grain FMJ, 500-Round Bulk Pack for just $219.99. (Normally priced at $400.) To find this deal, paste the SKU 51655123377 in their search box.
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. Thanks!