Here are the latest 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 JWR. (SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor.) Today’s focus is on the Indian government’s war on gold.
Precious Metals (War On Gold):
First up, at The Economic Times of India: Gold can be best viewed as alternate currency, not investment
o o o
Also from The Economic Times of India: Gold imports dip 31.25% during April-May 2018-19: Government. JWR’s Comments: That figure is for reported gold imports. The black market import and export of gold in India is big, and getting bigger. This is an escalation of the Indian government’s long-running war on gold. (They foolishly look at private gold accumulation of gold as a “drain” on the economy.) Whenever a government attempts to control or tax free markets, people understandably will seek alternative channels of trade.
Commodities:
Is The Oil World In Panic Mode?
o o o
WSJ: 2.5 Billion Pounds of Meat Piles Up in U.S. as Production Grows, Exports Slow. JWR’s Comment: Wait for sale prices and then freeze some, but mostly can it, cure it, make jerky or make biltong!
Cryptos:
Wolf Street: 10 Down-to-Earth Things Powell Said about Cryptocurrencies
o o o
China’s Crypto Millionaires Are Using Bitcoin to Buy Real Estate Abroad
o o o
Bitcoin Price Hits Two-Month High as Dominance Rate Spikes
Economy & Finance:
Credit Ratings Agency Offers Dim Outlook for Rural America
o o o
BOJ Policy Change Speculation Roils Markets
Forex:
o o o
USD CHF Forecast 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Tangibles Investing:
Want to know which antique radios and televisions to watch for at estate sales? Look at what dealers have on their “want” lists: Wanted Items
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!
Credit Ratings Agency Offers Dim Outlook for Rural America:
If politicians would quit making promises they know they can never afford to keep then the cost of government would go down, not up. Make bureaucratic retirements 401K’s instead of defined benefit. Look at privatizing, opening up to the free market, those parts of government that can easily be farmed out. Actually look seriously at privatizing the roads. There is more, much more, that governments can do to minimize their own costs. Finally look at how the State and Federal governments interfere in the operations of local rural governments.
Look at your own rural government. What obvious changes do you see that would reduce their costs and bring serious efficiencies to their operations? Have you discussed this with anyone, either friend or official? Think about it, surely there is some change you would like to see made.
Why is the Israeli Shekel a fraudulent fiat currency instead of being tied to silver (original) or Gold?
Were they to do so, I’d use them as better than the USD FRNs.