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, we look at the nascent Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. (See the Forex & Cryptos section.)
Precious Metals:
The spot and futures prices of silver and gold gained during the recent $4 trillion stock market rout. Typically, gold has been liquidated for short covering by some traders, during sharp stock market declines. But this time, it appears that it was Bitcoin that was liquidated. BTC fell from roughly $92,000 USD to $82,000 USD from March 5th to March 11th, 2025. And it was down further to $80,893 on Thursday afternoon. (May 13, 2025.)
After news that a Ukraine war ceasefire had been rejected, spot gold set another all-time high of $3,006 USD per Troy ounce, on Thursday. (May 13, 2025.) Meanwhile, spot silver was up to a quite respectable $34.18 USD per Troy ounce. I expect to see some profit-taking on Monday, but the Precious Metals Bull seems to be going Full Pamplona, this year.
Take heed: The price of platinum is now at $1,012 per Troy ounce. Think about it: That is just shy of one-third of the price of gold! Ratio trading, anyone? This is another good opportunity to make the swap into platinum, with some of your physical gold holdings. I don’t recommend buying gold at present, folks. You should mostly be stacking silver, and a bit of platinum. – JWR
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At Gold-Eagle.com: Silver Price Forecast: Silver Approaches 13-Year High, No Sign of a Top.
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China’s central bank ups gold reserves for fourth straight month in February.
Economy & Finance:
Global stocks selloff pauses as investors catch their breath.
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ECB staff macroeconomic projections for the euro area.
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China keeps its economic growth target at ‘around 5%’ for 2025. JWR’s Comments: Mainland China’s economy is still delusionally command-driven by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). They will almost certainly use artificial stimulus to prop up stocks and housing, in 2025. But the underlying real economy there is in tatters.
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At Wolf Street: Why the Fed Considers “Pausing or Slowing” QT “Until the Resolution of the Debt Ceiling Situation”.
Commodities:
Reuters: China’s commodity imports limp into 2025 amid economic, trade concerns.
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Reported on Tuesday: Copper Prices Plummet Despite Slight Market Improvement.
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USDA: Egg Markets Overview.
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From OilPrice News: Oil Prices Continue Downward Spiral Amid Market Chaos.
Inflation/Deflation Watch:
Economists fear inflation, but not recession in 2025.
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Forbes: March’s CPI Inflation Report May Show Cooling Prices, Nowcasts Predict.
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A telling chart, over at X/Twitter: Deflation on tap: March inflation data is falling off of a cliff according to truflation: Time to cut interest rates soon.
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China’s deflation problems get worse.
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Turkish inflation slows to 39.05% in February, below forecasts.
Forex & Cryptos:
Euro rallies on hopes of German defence deal; dollar slips again.
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At Currency Thoughts (on March 11th): Where’s the Bottom?
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On Thursday, March 8th, President Trump signed an Executive Order to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
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Over at Wired: Trump’s ‘Strategic Bitcoin Reserve’ Plan Comes With a Twist.
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What Could a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” Mean in Practice? Here is a snippet:
“The establishment of an SBR would pioneer a new paradigm. Because of the newness of the technology, accumulating such a virtual reserve asset may seem unusual. However, it is similar to the accumulation of historical asset reserves, should be manageable in a reasonable fashion, and has the potential for a positive impact on the management of America’s financial future.”
Tangibles Investing:
With the recent rise in the silver market, I have raised our silver price divisor at Elk Creek Company to a whopping 24.7 times face value. That is the most that we’ve ever allowed for silver, in trade. Here is how it works: Just pick out the gun or knife you want, click “Add to Cart”, then take the total (including postage) and divide that by 24.7. So, for example, you choose a rifle that sells for $695 plus $55 postage. The total would be $750 if paying by check or credit card. But if paying in 1964 or earlier U.S. silver coinage (dimes, quarters and half dollars), then your total would be just $30.35. Just be sure to triple bag that, put it in a very well-padded sturdy box, and mail it to us, insured.
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Predictions For 2025: Automakers Buckle Under Pressure From Consumers.
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Home sellers are ‘waking up to reality’ and are slashing prices to combat stubbornly high mortgage rates.
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!
