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 “cryptos”–the volatile and seemingly unpredictable cryptocurrency market.
Precious Metals:
First off, there is this bit of information at Seeking Alpha, by Nick Barisheff: Macro Trend Changes For Gold In 2018 And Beyond
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Next, in metals recovery news: German scientists to build machine that speeds up urban mining processes
Stocks:
Not all “stocks” are traditional shares in companies. Some Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have allocations in hard assets and commodities. Here are two sets of examples:
Hard Assets Producers ETF List
and,
Cryptos:
Bitcoin Price Continues Steady Climb, Up 56% From Feb. Lows
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The volatile and seemingly unpredictable cryptocurrencies (“cryptos”) markets took a dive, when Coinbase–a major exchange firm–announced that they will be handing over 13,000 client records to the IRS. But just a day later the value of Bitcoin bounced back above $10,000 USD. A piece posted at Zero Hedge explained the bounce: Why Bitcoin Is Soaring: Goldman-Backed Circle Buys Crypto Exchange Poloniex.
My advice: Watch the crypto market closely, but at this point keep your investment allocation in Bitcoin and the other cryptos small. Taxes and tax reporting may have a huge impact on the cryptos in the next few years, stifling the market. It is, after all, the very nature of governments to be Nosey, Grabby, and Bossy. (Aha! Those must be the names of the three missing Dwarves, who moved to the Big City.)
If you want to maintain your privacy then I recommend that you avoid the exchanges altogether. To “buy in”, either trade tangibles or pay cash to a Bitcoin miner or an individual BTC holder for a mutually-agreed fraction of their Bitcoin, based on the daily “bid” price. (Under the U.S. $10,000 cash reporting limit, naturlich.) And then when you decide to take some profit at a high point, DO NOT do so through an exchange. Instead, spend the coin fractions for barterable tangibles, directly from individual sellers advertise that they are willing to accept payment in Bitcoin. (Again, under the U.S. $10,000 cash reporting limit.) Starting in late 2107, many coin dealers and gun dealers began advertising that they accept payment in Bitcoin. That is a clear opportunity for privacy.
Economy and Finance:
I make a habit of reading Claire Wolfe’s Living Freedom blog. Among her recently-linked third party articles was this insightful piece by economist Charles Hugh Smith: The End of (Artificial) Stability
The Money Launderers:
Claire also had a link to an article about a scam that I hadn’t heard of: Money Laundering Via Author Impersonation on Amazon? Beware of the scammers, folks!
Tangibles Investing:
I overlooked this when it was posted at Zero Hedge, last October: Hard Assets In An Age Of Negative Interest Rates
Provisos:
SurvivalBlog and its Editors are not paid investment counselors or advisers. So 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!