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 used vehicle prices. (See the Tangibles Investing section.)
Precious Metals:
Barclay’s Bank’s Moser is looking for more upside in gold.
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Gold prices holding gains as U.S. ADP shows 534K jobs gains in November.
Economy & Finance:
Even the left-leaning NY Post admits: Socialists & Joe-cialists twist reality when it comes to inflation, economy.
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Equity hedge funds flee Covid-sensitive stocks amid fears of new surge.
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At Wolf Street: The Most Splendid Housing Bubbles in America, November Update: Another Holy-Cow Moment.
Commodities:
Natural gas plunges 11% on demand-killing U.S. weather outlook.
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OilPrice News reports: OPEC+ Expects Large Oil Glut In Early 2022.
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Canada disappointed with U.S. final softwood lumber duty rate: Trade Minister.
Derivatives:
CME Group, world’s largest derivatives marketplace, to offer micro ether futures in December.
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China says it will expand scope of banks’ forex derivatives business.
Forex & Cryptos:
USD/CHF prediction after the strong Swiss inflation data.
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Markets Jolted by Omicron Fears.
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Here’s what’s on the horizon for crypto regulation.
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Ethereum Supply On Exchanges Reaches New Low Of 14%.
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Fidelity reportedly launching spot Bitcoin ETF in Canada.
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Billionaire founder of FTX reveals cryptos that will survive the next crash – Sam Bankman-Fried.
Tangibles Investing:
Average Used Car Listing Prices Reach All-Time High.
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What to expect in the 2022 used car market.
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I recently bought a replacement for our aging four-wheel-drive SUV. Our old one was a 2009 model with more than 350,000 miles on the odometer. The “new-to-us” one is a 2013 model from the same maker with under 20,000 miles logged. It can use the same tires and rims as our old vehicle, so that was plus, since we swap wheels seasonally, with studded snow tires. Our new rig had been a fleet vehicle that was hardly ever used. I realize that I’ll need to get a new battery, a serpentine belt, and perhaps a few replacement hoses. And the tires will get replaced fairly soon. With old tires, it is the age of the rubber rather than the depth of the tread that is the key determiner of safety.
It is shocking to see the high price of used vehicles, these days. So it pays to be a studious and deliberate shopper. With more supply chain disruptions ahead, my advice is: Buy a perenially-popular model, and buy American. That will give you the best chances of finding spare parts, whether they come from an auto parts house, a dealership, or from a wrecking yard. Oh, and if you have room in your garage or shop, then consider buying a new spare set of tires, and put them in proper storage. But be sure to get them into use within four years. Again: Old tires are unsafe tires. – JWR
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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!