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 stock market prospects in 2022. (See the Equities section.)
Precious Metals:
The Key Factor In Silver Is A “Concentrated Short Position On Comex”. JWR’s Comment: This shorting-selling cannot go on forever. When interest rates spike, it will trigger a breakout in spot and futures silver prices. The shorts will have to cover their positions. What I’m describing here is a massive short squeeze in a notoriously thin market. When the short-sellers finally capitulate, it will likely propel the price of silver above $60 per Troy ounce. So, buy your silver now, before the Fed raises interest rates!
o o o
Gold/silver: are you buying the dip?
Economy & Finance:
Economist: Outlook for economy in 2022 uncertain.
o o o
The Federal Reserve is scaring markets with the triple threat of policy tightening.
o o o
o o o
Inflation Fears Among Small Business Owners at Highest Level In 40 Years.
Commodities:
H.L. sent us this: Top US shale producer is so confident oil prices will keep rising that it just ditched nearly all hedges.
o o o
Oil rally to continue in 2022 as demand outstrips supply, analysts say. The article’s opening lines:
“Oil prices that rallied 50% in 2021 will power further ahead this year, some analysts predict, saying a lack of production capacity and limited investment in the sector could lift crude to $90 or even above $100 a barrel.”
o o o
Potato Shortage Leads To Global Shortage Of French Fries, Potato Chips.
o o o
The last nail in the coffin: Federal Judge Tosses Lawsuit Challenging Biden’s Authority To Block Keystone Pipeline.
o o o
Chip Delivery Times Hit Record As Shortage Worsens. The article’s opening lines:
“Delivery times for chips jumped in December, signaling the semiconductor shortage is worsening into the new year, according to research by Susquehanna Financial Group.
On average, lead times increased six days to approximately 25.8 weeks last month compared with November. This is the longest wait time since the firm began monitoring the data in 2017.”
o o o
$80 Oil Is Too Enticing For U.S. Drillers To Ignore.
Equities:
A Berkshire Hathaway Interview: Charlie Munger’s Huge Warning of a “Lost Decade” for the Stock Market (2022-2032).
o o o
The Fed’s Moves Pumped Up Stocks. In 2022, It May Pull the Plug.
o o o
Inflation Watch:
What the Great Ammunition Shortage Says About Inflation.
o o o
Shipping Expenses in the US Go Through the Roof.
o o o
Edible Oil Prices Hit Record High As Food Inflation Worries Persist.
o o o
Purchasing Power of the Dollar Goes WHOOSH!
o o o
Inflation rises 7% over the past year, highest since 1982.
Forex & Cryptos:
Equities Tumbling Anew as Inflation and Interest Rates Climb.
o o o
Next Week’s Menu: January 15 – 21, 2022.
o o o
Bitcoin Loses Momentum, Why $40k Is A Key Level For Future Gains.
o o o
Crypto Market Is Still In The Early Stages, Says Ric Edelman.
o o o
70% of US crypto holders started investing in 2021: Report.
Tangibles Investing:
Bring a Trailer sold $829M in cars in 2021, walloping auction houses.
o o o
I recommend that AR owners and builders watch for the “Daily Deals” advertised by Palmetto State Armory (one of our affiliate advertisers). They often have gun parts advertised with discounts as deep as 50%. Please use our link to access their website when you start an order, so that we’ll earn a small commission to help support the blog. Here is just one current example: They have Magpul 30 round PMAGS on sale for $8.99 each and free shipping on 5 or more, if you use Coupon Code “PMAG.”
o o o
Here is a video that is useful for anyone interested in investing in Federally-antique .38 pistols and revolvers: 19th Century .38 caliber cartridges demystified.
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!