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 the recent shortage of Swiss watches. (See the Tangibles Investing section.)
Precious Metals:
The U.S. Economy Is In A Recession Now – Gold, Silver Set To Soar.
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Ray Dalio: Gold Reduces Risks, Enhances Returns, Belongs In Your Savings
Economy & Finance:
New home sales plunge nearly 17% in April.
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FreightWaves reports: Supply chains are never returning to ‘normal’.
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Great Reset: Americans Lost $20 Trillion Since The Start Of 2022.
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Wait, What? HALF of Infants in the U.S. Are on WIC?!
Commodities:
Reader D.S.V. sent us this: Experts Issue a Warning as Biden Eyes Draining Nation’s Emergency Heating Oil Stockpile.
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OilPrice News reports: Analyst Warns Of A Fuel Shortage Crisis In The U.S.
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Electricity Shortages: Brace for Impact.
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Egypt’s Bread Crisis Awakens Old Fears of Political Unrest. JWR’s Comment: It was a bread shortage that triggered the national and then regional Arab Spring protests.
Inflation Watch:
Consumers Bracing for Higher Prices Despite Efforts to Curb Inflation.
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A New York Times piece: Why Has the CPI Inflation Calculation Changed Over Time?
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Some updated data: Worldwide Inflation by Country 2022.
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News from India: Spike in cotton prices jacking up yarn cost: Mills.
Forex & Cryptos:
Over at Doug Casey’s International Man: Five Warning Signs the End of Dollar Hegemony Is Near… Here’s What Happens Next.
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Turkey’s Chief Statistician Quits For “Health Reasons” After Inflation Hits 70%.
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News from early this week: Dollar Drops about 1%.
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XRP Has Broken Below Its Long Standing Support, What’s Next?
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Coinbase Is on a Downwards Spiral and Could Be Taking your Crypto with It.
Tangibles Investing:
Swiss Watch Shortage Spreads From Rolex To Cartier And Tudor. JWR’s Comments: Like any other market, it all comes down to supply and demand. There is also a subtle subconscious nudge toward tangibles that comes, whenever inflation spikes. I am still a big believer in investing in top-quality practical Swiss hairspring self-winding wristwatches.
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The state of Washington’s ban on so-called “High Capacity Magazines” goes into effect on July 1st, 2022. I strongly suggest that all residents of Washington stock up on a lifetime supply, ASAP! Two vendors — both affiliate advertisers on SurvivalBlog — that I can recommend are: Palmetto State Armory and Gun Mag Warehouse. Stack them deep!
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The Average Age of Vehicles on U.S. Roadways Hits a Record 12.2 Years.
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!