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 shocking increases in new car and truck prices. (See the Inflation Watch section.)
Precious Metals:
When it dipped to just $17.97 per Troy ounce on September 6th, I believe that silver reached — or was very near — a “capitulation” bottom. As of Friday morning (9/9/2022), spot silver was back up to $18.93. For any SurvivalBlog readers who have been dawdling, this is now a good juncture to hedge into silver. Buy low, and sell high.
o o o
Market Crash Incoming, Will Gold & Silver See Their Day? – Gareth Soloway.
Economy & Finance:
Some general observations from JWR: The global economy seems to be heading into a deep spiral. Mainland China is on the verge of a banking collapse. Meanwhile, western European nations are experiencing a major economic contraction triggered by the worsening Russian natural gas embargo and higher prices for nearly all other fuels. And the U.S. is experiencing high inflation, a recession, sharp declines in equities markets, and the beginning of a down market in real estate — both residential and commercial. Brace yourselves, folks!
o o o
Calls for jumbo 75bps ECB refi rate hike on Sept 8 on knife’s edge – economists.
o o o
At Wolf Street: Fed’s QT: Total Assets Drop by $139 Billion from Peak.
Commodities:
A video interview with Nigel Farage: ‘Life will come to a stop’: UK facing bleak winter.
o o o
Farm Bureau: Commodity Charts & News.
o o o
OilPrice News reports: The U.S. Power Grid Can’t Support Its Climate Pledges.
o o o
Larry B. sent us this: The latest numbers on the microchip shortage: North America hit hard.
Inflation Watch:
Battery prices to rise for first time since 2010, slowing EV adoption: BNEF.
o o o
I had a shock yesterday, when I saw a commercial preceding a YouTube video. It showed the list price on a Jeep Grand Wagoneer “starting at $89,900.” Yikes! So I did some web searches, and found this item, from Reuters: U.S. new vehicle prices to hit record high despite rising interest rates. Here is a quote:
“Average transaction prices are set to reach a record $46,259, an 11.5% increase from a year earlier, according to the report from auto industry consultants J.D. Power and LMC Automotive.”
o o o
I also found this, at the Kelley Blue Book web site:
“The base LS trim of the 2023 Suburban full-size SUV will has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $54,700, plus a destination charge. Keep $3,000 aside for 4-wheel drive. Up at the less budget-conscious end is the High Country version, priced at $75,300 before options.”
o o o
Want to buy a top-of-the-line Corvette Z06? (One is pictured at the top of this column.) Be ready to shell out between $106,000 and $160,000.
o o o
The 2023 Tesla Model Y has been re-priced at $72,300. And note that there are price increases across the entire Tesla product line.
o o o
Do you want to get a four-door Dodge 2023 gasoline engine Longhorn 4×4 Mega Cab 2500? Just $73,200. But if you want a diesel engine, then expect to pay more. Oh, want a fancy model gas engine 4-door? Report: 2023 Ram TRX Priced at $79,355.
o o o
Forex & Cryptos:
Canadian Dollar: USD TO CAD AND CAD TO USD FORECAST 2022, 2023-2025
o o o
Mexican Peso: Dollar To Peso Forecast 2022, 2023-2025
o o o
EUR/USD Still Vulnerable, but Natural Gas Pullback Could Offer Near-Term Respite.
o o o
Binance identifies KyberSwap hack suspects, involves law enforcement.
Tangibles Investing:
KeepShooting.com (one of our affiliate advertisers) has received a large shipment of Uzi 9mm 32-round magazines, which they’ve not had in stock for more than a year. They mentioned that they were able to negotiate a great price on these, so they’re now able to offer them at just $19.95 each. So, if you own an Uzi, or want to keep some on hand for bartering purposes, then buy a stack of these magazines!
o o o
These 183 housing markets could soon see home prices fall 20%, Moody’s says.
o o o
Canada home resales will fall 23% in 2022, another 15% in 2023: RBC.
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!