Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. In this column, JWR also covers hedges, derivatives, and various obscura. This column emphasizes JWR’s “tangibles heavy” investing strategy and contrarian perspective. Today, we look at the planned European CBDC. (See the Forex & Cryptos section.)
Precious Metals:
At John Rubino’s substack: Accidentally Funny CNBC Grapples With Costco Gold Sales.
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At Gold-Eagle.com: Gold Stocks Strongly Outperform After Gold Breakouts. JWRs Comment: Since starting SurvivalBlog in 2005, I’ve refrained from touting gold mining stocks. In my estimation they will only do well in a confirmed secular bull market. And we haven’t seen that situation in many moons. For now, stick with physical metals, as a hedge on inflation.
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800,000 Chinese Rush to Buy Gold in Malls at New Year, With Worsening Politico-Economic Environment.
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Video: “The Case For Silver Could Not Be Clearer” – Mike Maloney.
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Goldman Raises 2024 Gold Target To $2,300.
Economy & Finance:
Several readers mentioned this article: Home Depot makes a major expansion move.
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Over at the Whatfinger.com news site: Family Dollar to close almost 1,000 stores.
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Private credit ties to banks deepen in Europe as default risk rises.
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Robert Malone: How Did American Capitalism Mutate Into American Corporatism?
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Breitbart: Yellen on Record Credit Card Spending: We Have ‘Normalization,’ Not ‘Disturbing New Trend’.
Commodities:
Reader C.B. sent us this: California braces for new electric plan: Make more, pay more. JWR’s Comment: The more that the California government plays Robin Hood, the more that residents will vote with their feet. Will the last one leaving California please turn out the lights?
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Gas prices hit 4-month high: will it get worse?
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Is a Copper Crisis Coming? Prices Hit New Highs on Smelter Cuts.
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The Hottest Commodity: Cocoa’s Historic Surge in Five Charts.
Inflation/Deflation Watch:
Inflation woes: Home buyers need 80% more income to buy than 4 years ago.
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U.S. Drivers Warned to Brace For Jump in Gasoline Prices.
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A PPI update: Wholesale Inflation Surprise.
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Inflation data from CPI report shows sharper price gains: What it means for Fed rate cuts.
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Yet another inflation gauge came in hot for February.
Forex & Cryptos:
US dollar rises as strong data pares back rate cut forecasts this year.
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Study: US Lags as Countries Close in on Digital Currencies.
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BlackRock filings can send ‘bitcoin far higher than $138,000,’ analyst says.
Tangibles Investing:
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Nation’s biggest builders are making houses smaller in shift toward affordable housing: Report.
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And in the UK: Builder layoffs hit highest level since lockdown in protracted housing downturn.
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. Thanks!