Economics & Investing For Preppers

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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. And it bears mention that most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today’s focus is on Monthly Precious Metals Purchases. (See the Tangibles Investing section.)

Precious Metals:

I’ll start today with a couple of vicariously fun video links from circulating silver coin hunters: Epic Half Dollar Roll Hunt: Walkers, Franklins, and Silver Kennedy Halves!

and,

Silver Sunday! Coin Roll Hunting Half Dollars! Most Amazing Coin Roll Hunt Ever!

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From chartist Hub Moolman: This Will Confirm The Gold Bull Market

 

Economy & Finance:

Wolf Richter recently posted this: New Trucks are Hot, Prices Surge. But Cars Face Carmageddon. And Total Sales Fall

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“No Need To Be Pessimistic” – World’s Biggest Pension Fund Suffers Record Collapse In Q4

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Charles Hugh Smith opines about inflation: Brace for Impact

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World’s largest pension fund loses $136 billion

Here is a key passage:

“According to the World Economic Forum, pension funds around the world are short around $70 TRILLION. State, federal and local pensions in the US are $7 trillion short… and a recent report by Boston College estimates 25% of private US pensions will go broke in the next decade.

This is all happening because investment returns have been too low.

Pension funds need to earn about 8% per year to meet their obligations. And they traditionally do that with a conservative mix of bonds and stocks.

But with interest rates near the lowest levels ever, it’s impossible for pension funds to achieve that 8% with their usual tools (over the past year, they’ve only been earning around 5.5%).

So they’re getting desperate…”

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

1

“We must not permit our respect for the dead or our sympathy for the living to lead us into an act of injustice to the balance of the living. I will not attempt to prove that Congress has no power to appropriate this money as an act of charity. Every member upon this floor knows it. We have the right as individuals to give away as much of our own money as we please in charity; but as members of congress we have no right to appropriate a dollar of the public money.” – Davy Crockett

Preparedness Notes for Sunday – February 10, 2019

February 10th is the birthday of Zvi Zvika Greengold (born 1952), a Centurion tank commander who was one of Israel’s most notable heroes of the Yom Kippur War. He was awarded the country’s highest military honor, the Medal of Valor

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 81 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $11,000 worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A $3000 gift certificate towards a Sol-Ark Solar Generator from Veteran owned Portable Solar LLC. The only EMP Hardened Solar Generator System available to the public.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper. These have hammer forged, chrome-lined barrels and a hard case, to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR-type rifle to have a quick change barrel. This can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools. It also provides a compact carry capability in a hard case or in 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  5. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  6. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  7. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.

Second Prize:

  1. A Model 175 Series Solar Generator provided by Quantum Harvest LLC (a $439 value),
  2. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  3. A gift certificate for any two or three-day class from Max Velocity Tactical (a $600 value),
  4. A Three-Day Deluxe Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $190 value),
  5. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  6. An assortment of products along with a one hour consultation on health and wellness from Pruitt’s Tree Resin (a $265 value).

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard, and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206,
  3. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  5. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances.

Round 81 ends on March 28th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

New Zealand: Thoughts After Seven Years, Part 4, by Nivek

16

Part 4

 

Taxes, everybody’s favorite topic

New Zealand has a top tax rate of 33%. Okay, you think that’s not bad, the U.S. is right up there also. Well the trouble is you get to the 33% much faster as there are only three tax brackets. Making over $65,000 NZ Dollars per year will get you into the top bracket. That’s around $50,000 US Dollars. There are no deductions for a private person and you don’t get credit for kids or being married. The way around this seems to involve having a business and taking deductions through the business. You will most likely need the services of an accountant to keep in line with the tax laws.

On the consumer spending side of things, the 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is built into the purchase of any items in the store. What you see on the price tag is what you actually pay at the checkout.

If you have U.S. income and you earn income in New Zealand it then becomes even more complicated. You will need to file taxes in both countries and so far I find that I come out on the short end of the stick. It is far less complicated to only work in New Zealand and have no income from the United States.

Utility Costs

Electric rates are quite high here. Most of the electricity is from hydro power and also quite a bit from wind generation. There are some areas in the country with piped gas. You also can use bottled gas if you choose but it ends up costing more than electricity. Most New Zealand people have one or two warm rooms and the remaining portions of the house have minimal heat. Many of the older homes lack insulation but the government is trying to remedy that with programs to help with the cost of insulating older homes. Newer built homes do not have this problem but they also take a different approach on home heating.

Continue reading“New Zealand: Thoughts After Seven Years, Part 4, by Nivek”

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “JWR”.  Today, we focus on a 4GW Reading List.

Another Ninth Circuit Farcical Finding

This report was troubling: Appeals Court: Police Do Not Need A Reason To Place Americans On A Suspicious Person List.  It seems the statist Ninth Circuit Court has fully abandoned the spirit of the Fourth Amendment. Presumption of Innocence is one of the main bulwarks of American jurisprudence. Hopefully, this will be appealed to the supreme court. If it is allowed to stand, it does not bode well for our liberty.

Trainjacking Attempt in California

Tim J. sent us the link to this odd news from California: Intoxicated man arrested for jumping aboard moving Amtrak train and taking over controls. 

A 4GW Reading List

Also from Tim J.there was this, over at the Western Rifle Shooters Association (WRSA) web page, which referenced an American Partisan article: A 4GW Reading List.  One of the comments from a WRSA reader (later deleted) was priceless:  “Those who do not know what ‘zero a rifle’ means should not instigate a civil war with those who do, and have.”  That, I should mention was a variant of something famously said by a fellow novelist and a former U.S, Navy SEAL, Matt Bracken: “Soyboys who don’t know what ‘zero a rifle’ means shouldn’t start a civil war.”

Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

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“Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.” – Matthew 26: 59-66 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Saturday – February 9, 2019

2

February 9th is the birthday of Major George Charles Nonte Jr. (Born 1926, died June 30, 1978.)

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 81 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $11,000 worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A $3000 gift certificate towards a Sol-Ark Solar Generator from Veteran owned Portable Solar LLC. The only EMP Hardened Solar Generator System available to the public.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper. These have hammer forged, chrome-lined barrels and a hard case, to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR-type rifle to have a quick change barrel. This can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools. It also provides a compact carry capability in a hard case or in 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  5. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  6. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  7. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.

Second Prize:

  1. A Model 175 Series Solar Generator provided by Quantum Harvest LLC (a $439 value),
  2. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  3. A gift certificate for any two or three-day class from Max Velocity Tactical (a $600 value),
  4. A Three-Day Deluxe Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $190 value),
  5. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  6. An assortment of products along with a one hour consultation on health and wellness from Pruitt’s Tree Resin (a $265 value).

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard, and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206,
  3. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  5. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances.

Round 81 ends on March 28th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

New Zealand: Thoughts After Seven Years, Part 3, by Nivek

10

Part 3

 

Weather

Weather in New Zealand is widely varied with the north island getting much more rain than the south island. An exception on the south island is the far south-western tip called the Fiordlands. It’s a very rugged place with thousands of waterfalls. It is worth seeing. The north island has higher temperatures and higher humidity. I chose a location on the top of the south island that would have the most sunshine and dryer weather. I am a desert person and it takes a lot of getting used to the humid conditions.

Take a look at some weather sites to see yearly averages to get a better idea of the climate you’re looking for. The storm systems can come from many directions and I have found that the weather prediction accuracy is very low, especially in our valley. The mountain ranges surrounding our valley greatly affect the weather patterns.

Here are two New Zealand weather forecasting sites:

Gun Ownership

This is one topic that a lot of you are surely interested in. First of all, you can own pretty much anything you want. I don’t think you could have a Barrett .50 caliber, but I’m not sure. Once you are a permanent resident you can own a firearm. The process is to go down to the local police station and fill out a form. Next you schedule a date to take a firearms safety course and written test. Once you pass, a policeman or inspector involved in firearms will inspect your home to insure that you can store the weapon properly. They are most concerned with thefts as that’s how most of the gang members obtain their weapons. Once you obtain your ID card you are then able to go and purchase your weapon. They do not record serial numbers and the gun store does not report your sale to the police as far as I know. The gun store will only sell to permit holders.

Continue reading“New Zealand: Thoughts After Seven Years, Part 3, by Nivek”

Editors’ Prepping Progress

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To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make long-term and short-term plans. Steadily, we work on meeting our prepping goals. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities. They also often share their planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, property improvements, and food storage. This is something akin to our Retreat Owner Profiles, but written incrementally and in detail, throughout the year. We always welcome you to share your own successes and wisdom in the Comments. Let’s keep busy and be ready!

JWR

I’ve been quite busy with writing, editing, and radio interviews in the past week.  And of course there were the usual winter chores: firewood hauling, livestock feeding, and stock tank filling. The weather has been mixed, and generally colder. This winter, I don’t expect things to warm up until late February or even early March.

We’ve had a young stray (or full-on feral?) cat hanging around the Rawles Ranch for the past two months. It is so skittish that we can’t get within 50 feet of it.  It has been freeloading cat food from the outdoor cat food bowl that we maintain for our two regular barn cats. (Those two cats are very friendly, since we raised them from from kittens.  Truthfully, they’ve become beloved house cats.) I’m wondering if this new cat will stay, and if it does: will be a good mouser? If so, then he/she will be welcome to a share of the cat food.

Avalanche Lily Reports

Dear Readers,
For me, this has been the perfect winter weather week.  Cold temperatures (between 2 and 26 degrees Fahrenheit) with fresh, fluffy, dry snow, and white all over.  Beautiful!

I’ve been able to ski or hike for about five hours this week.

Eloise did some hiking in our driveway and on the county road with her Bugout backpack.

This week I accomplished these things from the list of things I wanted to do:

I did not sleep out in the tent in my Wiggy’s bag, as I had planned. However, I did snuggle in it outside on our porch swing for three daytime hours, wearing only my regular clothes (jeans and t-shirt, socks, and a wool sweater) a warm hat.  I did so while searching the Internet and doing my duoLingo language lessons. The outside temperature hovered around 26 degrees F.  The bag kept me comfortably warm.  I imagine that I could stay in it all day and night outside and be fine.  I was driven inside only because the wind changed direction and blew our woodstove smoke down to me.  I waited patiently for the wind to change direction again but after 15 minutes, it hadn’t changed direction and I had had enough of it and went inside.

We acquired winter weight polyproplene long underwear for everyone in the family and they have passed the winter workout sweat test for warmth and wicking abilities. (Not that one should be sweating too much outside in the winter if you are going to be remaining outside.) I will continue using them from now on with my workouts.  They were Wal-Mart specials. They are doing a great job.

Continue reading“Editors’ Prepping Progress”

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “JWR”.  Today, we focus on how the Queen of England Has a Bug Out Plan. Pictured is Balmoral Castle, in a vintage photo.

The Earth’s Fast-Moving Magnetic North Pole

This is some food for thought: Earth’s Magnetic North Pole Was Moving So Fast, Geophysicists Had to Update the Map

Why We Need Standard Capacity Magazines

Reader D.S. sent us this article link: Houston Gunfight, Deadly as OK Corral; Home Owner Uses AK47 in Self Defense ~ VIDEO. JWR’s Comments: I wish the leftist politicians would understand…For a gunfight, in the  modern context, a 30-round magazine is not “high capacity.” It is standard capacity. And just one magazine may be insufficient, especially when you face multiple opponents.

Los Angeles Anti-NRA Witch Hunt

Over at Bearing Arms: Los Angeles To Force Contractors To Reveal NRA Ties. JWR’s Comment: This is starting to take on the proportions of a full-blown Witch Hunt.

The US Army Is Equipping Soldiers With Pocket-Sized Recon Drones

At The Byte: The US Army Is Equipping Soldiers With Pocket-Sized Recon Drones.  And here is a link to a more detailed article: US Army soldiers will soon be armed with these game-changing drones that fit in the palm of your hand. JWR’s Comment: With a one-way range of 1.24, the energy density of the battery used must be very advanced! (Thanks to G.P. for the link.)

Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.
Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.
Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.Now because we have maintenance from the king’s palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king’s dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king;
That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.
We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.

Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.
The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.
And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.
There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.
Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.
Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?

Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.” – Ezra 4:11-24 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Friday – February 8, 2019

On February 8th, 1963 the Kennedy administration issued an order prohibiting travel to Cuba and banned financial transactions and commerce with Cuba, by U.S. citizens.

—

Our shipping department is being inundated with the same question: If you received an e-mail stating that your SurvivalBlog.com order is now complete, it means that the shipping department has finished packaging it and it is either in the mail, or in a bin on it’s way to the Post Office. SurvivalBlog’s part in the order is now complete. It still might take as long as a week for the USPS to get your Archive USB stick order to your door.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 81 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $11,000 worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A $3000 gift certificate towards a Sol-Ark Solar Generator from Veteran owned Portable Solar LLC. The only EMP Hardened Solar Generator System available to the public.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper. These have hammer forged, chrome-lined barrels and a hard case, to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR-type rifle to have a quick change barrel. This can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools. It also provides a compact carry capability in a hard case or in 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  5. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  6. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  7. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.

Second Prize:

  1. A Model 175 Series Solar Generator provided by Quantum Harvest LLC (a $439 value),
  2. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  3. A gift certificate for any two or three-day class from Max Velocity Tactical (a $600 value),
  4. A Three-Day Deluxe Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $190 value),
  5. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  6. An assortment of products along with a one hour consultation on health and wellness from Pruitt’s Tree Resin (a $265 value).

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard, and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206,
  3. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  5. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances.

Round 81 ends on March 28th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

New Zealand: Thoughts After Seven Years, Part 2, by Nivek

17

Part 2

I’ll begin Part 2 with some random thoughts. I am just going to comment on various items from daily life.

A Small Country

One really important thing is the size of the market here in New Zealand. The population is something over 4.5 million spread out over an area about the size of California, and then split into two islands. The U.S. has well over 350 million people. This makes world products to be priced high here because the market share is low and the logistics are difficult to get things down here. Another factor is that almost the entire population in New Zealand is concentrated into a few major cities and the remaining population is spread out over the rest of the country.

Living in New Zealand

It has a clean environment and it’s great for kids to grow up in. Hiking, biking, sports, swimming, hunting and fishing are all major activities. Sports in schools are also a big deal along with overall healthy activity. In our school, the kids at year four go on overnight camps for two days. Each year the activities get more difficult and they all run a cross country race which is 2-3 kilometers long. The year eight students go on a week-long backpacking trip through the Able Tasman Park. All trips have parent volunteers along with teaching staff to ensure a safe trip. The adults are all screened to insure safety.

As mentioned before, they have a very good school system. Yes you still have to do the leg work to find what you want. And there are some trouble schools with lower scores and bullying problems.

Continue reading“New Zealand: Thoughts After Seven Years, Part 2, by Nivek”

Economics & Investing For Preppers

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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. And it bears mention that most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today’s focus is on investing in AR-15 family rifles and lower receivers. (See the Tangibles Investing section.)

Precious Metals:

Central Banks Haven’t Bought This Much Gold Since Nixon Closed The Gold Window

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ETF Gold Holdings Hit Highest Level Since 2013 In January: WGC

 

Economy & Finance:

California home sales volume lays low

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At Seeking Alpha:  As The Global Economy Slows, The Grab For Yield Will Accelerate

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Here’s how many people Tesla laid off at its California facilities

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”