Gold hit a new all-time nominal high, surpassing the previous record set in December of the previous year. The precious metal’s price reached approximately $2,140, indicating a robust and continuing interest in gold as a safe-haven asset, despite a rather peculiar lack of fanfare from the media and retail investors. This latest peak in gold prices was notably recorded without the typical surge in public buying that usually accompanies such milestones. Instead, there has been a consistent outflow from gold ETFs, suggesting that the retail sector has been selling rather than accumulating during this rally.
Peter recently appeared on OAN’s Real America with Dan Ball to discuss the minimum wage, government spending, and inflation. He first points out the blatant corruption of the California state government, which recently passed a $20 minimum wage for all fast-food restaurants except those that bake their own bread. The state’s governor, Gavin Newsom, has received several large campaign donations from the owner of many Panera Bread franchises in California, causing Newsom’s critics to question the motives of such an exception. Peter also points out that, under Newsom’s logic, such an exemption will actually hurt Panera’s employees. If minimum wages are so helpful to workers, why exempt Panera at all?
On this year’s Leap Day, Peter analyzed another round of inflation data and the economic factors at play in the quickly approaching 2024 general election. Bitcoin also surged back above $60,000 after the SEC approved bitcoin ETFs. Inflation came in worse than expected for personal consumption, and gold finished the week at nearly $2090/oz.
The following analysis breaks down the Fed balance sheet in detail. It shows different parts of the balance sheet and how those amounts have changed. It also shows historical interest rate trends. The analysis concludes that the resulting lack of Treasury demand is likely another reason Yellen is betting $2T on lower interest rates… she has to focus on the short-term of the curve to make sure the market can absorb the debt!
JD and Joel discuss Peter’s take on the recent bitcoin craze driven by ETF demand. Is there a limit to Bitcoin’s upside? Plus, what’s driving higher gold prices this week?
Even as central banks buy more gold than ever, coin premiums have been driven lower throughout the retail precious metals market. One of the big factors: is disappointing sales from the US Mint.
The collapse of Chinese real estate giant Evergrande is being called, by some, China’s “Lehman Moment.” Whether or not it will be enough to trigger a cratering of China’s broader economy, it’s a massive reality check for a country that has transformed itself over the decades with unprecedentedly massive urbanization and economic growth. Evergrande, since its creation in 1996, has been at the forefront of that rise.
In a compelling guest piece by American historian H.A. Scott Trask, various economic myths are scrutinized and debunked through insightful historical analysis. The article delves into #10 prevalent misconceptions, providing a nuanced understanding of economic principles. Similar to other reality-based historians, Trask’s perspective serves as a valuable guide in dispelling lies and fostering a more accurate comprehension of economic truths.
Money Supply is a very important indicator. It helps show how tight or loose current monetary conditions are regardless of what the Fed is doing with interest rates. Even if the Fed is tight, if Money Supply is increasing, it has an inflationary effect.
It’s no surprise to readers of this site that metals are often worth more than fiat currency. Gold, silver, and other precious metals are known for their value. But sometimes fiat currency can’t even compete with zinc.
