Economy

History clearly shows that when it comes to currencies black swans do happen as the average lifespan of a currency is just 27 years. As such, investors should study currency history and, as part of a smart portfolio, they should protect their hard earned wealth and savings in a defensive fashion. The infographic below documents the history of currency in 10 different countries of significance.

The debate over deflation/inflation continues as some of our most astute economic observers take sides. Frankly, I think that both sides are missing part of the picture. The debate concentrates on the after shocks of inflation/deflation: prices instead of the money supply and the demand for it. Words: 721

The term “derivative” has become a dirty, if not evil word. So much of what ails our global financial system has been laid-at-the-feet of this misunderstood, mischaracterized term – derivatives. The purpose of this paper is to outline the origin, growth and ultimately the corruption of the derivatives market – and explain how something originally designed to provide economic utility has morphed into a tool of abusive, manipulative economic tyranny. Words: 3355

the U.S. national debt is not a problem, says Gary Shilling, until we either see "a tremendous amount of inflation or a complete breakdown in confidence in US Treasury obligations." Once that happens, the world's largest economy is at risk of an exploding 'debt bomb.'

James Turk believes hyperinflation is ahead. Bob Prechter believes massive deflation is coming. An interesting discussion between the two takes place in this audio. Ultimately, both lead to Depression. Only the route taken differs, but that is important.

The next crisis is coming, whether people want to believe it or not. More and more people are waking up to this realization and can now see the writing on the wall. Economic indicators are poor, and nothing has been truly resolved from our last crisis. The chickens are coming home to roost and it's not going to be pretty. The best we can do is prepare for the worst and hope for the best. The question is, are you prepared?

The history of financial crises and the relationship between growth and public liabilities shows that burdens above 90% are associated with 1% lower median growth - and the United States’ debt level is currently hovering around 90% on a gross basis and 60% netting out assets.

We live in an unreal world with unreal prices based on unreal (fake) money and this is why it will all come to a very abrupt end. That time could start at any time. Fundamentally it must happen. Here's why.

The pendulum towards deflation has swung too far, and investors should at least consider, and be prepared for the opposite outcome, which is the rise of inflation.

There is a general pattern for the stages of hyperinflation - the stages of the "death of a fiat currency". Here they are.