
Due to high unemployment and a weak recovery world central bankers are focused on weakening their currencies to boost exports. [As such,] I think [even more] quantitative easing and other currency intervention is in our future…[and this will further increase]…both inflation and the price of gold. Let me explain with a few charts.] Words: 350
January 22nd, 2012 | Posted in Gold/Silver,Investing | Read More »

The world seems to be entering a new period of stagflation similar to the 1970s – high inflation and low GDP growth – but expect this to be continually denied by mainstream news sources. Words: 633
October 18th, 2011 | Posted in Economy,Inflation/Deflation | Read More »

We are reading a lot of hype these days about gold and the necessity to own it but only about 2% of ‘investors’ actually have gold in their portfolios and those that have done so have insufficient quantities to offset the future impact of inflation and to maximize their portfolio returns. New research, however, has determined a specific percentage to accomplish such objectives. Words: 1063
October 16th, 2011 | Posted in Asset Allocation,Investing | Read More »

The Fed justified the last round of quantitative easing “to promote a stronger pace of economic recovery and to help ensure that inflation, over time, is at levels consistent with its mandate”. In effect, the Fed is trying to increase inflation, operating at the macro level but what does an increase in inflation mean at the micro level — specifically to your household? [Let's take a look.] Words: 1555
September 15th, 2011 | Posted in Economy,Inflation/Deflation | Read More »

We can make some inferences about how inflation is impacting our personal expenses depending on our relative exposure to the individual components [and any way you look at it inflation is on the rise - so let's take a look at the particulars.] Words: 769
September 15th, 2011 | Posted in Economy,Inflation/Deflation | Read More »

Housing makes up 42% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) with the rest of it – food, energy, clothing, recreation, education, transportation, toys, cosmetics, etc. – making up the other 58%. [The current] softness of housing prices is artificially suppressing the growth of the CPI inflation rate [but with the coming increase in lumber costs that is about to change. Let me explain] Words: 772
August 30th, 2011 | Posted in Economy,Inflation/Deflation | Read More »
Sooner or later I think everyone will have an epiphany about money that pushes them to buy gold – even if it’s at levels that would seem expensive today. When that time comes, we won’t be focused on the price of gold but on the absolute need to acquire a more lasting asset. If I’m right, the plus $1,700/ozt. price today is not too high a price to pay. [Let me explain further.] Words: 874
August 17th, 2011 | Posted in Gold/Silver,Investing | Read More »
Many investors are worried about inflation and, as a result, are considering buying inflation indexed bonds and other inflation protected investment vehicles. They may be setting themselves up for significant losses, however, because of the way the government is now calculating the CPI, and the further changes being proposed. In the opinion of this writer, the CPI calculation appears to be inaccurate and, as a result, such investments may not be appropriate inflation hedges. [Let me explain.] Words: 1533
July 1st, 2011 | Posted in Economy,Inflation/Deflation,Investing | Read More »
Inflation is a significant measurement for the economic health of countries around the world but rates are often reported weeks after data is collected. To address this problem, two professors at MIT Sloan School of Management have launched the Billion Prices Project which is the first website to publish daily price indexes and provide real-time inflation estimates around the world. Words: 825
June 22nd, 2011 | Posted in Economy,Inflation/Deflation | Read More »
The economic news is not very encouraging these days. Everywhere I’ve looked, and I’ve looked at 10 different indicators (surveys, polls and indexes), things appear to be either down or stagnant. Let me be more explicit. Words: 1058
June 12th, 2011 | Posted in Economic Overview,Economy | Read More »