investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--Strange “Coincidences” That Should Deeply Bother All Of Us As We Try To Put The Puzzle Pieces Togeth

Strange “Coincidences” That Should Deeply Bother All Of Us As We Try To Put The Puzzle Pieces Together

Whether you are a Republican , a Democrat or someone that doesn ’ t identify with either major party , you should care deeply about the integrity of our elections .
Because if we don ’ t have elections that are free and fair , our system of government simply will not work .
If we come out of the 2020 elections with about half the country believing that the race for president was rigged , that is a major problem .
Once faith in our elections is gone , it will be nearly impossible to restore , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we try to figure out how this election went so haywire .
In recent days , I have seen so many people point out some of the numbers from the election that should be deeply bothering all of us .
In this article , I am going to try to summarize some of the most important points .
In 2012 , Barack Obama cruised to re-election even though he received 3.5 million less votes than he got in 2008 .
In 2020 , President Trump was supposedly soundly defeated even though he received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 .
They are telling us that Trump was defeated because of a historic turnout by Biden voters .
But the number of counties that Biden actually won was a record low for a “ winning candidate ” by a very wide margin .
It is being reported that Trump won 83 percent of all U.S. counties , and Biden only won 17 percent… How in the world can you win the presidency by losing more than 80 percent of the counties in the entire country ?
Yes , I understand that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes are .
But when Obama won his two elections , at least he was victorious in more than 20 percent of all U.S. counties both times… Biden underperformed Obama almost everywhere except in the urban population centers that were absolutely critical to Biden ’ s victory .
In those urban population centers , Biden supposedly piled up obscene vote totals that are very difficult to believe .
And it just so happens that those heavily blue urban population centers all seemed to stop counting votes at about the same time on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sudden , voting came to a standstill in Milwaukee , Detroit , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania and Atlanta .
As many have pointed out , if you stop and wait to see how all of the other areas of your state have voted , you can figure out exactly how many votes you need to put your candidate over the top .
When counting finally resumed , there were four massive vote dumps in the middle of the night which proved decisive in some of the most critical swing states… • An update @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Time on November 4th , 2020 , which shows 141,258 votes for Joe Biden and 5,968 votes for Donald Trump • An update in Wisconsin listed as 3:42AM Central Time on November 4th , 2020 , which shows 143,379 votes for Joe Biden and 25,163 votes for Donald Trump • A vote update in Georgia listed at 1:34AM Eastern Time on November 4th , 2020 , which shows 136,155 votes for Joe Biden and 29,115 votes for Donald Trump • An update in Michigan listed as of 3:50AM Eastern Time on November 4th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Joe Biden and 4,718 votes for Donald Trump In the end , Biden won Wisconsin by less than one percent , he won Pennsylvania by just over one percent , he won Georgia by less than one percent and he won Arizona by less than one percent .
If you reverse the results in those four states , President Trump would be the winner of the race .
The voting behavior in the key midwestern states was particularly suspicious .
The following comes from Patrick Basham… Midwestern states Michigan , Pennsylvania , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direction as Ohio and Iowa , their regional peers .
Ohio likewise swings with Florida .
Current tallies show that , outside of a few cities , the Rust Belt swung in Trump ’ s direction .
Yet , Biden leads in Michigan , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin because of an apparent avalanche of black votes in Detroit , Philadelphia , and Milwaukee .
Biden ’ s ‘ winning ’ margin was derived almost entirely from such voters in these cities , as coincidentally his black vote spiked only in exactly the locations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not receive comparable levels of support among comparable demographic groups in comparable states , which is highly unusual for the presidential victor .
There are countless people that have been looking into how vote totals in the most critical swing states may have been manipulated , but the big tech companies have been doing their best to keep such information from spreading widely .
In fact , it is being reported that Facebook applied an “ emergency change ” to its news feed algorithm right after the election… This “ nicer news feed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as CNN , the Washington Post and the New York Times .
The big tech companies are absolutely determined to shape how we think , and the power that they now possess is colossal .
They will determine what “ truth ” is allowed to be told in the years ahead , and they will continue to push our culture down a dystopian path that only leads to complete oblivion .
This election was a major turning point , and those that directed events behind the scenes are on the verge of totally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t just a loss for the Republican Party .
This is a loss for all Americans , because our entire system of government is crumbling right in front of our eyes .

by Michael Snyder
Whether you are a Republican, a Democrat or someone that doesn’t identify with either major party, you should care deeply about the integrity of our elections. Because if we don’t have elections that are free and fair, our system of government simply will not work. If we come out of the 2020 elections with about half the country believing that the race for president was rigged, that is a major problem. Once faith in our elections is gone, it will be nearly impossible to restore, and that is why it is absolutely imperative that we try to figure out how this election went so haywire.
In recent days, I have seen so many people point out some of the numbers from the election that should be deeply bothering all of us. In this article, I am going to try to summarize some of the most important points.
In 2012, Barack Obama cruised to re-election even though he received 3.5 million less votes than he got in 2008.
In 2020, President Trump was supposedly soundly defeated even though he received 11 million more votes than he did in 2016.
They are telling us that Trump was defeated because of a historic turnout by Biden voters. But the number of counties that Biden actually won was a record low for a “winning candidate” by a very wide margin. It is being reported that Trump won 83 percent of all U.S. counties, and Biden only won 17 percent…
We are told that Biden won more votes nationally than any presidential candidate in history. But he won a record low of 17 percent of counties; he only won 524 counties, as opposed to the 873 counties Obama won in 2008. Yet, Biden somehow outdid Obama in total votes.
How in the world can you win the presidency by losing more than 80 percent of the counties in the entire country?
Yes, I understand that the major population centers are where the votes are. But when Obama won his two elections, at least he was victorious in more than 20 percent of all U.S. counties both times…
Former President Obama ushered in the previous low in 2012, winning re-election with just 689 counties, or 22 percent – breaking his own record set in 2008, where he won with 875 counties, or 28 percent.
Biden underperformed Obama almost everywhere except in the urban population centers that were absolutely critical to Biden’s victory.
In those urban population centers, Biden supposedly piled up obscene vote totals that are very difficult to believe.
And it just so happens that those heavily blue urban population centers all seemed to stop counting votes at about the same time on the night of the election. All of a sudden, voting came to a standstill in Milwaukee, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Atlanta.
As many have pointed out, if you stop and wait to see how all of the other areas of your state have voted, you can figure out exactly how many votes you need to put your candidate over the top.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
When counting finally resumed, there were four massive vote dumps in the middle of the night which proved decisive in some of the most critical swing states…
An update in Michigan listed as of 6:31AM Eastern Time on November 4th, 2020, which shows 141,258 votes for Joe Biden and 5,968 votes for Donald Trump An update in Wisconsin listed as 3:42AM Central Time on November 4th, 2020, which shows 143,379 votes for Joe Biden and 25,163 votes for Donald Trump A vote update in Georgia listed at 1:34AM Eastern Time on November 4th, 2020, which shows 136,155 votes for Joe Biden and 29,115 votes for Donald Trump An update in Michigan listed as of 3:50AM Eastern Time on November 4th, 2020, which shows 54,497 votes for Joe Biden and 4,718 votes for Donald Trump
In the end, Biden won Wisconsin by less than one percent, he won Pennsylvania by just over one percent, he won Georgia by less than one percent and he won Arizona by less than one percent.
If you reverse the results in those four states, President Trump would be the winner of the race.
The voting behavior in the key midwestern states was particularly suspicious. The following comes from Patrick Basham…
Midwestern states Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin always swing in the same direction as Ohio and Iowa, their regional peers. Ohio likewise swings with Florida. Current tallies show that, outside of a few cities, the Rust Belt swung in Trump’s direction. Yet, Biden leads in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin because of an apparent avalanche of black votes in Detroit, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee. Biden’s ‘winning’ margin was derived almost entirely from such voters in these cities, as coincidentally his black vote spiked only in exactly the locations necessary to secure victory. He did not receive comparable levels of support among comparable demographic groups in comparable states, which is highly unusual for the presidential victor.
There are countless people that have been looking into how vote totals in the most critical swing states may have been manipulated, but the big tech companies have been doing their best to keep such information from spreading widely.
In fact, it is being reported that Facebook applied an “emergency change” to its news feed algorithm right after the election…
In the aftermath of the contentious presidential election, Facebook reportedly made an “emergency change” to its algorithm, which resulted in the suppression of content from “hyperpartisan” outlets. Employees at Facebook are now asking if the “nicer news feed” can stay in place long term, according to a Tuesday report from The New York Times.
This “nicer news feed” greatly favors mainstream news outlets such as CNN, the Washington Post and the New York Times.
The big tech companies are absolutely determined to shape how we think, and the power that they now possess is colossal.
They will determine what “truth” is allowed to be told in the years ahead, and they will continue to push our culture down a dystopian path that only leads to complete oblivion.
This election was a major turning point, and those that directed events behind the scenes are on the verge of totally getting away with it.
But this isn’t just a loss for the Republican Party. This is a loss for all Americans, because our entire system of government is crumbling right in front of our eyes.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--After 11 weeks of staying net long, #hedgefunds switched to net short $SPX e-mini futures, for a net

After 11 weeks of staying net long , # hedgefunds switched to net short $ SPX e-mini futures , for @ @ @ @ @ contracts .
Holdings as of last Tue .
Index looks tired after a huge Nov. @ @ @ @ @ defended 10DMA + 3580s today , but risk losing it going forward .
pic.twitter.com/3CgtZcWQJ6

After 11 weeks of staying net long, #hedgefunds switched to net short $SPX e-mini futures, for a net change of 52.2k contracts. Holdings as of last Tue. Index looks tired after a huge Nov. Daily way overbought. Bulls defended 10DMA + 3580s today, but risk losing it going forward. pic.twitter.com/3CgtZcWQJ6
— hedgopia (@hedgopia) November 30, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--Here we are again. Real yields suggesting major bottom in gold.

Here we are again .
Silver 's recent resilience also adds to this case .
Up again on a down @ @ @ @ @ for the precious metals bull market to resume .
pic.twitter.com/Ij4MHsbJ4p

Here we are again.
Real yields suggesting major bottom in gold.
Silver's recent resilience also adds to this case.
Up again on a down day for gold.
Time for the precious metals bull market to resume. pic.twitter.com/Ij4MHsbJ4p
— Otavio (Tavi) Costa (@TaviCosta) November 30, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--We have nothing to fear but the lack of fear.

STU : `` Nothing symbolized the return of the # Obama years like the appointment of John # Kerry as @ @ @ @ @ administration . ''

We have nothing to fear but the lack of fear.
November closes with the lowest monthly close on the options equity put/call ratio and the most bullish monthly long positioning on the asset manager index. pic.twitter.com/unn1FTyP3g
— Sven Henrich (@NorthmanTrader) November 30, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--In the US protestors burn down nail salons and pizzerias.  In France, protestors set fire to the cen

In the US protestors burn down nail salons and pizzerias .
In France , protestors set fire to the central @ @ @

In the US protestors burn down nail salons and pizzerias.
In France, protestors set fire to the central bank. t.co/7dy0jJ3Wi4
— Jim Bianco (@biancoresearch) November 30, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--Even reluctant Arizona Legislator is floored by Matt Braynard presentation on voting fraud.

Even reluctant Arizona Legislator is floored by @ MattBraynard presentation on voting fraud .
pic.twitter.com/2fIqVFY6r4

Even reluctant Arizona Legislator is floored by @MattBraynard presentation on voting fraud. pic.twitter.com/2fIqVFY6r4
— Big Fish (@BigFish3000) November 30, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--BRUTAL! President Trump SLAMS Big Tech with EPIC Twitter Storm!

President Trump : Biden can only enter the White House as President if he can prove that his ridiculous “ @ @ @ @ @ fraudulently or illegally obtained .

Cristina Laila from The Gateway Pundit reports, President Trump on Thursday evening went after big tech and said it is time to terminate Section 230 for “purposes of national security.”
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Read More/Source/Credit/FairUse:
www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020…


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--“IT’S TREASON!!” NEW Interview with General McInerney and Anna Khait from earlier today

He is outright calling on President Trump to invoke his war powers , including the Insurrection Act to deal with @ @ @ @ @ , declare martial law , and set up military tribunals for treason .
He calls @ @ @ @ @ 2018 Executive Order and use it to it ’ s fullest extent , and says @ @ @ @ @ former head of CISA , is guilty of treason .
This man does not mince @ @ @ @ @ Anna in that she ’ s not interrupting every two seconds like many interviewers .
@ @ @ @ @ want to see where all this is heading .

He is outright calling on President Trump to invoke his war powers, including the Insurrection Act to deal with Antifa and Black Lives Matter, declare martial law, and set up military tribunals for treason. He calls on him to invoke his 2018 Executive Order and use it to it’s fullest extent, and says outright that Chris Krebs, former head of CISA, is guilty of treason. This man does not mince words!
And I appreciate Anna in that she’s not interrupting every two seconds like many interviewers. Worth listening to if you want to see where all this is heading.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
h/t Inquire Within


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--CALIFORNIA DINER OWNER REFUSES TO CLOSE OUTDOOR DINING, PUTS UP SIGN RIFFING ON GOVERNOR’S DINNER AT

CALIFORNIA DINER OWNER REFUSES TO CLOSE OUTDOOR DINING, PUTS UP SIGN RIFFING ON GOVERNOR’S DINNER AT SWANKY FRENCH RESTAURANT:

A restaurant in California is refusing to follow new coronavirus restrictions and erected a banner reading “ The French Laundry @ @ @ @ @ in reference to the swanky French restaurant where Gov .
Gavin Newsom was seen breaking @ @ @ @ @ “ This Redondo Beach restaurant has a not so subtle message for CA .
Owner @ @ @ @ @ defying LA County orders to close outdoor dining because it ’ s not about him @ @ @ @ @ all the workers that rely on him for livelihoods , and he can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ Christmas , ” KTLA reporter Christina Pascucci tweeted , accompanied by a photo .

via washingtonexaminer:
A restaurant in California is refusing to follow new coronavirus restrictions and erected a banner reading “The French Laundry” over its sign, in reference to the swanky French restaurant where Gov. Gavin Newsom was seen breaking his own virus orders.
“This Redondo Beach restaurant has a not so subtle message for CA. Owner Alex says he’s defying LA County orders to close outdoor dining because it’s not about him, it’s about all the workers that rely on him for livelihoods, and he can’t leave them stranded right before Christmas,” KTLA reporter Christina Pascucci tweeted, accompanied by a photo.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--COVID DRONES telling people to go home.

COVID DRONES telling people to go home.

COVID DRONES telling people to go home .
# 1984 Drones patrolling – giving instructions .
This is in fact @ @ @ @ @ he has invested heavily in DRONES .
pic.twitter.com/RhBgp2o5IW

COVID DRONES telling people to go home.
#1984 Drones patrolling – giving instructions.
This is in fact RINO @SenJohnHoeven wet dream he has invested heavily in DRONES. pic.twitter.com/RhBgp2o5IW
— ToRE (@TweetWordz) November 30, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--If you believe “We’re still in Kansas” – it’s going to be a rude awakening!

Notice – this is nearly mainstream talk now : Imagine how SHOCKED the world would be if Joe Biden was @ @ @ @ @ to testify the complete truth .
According to Joe ’ s ears , he could @ @ @ @ @ if he is , this could all well be possible that everything is staged to @ @ @ @ @ Matrix .

Notice – this is nearly mainstream talk now:
Imagine how SHOCKED the world would be if Joe Biden was given an ultimatum by Trump to testify the complete truth. According to Joe’s ears, he could be a clone, and if he is, this could all well be possible that everything is staged to take us out of the Matrix.
— Nicholas Veniamin (@nickveniamin) November 30, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--Dutchsinse Pole Shift Warning! Whole Plates Shifting in One Day’s Time — Major Seismic Unrest Due Ne

Dutchsinse Pole Shift Warning! Whole Plates Shifting in One Day’s Time — Major Seismic Unrest Due Next Several Days

Pole Shift Is Here !
Whole Plates Shifting in One Day ’ s Time — Major Seismic Unrest Due Next @ @ @ @ @ seismic activity is undeniable , and can be seen over a 24-48 hour time period @ @ @ @ @ of plate boundaries West and East of the Pacific ( as a whole ) .
@ @ @ @ @ displaced the Pacific as well as adjacent plates West and East ( Australia to India @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Large activity due between current sets of quakes .. magnitudes should reach above @ @ @ @ @ at least one M7.0 likely due in the middle of the whole region to the @ @ @ @ @ Indonesia where the new volcano just erupted ( Lewotolo volcano ) ..

Pole Shift Is Here! Whole Plates Shifting in One Day’s Time — Major Seismic Unrest Due Next Several Days
The spread of seismic activity is undeniable, and can be seen over a 24-48 hour time period perfectly lining the whole series of plate boundaries West and East of the Pacific ( as a whole ).
The deep earthquake event has displaced the Pacific as well as adjacent plates West and East (Australia to India and Central to South America).
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Large activity due between current sets of quakes .. magnitudes should reach above 6.0 in several locations with at least one M7.0 likely due in the middle of the whole region to the West of Fiji reaching to Indonesia where the new volcano just erupted (Lewotolo volcano)..
h/t The Daughter of Zion


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--BREAKING — PA State Rep Introduces HR1094 To Formally Dispute Election — Already Has 23 Sponsors

This is why every state need a audit .
The USA is becoming Venezuela

BREAKING: PA State Rep. Russ Diamond introduces the resolution (HR1094) to formally dispute the 2020 election results.
The resolution already has 21 sponsors. Passage would require 102 votes.
PDF: t.co/Od0Ab7jIfg
— Ivan Pentchoukov (@IvanPentchoukov) November 30, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-02--Why Performing Below The Benchmark Is Irrelevant

Let ’ s look at the data on individual stock returns of S & P 500 members to contextualize what we are up against when it comes to picking stocks .
Of course , individuals should set their own expectations .
You should aim to have enough money to achieve your life goals while taking acceptable risk .
If someone has invested well enough to send their kids to college , no one would complain to them that they underperformed the benchmark by a few basis points .
No one can complain anyway because it is their money .
Comparing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is simply the best way to gauge returns , but it ’ s not the ‘ end all be all ’ for individual investors .
In the past 25 years , there have been about 1,000 stocks in the S & P 500 because companies have been added and subtracted .
This passive index is actively managed based on specific criteria .
In the spectrum of passive versus active , this is relatively passive , but it ’ s not completely so .
The chart shows about 29 % of stocks had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even losing a small amount is terrible because there is massive opportunity cost over 25 years .
Even a CD would have been much better .
The median return is 66 % which means half delivered less returns .
The average return is 359 % .
80 % of stocks did worse than average which makes picking winners quite difficult .
Of course , the odds differ if you are willing to invest in stocks outside of the index ( which you should be willing to do ) .
The good news is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to outperform as long as you have a few really great winners like the index does .
There are quite a few that have delivered over 20X returns .
The key is to avoid diversifying away from your huge winners .
Let them go .
That ’ s easier said than done .
You need deep conviction to hold a stock after it has doubled .
Cyclical stocks double all the time , but they aren ’ t the big winners .
You should be more inclined to sell cyclicals when people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People are easily fooled .
They are also fooled in the reverse as we are seeing now .
Investors believe energy will never come back .
Narratives are backward looking .
Investors have no faith in energy .
We now need to preface this by saying investors have no faith in fossil fuel stocks because green energy stocks are some of the hottest stocks in the market even though they provide a very low percentage of our fuel .
Any business that is growing and losing money is loved by this market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speculation and low rates .
There has only been one worse downturn in energy stocks in the past 94 years as you can see in the chart below .
On a total return basis , the losses are about 66 % while the losses were almost 80 % in the early 1930s .
After we have a few great weeks in the energy sector , don ’ t think the sector is overbought and ready to be sold , depending on your time horizon of course .
That mantra is recency bias at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally in energy should be sold .
However , when the sector comes back like it always does , because there is currently no replacement for it , selling after quick gains will prove to have been a huge mistake .
Again , depending on your timeframe – we are referring to years , not days .
In a previous article , we mentioned the bottom few industries dragged down S & P earnings .
Most industries actually had positive EPS growth .
The chart below adds to this point as two measurements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their decline during the recession .
Profits have recovered due to government deficits ( $ 28 billion year to date ) .
The fiscal punchbowl might be taken away , but the vaccines are set to reopen the economy .
The government did a good job at stemming the economic pain .
The worry is about the over 13 million people set to lose their pandemic benefits at the end of the year .
If these benefits don ’ t continue as lockdown restrictions are maintained , a lot of the good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Thanksgiving didn ’ t spike .
As you can see from the chart below , there were 1.071 million travelers on Thanksgiving eve which was down 41 % from last year .
You can argue a low amount of air travel is good for the economy because it limits the spread of the virus .
We will have a moment of truth after the vaccines goes out , but until then we don ’ t expect a full recovery .
Some are predicting there won ’ t be a recovery after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to save money by using video chat software .
Video chat software has always existed .
In person meetings will always be relevant .
The malls were empty as people shopped online because of the virus .
Foot traffic to stores fell 95 % on Thanksgiving Day .
According to Adobe , online Thanksgiving Day spending was up 21.5 % to $ 5.1 billion which was a new record .
It ’ s worth noting that since people didn ’ t celebrate with their extended families , they had more time to shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a 31 % higher conversion rate to their sites .
It ’ s a safer way to get items than going in the store .
The NRF , which expected 3.6 % to 5.2 % holiday spending growth , has 20 % to 30 % online growth in their numbers .
Black Friday sales at stores fell 52.1 % and online sales were up 21.6 % which was $ 9 billion in spending .
SPACs are symbolic of the extreme speculation in the stock market .
Investors are buying stocks without research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new rules of the game in 2020 , but that doesn ’ t mean these rules will stay for the long-term .
As you can see from the chart below , there are 248 SPACs outstanding .
51 have announced a deal and 197 are seeking arrangements .
The longer this bubble goes on for , the worse the deals will be as firms are desperate to make a deal to get their cut when the reverse merger happens .
59 SPACs have filed an S-1 and are waiting to IPO .
80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the S & P 500 at one point in the past 25 years have underperformed the index .
This was the worst decline in energy stocks since the early 1930s .
Corporate profits have more than recovered their recessionary losses because of the fiscal deficits .
TSA throughput was down 41 % on Thanksgiving Eve .
Online sales growth was solid on Thanksgiving and Black Friday .
It was very weak in stores , of course , because of the virus .
The SPAC bubble is still alive and well .

by UPFINA
Let’s look at the data on individual stock returns of S&P 500 members to contextualize what we are up against when it comes to picking stocks. Of course, individuals should set their own expectations. You should aim to have enough money to achieve your life goals while taking acceptable risk. If someone has invested well enough to send their kids to college, no one would complain to them that they underperformed the benchmark by a few basis points. No one can complain anyway because it is their money. Comparing stocks to the S&P 500 is simply the best way to gauge returns, but it’s not the ‘end all be all’ for individual investors.
In the past 25 years, there have been about 1,000 stocks in the S&P 500 because companies have been added and subtracted. This passive index is actively managed based on specific criteria. In the spectrum of passive versus active, this is relatively passive, but it’s not completely so. The chart shows about 29% of stocks had a loss on a total return basis. Even losing a small amount is terrible because there is massive opportunity cost over 25 years. Even a CD would have been much better.
The median return is 66% which means half delivered less returns. The average return is 359%. 80% of stocks did worse than average which makes picking winners quite difficult. Of course, the odds differ if you are willing to invest in stocks outside of the index (which you should be willing to do). The good news is most of your stocks don’t need to outperform as long as you have a few really great winners like the index does. There are quite a few that have delivered over 20X returns.
The key is to avoid diversifying away from your huge winners. Let them go. That’s easier said than done. You need deep conviction to hold a stock after it has doubled. Cyclical stocks double all the time, but they aren’t the big winners. You should be more inclined to sell cyclicals when people start to think they are secular winners. People are easily fooled. They are also fooled in the reverse as we are seeing now. Investors believe energy will never come back. Narratives are backward looking.
2nd Worst Decline In 100 Years
Investors have no faith in energy. We now need to preface this by saying investors have no faith in fossil fuel stocks because green energy stocks are some of the hottest stocks in the market even though they provide a very low percentage of our fuel. Any business that is growing and losing money is loved by this market. That’s because of high speculation and low rates. There has only been one worse downturn in energy stocks in the past 94 years as you can see in the chart below. On a total return basis, the losses are about 66% while the losses were almost 80% in the early 1930s.
Energy sector currently in the midst of its deepest and longest drawdown since the Depression pic.twitter.com/25rAHtKVyW — Lawrence Hamtil (@lhamtil) November 27, 2020
After we have a few great weeks in the energy sector, don’t think the sector is overbought and ready to be sold, depending on your time horizon of course. That mantra is recency bias at work. The dogma is that any rally in energy should be sold. However, when the sector comes back like it always does, because there is currently no replacement for it, selling after quick gains will prove to have been a huge mistake. Again, depending on your timeframe – we are referring to years, not days.
V Shaped Recovery In Profits
In a previous article, we mentioned the bottom few industries dragged down S&P earnings. Most industries actually had positive EPS growth. The chart below adds to this point as two measurements of corporate profits have more than recovered from their decline during the recession.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Profits have recovered due to government deficits ($28 billion year to date). The fiscal punchbowl might be taken away, but the vaccines are set to reopen the economy. The government did a good job at stemming the economic pain. The worry is about the over 13 million people set to lose their pandemic benefits at the end of the year. If these benefits don’t continue as lockdown restrictions are maintained, a lot of the good work will be undone.
A Decent Start To The Holiday Shopping Season
Air travel before Thanksgiving didn’t spike. As you can see from the chart below, there were 1.071 million travelers on Thanksgiving eve which was down 41% from last year.
“[TSA] screened more than 1.07 million people at US airports on Thanksgiving eve. For context this number was still down 41% on the same Wednesday last year.” DB pic.twitter.com/rpxgQvdLU3 — Sam Ro 📈 (@SamRo) November 27, 2020
You can argue a low amount of air travel is good for the economy because it limits the spread of the virus. We will have a moment of truth after the vaccines goes out, but until then we don’t expect a full recovery. Some are predicting there won’t be a recovery after the vaccines go out because businesses will want to save money by using video chat software. Video chat software has always existed. In person meetings will always be relevant.
The malls were empty as people shopped online because of the virus. Foot traffic to stores fell 95% on Thanksgiving Day. According to Adobe, online Thanksgiving Day spending was up 21.5% to $5.1 billion which was a new record. It’s worth noting that since people didn’t celebrate with their extended families, they had more time to shop online. Retailers that offer curbside pickup had a 31% higher conversion rate to their sites. It’s a safer way to get items than going in the store. The NRF, which expected 3.6% to 5.2% holiday spending growth, has 20% to 30% online growth in their numbers. Black Friday sales at stores fell 52.1% and online sales were up 21.6% which was $9 billion in spending.
SPACs Keep Going
SPACs are symbolic of the extreme speculation in the stock market. Investors are buying stocks without research and winning big. Those are the new rules of the game in 2020, but that doesn’t mean these rules will stay for the long-term. As you can see from the chart below, there are 248 SPACs outstanding.
The SPAC universe consists of 248 blank check companies, of which 51 have announced a deal and 197 are still seeking arrangements In addition, there are 59 SPACs that have filed an S-1, waiting to IPO pic.twitter.com/fKSRBpj4HP — The Arbitrage King 👑 (@JulianKlymochko) November 28, 2020
51 have announced a deal and 197 are seeking arrangements. The longer this bubble goes on for, the worse the deals will be as firms are desperate to make a deal to get their cut when the reverse merger happens. 59 SPACs have filed an S-1 and are waiting to IPO.
Conclusion
80% of firms that have been in the S&P 500 at one point in the past 25 years have underperformed the index. This was the worst decline in energy stocks since the early 1930s. Corporate profits have more than recovered their recessionary losses because of the fiscal deficits. TSA throughput was down 41% on Thanksgiving Eve. Online sales growth was solid on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It was very weak in stores, of course, because of the virus. The SPAC bubble is still alive and well.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-02--Yes, “Active Investment Managers” DO Behave Like the “Crowd” | Elliott Wave International

Independent behavior in the investment world is rare – even among professionals .
See how money managers participate in “ @ @ @ @ @ everyone else .
Take a look at these two informative charts .

Independent behavior in the investment world is rare – even among professionals. See how money managers participate in “crowd behavior” like most everyone else. Take a look at these two informative charts.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-02--Fannie, Freddie Whipsaw as Mnuchin and Powell Discuss Capital

( Bloomberg ) — Common shares of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pared double-digit percentage losses in Tuesday trading as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell discussed the government ’ s control over the mortgage giants .
Powell and Mnuchin testified before the Senate Banking Committee In response to a question from South Dakota Republican Mike Rounds on when the government can end FNMA , FMCC conservatorship , Mnuchin said it ’ s something that should be done but it takes time , while Powell agreed it ’ s something that needs to be done “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t think FNMA , FMCC should be let out from conservatorship without appropriate capital “ I would certainly like to see the GSEs return to private hands over time , ” Powell said “ with a lot of private capital behind it ” Yes Jerome , if there were that much private capital available , we wouldn ’ t be having this discussion in the first place .
The cure ( which no one in the US Senate is really interested in ) is for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to focus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than the dreadnought 30Y Fixed-rate mortgage that the affordable housing community is obsessed with .
Generally , the 5/1 ARM rate is lower than the 30Y FRM rate .
Or Quicken ’ s push for 15 year mortgages that enable borrowers to pay down their mortgages much more rapidly .
And 50 basis points less expensive the 30Y FRM .
But what does Congress insist on F & F doing ?
Buying the riskiest mortgage product , the 30Y FRM .

by confoundedinterest17
(Bloomberg) — Common shares of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pared double-digit percentage losses in Tuesday trading as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell discussed the government’s control over the mortgage giants.
Powell and Mnuchin testified before the Senate Banking Committee
In response to a question from South Dakota Republican Mike Rounds on when the government can end FNMA, FMCC conservatorship, Mnuchin said it’s something that should be done but it takes time, while Powell agreed it’s something that needs to be done “carefully”
Mnuchin said he didn’t think FNMA, FMCC should be let out from conservatorship without appropriate capital
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
“I would certainly like to see the GSEs return to private hands over time,” Powell said “with a lot of private capital behind it”
Yes Jerome, if there were that much private capital available, we wouldn’t be having this discussion in the first place.
The cure (which no one in the US Senate is really interested in) is for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to focus on purchasing 5/1 ARMs (adjustable-rate mortgages) rather than the dreadnought 30Y Fixed-rate mortgage that the affordable housing community is obsessed with. Generally, the 5/1 ARM rate is lower than the 30Y FRM rate.
Or Quicken’s push for 15 year mortgages that enable borrowers to pay down their mortgages much more rapidly. And 50 basis points less expensive the 30Y FRM.
But what does Congress insist on F&F doing? Buying the riskiest mortgage product, the 30Y FRM.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-02--Attorney General William Barr tells AP that the Justice Department hasn’t uncovered widespread votin

Attorney General William Barr tells AP that the Justice Department hasn’t uncovered widespread voting fraud…. AP lied about Barr?

Attorney General William Barr said U.S. attorneys and FBI agents have been working to follow up specific complaints about the @ @ @ @ @ ve uncovered no evidence that would change the outcome .

Attorney General William Barr said U.S. attorneys and FBI agents have been working to follow up specific complaints about the election, but they’ve uncovered no evidence that would change the outcome.
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 1, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-02--Just as AG Barr is spotted entering the White House, Giuliani & the Trump campaign release this stat

Just as AG Barr is spotted entering the White House , Giuliani & the Trump campaign release this statement 👀 @

Just as AG Barr is spotted entering the White House, Giuliani & the Trump campaign release this statement 👀 pic.twitter.com/HFewXwsyxW
— Gabby Orr (@GabbyOrr_) December 1, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-02--Janet Yellen says she’ll use the Treasury Dept. to address racial inequality, “gender disparities,”

Janet Yellen says she’ll use the Treasury Dept. to address racial inequality, “gender disparities,” and “the climate crisis

In 2008 , Foreign Investors Owned More Than Half of the U.S. Treasury Market , Now They Own About 35 @

.@JanetYellen says she’ll use the Treasury Dept. to address racial inequality, “gender disparities,” and “the climate crisis” pic.twitter.com/gR95ssdUVH
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) December 1, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-02--Reviews Can Help You Find Excellent Coverage in Case of a Car Accident

Far too often , people buy car insurance without first reading reviews .
As a result , many of them end up with inadequate coverage and at a premium much higher than they should pay .
Unfortunately , some individuals don ’ t realize their mistake until after they ’ ve been in a car accident , and by then , it ’ s too late .
When it comes to car insurance , it ’ s worth comparing not only different insurance companies but also policies .
Although you have many different options , it ’ s hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can compare details that make it easier to secure proper coverage so that if you ’ re ever in a car crash , you don ’ t have to stress .
Shopping around is always highly recommended .
• You Need the Right Coverage Here ’ s the deal .
Car accidents are , unfortunately , a part of life .
Sometimes , people aren ’ t hurt , and their vehicles don ’ t sustain damage .
But all too often , these are the results .
So , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you want to make sure you have the best coverage possible .
Remember , there ’ s more to worry about than just you .
For instance , if you hit a vehicle and that other driver gets hurt , you need coverage that ’ ll pay their medical expenses .
Then , if their vehicle is beyond repair or it ’ s suffered severe damage , again , you need insurance that ’ ll take care of it .
The last thing you want is to have all the financial burden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you don ’ t carry proper insurance , that ’ s what could happen .
In that case , you could lose a lot .
For instance , the other party could file a lawsuit against you .
As a result , you might have to forfeit your home , car , or even file for bankruptcy .
The best way to prevent that from happening is to have an excellent policy .
And for that , it starts by looking at reviews .
As far as what ’ s covered in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of coverage you have .
At a minimum , you should have liability .
However , that ’ s what people usually choose when they drive an older vehicle that ’ s not worth much money .
With this type of coverage , the policy pays the medical expenses of the party you hit , as well as covers their vehicle .
What it doesn ’ t do is pay your medical bills or take care of your car .
If you have a newer vehicle , it ’ s always best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind that if you have your vehicle financed , the lending institution will require you to have this type of policy .
But even if you own your automobile outright and if it has any value to it , this is the way to go .
Not only does full coverage protect the other party but also you .
By looking at various reviews , you can easily identify the companies that offer full coverage at a competitive rate .
Other types of insurance can offer the optimal protection you need in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those include PIP and MedPay .
These policies cover any injuries you sustain , no matter who ’ s at fault .
In addition , they take care of medical bills for any passengers in your vehicle who might ’ ve suffered injuries .
PIP or Personal Injury Protection is often referred to as “ no-fault insurance.
” In some instances , this type of policy would also cover lost wages .
For example , if you or your passengers couldn ’ t go to work because of the injuries they endured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact , PIP usually covers the cost of funerals and childcare .
Considering that not everyone who drives has insurance , this is a great way to protect yourself .
In other words , if another driver hits your car , but they don ’ t have insurance , or they have inadequate coverage , your uninsured or underinsured insurance would kick in .
Unfortunately , far too many people drive without proper coverage .
And since this type of policy isn ’ t expensive , it ’ s well worth considering .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need to do several things for you to get excellent car insurance at a price that fits your budget .
The first and most important is to review your options .
The reviews that Progressive offers are fully detailed , making it easy to distinguish outstanding insurers from those that don ’ t rate as well .
You never want to have the wrong kind of insurance .
In that scenario , there ’ s never a positive outcome .
A lot of experts agree that it ’ s far better to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes to car accidents , you don ’ t get a second chance .
So , you want to do things right the first time .
Using reviews , you can quickly and easily distinguish the insurers with the type of coverage you want and need .
Disclaimer : This content does not necessarily represent the views of IWB .

Far too often, people buy car insurance without first reading reviews. As a result, many of them end up with inadequate coverage and at a premium much higher than they should pay. Unfortunately, some individuals don’t realize their mistake until after they’ve been in a car accident, and by then, it’s too late.
When it comes to car insurance, it’s worth comparing not only different insurance companies but also policies. Although you have many different options, it’s hard to beat Progressive insurance reviews. That way, you can compare details that make it easier to secure proper coverage so that if you’re ever in a car crash, you don’t have to stress. Shopping around is always highly recommended.
You Need the Right Coverage
Here’s the deal. Car accidents are, unfortunately, a part of life. Sometimes, people aren’t hurt, and their vehicles don’t sustain damage. But all too often, these are the results. So, if you’re ever in an accident, you want to make sure you have the best coverage possible.
Remember, there’s more to worry about than just you. For instance, if you hit a vehicle and that other driver gets hurt, you need coverage that’ll pay their medical expenses. Then, if their vehicle is beyond repair or it’s suffered severe damage, again, you need insurance that’ll take care of it. The last thing you want is to have all the financial burden fall back on you. But if you don’t carry proper insurance, that’s what could happen.
In that case, you could lose a lot. For instance, the other party could file a lawsuit against you. As a result, you might have to forfeit your home, car, or even file for bankruptcy. The best way to prevent that from happening is to have an excellent policy. And for that, it starts by looking at reviews.
What’s Covered
As far as what’s covered in a car accident, it depends on the type of coverage you have. At a minimum, you should have liability. However, that’s what people usually choose when they drive an older vehicle that’s not worth much money. With this type of coverage, the policy pays the medical expenses of the party you hit, as well as covers their vehicle. What it doesn’t do is pay your medical bills or take care of your car.
If you have a newer vehicle, it’s always best to choose full coverage. Keep in mind that if you have your vehicle financed, the lending institution will require you to have this type of policy. But even if you own your automobile outright and if it has any value to it, this is the way to go. Not only does full coverage protect the other party but also you. By looking at various reviews, you can easily identify the companies that offer full coverage at a competitive rate.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
What’s PIP and MedPay?
Other types of insurance can offer the optimal protection you need in the event of a car accident. Two of those include PIP and MedPay. These policies cover any injuries you sustain, no matter who’s at fault. In addition, they take care of medical bills for any passengers in your vehicle who might’ve suffered injuries.
PIP or Personal Injury Protection is often referred to as “no-fault insurance.” In some instances, this type of policy would also cover lost wages. For example, if you or your passengers couldn’t go to work because of the injuries they endured, they would have protection. In fact, PIP usually covers the cost of funerals and childcare.
Uninsured or Underinsured Coverage
Considering that not everyone who drives has insurance, this is a great way to protect yourself. In other words, if another driver hits your car, but they don’t have insurance, or they have inadequate coverage, your uninsured or underinsured insurance would kick in. Unfortunately, far too many people drive without proper coverage. And since this type of policy isn’t expensive, it’s well worth considering.
Getting the Best Coverage Possible
Remember, you need to do several things for you to get excellent car insurance at a price that fits your budget. The first and most important is to review your options. The reviews that Progressive offers are fully detailed, making it easy to distinguish outstanding insurers from those that don’t rate as well.
You never want to have the wrong kind of insurance. In that scenario, there’s never a positive outcome. A lot of experts agree that it’s far better to be over-insured than underinsured. When it comes to car accidents, you don’t get a second chance. So, you want to do things right the first time. Using reviews, you can quickly and easily distinguish the insurers with the type of coverage you want and need.
Disclaimer: This content does not necessarily represent the views of IWB.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--US Billionaires Gained $1 Trillion Since The Pandemic Started, As Middle Class Loses Everything!

US Billionaires Gained $ 1 Trillion Since The Pandemic Started , As Middle Class Loses Everything !
# Breaking # @ @ @ @

US Billionaires Gained $1 Trillion Since The Pandemic Started, As Middle Class Loses Everything! #Breaking #News #Update t.co/biccvZxrKG
— Dahboo7 (@dahboo7) December 1, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--If the correction/meltdown is gonna happen. It has to happen this week.

If the correction/meltdown is gon na happen .
It has to happen this week.
$ NDX outside of bollinger band @ @ @

If the correction/meltdown is gonna happen. It has to happen this week.$NDX outside of bollinger band again. pic.twitter.com/Ua6MIzw0nX
— Hoz ギンコ (@GinkoHoz) December 1, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--This is an astonishing chart by Deutsche Bank. The surge in debt-to-GDP level between Q4 2019 and Q3

This is an astonishing chart by Deutsche Bank. The surge in debt-to-GDP level between Q4 2019 and Q3 2020 is just unprecedented.

This is an astonishing chart by Deutsche Bank .
The surge in # debt-to- # GDP level between Q4 2019 @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented .
pic.twitter.com/NkgLs5lhqL

This is an astonishing chart by Deutsche Bank. The surge in #debt-to-#GDP level between Q4 2019 and Q3 2020 is just unprecedented. pic.twitter.com/NkgLs5lhqL
— jeroen blokland (@jsblokland) December 1, 2020


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--Narrowing Down The Target For Gold’s Bottom In The Coming Weeks

As 2020 is wrapping up , investors are trying to narrow down the target for gold ’ s bottom in the coming weeks .
And as the yellow metal is experiencing what appears to be its worst month in the past four years , the Gold Miners Bullish Percent Index ( $ BPGDM ) once again provides us with some key insights into reading the bearish signals for the precious metals .
Last week , the BPGDM showed the highest possible overbought reading .
The excessive bullishness was present at the 2016 top as well and it didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bearish in reality .
All markets periodically get ahead of themselves regardless of how bullish the long-term outlook really is .
Then , they correct .
If the upswing was significant , the correction is also quite often significant .
Please note that back in 2016 , there was an additional quick upswing before the slide and this additional upswing had caused the $ BPGDM to move up once again for a few days .
It then declined once again .
We saw something similar also in the middle of this year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the index once again to the 100 level , while in 2016 this wasn ’ t the case .
But still , the similarity remains present .
Back in 2016 , when we saw this phenomenon , it was already after the top , and right before the big decline .
Based on the decline from above 350 to below 280 , we know that a significant decline is definitely taking place .
But has it already run its course ?
Let ’ s consider two similar cases when gold miners declined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : the 2016 decline and early-2020 decline .
In both cases , the HUI Index continued to decline until it moved slightly below its 61.8 % Fibonacci retracement level .
This means that if the history is to repeat itself , we shouldn ’ t expect any major turnaround until the gold miners decline to 220 – 230 or so .
Depending on how things are developing in gold , the above might or might not be the final bottom , though .
Please note that the HUI already declined below its 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bearish sign .
Please note that back in 2016 ( after the top ) , and in March 2020 , the buying opportunity didn ’ t present itself until the $ BPGDMwas below 10 .
Currently , it ’ s above 30 , so it seems that miners are likely to move even lower .
Two weeks ago , when I was preparing the analysis of the above GDX ETF chart , I commented on the late-week rebound in the following way : On Thursday ( Nov 12th ) and Friday ( Nov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved and closed higher , but it ’ s important to note that their upswing was tiny and not accompanied by strong volume .
In other words , it has all the characteristics of the breather that ’ s going to be followed by another move in the direction in which the market had been moving previously .
The previous move was down , so the implications are bearish .
Something similar took place during last week as well as the previous week , and thus today ’ s comments will be similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this specific weekly gold stocks seasonality where miners decline strongly early in the week and then show some limited strength before the weekend .
For now , it seems that we have just likely seen a regular breather that is likely to be followed by further declines .
As indicated earlier , the biggest part of the decline might start shortly after Thanksgiving .
Also , let ’ s not forget that the GDX ETF has recently invalidated the breakout above the 61.8 % Fibonacci retracement based on the 2011 – 2016 decline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fibonacci retracement , it declined sharply – it was right after the 2016 top .
Are we seeing the 2020 top right now ?
This is quite possible – PMs are likely to decline after the sharp upswing , and since there is just more than one month left before the year ends , it might be the case that they move north of the recent highs only in 2021 .
Either way , miners ’ inability to move above the 61.8 % Fibonacci retracement level and their invalidation of the tiny breakout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes for miners ’ inability to stay above the rising support line – the line that ’ s parallel to the line based on the 2016 and 2020 lows .
Thank you for reading our free analysis today .
Please note that the following is just a small fraction of the full analyses that our subscribers enjoy on a regular basis .
They include multiple premium details such as the interim target for gold that could be reached in the next few weeks .
We invite you to subscribe now and read today @ @ @ @ @ @

by Przemyslaw Radomski via Sunshine Profits
As 2020 is wrapping up, investors are trying to narrow down the target for gold’s bottom in the coming weeks. And as the yellow metal is experiencing what appears to be its worst month in the past four years, the Gold Miners Bullish Percent Index ($BPGDM) once again provides us with some key insights into reading the bearish signals for the precious metals.
Last week, the BPGDM showed the highest possible overbought reading.
The excessive bullishness was present at the 2016 top as well and it didn’t cause the situation to be any less bearish in reality. All markets periodically get ahead of themselves regardless of how bullish the long-term outlook really is. Then, they correct. If the upswing was significant, the correction is also quite often significant.
Please note that back in 2016, there was an additional quick upswing before the slide and this additional upswing had caused the $BPGDM to move up once again for a few days. It then declined once again. We saw something similar also in the middle of this year. In this case, the move up took the index once again to the 100 level, while in 2016 this wasn’t the case. But still, the similarity remains present.
Back in 2016, when we saw this phenomenon, it was already after the top, and right before the big decline.
Based on the decline from above 350 to below 280, we know that a significant decline is definitely taking place. But has it already run its course?
Let’s consider two similar cases when gold miners declined significantly after the $BPGDMwas very high: the 2016 decline and early-2020 decline.
In both cases, the HUI Index continued to decline until it moved slightly below its 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level. This means that if the history is to repeat itself, we shouldn’t expect any major turnaround until the gold miners decline to 220 – 230 or so. Depending on how things are developing in gold, the above might or might not be the final bottom, though.
Please note that the HUI already declined below its 2016 high. This breakdown is yet another bearish sign.
Please note that back in 2016 (after the top), and in March 2020, the buying opportunity didn’t present itself until the $BPGDMwas below 10. Currently, it’s above 30, so it seems that miners are likely to move even lower.
Two weeks ago, when I was preparing the analysis of the above GDX ETF chart, I commented on the late-week rebound in the following way:
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
On Thursday (Nov 12th) and Friday (Nov 13th) of last week, miners moved and closed higher, but it’s important to note that their upswing was tiny and not accompanied by strong volume. In other words, it has all the characteristics of the breather that’s going to be followed by another move in the direction in which the market had been moving previously.
The previous move was down, so the implications are bearish.
Something similar took place during last week as well as the previous week, and thus today’s comments will be similar. It seems that we now have this specific weekly gold stocks seasonality where miners decline strongly early in the week and then show some limited strength before the weekend.
For now, it seems that we have just likely seen a regular breather that is likely to be followed by further declines.
As indicated earlier, the biggest part of the decline might start shortly after Thanksgiving.
Also, let’s not forget that the GDX ETF has recently invalidated the breakout above the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement based on the 2011 – 2016 decline.
When GDX approached its 38.2% Fibonacci retracement, it declined sharply – it was right after the 2016 top. Are we seeing the 2020 top right now? This is quite possible – PMs are likely to decline after the sharp upswing, and since there is just more than one month left before the year ends, it might be the case that they move north of the recent highs only in 2021.
Either way, miners’ inability to move above the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level and their invalidation of the tiny breakout is a bearish sign.
The same goes for miners’ inability to stay above the rising support line – the line that’s parallel to the line based on the 2016 and 2020 lows.
Thank you for reading our free analysis today. Please note that the following is just a small fraction of the full analyses that our subscribers enjoy on a regular basis. They include multiple premium details such as the interim target for gold that could be reached in the next few weeks. We invite you to subscribe now and read today’s issue right away.
Sincerely,
Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA
Founder, Editor-in-chief


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--A ‘Great Reset’ Is Coming… But Not for Capitalism

The Great Reset is my term for climactic events that resolve our global debt overload while at the same time dealing with slow economic growth , high unemployment and social unrest .
I ’ ve talked about this concept for many years .
I expected this would happen after we hit a debt wall , likely in the late 2020s .
But , like many other things that have been accelerated by current events , this type of Great Reset is coming even sooner .
More recently , others have started using this term for their own purposes .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an opportunity to completely reset capitalism .
“ COVID-19 lockdowns may be gradually easing , but anxiety about the world ’ s social and economic prospects is only intensifying .
There is good reason to worry : A sharp economic downturn has already begun , and we could be facing the worst depression since the 1930s .
But , while this outcome is likely , it is not unavoidable .
“ To achieve a better outcome , the world must act jointly and swiftly to revamp all aspects of our societies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and working conditions .
Every country , from the United States to China , must participate , and every industry , from oil and gas to tech , must be transformed .
“ In short , we need a ‘ Great Reset ’ of capitalism.
” For the record , I think much of what they propose will make the version that I see even worse .
I agree capitalism has gone off track and needs some adjustments , and not just minor ones .
The current morass of crony capitalism and lobbying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But “ revamp all aspects of our societies and economies ” sounds ominous .
Especially coming from the WEF—the people who nominally run the global economy .
Further , what they really propose is that maybe they pay a little more in taxes while those further down the food chain carry the brunt of change .
When you start talking about resetting the educational and social contracts and working conditions , you are talking a radical social agenda .
I believe we must—and will—have considerable change in the social structure of this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politics is telling us .
Too many people on both sides feel the current “ social contract , ” however they define it , is not working for them .
Income and wealth inequality are very real .
I am not convinced a WEF-style “ Great Reset ” is the answer .
Fortunately , I don ’ t think WEF will get very far .
More likely , this is another example of wealthy , powerful elites salving their consciences with faux efforts to help the masses , and in the process make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I predict an unprecedented crisis that will lead to the biggest wipeout of wealth in history .
And most investors are completely unaware of the pressure building right now .
Learn more here .

by John Mauldin
The Great Reset is my term for climactic events that resolve our global debt overload while at the same time dealing with slow economic growth, high unemployment and social unrest.
I’ve talked about this concept for many years. I expected this would happen after we hit a debt wall, likely in the late 2020s. But, like many other things that have been accelerated by current events, this type of Great Reset is coming even sooner.
More recently, others have started using this term for their own purposes. The World Economic Forum sees the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to completely reset capitalism.
“COVID-19 lockdowns may be gradually easing, but anxiety about the world’s social and economic prospects is only intensifying. There is good reason to worry: A sharp economic downturn has already begun, and we could be facing the worst depression since the 1930s. But, while this outcome is likely, it is not unavoidable.
“To achieve a better outcome, the world must act jointly and swiftly to revamp all aspects of our societies and economies, from education to social contracts and working conditions. Every country, from the United States to China, must participate, and every industry, from oil and gas to tech, must be transformed.
“In short, we need a ‘Great Reset’ of capitalism.”
WEF calls this effort its “Great Reset Initiative.”
For the record, I think much of what they propose will make the version that I see even worse.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
I agree capitalism has gone off track and needs some adjustments, and not just minor ones. The current morass of crony capitalism and lobbying for special government favors is abhorrent.
But “revamp all aspects of our societies and economies” sounds ominous. Especially coming from the WEF—the people who nominally run the global economy.
Further, what they really propose is that maybe they pay a little more in taxes while those further down the food chain carry the brunt of change.
When you start talking about resetting the educational and social contracts and working conditions, you are talking a radical social agenda. I believe we must—and will—have considerable change in the social structure of this country.
That is what the current partisan politics is telling us. Too many people on both sides feel the current “social contract,” however they define it, is not working for them. Income and wealth inequality are very real.
I am not convinced a WEF-style “Great Reset” is the answer.
Fortunately, I don’t think WEF will get very far. More likely, this is another example of wealthy, powerful elites salving their consciences with faux efforts to help the masses, and in the process make themselves even wealthier and more powerful.
I predict an unprecedented crisis that will lead to the biggest wipeout of wealth in history. And most investors are completely unaware of the pressure building right now. Learn more here.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--Saudi Aramco Loading Its Balance Sheet With Debt

by Jason Burack of Wall St For Main St In under 18 months ( barely 12 months ) Saudi Aramco @ @ @ @ @ shares went IPO in 2019 ) has added $ 20 billion in debt to its @ @ @ @ @ tipping us monthly for our hard work creating high level , thought provoking content that @ @ @ @ @ , analysis and short videos about investing and the economy www.patreon.com/wallstformainst

by Jason Burack of Wall St For Main St
In under 18 months (barely 12 months) Saudi Aramco (a small portion of shares went IPO in 2019) has added $20 billion in debt to its balance sheet.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
FULL SHOW NOTES AND LINKS HERE
Commit to tipping us monthly for our hard work creating high level, thought provoking content that includes interviews with top experts, analysis and short videos about investing and the economy www.patreon.com/wallstformainst


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--Tesla’s stock will be added to the S&P 500 in a single step before the open on Dec. 21

The stock will be added at its full float-adjusted market capitalization before the open of trading on Dec. 21 , @ @ @ @ @ Float-adjusted means that only shares available to the public are considered when evaluating a company @ @ @ @ @ company that Tesla will replace will be named on Dec. 11 , according to a @ @ @ @ @ its decision , S & P DJI considered the wide range of responses it received @ @ @ @ @ among other factors , the expected liquidity of Tesla and the market ’ s ability @ @ @ @ @ on this date , ” the index provider said .
Tesla ’ s addition to @ @ @ @ @ will coincide with the expiration of stock options and stock futures , among other financial @ @ @ @ @ facilitate the addition because of the high trading volume that day .

www.cnbc.com/2020/11/30/tesla-to-be-addedto-the-sp-500-in-two-parts-to-account-for-its-size-an-unprecedented-move.html
The stock will be added at its full float-adjusted market capitalization before the open of trading on Dec. 21, the index provider said. Float-adjusted means that only shares available to the public are considered when evaluating a company’s weighting. The company that Tesla will replace will be named on Dec. 11, according to a press release.
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“In its decision, S&P DJI considered the wide range of responses it received, as well as, among other factors, the expected liquidity of Tesla and the market’s ability to accommodate significant trading volumes on this date,” the index provider said. Tesla’s addition to the S&P 500 will coincide with the expiration of stock options and stock futures, among other financial instruments, which should help facilitate the addition because of the high trading volume that day.


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--BELIEVE IN SOMETHING, UNLESS IT UPSETS THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT. Report: Nike, Coke, other companies l

BELIEVE IN SOMETHING, UNLESS IT UPSETS THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT. Report: Nike, Coke, other companies lobbying against bill that would ban goods made with slave labor of Uighurs in Xinjiang.

The Times opted for the term “ forced labor ” in this story for reasons I don ’ t understand @ @ @ @ @ by China isn ’ t limited to telling them which jobs they need to work @ @ @ @ @ liberties is total .
Their existence is at the sufferance of Beijing .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ , replete with concentration camps .
One might think corporate America , normally so quick @ @ @ @ @ during cultural disputes in the United States , would draw the line at honest-to-goodness slavery @ @ @ @ @ of its manufacturing base .
After all , some of these companies have devised whole @ @ @ @ @ that sometimes you need to do what ’ s right even if it hurts your @ @ @ @ @ Kaepernick slogan , “ Believe in something , unless it upsets the Chinese government .
@

The Times opted for the term “forced labor” in this story for reasons I don’t understand. The oppression of Uighurs by China isn’t limited to telling them which jobs they need to work. The infringement on their liberties is total. Their existence is at the sufferance of Beijing. It’s a full-spectrum slave regime, replete with concentration camps.
One might think corporate America, normally so quick to flash its woke consciousness during cultural disputes in the United States, would draw the line at honest-to-goodness slavery being practiced by the government of its manufacturing base. After all, some of these companies have devised whole advertising campaigns around the idea that sometimes you need to do what’s right even if it hurts your bottom line:
Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/SRWkMIDdaO — Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 3, 2018
hotair.com/archives/allahpundit/2020/11/30/report-nike-coke-companies-lobbying-bill-ban-goods-made-slave-labor-uighurs-xinjiang/
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Nike updates Kaepernick slogan, “Believe in something, unless it upsets the Chinese government.”
genesiustimes.com/nike-updates-kaepernick-slogan-believe-in-something-unless-it-upsets-the-chinese-government/
h/t Ed


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--Walmart is gonna crash? $100M+ each (3 Walton) owner SOLD stock shares

So much for velocity of money falling !
Its already headed into stock markets , now its seeping into housing @

All within 5 days!!
www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/wmt/insider-activity
11/23/20 Walton S Robson
Director and Beneficial O… Sale 260,000 149.94 – 151.88 1,391,314,590 $39.1 M
Walton Alice L
Beneficial Owner of more … Sale 260,000 149.94 – 151.88 1,398,807,179 $39.1 M
Walton Jim C
Beneficial Owner of more … Sale 260,000 149.94 – 151.88 1,394,485,123 $39.1 M
11/20/20 Walton S Robson
Director and Beneficial O… Sale 450,000 150.22 – 152.23 1,391,674,590 $67.9 M
Walton Alice L
Beneficial Owner of more … Sale 450,000 150.22 – 152.23 1,399,717,179 $67.9 M
Walton Jim C
Beneficial Owner of more … Sale 450,000 150.22 – 152.23 1,394,745,123 $67.9 M
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h/t pool


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--GREAT video by Fr Ripperger ~he talks about the election, the virus and the vaccine

This is the BEST video Ive seen on the subject and the only one that addresses how to care for @ @ @ @ @ current times Its only 30 minutes .
Its not neccessary to watch , only listen @ @ @ @ @ drive , fold laundry etc ETA : I dont normally pin my own posts , @ @ @ @ @ Also , ETA … this isnt a thread to debate Catholicism , but to discuss @ @ @ @ @ video concerning the virus , the election and the vaccine .

This is the BEST video Ive seen on the subject and the only one that addresses how to care for our interior state during these current times
Its only 30 minutes.
Its not neccessary to watch, only listen. So, you can drive, fold laundry etc
ETA: I dont normally pin my own posts, but this is GOLD.
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Also, ETA … this isnt a thread to debate Catholicism, but to discuss what he says in the video concerning the virus, the election and the vaccine.
h/t Fortunabeargirl


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--Weeks after promoting China as an example of how to handle COVID-19 CNN reports what everyone alread

Weeks after promoting China as an example of how to handle COVID-19 CNN reports what everyone already knew as an exclusive: “Vast trove of leaked documents shows China underreported Covid-19 numbers…”

SHOCKER : CNN : The Wuhan files : Leaked documents reveal China ’ s mishandling of the early stages of Covid-19 .
Flashback : A year after Wuhan alarm , China seeks to change Covid origin story : Reports in state media signal an intensifying propaganda effort to place the birth of the virus in other countries .
It ’ s a Chinese virus .
It came from China .
Flashback : Time to put China on lockdown for its dishonesty amid coronavirus crisis .
A competent , honest response would have placed the world on notice much earlier .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world would have halted flights abroad while this disease was spreading , instead of allowing its citizens to spread willy-nilly around the globe .
( As Brian Kennedy writes : “ China seems to have taken the position that if they were to suffer the coronavirus , so too was the United States and the rest of the world .
What else is to explain the continuation of flights from China to the United States at the rate of some 20,000 passengers a day , until President Trump wisely shut them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese Communist Party for the coronavirus crisis .
“ From the moment the coronavirus emerged in central China , Beijing has acted in a way that made a pandemic possible and then inevitable .
It covered up what was happening in Wuhan .
It silenced whistleblowers who sought to warn the world .
It stole medical supplies from other countries , even while claiming the sickness was no big deal .
.
.
.
If Beijing had given the real number of infected people and deaths , other countries would have recognized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

CNN exclusive: Vast trove of leaked documents shows China underreported Covid-19 numbers, took weeks to diagnose new cases and didn’t disclose a December flu spike in Hubei. t.co/IZ3yS6qyJB pic.twitter.com/ETotJ4YHrQ — CNN (@CNN) December 1, 2020
SHOCKER: CNN: The Wuhan files: Leaked documents reveal China’s mishandling of the early stages of Covid-19.
Flashback: A year after Wuhan alarm, China seeks to change Covid origin story: Reports in state media signal an intensifying propaganda effort to place the birth of the virus in other countries.
It’s a Chinese virus. It came from China.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Flashback: Time to put China on lockdown for its dishonesty amid coronavirus crisis.
A competent, honest response would have placed the world on notice much earlier. A China that cared about the rest of the world would have halted flights abroad while this disease was spreading, instead of allowing its citizens to spread willy-nilly around the globe. (As Brian Kennedy writes: “China seems to have taken the position that if they were to suffer the coronavirus, so too was the United States and the rest of the world. What else is to explain the continuation of flights from China to the United States at the rate of some 20,000 passengers a day, until President Trump wisely shut them down?”)
Related: Blame the Chinese Communist Party for the coronavirus crisis. “From the moment the coronavirus emerged in central China, Beijing has acted in a way that made a pandemic possible and then inevitable. It covered up what was happening in Wuhan. It silenced whistleblowers who sought to warn the world. It stole medical supplies from other countries, even while claiming the sickness was no big deal. . . . If Beijing had given the real number of infected people and deaths, other countries would have recognized the danger, and taken necessary steps.”
h/t TheGreekCoffee


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--China to become NATO’s second main enemy after Russia in next 10 years, report says

The report notes the necessity to reform the Alliance , establishing a number of specialized structures , to counteract challenges coming from Beijing BRUSSELS , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
NATO experts have prepared the NATO 2030 – United for a New Era report , which claims that in the upcoming 10 years , China will become the second-worst enemy of the Alliance after Russia , and that the bloc must be urgently reformed in order to counteract it , establishing a number of specialized structures , a source in Brussels told TASS Tuesday .
“ According to the NATO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stoltenberg will present at the NATO Foreign Ministers ’ video conference Tuesday , in the upcoming decade , the Alliance must concentrate , besides the response to traditional threats [ deterrence of Russia and humanitarian interventions ] , on countering challenges coming from China .
The report recommends establishing special structures , which must guarantee NATO ’ s technical dominance over China and protect the member states from China establishing an economic control over their strategic sectors of economy , ” the source said .
“ The authors also recommend including China and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edition of the NATO Strategic Concept .
”

The report notes the necessity to reform the Alliance, establishing a number of specialized structures, to counteract challenges coming from Beijing
BRUSSELS, December 1. /TASS/. NATO experts have prepared the NATO 2030 – United for a New Era report, which claims that in the upcoming 10 years, China will become the second-worst enemy of the Alliance after Russia, and that the bloc must be urgently reformed in order to counteract it, establishing a number of specialized structures, a source in Brussels told TASS Tuesday.
“According to the NATO 2030 report, which Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will present at the NATO Foreign Ministers’ video conference Tuesday, in the upcoming decade, the Alliance must concentrate, besides the response to traditional threats [deterrence of Russia and humanitarian interventions], on countering challenges coming from China. The report recommends establishing special structures, which must guarantee NATO’s technical dominance over China and protect the member states from China establishing an economic control over their strategic sectors of economy,” the source said.
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“The authors also recommend including China and measures for countering it in a new edition of the NATO Strategic Concept.”
tass.com/world/1229981


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--Looks like twitter is suspending the accounts of people who testified in AZ. Must be another “glitch

Looks like twitter is suspending the accounts of people who testified in AZ. Must be another “glitch”.

Goldman Sachs : 'we 're in a Roaring '20 's redux ' ... Every Fed Gov : we do n't @ @ @ @ @ need another year of QE at least

twitter.com/BobbyPiton
He proved using census data and math that there’s a 100% chance of voter fraud, Twitter bans him before he’s done speaking.
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BIG TECH sending warnings to all those who come forward…. what an absolute disgrace. — Anna Kraken (@Annakhait) November 30, 2020
h/t Bobwillneverdie


investmentwatchblog--2020-12-01--The far-reaching impact of the US election

The 2020 election was a roller coaster experience for both sides and for all International observers who understood its massive economic and geopolitical implications for the rest of the West .
There was no shortage of drama , sensationalism , half-truths and full untruths at every stage of the process , from the Democratic primaries right to this day , with politicians and partisan journalists painting their own version of reality , fueling divisions and rallying their fanatical followers to express their outrage at every turn .
Given the extraordinarily toxic internal tensions in the country that managed to leak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the big questions that has been dominating debates and projections over the last couple of months was over the impact of a Biden presidency on the ongoing social unrest in the US .
Democrat supporters , left-leaning ideologues and mere optimists in general seemed to take it for granted that the change of guard at the White House would serve to heal past wounds , to unite the people and to help the country move forward .
As Mr. Biden emotionally highlighted in his victory speech , directly copying one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide , but to unify ; who doesn ’ t see red states and blue states , only sees the United States.
” This hope of an imminent nationwide “ mending of fences ” was widely shared by many people in other Western nations too , expecting that this spirit of unity in the US might also be imported to their own counties and help extinguish the locally raging social and political fires .
Heartwarming and encouraging as that vision might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden camp don ’ t seem to match the actions taken already by prominent party figures and affiliates .
They convey an entirely different sentiment , somewhat less conciliatory and rather more vengeful and spiteful .
Here ’ s a great example : Soon after media platforms called the election for Mr. Biden , popular millennial Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez urged her loyal followers to create an archive of online posts by Trump supporters , so that they won ’ t be able “ to downplay or deny their complicity in the future ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and advisor to Presidents Clinton and Obama , called for a “ Truth and Reconciliation Commission ” , that would “ name every official , politician , executive , and media mogul whose greed and cowardice enabled this catastrophe.
” The identity politics saga is set to continue and that ’ s a scenario well supported by the Biden/Harris official manifesto too .
A lot , if not all , of their promised policies are either geared towards or directly and explicitly aimed at state interventions to massively redistribute wealth and resources from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sort of divisive rhetoric and victimological theories we ’ ve been hearing more and more of over the last few years .
Nowhere is merit mentioned or even acknowledged as a concept worth factoring into fiscal and social policy .
Of course , this policy direction is all but certain to backfire and will likely only serve to heighten the existing social tensions and the hostility within the population .
However , grave as the social consequences will be , it is the economic aspect of these approaches that is even more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gigantic problems that reckless government spading creates and the ticking time bomb that is the national debt could not be expected to be meaningfully dealt with under either candidate .
After all , if there ’ s anything Trump and Biden could agree on , it ’ s that trillion-dollar government checks are really great for the economy and everyone should get one .
Nevertheless , the ideology that the new leftism of the Democratic Party brings to the table does provide some very popular justifications and the right tools for such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it the government ’ s job and its solemn duty to print checks for everyone , but it is also economically sound to do so : MMT assures us , after all , that “ deficits don ’ t matter ” and that it is physically impossible for the state to go bankrupt .
In other words , not only can you print and spend your way to economic destruction and monetary annihilation , but you can also feel great and totally confident while you do so .
There ’ s also another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sort of political approach .
The change of guard at the White House has some serious geopolitical implications , chief among them being the regression back to the way things were before Trump , back to the idea of supranational centralization and strengthening the institutional power of international bodies and organizations .
This pushing aside of the individual voter and the silencing of the individual taxpayer in favor of top-down governance , largely by unelected bureaucrats , would be deeply lamentable under any circumstances .
But it is infinitely more dangerous now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Politicians on all levels and of all stripes always hate to let a good crisis go to waste and even under normal conditions they like to use all kinds threats and problems , real or invented , to expand their reach and power .
Given the scale of this particular crisis and international nature of it , this tendency to hand over essential decisions to some central authority , far removed from the realities of the average citizen , has the makings of a real political , social and economic disaster .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we saw during the “ first wave ” of the virus , both in the EU and in the US , as the “ central ” response was egregiously botched , but it also opens a wide window for serious abuses .
Economically , we already saw the kind of damage it is capable of .
Shutting down the global economy , putting millions of people out of a job , creating financial desperation in countless households , all virtually overnight and with unbelievable ease , was arguably just the beginning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from publications of the World Economic Forum , the IMF , the World Health Organization and all kinds of other international bodies , now the emphasis is on printing , spending and pretending this can go on forever .
As far as political and social issues go , the dangers are even clearer .
Promising safety in exchange for liberty is the oldest trick in the good politicians ’ book , and now we see it being played on a global scale .
How many more rights may be “ temporarily suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” rules and regulations will be passed without debate and outside the democratic process , and how many more state intrusions into the citizen ’ s private life and business might we see in the coming months and years ?
Well , I suppose there ’ s really no limit , as long as people remain captive in this system .
But we don ’ t have to , and this is why I ’ m personally rather optimistic about what lies ahead .
We have the tools and the means we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degree that each of us wants and feels comfortable with .
The power of the internet , the myriad of new concepts and decentralized technologies and the possibility to eliminate all the inherent risks of remaining financially dependent to fiat currencies are all available to us .
The latter is arguably the first , the simplest and most important step .
Given the extreme monetary and fiscal manipulations that are already underway , as well as the massive financial repression that is bound to explode in the near future , physical precious metals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This article has been published in the Newsroom of pro aurum , the leading precious metals company in Europe with an independent subsidiary in Switzerland .

by Claudio Grass
The 2020 election was a roller coaster experience for both sides and for all International observers who understood its massive economic and geopolitical implications for the rest of the West. There was no shortage of drama, sensationalism, half-truths and full untruths at every stage of the process, from the Democratic primaries right to this day, with politicians and partisan journalists painting their own version of reality, fueling divisions and rallying their fanatical followers to express their outrage at every turn.
Given the extraordinarily toxic internal tensions in the country that managed to leak out and spread in Europe too, one of the big questions that has been dominating debates and projections over the last couple of months was over the impact of a Biden presidency on the ongoing social unrest in the US. Democrat supporters, left-leaning ideologues and mere optimists in general seemed to take it for granted that the change of guard at the White House would serve to heal past wounds, to unite the people and to help the country move forward. As Mr. Biden emotionally highlighted in his victory speech, directly copying one of Barrack Obama’s most famous lines, “I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide, but to unify; who doesn’t see red states and blue states, only sees the United States.” This hope of an imminent nationwide “mending of fences” was widely shared by many people in other Western nations too, expecting that this spirit of unity in the US might also be imported to their own counties and help extinguish the locally raging social and political fires.
Heartwarming and encouraging as that vision might be, the delightful words of the Biden camp don’t seem to match the actions taken already by prominent party figures and affiliates. They convey an entirely different sentiment, somewhat less conciliatory and rather more vengeful and spiteful. Here’s a great example: Soon after media platforms called the election for Mr. Biden, popular millennial Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez urged her loyal followers to create an archive of online posts by Trump supporters, so that they won’t be able “to downplay or deny their complicity in the future”. Robert Reich, former Labor Secretary and advisor to Presidents Clinton and Obama, called for a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission”, that would “name every official, politician, executive, and media mogul whose greed and cowardice enabled this catastrophe.”
The identity politics saga is set to continue and that’s a scenario well supported by the Biden/Harris official manifesto too. A lot, if not all, of their promised policies are either geared towards or directly and explicitly aimed at state interventions to massively redistribute wealth and resources from one group to another, based on the sort of divisive rhetoric and victimological theories we’ve been hearing more and more of over the last few years. Nowhere is merit mentioned or even acknowledged as a concept worth factoring into fiscal and social policy.
Of course, this policy direction is all but certain to backfire and will likely only serve to heighten the existing social tensions and the hostility within the population. However, grave as the social consequences will be, it is the economic aspect of these approaches that is even more worrying. It can be argued that the gigantic problems that reckless government spading creates and the ticking time bomb that is the national debt could not be expected to be meaningfully dealt with under either candidate. After all, if there’s anything Trump and Biden could agree on, it’s that trillion-dollar government checks are really great for the economy and everyone should get one. Nevertheless, the ideology that the new leftism of the Democratic Party brings to the table does provide some very popular justifications and the right tools for such a debt explosion. Not only is it the government’s job and its solemn duty to print checks for everyone, but it is also economically sound to do so: MMT assures us, after all, that “deficits don’t matter” and that it is physically impossible for the state to go bankrupt. In other words, not only can you print and spend your way to economic destruction and monetary annihilation, but you can also feel great and totally confident while you do so.
There’s also another highly consequential element that comes with this sort of political approach. The change of guard at the White House has some serious geopolitical implications, chief among them being the regression back to the way things were before Trump, back to the idea of supranational centralization and strengthening the institutional power of international bodies and organizations. This pushing aside of the individual voter and the silencing of the individual taxpayer in favor of top-down governance, largely by unelected bureaucrats, would be deeply lamentable under any circumstances. But it is infinitely more dangerous now, in the midst of the covid crisis.
We are primarily funded by readers. Please subscribe and donate to support us!
Politicians on all levels and of all stripes always hate to let a good crisis go to waste and even under normal conditions they like to use all kinds threats and problems, real or invented, to expand their reach and power. Given the scale of this particular crisis and international nature of it, this tendency to hand over essential decisions to some central authority, far removed from the realities of the average citizen, has the makings of a real political, social and economic disaster. Not only is it spectacularly inefficient, as we saw during the “first wave” of the virus, both in the EU and in the US, as the “central” response was egregiously botched, but it also opens a wide window for serious abuses.
Economically, we already saw the kind of damage it is capable of. Shutting down the global economy, putting millions of people out of a job, creating financial desperation in countless households, all virtually overnight and with unbelievable ease, was arguably just the beginning. As we saw from the recent G-20, from publications of the World Economic Forum, the IMF, the World Health Organization and all kinds of other international bodies, now the emphasis is on printing, spending and pretending this can go on forever.
As far as political and social issues go, the dangers are even clearer. Promising safety in exchange for liberty is the oldest trick in the good politicians’ book, and now we see it being played on a global scale. How many more rights may be “temporarily suspended”, how many new “emergency” rules and regulations will be passed without debate and outside the democratic process, and how many more state intrusions into the citizen’s private life and business might we see in the coming months and years? Well, I suppose there’s really no limit, as long as people remain captive in this system. But we don’t have to, and this is why I’m personally rather optimistic about what lies ahead.
We have the tools and the means we need to “opt-out”, to any degree that each of us wants and feels comfortable with. The power of the internet, the myriad of new concepts and decentralized technologies and the possibility to eliminate all the inherent risks of remaining financially dependent to fiat currencies are all available to us. The latter is arguably the first, the simplest and most important step. Given the extreme monetary and fiscal manipulations that are already underway, as well as the massive financial repression that is bound to explode in the near future, physical precious metals are essential in reclaiming financial sovereignty.
Claudio Grass, Hünenberg See, Switzerland
This article has been published in the Newsroom of pro aurum, the leading precious metals company in Europe with an independent subsidiary in Switzerland.