With longer-term U.S. interest rates rising and no plan to reduce the budget deficit, is a U.S. national debt crisis imminent? Topics covered include: Why S&P, Fitch, and now Moody's stripped the U.S. of its pristine AAA debt rating How the U.S. national debt dynamics compare to Greece, Italy, and Japan What are four things investors should monitor for signs that the national debt crisis is worsening or spiraling out of control Show Notes Moody's Ratings … [Read more...]
433 Plus: Wealth Trackers Review, How Many Bond Funds, Inflation and the Trillion Dollar Coin
In Plus episode 433, we compare Kubera to Exirio. We discuss bond portfolio structure and compare the DoubleLine Core Fixed Income Fund to the DoubleLine Total Return Bond Fund. Finally, we discuss how federal budget deficits, quantitative easing, quantitative tightening, and minting a trillion coin contribute to wealth, liquidity, and inflation. … [Read more...]
433: What Happens If The U.S. Defaults On Its Debt? Here’s Why It Won’t
What are the grave consequences if the U.S. debt ceiling isn't increased and the government defaults? What would the Federal Reserve and the Executive Branch do to prevent default if Congress doesn't act? Topics covered include: What are the potential impacts of a U.S. default on the stock and bond markets, and the overall economy What causes the U.S. to have a perennial debt ceiling crisis Why it is uncertain when the U.S. government would run out of money to meet its … [Read more...]
418 Plus: Mortgage REIT Preferred Stock, Debt Ceiling Standoff, and Fallen Angel Bonds
In Plus episode 418, we review the current status of mortgage REITs and analyze the mortgage REIT preferred stock David recently purchased. We consider whether investors should move assets out of cash until the debt ceiling standoff is resolved. We consider options the U.S. Treasury has to meet its obligations including minting a trillion-dollar coin. Finally, we look at two ETFs that invest in bonds that have recently been downgraded to non-investment grade from investment grade. … [Read more...]
416: Your Nation’s National Debt: 5 Things You Need To Know
We analyze the worrisome national debt situation in the U.S., UK, and Japan and consider what will determine the likelihood of default Topics covered include: How big is the national debt in the U.S., UK, and Japan Why Japan and UK interest rates have increased When do federal government debts jump the most What two numbers are key to whether a level of national debt is sustainable What are five ways indebted countries have reduced the relative size of their debt Why … [Read more...]
360: Will the U.S. Default? Debt Ceilings, Government Shutdowns, and the National Debt
Why the U.S. is closing in on both a debt default and a government shutdown. Topics covered include: How a government shutdown differs from a debt ceiling crisis Why hasn't Congress passed legislation to fund the government and raise the debt limit How refusing the raise the debt ceiling could impact Social Security How big is the national debt and who owns it Why we never know how much federal debt is too much: Japan vs the U.S. How federal debt is used and how it has … [Read more...]
169: The Debt Ceiling—What Happens If the U.S. Defaults
What could happen if the U.S. Congress doesn't raise the debt ceiling and defaults on U.S. financial obligations. Photo by Augusto Navarro In this episode you’ll learn: What is the federal debt ceiling and why does Congress always wait until the last minute to raise it. How long has the debt ceiling been in place. What would be the consequences of default by the U.S. government on its obligations. Why does the government continue to run a budget deficit instead of a … [Read more...]