In Plus episode 561, we answer a member's question on the U.S. national debt. We review the Vanguard Short-term Inflation Protection Securities ETF (VTIP) and look at alternatives. We discuss hedging currency for non-U.S. equity exposure. Finally, we analyze the Eaton Vance Tax Managed Diversified Equity Income closed end fund (ETY). Become a Member If you would like to listen to this episode of Money For the Rest of Us Plus, you can do so by becoming a Money For the Rest of Us Plus … [Read more...]
525: No More AAA – What the U.S. Debt Downgrade Means for Investors
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: Show Notes Moody's Ratings downgrades United States ratings to Aa1 from Aaa; changes outlook to stable—Moody's Ratings Research Update: United States of America Long-Term Rating Lowered To 'AA+' On Political Risks And Rising Debt Burden; Outlook Negative—S&P Global Interest Expense and Average Interest Rates on the … [Read more...]
487: Are We Heading for a 2030s Depression? Global Economic and Population Shifts
What we can monitor and do now in preparation for a 2030s depression, which may or may not arrive. Topics covered include: Show Notes Top 5 Causes of the 2030s Great Depression—ITR Economics The Demographic Outlook: 2024 to 2054—Congressional Budget Office Testimony on Social Security’s Finances—Congressional Budget Office World Population Prospects 2024—The United Nations World Population Prospects 2024: Graphs/Profiles—The United Nations America is uniquely … [Read more...]
479: National Debt Master Class Finale – What To Do
In part three of our national debt masterclass, we share a simple debt dynamics formula we can monitor to help guide our investment choices. Topics covered include: Show Notes Jerome Powell: Full 2024 60 Minutes interview transcript—CBS News Yellen says she disagrees with Moody's outlook on US debt by Ann Saphir and David Lawder—Reuters IMF Steps Up Its Warning to US Over Spending and Ballooning Debt by Christopher Condon—Bloomberg WHEN DOES FEDERAL DEBT REACH … [Read more...]
478: National Debt Master Class Part 2/3
In part two of this series, we explore how households, businesses, and banks can opt out of the national debt scheme. We also examine how central banks and governments monetize debt with quantitative easing. Show Notes Credit and Liquidity Programs and the Balance Sheet: Federal Reserve liabilities—Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System As of and for the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and Independent Auditors’ Report—The United States Federal Reserve … [Read more...]
National Debt Master Class Part 1/3
In part one of this three-part series, we consider why a country that issues debt in its own currency can't default unless it chooses to. We also explore how central banks can control interest rates on the national debt and whether it is possible for government borrowing to crowd out the private sector. Show Notes Money In The Modern Economy: An Introduction—Bank of England – Q1 2014 Money Creation In The Modern Economy—Bank of England – Q1 2014 Congressional Budget Office 2017 … [Read more...]
449: The House of Cards: Evaluating Economic and Financial Warning Signs
What are the economic and financial system early warning signs that we should heed rather than get caught up in fearmongering? When should we start to worry about ballooning budget deficits, the national debt, a currency collapse, or the stock market? Topics covered include: Show Notes The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity by David Graeber and David Wengrow—Macmillan How Much Is Enough? Money and the Good Life by Robert Skidelsky and Edward Skidelsky—Penguin … [Read more...]
443 Plus: U.S. Debt Downgrade, Vanguard Cash Plus Account, and Crowdstreet Fraud
In Plus episode 443, we consider the repercussions of Fitch downgrading U.S. government debt and how to monitor the debt situation. We analyze Vanguard's new cash options. Finally, we review the recent fraud accusations for one of the real estate investments hosted on the Crowdstreet real estate platform. Become a Member If you would like to listen to this episode of Money For the Rest of Us Plus, you can do so by becoming a Money For the Rest of Us Plus member. Learn More About … [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: Show Notes The Debt Limit Since 2011—Congressional Research Service 7 doomsday scenarios if the U.S. crashes through the debt ceiling by Jeff Stein—The Washington Post A debt ceiling default would send the U.S. housing market back into a deep … [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 … [Read more...]
