In Plus episode 484, we answer a member's question on whether it is better to invest in larger ETFs and with larger ETF families. We also review quantitative easing and quantitative tightening. We look at how the per capita increase in the money supply due to QE led to a big jump in inflation and asset prices, including for houses and stocks. We also look at the per capita increase in the national debt. … [Read more...]
475: Inflation’s Illusion: Debunking the Normalcy of Currency Debasement
It is not normal to want prices to rise and currencies to lose their purchasing power. We look at the advantages of stable currencies and prices. Topics covered include: What's more normal, an inflationary or deflationary mindset? Why it is more normal for prices to fall due to productivity increases How central banks seek to overcome productivity-induced deflation by increasing the money supply How inflation and ongoing currency debasement encourage debt, the … [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: Signals to monitor to see if things are falling apart How much government debt is too much and why interest rates are key Why central banks don't control the stock market Why the dollar remains dominant, … [Read more...]
448: Where Are Interest Rates Headed Next? Insights from the Jackson Hole Symposium
Why you might want to lock in higher yields now, given real interest rates are the highest they have been in 15 years. Topics covered include: What was covered this year at the Federal Reserve Jackson Hole Symposium What are the primary policy actions central banks take, and how do they influence interest rates What is the neutral real rate of interest, and why is it important Why new ideas are central to an increasing standard of living What would drive interest rates … [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...]
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...]
388: Will Quantitative Tightening Lead To Even Greater Financial Losses?
How financial markets and the economy performed last time the Federal Reserve took away the punch bowl by raising its policy rate and pursuing quantitative tightening. Things worked out fine that time. Will it be different this time? Topics covered include: Where did the phrase take away the punch bowl come fromHow central bank actions can slow the economy and lower inflation.The difference between having cash and having wealthHow quantitative easing and quantitative tightening … [Read more...]
336 Plus: A Simple Money Supply, Money Creation Analogy
In Plus Episode 336 for the week of March 27, 2021, we discuss some new site additions for Plus members. We also explore an analogy to explain under what circumstances the money supply and purchasing power increase and under what circumstances they don't. We use the analogy to explain what is happening currently and under what circumstances it could lead to higher inflation. Finally, we review why Hoisington Investment Management Company believes inflation will stay low and interest … [Read more...]
336: Own What Is Real
There has never been this much money in the world. Now is the time to own real property. Topics covered include: How to buy something with Bitcoin How cryptocurrencies are similar and different from fiat currencies What is legal tender Why there has never been this much money in the world Why central banks can control interest rates but not inflation What real property should investors own Show Notes The Power of Gold: The History of an Obsession by Peter … [Read more...]
295: Federal Reserve Insolvency and Monetizing the National Debt
How central banks can become insolvent and why it can lead to hyperinflation. What are four ways the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury could monetize the national debt. Topics covered include: What are the major asset and liabilities of the Federal Reserve How does the Federal Reserve make a profit and what happens if it suffers a loss. How has the Federal Reserve has significantly expanded the types of assets it will hold and what are the risks. What could cause the … [Read more...]
