Peter's Blog

Millions of Americans Face Eviction in Coming Months

The economy is fine, so we’re told. There is no recession, so we’re told. The Federal Reserve has everything under control, so we’re told. Meanwhile, 3.8 million Americans say they could face eviction in the next two months. It doesn’t sound like everything is fine.

Is a Post-Dollar World on the Horizon?

The dollar index recently hit a 20-year high, so this might seem to be an odd time to talk about a dollar decline. But Rockefeller Institute Chairman and Financial Times columnist Ruchir Sharma recently wrote an article arguing that a post-dollar world is coming.

Somebody Has to Pay for Student Loan Forgiveness

President Biden is expected to announce student loan forgiveness on Wednesday (Aug. 24). The plan will reportedly cancel $10,000 in student loan debt for anybody making less than $125,000 per year. A lot of people think this is like waving a magic wand — poof — the debt is gone. But somebody has to pay […]

Private Sector Business Activity at Lowest Level Since COVID Lockdowns

In yet another sign the economy is tanking, private-sector business activity contracted for the second straight month in August. The S&P Global flash composite purchasing managers index (PMI) dropped to 45 this month from a reading of 47.3 in July. A print below 50 indicates a contraction in economic activity.

Tanking Housing Market Already Putting Mortgage Companies Out of Business

The tanking housing market is starting to put a strain on the mortgage industry with some lenders already going out of business. Analysts project the wave of failures coming down the pike could be the worst since the housing bubble burst and triggered the Great Recession.

Which Countries Own the Most Gold?

On net, central banks globally have been adding gold to their reserves. Through the first half of 2022, central banks expanded gold holdings by 270 tons. National Bank of Poland Governor Adam Glapiński summed up the reason central banks hold gold.

Indian Silver Imports on Record Pace as Demand Surges

Indian silver imports are on pace to triple this year as investors bet the white metal is primed to rebound and outperform gold in the near future. Silver prices have dropped to 2-year lows, and the silver-gold ratio has risen to nearly 90-1, signaling that the white metal is significantly undervalued compared to gold.

The Tax Man Cometh! And Not Just for Billionaires

The tax man cometh! And thanks to the Democrats in Congress, there will be more tax enforcers shining their lights into the nooks and crannies of Americans’ finances.

Fed Balance Sheet Reduction Not Delivering as Promised

The Federal Reserve is all-in on the inflation fight. Or is it? While everybody focuses on interest rate cuts, the promised Fed balance sheet reduction isn’t going quite as promised.

Record Consumer Debt Levels Continue to Climb

Consumers continue to add to their record level of debt as higher prices squeeze wallets. Americans added another $40.1 billion to the debt load in June, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve. That represents a 10.5% year-on-year increase.