Peter's Blog

I See Red! Consumer Debt Jumped Again in October

American consumers piled on more debt in October as inflation continues to squeeze their pocketbooks. Consumer debt grew by $16.9 billion, an annual increase of 4.6% (seasonally adjusted), according to the latest data released by the Federal Reserve. That raised total consumer debt to over $4.38 trillion.

ETFs Globally Add Gold for the First Time Since Summer

Global ETF gold holdings increased in November for the first time since this summer. Gold-backed ETFs saw net inflows of 13.6 tons last month. Total holdings rebounded from year-to-date lows to 3,578 tons. According to the World Gold Council, investment demand for larger gold ETFs returned with decades-high inflation and heightened market volatility.

Ireland Adds Gold to Reserves as Inflation Worries Increase

Over the last several years, we’ve seen strong central bank gold-buying. The surge in gold purchases has primarily been driven by a handful of consistent players. But over the last several months, we’ve seen several new countries enter the market. The most recent is Ireland.

That Was One Weird Jobs Report

That was one weird jobs report. The labor department released the November employment data on Friday. The numbers simply don’t make any sense. As one chief investment officer put it, “One of the weirdest reports I have ever seen.” One thing seems pretty certain. The labor market has not recovered, no matter how the powers […]

Gold Demand Continues to Rebound in India

Gold demand in India strengthened in October despite higher prices. This continues a rebound in the world’s second-largest gold market after it was pummeled by government policies during the coronavirus pandemic.

I’m Dreaming of a Red Christmas?

It appears American consumers are going to have a red Christmas this year. Red — as in going deeper into debt.

Singapore Adds Gold to Reserves for the First Time in Over 2 Decades

Singapore expanded its gold reserves by about 20% earlier this year, joining a growing number of countries increasing their investment in the yellow metal.

Silver Demand Expected to Exceed 1 Billion Ounces in 2021

Every key area of silver demand is forecast to rise in 2021, according to the Silver Institute’s Interim Silver Market Review. The institute projects silver demand will come in at 1.029 billion ounces this year. That would mark the first year demand has exceeded 1 billion ounces since 2015.

Jerome Powell 2.0

President Joe Biden has tapped Jerome Powell to serve a second term as chairman of the Federal Reserve. Biden said Powell’s “steady leadership” helped calm markets as governments shut down the economy due to coronavirus, and he expressed confidence in Powell’s future leadership. “I believe Jay is the right person to see us through,” Biden […]

The Fed Pulled Off a Masterful Manipulation of the Junk Bond Market

The Federal Reserve pulled off a magnificent manipulation of the junk bond market, facilitated a massive wealth transfer from savers to speculators, pocketed millions of dollars, and then washed its hands of the matter. In March 2020, as governments shut down the economy for coronavirus, the Fed slashed interest rates and launched a massive quantitative […]