Peter's Blog

Garbage In, Garbage Out: SchiffGold Friday Gold Wrap Feb. 17, 2023

Garbage in, garbage out. The phrase is usually associated with computers, but it also applies to the formulas used to generate government economic data. In this episode of the Friday Gold Wrap podcast, host Mike Maharrey goes over the January CPI and retail sales data with that phrase in mind.

Upward CPI Revisions Further Undercut Disinflation Narrative

CPI came in hotter than expected in January and threw cold water on the “disinflation” narrative that was gaining steam in the mainstream. Less-reported were the revisions of past CPI data. These undercut that narrative even further. The CPI data for October, November and December were all revised higher.

The Dark Side of January’s Big Retail Sales Print

Retail sales came in much stronger than expected in January after declining the previous two months. Mainstream financial media pundits immediately declared that this “jump in consumer spending” was a good sign for the economy. The Wall Street Journal called the robust sales report “evidence that US economic growth picked up at the start of […]

CPI: Relief from the SPR Drain has Ended

With the CPI losing the relief from cooling energy prices, this month showed a solid uptick in prices, coming in at 0.54% (~6.6% annualized).

Billionaire John Paulson: You Need Gold Not Dollars

Billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson said you’re better off owning gold than dollars. Why? Because he thinks the dollar is set up for long-term depreciation as the world drifts toward dedollarisation.

January CPI Throws Cold Water on “Disinflation” Narrative

After the December Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, the mainstream was giddy. “Inflation is over!” they proclaimed. “The Fed is winning the inflation fight!” they cried. “We are entering a period of disinflation!” they insisted. Well, the January CPI report threw cold water on that disinflation narrative.

Chinese Gold Imports Hit Highest Level Since 2018

China imported 1,343 tons of gold in 2022, the highest import level since 2018. Total gold imports for the year were up 64% over 2021. China ranks as the world’s biggest gold consumer.

“Supercore” Inflation: The Latest Buzzword to Remind You Everything Is Fine

There is apparently a new economic buzzword out there – supercore inflation. CNN says this is a buzzword we all need to pay attention to. Why?

When They Say the US Government Has Never Defaulted They’re Lying

The fake debt ceiling fight is on and the Biden administration has ratcheted up the scare tactics. One of its strategies is to make you think the world will collapse if the US defaults on its debt obligations. After all, the US always pays its bills on time — so we’re told. A default would […]

Fiscal 2023 Budget Deficit Already Approaching a Half-Trillion Dollars

Just four months into fiscal 2023 and the US federal budget deficit is already approaching half a trillion dollars. This is a big problem for the Federal Reserve that few people seem to be talking about.