Peter's Blog

Producer Prices Undercut Transitory Inflation Narrative

While the CPI numbers came in around expectations in July, the producer price data came in hotter than expected for the seventh straight month, putting a damper on the notion that “transitory” inflation might be cooling.

Incentives Matter

Economics 101 – incentives matter. But politicians often seem to forget this. Or simply ignore it. “Generous” unemployment benefits provide the perfect example. With the US government handing out enhanced unemployment checks, we ended up in a bizarre situation with high unemployment even as job openings hit record levels.

50 Years Ago: Nixon Slams Shut the “Gold Window”

Fifty years ago this week, President Richard Nixon slammed shut the “gold window” and eliminated the last vestige of the gold standard. Nixon ordered Treasury Secretary John Connally to uncouple gold from its fixed $35 price and suspended the ability of foreign banks to directly exchange dollars for gold. During a national television address, Nixon promised […]

Fun on Friday: The Rise of the Crypto Gangster

I learned a new term this week – crypto gangster. I have to confess — it sounds kind of cool. “What do you do, Maharrey?” “I’m a crypto gangster. So, don’t mess with me.”

Going Off Script: Friday Gold Wrap Podcast Aug. 13, 2021

Gold and silver tanked after last Friday’s job report. But both metals have rallied a bit since the July CPI numbers came in right at expectations. In this episode of the Friday Gold Wrap, host Mike Maharrey looks a little deeper at jobs and CPI. Then he goes off-script and addresses some listener comments.

US Budget Deficit Up 73% in July as Tax Season Ends

The US government ran yet another massive budget deficit in July. The shortfall was particularly larger on a month-on-month basis with tax season ending and the flow of money into the Treasury slowing. The following analysis puts digs deeper into the numbers and puts them into some historical context.

Going for Silver With Michael DiRienzo – A SchiffGold Metal Exchange Interview

When it comes to precious metals investing, gold tends to hog the spotlight. But silver is also important to investors, both as an industrial and a monetary metal. In this Gold Exchange interview, host Mike Maharrey chats with Silver Institute Executive Director Michael DiRienzo about the current state of the silver market and where it’s […]

Peter Schiff: When It Comes to Inflation, We’re Just Getting Started

The July Consumer Price Index (CPI) data came out this week. For the first time, the numbers were in line with expectations, leading many mainstream pundits to declare “transitory” inflation is already starting to cool down. Peter Schiff broke down the report in his podcast. He said inflation is far from cooling off. In fact, […]

July CPI: Many Price Categories Are Still Increasing

For the first time this year, CPI data came in within expectations. Many in the mainstream took this as a sign “transitory” inflation might be cooling. But many prices continue to increase. The BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI) has become one of the most anticipated data points each month. The CPI has become a controversial […]

Chinese Gold Demand Rebounds in First Half of 2021

Chinese gold demand rebounded sharply in the first half of 2021 after plummeting in 2020, according to data released by the China Gold Association (CGA).