Peter's Blog

Jobs: A Weak Report is Even Weaker in the Details

The analysis below covers the Employment picture released on the first Friday of every month. While most of the attention goes to the headline number, it can be helpful to look at the details, revisions, and other reports to get a better gauge of what is really going on.

Volatility Incoming: The End of the Yen Carry Trade

Earlier this year, we discussed the likelihood of the yen carry trade unwinding under the BoJ’s decision to end decades of zero-interest rate policy, or ZIRP. That unwinding now appears to be entering full swing.

Farewell, Democracy: Venezuelan Socialism Is Here to Stay

“I speak to you with the calmness of the truth,” Venezuelan presidential candidate Edmundo González told supporters, who had gathered outside his campaign headquarters in Caracas. “We have in our hands the tally sheets that demonstrate our categorical and mathematically irreversible victory.”

Chinese Taking Advantage of Yen Weakness as Domestic Retail Struggles

As the Chinese central bank slashes interest rates in a bid to save its floundering economy, and the Bank of Japan continually intervenes to the tune of billions to save its dying yen, wealthy Chinese consumers are headed in droves to Japan to take advantage of the exchange rate and load up on fancy goods. […]

Prepper Paradise: Gold’s Power When It All Goes Down

Society’s linear march forward is used to justify numerous seemingly innocuous lifestyle choices. The assumption that the way things have been is the way they will continue to be is the unquestionable tenet at the root of a carefree ideology that can lead to horrid unintended consequences when it all goes down.

Inflation Drives Inequality

Government bailouts are surging, converting temporary bank-created money into permanent inflation. This inflation hurts the poor and benefits well-connected banks, driving inequality.

The Technicals: Gold Consolidation is Nearing its End

This analysis attempts to look at different metrics to understand the current momentum in the gold and silver markets. It is meant as an analysis on potential price direction in the very short-term (a few weeks to 1-2 months).

Transforming the USPS Through Privatization

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a cornerstone of American communication and commerce. However, it has faced mounting challenges in the form of inefficiency and waste. Privatization is a way to address these issues and transform the USPS into a more efficient, innovative, and financially sustainable entity.

CME Gold and Silver Delivery Update July 2024

The CME Comex is the Exchange where futures are traded for gold, silver, and other commodities. The CME also allows futures buyers to turn their contracts into physical metal through delivery. You can find more detail on the CME here (e.g., vault types, major/minor months, delivery explanation, historical data, etc.).

13-Week Money Supply Suggests a Flat Stock Market for Now

Money Supply is a very important indicator. It helps show how tight or loose current monetary conditions are regardless of what the Fed is doing with interest rates. Even if the Fed is tight, if Money Supply is increasing, it has an inflationary effect.