Gold’s shock rally has analysts grasping for explanations

Gold’s shock rally has analysts grasping for explanations

Gold’s surprising rally to new all-time highs has even seasoned industry professionals scratching their heads as to the true cause.

“It is clear that despite the West's disaffection for gold […] demand in China is more than offsetting the shortfall, with monumental volumes flowing from West to the East,” wrote Metals Daily CEO Ross Norman in a LinkedIn post. “As such, this rally seems to have caught Western experts and forecasters by surprise – a stealth rally if you like – which suggests to me the buying is beyond the immediate purview of most of us.”

Norman said the “conventional explanation” is that gold is rallying ahead of an expected rate cut at the June Fed meeting, which would weaken the dollar and strengthen gold, “but the dollar is actually up YTD and silver is not validating the move higher in the complex as evidenced by a decline in the gold/silver ratio as we would have expected.”

Another possible explanation would be the decline in U.S. treasury yields, “down 1.2% in the last month and with gold up nearly 6% … but again no evidence that institutions are behind this as ETF demand remains lacklustre.”

Norman said that there’s no doubt that short covering in the futures market has helped boost the rally, but the move is too big for that to be the main driver, “so something else is at play.”

“A significant part of the answer is of course Chinese buying and not just the traditional 'dama' or Chinese grandmothers – Gen Z investors have joined the fray,” he wrote. “But Chinese premiums are slipping (down from a strong $45 premium to $38) as have Indian premiums (down from $5 discount to a $16 discount) suggesting Asia is behaving in a moderately price-elastic manner and easing back on purchases in the face of price strength.”

Norman said he believes the shock rally is being driven by central bank buying, which continues to be very strong according to the latest January numbers.

“With the US moving beyond simple sanctions and threatening to sequester $300 billion in Russian financial assets (to be sold and paid across to support Ukraine) … some Central Banks … even the non-aligned ones, will be alarmed for fear that they might be in the firing line themselves at some point potentially,” he wrote. “It follows therefore that they might prudently wish to diversify into non-dollar assets.”

James Steel, an analyst at HSBC Holdings PLC, told Bloomberg in a report that the scale of the move is surprising given that there hasn’t been a significant change in rate cut expectations or another clear macroeconomic driver.

“The velocity and the speed were very sudden, very fast,” Steel said. “It didn’t seem to have a smoking gun.”

Ole Hansen, commodity strategist at Saxo Bank, said that the ISM manufacturing PMI data for February released on March 1, which came in well below expectations, highlighted the rising risk of a stock market correction, and may have prompted some investors to move from equities to gold.

TD Securities commodity strategist Ryan McKay believes that macro funds and momentum buying by commodity trading advisors contributed to gold’s sudden gains, with the latest Commodity Futures Trading Commission data showing hedge funds and money managers increasing their net bullish gold bets as of Feb. 27. Still, McKay noted that these investors added short positions roughly in line with new longs, meaning they’re not all in on gold’s upward move either.

The report noted that gold’s recent rally has also highlighted the growing disconnect between spot prices and gold-backed ETF outflows. “Holdings in SPDR Gold Shares, the world’s largest such ETF, fell by 0.3 per cent on March 4, taking the total to the lowest level since July 2019, according to data compiled by Bloomberg,” they wrote. “Those outflows have partly been offset by persistent central bank demand for the precious metal, which helped keep prices elevated even as real interest rates spiked last year.”

They also pointed out that physical demand for gold bars and coins also absorbed the gold that was sold by ETFs, and a strong Lunar New Year saw Chinese consumers buying gold as a hedge against the country’s beleaguered stock markets and real estate sector.

Ewa Manthey, commodities strategist at ING, believes the rally is being driven by a combination of rate cut expectations and geopolitical turmoil. “Speculation over a Fed rates pivot and continued geopolitical tensions keep gold shining,” said Manthey. “We expect gold prices to trade higher this year as safe-haven demand continues to be supportive amid geopolitical uncertainty with ongoing wars and the upcoming U.S. election.”

Spot gold hit a high of $2,150 per ounce around noon EST as Fed Chair Jerome Powell presented the central bank’s semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the U.S. House Financial Services Committee. It last traded at $2,148.90, up 0.84% on the day at the time of writing.

Kitco Media

Ernest Hoffman

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Enlightenment Is a way to cultivate positive lines of thought

“Enlightenment” Is a way to cultivate positive lines of thought.

"Enlightenment" Is a way to cultivate positive lines of thought.

“ENLIGHTENMENT”

“Enlightenment” Is a way to cultivate positive lines of thought. I’m sure you have a great idea in your mind that you can’t wait to try out. You’re not the only one with a great idea. What motivates you to make your creative or inspiring ideas a reality?

Setting a personal goal that you can achieve in the shortest amount of time possible is always the best way to go about it. For example, you may try to mow the lawn in an hour before the big game on television. You will find that everything is simpler and even more pleasurable if you maintain a right and optimistic attitude in whatever you do.

Here are some suggestions that will help you get through the week, even if you are just sitting on the couch that you enjoy the most. The formation of an idea in your thoughts is a process that takes time and occurs frequently when you are occupied with sitting.

Even a small amount of positive thinking can assist you in recognizing things that you would have never considered to be conceivable. It is true that the American Way is to think big, and it is this way of thinking that has contributed to the prosperity of our nation.

“ENLIGHTENMENT”

Move forth with a strong desire to live your life according to your own design. Talking is a waste of time. Taking action is like making deposits in the bank of a future that is passionately authentic. Without it, passion is null and void.

Imagine a scenario in which you begin by playing with your head, and then move on to playing with your hands. This is the perfect example of how dreams are produced. And even if the idea loses its strength, you can always return to it at a later time until you have completed it.

If you want to create a life you love, be true to yourself and the people you love. Create from your heart and with love, not fear. Don’t just react, but act with purpose. The American Dream is still real, but it’s just a dream if you don’t take action. Be amazed when things start to change.

The third step is to understand and accept the idea that every moment is perfect, no matter what happens. When you encounter something that seems difficult, why not try and see if it works out? You might be surprised to find other ways to finish the task on time. If you’re not happy with the result, decide to use that situation as a chance to learn and make changes.

Allow yourself to feel very thankful. Use what you have in a helpful way. Instead of focusing on not having enough, focus on being grateful. This will help you not feel needy all the time.

INSTEAD OF DWELLING ON MISSED OPPORTUNITIES,

Instead of dwelling on missed opportunities, try using the Passion Formula. This involves Recognizing, Reevaluating, and Restoring. The first step focuses on growth and wealth, while the second considers scarcity and lack. When faced with daunting challenges, remind yourself that the task is as important as giving instructions to your team. It’s best to be deeply passionate!

Always remember to keep humor in the forefront of your mind, and try to laugh at and with yourself whenever you can. When you let your guard down, you could find that you entertain yourself quite a bit! On the other hand, despite the fact that his quips are as “old as great-grandma,” I have never witnessed a comedian ever going hungry. There are a lot of things in life that can inspire you to wallow in self-pity and mope around. The value of humor is in its ability to captivate and captivate with passion.

Have confidence in your ability to shape your own future. You have the power to create the life you want. Live authentically and remember that there are endless possibilities for achievement as long as you’re alive and healthy. Enjoy the process and celebrate your accomplishments. When everything comes together perfectly, you’ll be amazed.

“Enlightenment”

It’s amazing how easily some people can feel overwhelmed when trying to learn to use a computer, especially now that big computer companies make software that even kids can use. I don’t want to sound patronizing, but without a positive attitude, you’ll just end up feeling stuck. Do you get what I mean? So instead of setting yourself up for failure, you should start by having a good mindset and paving your own way forward.

Tim Moseley

Bitcoin BTC Trading Volume on Exchanges Surge to 46 Billion Highest Since 2021 Peak

Bitcoin (BTC) Trading Volume on Exchanges Surge to $46 Billion, Highest Since 2021 Peak

By Arnold Kirimi – March 6, 2024

Bitcoin (BTC), the pioneer cryptocurrency, has once again captured the spotlight as its spot trading volume surged to over $46 billion on March 5th, marking a significant milestone not witnessed since the peak days of 2021, according to data by Kaiko data. This resurgence in trading activity across various centralized exchanges (CEXs) underscores the enduring appeal and resilience of Bitcoin in the ever-evolving cryptocurrency market. Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume, led this monumental trading volume with a staggering $23.84 billion worth of Bitcoin trades. Coinbase and Bybit followed closely behind, contributing significantly with volumes of $4.83 billion and $4.29 billion respectively. Other major exchanges such as OKX, KuCoin, Upbit, and Kraken also played a significant role, each contributing multi-billion dollar trading volumes.

Bitcoin (BTC) Market Dynamics and Future Outlook

The surge in Bitcoin trading volume was not limited to Bitcoin alone, as Ethereum (ETH) also experienced a substantial increase in spot trading volume, exceeding $20 billion on the same day. Binance again led the pack in Ethereum trading volume, accounting for half of the total volume. Bitcoin’s price experienced significant volatility, reaching a new all-time high at $69,324 shortly after the opening bell on Wall Street, only to see a correction of 9.75% to $59,323 later in the day. Analysts view this correction as necessary for “healthy consolidation” before the next surge, a common occurrence in the crypto market.

The sudden price drop raised questions about its cause—leverage, sudden sales by short-term buyers, or other factors. Subsequently, over $1.17 billion worth of leveraged positions were closed across the cryptocurrency market, with a significant portion attributed to Bitcoin long positions. The future of Bitcoin remains uncertain. Various events, including the release of economic data, upgrades to Ethereum’s blockchain, and major regulatory developments, are expected to contribute to more volatility and trading in the bitcoin markets.

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in the article are wholly those of the author and do not represent those of, nor should they be attributed to, ZyCrypto. This article is not meant to give financial advice. Please carry out your own research before investing in any of the various cryptocurrencies available.

The original article written by Arnold Kirimi and posted on ZyCrypto.com.

Article reposted on Markethive by Jeffrey Sloe

** Loans, secure funding for business projects in the USA and around the world. Learn more about USA & International Financing at Commercial Funding International. **

Tim Moseley

Gold continues to rise but technical studies suggest gold is overbought

Gold continues to rise, but technical studies suggest gold is overbought

Gold continues its dynamic rally moving to higher ground for the fourth consecutive day, with the last three consecutive days resulting in a new record settlement price. As of 4:00 PM ET, gold futures basis the most active April contract is currently trading up $11.70 and fixed at $2138.20. However, today gold futures are trading well off of $2150.50 its intraday high, the first occasion in the last few days in which gold has not closed near or at its daily high.

The current rally became dynamically stronger last Friday, March 1st when gold futures opened just at its 50-day simple moving average and gained $41 in trading. The $41 gain occurred after a report by the Institute for Supply Management which revealed its manufacturing index dropped to 47.8 in February, “signifying an economic contraction.” This is according to Ryan McIntyre, managing partner at Sprott Asset Management.

Follow-through buying was evident yesterday with gold futures scoring over a $30 gain taking the precious yellow metal to $2126.30.

However, this latest rally is not broad-based but rather fueled by a “jump in speculative betting”, according to Adrian Ash, director of research at BullionVault. Speaking to MarketWatch he said there is “no gold rush among Western investors right now, not in physical bullion and not outside Comex futures and options.”

Ash added that “gold exchange-traded funds continue to “shrink to pre-pandemic size; coin shops are slashing their premiums and buy-back prices to try clearing the flood of customer selling.”

The current rally is fueled largely by overwhelming optimism that the Federal Reserve will begin its pivot from interest rate hikes to its first interest rate cut since March 2022. However, this optimism is not in-line with recent comments of multiple Federal Reserve members including Chairman Powell. Fed officials continue to express the narrative that “they are in no rush to cut rates”.

Investors are hoping to gain more insight when Chairman Powell heads to Capitol Hill for his semi-annual testimony to the House and Senate beginning tomorrow. According to the CME’s FedWatch tool, there is a 97% probability that the Federal Reserve will not begin to cut rates at their March FOMC meeting and a 79.1% probability that the Fed’s benchmark Fed funds rate will remain unchanged at the May meeting.

However, this probability indicator dramatically favors a rate cut by June with only a 27.2% probability that they will not cut rates in June.

That being said, there are technical indicators that suggest that the recent rise in gold prices has put the precious yellow metal in an overbought situation. The chart above is a daily Japanese candlestick chart of gold with a stochastic oscillator. This study indicates that gold is very much overbought well over 80%, with the %K line crossing below the %D line which signals a strong potential for gold prices to decline. According to Investopedia, “ Stochastic oscillator charting generally consists of two lines: one reflecting the actual value of the oscillator for each session, and one reflecting its three-day simple moving average. Because price is thought to follow momentum, the intersection of these two lines is considered to be a signal that a reversal may be in the works, as it indicates a large shift in momentum from day to day.”

The chart above is also a daily Japanese candlestick chart with the RSI (Relative Strength Index) at 76.23. The RSI is a momentum indicator that measures the speed and magnitude of recent price changes used to evaluate if the market is over or undervalued. The RSI has moved above 70 indicating that gold is overbought and also suggests that gold could be primed for a trend reversal or a technical price pullback according to Investopedia.

While both of these technical studies strongly indicate that gold is overbought, the caveat to these momentum indicators is that gold could continue to rise and continue to be overbought. However, the fact that both of these indicators suggest that gold is extremely overbought warrants our attention as a potential indication that gold could pivot from its current bullish demeanor and signal imminent price correction.

Wishing you as always good trading,

Kitco Media

Gary Wagner

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

MicroStrategy To Issue 600 Million In Bonds for Bitcoin Acquisition Amid Crypto Market Surge

MicroStrategy To Issue $600 Million In Bonds for Bitcoin Acquisition Amid Crypto Market Surge

By Newton Gitonga – March 5, 2024

Prominent business intelligence firm MicroStrategy has announced plans to issue $600 million in bonds.

This plan was unveiled on Tuesday by the firm’s founder, Michael Saylor, who wrote in a tweet, “MicroStrategy Announces Proposed Private Offering of $600 Million of Convertible Senior Notes”.

Notably, as per an accompanying blog by the firm, the funds generated from this offering will primarily be allocated towards acquiring additional Bitcoins and fulfilling general corporate objectives. However, the firm noted that the success of the offering is contingent upon various factors, including market conditions.

Notably, the bonds, set to mature in 2030, will allow MicroStrategy to convert securities into shares starting in 2027. Additionally, bondholders will have the right to demand redemption by September 15, 2028. MicroStrategy also revealed plans to allow investors to purchase additional bonds worth up to $90 million.

This strategic move comes when Bitcoin has surged to unprecedented heights, with its value soaring to $69,000 on Monday. Riding on this bullish wave, MicroStrategy’s market capitalization has reached a staggering $22.64 billion, prompting a remarkable 23% surge in its share price over the past 24 hours, which now stands at $1,334.

According to data from Saylor Tracker, MicroStrategy currently holds an impressive 193,000 BTC, valued at around $13 billion. The unrealized profits from this investment have surged to an impressive $6.79 billion.

That said, MicroStrategy’s recent moves in the crypto space have been closely watched. In February, the company increased its Bitcoin holdings by an additional 3,000 BTC, following a previous purchase of 850 BTC for $37.2 million in January. Notably, throughout 2023, MicroStrategy displayed a consistent commitment to accumulating Bitcoin, with purchases totalling millions of dollars each month.

Notably, Saylor has been vocal about the company’s long-term Bitcoin strategy. Recently, he reiterated that MicroStrategy has no intentions of selling its Bitcoin reserves in the foreseeable future. Instead, the company aims to pivot towards becoming a “Bitcoin development company,” emphasizing the development of products and services centred around the pioneering cryptocurrency.

Saylor recently shared his bullish outlook on Bitcoin, predicting a “gold rush” for the leading cryptocurrency that could last until 2034. This forecast was driven by heightened institutional interest and increasing adoption of Bitcoin as a digital store of value, particularly with the emergence of spot Bitcoin ETFs.

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in the article are wholly those of the author and do not represent those of, nor should they be attributed to, ZyCrypto. This article is not meant to give financial advice. Please carry out your own research before investing in any of the various cryptocurrencies available.

The original article written by Newton Gitonga and posted on ZyCrypto.com.

Article reposted on Markethive by Jeffrey Sloe

** Loans, secure funding for business projects in the USA and around the world. Learn more about USA & International Financing at Commercial Funding International. **

Tim Moseley

Gold price above 2100 the market is just getting started – Jess Felder

Gold price above $2,100, the market is just getting started – Jess Felder

The gold market is seeing solid follow-through buying activity following last week’s record closing price. The precious metal has pushed above $2,100 an ounce, and according to one market analyst, it has room to run.

In an interview with Kitco News, Jess Felder, founder of the Felder Report, said he has been looking for gold to break to the upside as the price action has generated some very bullish technical patterns.

“Gold is forming consistent bullish flag patterns. The price spikes higher, consolidates for a period and then we see another price spike higher. Gold has been looking to break higher for a while now. From a purely technical standpoint, it looks to me like there's a projected target of a couple hundred dollars higher for gold in the short term, but longer term, we're looking at $2,700, $2800, perhaps over the next year or two. Technically, gold just looks very, very good.”

 

Along with gold’s technical outlook, Felder said that the precious metal has a robust fundamental outlook as he does not expect the Federal Reserve will be able to bring inflation down to its 2% target.

He added that persistently higher inflation could cause investors to lose faith in the U.S. central bank, weakening the U.S. dollar and making gold an attractive asset. At the same time, Fleder said that a weakening economy will force the Federal Reserve to at least reintroduce quantitative easing as it maintains its restrictive monetary policy.

“If you had both of those things at the same time, that would be the ultimate bull case for gold,” he said. “If it turns out the Fed hasn't done enough to sustainably bring inflation back down, that's going to worry people that way. The whole soft landing narrative is based on the idea that inflation comes down so the Fed can lower rates without a recession. But if inflation doesn't come down and they can't lower rates, that will impact the economy.”

At the same time, Felder noted that credit conditions within global financial markets continue to deteriorate. He added that sooner or later, the Federal Reserve is going to have to pump more liquidity into the market.

As good as gold looks, miners look even better

It’s not just the precious metal that looks good. Felder said that he is extremely bullish on precious metals miners as this sector hasn’t been this beat up since the bear market lows in 2015

However, Felder pointed out that the negative sentiment is not aligned with the sector’s solid fundamentals

“To me, this is a very powerful sentiment signal; it suggests that this is about as bearish as investors can get,” he said. “It’s the ultimate irony: miners are trading as if gold is in a major bear market, but gold is holding near record highs.”

As to what will entice investors back into the mining space, Felder said that he expects a rally in gold to create a lot of new interest. At the same time, he said that a correction in the broader equity market could push some funds into miners.

“There are interesting dynamics in the markets right now. Investors are avoiding commodities, generally, because they're worried that if a recession hits, demand for commodities is going to tank. However, they're obviously not avoiding equities. Personally, I would be more worried about equities because corporate profits in a recession fall a lot faster than demand for commodities.”

As to where he sees value in the sector, Felder said that with higher gold prices, major producers like Barrick, Newmont, and Agnico Eagle will benefit from increased cash flows. He added that these companies also represent less risks for generalist investors.

Newmont, the world’s largest gold producer, has recently attracted particular attention after its share price dropped to a five-year low. The company’s share price has since bounced off those lows, currently trading at $32.91 per share.

“Senior producers are about as dirt cheap as they can get,” he said.

 

Kitco Media

Neils Christensen

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Bitcoin’s parabolic rise to 65000 solidified by on-chain activities last seen in 2022

Bitcoin’s parabolic rise to $65,000 solidified by on-chain activities last seen in 2022

By Olivia Brooke – March 4, 2024

February has kicked off bullishly for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market. The Apex cryptocurrency has crossed the $60,000 price market for the first time in three years, and the stakes have even increased.

Despite market observers understandably expressing concerns over the possibility of a temporary bull rally, on-chain data is stating otherwise.

According to on-chain metrics shared by Santiment, Bitcoin’s position is backed by a notable increase in network activity depicted in on-chain and whale transaction volume.

As Santiment reported,

“Justifying Bitcoin’s historic run to a $64K high today, on-chain activity on crypto’s top network has already exceeded levels not matched since 2022. $35.37B in unchained transaction volume, 283K unique tokens moved, and 3,661 $1M+ whale transactions.”

Santiment confirms bull market, while Bitcoin ETF inflows soar above $5.7 billion

These metrics strengthen Bitcoin’s current position as the asset sits above $65,000 and prepares to test new yearly resistance levels. Notably, Bitcoin climbed to as high as $65,257 before it retracted downward to sit at the current price level four hours after the bullish upclimb. The asset’s most recent price movement marks a close in the gap within 7.2% of Bitcoin’s $68,700 all-time high recorded on November 10th, 2021.

The cryptocurrency market is also recording another promising trend pattern, as it continues to surge without correlating with the S&P500 and the equities market. As Santiment asserted, the movement has historically been regarded as a strong validator that the cryptocurrency sector is in a confirmed bull market.

Market players have maintained that the Bitcoin Spot market largely fuels the rally. Since the approval of 11 Bitcoin Spot applications, the Bitcoin market has seen an increase in inflows, with nearly $600 million recorded last week. Courtesy of the new U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF, year-to-data inflows for crypto funds have now surpassed $5.7 billion.

In the long-term, Bitcoin analysts have maintained collective optimism, with the majority predicting that demand for Spot Bitcoin ETFs could trigger a long-term rally for Bitcoin, and potentially send it to the $100,000 price level; a highly anticipated price point amongst community members and investors.

Meanwhile, at press time, Bitcoin bulls have managed to sustain the bullish momentum. After placing Bitcoin above the $65,000 price level for more than 48 hours, daily and monthly gains have crossed 52%. The apex cryptocurrency is trading for $65,280 at report time.

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in the article are wholly those of the author and do not represent those of, nor should they be attributed to, ZyCrypto. This article is not meant to give financial advice. Please carry out your own research before investing in any of the various cryptocurrencies available.

The original article written by Olivia Brooke and posted on ZyCrypto.com.

Article reposted on Markethive by Jeffrey Sloe

** Loans, secure funding for business projects in the USA and around the world. Learn more about USA & International Financing at Commercial Funding International. **

Tim Moseley

Censorship Industrial Complex On Steroids With AI An Insane Attempt To Threaten Free Speech Goes Next Level

Censorship Industrial Complex On Steroids With AI. An Insane Attempt To Threaten Free Speech Goes Next Level

The erosion of confidence in governments globally has led to a surge in efforts to suppress dissenting voices and limit the dissemination of information deemed unfavorable by those in power. In other words, truths they don’t like. The recent Congressional Hearing on the Weaponization of the Federal Government has exposed the alarming extent to which some governments are willing to go to silence opposition and maintain their grip on power. 

It has shed light on a disturbing trend: the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) that will enable the government to suppress what it considers as mis or disinformation with unprecedented efficiency and effectiveness. Using AI for censorship has created a dangerous alliance between government agencies and powerful corporations, further undermining the principles of democracy and the ability to seek the truth and speak the truth. 
 


Source: Truthstream Media X

In early February 2024, a subcommittee hearing was held to discuss the recent attempts by governments and agencies to censor online content, posing a threat to the fundamental right to free speech. This summary highlights the key points and issues addressed during the hearing and ways to resist these efforts and safeguard your constitutional freedom of expression.

To begin, a brief overview is needed. A political committee at Capitol Hill focuses explicitly on examining how the government's powers are being utilized as weapons. This committee was formed in January 2023 and has stirred up much debate. This is mainly because most of the subcommittee's discussions have centered on critiquing the current administration's utilization of governmental authority. While these discussions may seem biased, the substance of the dialogue holds value.

According to the Judiciary Committee's website, the hearing focuses on the federal government's role in funding the development of high-powered censorship and propaganda tools that governments and big tech can use to monitor and censor speech at scale. 


Source: Judiciary Committee 

From all accounts, the hearing was convened in response to a recent exposé by The Daily Caller, which revealed that the National Science Foundation (NSF), a separate government agency in the US, had allocated $40 million towards developing online censorship tools. The report's author, Katelynn Richardson, suggests that this investment is part of a more considerable effort by the U.S. government to create a "censorship industrial complex" through the funding of AI research initiatives.

Just so you know, governments globally are following suit and implementing similar measures to curb online freedom. This article provides an overview of the various internet censorship laws enacted worldwide.

Katelynn was among the four individuals who provided testimony. The other three witnesses were Greg Lukianoff, CEO and President of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), Lee Fang, an investigative journalist known for his work on the Twitter files, which exposed collaboration between big tech and governments to silence dissenting voices, and Norman Eisen, a former U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic. 

It's worth noting that although the motivations behind this hearing were likely partisan, the information that came to light is crucial for everyone to be aware of, regardless of their political affiliations or geographical location.

The utilization of these powerful instruments is not limited to any particular administration or government. Consequently, it's essential to recognize that the same tools employed against individuals you disapprove of today could be directed toward you in the future. The notion that you may hold a non-partisan stance does not necessarily ensure your immunity, as historical patterns suggest a tendency towards the escalation of such measures. Some might argue that we're currently witnessing the manifestation of this phenomenon.


Source: Judiciary.House.gov

The Hearing – Opening Statements

The hearing commenced with opening statements from politicians from both Republican and Democrat parties. Chairman Jim Jordan was the first to address the assembly, and he began by enumerating instances where the U.S. government had collaborated with major technology companies to suppress legitimate speech. His list was extensive and included several notable examples. Additionally, he drew attention to a recent investigative report that revealed the U.S. government had pressured Amazon to restrict specific book titles on its platform during the pandemic.

Jim expressed concern that censorship tactics are advancing with generative AI technology, which has gained widespread attention. He referenced quotes from studies on censorship funded by the U.S. government, highlighting the potential for these tools to circumvent legal responsibility by operating through automated programs rather than individuals subject to legal repercussions.

However, the most incriminating statement highlighted the fact that certain studies are deliberately aiming to reach rural and indigenous communities, veterans, older adults, and military families through their internet censorship mechanisms, as they believe these groups are the most susceptible to mis and disinformation. It insinuates these minorities are too stupid to know the truth. Or perhaps these demographics often place their faith in entities beyond the government's control, posing a challenge for those in power.

Jim then disclosed that another proposal document stated that reactive content moderation (usually performed by humans) is too slow and ineffective. The focus is, therefore, on certain tools that implement proactive censorship, meaning that any online content you post will be censored before you complete typing it. Notably, these are the types of concepts that have been extensively debated at the World Economic Forum's yearly gatherings.

Ranking member Stacey Plaskett was the next speaker, and she rejected Jim's remarks as a conspiracy theory. She expressed her frustration that she has to sit through repeated discussions on the subject, six times to be exact, emphasizing that the real weaponization of the government occurred during the prior administration.


Source: Video of hearing

Witnesses Opening Statements

The witnesses had their chance to share their opening statements, free from the influence of partisan agendas. First, Katelynn Richardson began by expressing her concern about the U.S. government's potential involvement in creating a censorship-industrial complex. She then disclosed that numerous censorship studies she uncovered last year are still in progress.

Katelynn pointed out that a censorship-industrial complex is rising as a new sector receiving substantial government funding, not unlike the expanding crypto compliance industry aimed at satisfying the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). She noted that she has questioned these entities about their studies. Katelynn also mentioned that she had challenged these institutions about their research. In response, they initiated a marketing campaign to justify their censorship efforts as a means of safeguarding democracy. This excuse has become a common justification for government overreach in recent times.

Lee Fang, the second witness to testify, discussed the potential for AI to facilitate unparalleled levels of censorship. He drew from his personal experience working on the Twitter files to illustrate how large pharmaceutical companies and their affiliated organizations have partnered with big tech to suppress online content.

Lee recently shared that although these programs were paused after the pandemic, they were reinstated around the middle of last year. He pointed out that various tools created by governments to combat terrorism are now being utilized against their own people. He cautioned that these tactics could be exploited by whoever was in power to silence political adversaries and emphasized the need for a nonpartisan approach to the committee's work.

Greg Lukianoff was the third witness to give testimony. He described how FIRE works to protect free speech rights from government interference nationwide, advocating for both right-wing and left-wing causes. He warned that the battles they have fought so far will seem insignificant compared to the challenges that lie ahead with the emergence of AI. Additionally, Lukianoff highlighted the issue of AI alignment, which, in theory, involves teaching AI to follow instructions but, in practice, often translates to teaching AI to comply with government dictates.

Greg emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) is merely a tool that can enhance freedom of speech, much like the internet. He drew an analogy between the internet, AI, and the printing press, which brought about the downfall of religious control over governments. However, Greg noted that this is only possible if AI can develop freely in a decentralized environment without excessive regulation. Over-regulation risks undesirable consequences such as censorship and may hinder the United States' technological competitiveness.

Norman Eisen took his turn to speak, displaying a strong bias typical of such hearings by passionately advocating for government collaboration with major tech and AI companies. He dismissed accusations of fearmongering from his fellow panelists and asserted that it is permissible for the government to engage in such partnerships. Furthermore, he stressed that the government has the right to express its reservations to tech giants and to fund various AI initiatives. Eisen also revealed his initiative to provide a scholarship for individuals interested in delving into the intersection of AI and democracy.

The Q&A Session Begins.

Thomas Massie [R] was the first to pose a question during the session. He directed his inquiry to Lee, who disclosed a shocking revelation regarding the government's utilization of AI censorship initiatives. A program is in place that employs the creation of AI-powered social media bots designed to engage in arguments with individuals whom the government deems to be propagating false or misleading information. 

In other words, if you have ever voiced an opinion on social media that contradicts the government's stance and subsequently received a barrage of responses from suspicious-looking accounts, these were likely AI bots funded by the government. 

Regrettably, the left-leaning politicians chose to overlook the AI censorship problem caused by the current government, dismissing it as a futile concern. Instead, they emphasized the perceived bleak and harmful consequences for the United States if Donald Trump were to win the presidential election. This biased stance was unproductive and not deserving of attention here; however, you can find the complete hearing by following this link, which is worth viewing. Following my initial frustration, I found myself chuckling.

Kelly Armstrong [R] presented a comprehensive list of the U.S. government for research on censorship and inquired with Katelynn about a specific grant aimed at training students for job roles related to disinformation. This initiative represents what Katelynn referred to as the censorship-industrial complex.  She affirmed that this program was indeed a summer internship opportunity for students who had received government funding. Kelly then questioned her about the curriculum focusing on recognizing misinformation.

Katelynn said there were many things, but the primary emphasis was on election-related information. The fact that more than 4.2 billion individuals worldwide are expected to participate in elections this year is quite alarming. It appears that governments are determined to maintain the status quo by supporting established candidates. The question then arises: Why have they yet to introduce a transparent blockchain voting system? The likely answer is simple enough to figure out.

After an unrelated partisan commentary and one question directed at Norman Eisen about Trump from anti-crypto politician Stephen Lynch [D], Jim questioned Lee Fang about his opening statement, specifically regarding a 2012 hearing on government funding for censorship programs. Jim confirmed that this was indeed the case and that the opposing political party was pushing for online censorship at the time. However, Greg Lukianoff pointed out that the tables have now turned and that one should not celebrate using these tools, even if they are being used against individuals they dislike, as they could potentially be used against them in the future.

The queries continued, with John Garamendi [D] taking his turn. Similar to his political peers, his inquiry was tainted with partisanship. Nevertheless, he disclosed a noteworthy detail: conservative groups have devised a strategic plan called Project 2025 to reform the U.S. government. This information is significant because it suggests that the growing opposition globally may not be as spontaneous as it appears and seems to be controlled.

In plain terms, the various individuals and organizations claiming to challenge the current state of affairs are, in fact, integral to the same dominant system they purport to oppose. A prime illustration of this phenomenon is that numerous purported opposition leaders who have risen to power in various nations are affiliated with the World Economic Forum (WEF). This article reveals how the WEF maintains programs designed to assist their preferred candidates in attaining elected office globally.

It is improbable that Project 2025 has any connection to the World Economic Forum (WEF), considering the initiative is reportedly led by the Heritage Foundation, whose president gained widespread attention for criticizing the WEF at the Davos gathering.

Following some biased inquiries from Darrell Issa [D] and Stacey Plaskett [D], Greg Steube [R] queried Lee about NewsGuard, an organization that assesses the accuracy of news sources. Lee indicated that he had devoted considerable effort to researching NewsGuard and described it as part of the expanding misinformation industry.

Lee discovered that NewsGuard has secured military agreements and is exerting an impact on how traditional media covers topics related to foreign policy. This development is not surprising given the history of the CIA's Operation Mockingbird. This program was used to manipulate US media outlets for propaganda during the Cold War. Although Operation Mockingbird officially ended in the 1970s, many believe that its practices continue to be employed in some form today.

Following a series of partisan questions from Representatives Sylvia Garcia [D] and Dan Goldman [D], who claimed there’s no evidence of government coercion regarding social media censorship and reiterated the committee was a useless waste of time and “the true weaponization, the threat of weaponization of the federal government is Donald Trump and the Republicans, and we should move on from this charade.” 

The chairman, Jim Jordan, interjected to point out that Dan Goldman had previously acknowledged in a related hearing that the U.S. government had been requesting big tech companies to remove certain content but that these companies had only complied with such requests 35% of the time.

Kat Cammack [R] reinforced Jim's message by stating she has tangible evidence of the censorship previously orchestrated by the present government and agencies. She also emphasized that the purpose of the hearing was not to engage in political posturing but to confront the growing threat of digital authoritarianism emanating from the US government. She stressed that this issue affects everyday citizens and warned that those who assume they are immune will be caught off guard. 

Despite this, the hearing continued to be impured by partisan bickering, with Stacy Plaskett [D] leading the charge and Harriet Hageman [R] attempting to set the record straight. Harriet also highlights that the upscaling of AI technology can provide censorship operations, and the scope of it is astonishing. Quoting an example of one company’s pitch to the NSF boasting that it was using AI to monitor 750,000 blogs and media articles daily as well as mining data from the major social media platforms. 

Pro-crypto politician Warren Davidson [R] finally had his turn to speak. He brought up a topic that other speakers avoided discussing: the potential creation of a digital identification system by the US government. Warren then turned to Greg for data supporting the claim that censorship is increasing. Greg shared a surprising statistic – 2020 and 2021 recorded the highest number of college professors terminated in the United States since the 1930s.

Greg highlighted that professors across the political spectrum have been affected. He continued to assert that removing academics who resisted conforming to the prevailing norms amid the pandemic has paved the way for a potentially dystopian future in artificial intelligence. Greg pointed out that the remaining scholars, who are now working on AI censorship technology funded by the government, have all complied with the imposed expectations.

Following some politically charged remarks by Jim, Russell Fry [R] made a striking observation. He pointed out that to secure government funding for research related to censorship, one must actively seek it out. This implies that individuals who receive such grants are, in effect, proactively seeking to expand their censorship capabilities from the get-go.

Russell sought Greg's insight on addressing the issue, and Greg's response was illuminating and unexpected. Contrary to popular belief, Greg argued that relying on regulations would not be effective, as it would inevitably lead to further centralization and increase the risk of future control mechanisms. Instead, the key to resolving this problem lies in decentralization, specifically developing and implementing decentralized AI systems that preclude any single entity from wielding such control.


Image by Markethive.com

Combating Online Censorship

The pressing concern now is how to counteract the growing online censorship trend. The first step is to acknowledge the importance of presenting truthful information in a composed and well-reasoned manner, supported by logical arguments and factual evidence. By doing so, we can effectively communicate our message and create a more informed public discourse.

Frequently, individuals try to communicate the truth using exaggerated language, offensive remarks, and other content that may be considered offensive, which can lead to censorship regardless of the message's intent. While some argue that individuals should be free to express themselves in such ways, the reality is that such language may not be tolerated in all cultures and societies. In some countries, like the US, there is a greater emphasis on freedom of speech, but in other parts of the world, there are stricter guidelines around what can and cannot be said.

The second approach is to choose which issues to address carefully. As many people do on specific platforms, there is no point in screaming about an issue into the void. Similarly, arguing with government-backed AI bots supported by the government is usually unproductive. If it is unlikely that anyone's perspective will shift, it is better to refrain from the discussion. Instead, consider sharing your concerns with someone open to listening and empathizing. It is more effective to communicate truths with individuals you are familiar with, as this may lead to the information being disseminated effectively.

This relates to the third point, recognizing that the type of AI-based censorship many governments implement can only occur on specific social media platforms.  Engaging with like-minded individuals in person or online makes you less likely to experience its effects. However, it is essential to avoid isolating yourself within an echo chamber.

It's crucial to recognize that avoiding the issue of censorship won't make it disappear. It can eventually impact you if left unaddressed, even if you try to ignore it. Unfortunately, it might not always be possible to fight back. Fortunately, though, you don't always need to. 

This pertains to the fourth solution, which involves utilizing alternative platforms that are not vulnerable to online censorship being imposed. Although centralized platforms that uphold free speech still exist, they are under increasing scrutiny by authorities and will likely have to adhere to regulations. As a result, decentralized platforms have emerged as the sole alternative, providing an unrestricted space for online interactions.

This article about the narratives of the next crypto bull market illustrates that decentralized social media is becoming a prominent force as the authorities and bureaucrats will do anything and everything to dumb us down and use taxpayer dollars to do it. So, we are essentially funding our own censorship, and it’s not just in the pursuit of revealing truths online but also in asking questions that require answers that don’t follow their narrative. People may have to adopt decentralized media out of necessity. 

This pertains to the final point: voting for leaders committed to protecting free speech as it is a fundamental right that supersedes all else. Despite some people's dismissive views, the significance of free speech cannot be overstated, which is why it is enshrined in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Without free speech, it becomes difficult to seek the truth, and when you don't know the truth, it becomes challenging to live per reality, which is based on the truth. When it becomes difficult to live in reality, society starts to collapse, and when society starts to collapse, everyone loses, eventually, including those in positions of power. 

In a nutshell, combating censorship involves sharing truthful information in a manner that resonates with people, exploring alternative channels when online avenues are restricted, and supporting political candidates who champion free speech to prevent such limitations from arising. For many individuals, 2024 presents a critical opportunity to exercise their democratic voice before this dystopian nightmare takes hold.

Thank God for Markethive! 

 

Editor and Chief Markethive: Deb Williams. (Australia) I thrive on progress and champion freedom of speech.  I embrace "Change" with a passion, and my purpose in life is to enlighten people to accept and move forward with enthusiasm. Find me at my Markethive Profile Page | My Twitter Account | and my LinkedIn Profile.

 

 

 

 

 

Tim Moseley

Gold bears are hibernating this week as the market sees record closing price

Gold bears are hibernating this week as the market sees record closing price

A record weekly close for gold is fueling significant bullish sentiment in the marketplace; however, some analysts have said that this breakout still needs to be tested, and investors should be careful about chasing prices.

Results of the Kitco News Weekly Gold Survey show that both Wall Street analysts and retail investors are cautiously optimistic about gold next week.

Gold prices managed to push above $2,050 an ounce Thursday after The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge showed a benign rise in consumer prices. After a slow start Friday, the precious metal started to attract some followthrough buying momentum following weaker-than-expected manufacturing and sentiment data.

April gold futures last traded at $2,095.20 an ounce, up 2% from last week. The precious metal’s best performance since late November has created a new record closing price.

While the rally has breathed new life into the precious metals market, some analysts have said that the price action remains sensitive as profit-taking and volatility could push prices back to within their well-defined channel.

Adam Button, chief currency strategist at Forexlive.com, said that Friday’s rally shows how much potential gold has; however, he added that he doesn’t see the rally as being backed by strong fundamentals.

“I just don’t see how a miss in ISM manufacturing could drive prices this high. I would be more convinced this rally was sustainable if it came after really disappointing employment numbers,” he said. “I think investors do need to pay attention because this shows how many investors are waiting for the dollar to crack before jumping into the market.”

James Stanley, senior market strategist at Forex.com, said that he is also not chasing the market, even as he anticipates higher prices in the near-term.

“I don’t think the pivot at the Fed is here yet. And while I have been very bullish on gold the past few weeks, even after the 2k test, spot [prices] trading over $2,075 is something I don’t want to chase here. That was the level that caught the high in 2020 and has remained a significant roadblock for bulls in the three and a half years since,” he said. “The NFP report is going to be a big deal for macro next week, but that’s not until Friday, so there could be some testing around $2100, but I’m not optimistic enough on drive beyond that level to chase the move while near that long-term resistance.”

This week, 14 analysts participated in the Kitco News Gold Survey and not one is bearish on gold in the near term. The survey showed 11 analysts, or 79%, were bullish on gold. At the same time, three analysts, or 21%, were neutral on the precious metal.

Meanwhile, Main Street investor sentiment continues to improve steadily. This week, 175 votes were cast in Kitco’s online survey. In a slight improvement from last week, 77 retail investors,representing 44%, looked for gold to rise next week. Another 43, or 25%, predicted it would be lower, while 55 respondents, or 31%, were neutral on the near-term prospects for the precious metal.

Marc Chandler, Managing Director at Bannockburn Global Forex, said $2,088 could represent a major resistance point for gold next week.

“Beyond that is the record high set on that spike in early December to $2135.60. I think we will see a need for the dollar’s resilience to buckle, and that may take greater confidence in a near-term Fed cut. Some Wall Street economists have begun giving up on a cut, and former Treasury Secretary Summers has cautioned that the next move may still be a hike,” he said.

Phillip Strieble, chief market strategist at Blue Line Futures, said that while gold’s rally is impressive, he would like to see gold hold higher support to confirm that this isn’t another bull trap.

Some analysts have said that while gold is seeing an impressive rally, it faces significant resistance at $2,100 an ounce.

Sean Lusk, co-director of commercial hedging at Walsh Trading, said that he sees potential for gold to go higher but remains hesitant to chase the market.

“We have been consolidating for a while now, so this could have some teeth to it,” he said.

Lusk added that investors could look at options to get some exposure to gold and take advantage of the market's momentum. He added that a medium-term play would be to buy $2,100 August gold calls and sell $2,275 February gold puts.

“A modest 5% rally takes the market to $2,175,” he said. “Should August 2100 call trade $70 in the money, we could collect $5K to $6K per spread upon exit, in my opinion.”

Kitco Media

Neils Christensen

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Solana Explodes by 30 in a Week Factors Behind The Move Suggest SOL Could Go Crazy In March

Solana Explodes by 30% in a Week — Factors Behind The Move Suggest SOL Could Go Crazy In March

By Georgi Farfarov – March 3, 2024

The crypto market has been on its toes as Solana has seen an explosive surge of over 30% in just one week, reaching its 23-month high. The impressive rally has sparked confidence and curiosity within the crypto community, prompting a closer examination of the factors driving Solana’s recent ascent.

Today, we delve into the factors behind Solana’s remarkable surge and explore the crucial question: Can Solana sustain this momentum?

As of March 3, SOL is trading at $130.69, marking an impressive 34.2% gain over the past seven days. Despite being the fifth-largest cryptocurrency, Solana has moved closer to its competitor, BNB. The surge raises questions about the sustainability of this momentum and whether Solana can continue outperforming its competitors.

Factors Fueling Solana’s Rally

Multiple factors contribute to Solana’s recent surge. Price momentum, market conditions, recent news, supply and demand, and others all come into play.

The performance of Solana meme coins, including BONK and WIF, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. BONK has surged by 115%, while WIF has rallied an impressive 268% in the past week.

Solana’s Total Value Locked (TVL) and NFT Dominance

We turn to Solana’s Total Value Locked (TVL) in smart contracts to see if SOL’s surge is sustainable. With SOL playing a crucial role in decentralized applications (DApps), a higher TVL signifies increased user engagement and demand for Solana-based DApps. Data from Solana shows that its TVL is at the highest level since November 2022.

Solana’s strong presence in the NFT marketplace further distinguishes it from competitors. With a weekly volume of $7.9 billion, Solana’s dominance in the NFT space is clear. And it contributes to its overall utility, potentially attracting a broader user base.

Can Solana Sustain the Momentum?

While Solana’s recent surge is undoubtedly impressive, the crypto market remains dynamic and subject to various influences. Market conditions, sentiment shifts, and fundamental indicators signal Solana could very likely sustain its outperformance against competitors in March.

As we analyze the factors behind this impressive move, the crucial question lingers: Can Solana maintain its momentum in the ever-changing crypto landscape? The coming days will likely determine whether Solana’s surge is a short-term phenomenon or the beginning of a sustained upward trajectory.

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in the article are wholly those of the author and do not represent those of, nor should they be attributed to, ZyCrypto. This article is not meant to give financial advice. Please carry out your own research before investing in any of the various cryptocurrencies available.

The original article written by Georgi Farfarov and posted on ZyCrypto.com.

Article reposted on Markethive by Jeffrey Sloe

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Tim Moseley

The Artist that came out of the Winter