Questions arise about next FOMC meeting will their decisions remain data-dependent

Questions arise about next FOMC meeting; will their decisions remain data-dependent

Exactly one week from today the Federal Reserve will hold the first Federal Open Market Committee meeting for the calendar year 2023. But before Federal Reserve officials meet for the first time this year on Friday, January 27 the government will release its latest data on inflation vis-à-vis the core PCE for December. Currently, the forecast for this week’s core PCE report is that inflationary pressures will continue to subside from 4.7% YoY in November to 4.4% in December 2022.

Inflation has been steadily subsiding as a result of the extremely aggressive monetary policy of the Federal Reserve which has been raising the benchmark “Fed funds” rate beginning in March 2022. The Federal Reserve had maintained its benchmark rate between 0 and ¼% for an extended time even though inflation in 2021 was spiraling out of control quickly approaching a 40-year high. Beginning in March the Federal Reserve raise rates by ¼%, the first-rate hike since 2018.

This was followed by a series of aggressive rate hikes that would define the second half of 2022. The Federal Reserve as they raised rates at each consecutive FOMC meeting from March to December. In May they raised rates by ½% and followed that with a series of ¾% rate hikes in June, July, September, and November. Finally, the Federal Reserve decreased the pace of hikes starting on December 2 by only raising them by ½ %. The totality of the actions by the Federal Reserve last year took the benchmark rate from between 0 and ¼% to between 4 ¼% and 4.5%.

It is widely expected that the Federal Reserve will continue its pivot by slowing the pace of rate hikes with a ¼% rate hike during the January FOMC meeting. The CME’s FedWatch tool currently is forecasting that there is a 98.1% probability that the Fed will raise rates by only ¼% and a 1.9% probability that the Fed will raise rates by ½ %. The Federal Reserve is also on record according to their most recent economic projections released in December of last year that they expect to take their benchmark rate just above 5% and not reduce that level for the entire year and possibly into the first or second quarter 0f 2024.

This raises many questions, the most important being whether or not the Federal Reserve will maintain this aggressive monetary stance in light of recent data that indicates that inflation in the US and globally has peaked and is decreasing every month. Global inflation came in at a six-month low in December but the Federal Reserve maintains that it is unlikely to reverse its hawkish bias.

Their hardline stance that they will keep rates elevated at 5% with no rate reduction in 2023 brings to question whether or not the Federal Reserve is still data dependent, and if they are will they maintain their rigid policy of no rate deductions this year regardless of what the data shows?

While declining levels of inflation allude that the hawkish monetary policy of the Fed with aggressive rate hikes is certainly behind us. The fact that the Federal Reserve is on record stating that they will slow the pace of rate hikes the question becomes; is there any point at which positive data on lower levels of inflation will cause them to backpedal on their stance of no rate reductions in 2023?

This is possibly the most important question on the minds of economists, analysts, and most importantly market participants.

By Gary Wagner

Contributing to kitco.com

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Gold futures remain steady as investors await the PCE report and FOMC meeting

Gold futures remain steady as investors await the PCE report and FOMC meeting

Gold futures traded marginally higher as market participants focus on next week’s FOMC meeting. As of 4:00 PM EST, the most active February contract of gold futures is up $3.80 and fixed at $1932. Silver futures traded under pressure with the most active March contract currently down $0.37 and fixed at $23.565. The dollar had little influence on precious metals pricing today with the dollar index in essence unchanged, up 0.01%, and fixed at 101.795.

Next week, the Federal Reserve will hold the first federal Open Market Committee meeting for the year where they will most likely implement the next interest rate hike. Last week, we received a series of mixed messages from different Federal Reserve officials. James Bullard, the president of the St. Louis Federal Reserve for example expressed the need for the Federal Reserve to rapidly move to their target rate of 5% or higher saying “why stall”.

Another advocate continuing to raise rates at an accelerated rate was Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester. Last week she commented, "I just think we need to keep going, and we'll discuss at the meeting how much to do."

However, it is still highly anticipated that the Federal Reserve will continue with a slower pace of rate hikes as seen at the last FOMC meeting in December when the Fed raised rates by ¼%, the smallest interest rate hike since March of last year. Several officials of the Federal Reserve have alluded to slowing the pace of rate hikes including Gov. Christopher Waller, who said in a speech at the Council on foreign relations that he favors a ¼% rate hike at the next FOMC meeting.

This is in alignment with the CME’s FedWatch tool which is predicting a 99.1% probability that the outcome of next week’s FOMC meeting will be a rate hike of 25-BPS, and only a 0.9% probability that the Fed will enact a more aggressive stance raising rates by 50-BPS.

One of the most important reports that will occur before the FOMC meeting is the release of the US core PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index) index on January 27. The last report came in at 4.7% for November and it is currently believed that this month’s report will show that inflation has subsided to 4.4% in December of last year.

Gary S. Wagner

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Gold price eyes 1950 but it might have to wait until the Fed meeting before moving on to 2000 – analysts

Gold price eyes $1,950 but it might have to wait until the Fed meeting before moving on to $2,000 – analysts

Gold's January rally took prices to nine-month highs Friday, with the precious metal up more than 5% since the start of the year. But industry experts are not ruling out some consolidation ahead of the Federal Reserve's February meeting.

Gold hit a nine-month high of $1,939 an ounce Friday on bullish technical momentum and safe-haven buying. At the time of writing, February Comex gold futures were at $1,925.20, flat on the day after some profit-taking.

 

Is gold overbought?

Analysts describe a rapid rally in gold and warn that conditions are starting to look overbought.

"It is going to be choppy. I am neutral on gold until the Fed's meeting on February 1. Major resistance is at $2,000. But I would be surprised if we move above $1,950. We are likely to consolidate here until the Fed meeting," OANDA senior market analyst Edward Moya told Kitco News.

The overall outlook on gold remains strongly bullish, with many analysts looking for the precious to eventually get to $2,000 an ounce later this year and potentially even later this quarter. It is only the short-term view that looks potentially overstretched.

"It's been a skyrocketing move higher. If selling pressure kicks in, $1,900 might not be a strong level of support," Moya noted.

Technically, gold is approaching overbought territory, noted RJO Futures senior market strategist Frank Cholly, adding that the trend higher remains strong.

"The gold market is moving higher at a ridiculous rate. It is seeing higher highs, higher lows, and higher closes. That is good. And the U.S. dollar has been trending lower. Any correction at these levels would be a buying opportunity," Cholly told Kitco News. "I expect gold to continue to trend higher. I am bullish until we see a pullback to $1,850."

The $2,000 target is still very much on the table for Cholly. "Even though we had a little trouble achieving a close at $1,950, I see a clear pathway to $2,000," he said.

Cholly explained that gold is a unique market in that higher prices make the asset more attractive. "In other markets, such as raw commodities that are supply and demand driven, you reach a point where high prices are the cure for high prices — meaning that people stop buying at a certain price target or producers increase production. For gold, the higher it goes, the more people want it. We can easily achieve $2,000 in the first half of this year, if not sooner," he added.
 

Fed expectations

The beginning of the year saw recession fears and movement in Treasuries, which was good for gold. "Year-to-date, gold is off to a good start," Moya said. "I still maintain my 2023 bullish outlook. We've seen it rally quite a bit, so there could be some weakness here."

All eyes will be on the Fed messaging come February 1, with markets pricing in a downshift to a 25-basis-point hike. This is a significant change of pace after the Fed went from hiking by 75 basis points in the fall to 50 basis points in December.

"The Fed has done enough messaging. But the labor market is a bit confusing. There has been enough weakness in the data already. They are likely to downshift to 25 basis points," said Moya. "For the Fed, a big risk is that inflation doesn't go all the way down."

The U.S. dollar moves are critical to watch in the next few weeks as markets anticipate a lower dollar as the Fed slows down rate hikes, added Cholly.
 

Data next week

There are several critical data releases next week, including the U.S. Q4 GDP and the Fed's favorite inflation measure — the core personal consumer expenditure.

Despite deteriorating manufacturing and service sector data, the fourth quarter GDP is expected to show the U.S. economy expanding 2.6% after reporting growth of 3.2% in Q3.

"Consumer spending should be an important driver given the strong performance in October, but aside from that, the growth will largely be focused on net trade and inventory building," said ING's chief international economist James Knightley. "This is not 'good' growth. Imports are falling because of the deteriorating domestic growth story, while inventories are increasing, partly because of improved supply chains but also because demand is not as strong as many businesses expected. The GDP growth figures over the next few quarters will be much weaker."

The core PCE price index is expected to slow to 4.4% on an annual basis in December from November's pace of 4.7%.

"[This] would confirm the easing trend in price pressures. There are no scheduled Federal Reserve speakers due to the proximity to the upcoming FOMC meeting and the self-imposed 'quiet period'. We expect a 25bp interest rate increase on February 1," Knightley added.

Wednesday: Bank of Canada rate decision

Thursday: U.S. GDP Q4, U.S. jobless claims, U.S. durable goods orders

Friday: U.S. PCE price index, U.S. pending home sales

By Anna Golubova

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Gold prices holding steady gains above 1925 as US existing home sales drop 15 in December

Gold prices holding steady gains above $1,925 as U.S. existing home sales drop 1.5% in December

Gold prices, while down from their nine-month highs, are holding modest gains following another drop in U.S. existing home sales, according to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Friday, the association said that existing home sales fell 1.5% to a sales rate of 4.02 million homes in December, the market's eleventh consecutive drop. Although home sales continued to decline into the year-end, the data was better than expected. Economists were looking for a sales rate of 3.95 million.

The gold market is seeing a muted reaction to the latest economic data as some traders take profits after prices hit a nine-month high at the start of the North American trading session. February gold futures last traded at $1.927.10 an ounce, up 0.17% on the day.

The NAR said that existing home sales totaled 5.03 million in 2022, a drop of 17.8% from 2021. Economists note that the Federal Reserve's aggressive monetary policy action, raising interest rates 425 basis points last year, kept many potential home buyers out of the market. At the same time, low supplies of homes for sale kept prices elevated through 2022.

"December was another difficult month for buyers, who continue to face limited inventory and high mortgage rates," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "However, expect sales to pick up again soon since mortgage rates have markedly declined after peaking late last year."

The report said the median price for existing homes in December was $366,900, up 2.3% compared to last year. "This marks 130 consecutive months of year-over-year increases, the longest-running streak on record," the report said.

However, Yun noted that prices could start to reverse as the supply of homes for sale grows

"Home prices nationwide are still positive, though mildly," Yun added. "Markets in roughly half of the country are likely to offer potential buyers discounted prices compared to last year."

Looking at housing inventories, the report said that as of the end of December, there were 970,000 units for sale, down 13.4% from November but up 10.2% for the year. The number of homes for sale represents a 2.9-month supply, the report added.

By Neils Christensen

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Solid gains for gold on bullish charts some safe-haven buying

Solid gains for gold on bullish charts, some safe-haven buying

Gold prices are solidly higher and near this week’s nine-month high in midday U.S. trading Thursday. The technical traders continue to flow to the long side of the gold market due to bullish charts. Some modest safe-haven demand may be surfacing due to worries about the U.S. government going into default on its debt. February gold was last up $13.40 at $1,920.50 and March silver was up $0.048 at $23.695.

The U.S. Treasury Department said it is poised to take defensive action to prevent a default that could do "irreparable harm" to the economy, reports said.

Global stock markets were mixed but mostly lower overnight. U.S. stock indexes are lower at midday. The U.S. stock index bulls were derailed Wednesday when U.S. retail sales data came in weaker than expected, which revived notions the U.S. economy could slip into recession in 2023. The U.S. government debt concerns are also limiting buying interest in stocks.

 The world could run out of gold by 2050 as demand grows to keep up with evolving society, says researcher

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index slightly lower. Nymex crude oil futures prices are higher and trading around $81.00 a barrel. Meantime, the yield on the benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury note is presently fetching around 3.38%percent. U.S. Treasury yields have dropped in the wake of a tamer U.S. producer price index report on Wednesday and the weaker U.S. retail sales report.

Technically, February gold futures prices hit a nine-month high Tuesday. Bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. A 2.5-month-old uptrend is in place on the daily bar chart. Bulls’ next upside price objective is to produce a close above solid resistance at $1,950.00. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at $1,870.00. First resistance is seen at this week’s high of $1,931.80 and then at $1,950.00. First support is seen at $1,900.00 and then at $1,885.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 8.5

March silver futures bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. However, they have faded recently as a four-month-old uptrend on the daily bar chart has turned into sideways trading. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at $25.00. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $22.50. First resistance is seen at $24.00 and then at $24.50. Next support is seen at the January low of $23.26 and then at $23.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.5.

March N.Y. copper closed down 40 points at 423.05 cents today. Prices closed nearer the session high today. Prices Wednesday hit a 6.5-month high. The copper bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. However, the bulls are short-term exhausted. A three-month-old uptrend is still in place on the daily bar chart. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at 450.00 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at 400.00 cents. First resistance is seen at today’s high of 426.85 cents and then at 430.00 cents. First support is seen at today’s low of 416.80 cents and then at this week’s low of 411.05 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 7.5.

By Jim Wyckoff

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Gold trades lower as Fed’s Bullard advocates front-loading rate hikes

Gold trades lower as Fed’s Bullard advocates front-loading rate hikes

“Front-loading” is a process of distributing unevenly, with a greater proportion at the beginning of the process, and James Bullard thinks this should apply to rate hikes.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal James Bullard, President of the St. Louis Federal Reserve said that the “Federal Reserve should not stall” on raising its rates. He said that he likes the idea of “front-loading” rate hikes saying that “the Federal Reserve should move as rapidly as it can to get its policy rate over 5% and then it can react to the data”, adding “Why not go to where we’re supposed to go. Why stall? James Bullard is not a voting member of the Fed’s interest rate committee this year.

His sentiment is also echoed by Loretta Mester, President of the Cleveland Federal Reserve who is advocating that the Fed needs to raise its interest rate a “little bit” higher than the Fed’s current target of 5% to 5 ¼%. In an interview with the Associated Press today she said, "I just think we need to keep going, and we'll discuss at the meeting how much to do”.

This goes against a central message presented by many officials of the Federal Reserve last year. The latest message delivered by Chairman Powell expressed that the Fed intended to slow the pace of interest-rate hikes in 2023. This message was reinforced today by Patrick Harker the president of the Philadelphia Federal Reserve. Reuters news reported that “he‘s ready for the U.S. central bank to move to a slower pace of interest rate rises amid some signs that hot inflation is cooling off”.

Currently, analysts and market participants are anticipating that the Fed will raise rates by ¼% at the next FOMC meeting. This is in alignment with the CME’s FedWatch Tool which is forecasting a 93.3% probability of a 25-bps rate hike, and a 6.7% probability of a 50-bps rate hike by the Fed at their next meeting.

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate more aggressively last year than any other time since the 1980s. Beginning in March 2022 the Fed raised rates at every FOMC meeting with four consecutive jumbo 75-bps rate hikes. This took the Fed’s benchmark rate from 0-25 bps in February to 425-450 bps by the end of the year. The Federal Reserve is currently anticipating that they will raise rates until they reach their target of 5 ¼ to 5 ½% this year.

The mixed messages sent by Federal Reserve officials have raised concerns that the Federal Reserve will backpedal the idea of slowing down the pace of interest-rate hikes.

This has pressured gold prices to drop over the last two days. After hitting an intraday high yesterday of $1931 the price of February gold futures has softened considerably. As of 3:50 PM EST, the most active futures contract is currently fixed at $1905.60, after factoring in yesterday’s decline and an additional $4.10 today. If the price of gold futures breaks below $1900 it could decline to approximately $1880 which is the next technical level of support.

By Gary Wagner

Contributing to kitco.com

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Profit taking routine corrective pullbacks for gold silver

Profit taking, routine corrective pullbacks for gold, silver

Welcome to Kitco News' 2023 Outlook Series. Uncertainty continues to dominate financial markets as central bank monetary policies push the global economy into a recession to cool down inflation. Stay tuned to Kitco News to learn from the experts on how to navigate turbulent financial markets in 2023.

(Kitco News) – Gold and silver prices are weaker in midday U.S. trading Tuesday, after gold scored a nine-month high overnight. Normal downside price corrections, in existing uptrends, were featured in the two metals markets. Profit taking from the shorter-term futures traders was also seen. The gold and silver bulls still have the solid technical advantage. February gold was last down $12.10 at $1,909.60 and March silver was down $0.292 at $24.08.

U.S. stock indexes are weaker at midday on some disappointing corporate earnings reports.

In overnight/weekend news, China got more downbeat economic data, as Covid continues to punish the world's second-largest economy. China's economic growth slowed to 3% in 2022 from 8.1% in 2021, official data said Tuesday. Except for the pandemic year of 2020, that's the worst annual economic growth rate for China since 1976. The dour China news has traders and investors more risk averse to start this holiday-shortened U.S. trading week.

 Royal Mint sees record bullion demand in 2022 as sales increase 25% for gold, 29% for silver

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index higher. Nymex crude oil futures prices are slightly higher and trading around $80.30 a barrel. Meantime, the yield on the benchmark U.S. 10-year Treasury note is presently fetching around 3.518%.

Technically, February gold futures prices hit a nine-month high early on today. Bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. A 2.5-month-old uptrend is in place on the daily bar chart. Bulls' next upside price objective is to produce a close above solid resistance at $1,950.00. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at $1,870.00. First resistance is seen at today's high of $1,931.80 and then at $1,950.00. First support is seen at today's low of $1,906.80 and then at $1,900.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 8.0



March silver futures bulls have the firm overall near-term technical advantage. However, a four-month-old uptrend on the daily bar chart has turned into sideways trading. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at $25.00. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $22.50. First resistance is seen at today's high of $24.67 and then at the January high of $24.775. Next support is seen at $24.00 and then at $23.50. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 7.0.

March N.Y. copper closed up 65 points at 422.25 cents today. Prices closed near the session high today, hit a 6.5-month high and scored a bullish "outside day" up on the daily bar chart. The copper bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. A three-month-old uptrend is in place on the daily bar chart. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at 450.00 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at 400.00 cents. First resistance is seen at today's high of 423.70 cents and then at 425.00 cents. First support is seen at 415.00 cents and then at today's low of 411.05 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 8.0.

By Jim Wyckoff

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Sowing The Seeds of Freedom

Sowing The Seeds of Freedom

Freedom is something that has come under the microscope in the wake of the events of the last two years in a very intense way. In many ways, we have been forced to view it through contrasting themes, such as censorship of free speech, lockdowns, and politicized health mandates.

The question arises as to how we not only restore freedom but sow seeds of freedom that align with the highest natural law of the universe.


Image Source: Scroll.in 

One of the constant courageous voices in this area is Vandana Shiva, an environmentalist in India and an award-winning author.

Beyond her impressive Ph.D. qualifications in quantum physics and studies in scientific disciplines, she leads by example, not rhetoric. So, I decided to read her book over the holiday period to learn from her experiences on the frontline and see what she advocates in the quest for the restoration of freedom for all.

The book in question is called Oneness v The 1%, written with her son Kartikey Shiva. I provide a summary of the themes in this book concerning her ethos in restoring true wealth and prosperity to her community, so you can draw inspiration for your own entrepreneurial and life activities despite the current challenges in the global economy.

The Context

Vandana Shiva sets the scene by posing questions she believes we need to revisit about the meaning of health, wealth, ecology, economic freedom, knowledge, intelligence, and democracy.

These questions are put against the landscape of existing challenges while she shares her perspective that true wealth is about well-being in every sense of the word.

The Challenge

The challenge, as she sees it, is the potential extinction of our planet brought about by the practices of the so-called one 1% who control money and use their power in destructive ways that go against the well-being of those they purport to serve.

She concludes that not only have they manipulated the market to drive a wedge between the people and well-being, but we are also being driven to a precipice, which requires a radical shift so that it does not become inevitable.

Here are some figures she lays out to back what she says. I have put them in tabular form below. These figures show how many billionaires have controlled as much wealth compared to over the last 12 years approximately.

This is certainly not a picture of the few wanting to empower the many. I wonder what that figure is now in 2023?  Who is the driving force looking to reduce this further?

The Contrast

In the table below, I have captured a few of the contrasting themes between oneness and the practice of the 1% from my reading:

Separation v Oneness

As with any action, there is a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual layer present. On the theme of separation, which is a mirror opposite of oneness Vandana Shiva gives three examples in which separation shows up in the practice of the 1%.

She refers to this mind as one that is mechanical and linear in nature, which ‘allows the 1% to extract wealth from nature and society, defining their “extra activism” as scientific, economic and human progress.’

Some of the key tools used are colonization, patents, and extraction of data through artificial intelligence to create separation of humans from nature, separation of humans from each other, and separation of the self from their true nature.

On the other hand, oneness recognizes the interconnected of all things. It seeks to reconcile those separations in partnership and true interdependence through ‘self-organization, intelligence, creativity, freedom, potential, autopoietic evolution and non-separability in nature and society.’

If you observe bees in a colony, they work in the spirit of oneness. Markethive is a commercial platform mirroring those values for entrepreneurs to construct positive commercial experiences. 

This is a constructive use of a colony as opposed to the destructive opposite of the 1%, who wish to control everything for their unjust enrichment and for our enslavement.

Making A Difference

In the face of major challenges, often, the question arises as to what difference an individual can make. Vandana Shiva makes constant reference to Gandhi as someone who influenced her thinking. 


Image Source: Raw Pixel.com 

Gandhi is often remembered for his quote, “be the change you wish to see in the world.” If you accept this stance, then change starts from within, and it becomes a question of examining and adjusting perception to frame behavior and actions moving forward. 

You might examine where your mind has underlined separation and look to reconcile your view that embraces oneness as a principle.  

Where have you become separated from nature, from your fellow man and woman, and from yourself?  Where can you create reconciliation in those areas?

An Open Heart and Mind

It requires an open heart and mind, and a good example of this is provided in the book. Sir Albert Howard, an English botanist, traveled to India in 1905 with the intention of demonstrating western systems of farming.

What he discovered there caused him to retract and change his stance. He became a student of the local community to learn about the practices that had sustained their farming. He documented his learning and discoveries in The Agriculture Testament, which has become a major go-to handbook to many.

Embracing Oneness

Vandana also answers that question from her journey. She acknowledges that while she obtained a Ph.D. in the fundamentals of quantum theory from the University of Western Ontario in Canada, it was the group of women activists of Chipko in the Himalayan forests of India who taught her about biodiversity and ecology. She sums it up here.

"Both taught me about interconnectedness and non-separability. The women of Chipko taught me about the relationships between forests, soil and water, and women’s sustenance  economies; quantum theory taught me the four principles that have guided my thinking and my life’s work – everything is interconnected, everything is potential, everything is indeterminate, there is no excluded middle, we are interbeings."

These brave Chipko women went head to head with the government, putting their lives on the line to preserve the integrity of the ecology of the forest and won their battle in 1981.

From the combination of education and experience at the feet of the Chipko women, whose activity turned into a movement, Vandana Shiva set up her own activity and movement for biodiversity, conservation, and organic farming in 1987.

This just goes to show what can happen when you combine an openness of heart with a solid education and then draw inspiration from those working in the trenches, capable of imparting wisdom beyond academia.

This can fan into flame the belief, desire, and willingness to step into what the heart knows to be true by getting involved in a grassroots movement or by starting your own initiative with like-minded individuals.

The Importance of Research

Beyond the qualities of an open heart, education, and inspiration lies the importance of research to document and anchor good practice. 

For example, the practice of agroecology is not just about the protection of seeds for farming. The research which demonstrates the impact of the processes of biodiversity is equally important, especially given that the globalists use political science to manipulate data to fit their agenda and narrative. 

The case of Norman Borlaug’s dwarf wheat, dubbed as a ‘miracle’ in the Green Revolution, was countered by such research and is a case in kind which demonstrates this essential practice.

Call To Action

The book is not just a good inspirational read. It is a call to action based on three enduring principles from India’s history by way of a framework to sow seeds of freedom.

Satyagraha – is about bringing the force of truth to be through real democracy, which involves non-cooperation and resistance to destructive practices.

Swaraj – is about self-responsibility in the way individuals govern their lives in the name of freedom.

Swadeshi – is about creating self-sustaining local communities according to the needs of that group. The Greek word for such activity is autopoiesis, meaning self and creation, the ability to systematically self-generate.

The examples of how the locals in India were able to protect the heritage of the land and its ecology, based on the above three principles, were truly inspirational. 


Image source: Grain.org

It has not been without loss and challenges, but when you read, for example, how five million women in India were able to make such a difference in protecting local food safety standards, it is a powerful reminder that a small group of committed people can make positive waves for humanity.

These examples support Vandana Shiva’s point that we cannot merely observe and protest. It is incumbent upon each of us to apply the principle of Satyagraha to our thinking and embody the solution according to our values, abilities, and talents in the vein of ‘being the change we wish to see in the world.’

By participating in the solution, we sow seeds of democracy because the nature of democracy is practical. We are the change we are seeking, and by calling out this change from within, we can both sow the seeds and reap the harvest of true democracy and freedom for the benefit of all.

 

 

About: Anita Narayan. (United Kingdom) My life's work is about helping individuals to greater freedom through joy and purpose without self-sabotage, so that inspirational legacy can serve generations to come. Find me at my Markethive Profile Page | My Twitter Account | and my LinkedIn Profile.

 

 

 

 

 

Tim Moseley

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If you're looking for health benefits, we offer them through our website. We have a wide range of services on offer to help you tackle any issue you may be facing—from aching back to poor eyesight—and improve your overall well-being in both body and mind.

Networking

Networking is an excellent way to get to know other people in your industry. It can also help you find new clients, employees, suppliers and investors.

  • Get inspired by the vast array of social media platforms out there that are made specifically for networking purposes! These platforms include LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

  • Consider attending business conferences or seminars that offer valuable information about how best to market yourself as an expert in your field.

Team Building & Leadership Development

Team Building and Leadership Development

Team building is a process of creating a collaborative team through effective communication, trust and working together. Team building helps to develop the skills of teamwork, leadership, conflict resolution and organizational development. Effective communication within teams is essential for their success in achieving goals set out by management (Simon & Associates 2013). The following are some examples of how best practice can be applied to improve internal communications within teams:

  • Provide opportunities for sharing knowledge across the team

  • Make information readily available to all members of your team so that they are able to access it when needed

  • Ensure that all members have access to information about upcoming projects or initiatives that may affect them

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Solveres.com is a website offering a wide range of solutions for your business or personal problems. Our consultants can help you with any issue, from finding the best way to cut costs in your company to being able to communicate effectively with coworkers, customers and clients. It does not matter what type of problem you are facing; solveres.com can assist you in solving it!

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Conclusion

We understand that every business, and every person, is different. That’s why we offer a wide range of services to help each individual find the solution that best fits their needs. Our goal is to work with you to create the best possible outcome for your situation. We can help you get started on your journey today by contacting us at SUPPORT@SOLVERES.COM or by calling us at 503-447-8477!

Tim Moseley

Gold’s bull market is just beginning as European fund managers take a bigger stake – HANetf

 


Gold's bull market is just beginning as European fund managers take a bigger stake – HANetf

The gold market has started 2023 on solid footing and one European-based fund sees strong potential as investors take a renewed interest in the precious metal.

In November, analysts at HANetf surveyed 100 European and British wealth fund managers, and according to the results, 89% of respondents said that they intend to increase their exposure to gold in 2023.

According to the survey, wealth fund managers see central bank demand for gold as a major bullish factor for the precious metal. According to data from the World Gold Council, last year, as of the end of the third quarter, central banks bought 673 tonnes of gold, the most accumulated in a single year since 1967.

The survey shows that 83% of managers expect central banks to continue buying gold in the new year.

Along with central bank demand, wealth fund managers said that gold remains an attractive inflation hedge and a protection against further equity market volatility and risk.

When the survey was conducted, gold prices were trading near a two-year low and according to the survey, fund managers said those prices represented an attractive long-term entry point.

"It now may be the case that a lot of the negative sentiment towards gold has passed," said Tom Bailey, head of ETF research at HANetf, in the report. "Many analysts now see the Federal Reserve slowing rate hikes, while the dollar's strength now seems potentially in retreat. That should provide some relief for gold prices and potentially result in a pick-up in investment demand.

Last month Eric Strand, portfolio manager and creator of the European-listed AuAG ESG Gold Mining exchange-traded fund (LSE: ESGO), said that gold could be on the cusp of a new bull market.

 With gold ending the week above $1,900, analysts turn their focus to $2,000

Strand said that he sees gold prices gaining 20% in 2023.

Along with gold, Strand expects the precious metal mining sector, which has underperformed compared to the commodity, will attract new momentum in the new year.

"Gold miners are today historically cheap relative to gold, something that will revert and overshoot in the coming secular bull market," he said. "Gold miners have a very low correlation with the broad stock market and are becoming more interesting for larger investors looking for possible/alternative return drivers and that may result in strong capital flows, which will then take equity prices higher."

Along with the AuAG ESG Gold Mining exchange-traded fund, HANetf also manages a second environmental and social governance (ESG)-focused fund: The Royal Mint Responsibly Sourced Physical Gold ETC (LSE: RMAU). Last year RMAU saw growth of 130%, bucking the global downtrend in the ETF market.

According to the survey, wealth managers see a potential premium for ESG-focused funds, with 36% of fund managers expecting a dramatic increase in transfers to gold funds with strong ESG credentials while 54% of respondents see a slight increase in switching.

By Neils Christensen

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

 

Strand said that he sees gold prices gaining 20% in 2023.

Along with gold, Strand expects the precious metal mining sector, which has underperformed compared to the commodity, will attract new momentum in the new year.

"Gold miners are today historically cheap relative to gold, something that will revert and overshoot in the coming secular bull market," he said. "Gold miners have a very low correlation with the broad stock market and are becoming more interesting for larger investors looking for possible/alternative return drivers and that may result in strong capital flows, which will then take equity prices higher."

Along with the AuAG ESG Gold Mining exchange-traded fund, HANetf also manages a second environmental and social governance (ESG)-focused fund: The Royal Mint Responsibly Sourced Physical Gold ETC (LSE: RMAU). Last year RMAU saw growth of 130%, bucking the global downtrend in the ETF market.

According to the survey, wealth managers see a potential premium for ESG-focused funds, with 36% of fund managers expecting a dramatic increase in transfers to gold funds with strong ESG credentials while 54% of respondents see a slight increase in switching.

By Neils Christensen

For Kitco News

Tim Moseley

The Artist that came out of the Winter