Gold Futures Breach and Close Above 2300 for the First Time

Gold Futures Breach and Close Above $2300 for the First Time

In a historic move, gold futures surged past the $2300 mark for the first time in history. As of 4:30 PM EDT, gold futures basis the most active June contract is currently at a record high of $2318.90. The June contract opened at $2301.70 and traded to an intraday high of $2319.70. The precious metal's rally showed no signs of slowing down, with the June 2024 contract currently fixed at $2319.10 after factoring in today’s gain of $37.30, or 1.63%, marking the seventh consecutive trading day of gains.

This remarkable surge has been fueled by a combination of factors, chief among them being the growing expectations that central banks, including the Federal Reserve, are preparing to lower interest rates as inflation cools down. Chairman Jerome Powell, in his address to the Stanford Business, Government, and Society Forum, hinted at the possibility of rate cuts, stating that a lower interest rate would likely be appropriate "at some point this year" if the economy develops as expected. This statement heightened expectations for a Fed rate cut in June.

Traders and investors alike are closely watching the Federal Reserve's moves, with the CME's FedWatch tool indicating a 63% probability of the central bank initiating its first rate cut in June. This potential shift in monetary policy has further fueled gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset and an inflation hedge.

The weakening U.S. dollar has also played a significant role in gold's ascent. The dollar index dipped 0.48% to 104.324.

Technical analysis also suggests that gold's rally may continue. A bullish pattern known as a “bull flag” was identified in mid-March, pointing to a potential target of $2327 for this current leg of the rally. The projection is based on measuring the price differential from the beginning to the end of the “pole”. The pole began on Thursday, February 29 when gold futures were fixed at $2058.20, and concluded on or about March 11 at $2215, for a price increase of $157. We then calculated from the bottom of the “flag” which occurred at $2170 on March 17, and we added $157 to get our target, the same distance as the “pole”.

Market participants and investors seek refuge amid economic uncertainties and central banks grapple with inflation, gold's status as a reliable store of value has once again been solidified. With its historic breach of the $2300 barrier, if you were not paying attention to gold before you probably are now.

Wishing you as always good trading,

Kitco Media

Gary Wagner

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Analyst Addresses Concerns over Long-Term Holders Dumping Bitcoins into Exchanges

Analyst Addresses Concerns over Long-Term Holders Dumping Bitcoins into Exchanges

By Olivia Brooke – April 3, 2024

Last week, the cryptocurrency market dipped as liquidations soared. Around the same period, altcoins attempted to recover while Bitcoin struggled to sustain momentum above the $70,000 price.

Following the new development, market players have raised major concerns about the downsides of certain market activities from Bitcoin investors.

Notably, onlookers have raised concerns over the possibility of Bitcoin from long-term holders going into exchanges.

In a recent analysis shared with CryptoQuant, a market analyst explained the current market pattern while citing the difference between previous and current market patterns.

“Bitcoin bull market is correlated with a sharp decline in long-term holders. I won’t mention this separately as it has been explained frequently. And the supply of long-term holders is being deposited into exchanges for profit-taking, but that’s not the case for the 24-year bullish cycle. One significant reason for this is that BlackRock, which has been buying the most Bitcoin since the ETF approval, is active over-the-counter (OTC).” The analyst asserted.

As a result of the current trend, the analyst explained that despite a sharp decline in Bitcoin holdings by long-term holders after the ETF approval, Bitcoins are not being deposited into exchanges. On the flip side, if the pattern continues, the market might be on the verge of experiencing a colossal price dip. BlackRock and Bitcoin deposit patterns can also affect the market pattern.

As the analyst added,

“However, if it persists, there is a possibility that long-term holders may start depositing Bitcoin into exchanges in the same way as before. If that happens, the likelihood of price dumping increases. It’s important to pay attention to both BlackRock’s net inflow movements and the movements of Bitcoin deposits into exchanges.” He added.

Meanwhile, the new week is kicking off with Bitcoin attempting to make a comeback. After falling below the $70,000 price point, the asset hit a low of $65,423, further strengthening bearish sentiments.

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

Multiple factors combined takes June gold futures to a new benchmark 2300

Multiple factors combined takes June gold futures to a new benchmark, $2300

As of 4:55 PM EDT the most active June contract of gold futures is fixed at $2300.60, up $28.100. This marks the sixth consecutive day of gains for the precious yellow metal, with the last four trading sessions culminating in new record closes.

During the past five days, gold managed to overcome the headwinds of four days of dollar strength, which typically dampens the appeal of the yellow metal. Also, gold was able to overcome rising yields in U.S. Treasuries, which also lessens the allure for gold.

The dollar's strength today can be attributed to a recent report revealing that U.S. manufacturing grew for the first time in 1 ½ years in March. Data from the U.S. showed that the country's factory orders rebounded more-than-anticipated, and the number of job openings slightly beat estimates in February, indicating the strength of the U.S. economy and narrowing the window for the Fed to start reducing interest rates.

Gold's recent gains also occurred as the CME's FedWatch tool lowered the probability of a rate cut in June from 60% to 58%. Last week the probability of a rate cut in June was at 70%, highlighting the shifting expectations surrounding the Fed's monetary policy stance.

Geopolitical tensions have also played a role in accelerating the demand for gold as a safe-haven asset. Growing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly an Israeli airstrike on Iran's embassy in Syria, have heightened concerns. Iran has vowed to retaliate against Israel for the attack on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus, further elevating geopolitical uncertainty.

Supply constraints have also contributed to gold's recent surge. Central banks globally have been actively adding gold bullion to their reserves, diminishing available supply. Additionally, momentum hedge funds have been actively taking long positions in gold futures, further fueling the rally.

Moreover, rising oil prices have added to the demand for gold, as higher energy costs translate to heightened inflationary pressures down the road, making the precious metal an attractive hedge against inflation.

With a confluence of factors driving its ascent, gold's resilience and appeal have taken the most active June future’s contract above $2300 for the first time in history.

Wishing you as always good trading,

Kitco Media

Gary Wagner

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Gold price hits new record highs as the West loses price-setting powers: Frank Giustra Pierre Lassonde on new geopolitical reality resource nationalism

Gold price hits new record highs as the West loses price-setting powers: Frank Giustra & Pierre Lassonde on new geopolitical reality & resource nationalism

As gold set another record high, Canadian mining legends Frank Giustra, CEO of Fiore Group, and Pierre Lassonde, Chairman Emeritus at Franco-Nevada, say the West has lost its power to set the price of gold. Giustra and Lassonde also warn that in the new geopolitical reality of resource nationalism, Canada is failing its economy and citizens.

With gold futures hitting another record high of above $2,264 an ounce at the start of the second quarter, Giustra and Lassonde pointed to a major shift in the gold market.

"The world hasn't woken up yet. The marginal buyer of gold is no longer the U.S. It's no longer Europe. It's China. Between the country's central bank and the Chinese public, China takes up over two-thirds of all the annual production. They are the new marginal buyer. That's where the gold price is set," Lassonde told Michelle Makori, Lead Anchor and Editor-in-Chief at Kitco News, during Kitco Insights Interactive Mining Titans' Power Panel.

For what this means for the U.S. dollar and gold this year and beyond, watch the video above.

BRICS Plus, which now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, can get up one morning and say they are going "to back their collective new currency with gold," which they can now set to create more credit and reserves, Giustra pointed out.

A coordinated move by the BRICS Plus against the U.S. dollar could lead to violent results, he warned.

"No one wants war, but here's the problem — the U. S. is facing an existential threat. It's a national security issue," Giustra said. "If there's a sudden move towards replacing the U.S. dollar, meaning perhaps a BRICS announcement of a new currency [backed by] gold, I think then it would react quite violently.

Giustra also outlined the top geopolitical risks for 2024. For insights, watch the video above.

Has Canada lost the battle for resources?

Securing critical metals for the energy transition has become a matter of national security for many countries. However, Canada is losing this battle, according to Giustra and Lassonde.

While many countries are facing massive metal shortages, Canada is distracted with overseas investments. For example, Canadian pension funds that represent CAD$2.7 trillion of Canadian savings have more invested in China than they do in Canada, which is unforgivable, Giustra and Lassonde told Kitco News.

More specifically, Canadian pension funds have less than 3% of their total assets invested in Canadian public companies, down from 28% in 2000.

"When you look at the mineral sector in Canada, it's been totally ignored by the government for the last 40 years. Our politicians, both at the federal and the provincial level, couldn't care less about the mining industry," Lassonde said. "Frank says we could lose the race. We've already lost the race."

Giustra pointed out that bold action is required to solve this crisis, but Canada lacks visionary leadership.

"Canada is endowed as one of the most prolific mineral countries on the planet, the second largest landmass in the world, and largely unexplored. [However], there is almost zero investment in the Canadian mineral sector. It's worrisome. Canada's in danger of losing out in this race for critical minerals," he said.

On what this all means for Canada's economy and some of the irreversible consequences, watch the video above.

This panel is brought to you by Eagle Plains Resources.

Eagle Plains is a mineral exploration company operating for 30 years with over 50 projects in Western Canada. The company has over $7M cash, generates significant revenue, has only 115M shares outstanding, and has never been rolled back.

Kitco Media

Michelle Makori

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Tether Boosts Its Reserves With 8888 Bitcoin Acquisition As BTC Seals Highest Monthly Close Ever

Tether Boosts Its Reserves With 8,888 Bitcoin Acquisition As BTC Seals Highest Monthly Close Ever

By Brenda Ngari – April 1, 2024

Tether added to its Bitcoin (BTC) holdings in the first quarter of 2024, purchasing 8,888 more BTC for $626 million. A wallet address associated with the company shows Bitcoin holdings of 75,354 — which makes it the seventh-largest holder of the benchmark cryptocurrency. Tether’s purchase came as Bitcoin’s March monthly close became its best in history.

Tether Now The 7th-Largest BTC Holder

Stablecoin giant Tether continues to load up on Bitcoin, bringing its total holdings of the crypto asset to around $5.2 billion.

Blockchain data shows a BTC address associated with Tether received 8,888 BTC — $626 million — throughout Q1 2024, ending with a big purchase on March 31. The purchase brought Tether’s holdings to a total of 75,354 BTC, with profits of roughly $3 billion. That means it is one of the largest private companies holding Bitcoin.

Tether snapped up BTC constantly throughout 2023. Last May, the company announced it would start allocating 15% of its realized profits to Bitcoin in a bid to move away from cash and cash-like assets like U.S. Treasury bonds backing its USDT stablecoin. According to a ranking by Bitinforcharts, Tether has now become the seventh-largest holder of BTC following its latest Q1 acquisition, from its previous rank of 11 in January this year.

Tether mints USDT — the world’s largest stablecoin with a market capitalization of over $104.5 billion, according to CoinGecko. USDT crossed the $100 billion market cap mark on March 4, recording a nearly 10% year-to-date growth.

Bitcoin Notches Historic Monthly Close

Bitcoin has smashed through all previous highs in 2024, and in March hit a fresh lifetime high of $73,737 — roughly 7% beyond its old all-time high from 2021.

On March 31, the price of Bitcoin managed to record a monthly close at $71,250 on crypto exchange Bitstamp. This is historic since the premier crypto saw a close above the previous peak of the cycle for the very first time.

The influx of institutional capital from spot Bitcoin ETFs and the resulting strain on its fixed 21 million supply undoubtedly helped BTC set a new peak before a block subsidy halving event for the first time. Historically, Bitcoin has started its parabolic bull run after halving.

Bitcoin is trading for hands at $68,796 at publication time, according to CoinGecko data, erasing some earlier gains.

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 Brenda Ngari 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 solidly up very near all-time highs

Gold price solidly up, very near all-time highs

Gold prices are sharply up in midday U.S. trading Thursday, near the daily highs, and are closing in on the recent record highs. Silver prices are modestly higher. More technical buying is featured in both metals, amid bullish charts. June gold was last up $27.10 at $2,239.90. May silver was last up $0.198 at $24.95.

It was a very busy U.S. data release schedule Thursday, but none of the data contained big surprises and the markets showed no major reactions. U.S. markets are closed Friday for the Good Friday holiday but personal income and outlays, including PCE inflation data, will be released that day.

Today is the last U.S. trading day of the week, of the month and of the quarter, which makes it an important trading day from a technical chart perspective. Gold today is set to close at a very bullish weekly, monthly and quarterly high close today, as well as a record high close in futures markets.

U.S. stock indexes are mixed at midday. The U.S. stock indexes continue on a slow and steady rise and are near their recent record highs.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said Wednesday recent stronger-than-expected U.S. inflation data is “disappointing” and said that he wants to see “at least a couple months of better inflation data” before cutting, Bloomberg reported. “In my view, it is appropriate to reduce the overall number of rate cuts or push them further into the future in response to the recent data,” Waller said.

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index slightly higher but down from the daily high. Nymex crude oil prices are higher and trading around $82.75 a barrel. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note is presently fetching around 4.2%.

Technically, the gold futures bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. A five-week-old uptrend is in place on the daily bar chart. Bulls’ next upside price objective is to produce a close in June futures above solid resistance at the contract high of $2,246.60. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at last week’s low of $2,170.80. First resistance is seen at the contract high of $2,246.60 and then at $2,250.00. First support is seen at today’s low of $2,207.50 and then at $2,200.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 9.0.

The silver bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage but have faded recently. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing May futures prices above solid technical resistance at last week’s high of

$25.975. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $23.50. First resistance is seen at this week’s high of $25.055 and then at $25.50. Next support is seen at this week’s low of $24.445 and then at $24.22. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.0.

Hey!! Try out my “Markets Front Burner” weekly email report. Front Burner is my best writing and analysis, I think, because I get to look ahead at the marketplace and do some market price forecasting. Plus, I’ll throw in an educational feature to move you up the ladder of trading/investing success. And it’s free! Email me at jim@jimwyckoff.com and I’ll add your email address to the Front Burner list.

Kitco Media

Jim Wyckoff

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

The Financial System Is Contrived To Its Core The Truth Is Out And You Need To Know

The Financial System Is Contrived To Its Core. The Truth Is Out, And You Need To Know

Many individuals struggle to keep pace with the increasing cost of living, primarily influenced by a financial system not operating fairly. Or, to put it bluntly, the economic system is rigged. Corporations, governments, and those in positions of authority face immense amounts of debt in the trillions that cannot realistically be repaid. Their choices are either to default and face severe consequences or to reduce the value of this debt through inflation and manage it through regulations. Unfortunately, they have opted for the latter, to the detriment of the collective society.

This article exposes the financial system's flaws, highlighting three key factors contributing to its dysfunctional state. First, a disconnect between money and currency leads to a distorted view of their true value. Second, the time value of money is manipulated, creating an unfair advantage for specific individuals and institutions. Lastly, the ease of access to credit in a credit-driven economy has created an unsustainable cycle of borrowing and debt. These factors combined have rigged the financial system, creating an unequal playing field for all participants.

The article also sheds light on the reasons behind your struggle to keep up with the increasing cost of living and offers practical tips on adapting and staying ahead of the game despite these challenges.

1: The Disconnect Between Money and Currency

In today's world, currency and money possess distinct characteristics, though often used interchangeably. In essence, money represents a store of value, maintaining its worth over time. On the other hand, Currency does not retain its value, depreciating with time. One prime example of money is gold, acknowledged as a valuable store of wealth for centuries.

The value of gold has remained consistent over time, making it an excellent store of value. When pricing assets like houses and cars in gold terms, their prices have remained relatively stable in recent decades. However, when pricing them in currency terms, their prices have increased dramatically in recent years.


Source: Boomerang Capital Partners

In the past, money and currency were synonymous, with currencies representing money. For instance, the US dollar was once backed by gold, and other global currencies were tied to its value. This system ensured that receiving payment in a currency meant receiving something that maintained its worth over time.

However, in 1971, a significant shift occurred when President Richard Nixon decided to “temporarily suspend” the conversion of US dollars to gold. This move allowed governments and central banks to increase the money supply without being constrained by the need to back it with gold reserves. As a result, the supply of US dollars has grown exponentially since the 1970s, as illustrated in the chart below.


Source: Reddit

According to fundamental economic principles, the greater the quantity of a commodity, the lower its worth. Hence, the rising prices of items such as houses and cars are not due to increased value. Instead, a decrease in the value of currencies is driving this trend. The rise in the amount of currency in circulation is known as inflation, and we are often led to think of it as beneficial for both individuals and the economy. This is because inflation encourages spending.

Individuals tend to increase their spending when the value of their currency is depreciating, which, in theory, can stimulate economic expansion and prosperity. However, in practice, inflation harms the ability to preserve currency value, incentivizing overconsumption. Moreover, official inflation measurements have been underestimating the actual inflation rate for years.

The primary issue with the disconnect between currency and money is that individuals continue to receive their income in currency rather than actual money. To make matters worse, people are being misled into believing that the currency they receive has the same value as it did in the past, with the notion that it's equivalent to gold.

The persistent inflation is why it's challenging to maintain a decent standard of living and achieve financial stability. Your earnings are declining in value while you're attempting to purchase goods that are actually valuable, such as real estate or vehicles. This paradox between money and currency may leave you questioning why currencies have any value at all in today's world.

The answer is basically because the government says so. That's why currency is now more often referred to as fiat currency. The Latin word “fiat” translates to “let it be done”. The English dictionary definition of fiat is “an arbitrary order or decree.” However, this is only one aspect contributing to the perception that the financial system is rigged.

2: The Manipulation Of The Time Value Of Money. (TVM)

The second factor involves the manipulation of the time value of money (TVM). In this context, the time value represents the cost of borrowing money over a specific timeframe. Typically, the interest rate increases as the borrowing period extends. This is because the lender foregoes potential opportunities that could have been pursued with the loaned money during that time.

For instance, imagine you need to borrow money for a decade. Lenders might be willing to lend it to you if you agree to pay them a 50% premium at the end of the ten years. This is because ten years is a significant amount of time, and they could have earned a comparable return by investing their money elsewhere.

However, suppose you're looking to borrow money for a short period, precisely one year. In that case, lenders might be more willing to approve your request if you agree to pay an additional 5% interest at the end of the term. This is because one year is considered a relatively short time frame. While they could have potentially earned more interest by investing the money elsewhere, it's often more straightforward and less risky for them to just grant the loan.


Source: Investopedia 

Combining all these loans and their individual interest rates on a graph would result in what is known as the yield curve, a line that inclines upward and to the right. Essentially, the yield curve indicates that the longer the duration of the loan, the greater the interest rate that must be paid. This is where the situation can become somewhat intricate;

If you're looking to borrow a substantial amount of money for an extended period, you may encounter lenders who require a higher interest rate due to the increased risk involved. For instance, if you want to borrow $1 billion for ten years, lenders might demand an additional 100% interest on top of the initial amount, effectively doubling the total amount you'd need to repay. This is because providing such a significant loan over an extended period involves opportunity costs and entails considerable risks, with the primary concern being the possibility of defaulting on the repayment.

Lenders typically charge a higher interest rate to offset the risk of lending. The yield curve may be steeper and begin at a higher percentage based on the loan amount under normal circumstances. However, in today's market, borrowing for a short period can be more expensive, and some larger loans may have lower interest rates than smaller loans with similar repayment terms.

It may seem surprising, but the primary reason for this is largely attributed to central banks. Typically, loan interest rates are influenced by the balance between the availability of lending and the desire for borrowing. When there is a high demand for loans and a limited supply, interest rates tend to be high, and conversely. However, central banks can manipulate interest rates manually, disrupting the natural market dynamic.

The caveat is that they can manually set the interest rates on shorter debt durations. Before the 2008 financial crisis, this was the only action they took. In response to the 2008 crisis, central banks took the unprecedented step of manipulating longer-term interest rates for the first time in modern history. They did this by buying long-term government debt, which lowered interest rates for similar debt durations.

Until the 2008 financial crisis, central banks only controlled short-term interest rates. They could manually set the interest rates on shorter debt durations. However, in response to the crisis, central banks took the unprecedented step of manipulating longer-term interest rates by purchasing long-term government debt, which lowered interest rates for similar durations of debt. This was a significant departure from their traditional role and marked a new era of monetary policy.

To put it differently, central banks manipulated the time value of money across all time frames, making borrowing cheaper to stimulate economic growth. However, this approach has led to inflation instead of a quicker recovery. By keeping interest rates artificially low, more currency is created out of thin air, not only by governments and central banks but also by individuals and organizations.

As we now know, the value of currency depreciates as its supply increases. Unfortunately, this devaluation has occurred four more times since 2008, thanks to the manipulation of money's time value across all time frames. This has led to higher inflation and continued to make borrowing artificially cheap—but only for those with access to credit.

3: Access To Credit (in a Credit Driven Economy)

In a credit-driven economy, the third factor contributing to the rigged financial system is the disparity in access to credit. The intention behind manipulating the time value of money was to facilitate borrowing for all, thereby promoting economic growth. However, this manipulation had an unintended consequence: instead of making credit more accessible to everyone, it only became easier for select individuals and institutions to borrow, leading to inflation.

These individuals and institutions utilize their funds for various purposes, including acquiring valuable assets such as stocks and real estate. This demand leads to a significant increase in the prices of these assets while the value of the currency used to purchase them depreciates. As a result, the average person can only keep up by borrowing more currency to buy the remaining valuable assets, thereby increasing their prices even further.

Initially, the various green indicators may appear to signify economic expansion due to their upward trends. Yet, upon further examination, it becomes evident that inflated asset prices have mainly fueled this growth due to low-cost borrowing practices implemented since 2008 rather than genuine economic expansion. Consequently, there has been limited actual economic growth during this period.

For instance, the actual economic output in G20 nations has shown minimal growth since 2008, indicating a reliance on credit. Succeeding in this credit-driven economy largely hinges on your capacity to take on increasing amounts of debt, yet this is becoming more challenging.


Source: X

There are various factors at play, which can be categorized into two main groups: formally established financial regulations and informal norms. The Dodd-Frank Act stands out as a significant example of official financial regulation enacted in response to the 2008 financial crisis. 

Although lengthy at over 2,000 pages, the Dodd-Frank Act has essentially created challenges for small banks in providing small loans to small businesses and individuals. As a result, small businesses and individuals now face increased difficulty demonstrating their creditworthiness to secure larger loans, while small banks find it harder to function effectively.

Small banks play a significant role as the primary lenders to small businesses. If small banks are unable to provide small loans to these businesses, there will be a decrease in both small banks and small businesses. This could lead to a situation where large banks and shadow banks become the primary sources of funding for small businesses.

Shadow banks, such as Blackrock, have established their own set of rules and regulations that individuals and institutions must adhere to. One example of this is the ESG investment ideology, which has become a powerful tool for manipulating the value of money. Compliance with Blackrock's ESG standards can result in more favorable loan terms, including lower interest rates, while non-compliance may lead to less favorable loan terms.  

The rising prominence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in financial decision-making is poised to surpass the influence of traditional financial regulations. This shift is expected to gain momentum as ESG considerations become more widespread and affect individual decision-making. Notably, ESG criteria do not originate from the private sector but were introduced by unaccountable and unelected international organizations.

A concerning aspect of the situation is that credit accessibility is now being influenced not only by commercial banks and shadow banks but also by central banks purchasing corporate debt in response to the pandemic flash crash in 2020. Similar to purchasing government debt, buying corporate debt results in decreased interest rates on that debt. The selective nature of central banks' purchases, favoring certain corporations over others, created an unfair advantage for those chosen corporations as they could access credit at even lower rates.

The prevailing sentiment among macro analysts is that the extent of your credit access is directly linked to your financial standing. In other words, individuals or organizations with substantial wealth or size are more likely to enjoy better terms regarding credit, thus perpetuating their advantageous position and facilitating further growth.

Suppose you're struggling financially or running a small organization. In that case, you may find it increasingly difficult to obtain credit in the future unless you conform to the standards set by powerful financial institutions like BlackRock. Even if you manage to secure credit, it will likely come with less favorable terms than those enjoyed by larger entities, further widening the gap between you and them in an economy that relies heavily on credit.


Image by Markethive.com

Maintaining Financial Stability in a Biased Economic System

Our main question is: How can we stay abreast of this rigged financial system? In this unfair financial climate, it's essential to comprehend the mechanisms at play. Let's be clear: this system has little to do with the traditional concept of capitalism. Instead, we're dealing with a system where currency and money have been decoupled by government intervention, in which currency is losing its value. Central banks manipulate the time value of money, and unaccountable and unelected international organizations control credit access, all while insulating from accountability and democratic oversight. 

The situation becomes increasingly complex when considering the significant influence of corporations on government decision-making through lobbying efforts, that the commercial banks technically own the central banks, and governments overseeing various unaccountable and unelected international organizations. As previously stated, the financial system is rigged as these entities collectively hold hundreds of trillions of dollars in debts they cannot repay.

The establishment needs currency to decouple from money so that it loses its value. It also needs the time value of money to be low and regulate access to credit, as uncontrolled borrowing could lead to a chain reaction of defaults, jeopardizing its entire system. This is why there is a strong interest in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), as they offer the potential to centralize control over the currency.

In light of these details, it's essential to recognize that heavily indebted entities are attempting to manipulate the financial system to avoid defaulting on their debts. They're trying to achieve this by controlling the currency supply and sparking inflation. To illustrate, imagine them filling a swimming pool while simultaneously regulating its size. They’re not trying to drown us or are targeting us per se. These entities are primarily focused on safeguarding their own interests.

Attempting to stay afloat by treading water will eventually lead to drowning. This places the responsibility on us to discover a method to exert less effort and remain buoyant, figuratively speaking. Unfortunately, staying afloat is no easy feat. A simple solution would be to receive payment in money rather than currency, but that's not a realistic expectation. You won't likely find someone willing to pay you in money for long, as it would be too costly for them.

This leaves the other two factors: Unless you work at a central bank, you won't be able to fix the time value of money and bring interest rates back to reality, and if you tried, you could be fired or worse. That's because all those entities can't afford higher interest rates due to their debts, at least on paper. In practice, they can afford these higher interest rates so long as they have access to credit. 

Accessing credit can be challenging and restrictive in terms of compliance unless you're a large institution or a wealthy individual. Even if you manage to secure credit, relying on borrowed money to purchase assets may not be a sustainable or effective strategy for achieving financial success.

Analysts suggest that we might be moving towards a time of increased interest rates. In such a scenario, this floating device would become ineffective. This is particularly relevant for individuals who have borrowed money to purchase a property for rental purposes, leverage that property to secure additional loans for more rental properties, and so forth. You are likely acquainted with someone who has engaged in such financial strategies. This method has been a primary means of economic progress since 2008.

If interest rates remain high over an extended period, it may lead to a chain reaction of forced selling, as the cost of servicing debt becomes unsustainable. This downward spiral could cause asset values to plummet, triggering even more sell-offs. In such a scenario, only two factors can help maintain financial stability, and they are closely interconnected.

One strategy is to increase the amount of currency you receive, while another is to invest that currency in assets (money) that maintain value, such as Gold, Bitcoin, or otherwise. The main challenge with the first approach is to increase your income without accumulating excessive debt, preferably none at all. With the growing emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations, securing financing for a small business may become increasingly difficult without meeting strict compliance requirements.

The biggest challenge with the second issue is that governments may impose restrictions on people's ability to access money as they become more aware of the declining nature of the currency. This could lead to difficulties exchanging money for currency when needed. 

As individuals become more aware of the manipulation within the financial system, collective adaptation and progress will be facilitated. This awareness leads to the emergence of economies that value money as a legitimate form of currency once more.  It seems inevitable that this shift will occur over time. The likelihood of this transformation happening is high, and there may be truth to the idea of reverting to a gold standard or building a new monetary system backed by Bitcoin, the crypto industry’s gold standard, fitting for this digital age, resulting in a parabolic shift in adoption and value for cryptocurrency, so be sure to be positioned accordingly. 

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

 


 

 

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

US Core PCE rises 03 in February in line with expectations

U.S. Core PCE rises 0.3% in February, in line with expectations

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Gold investors, with nothing else to do, can at least breathe a sigh of relief as inflation pressures rise in line with expectations.

Friday, The U.S. Department of Commerce said its core Personal Consumption Expenditures price index increased 0.3% last month. The data rose in line with economist expectations.

However, as a sign that inflation pressures aren’t going away, the report also noted an upward revision for January, with core inflation rising by 0.5%.

For the last 12 months, consumer price pressure continued to ease, rising 2.8% in February. Although inflation is still well above the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%, it continues to trend lower.

The report said headline inflation rose 0.3% last month, a tick lower than expected. Economists were looking for a 0.4% increase. For the year, headline inflation rose 2.5%, in line with consensus projections.

Markets are closed for Good Friday, so there has been no reaction to the latest inflation data.

With inflation pressures rising in line with expectations, investors could start to focus on a growing imbalance in the economy as consumers spent more than they made last month.

The report said wages increased less than expected last month, rising 0.3%. According to consensus forecasts, economists were looking for a 0.4% increase. Meanwhile, personal consumption jumped 0.8% in February. Economists forecasted a 0.5% increase.

According to some economists, the in-line inflation data could support the Federal Reserve's plan to begin its easing cycle in June, even as inflation remains elevated.

Last week, the Federal Reserve signaled it wanted to cut interest rates three times this year, even as inflation was holding around 2.4%.

An impending pivot in the U.S. central bank’s aggressive monetary policies has emboldened gold investors in recent days. Thursday, during the final trading day in March and the first quarter, June gold futures rose to a new all-time high of $2,256.90 an ounce and settled the session at $2,234.40 an ounce.

In an interview with Kitco News, Darin Newsom, Senior Market Analyst at Barchart, said that inflation could be one factor in why the gold market has been able to defy fundamental and technical logic.

Gold’s rally on Thursday came despite resilient strength in the U.S. dollar, which closed the session near a six-week high above 104 points.

“Gold could be telling us that inflation will stay around for a while. And that there's a real there's a real threat geopolitically,” he said.

Some analysts have also noted that gold doesn’t actually need a rate cut to maintain its upward trajectory. While higher inflation could keep the Federal Reserve from cutting rates this year, it is unlikely they will raise interest rates. This environment would still push real interest rates lower, which should weigh on the U.S. dollar, supporting gold prices.

Kitco Media

Neils Christensen

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

The One Reason Why Cardano Bulls Are Seriously Banking On 3 ADA Explosion Despite Price Downturn

The One Reason Why Cardano Bulls Are Seriously Banking On $3 ADA Explosion Despite Price Downturn

By Newton Gitonga – March 29, 2024

Cardano (ADA) has been experiencing a prolonged period of stagnation, hovering just above the $0.65 support level, while other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) witnessed significant surges.

Despite this apparent setback, ADA proponents remain undeterred, expressing optimism about an imminent rally that could potentially propel the coin to the coveted $3 mark.

In a Saturday post, a vocal ADA supporter known as “Crybaby” reflected on the current market sentiment, drawing parallels to previous market cycles. He highlighted the scepticism and doubt among ADA holders as other cryptocurrencies surged, reminiscent of a similar scenario. However, ‘Crybaby’ remained steadfast in his belief in ADA’s potential, emphasizing the resilience of the ADA community and predicting a substantial price surge shortly.

“With the recent hype of BOME and SOL price hike. Exponentially increasing of trash talk towards $ADA. I can see that the teleportation portal on Cardano is about to be ready. Real soon. Be ready with your space suit. We’re about to be chilling with zero gravity soon.” Wrote the investor, echoing the sentiments of other ADA supporters.

Elsewhere, renowned crypto analyst Ali Martinez further echoed this sentiment, pointing out similarities between the current ADA price action and historical patterns observed from 2018 to 2021. Notably, Martinez suggested that ADA could consolidate within the $0.55 to $0.80 range before experiencing a surge to $1.70.

Moreover, the growth of the Cardano ecosystem has served as an additional catalyst for optimism among ADA supporters. Addressing concerns about scaling Cardano, Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, reassured the community in a recent video, emphasizing the robustness and scalability of the Cardano network. With over 2,300 days of uninterrupted uptime and a commitment to decentralized principles, Cardano appears well-positioned to overcome scaling challenges and drive further adoption.

While skeptics may question ADA’s ability to compete with other leading cryptocurrencies, proponents remain resolute in their belief in the project’s long-term potential. Despite the current price downturn, many ADA holders view this consolidation phase as a necessary precursor to a significant price rally.

ADA was trading at $0.65 at press time, reflecting a 0.11% drop in value over the past 24 hours. The daily chart shows ADA’s price has encountered significant resistance within the $0.76-$0.80 range. A breakthrough and sustained closure above $0.80 would signal a resurgence in bullish momentum for Cardano, potentially driving its price towards $0.90 and beyond.

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

Bitwise Submits Filing For Spot Ethereum ETF Joining Other Firms In Race For SEC Approval

Bitwise Submits Filing For Spot Ethereum ETF, Joining Other Firms In Race For SEC Approval

By Brenda Ngari – March 29, 2024

Bitwise has applied to list a spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the U.S., even as questions continue to swirl around when the Securities and Exchange Commission might give such investment vehicles the regulatory blessing. Bitwise already manages the fourth largest spot Bitcoin ETF by assets under management, holding over $2 billion in BTC.

Bitwise Joins ETH ETF Bandwagon

Bitwise has taken a significant step toward introducing a spot Ethereum ETF. The company filed an S-1 registration form with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, followed by a 19b-4 form barely an hour later. If approved, the Bitwise Ethereum Trust will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The proposed product intends to give investors direct exposure to the industry's largest altcoin by market cap and may stake a portion of the fund's assets via trusted staking providers to earn more rewards. Bitwise is one of the now-11 issuers of spot Bitcoin ETFs. The financial giant's BITB spot ETF has collected roughly $2 billion in assets after only 2 1/2 months.

Bitwise's ether ETF filing sparked optimism in the crypto community about a potential spot ETH ETF approval in May. However, senior Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas was quick to stress that the likelihood of said approval is still super low.

Balchunas noted that there are now just seven weeks before the May 23 deadline, and the SEC hasn't gone back and forth with potential issuers over spot ETH ETFs, a contrast to the lengthy discussions that happened before BTC ETFs were greenlighted in mid-January.

SEC Uncertainty On Whether ETH Is A Security

The SEC has repeatedly shelved decisions on multiple high-profile Ethereum spot ETF applications in recent months, including those from BlackRock, Grayscale, Fidelity, Invesco, and Galaxy Digital. Moreover, a Bitwise executive recently forecasted that spot ETH ETFs are unlikely to get the SEC's nod this summer. “Spot Ethereum ETFs will gather more assets if they launch in December versus if they launch in May,” Bitwise's Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan posited. “TradFi needs more time to digest the Bitcoin ETFs.” The Ethereum Foundation was recently embroiled in an investigation by an unknown “state authority” that was later alleged by Fortune to be an effort by the SEC as it attempts to categorize Ethereum as a security. Notably, the SEC has so far refused to clarify its stance on whether ether is a security or not. Now, the regulator might be forced to actually define Ethereum, which could have a huge impact on the crypto sector in the U.S. However, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink believes that it would still be possible to launch a spot-based ETH ETF even if the Commission were to label Ethereum a security.

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 Brenda Ngari 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

The Artist that came out of the Winter