Again, economic statecraft eclipses the market’s desire to just talk economic policy. While none of the big central bank decisions yesterday produced headline surprises (the BOC cut 25bps, the Fed held, and the BCB raised 100bps), statecraft was deeply entwined in what they said.
Even before we got to their meetings, the Financial Times reported a 1920’s-style headline that the Bank of England was bleeding gold as bullion floods to the US to front-run any potential tariffs. Gold bugs will point to Trump inflation risks and nod; but gold was running to the US and away from the UK (where Chancellor Reed tried to sell the markets on her go-go growth policies just months after what was seen by business a slow-slow budget).
The BOC dropped forward guidance because of the risk of 25% US tariffs in days: and while it made the statecraft-blind statement that ‘inflation is over’, the Governor implied if tariffs happen, the Bank will have to help… but by cutting or hiking into a spike in inflation and a deep recession (according to DeepSeek)?
The Fed said asset prices were high while rates were way above neutral(!) but isn’t in a hurry to cut because it has to wait to assess Trump policies. (Our Fed watcher Philip Marey’s take is here: he has now pushed back his last presumed cut in this cycle to June.) President Trump unleashed a tirade against the Fed on social media: he proposes the Fed disposes rate cuts.
However, the White House will approve of Powell saying the Fed has no problem with US banks helping their customers with crypto, and not being averse to innovation. Or more digital asset bubbles? Or economic statecraft, which will be joined at the hip given the White House has already banned all potential CBDCs as rivals to ‘Made in America’ digital assets? […]
— Read More: www.zerohedge.com
At Last, a Company With Integrity in the Gold IRA Industry
For several years, I’ve been vetting out precious metals companies in search of the best. I believe in gold and silver but it’s hard to find integrity in the Gold IRA industry. The vast majority operate with shady tactics and gigantic spreads that take advantage of Americans who simply want to protect their life’s savings.
I’ve found a handful that I like and I’ve worked with some of them. By no means would I “unrecommend” them because, again, I vetted them out and found them to be above the fold. Unfortunately, it isn’t hard to be better than the rest when the rest are so darn awful.
After years of searching, I finally found a company that truly operates with integrity. Augusta Precious Metals has three important attributes that set them far above the competition:
- Non-Commissioned Sales Team: I cannot stress how important and unique this is. With just about every other company in the Gold IRA industry, the sales teams make commission from every account they open. This means they steer their clients toward the gold and silver products with the highest commission. With Augusta Precious Metals, the team is solely focused on putting the best gold and silver for their clients into their IRA. They get paid to serve the best interests of the Gold IRA client, NOT their own commission pay.
- Incredibly Low Fees: Most Americans would be shocked if they knew the spread other Gold IRA companies charge. Augusta charges just 5% versus up to 45% elsewhere.
- No Pressure, No Gimmicks: There’s an understanding among most in the Gold IRA industry that fear and pressure is the way to go. Augusta Precious Metals takes a sober approach when working with clients because they hold integrity in the highest possible regard. This is why they don’t offer gimmicks like “free” or “bonus” silver. It’s also why they do not apply pressure tactics to get quick sales. Their educational and transparent approach to doing business is exceedingly rare in the Gold IRA industry.
