The Great Reset – Gold, Silver and Freedom

December 3, 2024December 5, 2024

Cardano

I just wrote a piece on cryptocurrencies and the signs do seem to be converging, as XRP and XLM have both risen about 400% since Donald Trump won the U.S. election. Following subsequent research, I may have missed another sleeper in Cardano.

So, what’s the signs with Cardano?

The founder, Charles Hoskinson, has an interesting past, as a co-founder of Ethereum, ETH. As well as having claimed to have worked for DARPA, the defence agency and gone to University of Denver. Denver, for the uninitiated is the home of some very dark, satanic symbols, including the airport itself. The airport is rumoured to have a large underground complex where who-knows-what occurs and to placate rumours and fears, the airport has engaged in advertising posters mocking those who think there might be a bit more going on there than just travel. Images like this don’t help.

The logo for Cardano is very, very similar to the COVID-19 supposed virus image. This, in turn, looks very similar to the U.N. Great Reset logo.

Now is the time for a 'great reset' of capitalism | World Economic Forum — The Great Reset

Cardano, in gematria, equates to Blackrock. Enough said here.

The symbol for Cardano is ADA. As many with an IT background can tell you, Ada was a computer language in the 1980s, named after Ada Lovelace (Byron), recognised as the first female computer programmer.

All in all, some unusual things to consider. Now, note I didn’t analyse performance or the value of their blockchain, because, to be honest, I don’t know. However, I do know one or more cryptocurrencies is going to be at the core of the new financial system after the great reset, and this looks to be one of them. The market certainly thinks it may have a place – it’s up 300% since Donald Trump won the U.S. election.

December 1, 2024December 1, 2024

Schlobitten

I’ve always been extremely interested in World War 2 and the Eastern front, or Ostfronten as the Germans called it. Especially sad to me is the loss of German East Prussia, Pomerania and Silesia, along with the massive deaths, displacement and destruction wreaked during that final year of the war, 1945 and the further destruction that took place after. Much of which is barely covered in history books and seems destined to be lost to time forever soon.

One story in particular sticks in my mind, by Alexander Fürst zu Dohna-Schlobitten, who wrote his memoir of living in one such East Prussian castle upto 1945., Schlobitten. I’ve never personally visited the ruins that exist today, but he builds a picture of happiness, contentment and the general continuation of a life that had existed for hundreds, perhaps a thousand years or more, right up until the day he hears the sound of artillery fire from the east and concludes, rightly, that it may be time to go. He orders the house to be packed, the staff to prepare for exit and so begins the march West to escape. Turning briefly with sadness to face his childhood home and that of his ancestors before saying a silent and final goodbye.

The reason I write this is because this is how it rather feels regarding life in Europe generally. The front line has moved West since 1945 and it isn’t artillery that one physically hears in 2024, but a closing of digital prison walls. Walls and bars heralding the death of freedom, personal responsibility and basic rights such as owning your own productivity, bodily autonomy and being able to say what you think or feel about certain subjects.

In another time, we could’ve sat in our centrally heated homes comfortably, but fate has chosen that we must either face the enemy or flee and like Alexander there, in Schlobitten, with resigned sadness I really don’t see that it’s possible to face the enemy and win.

I choose freedom. After all, “He who runs away, lives to fight another day”, right?

Now, you may be wondering where the Gold or Silver connection is. There isn’t one, although I am sure Alexander had financially prepared for this eventuality by placing savings well outside of the crisis and was probably also carrying a supply of gold and silver coins for any eventualities, this post is all about the freedom part of the trio. Perhaps freedom is the most important of all?

November 29, 2024November 29, 2024

Cryptocurrencies and the Future

After ignoring cryptocurrencies for the whole 2010s, I began studying them in early 2022 using a mix of history, signs and how I see the future going. The creaking financial system during the late-2019 to 2022 COVID-19 crisis helped me realise that a monetary reset is close and that if you don’t get on the bridge to safety with the other financial refugees trying to flee the advancing terror, you could well be left with nothing. In actuality, COVID-19 may be more linked to cryptocurrency than anyone realises yet. Something I have covered with patent WO2020060606A1.

Yes, these strange electronic tokens, mystically assigned any value at all, could well grow to become what we use daily to buy and sell goods and services. Perhaps.

In 2022, we saw cryptocurrencies suffer major drops and that has put many off, but since then, Sam the Bankman got Fried and Sam, Alternative offering man, has come up with Worldcoin, which you can get for free..almost, by agreeing to a retinal scan. No thanks.

Now, a warning at this point – I’m still unsure where crypto is going and have never, ever devoted anything other than pocket money to it. It’s a useful experiment to understand cryptocurrency and cryptowallets, who knows when you will need them? You can certainly lose everything you invest here, especially if you follow Youtubers pumping and dumping obscure, unknown coins and don’t do your own due diligence.

Let’s now look at some of the popular narratives around crypto and the cryptocurrencies I chose to investigate, based on news and perhaps more interestingly, the numbers and signs I see that lead me to believe they are either red herrings or the bridges across.

Popular Cryptocurrency Narratives

They mean freedom
They allow us to stick one to the government and banks
They give us anonimity
They are the future of money
People are making lots of money with Tax-Free profits
They are the ultimate Get Rich Quick scheme

Cryptocurrency Counter-Narratives

How many people have successfully transacted to buy or sell goods and services with cryptocurrency yet?
All countries will always want to control their citizens through the power of a single “fiat” currency they decree and can manipulate
Governments and banks are unlikely to let you transact tax-free in any currency you like
Governments are likely to want a cut of your “profits”
In a surveillance society can your savings be truly anonymous?
In times of crisis, no-one likes to see people wealthier than them. Those who prepare could become a target

Let’s now take a look at a few cryptos I’ve researched and my views on each. Note, I cut my research to those I saw as being popular, or as possible parts of the new system.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin Narratives

Invented by a lone software and monetary genius, working alone, named Satoshi Nakamoto
Anonymous
Amazing, ground-breaking technology
True money backed by energy (it takes energy to “mine” bitcoins)
Supply limited to 21,000,000 bitcoins in perpetuity
Governments can’t touch it
Make you rich if you get in now
Has built up a huge cult around it

Bitcoin Counter-Narratives

Why has this genius never been found?
Why do his initials N-SA correspond with NSA, the U.S. security agency?
How come Bitcoin is described to a tee in a 1990s U.S. government white paper on decentralised digital currency?
Software can be branched off so the system runs on new and different code with new rules
Companies like Blackrock have setup Bitcoin ETFs
The lone software genius, acting alone reminds me of the “lone gunman, acting alone” narrative, like Lee Harvey Oswald
Bitcoin evangelists, like Max Keiser and Michael Saylor of MicroStrategy do not strike me as sincere

In summary, I’m not touching this one. There were massive profits to be made had you got in early. Remember the most expensive pizza ever in the world? However, at $95,000, where does it go? Donald Trump claims to be the crypto president, which has given some coins a huge boost and he even suggested a bitcoin reserve. Who knows, perhaps Bitcoin will be used to pay off the ever-ballooning national debt, but I am conscious that when something over-inflates, like a balloon, it can pop quickly and the air can disappear. Along with your savings.

Another thing making me uneasy here is all conversations on cryptocurrency invariably lead to Bitcoin. It reminds me of a magician – “look at this hand, ignore my other hand”, and generally this is how governments and media work, tell you a kind of truth but take your energy somewhere while the real sleight of hand occurs and your wallet and watch disappear. I am of the opinion that Bitcoin is that distraction and the real future cryptocurrencies are elsewhere.

For yes, the plan surely is to get everyone transacting by digital means that can be controlled by an elite. So much for freedom. However, it does mean something out there will be that new digital currency and leads to my review of three potential candidates.

Ripple XRP

X marks the spot. “None may buy and sell, except those with the Mark”

Ripple. A wave, a maritime reference. A possible nod to the moon-eye and current-sea.

Elon Musk, one of the founders of Paypal, an early successful online electronic payments system, bought Twitter the social media platform and rebranded it as X, also the symbol for XRP. Is this going to become a platform for sending and receiving payments?

In summary, I reckon this is planned to be part of the new financial system in some capacity. The corporate background to the coin, many coincidences and large number of 33s stories out there are telling me something big is planned here.

XRP has been a sleeper since inception, aside from a period of euphoria in 2020-21. Notably, since Trump was elected, it’s up over 200% in a month.

Stellar XLM

The XLM symbol looks suspiciously close to a 1988 The Economist cover on the coming world currency

Hollywood produced a film in 2014, called “Interstellar“, where the symbol for XLM put in an appearance. Exactly the kind of predictive programming we often find. Remember “Contagion“, the 2011 film with Gwyneth Paltrow that seems suspiciously close to the COVID-19 Plandemic? Right down to one theory that Bats spread the malady.

Like Ripple, Stellar has had a near-identical performance since inception, a corporate structure and also like XRP, it has risen since Trump’s election. This time by over 300% in a month.

Binance BNB

Binance supposedly begun by a Chinese geek, CZ, otherwise known as Changpeng Zhao, who has now stood down
Binance is also a large crypto exchange platform
The Binance exchange symbol reminds me of an all-seeing eye
The BNB symbol looks like Baphomet

I see Binance as a possible “China Crypto” and wonder if it is part of a plan for China and the BRICS nations. It has not risen markedly after Trump’s election, but has doubled since late 2023. This suggests it is driven by other factors outside U.S. hegemony.

July 22, 2024September 13, 2024

BEMO Up, Scotty!

Stepping slightly outside of the world of precious metals, and yet this here allows investment in countries that are some of the world’s biggest producers of Gold, Silver and Platinum, I’d now like to introduce you to Barings Emerging Europe, Middle east and Africa.

This trust has suffered majorly since early 2022, but having a large proportion of it’s holdings in Russia (about one-third at that time), but credit where credit is due, the managers cleverly rebranded the fund from it’s Eastern European remit in 2021, switching a large proportion of the portfolio from Russia and Eastern Europe to Saudia Arabia, United Arab Emirates and South Africa. All current and future BRICS members, with huge potential for future growth, also due to their relatively young populations, access to natural resources and economic links outside of the West.

Right now, the portfolio seems to be split between Saudi Arabia and the UAE (about 40%), South Africa (about 25%), then a whole host of Eastern European countries and Turkey making up the remainder. The trust is also on an 18% discount at time of writing. But wait, what about Russia, where did that portfolio go? Actually, it’s still there and still held and best of all, they occasionally get to sell out and remit the proceeds back (what happened to those super strict sanctions, the ones that for some reason didn’t even include natural gas?). Furthermore, that Russian portion of the portfolio is officially valued at ZERO, as far as I can tell. Yes, exposure to companies like Lukoil, Gazprom and Sberbank is probably still in there somewhere at an official value of zero, despite those companies still generating big profits. By my approximation, if the russian assets were still valued at their pre-2021 value, it boosts the NAV (Net asset Value) to about 850p a share and puts the trust on a 50% discount.

This valuation, of course, says nothing about the dividends that have been received since 2021, nor does it take account of the Ruble performance and Russia’s increased GDP since 2021, so who knows what it’s really worth? Then, we need to consider that officially the Russian portion of the portfolio is valued at zero because it’s unsaleable. Rightly or wrongly, there are no buyers, so you are stuck with it until something happens. However, look at history and at some point peace happens and world economic parity is restored. Especially given Russia’s immense resources, this will happen at some point.

As background, look further at the commodity producing potential of these countries. Russia and South Africa dominate 70% of the world Platinum market, both are big Gold producers and the middle east is a gigantic oil-producing part of the world. Even Poland is a top-10 world Silver producer (who even knew, eh?).

Essentially, to me, this trust represents good value and already looks bombed out, although even if something is cheap it can always get cheaper, even if the long-term trajectory goes upwards. Please do your own research before making any investment decisions. Let’s see if 2025 proves me right.

April 28, 2024April 30, 2024

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

It completely missed my attention, and would have remained so had I not reinstalled Instagram on my mobile (#BlueTweedJacket), that the seals are now opened and the four horsemen of the apocalypse have, quite possibly, been released. Bear with me.

It all leads back to a very strange story that occurred on 24/04/2024 in the City of London, when 4 military horses were seemingly startled by some kind of building noise in Belgravia (Gematria : “Rise of the Phoenix”, remember this Economist cover from 1988?

“behold, a pale horse and his name that sat upon him was death..”

You can read about the horses here and work out the imagery for yourself. The key part for me is how the four horses ran through the City of London, much to the amazement of onlookers. Thus it was announced. I wonder if the names Vida, Trojan, Quaker and Tennyson could be signs in some way too?

For the uninitiated, the City of London is a separate country within the UK, explaining the bizarre yearly ceremony where the Monarch has to ask permission from the Lord Mayor of London to enter the City of London. I am unsure if fakey Prince Charley has done it yet, perhaps the City would say no, knowing he’s not really King. Seemingly, anyway, this all happened as the result of magically generating the finance for royalty to win their wars and the power of the City grew, to the extent that Corporations inside the city have votes, like citizens do, not that are many left within the old Roman city walls. A population decline that began with a Great Fire, way back in 1666. Oh wait a sec, 24/04/2024 (2+4)(4+2)(2+4)…666 again? After clearing the lower-grade humans away from inside the city, it went on to gain prominence in controlling world finance and the world of corpus-rations, or dead entities. You could even argue it controls the USA through the Eurodollar market, allowing it to manage and use the world reserve currency for it’s own purposes, exactly as it did with the British Pound, prior to 1926.

I can see the pieces linking together, Winston Churchill, as Chancellor of the Exchequer back in 1926 unrelentingly demanded a strong pound after the inflationary costs of The Great War, causing a general strike and leaving many coal miners without income and starving (I sense my own ancestors suffered too), which thanks the Lords of Finance book, explains how this led to a trans-Atlantic trade of Gold flowing across to the USA after WW1 and ultimately left the USA atop the world in 1945. Compare that to the closely-comparable current flow of gold from Europe and North America to Asia, or the new Switzerland of the East, Singapore. Got to wonder why he did it, eh? Or maybe, got to wonder who he did it for.

Match that with “You will own nothing and be happy” mantra of the World Economic Forum. Many of us are meant to die, especially the unproductive ones (by their measurements, let’s just ignore that not everything that can be counted, counts) and those that survive are meant to have every part of their lives tracked and controlled. I’m not joking, Denmark already has 95% of the population signed up to a Digital ID that includes a contract clause for allowing the bank, local government, any government agency (think : the health dept says you didn´t get the latest booster of the COVID-25 vaccine) and anyone else to basically lock your ID. No paying for anything, no access to anything, no state healthcare, no car, no nothing. If you don’t believe me that it’s already weaponised, ask this guy here, who without yet being convicted of any crime took part in a trucker protest by lobbing some potatoes on the motorway and got locked out.

Now, what about the names of those horses? Well, the first one, it maps via Gematria to “Dollar Collapse”, then the next one is called Trojan. Aha, another clue perhaps? What is Gold still measured in, even today? The city people once thought was a myth, somehow managed to have a weight named after it, the Troy ounce, used to measure gold. The one solid money unit people have always known they can rely on when everything else falls apart. Any ideas on those two other names…? Well, Tennyson was a Victorian poet whose most famous poem line was “Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die.“, about the Charge of The Light Brigade in the Crimean war, and I seem to recall something happening in Crimea right now again. Quaker, a religion or an Earthquake. It may become clearer later.

I think I see the financial future clearer now. When money dies, as it has just been anounced it will, then we all turn back to gold, even briefly as the one unit we can trust, then the system resets, just as it did in 1923 for Germany (and 1945-46, again, painfully) and how it always works out for every fiat currency that has ever existed, be it Pounds, Francs, Dollars, Livres, Pengo or Dollars. Those that don’t prepare at all, be it by holding gold, silver or even tinned food are destined to expire, or fight, in a Darwinian trial that the elite will enjoy watching unfold and are poised, ready to grab your assets on the cheap. Then they’ll offer you the solution to scarce expensive food, rationing implemented and managed via an app on your phone. Digital ID worldwide through the back door and their Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), with all the controls they wanted all along.

December 13, 2023December 13, 2023

Platinum, the Jim Rogers View

Investing in platinum and palladium, according to Jim Rogers, is akin to uncovering hidden treasures in the commodities market—both metals bear unique characteristics and play pivotal roles in industrial applications, presenting intriguing investment opportunities for the astute investor.

Platinum: The Precious Metal with Industrial Might

“Platinum wears the dual crown of luxury and utility,” Rogers might opine. He recognizes platinum’s status as a prestigious precious metal, often associated with high-end jewelry and automotive catalysts. However, he would highlight its critical role in industries like automobile manufacturing, emphasizing its scarcity and indispensability in catalytic converters for cleaner emissions.

Palladium: The Unsung Hero of Industrial Demand

Rogers might describe palladium as the silent workhorse of the metals market. He’d underscore its dominance in the automotive sector, particularly in gasoline-powered vehicle catalysts. “Palladium quietly powers the wheels of the automotive world,” he’d suggest, acknowledging its essential role in reducing harmful emissions.

Supply-Demand Dynamics

Supply-demand fundamentals are crucial to Rogers’ perspective on platinum and palladium. He might delve into the challenges of their production, highlighting the concentration of mining in specific geographic regions like South Africa and Russia. He’d likely emphasize that supply disruptions or geopolitical tensions in these regions can significantly impact prices due to limited global production.

Macro Trends and Price Volatility

Similar to his outlook on other commodities, Rogers might relate platinum and palladium’s price movements to broader economic trends. He’d emphasize their sensitivity to global economic conditions, industrial demand, and geopolitical factors. “Platinum and palladium ride the waves of economic cycles,” he’d note, acknowledging their susceptibility to market volatility.

Physical Metals vs. Mining Equities

Rogers might express a preference for physical ownership of platinum and palladium over investing in mining companies. He’d likely highlight the risks associated with mining stocks, including operational challenges, geopolitical uncertainties, and management decisions. “In these metals, owning the physical assets is akin to holding the crown jewels,” he’d suggest, emphasizing the tangible value of owning the metals themselves.

Long-Term Potential

Jim Rogers’ investment philosophy involves seeking long-term value, and he might view platinum and palladium through a similar lens. He’d likely advocate for these metals as potential hedges against inflation and a part of a diversified investment portfolio, emphasizing their enduring industrial significance and scarcity.

In essence, Jim Rogers’ perspective on platinum and palladium investing underscores their dual nature as precious metals with industrial importance. He sees them as integral components of the commodities market, presenting opportunities for investors who understand their unique dynamics and their roles in both luxury and industrial sectors.

Jim is most reknowned for his 1970s Quantum fund management with George Soros and more lately, his move to Singapore. He seems to have a knack for knowing when to buy low and sell high and freely shares his insights via interviews and Books.

December 13, 2023December 13, 2023

Jim Rogers Talks about Silver

After so much success with his gold views, I asked ChatGPT what Jim’s views on silver are and am very grateful to their information for us average investors…

Investing in silver, through the lens of an astute investor like Jim Rogers, is akin to navigating the uncharted waters of an economic adventure—fraught with volatility yet laden with opportunities for the discerning investor.

Silver as an Industrial and Precious Metal

“Silver is a hybrid, straddling the worlds of industry and investment,” Rogers might muse. He acknowledges silver’s dual role as both a precious metal and an industrial commodity, recognizing its diverse applications across various sectors, from electronics to solar panels. This industrial demand often shapes his views on its long-term value.

Supply and Demand Dynamics

Rogers keenly observes the supply-demand dynamics in the silver market. He might emphasize the growing demand for silver in emerging technologies, juxtaposed with the challenges in its production and supply. “Silver is a metal in the shadows of its golden sibling, yet indispensable in the modern world,” he’d likely comment, highlighting the potential scarcity in the face of rising demand.

Silver vs. Gold: A Comparative Perspective

Drawing parallels between silver and gold, Rogers might emphasize the volatility and potential upside of silver compared to its more illustrious counterpart. He acknowledges that silver tends to amplify the moves of gold, often outperforming it in bull markets but also bearing the brunt of downturns. “Silver is the wild cousin of gold,” he’d quip, alluding to its penchant for higher volatility.

The Role of Macro Trends

Rogers’ investment philosophy revolves around macroeconomic trends, and silver fits into this narrative. He might delve into the correlation between silver and broader economic trends, pointing out its sensitivity to inflation, currency devaluation, and geopolitical tensions. “Silver dances to the beat of macro rhythms,” he’d likely comment, underlining its responsiveness to global economic shifts.

Physical Silver vs. Silver Equities

Similar to his views on gold, Rogers might lean toward physical silver over investing in silver mining companies. He might express concerns about the operational risks, management decisions, and geopolitical uncertainties that mining companies face. “In silver, owning the metal is holding the ace,” he’d opine, emphasizing the tangible value of physical ownership.

A Long-Term Perspective

Jim Rogers’ investment horizon spans generations, and his views on silver echo this patience. He might advocate for holding silver as a long-term hedge against currency debasement and inflation, reiterating its role as a store of value through tumultuous economic cycles.

In essence, Jim Rogers’ take on silver investing reflects a nuanced understanding of its industrial significance, market volatility, and its potential as a hedge in a diversified investment portfolio. To him, silver isn’t just a metal; it’s a multifaceted asset poised to shine amid the complexities of global markets.

December 12, 2023

Investing in Cryptocurrencies

Investing in cryptocurrencies through platforms like Binance has emerged as a contemporary alternative to traditional investments like gold. The allure of crypto lies in its decentralized nature, potential for rapid growth, and its position at the forefront of technological innovation.

Binance, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges globally, offers a user-friendly interface and a diverse range of cryptocurrencies for investment. Unlike gold, which has historically been a store of value, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum operate on blockchain technology, providing transparency, security, and potential for significant returns on investment.

One of the key aspects of investing in crypto via Binance is the accessibility it offers. Investors can start with small amounts, enabling broader participation regardless of financial standing. Moreover, the 24/7 market availability allows for flexibility in trading, unlike the limited trading hours of traditional markets.

While gold has been a long-standing hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, cryptocurrencies are increasingly being seen as a hedge against traditional market fluctuations. Some investors view crypto as a means to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional assets like gold, aiming to capture potential high-growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

However, it’s essential to note that investing in cryptocurrencies comes with its own set of risks. The market’s volatility can lead to substantial price fluctuations within short periods, making it a high-risk, high-reward investment. Regulatory changes, security concerns, and market sentiment can also significantly impact crypto prices.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in cryptocurrencies via Binance as an alternative to gold depends on an individual’s risk tolerance, investment goals, and understanding of the market. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research, understand the technology behind cryptocurrencies, and consider seeking advice from financial experts before diving into this dynamic and evolving investment space.

December 10, 2023December 12, 2023

Precious Metals Surge: Unveiling the Dynamics Behind Silver and Gold Rally, and the Impending Rise of Platinum

Introduction:

In recent times, the world has witnessed a remarkable surge in the prices of precious metals, particularly silver and gold. Investors and enthusiasts alike have been closely monitoring the factors contributing to this rally. As we explore the reasons behind the ascent of silver and gold, we will also delve into the potential for platinum to follow suit, given the unique dynamics surrounding its production.

The Silver Lining:

Silver, often referred to as “the poor man’s gold,” has experienced a surge in demand for several reasons. One primary factor is its dual role as both a precious metal and an industrial commodity. The increasing demand for silver in the electronics and solar industries has created a substantial market for this versatile metal. Additionally, the low interest rate environment and inflation concerns have propelled investors to seek refuge in tangible assets like silver.

Gold Glitters Amidst Economic Uncertainty:

Similarly, gold has maintained its status as a safe-haven asset, drawing investors seeking stability during times of economic uncertainty. The ongoing global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, have fueled the demand for gold as a store of value. Central banks’ continued monetary stimulus measures and the fear of inflation have further intensified gold’s appeal, driving its price to new heights.

Platinum’s Turn in the Spotlight:

Now, attention is shifting towards platinum as a potential beneficiary of the current market dynamics. Platinum is a crucial metal, widely used in the automotive industry, particularly in catalytic converters. The majority of the world’s platinum supply (over 70%) comes from South Africa and Russia. However, recent developments in South Africa, a major platinum producer, raise concerns about the metal’s future availability.

Power Struggles in South Africa:

South Africa, a key player in the global platinum market, faces challenges in its power supply infrastructure. The country’s electricity grid has been plagued by issues such as load shedding and an aging power infrastructure. Unreliable power supply not only disrupts mining operations but also affects the overall economic activity, potentially impacting platinum production.

Russia’s Role in Platinum Supply:

On the other hand, Russia, another significant contributor to the global platinum supply (around 10%), has maintained a relatively stable production environment. However, geopolitical uncertainties and international relations may impact future supplies. Investors are closely monitoring these geopolitical factors as they consider the potential impact on platinum prices.

Investor Outlook and Conclusion:

As silver and gold continue to shine amid economic uncertainties, platinum emerges as a compelling investment opportunity. The metal’s unique industrial applications, coupled with concerns over the reliability of power supply in South Africa, suggest a potential uptrend in platinum prices.

Investors are advised to stay vigilant and consider diversifying their portfolios to include precious metals like platinum. The evolving dynamics in South Africa and Russia, combined with the global economic landscape, could position platinum as the next metal to garner significant attention in the ever-changing world of commodities.

Handily enough, Bullionvault* also allows investment in Platinum. As does Revolut*.

Both businesses will remit a small portion of their fees to us, but this doesn’t affect the price for you and we do genuinely recommend them for good service and access to corners of the market often off-limits to smaller investors like us.

January 27, 2022October 9, 2022

War, What is it Good For?

Absolutely nothing. If you believe the song by Edwin Starr, anyway. I disagree. Eisenhower warned in the 1950s about the military industrial complex in the USA and sadly, time has proved him right, with a gigantic industry going on that relies on conflicts occurring in faraway places. All under the modern excuses of protecting democracy, while, it may be noted, most of the action seems to occur in resource-rich countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya, but countries like Zimbabwe are left to collapse.

Take for example, the latest situation in Ukraine. When it comes down to it, it’s a conflict based on what media tells us is happening. Unless we actually have our own feet on the ground, or know someone there who can tell us better, then it may as well all be lies, exactly the same as Orson Welles and his radio dramatisation of War of the Worlds in 1938, that had Americans packing their bags and fleeing for the hills. However that might have saved them is unclear, but I’m wishing I knew someone in Ukraine or Russia border regions who could tell me what the fear level really is.

Initially, stock markets responded by marking down Russian shares, and they have declined markedly, by about 30% since October last year, suggesting the insiders were in the know, as per usual. The USA continued to rise until a couple of weeks ago, since when it has fallen markedly too, along with EU markets. It’s interesting that the UK has not joined in the falls, and it could be that a market containing lots of resource, oil and financial stocks may be resilient in the coming years. Last couple days though, things have changed, with marked rises in Russian stocks especially, but the US beginning to curve upwards again too. The conclusion must be that the insiders know World War 3 isn’t happening quite yet and just perhaps the USA has had a little bit of a bloody nose from a playground scrap against a more established player. In fact, the USA has quietly slunk away, defeated from a few scraps in recent years. They tried to start a coup in Venezuela, the world’s richest nation in oil reserves and failed, suggesting the decline of this cycle of their power is well and truly underway.

So, what do we learn from all this? Wars happen and mostly they are engineered by someone looking to profit in some way. It wouldn’t surprise me if Ukraine agrees a major arms deal with the USA in coming months, to help defend against the Russian “threat” and the military industrial complex continues to profit from human misery and fear. As an outsider, with no hope of knowing when the next conflict incident is planned, My reading of this is : buy Russia, they really have it all, the resources and tons of under-used agricultural land that once supplied the world and just perhaps, buy the UK. People are still convinced Brexit was a bad idea, but the performance of UK stocks and funds suggests they have missed out on ten years of very good rises. Perhaps they missed that Royal Dutch Shell decided the EU is such a bad place to be, they dropped the Dutch after over 100 years and moved their head office to the UK in December 2021. It goes back to thinking before that resource stocks and banks may well be the right places to be for the next ten years. I am in no way saying that it’s going to be a great ten years for people living in the UK. “We are on a train journey, and some of the people on the train at the beginning are not going to be there at the end”, as I was once told by my employer during a meeting where mass redundancy was clearly planned. With coming rises in food prices, living in a country that must import over half it’s food and can easily be blockaded by uncooperative neighbours might not be a picnic. However, resource companies with their HQ there, but most of the earnings coming from elsewhere in the world, may well be a great place to be for your hard-earned savings. Along with…choke…big pharma. Reminds me of another war going on right under our noses that few are even aware of, the war on humanity itself.