4 Surprising Things That Could Impact Your Wallet If a Recession Hits

4 Surprising Things That Could Impact Your Wallet If a Recession Hits

June 14, 2025  by  J. Arky  GOBankingRates

The stock market took one of the worst nosedives at the beginning of April as President Trump’s tariffs and plans to reshape the global economy seemed to only drive fear into the market, sending investors fleeing. Now everyone wants to know: is a recession on the way?

It could very well be, with trade wars ramping up and inflation about to reach record levels. However, that doesn’t mean that they are the only factors driving a potential recession. In fact, a few other economic mechanisms are at play that could affect you and your family’s money.

Lower Gas Bills

If you have been feeling the strain of filling up your car’s tank, there might be a bit of a reprieve on the way if a recession does come: gas prices could fall. In fact, prices at the pump usually go down in a recession as lower demand can lower the supply and the cost, according to Marcus Sturdivant Sr., advisor, managing member and chief compliance officer at The ABC Squared². 

“This recession would be on the heels of tariffs and the U.S. publicly endorsing ‘drill baby drill’ as a strategy,” Sturdivant explained. “Flooding the market with gas during an economic slowdown, all things being equal, will make the prices at the pump lower, but the escalating tariffs, trade war and an environment where oil makes money at $70 per barrel versus the $100 per barrel of the past.”

Sturdivant pointed out that even with tariffs, with increased production, there is already a record domestic output, meaning that the price for fuel should come down.

Less Alarming Market News

The stock market can decline during a recession, but that does not necessarily indicate a cause for alarm in the opinion of William Bergmark, personal finance expert and finance editor at Credwise.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/economy/surprising-things-that-could-impact-your-wallet-if-a-recession-hits/?hyperlink_type=manual

Missouri Legalized Gold for Taxes | Join the Sound Money Revolution

Missouri Legalized Gold for Taxes | Join the Sound Money Revolution

Lynette Zang:  7-21-2025

Missouri just made history by legalizing gold for tax payments! This is a HUGE win for the sound money movement.

Learn what it means, how other states are following, and how YOU can help push this momentum forward.

Chapters:

00:00:44 – Missouri Passes Best Legal Tender Law

00:01:43 – Partnering with Daniel Diaz on Local Action

00:04:20 – Q&A: Catherine Austin Fitts on Numismatic Coins

00:06:00 – Intrinsic vs Fundamental Value Explained

 00:07:30 – Derivatives & Hidden Risks Since 1998

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SukdptuCyI

Fed Under Fire: $200B in Bank Payouts, Gold Bond Talks, Full Audit Urged | Judy Shelton

Fed Under Fire: $200B in Bank Payouts, Gold Bond Talks, Full Audit Urged | Judy Shelton

Kitco News:  7-22-2025

Judy Shelton, former Trump Fed nominee and author of Good as Gold, joins Jeremy Szafron to discuss the rising calls to audit the Federal Reserve, the $200 billion in interest payments to banks and foreign institutions, and the growing momentum behind gold-backed U.S. Treasury bonds.

Shelton confirms that conversations with Trump administration officials are “constructive” as they consider launching long-term, gold-redeemable debt ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

In this Kitco News interview, Shelton outlines why the Fed's balance sheet losses, interest-on-reserves framework, and constitutional overreach demand urgent reform.

She also addresses whether she would accept the role of Fed Chair in 2026.

Key topics:

 -$200B in Fed interest payouts — and who’s really benefiting

 -Why Shelton calls the Fed’s system “perverse”

-Structural audit bill gaining traction in Congress

-Gold-backed Treasuries: how it could work, and who’s behind it

 -Trump administration’s internal debates on Fed reform

 -Shelton’s 2026 Fed Chair potential: would she accept

Introduction

00:32 Judy Shelton's Perspective on Fed Policies

 01:13 The 2008 Financial Crisis and Fed's Response

03:47 Current Issues with Fed's Interest Payments

06:30 Congressional Oversight and Fed Accountability

09:38 Calls for Fed Reform and Leadership Changes

15:53 Gold and Sound Money Movement

18:36 Proposal for Gold-Backed Treasury Bonds

36:28 Conclusion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0iEFqK0pnM

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Tuesday Afternoon 7-22-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

Why Trump Sees BRICS as the Biggest Threat to U.S. Dominance

With de-dollarization accelerating and local currency trade expanding, the BRICS alliance poses a serious challenge to the post-WWII American-led financial order.

Economic Power Shift: BRICS Expands Global Footprint

The BRICS alliance now represents around 45% of the global population and 37% of the world’s GDP, establishing itself as a powerful alternative to U.S.-led economic structures.

Trade data shows a staggering imbalance:

• U.S. imports from BRICS: $650 billion

• U.S. exports to BRICS: $300 billion

• China alone exports: $448 billion to the U.S.

“They are demanding multipolarity—financial, cultural, and political. The United States is fighting to maintain a hegemony that is in crisis,”
— Marta Fernandez, BRICS Policy Center Director

De-Dollarization: A Direct Strike at U.S. Monetary Control

BRICS has accelerated de-dollarization through expanded local currency settlements and central bank coordination.

• China–Russia bilateral trade in 2024 hit $244.8 billion — settled primarily in yuan and rubles.

• The New Development Bank now lends 25% in local currencies, with a target of 30% by next year.

“Already a quarter of the bank’s lending portfolio was in local currencies… looking to hit 30% by next year,”
— Dilma Rousseff, Former President of Brazil, Chair of the NDB

These moves represent a systematic unraveling of the dollar's global monopoly in trade and lending.

Trump Responds with Economic Nationalism and Tariff Warnings

Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted BRICS, calling the group a threat to U.S. dominance and proposing tough tariffs to counter their rise. However, BRICS leaders remain unfazed.

“The world has changed. We don’t want an emperor. We are sovereign countries,”
— President Lula da Silva, Brazil

“At the moment the United States declares ‘America First,’ the BRICS are saying ‘we all come first,’”
— Pedro Costa Junior, International Relations Analyst

Trump’s comments and policies appear increasingly out of sync with the non-aligned multipolar strategy adopted by BRICS members.

BRICS Currency Systems and U.S. Structural Risk

The adoption of BRICS Cross-National Settlement Systems (BCNS) and local currency trade mechanisms is undermining the U.S. dollar’s 70-year reign in global commerce. Analysts warn this shift could trigger:

• Reduced global demand for U.S. Treasuries

• Higher inflation from import pricing volatility

• Erosion of American influence over international lending institutions

With ripple effects already visible in global trade patterns and central bank reserve allocations, BRICS is no longer a passive economic alliance — it is actively reshaping the global financial system.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: Watcher.Guru   

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“Tidbits From TNT” Tuesday 7-22-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  The dinar is recovering and the exchange rate is declining towards the official rate.

 Samir Al-Nusairi

 For several months in 2025, the US dollar exchange rate has continued to decline against the Iraqi dinar, recovering by around 13 points.

It is expected to gradually decline to approach the official exchange rate during the coming period of this year, in accordance with the Central Bank's strategy and ongoing measures for comprehensive banking reform, regulating foreign trade financing, and transitioning to direct dealings between our banks and correspondent banks, in addition to complying with international banking standards.

Restricting the sale and distribution of cash dollars to a strict mechanism has been praised by the International Monetary Fund and the US Treasury as a successful and advanced method and application for controlling the stability of the US dollar exchange rate and keeping cash dollar sales to a minimum, thus preventing the circulation of the currency from being available for speculation in the parallel market.

To support the dinar's recovery, "we must look at the rate at which the Central Bank covers all external transactions, including imports and personal transfers.

 This explains price stability, given the current inflation rate, which is less than 2.5%, lower than the inflation rates in neighboring countries. This means that the Central Bank has achieved two basic monetary policy objectives: controlling exchange rates and curbing inflation."

This confirms that the wise monetary policy adopted by the Central Bank has contributed significantly to the stability of the exchange rate and the decline of the parallel market to the lowest possible level.

The Central Bank's insistence and cooperation with the government during the second half of the current year will lead to a gradual decline in the exchange rate of the US dollar, which has been stable for two days at the thirties and is moving towards the official exchange rate.  link

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Tishwash:  A plan to connect the East and West of the world via Baghdad

The Ministry of Planning clarified, on Monday, that the Belt and Road Initiative launched by China is consistent and complementary to the development road project that Iraq has begun implementing, while pointing to a plan to link the Iran-Iraq railway to the Gulf, Eastern countries and Europe.

Ministry spokesman Abdul Zahra Al-Hindawi told the official agency, followed by Al-Eqtisad News: “The Belt and Road Initiative launched by China in 2013 is based on a network of roads and railways that connect the East to the West via main corridors and axes. Iraq is perhaps one of the main axes, taking into account that there is a railway linking China to Uzbekistan, then Pakistan and then Iran within this initiative.”

He added, "There is an idea to link the Iran-Iraq, Turkey, and Syria railway line with the Gulf, Eastern countries, and Europe," noting that "this idea is consistent with and complements the development road project that Iraq has begun implementing."

He explained that, "Under this vision, Iraq is considered an important global transportation hub, both on railways and by road, in addition to the services provided by the railway network, as well as those related to transporting passengers in record times, transporting goods and merchandise, and commercial shipping. This is important for Asian countries, the Levant, and trade with the West, as it saves a lot of time and costs, given that the roads are shortened by passing through Iraqi territory." link

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Tishwash:  The US has stopped sending cash dollars to Iraq. Is this the beginning of a blockade?

Private sources confirmed that the United States has decided to completely halt cash dollar shipments to Iraq, a move described as potentially the beginning of a "financial blockade" on some Iraqi banks involved in currency smuggling and money laundering.

According to a source who spoke to Al-Mustaqilla on condition of anonymity, Washington's decision does not pertain to Iraq as a country, but rather targets specific banks suspected of involvement in suspicious dollar transfers to countries subject to international sanctions. This has angered the US Treasury, prompting it to tighten controls on dollar movement within the Iraqi market.

 Sudden drop in exchange rate after the decision

Remarkably, the US decision coincided with a significant decline in the dollar exchange rate in the Iraqi market. Experts interpreted this as a natural consequence of the restrictions on the circulation of cash and the prevention of its smuggling abroad. This led to an increase in supply in the local market and a temporary decline in its price.

Government shift towards “legal dollarization”

Separately, a banking source revealed that the Iraqi government has been relying on new mechanisms for disbursing salaries and conducting financial transactions for months. These mechanisms involve legal invoices processed through official banks and digital platforms linked to the global financial system. This is an alternative to the paper dollar shipments previously transported into the country by air.

The source indicated that this step represents a major shift in cash liquidity management in Iraq , making it difficult for suspicious entities to continue smuggling or manipulating the currency market.

Is this the beginning of the storm?

The US decision raises many questions about the future of dollar transactions in Iraq, especially in light of escalating regional tensions and Washington's tightening of financial sanctions. Are we witnessing the beginning of a new phase of international restrictions on the Iraqi economy? Or is this merely a technical measure against some violating banks?  link

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Mot:  It's SUMMER!!! --- Lets Go Have ""FUN"" !! 

Mot: . Her's Ur List soooo Ya can be ""Spontaneous "" on ur Camping Trip!!!! 

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Tuesday Morning 7-22-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

SBI Executive Declares XRP “Generational Wealth” as ETF Filings and Banking License Bid Fuel Momentum

With Ripple’s XRP trading near $3 and its market cap approaching $170 billion, institutional momentum appears to be reaching a turning point—driven by global adoption, SBI Group support, and upcoming ETF decisions.

SBI CEO: XRP Is “The Wealth Transfer of Our Generation”

Tomoya Asakura, CEO of SBI Global Asset Management, has made headlines by calling XRP “the wealth transfer of our generation.” In his recent remarks, Asakura emphasized that XRP’s adoption is expanding globally, especially among banks and financial institutions integrating Ripple’s payment technology.

The bullish outlook follows XRP’s latest surge, as the token’s price approached $3, lifting its market capitalization to nearly $170 billion, and outpacing broader crypto market performance.

Ripple Infrastructure Deepens with RLUSD and U.S. Banking License Efforts

Earlier this month, Ripple designated BNY Mellon as custodian for its RLUSD stablecoin, underscoring a coordinated push to establish a new global payments infrastructure using both RLUSD and XRP.

Ripple’s application for a U.S. banking license could be a game-changer. Asakura believes the move could trigger “a rapid increase” in XRP’s real-world utility and institutional adoption if approved. This is seen as part of a broader strategy to bridge retail and wholesale financial systems using Ripple’s technology stack.

SBI’s Strategic Alignment with Ripple

SBI is Ripple’s largest external investor, holding a 9% equity stake in the company. Its XRP-focused operations include:

• SBI VC Trade, offering XRP-based trading

• SBI Remit, enabling cross-border XRP remittances

• Running validator nodes on the XRP Ledger

• A new partnership with Aplus that lets users convert credit card points to XRP, expanding retail access

These initiatives reaffirm SBI’s long-term commitment to XRP as a cornerstone of its digital asset strategy.

ETF Speculation Builds as U.S. Regulatory Deadlines Approach

July is shaping up to be pivotal for XRP’s institutional trajectory, with multiple XRP ETF applications awaiting SEC response. If the agency allows the filings to proceed unchallenged, trading of XRP ETFs could begin within weeks.

Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley added fuel to speculation, stating that Ripple could be evolving into an “XRP treasury company” as demand for strategic XRP exposure intensifies among funds and asset managers.

Institutional Thesis Strengthens

With Ripple’s banking ambitions, strong backing from SBI, a growing retail base in Asia, and potential ETF approval on the horizon, XRP is increasingly seen not just as a digital asset—but as a foundational layer in next-gen financial infrastructure.

As major institutions ramp up exposure and adoption, XRP’s long-term value narrative is transforming from speculation to systemic utility—with generational implications for wealth creation.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: CryptoPotato

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JPMorgan Eyes Crypto-Backed Loans and Stablecoin Entry as CEO Softens Bitcoin Stance

Wall Street titan JPMorgan is exploring lending directly against crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, marking a significant shift in its approach to digital finance—while stablecoin ambitions begin to take shape.

JPMorgan’s Quiet Move into Crypto Lending

JPMorgan Chase is reportedly preparing to offer crypto-backed loans, potentially by 2026, according to the Financial Times. Citing unnamed sources, the report suggests that the bank may soon accept Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as collateral, positioning itself alongside other financial institutions beginning to embrace digital asset financing.

This move signals a growing institutional acceptance of crypto—not just as a speculative asset but as viable collateral within traditional lending frameworks.

Stablecoin Ambitions Confirmed

On July 15, during the bank’s Q2 earnings call, CEO Jamie Dimon said JPMorgan plans to participate in the stablecoin sector. Dimon emphasized the importance of understanding and mastering the technology behind these assets, signaling JPMorgan’s intention to compete in the emerging tokenized payments space.

This comes shortly after Citigroup revealed plans to issue its own stablecoin for payment applications, intensifying the race among major banks to develop blockchain-native financial instruments.

A Decade-Long Crypto Turnaround for Jamie Dimon

Dimon’s shifting perspective has been one of the more controversial narratives in finance. Key statements over the years include:

• 2017: Called Bitcoin a “fraud” and threatened to fire employees trading BTC

• 2018: Referred to crypto as a “scam”

• 2022: Labeled crypto “decentralized Ponzi schemes”, while praising blockchain and DeFi

• 2024–2025: Softened his tone, saying: “I don’t think you should smoke, but I defend your right to smoke. I defend your right to buy Bitcoin.”

Dimon’s recent comments appear to be a strategic pivot, aimed at aligning JPMorgan with evolving client expectations and a rapidly growing digital asset ecosystem.

Client Pressure and Competitive Risk

The Financial Times noted that Dimon’s past anti-crypto rhetoric alienated many high-net-worth and institutional clients—particularly those who gained their wealth in crypto or maintained strong long-term positions.

As JPMorgan’s competitors—like Citigroup, Fidelity, and BlackRock—advance in the digital asset space, the pressure to adapt appears to have driven JPMorgan to explore both stablecoin issuance and direct crypto lending services.

Final Word: Tradition Meets Tokenization

JPMorgan’s entrance into crypto-collateralized lending and stablecoin infrastructure development would represent a major milestone in the convergence of traditional banking and blockchain-based finance.

If implemented, this pivot could redefine JPMorgan’s role in the next evolution of capital markets—transitioning from vocal crypto skepticism to becoming a full-spectrum financial player in the Web3 economy.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: Cointelegraph

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Coinbase Launches CFTC-Regulated Perpetual Futures in U.S. as Regulatory Clarity Grows

Coinbase has officially brought perpetual futures trading to U.S. markets for the first time, marking a breakthrough in access and compliance amid the country's evolving digital asset regulation.

Perpetual Futures Now Available to U.S. Traders

Coinbase, the largest U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, has launched perpetual futures trading for American users. The initial offering includes:

• Nano Bitcoin Perpetual Futures (BTC)

• Nano Ethereum Perpetual Futures (ETH)

These new contracts come with 10x leverage and a 5-year expiration window, offering a long-term, flexible trading alternative compared to the typical monthly or quarterly expiry seen in traditional futures.

“For years, U.S. crypto traders have looked on as their international counterparts utilized one of the most popular tools in the digital asset marketplace: perpetual futures,” Coinbase said in its statement. “Until now.”

The products are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), ensuring legal compliance and opening the door for institutional and retail traders seeking regulated derivatives exposure within the United States.

Competitive Pricing and Strategic Flexibility

Coinbase is targeting both professional and retail futures traders with ultra-low trading fees starting at just 0.02% per contract.

The 5-year expiration structure is particularly notable—it allows U.S. traders to position themselves for long-term trends rather than being forced into short-term rollovers or expiries, making it ideal for macro-driven strategies.

Regulatory Green Light: GENIUS and Clarity Acts

This product rollout comes amid significant legislative momentum in Washington:

• The GENIUS Act was recently enacted, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins and token issuers.

• The Clarity Act, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, further defines regulatory jurisdiction between the SEC and CFTC, reducing ambiguity in crypto oversight.

These moves signal a long-awaited shift toward regulatory maturity in the U.S. digital asset space. Market sentiment has responded accordingly—Bitcoin and Ethereum prices have surged, along with major altcoins.

Market Reaction: Coinbase Hits New Highs

Coinbase's stock (COIN) surged to an all-time high above $437 last Friday, reaching a $100 billion market cap milestone.

Though shares dipped slightly by 1.47% on Monday, closing at $413.63, the exchange remains a top institutional proxy for crypto exposure amid the current bull cycle.

Conclusion:
Coinbase’s move to launch regulated perpetual futures for U.S. traders reflects the convergence of regulatory clarity and market demand. As the legal framework sharpens, products once limited to offshore platforms are now making their way into mainstream American finance—setting the stage for deeper liquidity and broader adoption.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: The Block

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U.S. Banking Groups Urge OCC to Delay Ripple, Circle, and Crypto Bank Licenses

Major U.S. banking associations are pushing back against the fast-tracking of national bank charters for crypto firms like Ripple, Circle, and Fidelity Digital Assets, citing transparency and regulatory concerns.

Banking Networks Push for Delay on Crypto Charters

On Thursday, several top U.S. banking trade groups — including the American Bankers Association — submitted a formal request urging the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to postpone banking license approvals for crypto firms.

The firms named include:

• Ripple Labs

• Circle Internet Group

• Fidelity Digital Assets

The groups claim the license applications lack sufficient detail for regulators and the public to properly assess the business models, operational risks, and fiduciary responsibilities of the applicants.

"Significant Policy and Legal Questions"

In their joint letter, the banking groups warned that these proposed crypto charters could blur regulatory boundaries and introduce material risk to the broader U.S. financial system.

“There are significant policy and legal questions as to whether the Applicants’ proposed business plans involve the types of fiduciary activities performed by national trust banks,” the letter stated.

The concern isn’t just about the applicants’ activities — but the precedent a rushed approval could set. The groups emphasized that the lack of public scrutiny over the applications undermines transparency and trust in the OCC’s chartering process.

Ripple, Circle Seek National Trust Bank Status

The banking licenses under review would allow these crypto firms to operate as national trust banks, bypassing state-by-state registration and giving them expanded authority to offer services such as custody, payments, and potentially lending.

This aligns with Ripple’s broader plan, as the company recently applied for a national banking license in the U.S. and has pushed for institutional adoption of XRP and RLUSD-backed payment solutions.

GENIUS Act Drives Institutional Crypto Ambitions

Analysts say the regulatory pushback is partly a response to the momentum generated by the GENIUS Act, which was recently passed into law and establishes a formal framework for stablecoin issuance and custody.

As a result, more crypto firms are expected to apply for national bank charters, aiming to scale operations in the U.S. under a unified federal framework.

Logan Payne, crypto attorney at Winston & Strawn, noted: “This charter license would allow crypto firms to engage in a wider range of activities without the need for state-to-state licenses.”

Conclusion

As U.S. regulators race to establish clear digital asset frameworks, traditional banking networks are urging caution. The battle over banking licenses for Ripple and Circle highlights the tug-of-war between innovation and oversight in the evolving U.S. crypto landscape.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: Coinpedia   

~~~~~~~~~

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The Root of America’s Problems [Podcast]

The Root of America’s Problems [Podcast]

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black)  July 9, 2025

In today’s podcast, we take on a provocative question from a reader: What is the single root cause behind America’s decline?

 You might think it's overspending, or the Federal Reserve, or career politicians. But what if it’s something even more fundamental… like letting just anyone vote?

 Should someone be allowed to vote if they don’t understand basic concepts like what a deficit is, or how the government even works?

This episode digs deep into the consequences of letting uninformed masses steer the ship of state — and why it leads, predictably, to disaster.

 We also address:

• Term limits — and why replacing career politicians might not matter if voters keep electing clowns.

• Why 2033 is the year to watch — and what happens when Social Security goes bust.

• How the “One Big Beautiful Bill” may have accelerated that to ‘Crisis 2032’.

• How foreign central banks are quietly ditching US Treasuries and buying gold — and what that means for the dollar.

• Eisenhower’s lost wisdom — how a general who faced down Hitler and the Soviets feared inflation more than war.

Click here to listen to the full episode.

For the audio-only version, check out our online post here.
Finally, you can find the podcast transcript for your convenience, here.

To your freedom,  James Hickman  Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/podcast/the-root-of-americas-problems-podcast-153125/?inf_contact_key=f6616894ddb0ca5d69a81cc3781410781f4656d5a280bd26233b3d1e6f4a07a6

Fidelity Says This Is a Surprising Risk of Holding Too Much Cash — Do You Have Too Much?

Fidelity Says This Is a Surprising Risk of Holding Too Much Cash — Do You Have Too Much?

March 13, 2025  by  Gabriel Vito

Cash feels like the safest bet to most people. It’s steady, predictable and always there when you need it. But according to Fidelity’s research, holding too much cash could quietly erode your wealth rather than protect it.

With interest rates falling and inflation still creeping up, the value of cash is shrinking. While having some cash on hand is necessary for emergencies, Fidelity’s long-term data shows that cash has historically been the worst-performing asset class, significantly lagging behind stocks and bonds even during volatile market conditions.

As Melanie Musson, a finance expert with InsuranceProviders.com, explained: “Cash has value but definitely does not increase in value, and it almost certainly will decrease in value.”

Investment Alternatives to Holding Too Much Cash

Stocks: The Growth Machine

Fidelity’s data makes one thing clear: Stocks have historically outperformed cash, even during volatile markets. Their analysis shows that a $5,000 annual investment in stocks from 1980 to 2023 (even at market peaks) would have grown exponentially, while the same investment in cash would have resulted in a fraction of that return.

The long-term trend is even more striking. According to data from Ibbotson Associates, large capitalization stocks (think S&P 500) returned 10.4% annually from 1926 to 2024, compared to 5.0% for long-term government bonds and just 3.3% for T-bills.

Robert R. Johnson, professor of finance at Creighton University, puts that into perspective: “One dollar invested in the S&P 500 at the start of 1926 would have grown to $18,212 (with all dividends reinvested) at the end of 2024. That same dollar invested in T-bills would have grown to $24.”

The difference isn’t just significant — it’s the difference between building wealth and barely keeping up.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.gobankingrates.com/investing/strategy/fidelity-surprising-risk-of-holding-too-much-cash-do-you-have-too-much/?hyperlink_type=manual

How A Crypto Billionaire’s Crazy Plan Could Save Social Security [Podcast]

How A Crypto Billionaire’s Crazy Plan Could Save Social Security [Podcast]

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black)  July 17, 2025

Bitcoin today is trading at around $120,000. If you’re willing to pay double the price, i.e. $240,000, please contact me immediately. I’ll happily sell you some of mine.

Why would anyone do that? I don’t know. But that’s exactly what investors are doing when they buy shares in “Strategy,” formerly known as MicroStrategy.

The company currently holds about 580,000 Bitcoin, worth roughly $69 billion. But the market values the company at more than $124 billion. In other words, investors are paying nearly double just for the privilege of owning Bitcoin through a corporate intermediary.

Crazy, right? Yet Strategy’s Executive Chairman and co-founder Michael Saylor has managed to convince legions of investors to do just that— pay 2x the Bitcoin price.

He does so by presenting a bunch of made-up metrics to investors— terms like “Bitcoin Yield”, “Bitcoin Multiple”, “BTC $ Income”, and my personal favorite, “Bitcoin Torque”.

One of Saylor’s most clever ideas was to borrow money from investors to buy Bitcoin; the company issued billions of dollars of corporate bonds (which are supposed to be a ‘safe’ and stable asset), then used all the money to buy Bitcoin— an extremely volatile risk asset.

And this is why I think Michael Saylor should be the next Treasury Secretary— or at least be tapped to save Social Security.

I’m only half joking. Because Saylor’s idea to borrow money to buy Bitcoin might be one of the only ways to save Social Security without a serious tax hike or other financial pain.

Let me explain—

The Social Security system was built on a simple formula: workers and businesses pay taxes into the system, and those taxes fund the retirement checks to beneficiaries.

For decades, Social Security ran a surplus—more payroll tax revenue coming in than benefits going out. And that surplus was parked in a giant trust fund.

Unfortunately, though, Social Security’s trust fund was only allowed to invest in one thing: US government bonds.

The result? Pitiful returns averaging a measly 2%.

Now Social Security is running a deficit— the monthly benefits are exceeding payroll tax revenue. So the program’s administrators make up the difference by dipping into the trust fund.

The Social Security Administration officially estimates the fund will be fully depleted by 2033. And when that day comes, benefits will be automatically slashed by about 25%.

Cutting Social Security benefits would be political suicide. So the most likely solution is a major increase to the payroll tax.

But there may be another way.

What if the government were to borrow a bunch of money to start a Sovereign Wealth Fund... And that fund could invest in a diversified, real-world portfolio run by America’s many talented investment managers. Real estate. Commodities. Equities. Precious metals. Crypto. The kinds of assets that can actually grow.

This is exactly what Michael Saylor did. He borrowed heavily from the bond market to buy risk assets. Maybe the US government should do the same.

If the fund could manage, say, 9% annual returns over the past few decades— they could easily pay 6% to bond holders and pocket the extra 3%. Mathematically it works— such a return would reverse Social Security’s looming insolvency if the fund were of sufficient size.

There’s obviously risk in the plan, which is why I’m half-joking. But Social Security is in dire enough shape that all options ought to be considered.

Coincidentally, Congress is discussing setting up a Sovereign Wealth Fund this week... Though I’m not holding my breath on this, let alone any meaningful reform on Social Security.

Peter and I both believe that the inevitable outcome here is that the Federal Reserve will step in to print money and bail out both Social Security AND the Treasury Department.

In fact the White House is already identifying potential candidates to replace Fed chairman Jerome Powell when his term expires next year, as well as other members of the Fed’s board.

It’s pretty clear they want people at the Fed who will cut rates, print money, and bow to the President. So there’s a very good chance that, next year, the Fed will become much more subservient to the White House.

Such a Fed would not hesitate to engage in ‘quantitative easing’ (i.e. ‘money printing’) to the tune of trillions of dollars in order to save Social Security, or to finance massive US government deficits. 

The end result will almost certainly be a major bout of inflation— probably similar to 1970s style stagflation.

It’s why we continue to assert that real assets are very sensible investments because they tend to perform so well during inflationary times.

You can hear my complete thoughts on this wild idea in today’s short video, which you can watch here.

For the audio-only version, check out our online post here.
Finally, you can find the podcast transcript for your convenience, here.

To your freedom,  James Hickman   Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/how-a-crypto-billionaires-crazy-plan-could-save-social-security-153184/?inf_contact_key=0f2a3e818718e268287453d654c835d48dcae2ba3297e07f93219ba341147496

This Signal Crashed Stocks Before, it Just Triggered again

This Signal Crashed Stocks Before, it Just Triggered again

Steven Van Metre:  7-20-2025

The video provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of the US equity markets, highlighting major warning signs of a potential correction or bubble burst.

 Drawing heavily on recent insights from Bank of America (BofA) strategist Michael Hartner, the discussion centers on three triggered sell signals in US equities: the fund manager cash rule, the global breadth roll, and the global flow trading rule.

These signals reflect the market’s extreme positioning, low breadth, and diminishing inflows, all of which historically precede significant downturns.

The video also explains the market’s current valuation levels relative to past bubbles, inflation concerns, bond yield movements, and the risks associated with concentrated holdings in mega-cap stocks.

Despite positive momentum and machine positioning signals suggesting short-term strength, divergences in market breadth and technical indicators warn of looming negative price action.

The analysis extends to specific sectors, notably energy and gold miners, which present bearish technical setups despite positive headlines. Conversely, emerging markets show promising trade setups with tight risk control recommended.

The dollar is positioned for a potential rally, with the presenter advocating a contrarian short-Euro trade to capitalize on this. Overall, while momentum remains positive, the video stresses the importance of risk management, caution in overexposed sectors, and preparation for a possible major correction or bear market phase.

This comprehensive market analysis outlines a fragile equity environment marked by historically rare sell signals, deteriorating breadth, and stretched valuations.

 While short-term momentum remains positive, underlying technical and flow-based indicators warn of a pending correction or significant bear market.

 Sector-specific assessments reveal mixed signals, with energy and gold miners showing vulnerability, and emerging markets offering controlled opportunities.

The US dollar and Euro currency positions present compelling contrarian trades tied to shifts in global capital flows. Given these complexities, disciplined risk management, use of advanced trading models, and a cautious approach to exposure are essential for navigating the current market landscape.

https://youtu.be/2PMBXjRLl2A

Judy Shelton’s Plan to Revive The Dollar With Gold

Judy Shelton’s Plan to Revive The Dollar With Gold

Monetary Metals:  7-21-2025

What if America backed its debt with gold again?

In this powerful episode, economist and former Federal Reserve nominee Judy Shelton shares her bold vision for restoring trust in U.S. money.

From a historic rethink of the Treasury's role, to issuing gold-convertible "Trust Bonds" timed to America’s 300th anniversary, Shelton challenges decades of monetary policy and calls for a return to lasting value.

Chapters

 0:00 Intro and Introductions

1:27 Return to a Gold Standard?

2:06 What a Gold Standard Really Meant

3:32 Bretton Woods and the Birth of a New Monetary Order

6:46 Shelton’s Gold-Backed Treasury Proposal

8:01 Why Gold-Convertible Bonds Could Work

10:08 Building Trust in Treasury Trust Bonds

11:30 A Gold Standard Is a Statement of Integrity

 14:59 “Make America's Gold Money Again”

16:06 Rebuilding Trust Through Long-Term Bonds

17:23 Why Greenspan’s Gold Ideas Still Matter

20:32 How Stablecoins Could Back Gold-Tied Treasuries

 21:25 Using Market Demand to Signal Trust in Gold

 21:33 Can Stablecoins Work with Gold?

25:43 Currency Wars, FX Derivatives & the BRICS Challenge

27:12 A Broken Global Monetary System

30:44 The Fed Has Become a Speculator’s Paradise

34:08 Foreign Banks Profiting from the Fed

37:12 Reforming the Fed from the Inside

43:18 The Case for Boring, Honest Money

48:34 A Gold Dollar Could Be America’s Legacy

53:26 Copying Argentina, or Leading the World?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp76lD23Rew

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Monday Afternoon 7-21-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

China’s U.S. Treasury Holdings Fall to Lowest Level Since 2009

Third straight month of reductions fuels concern over shifting global debt dynamics and rising de-dollarization pressures

China has continued to reduce its holdings of U.S. Treasury securities, with May’s data showing a new low of $756.3 billion—the lowest level since March 2009, according to the latest release from the U.S. Treasury Department.

This marks the third consecutive monthly decline and is seen by some analysts as more than a technical adjustment—possibly signaling a strategic policy shift amid escalating trade tensions, debt concerns, and geopolitical realignment.

A Subtle but Steady Trend

In May, China offloaded nearly $1 billion in U.S. debt. While this figure may appear modest in isolation, it follows two months of much larger sell-offs:

• March 2025: China reduced its U.S. Treasury exposure by $19 billion

• April 2025: An additional $8.2 billion was sold

The cumulative effect of these reductions places China behind Japan and the United Kingdom in the ranking of top foreign holders of U.S. debt.

Though China still maintains a sizable $756.3 billion in U.S. Treasuries, the downward trajectory raises questions about long-term intentions. Chinese analysts have openly recommended diversifying away from U.S. debt in favor of more secure and less politically vulnerable stores of value—namely gold and strategic commodities.

Trade Tensions, Trust Erosion, and Debt Realignment

The Treasury data arrives as the U.S.–China relationship remains strained. The Trump administration’s protectionist trade policies, combined with sanctions and technology restrictions, may be driving China to reduce its exposure to American assets as a hedge against potential economic retaliation.

Notably, while some Western observers argue this reduction does not yet amount to full-scale "weaponization" of U.S. debt, others see it as part of a longer-term de-dollarization effort, aligning with moves from BRICS nations to build alternative trade and payment systems.

“Even if symbolic, these moves reflect a structural shift,” said one analyst. “Foreign confidence in U.S. fiscal governance is clearly under stress.”

This broader trend is evident in the declining role of foreign buyers in the U.S. Treasury market:

• In 2008, foreign investors held 57% of total U.S. Treasury issuance

• By 2025, that figure has dropped to 32%

This shift places greater pressure on domestic buyers and Federal Reserve interventions to absorb U.S. debt, as trust in the long-term sustainability of U.S. borrowing weakens.

Gold and Safe Havens Gain Appeal

In response to volatility in dollar-denominated debt, Chinese policymakers and economists are increasingly advising the accumulation of gold and hard commodities as a defensive hedge.

This aligns with broader macroeconomic strategies pursued by China and other BRICS+ nations to reduce dependence on Western financial systems, especially amid rising concerns over sanctions and dollar weaponization.

Global Implications: Trust in U.S. Debt Wavers

The slow but consistent offloading of Treasuries by China signals a deeper crack in the post-Bretton Woods financial order. While the moves are still modest compared to total U.S. debt issuance, the message is strategic: global debt holders are rethinking their allocations in light of evolving geopolitics, inflation risks, and a ballooning U.S. fiscal deficit.

Should this trend accelerate, it may challenge U.S. borrowing capacity, interest rate stability, and the global role of the dollar, particularly if joined by other major debt holders.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: Bitcoin.com

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India’s Wealthy Investors Pivot to Crypto as Bitcoin Outshines Traditional Assets

High-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and family offices in India are accelerating their shift from stocks and gold into digital assets, amid surging Bitcoin prices and renewed global crypto confidence.

India’s top cryptocurrency platforms are seeing a spike in institutional and HNI activity, as traditional asset classes underperform and crypto markets roar ahead. The renewed interest follows Bitcoin’s rally past $120,000, delivering 90%+ returns over the past year, making crypto investments increasingly competitive with equities, bonds, and gold.

A Surge in HNI Participation

A report from Moneycontrol notes a 30% weekly rise in HNI trading volume on Mudrex, crossing the $10 million threshold. CoinDCX also reported a 25–30% increase in average trade size by wealthy investors in July.

Between January and June, over 3,500 HNIs, family offices, and institutional entities accounted for nearly 50% of CoinDCX’s total trading volume. Their average monthly trading now exceeds ₹50 lakh ($60,000+ USD).

“HNIs are no longer asking why crypto,” said CoinSwitch co-founder Ashish Singhal. “The question now is how much to invest and where.”

Institutional Interest in Blue-Chips; Retail Fuels the Rally

While HNIs prefer large-cap cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP, it’s the retail segment that’s driving daily trading momentum.

• CoinSwitch saw a 3x increase in daily trading volume

• CoinDCX posted a 40% jump in daily activity in July, topping $12.82 million

• Mudrex saw a 102% surge in spot trading and a 200% spike in futures trading in just one week

• ZebPay reported that 60% of user activity leaned toward buying

Interestingly, meme coins like Doge, PEPE, and Shiba Inu contributed to more than half of Mudrex’s trade volume, signaling continued speculative interest even amid growing institutional adoption.

Trump’s Return and Macro Tailwinds

Industry observers cite the return of Donald Trump to the White House as a confidence catalyst for crypto markets globally. With Trump expected to adopt pro-crypto regulatory positions, both institutional and retail investors appear to be front-running favorable policy shifts.

Tax and Regulatory Uncertainty Still a Drag

Despite the bullish momentum, India’s tax regime—which includes a 30% flat tax on crypto gains and 1% TDS on every trade—remains a significant deterrent, particularly for retail participants.

Experts emphasize that regulatory clarity and tax reform could unlock far greater participation across all investor classes.

Bitcoin Rally Sparks Inflows of $150M+

Between July 10 and July 15, when Bitcoin crossed $116,000, analysts estimate that $150 million to $200 million was invested into the Indian crypto market.

Analysts now forecast Bitcoin to reach between $140,000 and $185,000 by year-end, further fueling allocation interest from India’s growing base of HNIs and institutions.

As India’s wealthiest investors increasingly view crypto as a strategic and necessary allocation, the asset class is quickly graduating from speculation to mainstream adoption. All eyes now turn to regulatory developments—and whether India’s policy approach will catalyze or constrain this emerging shift.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: Coinpedia   

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“Tidbits From TNT” Monday 7-21-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  The World Gold Council expects the precious metal to rise by 5% this year. 

The World Gold Council forecast on Saturday that gold prices will rise by 5% in the second half of 2025.

The council stated in a report reviewed by Shafaq News Agency that gold continued its record rise, rising 26% in US dollars in the first half of 2025, achieving double-digit returns across various currencies.

He added that the weak US dollar, limited interest rates, and a highly uncertain geoeconomic environment led to strong investment demand.

The council expects gold prices to rise by an additional 0% to 5% in the second half of 2025. However, economic performance rarely matches expectations. What if economic and financial conditions deteriorate, exacerbating inflationary pressures and geoeconomic tensions?

He pointed out that demand for safe havens increases significantly in times of geoeconomic uncertainty, pushing gold prices up by 10% to 15%.

On the other hand, a widespread and sustainable resolution of conflicts—something that seems unlikely under current circumstances—could cause gold to lose between 12% and 17% of its gains this year.  link

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Tishwash:  An upcoming meeting between Erbil and Baghdad to discuss the mechanism for implementing the salary agreement is scheduled for tomorrow.

Technical delegations representing the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government are scheduled to hold their first meeting in Baghdad tomorrow, Tuesday, to agree on a mechanism for implementing the agreement signed between them regarding oil exports, salaries, and local revenues. The aim is to reach an understanding and disburse salaries and financial dues to the region.

On Monday, Al-Jabal platform learned from a government source details of a report prepared by the joint committee between the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO), which will be submitted to the Ministry of Oil and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The report stated that "the Kurdistan Region currently has an estimated production capacity of less than 81,000 barrels of oil per day."

Last Thursday, a joint technical committee from the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) visited Erbil for four days, visiting the fields that were attacked by drones. The committee also prepared its own report on procedures for resuming oil exports.

The committee stated in its report: "Since the 16th of this month, oil production capacity in the Kurdistan Region has decreased to 81,000 barrels per day due to drone attacks."

One of the points of agreement between Erbil and Baghdad was the allocation of 50,000 barrels of oil per day to meet the region's domestic needs. The Kurdistan Region's production capacity was 280,000 barrels per day before the drone attacks.

Operations at five oil fields have now been halted following drone attacks targeting Kurdistan's energy infrastructure in recent weeks, while operations at other fields have been restricted for security reasons link

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Tishwash:  Iraq is among the "richest Arab countries," but its wealth is far removed from the "realities of the people" - Urgent

 Despite recently being ranked among the richest Arab countries in terms of resources and revenues, the Iraqi economy remains stuck between the duality of "wealth" and "mismanagement." This gap exists between GDP figures and the reality of citizens, who live under the burden of faltering services and unequal distribution of wealth.

In this regard, economic expert Rashid Al-Saadi confirmed today, Sunday (July 20, 2025), that Iraq's inclusion on the list of the richest Arab nations is an indicator of an improvement in some general economic indicators, but it does not necessarily mean that this wealth is reflected in the lives of citizens or their level of well-being.

Al-Saadi told Baghdad Today, "Iraq's position among the richest Arab nations indicates an improvement in the general economic indicators commonly used to determine the wealth of countries or peoples, such as per capita GDP, an indicator used to measure average income. Iraq also possesses one of the largest oil reserves in the world, which enhances its economic potential."

For decades, Iraq has been ranked among the most capable oil-producing countries in terms of natural reserves and wealth. However, this ranking often clashes with the realities of administrative and financial corruption and weak economic diversification. These factors have thus far prevented these resources from being translated into a standard of living commensurate with the country's capabilities.

He added, "Iraq's ranking among the richest nations does not necessarily mean that all citizens live in luxury. Rather, the country possesses significant resources and capabilities that enable it to achieve significant economic growth. However, these riches do not always directly reflect on people's lives unless genuine reforms are adopted that ensure transparency and integrity in the management of public funds and combat administrative and financial corruption, which is one of the greatest obstacles to development."

Al-Saadi explained that "the Iraqi economy is in dire need of diversifying its sources of income. Over-reliance on oil makes the economy vulnerable to global market fluctuations. This requires supporting other sectors, such as agriculture, industry, tourism, and information technology, to ensure sustainable growth and achieve balanced development."

Al-Saadi concluded his remarks by saying, "Iraq's ranking among the richest nations represents an opportunity and a positive sign for the future of the national economy, but it alone is not enough. The real challenge lies in translating this wealth into a tangible reality that reflects the well-being of citizens through sound governance, clear development plans, and a long-term strategic vision that achieves stability and sustainable growth."

Economic visions agree that international rankings do not necessarily reflect the well-being of people. Rather, they are sometimes linked to raw figures, such as gross domestic product and energy reserves, without considering how these resources are managed or their actual impact on citizens' lives.  link

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Mot:  . Aaaahhhhhh -- hmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!  

Mot: . NOT Quite What I Thought the ""RV"" Was Going to Beeeee!!! – siigghhhhh