Dollar’s Global Dominance Finally Cracking?

Dollar’s Global Dominance Finally Cracking?

WTFinance:  2-26-2026

The global monetary system is at a crossroads, influenced by geopolitical tensions, technological innovation, and shifting economic landscapes.

 In a recent episode of the WTFinance Podcast, host Anthony Fatseas sat down with Barry Eichengreen, a distinguished economist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, to dissect the current state and future trajectory of global finance.

Their discussion shed light on the dominance of the US dollar, the rise of alternative currencies, and the challenges posed by a rapidly changing world.

Eichengreen highlighted the pressing issue of a K-shaped economy, where technological advancements, particularly AI, and post-pandemic trends have exacerbated economic inequality.

 The K-shaped recovery, where certain sectors and populations rebound quickly while others lag, poses significant political challenges. Addressing these disparities requires nuanced policy-making, but Eichengreen emphasized the difficulty in implementing effective measures due to political gridlock and competing interests.

The conversation also touched on the geopolitical implications of US policies under Trump and Putin, which have prompted Europe and other regions to diversify their economic and strategic dependencies away from the US.

While this transition is slow and complex, it signifies a shift in the global economic landscape.

Eichengreen noted that Europe’s pursuit of greater unity is hindered by internal divisions and competition, whereas China’s efforts to internationalize its currency are stalled due to governance and trust issues.

Despite these developments, Eichengreen stressed that the US dollar remains the global reserve currency, and its position is not immediately threatened.

Although there is a gradual erosion of its share, mainly in favor of smaller, well-managed currencies leveraging digital technology, a sudden flight from the dollar would trigger a severe global liquidity crisis, jeopardizing 21st-century globalization.

The discussion also explored the growing role of digital currencies, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

Eichengreen provided a historical perspective on global currency cycles, from ancient times to the present, underscoring the significance of geopolitical, financial, and economic factors in shaping currency dominance.

His forthcoming book, “Money Beyond Borders: Global Currencies from Crisis to Crypto,” delves into these themes, offering an in-depth analysis of the interplay between geopolitics, financial innovation, and economic power.

The episode concluded with a cautionary note on the need to carefully manage the privileges and responsibilities associated with issuing the world’s primary international currency.

Eichengreen emphasized that the US must be mindful of its role in maintaining global financial stability and the implications of its monetary policies on the global economy.

In conclusion, the WTFinance Podcast episode with Barry Eichengreen offers valuable insights into the complex and evolving global monetary system.

As the world navigates the challenges of technological disruption, geopolitical tensions, and economic inequality, understanding the dynamics of currency dominance and the rise of digital currencies is crucial. For those interested in delving deeper into these topics, watching the full video from WTFinance is a must.

https://youtu.be/m5SODz0YSH0

Trump Revalues Gold? ‘It’s a 65% Chance’ – James Rickards Explains the Real Implications

Trump Revalues Gold? ‘It’s a 65% Chance’ – James Rickards Explains the Real Implications

Miles Franklin Media: 2-25-2026

Michelle Makori, President & Editor-in-Chief of Miles Franklin Media, speaks with macro strategist James Rickards about growing speculation that the United States could revalue its gold reserves.

America still values its gold at $42.22 per ounce, a price set in 1973, and why the Treasury legally has the authority to reprice gold closer to market levels with what some describe as “the stroke of a pen.”

 While the move would largely be an accounting adjustment, Rickards argues the real impact would be psychological – signaling to markets and foreign governments that the United States is once again treating gold as a monetary asset.

 Rickards estimates the probability of such a move under a Trump administration at “65%” He also discusses:

How gold revaluation works step-by-step

Why it could bypass debt ceiling constraints

The potential $1 trillion Treasury windfall

Signals this would send to China and global central banks

Why gold is increasingly viewed as protection against financial weaponization

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNZAjDw7Bco

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Afternoon 2-26-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

BRICS Warships in Formation: Economic Bloc Steps Into Global Security Arena

“Will for Peace 2026” signals a strategic shift from finance to force projection

Overview

In January 2026, the BRICS bloc — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — crossed a symbolic threshold.

Warships from China, Russia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates gathered off South Africa’s Western Cape for the “Will for Peace 2026” naval drills — described as the first operational military event conducted under a BRICS security framework.

What began as an economic reform coalition is now signaling a willingness to evolve into something more strategic.

The question is no longer whether BRICS has security ambitions — it’s whether it can function as a unified security actor.

Key Developments

1. A Military Exercise With Strategic Messaging

The naval drills took place near Simon’s Town and ran for eight days.

South Africa framed the exercise as maritime cooperation focused on:

• Anti-piracy operations

• Shipping lane protection

• Maritime security coordination

However, analysts note this event represents something deeper:

BRICS is testing its identity beyond economics.

This marks a departure from the bloc’s traditional focus on:

• Development banking

• Trade reform

• Currency diversification

• Multipolar financial systems

Now, hard power projection is entering the equation.

2. China Assumes Command Leadership

For the first time within a BRICS security context, China assumed centralized coordination — overseeing:

• Strategic planning

• Tactical execution

• Command-and-control architecture

This leadership role signals Beijing’s intent to institutionalize a BRICS global security framework from within.

China’s military footprint in Africa has expanded rapidly:

• At least 15 PLA Navy port calls across Africa between 2024–2025

• Expanded military education commitments under FOCAC (2024–2027)

• Training programs for 6,500 African military and police personnel

The exercise reflects China’s broader strategy of integrating security relationships alongside economic ties.

Strategic Impact:
Beijing is shaping BRICS security architecture in ways that align with its global ambitions.

3. Internal Fractures Exposed

Despite the optics, unity was far from complete.

Notably absent:

• India

• Brazil

India’s absence was widely interpreted as balancing its ties with the United States.

Brazil also avoided participation, signaling that not all founding members are ready to militarize BRICS cooperation.

Further tensions emerged inside South Africa itself.

President Cyril Ramaphosa reportedly ordered that Iranian naval vessels not participate — yet Iranian warships docked and joined drills led by China’s 48th Naval Task Force.

A Board of Enquiry followed.

This episode exposed:

• Civil-military coordination gaps

• Political divisions

• Questions about sovereignty and command authority

Strategic Impact:
BRICS unity on paper does not automatically translate into operational cohesion.

Why It Matters

This development signals three major shifts:

1. BRICS is no longer purely economic.

2. China is increasingly shaping the bloc’s strategic direction.

3. Internal divisions could limit BRICS’ ability to function as a cohesive security alliance.

The comparison some analysts draw is provocative:

BRICS was designed as an economic counterweight to Western institutions — not a military counterpart to NATO.

Yet exercises like “Will for Peace 2026” blur that boundary.

From trade bloc to naval bloc — BRICS is recalibrating global power signals.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For those watching global financial realignment:

• Security blocs influence trade corridors and maritime stability.

• Naval coordination impacts energy routes and shipping insurance costs.

• Geopolitical alignments affect capital flows and reserve currency positioning.

If BRICS evolves into a security actor, it reshapes how:

• Trade is protected

• Resources are transported

• Strategic partnerships are structured

Security architecture and monetary architecture often move together.

When warships gather, economic alliances reveal strategic ambition.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Multipolarity Expands Beyond Finance

BRICS’ evolution suggests multipolarity is expanding from economic forums into military signaling.

• Pillar 2: China’s Strategic Institutionalization

By leading operational planning, China positions itself as the bloc’s de facto strategic architect.

However:

Without India and Brazil’s participation, BRICS security cohesion remains incomplete.

This tension will determine whether BRICS becomes:

• A coordinated security coalition
  or

• A symbolic platform with limited operational unity

This is not just economic reform — it’s the testing of a multipolar security axis

Conclusion

“Will for Peace 2026” represents a pivotal moment.

BRICS is experimenting with security integration, but internal fractures are visible. The bloc’s future role in global security will depend on:

• Whether founding members align on military objectives

• Whether sovereignty concerns are resolved internally

• Whether China’s leadership role is accepted or resisted

The economic alliance has tested the waters of security cooperation.

Whether this marks the birth of a lasting military dimension — or a one-off symbolic exercise — remains to be seen.

This is not just geopolitics — it’s the visible reshaping of global power architecture.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Watcher Guru — “Hidden Strength: BRICS Moves Toward Global Security Role”

• Reuters — “China Expands Military Engagement in Africa”

~~~~~~~~~~

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The 92% Tax Rate That Nobody Ever Paid

The 92% Tax Rate That Nobody Ever Paid

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black) February 26, 2026

In 1954, Frank Sinatra was on top of the world. He'd just won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in From Here to Eternity — a comeback role that rescued his career after years of decline and a voice hemorrhage that nearly ended it all.

Hollywood was paying him handsomely again. But there was a problem. The top marginal income tax rate was 92%, and Sinatra was about to watch most of his comeback earnings disappear before a single penny ever hit his bank account.

So Ol' Blue Eyes did what every major Hollywood star at the time was doing: he set up what was known as a "collapsible corporation."

The tactic was simple. Instead of collecting his fee personally — where it would be taxed at 92% — Sinatra had the studio pay his corporation, which was taxed at roughly 50%. He'd take a modest salary out of the company. Then, when the picture wrapped, he'd sell the corporation's stock and pay the 25% capital gains rate on the proceeds.

The 92% rate was the law. But in practice, it was a fiction.

Back in the 1950s, fewer than 10,000 households in the entire country — out of 57 million tax returns — earned enough to even reach the top bracket. And those who did had so many deductions and shelters available that the top 1% paid an effective federal income tax rate of just 16.9%.

I think this is important to point out because, just last week, TIME Magazine published an article titled "Tax the Rich. They're Not Going Anywhere". They argued that wealthy Americans are too "sticky" to flee, so cities and states should feel free to squeeze them.

New York's mayor Zohran Mamdani wants an additional 2% tax on incomes over $1 million. California voters are expected to vote on a "one-time" 5% wealth tax on billionaires. TIME cheers them all on.

In Britain, the Labour government already abolished the "non-dom" regime — a 110-year-old policy that let wealthy foreigners shield overseas income from UK taxes. As a result of changing this program, Britain drove over 10,000 millionaires out of the country.

But rather than eat their humble pie and admit a policy failure, the left wing of their party is pushing for a new wealth tax. On top of that, they continue gaslight people and insisting, just like TIME magazine, that wealthy people don’t leave when tax rates rise.

Across the pond in America, Bernie Sanders, AOC, and Elizabeth Warren have been beating this drum for years— demanding that the wealthy pay their "fair share."

What IS the fair share? They never say. They never commit to a number.

So let's look at the numbers they keep ignoring.

In 2022, the top 1% of American taxpayers paid 40.4% of all federal income taxes, according to the Tax Foundation. The top 10% paid 72%. The bottom 50% paid 3%.

And the top 1% doesn't just pay a large share — they pay a share wildly disproportionate to their income. They earned 22.4% of all adjusted gross income but shouldered 40.4% of the tax bill. That's nearly double their proportional share.

This isn't new. It's been the trend for decades — and it runs in exactly the opposite direction from what the "fair share" crowd implies.

In 1980 (when the top marginal tax rate was 70%), the wealthiest taxpayers (the top 1%) paid 19% of all federal income taxes. Today, again, the top 1% pay 40.4% of the taxes, even though the highest marginal tax rate is much lower.

How? Because the Tax Reform Act of 1986 — a bipartisan deal signed by Ronald Reagan — made a simple trade: dramatically lower rates in exchange for closing the loopholes. No more passive loss write-offs zeroing out taxable income. No more converting salary into capital gains through shell corporations. No more Frank Sinatra deals.

The rates were lower, but there were fewer places to hide. And these changes to the tax code resulted in the wealthy paying MORE tax, not less.

Even if you go back to the days of 92% rates (which the Left loves to bring up), the effective rate for the top 0.1% was only 21%.

But even setting all of that aside — even if you could squeeze a few more percentage points out of the top 1% — it wouldn't fix anything. The federal government is running $2 trillion annual deficits. Higher taxes are not the solution.

Cutting the deficit requires spending restraint. And economic growth. 

Given Congress’s intransigence in cutting spending, growth is the easier option. But it requires a stable, predictable business environment with minimal bureaucracy.

Instead, we get an environment that changes every four years — sometimes every four weeks. One administration's regulations get undone by the next. Businesses get sued over rules that didn't exist two years ago.

Take the infamous Corporate Transparency Act.

Congress passed this law in 2021 requiring roughly 32 million small businesses to file "beneficial ownership" reports with FinCEN. The penalties for failure to do so were $500 per day in fines and up to two years in prison.

Never mind that the government already collects this information through K-1s, 1099-DIVs, and existing bank regulations. Never mind that large banks and publicly traded corporations were conveniently exempted.

The onus fell on small, family-owned businesses: the restaurant owner figuring out how to keep waitstaff from quitting, the small shop already buried in paperwork. Well, Congress gave them yet another form to fill out under threats of penalties and imprisonment.

But then the regulations changed— SEVEN TIMES in four months. A federal judge blocked the law. Three days later, an appeals court reversed him. Three days after that, a different panel reversed the reversal. Then the Supreme Court weighed in.

The Treasury Department kept issuing new deadlines to comply, and no business owner had any idea from one week to the next whether they were in compliance.

In the end, the White House simply canceled it— which was the right thing to do. But the next President might very well put it back in place.

The whole ethos was that every small business owner is a potential money launderer. Never mind the money laundering rules already on the books — rather than fix what wasn't working, Congress just piled on more. That's how you end up with a Code of Federal Regulations over 188,000 pages long.

That's the real problem. Not that the wealthy aren't paying enough. That the business environment in America is so needlessly complex, so maddeningly unstable, that it chokes the growth that would actually generate the revenue politicians claim to want.

If they spent as much energy making it easier to build a business as they do dreaming up new ways to "soak the rich," the tax base would take care of itself.

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

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/the-92-tax-rate-that-nobody-ever-paid-154446/?inf_contact_key=8fd6e7928bf568672271db7b7d9bd01d801195387ba98c7f473ffe7a3ca49389

Preparing for the Comeback of the Gold Standard

Preparing for the Comeback of the Gold Standard

Bendleruschka:  2-26-2026

Bendleruschka   @bendleruschka

GOLD COMMS – GOLD SHALL DESTROY FED

PREPARING FOR THE COMEBACK OF THE GOLD STANDARD – US Gold Reserve audit & revaluation.

Are we finally getting to know the status at Fort Knox?

DOGE is also an audit by the way. EVERYTHING IS BEING AUDITED NOW.

Financelot: How long until the general public finally realizes what's really going on here? JP Morgan & U.S. Treasury are bringing all the gold back to the US so they can audit & implement a gold standard. They created the Sovereign Wealth Fund specifically to replace the Federal Reserve.

Financealot: Why do you suppose Warren Buffet is hoarding $325 billion in cash? P.S. The euphoric rally to the 1929 peak was 5 years & 1 month

Source(s):  https://x.com/bendleruschka/status/2026538427278127599

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/02/26/bendleruschka-preparing-for-the-comeback-of-the-gold-standard/

“Tidbits From TNT” Thursday 2-26-2026

TNT:

Tishwash: Cash hoarded in home safes and lost trust in bank vaults

At the heart of the banking confidence crisis that is hindering the spread of electronic payments in Iraq, the majority of economic transactions are still conducted in cash, while savings remain completely outside the formal banking system.

However, the average Iraqi citizen manages his daily life entirely by relying on paper money, as he withdraws his salaries in cash, pays for his purchases in cash, and keeps his savings at home away from banks.

Meanwhile, electronic payment cards have become a routine part of daily life in neighboring countries, revealing that Iraq is about twenty years behind in adopting the simplest modern financing tools.

This delay reflects “weak confidence in banks,” as observers describe it, since the huge amount of cash is hoarded inside homes and exceeds 90 trillion dinars, or about 90 percent of the total cash in circulation, according to the latest data from the Central Bank.

In addition, statistics indicate that less than 20 percent of the population has bank accounts, compared to more than 50 percent in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where digital payments have been commonplace for years.

A Baghdad resident said via Facebook, “I prefer to keep my money at home for fear of any potential banking crisis, as past experiences do not encourage trust.”

A local economic activist stated, “The sector needs radical reforms to build trust, especially with the push to end cash payments in government institutions by July 2026.”

A banking source noted that “electronic transactions grew by 17.7 percent in the first quarter of 2025, but reliance on cash still prevails despite the launch of platforms such as ePassole in the Kurdistan Region.”

Despite these government efforts, the biggest challenge remains convincing citizens of the security of the digital system amid fears of losing or freezing deposits. link

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Tishwash: Al-Sudani Coalition signals constitutional action over Iraq’s presidency stalemate

Press release from the Reconstruction and Development Parliamentary Bloc

posted on facebook

Iraq’s Reconstruction and Development (Al-Ima’ar wal Tanmiya) Coalition, the largest electoral bloc in parliament, on Thursday warned of potential constitutional action over the delayed election of the country’s president, describing the impasse as a “clear violation” of constitutional deadlines.

In a statement, the bloc, led by caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, explained that parliament has yet to elect a head of state despite the passage of almost two months since lawmakers chose the speaker and his two deputies.

The coalition urged the Presidency of the Council of Representatives to hold a dedicated session next week to elect a president, calling on parliament to assume its “national responsibility” and end what it characterized as institutional paralysis. It also called on Kurdish political forces to agree on a single nominee ahead of the session, enabling lawmakers to proceed with the remaining constitutional steps —most notably the formation of “a fully empowered government” in line with the election results.

The continued operation of a government with limited powers, it cautioned, is causing “direct harm” to citizens and state institutions, adding that it would resort to “all available constitutional means and procedures” if the stalemate persists.

Under Iraq’s post-2003 power-sharing arrangement, the presidency is traditionally held by a Kurd, the prime ministership by a Shiite Muslim, and the speakership by a Sunni Arab. The constitution requires parliament to elect a president within 30 days of its first session —a deadline that expired on January 28.

Previous attempts to elect a president have failed due to disagreements between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the two main Kurdish parties, which have not agreed on a joint candidate, repeatedly preventing the quorum required for a vote.

text: Arabic and international...

All news (Press Release)

Nearly two months have passed since the election of the Speaker of Parliament and his two deputies. Given the continued delay in electing a President of the Republic, which constitutes a clear violation of the constitutional timelines stipulated in the Iraqi Constitution, we in the Reconstruction and Development Bloc affirm the following:

We call upon the Speaker of Parliament to expedite the convening of a session dedicated to electing the President of the Republic within the coming week. This is necessary to end the current situation of exceeding constitutional deadlines and obstructing the resolution of fundamental entitlements. We urge the Speaker to fulfill its national responsibility by ending this paralysis, which has negatively impacted the performance of state institutions.

We also call upon our brothers in the Kurdish political forces to finalize their candidate for the presidency before the session convenes. This will allow us to move forward with fulfilling the remaining constitutional requirements, foremost among them the formation of a fully empowered government, in accordance with the election results, capable of providing services to citizens, protecting the country's interests, and consolidating political and institutional stability.

The continued existence of a government with limited powers constitutes a direct harm to our people and to the work of the state and its institutions. If this obstruction continues, the Reconstruction and Development Bloc will resort to using all available constitutional means and procedures to ensure the end of the stalemate and to maintain the correct constitutional path.

Tishwash: US sanctions threaten an "oil blockade," and the Iraqi central bank may find itself in a "predicament" - Urgent

 After the language of escalation and American threats, sanctions began to loom on the horizon, and Iraq may find itself facing an "oil embargo," and the Iraqi Central Bank may be in a "predicament" if Washington implements sanctions against Baghdad.

Sanctions on the financial and oil sectors

Political analyst Wael Munther confirmed in his interview with "Baghdad Today" that "the issue of sanctions that the United States of America may impose on Iraq, whether in the oil or financial sector, is based on legal frameworks and approved contexts that authorize it to prevent dealing with institutions, individuals, or even countries in the financial and economic aspects."

Munther explains that “Washington has the ability to impose sanctions that are not limited to the entities directly involved, but extend to include companies or institutions that deal with them, which means including any party that cooperates with those entities within the circle of financial targeting.”

"The oil embargo" and the search for alternatives

The political analyst points out that “the threat of imposing such sanctions will negatively affect the economic situation in Iraq, especially with regard to the mechanism for exporting oil, as Iraq may find itself in a situation similar to an oil embargo, as a result of the reluctance of international companies that are accustomed to buying Iraqi oil to complete their deals, for fear of being exposed to financial sanctions from the American side, which will push them to look for alternatives in other markets.”

Regarding the sanctions on the Central Bank of Iraq, Munther explained that “any potential sanctions that may affect the Central Bank will directly impact its foreign relations, as international banks and financial institutions will avoid dealing with it, fearing exposure to American punitive measures, which in turn will affect the movement of financial transfers and the country’s foreign trade.”

Baghdad's calculations will change 180 degrees if former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki returns to the premiership, after the US President explicitly threatened Iraq that "if al-Maliki, known for his leanings towards Tehran, enters the government through the front door, American protection will be withdrawn immediately."

Trump, known for his sharp words, used three explicit threats in his tweet, expressing his opposition to Maliki's election: "No more aid to Iraq if he wins, no chance for Baghdad to succeed, and the country could sink into chaos and poverty."

This threat should not be read in isolation, but rather within a much broader economic context where the United States already has cards to play on any government in Baghdad that is not to Trump’s liking, and oil, which finances about 90% of the state’s revenues, is at the heart of this equation.    link

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Mot: Unpacking

News, Rumors and Opinions Thursday 2-26-2026

KTFA

Clare: The Central Bank of Iraq launches a new initiative to expand the capacity of private banks to support international trade.

2/26/2026

The Central Bank of Iraq announced on Thursday the launch of a new initiative to expand the ability of private banks to support international trade by allowing them to resume cross-border transactions and issue letters of credit in several foreign currencies.

In a statement today, the bank indicated that it had completed the main step in the comprehensive reform process for commercial and Islamic banks and branches of foreign banks by submitting the documents required for review in accordance with the "minimum requirements," which were summarized as choosing one of three paths: "continuing in the market as independent banking institutions, merging with other banking institutions, or exiting the market."

The statement affirmed that “all Iraqi banks have submitted the required documents according to the path they chose, allowing the Central Bank to assess their level of compliance with the minimum requirements,” noting that “during the coming months, the banks will work to address any identified gaps and will strive to achieve full compliance with the reform standards.”

The Central Bank of Iraq also announced in its statement the launch of "a new initiative to expand the ability of private banks to support international trade for their clients, whereby banks that meet specific criteria according to the assessment of the Central Bank of Iraq will be allowed to resume cross-border transactions and issue letters of credit in several international currencies, including the Euro, the UAE Dirham, the Chinese Yuan, the Jordanian Dinar, and others," explaining that "this step comes as a continuation of the path drawn by the Central Bank of Iraq to enhance confidence in the future of the Iraqi economy and the global interconnectedness of the financial sector, and to lead sustainable growth for Iraq." LINK

************

Clare: Yazan Mishaan al-Jubouri was arrested on charges of impersonation and embezzling 41 billion dinars.

2/26/2025

Iraqi politician Mishaan al-Jubouri announced early Thursday morning that his son, Yazan Mishaan al-Jubouri, had been arrested by a special security force that raided his home and taken him to an undisclosed location.

Al-Jubouri indicated in a tweet on the “X” platform that the operation was carried out based on an arrest warrant issued by the judge of the Karkh Investigation Court.

In addition, an official document issued by the Supreme Judicial Council/Presidency of the Baghdad Al-Karkh Court of Appeal/Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court, dated 2/25/2026, showed the issuance of an arrest and search warrant against Yazan Mishaan Rakan Damin Al-Jubouri.

According to the document, the type of charge against him is “impersonating a civil service position” and entering into public service work “without permission or a capacity that authorizes him to do so in order to achieve material benefits,” and taking a sum of money amounting to 41 billion dinars, in accordance with the provisions of Resolution 160 of 1983 as amended.

The order stipulated that he be brought in as a detainee to take legal action against him, as he is accused in the complaint filed before the Central Anti-Corruption Crimes Investigation Judge. LINK

Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

Jeff    Everything is up in the air.  They're working towards revaluing the currency.  They're working towards everything.  The rate is very close to revaluing.  There's just a small little delay in the mix.

Frank26   [Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]  FIREFLY:  Our Television showing the Iraqi citizens how to go from cash to digitization.  They're calling it a quantitative step towards financial transparency.  FRANK:  That's big because...you got to bring in your foreign currency and become digitalized because that's how they're going to give you the new rate, the new lower notes...Your CBI is doing a final sweep of the American dollar in your country as they prepare to introduce the lower notes and the new rate...

Militia Man   For those who have followed currency reforms you might remember this.  Iraq's current phase mirrors Turkmenistan's transition back in 2009.  Turkmenistan first reduced cash circulation...enforced official rates and built reserves.  All those are things Iraq has done, reduced cash - Zane Cash, key card, electronic payments through the state - reduction.  They enforced the official 1300 rates for three years...Three years of stacking reserves - gold, non-oil revenues, low inflation and note reduction...If all of this holds true, the data strongly suggests it does, the logical next step is a managed REER adjustment when the CBI deems prudent.

****************

How Much Dinar Do You Need To Be A Millionaire?

Dinar For Dummies: 2-26-2026

Here is the Spreadsheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10ZXLxKKTZaRGlMCta8Xqw8PPkeE5QHdR/view?usp=sharing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSS3JC_kM_0

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Morning 2-26-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Rare Earth Shock: U.S. Aerospace and Chipmakers Face Strategic Supply Squeeze

Yttrium and scandium shortages expose critical mineral vulnerabilities ahead of high-stakes U.S.–China talks

Overview

A worsening shortage of critical rare earth elements is tightening pressure on U.S. aerospace and semiconductor manufacturers — even after a temporary easing in trade tensions between the United States and China.

The bottleneck centers on yttrium and scandium, two niche but indispensable materials heavily dominated by China. As President Donald Trump prepares for a high-level summit with Xi Jinping, rare earth access is emerging as a strategic bargaining chip in broader geopolitical negotiations.

Though small in trade volume, these minerals are foundational to jet engines, aerospace alloys, 5G chips, and advanced manufacturing.

The message is clear: supply chain fragility is now a national security issue.

Key Developments

1. Yttrium: Aerospace Production at Risk

Yttrium is essential for high-temperature ceramic coatings that prevent jet engines and turbines from melting under extreme heat.

Without these coatings:

• Engines cannot safely operate.

• Aircraft production timelines face disruption.

• Defense manufacturing becomes vulnerable.

Since export controls tightened:

• Yttrium prices have surged roughly 60%.

• Current prices are reportedly nearly 70 times higher than a year ago.

• North American coating manufacturers have paused production.

• Suppliers are rationing material and prioritizing major aerospace clients.

Planemakers like Boeing and Airbus are already operating under delivery pressure. A sustained disruption could ripple through global aviation supply chains.

Strategic Impact:
Even small mineral disruptions can threaten multi-billion-dollar aerospace output.

2. Scandium: Semiconductor and 5G Vulnerabilities

Scandium production globally amounts to only a few dozen tons per year — yet it is vital for:

• High-performance aluminum alloys

• Fuel cells

• 5G chip manufacturing

Major U.S. semiconductor producers rely on scandium-containing components in nearly every 5G smartphone and base station.

However:

• U.S. domestic production is currently nonexistent.

• Export licensing delays from China have slowed shipments.

• Stockpiles may last months — not years.

Chinese authorities now require detailed end-user declarations for export licenses — a move some U.S. officials believe directly targets the semiconductor sector.

Strategic Impact:
Control over scandium effectively gives Beijing leverage over next-generation telecommunications infrastructure.

3. Export Controls as Strategic Leverage

Although China resumed some rare earth exports after earlier restrictions, shipments of yttrium and scandium to the U.S. remain sharply reduced.

This selective easing underscores a broader pattern:

China’s dominance in niche minerals provides disproportionate geopolitical influence.

Rare earths are no longer just trade commodities — they are tools of statecraft.

The issue is expected to surface prominently during upcoming U.S.–China discussions in Beijing.

Why It Matters

This episode reveals three structural realities:

• Supply chain concentration equals strategic vulnerability.

• Rare earth dominance offers leverage without full embargoes.

• Licensing delays alone can generate economic anxiety and price spikes.

Even without a complete export ban, uncertainty creates:

• Price volatility

• Production rationing

• Strategic recalibration by manufacturers

Supply Chains Under Siege as Resource Power Shifts

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For those watching global financial realignment:

• Critical mineral control increasingly influences currency power dynamics.

• Trade leverage affects capital flows and supply chain geography.

• Industrial security now intersects with monetary stability.

Nations that control resources gain negotiating strength in trade and financial frameworks.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Resource Nationalism Accelerates

Rare earth dependency reinforces a shift toward friend-shoring and regional supply chains.

• Pillar 2: Strategic Commodities Redefine Economic Power

Control over niche materials like yttrium and scandium carries leverage beyond traditional oil dominance.

The rare earth squeeze is a reminder:

Industrial sovereignty is becoming as important as monetary sovereignty.

Conclusion

The current shortages demonstrate how even limited export controls can ripple through critical industries. Yttrium and scandium represent tiny fractions of global trade — yet their absence can halt production lines central to aerospace and semiconductor dominance.

As Trump and Xi prepare for talks, rare earth access may shape the tone — and outcome — of broader economic negotiations.

Whether this moment produces supply relief or deeper strategic competition will influence the next chapter of U.S.–China relations.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — “Rare Earth Squeeze Deepens for U.S. Aerospace and Chipmakers”

• Reuters — “China Rare Earth Export Controls and U.S. Industry Impact”

~~~~~~~~~~

🌱 A Message to Our Currency Holders🌱

If you’ve been holding foreign currency for many years, you were not foolish.
You were not wrong to believe the global financial system would change.

What failed was not your patience — it was the information you were given.

For years, dates, rumors, and personalities replaced facts, structure, and proof. “This week” predictions created cycles of hope and disappointment that were never based on how currencies actually change.

That is not your failure.

Our mission here is different:   • No dates • No rates • No hype • No gurus

Instead, we focus on:
• Verifiable developments • Institutional evidence
• Global financial structure • Where countries actually sit in the process

Currency value changes only come after sovereignty, trade, banking, settlement systems, and fiscal coordination are in place. History and institutions confirm this sequence.

You will see silence. You will see denials. That is not delay — that is discipline.

Protect your identity. Organize your documents.    Verify everything.
Never hand your discernment to anyone who cannot show proof.

You deserve truth — not timelines.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News

~~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Thursday Morning 2-26-26

The International Monetary Fund Approves The Disbursement Of $2.3 Billion To An Arab Country.

Money and Business   Economy News — Follow-up   The International Monetary Fund has approved the fifth and sixth reviews of Egypt’s Extended Fund Facility arrangement and the first review of its Resilience and Strength Program, making available $2.3 billion in financing, according to a statement issued by the Fund.

The IMF also approved a two-month extension of the Extended Fund Facility program, to end in December 2026, after it was originally scheduled to last 46 months starting in December 2022.

The IMF said in the statement that the macroeconomic situation in Egypt has improved under continued efforts to achieve stability; tight monetary and fiscal policies, along with a flexible exchange rate, have contributed to restoring macroeconomic stability, reducing inflation rates, and strengthening the external position.

He noted that, in contrast, progress in implementing deeper structural reforms has been uneven, and accelerating the pace of implementation – particularly reducing the state’s economic footprint and leveling the playing field – remains crucial to ensuring sustainable and inclusive private sector-led growth.

The Fund reviewed the most prominent indicators of economic improvement, most notably the rise in economic growth to 4.4% in the last fiscal year, and the decline in inflation to 11.9% in January, supported by monetary and fiscal tightening policies.

Current Account Deficit Narrowing

He noted that the current account deficit had narrowed to 4.2% of GDP, driven by strong remittances from workers abroad and tourism revenues.

He added that market confidence in the Egyptian economy has improved significantly, as evidenced by the country's ability to issue debt instruments in global markets, along with increased foreign direct investment flows and short-term capital inflows.

The statement noted that the flexibility of the exchange rate led to an increase in total international reserves from $54.9 billion in December 2024 to about $59.2 billion by the end of December 2025.

Implementing two key reform measures

He said that financial performance had improved, supported by higher tax revenues, despite a decline in public investments.

He added that the initial surplus was less than the target set in the program, due to the failure to achieve the planned exit returns.

He noted that the implementation of resilience reforms is progressing at a good pace, and that the authorities have implemented two key reform measures, including the publication of a timetable for implementing renewable energy targets, and the issuance of a directive obliging banks to monitor and disclose their exposure to climate change risks.

https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=66097

Slight Increase In Exchange Rates In Iraqi Markets

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad  The exchange rate of the US dollar witnessed a slight increase in the markets of the capital, Baghdad, on Thursday morning.

The exchange rate of the dollar in the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges in Baghdad was recorded at 153,800 Iraqi dinars for every 100 dollars, compared to 153,750 dinars yesterday.

In currency exchange shops in Baghdad's local markets, the selling price stabilized at 154,250 dinars per 100 dollars, while the buying price reached 153,250 dinars.   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=66104

Iraq was the second largest destination for Jordanian exports during January.

Money and Business    Economy News – Baghdad   The Amman Chamber of Commerce revealed on Thursday that Iraq ranked second among destinations for Jordanian exports during the month of January.

The Chamber stated in a report that the value of Oman's trade exports during January amounted to 155 million dinars, compared to 116 million dinars during the same period last year, an increase of 32.2%.

She indicated that Iraq came in second place as the largest importer of Jordanian goods in terms of the value of certificates of origin, amounting to 47 million dinars, with 206 certificates, while Switzerland came in first with about 52 million dinars and 8 certificates.

Next came Saudi Arabia with 8 million dinars, with 223 certificates, followed by Syria with 7 million dinars with 600 certificates, and Egypt with 6 million dinars with 55 certificates. This group of countries is among the top five in terms of value.

The Chamber added that Jordanian exports were diverse according to the type of goods, as foreign products not manufactured in Jordan constituted the largest part with a value of about 60 million dinars, while the value of Jordanian industrial products amounted to about 17 million dinars, and products of Arab origin amounted to 12 million dinars, agricultural products to 10 million dinars, and the remainder went to other products.

A certificate of origin is a fundamental document in international trade, as it proves that the goods produced or manufactured in a particular shipment were produced in a particular country, and is used to determine the customs definition and verify the origin of the goods.   The Jordanian dinar is worth 70 dinars to 100 dollars. https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=66108

PM Stresses The Importance Of Achieving The Highest Levels Of Coordination And Intelligence Sharing

INA–Baghdad  The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a press release received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, chaired a meeting of the National Intelligence Council today."

"The meeting addressed the security situation across the country, reviewed the performance of security and intelligence agencies and their duties in various sectors, and discussed efforts to confront current challenges in light of regional developments, with the aim of strengthening the country's security and stability," according to the statement.

The Commander-in-Chief stressed the importance of optimal operational coordination among the various branches of the security forces.

Al-Sudani emphasized the necessity of achieving the highest levels of coordination and intelligence cooperation and working to provide all the requirements for the success of the security plans prepared in this context

https://ina.iq/en/politics/45734-pm-stresses-the-importance-of-achieving-the-highest-levels-of-coordination-and-intelligence-sharing.html

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Late Wednesday Evening 2-25-26

The Iraqi Trade Bank Responds To Al-Karbouli Regarding "Transfer Exceptions".

Banks    The Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) affirmed on Wednesday its full commitment to the directives of the Central Bank of Iraq and regulatory authorities, clarifying that all international transfers executed through the Central Bank of Iraq's platform are subject to proper notification and approval.

In a statement, the bank said, "With reference to the remarks made by MP Mohammed Al-Karbouli during his appearance on a television program regarding a problem with transfers and his claim of granting exceptions, we would like to clarify that all international transfers executed through the Central Bank of Iraq's platform are subject to proper notification and approval and are carried out in accordance with applicable regulations and instructions.

 The Central Bank and relevant regulatory authorities are provided with the relevant documentation after execution." The statement added, "No transfer can be executed without being submitted to an external auditing firm to conduct due diligence and obtain the necessary approvals, in accordance with established procedures. There are no exceptions or exceptions outside the legal framework." The bank further stated,

"The issue raised regarding invoices and their reuse is subject to the nature of the contract between the customer and the supplier and is within the framework of applicable regulations and instructions. It does not constitute a violation as long as it is carried out according to established procedures."

The bank asserted that "the information presented during the program is not based on accurate facts, and such information negatively impacts the bank's reputation and the trust of its clients both domestically and internationally."

It further explained, "The MP should have addressed the bank officially in writing or visited it to inquire and ascertain the facts, rather than disseminating this information through television. This is the proper procedure for regulatory bodies. Therefore, the bank reserves the right to take the necessary legal measures to protect its reputation and standing, and to ensure transparency for the public."

The bank, according to the statement, affirmed its "full commitment to the directives of the Central Bank of Iraq and regulatory authorities, and its dedication to operating with the highest levels of professionalism and transparency in service of the national economy."  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=66072

Al-Rasheed Bank Announces An Increase In The Deposit Limit For The "Nakheel" Card To 25 Million Dinars.

banks   Economy News – Baghdad  Al-Rasheed Bank announced on Wednesday an increase in the deposit limit for its Nakheel card to 25 million Iraqi dinars.

In a statement received by Al-Eqtisad News, the bank said, "The bank has decided to increase the deposit limit for the Nakheel card to 25 million Iraqi dinars in a move aimed at expanding banking services offered to cardholders and enhancing the flexibility of financial transactions."

The bank explained that "this decision comes as part of its plan to develop electronic banking products and facilitate deposit, withdrawal, and transfer operations in line with the requirements of customers benefiting from the card's services."

The bank emphasized that "this increase will allow Nakheel cardholders to manage their funds with a higher limit, which will contribute to supporting daily financial activities and simplifying banking procedures."

https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=66067

Gold Prices Flat In Baghdad, Tick Up In Erbil

2026-02-25 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   On Wednesday, gold prices stabilized near 1.12 million IQD per mithqal in Baghdad, while Erbil markets edged higher, with 21-carat gold rising by about 12,000 IQD per mithqal, according to a survey by Shafaq News Agency.

Gold prices on Baghdad's Al-Nahr Street recorded a selling price of 1.120 million IQD per mithqal (equivalent to five grams) for 21-carat gold, including Gulf, Turkish, and European varieties, with a buying price of 1.116 million IQD, unchanged from Tuesday.

The selling price for 21-carat Iraqi gold stood at 1.090 million IQD, while the buying price reached 1.086 million IQD.

In jewelry stores, the selling price per mithqal of 21-carat Gulf gold ranged between 1.120 million and 1.130 million IQD, while Iraqi gold sold for between 1.090 million and 1.100 million IQD.

In Erbil, 22-carat gold was sold at 1.190 million IQD per mithqal, 21-carat gold at 1.137 million IQD, and 18-carat gold at 975,000 IQD.   https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-prices-flat-in-Baghdad-tick-up-in-Erbil

USD/IQD Exchange Rates Climb In Baghdad And Erbil

2026-02-25    Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   The US dollar opened Wednesday’s trading higher in Iraq, hovering around 154,000 dinars per 100 dollars.

According to a Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 153,750 dinars per 100 dollars, up from the previous session’s 153,300 dinars.

In the Iraqi capital, exchange shops sold the dollar at 154,250 dinars and bought it at 153,250 dinars, while in Erbil, selling prices stood at 153,500 dinars and buying prices at 153,450 dinars.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/USD-IQD-exchange-rates-climb-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil-6-9

Dollar Steadies In Baghdad, Slips In Erbil

 2026-02-25   Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   The US dollar closed Wednesday’s trading flat in Baghdad, hovering near 154,000 dinars per 100 dollars, while edging lower by about 150 dinars in Erbil.

According to a Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 153,750 dinars per 100 dollars, unchanged from the morning session.

In the Iraqi capital, exchange shops sold the dollar at 154,250 dinars and bought it at 153,250 dinars, while in Erbil, selling prices stood at 153,300 dinars and buying prices at 153,200 dinars.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-steadies-in-Baghdad-slips-in-Erbil 

Iraq’s Basrah Crude Slips More Than 1% Despite Global Gains

2026-02-25 Shafaq News- Baghdad   Iraq’s Basrah Heavy crude fell to $67.35 per barrel on Wednesday, down 79 cents, or 1.16%, in the latest trading session.

Basrah Medium declined to $69.60 per barrel, also losing 79 cents, marking a 1.12% decrease.

Brent crude traded at $71.26 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate stood at $66.02, as markets monitored US–Iran talks and rising tensions that could affect global oil supplies.

Iraq, OPEC’s second-largest oil producer, exports roughly 70% of its crude to Asia, 20% to Europe, and 10% to the United States.  

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-s-Basrah-crude-slips-more-than-1-despite-global-gains#:~:text=2026%2D02%2D25,the%20United%20States.

Oil Prices Near Seven-Month Highs On US-Iran Tensions

2026-02-25   Shafaq News   Oil prices were hovering near seven-month highs on Wednesday as the threat of military conflict between the US and Iran that could disrupt supply continued to worry investors as talks between the parties are set for Thursday.

Brent futures were up 43 cents, or 0.6%, at $71.20 per barrel at 0400 GMT. WTI futures rose 38 cents, or 0.6%, to $66.01.

Brent prices reached their highest since July 31 on Friday, while WTI hit its highest since August 4 on Monday, and both contracts have held near there as the US has positioned military forces in the Middle East to compel Iran to negotiate an end to its nuclear and ballistic missile program.

An extended conflict could disrupt supplies from Iran, the third-biggest crude producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and other countries in the key Middle East producing region.

"This uncertainty means the market will continue to price in a large risk premium and remain sensitive to any fresh developments," ING commodities strategists said on Wednesday.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are slated to meet with an Iranian delegation for a third round of talks on Thursday in Geneva.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchisaidon Tuesday that a deal with the US was "within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority".

"(US) President (Donald) Trump has warned that without a deal, there will be 'very bad consequences'. Whether (Iran's) concessions will meet the US's 'zero enrichment' red line remains to be seen," Tony Sycamore, IG market analyst, said in a note.

Amid the heightened tensions, Iran and China haveacceleratedtalks to purchase Chinese anti‑ship cruise missiles, according to Reuters sources, which could target the US naval forces that have assembled near the Iranian coast.

Anti‑ship cruise missiles would enhance Iran's strike capabilities and threaten the US naval forces, according to experts.

Trump will deliver the traditional State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday evening. Two White House officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Trump will discuss his plans for Iran but did not offer details.

While geopolitical tensions have supported prices, the market is also contending with concerns of large inventory gains as global supply is exceeding demand.

According to market sources, the American Petroleum Institute late on Tuesday reported a massive increase in US oil stockpiles of 11.43 million barrels in the week ended February 20.

However, gasoline and distillate inventories fell, the sources said, citing the API data.

Official US oil inventory reports from the Energy Information Administration are due later on Wednesday.

(Reuters)  https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Oil-prices-near-seven-month-highs-on-US-Iran-tensions

The Luddites Were Wrong In 1811 The AI Doomsayers Will Be Wrong Today

The Luddites Were Wrong In 1811. The AI Doomsayers Will Be Wrong Today

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black)  Sovereign Man February 24, 2026

In 1779, in a textile workshop in the English village of Anstey, a young apprentice named Ned Ludd was put to work on a knitting machine — one of the large mechanical frames that wove thread into stockings. He was too slow. His master had him whipped for it.

So Ned grabbed a hammer and smashed the machine to pieces.

The story spread across England’s textile country. Over the next thirty years, Ned Ludd became a folk hero for every worker who felt threatened by the new machines that were pouring into their factories.

Now, the story is probably a myth — there’s no hard evidence Ned Ludd ever actually existed. But it didn’t matter. The movement that took his name was very real.

In March 1811, textile workers across England’s industrial heartland began breaking into factories at night, smashing power looms with sledgehammers. They called themselves Luddites. Over 200 machines were destroyed in the first month alone.

It was all motivated by fear; workers were terrified that machines would take their jobs and steal their livelihoods.

But think about the world back then: in the early 1800s when the Luddites were smashing looms, roughly 90% of the world’s population lived in what today would be considered extreme poverty.

Life expectancy in England was only about 35. One in three children didn’t make it to their fifth birthday. Houses were tiny. Food was scarce. Clean drinking water was a luxury. Heating your home meant an open fire, and most of the warmth went up the chimney. Indoor plumbing didn’t exist. Neither did antibiotics, electricity, or refrigeration.

That was normal life in 1811. But fast forward just over two hundred years.

Extreme global poverty has fallen from 90% to under 10%. Life expectancy has more than doubled. The poorest American today — not the wealthy, the average person — has access to more information, nutrition, comfort, and opportunity than the richest king on earth could have imagined in 1811.

Our homes are bigger. Our food is more plentiful. Our energy supplies are more abundant… and far more efficient.

And the reason is technology.

Every major leap in human prosperity has followed the same basic mechanism: new technology makes people more productive. More productivity increases supply of goods and services. More supply means lower prices. Lower prices mean more prosperity for everyone.

At the same time, there is always some short-term pain. Entire vocations and industries disappear… and that sudden change can be both difficult and scary.

But think about it— in literally EVERY major technological advancement throughout history, overall employment went UP. Economies prospered. Workers prospered.

That’s the great fear sweeping the world right now regarding artificial intelligence, and a lot of people are worried.

Earlier this month, for example, a viral essay by an AI startup CEO tore across the Internet and was viewed more than 80 million times.

His thesis: AI will have a COVID-level impact on the world, and the industry right now is the equivalent of being back in January 2020. Everything feels normal at the moment. But he believes that life will be unrecognizable (just like during Covid) in just a few months.

But while Covid was temporary, he believes the AI impact will be permanent.

Amazingly enough, due to this one viral essay, investors began dumping their stocks, triggering a major selloff.

Cybersecurity stock CrowdStrike, for example, dropped roughly 16% in days. Travel companies like TripAdvisor are down nearly 30%.

Financial firms like Charles Schwab and Raymond James fell 7% to 9% in a single session. Software giants like Salesforce and ServiceNow have shed a quarter to a third of their value.

All told, roughly $2 trillion in market value has been wiped off software stocks alone.

The logic behind the selloff is: if AI can scan code for security vulnerabilities, why do you need CrowdStrike? If an AI agent can plan your entire trip, book flights, and find the best hotel, why do you need TripAdvisor? If a chatbot can manage a portfolio or draft a financial plan, why are you paying Raymond James?

Investors looked at these industries and decided that AI wasn’t just going to help these companies — it was going to replace them. And they sold.

It’s amazing how overblown this is.

People said the same things about the Industrial Revolution — that machines would make human labor obsolete and destroy the working class.

They said it about personal computers in the 1980s — that automation would wipe out office jobs.

They said it about the Internet in the late 1990s — that e-commerce would obliterate entire sectors of the economy.

Every single time, the prophets of technological doom were wrong.

The reality is that, of course, some industries and vocations go away. But advances in technology have never led to sustained, long-term, widespread unemployment.

New industries emerge. New skills become valuable. The economy adapts. And the overall standard of living goes up.

But all along the way, there are always the self-interested evangelists insisting that THIS time is different. THIS technology is uniquely disruptive.

Yes, AI is obviously a massive advancement. It’s going to reshape industries. And plenty of businesses that exist today won’t survive the transition. That’s the nature of progress.

But the idea that we’re all going to be starving in the streets because a chatbot can draft a legal brief or scan code for security bugs is ludicrous.

Technology always makes people more prosperous and better off. It might not be crystal clear right now exactly how that plays out with AI. Early stages of a technology boom are never clear.

But the notion that one person’s viral essay could wipe trillions from global financial markets is peak paranoia.

The Luddites were wrong in 1811. The AI doomsayers will be wrong today.

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

P.S. Technology has never destroyed prosperity. But reckless governments have — over and over again, for thousands of years.

The US national debt is over $38 trillion. Annual deficits are running at nearly $2 trillion. And neither party has any intention of doing anything about it.

Every month in Schiff Sovereign Premium, we dig into exactly where this is heading — the debt, the dollar, the historical parallels — and how to position yourself to benefit from what comes next.

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/the-luddites-were-wrong-in-1811-the-ai-doomsayers-will-be-wrong-today-154440/?inf_contact_key=37b5311152356790202511ad42a3d1773ab49f51ea730ee15151c7d3d2737089