Is the US Headed Toward a Gold Reset?
Is the US Headed Toward a Gold Reset?
Arcadia Economics: 2-24-2026
As we step into 2026, the world of finance is abuzz with discussions about the evolving dynamics of the gold and silver markets, the future of the US dollar, and the implications of rising global debt and geopolitical tensions.
In a recent, in-depth conversation with Chris Marcus of Arcadia Economics, Michael McNair, a seasoned asset manager with a focus on precious metals and macroeconomic trends, shared his expert insights on these pressing issues.
Is the US Headed Toward a Gold Reset?
Arcadia Economics: 2-24-2026
As we step into 2026, the world of finance is abuzz with discussions about the evolving dynamics of the gold and silver markets, the future of the US dollar, and the implications of rising global debt and geopolitical tensions.
In a recent, in-depth conversation with Chris Marcus of Arcadia Economics, Michael McNair, a seasoned asset manager with a focus on precious metals and macroeconomic trends, shared his expert insights on these pressing issues.
The discussion provides a fascinating glimpse into the potential shifts in global monetary policy and the role that gold and silver are poised to play in the years to come.
One of the key highlights of the conversation is McNair’s analysis of the Trump Administrationn’s influence on monetary and fiscal coordination.
According to McNair, the Trump Administration is expected to have a significant impact on the coordination between monetary and fiscal policies, potentially leading to a more synchronized approach that could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy.
A significant part of the discussion revolves around the anticipated changes in leadership at the Federal Reserve, with Christopher Worsh potentially being appointed as the new Fed Chair.
McNair shares his thoughts on how this change could influence monetary policy and the dollar’s standing in the global financial system.
The potential dismantling of the current dollar-centric monetary system is also explored, with McNair suggesting that we are on the cusp of a significant shift away from the dollar’s dominance.
A crucial aspect of the conversation is the evolving role of gold in the global financial landscape.
McNair emphasizes that gold is transitioning from being merely a hedge against US solvency issues to becoming a crucial reserve asset that will play a key role in balancing global trade imbalances.
This shift underscores the growing recognition of gold’s importance in the global monetary system, beyond its traditional role as a safe-haven asset.
The discussion also delves into the dynamics of the silver market, highlighting the industrial demand for silver as a critical factor that will influence its price and utility in the global economy. McNair touches on the dynamics of capital flows and trade deficits, providing insights into how these macroeconomic trends will impact the precious metals market.
One of the most compelling aspects of the conversation is the anticipation of a prolonged and potentially painful transition to a new global monetary order.
McNair suggests that this transition will be characterized by significant adjustments in the global financial system, with implications for investors, policymakers, and the broader economy.
In a related development, the conversation briefly highlights the impressive 2025 earnings of First Majestic Silver, a mining company that has benefited from the surge in silver prices.
The correlation between the company’s performance and the silver price underscores the potential for significant returns in the precious metals sector, particularly in companies with strong operational fundamentals.
As the global economy navigates the complexities of rising debt, geopolitical tensions, and shifting monetary policies, the insights shared by Michael McNair provide valuable perspectives for investors and policymakers alike.
The conversation with Chris Marcus offers a nuanced understanding of the evolving dynamics in the gold and silver markets and the broader implications for the global monetary system.
Gold Revaluation Is Coming - Andy Schectman Explains The Endgame
Gold Revaluation Is Coming - Andy Schectman Explains The Endgame
Liberty and Finance: 2-24-2026
Andy Schectman CEO of Miles Franklin Precious Metals explains why gold revaluation by governments is increasingly likely rather than speculative.
He argues that treasury backed stablecoins and legislation such as the GENIUS Act create a powerful incentive for higher gold prices as interest flows are redirected into hard assets.
Gold Revaluation Is Coming - Andy Schectman Explains The Endgame
Liberty and Finance: 2-24-2026
Andy Schectman CEO of Miles Franklin Precious Metals explains why gold revaluation by governments is increasingly likely rather than speculative.
He argues that treasury backed stablecoins and legislation such as the GENIUS Act create a powerful incentive for higher gold prices as interest flows are redirected into hard assets.
Schectman notes that gold already sits on central bank balance sheets in revaluation accounts making an official reset structurally simple if confidence in fiat erodes further.
He connects this trajectory to long term policy thinking discussed by figures like Judy Shelton and Luke Gromen who view higher gold as a tool to manage debt and currency debasement.
The key message is that gold may rise dramatically through market forces first with formal revaluation coming only after prices are already much higher.
INTERVIEW TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:40 Physical silver flows
19:00 Preparedness with metals
45:13 Junk silver - $1 below spot/oz
47:18 Gold revaluation & stable coins
The Decline Of The Dollar: Gold Is ‘Becoming The Reserve Asset’
One Of Wall Street’s Most Feared Hedge Fund Managers On The Decline Of The Dollar: Gold Is ‘Becoming The Reserve Asset’
Jake Angelo Fortune Updated Thu, February 12, 2026
Gold blasted past $5,300 per ounce last month as President Donald Trump’s hawkish foreign policy and tariff threats sent investors to safer assets. At the same time, U.S. deficit spending swelled to what the Congressional Budget Office called an unsustainable $1.9 trillion, a scenario that’s chipping away at the dollar’s standing as the world’s leading reserve currency.
One Of Wall Street’s Most Feared Hedge Fund Managers On The Decline Of The Dollar: Gold Is ‘Becoming The Reserve Asset’
Jake Angelo Fortune Updated Thu, February 12, 2026
Gold blasted past $5,300 per ounce last month as President Donald Trump’s hawkish foreign policy and tariff threats sent investors to safer assets. At the same time, U.S. deficit spending swelled to what the Congressional Budget Office called an unsustainable $1.9 trillion, a scenario that’s chipping away at the dollar’s standing as the world’s leading reserve currency.
The confluence of these factors has some investors predicting the fall of Treasury securities as the only true global reserve. Greenlight Capital founder David Einhorn made that apparent in a recent conversation with CNBC. The investing legend forecasts a monumental shift in global reserve assets, predicting that central banks will swap dollars for the yellow metal.
“The central banks around the world are buying gold,” Einhorn said. “Whereas a few years ago, it was mostly Treasuries.” He added that it is “becoming the reserve asset” because U.S. trade policy “is very unstable, and it’s causing other countries to say, ‘We want to settle our trade in something other than U.S. dollars.’”
To be sure, the dollar still dominates as the reserve currency of choice. While in the first half of last year, central banks dumped over $48 billion in Treasuries, in July 2025, the dollar still composed roughly a 58% share of all foreign exchange reserves, according to the International Monetary Fund. And gold purchases by central banks actually fell in 2025 from a high between 2022 and 2024, according to data from the World Gold Council.
Also, Einhorn has long predicted the price of gold will rise out of fears around U.S. monetary policy and fiscal policy. In an interview with CNBC last year, the hedge fund manager argued: “Gold is not about inflation. Gold is about the confidence in the fiscal policy and the monetary policy.” While the investor isn’t quite advocating for a return to the gold standard, he is a strong proponent of holding the metal as a hedge against U.S. fiscal and monetary mismanagement.
On Wednesday, Einhorn added that U.S. trade policy is sending jitters across global markets, fueling the “sell America” trend and sending central banks to safer assets like gold. While gold prices have eased since their peak last month, the currency’s value remains high, at around $5,100 per ounce as of Thursday morning.
The Einhorn effect
Einhorn has made a name for himself spotting financial red flags. The hedge fund manager rose to investing prominence in 2002 after taking a short position on Allied Capital, a midcap financial company. After giving a speech about his stance at the Sohn Investment Conference, the company’s stock went down 20% as Einhorn accused the company of defrauding the Small Business Administration.
Einhorn followed a similar playbook in 2007 after shorting Lehman Brothers, sharing his thesis about the financial institution’s overexposure to subprime-mortgage-backed securities at the Value Investing Congress. His prescient callouts of major firms via thoroughly researched presentations—and the resulting stock tumbles they initiate—has popularized the phrase “the Einhorn effect,” used to highlight the hedge fund manager’s striking influence on investor decisions. (This is not to be confused with the “Einhorn revolving shotgun” from the Call of Duty video game.)
Deficit fears fuel a bet on gold
Just as his early short calls exposed cracks in major financial institutions, the investor now sees structural vulnerabilities in government fiscal and monetary policies. Einhorn Wednesday highlighted his philosophy on gold, saying: “Our thesis on gold over the longer term has been that our fiscal policy and our monetary policies don’t make any sense.” At current spending rates, the U.S. deficit-to-GDP ratio is expected to reach 6.7% by 2036, per the CBO. However, Einhorn also noted other major developed currencies maintain high deficit-to-GDP ratios, explaining why gold, as opposed to a foreign currency, could become the preferred global reserve.
To Continue and Read More: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/one-wall-street-most-feared-192611075.html
The U.S. Debt ‘Black Hole’: We’ve Crossed the Event Horizon | Greg Weldon & Andy Schectman
The U.S. Debt ‘Black Hole’: We’ve Crossed the Event Horizon | Greg Weldon & Andy Schectman
Miles Franklin Media: 2-23-2026
Andy Schectman, Founder & CEO of Miles Franklin Precious Metals, sits down with Greg Weldon, CTA and Publisher of the Global Macro Strategy Report, to break down what Weldon calls the U.S. debt “black hole” and why the global financial system may have already crossed a point of no return.
Weldon explains how decades of monetary policy, rising debt dependence, and geopolitical resource competition are reshaping markets, currencies, and global power structures.
The U.S. Debt ‘Black Hole’: We’ve Crossed the Event Horizon | Greg Weldon & Andy Schectman
Miles Franklin Media: 2-23-2026
Andy Schectman, Founder & CEO of Miles Franklin Precious Metals, sits down with Greg Weldon, CTA and Publisher of the Global Macro Strategy Report, to break down what Weldon calls the U.S. debt “black hole” and why the global financial system may have already crossed a point of no return.
Weldon explains how decades of monetary policy, rising debt dependence, and geopolitical resource competition are reshaping markets, currencies, and global power structures.
From yield curve control and inflation dynamics to gold’s role as a measure of trust, Schectman and Weldon explore why today’s economic pressures may signal a fundamental shift in the financial system.
As debt accelerates beyond sustainable growth, Weldon argues the consequences could include persistent inflation, declining purchasing power, and a lower standard of living, while gold increasingly reflects a growing loss of confidence in the monetary system.
In this episode of Little by Little:
The U.S. debt “black hole” and financial system tipping points
Why markets may have crossed an economic event horizon
Inflation, deflation, and the future of purchasing power
Yield curve control and Treasury market risks
Gold as a signal of declining trust in global finance
00:00 Coming Up
01:15 Intro: Greg Weldon
09:21 Markets Then vs Now
13:23 No Relief Valve
18:06 World War III: Resources
22:55 Debt Tipping Point Black Hole
25:03 Monetary Armageddon Scenario
27:13 Inflation Meets AI Deflation
29:22 Physics Cycles & Volatility
32:26 Gold as Trust Barometer
34:19 China Resources & Rare Earths
38:49 Advice for Young Investors
40:36 Diversify Beyond Stocks
45:56 Closing Remarks
Rome's Financial Collapse: 4 Assets That Outlived the Crash
Rome's Financial Collapse: 4 Assets That Outlived the Crash
Independent Financial Historian: 2-21-2026
In 64 AD, Emperor Nero began a quiet process that would eventually destroy the most powerful currency the world had ever seen.
By the Crisis of the Third Century, the Roman denarius had lost 98% of its silver content, wiping out the savings of millions who trusted the imperial stamp. This wasn't an overnight crash; it was a slow, invisible theft that lasted generations—until it wasn't invisible anymore.
Rome's Financial Collapse: 4 Assets That Outlived the Crash
Independent Financial Historian: 2-21-2026
In 64 AD, Emperor Nero began a quiet process that would eventually destroy the most powerful currency the world had ever seen.
By the Crisis of the Third Century, the Roman denarius had lost 98% of its silver content, wiping out the savings of millions who trusted the imperial stamp. This wasn't an overnight crash; it was a slow, invisible theft that lasted generations—until it wasn't invisible anymore.
This video conducts a forensic financial autopsy of Rome's monetary collapse, tracing the timeline from a trusted reserve currency to a worthless bronze washer.
More importantly, we analyze the specific assets that preserved wealth when the official money died: productive land, physical metals, practical skills, and local networks.
History shows that while currencies inevitably fail, the protocol for surviving the collapse remains remarkably consistent.
When Gold does this, Empires Fall
When Gold does this, Empires Fall
Heresy Financial: 2-21-2026
The price of gold has been on a spectacular rise over the last two years, more than doubling in value. This surge is not just a simple fluctuation in the precious metals market; it is a signal of deeper economic and geopolitical shifts that are underway.
Historically, sharp increases in gold prices have often been a harbinger of significant economic changes, sometimes even preceding the decline of empires.
The current trend is no exception, driven as it is by monetary instability and inflation.
When Gold does this, Empires Fall
Heresy Financial: 2-21-2026
The price of gold has been on a spectacular rise over the last two years, more than doubling in value. This surge is not just a simple fluctuation in the precious metals market; it is a signal of deeper economic and geopolitical shifts that are underway.
Historically, sharp increases in gold prices have often been a harbinger of significant economic changes, sometimes even preceding the decline of empires.
The current trend is no exception, driven as it is by monetary instability and inflation.
One of the most telling indicators of the changing financial landscape is the behavior of central banks, which have emerged as major buyers of gold.
In a striking shift, central banks now hold more gold in their reserves than the US treasuries.
This move reflects a growing loss of confidence in fiat currencies, particularly the US dollar, as governments around the world grapple with mounting debt and unfunded liabilities.
The historical parallels are telling. The hyperinflation experienced in the Weimar Republic and the debasement of Roman coinage are stark reminders of what happens when governments resort to inflating their currencies to cover unsustainable spending.
The United States today faces a similar predicament, with a national debt that has exceeded $38 trillion and projected deficits and liabilities that make the prospect of balanced budgets politically impossible.
In the face of such unsustainable fiscal trajectories, inflation—or debt monetization—appears to be the government’s primary tool to manage this crisis.
The heavy investment by central banks in gold is a clear signal that they anticipate these inflationary pressures escalating. It suggests that the era of cheap money and low inflation, which characterized much of the past few decades, is coming to an end.
Moreover, upcoming regulatory changes are poised to further fuel inflation and asset price increases. The likely deregulation of bank leverage ratios may enable banks to indirectly engage in quantitative easing by purchasing large amounts of US treasuries.
This move would effectively increase the money supply, driving up prices across various asset classes.
For investors, the rise in gold prices is not just a warning signal; it is also an early indicator of a broader commodities super cycle. This trend suggests significant opportunities in the materials, energy, and base metals markets. As the global economy navigates the challenges of sustained inflation and economic shifts, investors who are prepared to adapt to these changes stand to benefit.
To help investors navigate this evolving commodities landscape without taking on excessive risk, experts are sharing their insights and strategies. An upcoming free event promises to provide valuable guidance on how to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the current economic trends.
In conclusion, the rise in gold prices is more than just a market phenomenon; it is a guidepost for investors to prepare for the economic shifts that lie ahead.
As the world grapples with the challenges of inflation, unsustainable debt, and the potential for significant regulatory changes, understanding the implications of these trends will be crucial for making informed investment decisions.
For those looking to gain a deeper understanding of these issues and to learn strategies for navigating the changing economic landscape, watching the full video from Heresy Financial could provide further insights and information.
As we move into a period of potentially significant economic change, staying informed and being prepared will be key to successfully navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Global Monetary Reset: Gold - The New Standard
Global Monetary Reset: Gold - The New Standard
VRIC Media:
The global monetary system is not collapsing overnight. But it is being renegotiated in real time.
Central banks are buying gold at record levels. Parallel payment systems are expanding outside of SWIFT. Gold has overtaken the euro in central bank reserve rankings. And yet — the U.S. dollar remains dominant in global liquidity.
So what is actually happening?
Global Monetary Reset: Gold - The New Standard
VRIC Media:
The global monetary system is not collapsing overnight. But it is being renegotiated in real time.
Central banks are buying gold at record levels. Parallel payment systems are expanding outside of SWIFT. Gold has overtaken the euro in central bank reserve rankings. And yet — the U.S. dollar remains dominant in global liquidity.
So what is actually happening?
Recorded live at VRIC 2026, Andy Schectman, Brent Johnson, Dr. Nomi Prins, Mark Moss, and Taylor Kenney debate whether we are witnessing a true global monetary reset — or a structural repositioning within a still-dollar-centric system.
This conversation goes beyond headlines and into mechanics:
• Why gold at $5,000 can coexist with a strong dollar
• The difference between reserve currency and reserve asset status
• China’s CIPS system, BRICS payment rails, and the Hong Kong gold window
• Why gold demand is being driven more by foreigners than U.S. investors
• The BIS reclassifying gold as a Tier 1 asset — and why that matters
• Whether stablecoins could actually re-dollarize the world
• Why fiat rejection is broader than just “anti-dollar” sentiment • What a fragmented, two-bloc monetary world might look like
• Why this transition — if it accelerates — will be chaotic for everyone
One side argues gold is becoming the neutral settlement anchor of a new system.
Another argues the dollar may remain dominant in liquidity — even if gold rises multiples higher. Both may be right.
This isn’t about a dramatic overnight collapse. It’s about a structural repositioning of reserves, payment rails, and trust.
If central banks are diversifying… If parallel systems are scaling… If gold is rising while the dollar holds firm… Then the real question is not “Is the dollar finished?” It’s “What does the next system actually look like?”
Chapters:
00:22 – Central Banks Buying Gold: What Does It Signal for the Dollar?
03:27 – “Structural Change”: Is This a Once-in-a-Lifetime Reset?
04:12 – CIPS, BRICS & Gold Settlement Outside SWIFT
07:03 – Re-Anchoring the System: Gold, Reserves & Credibility
09:17 – Chaos Ahead? Stablecoins & Re-Dollarization Debate
12:29 – Gold at $5,000 While the Dollar Stays Strong
15:08 – Bitcoin vs Gold: The Neutral Settlement Argument
17:02 – COMEX Deliveries, Silver & Strategic Stockpiles
22:39 – What Should Investors Actually Do?
29:22 – A Fragmented World & the End of the Rules-Based Order
The Return of the Gold Standard and Why the US Economy is Stronger than ever
The Return of the Gold Standard and Why the US Economy is Stronger than ever
Palisades Gold Radio: 2-19-2026
In a recent, in-depth interview on Palisades Gold Radio, Dr. Arthur Laffer, a distinguished economist and former member of President Reagan’s economic advisory board, shared his expert insights on the current and historical state of the U.S. economy, monetary and fiscal policy, trade, globalization, debt, and the evolving roles of gold and cryptocurrencies.
The discussion, rich with analysis and perspective, offers a comprehensive look at the factors shaping economic prosperity and the policies that can foster or hinder it.
The Return of the Gold Standard and Why the US Economy is Stronger than ever
Palisades Gold Radio: 2-19-2026
In a recent, in-depth interview on Palisades Gold Radio, Dr. Arthur Laffer, a distinguished economist and former member of President Reagan’s economic advisory board, shared his expert insights on the current and historical state of the U.S. economy, monetary and fiscal policy, trade, globalization, debt, and the evolving roles of gold and cryptocurrencies.
The discussion, rich with analysis and perspective, offers a comprehensive look at the factors shaping economic prosperity and the policies that can foster or hinder it.
Dr. Laffer drew significant parallels between the economic policies of the Reagan and Trump administrations, highlighting their shared focus on five critical pillars of prosperity: taxes, spending, monetary policy, regulatory policy, and trade policy.
Under both administrations, these pillars have been instrumental in shaping economic outcomes. Dr. Laffer expressed optimism about the U.S. economy under Trump’s policies, particularly citing the positive impacts of tax cuts, deregulation, a more assertive monetary policy, and trade agreements that reduce barriers.
These measures, he argued, have been crucial in stimulating economic growth and competitiveness.
One of the more intriguing aspects of the discussion centered on trade and globalization. Dr. Laffer challenged prevailing concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and the perceived hollowing out of U.S. industrial capabilities.
Instead, he advocated for free trade and cooperation, even with geopolitical adversaries like China. While acknowledging the tensions, Dr. Laffer supported Trump’s approach to reshoring supply chains and using tariffs as negotiation tools rather than blunt instruments of protectionism.
This nuanced view underscores the complexity of balancing economic interests with geopolitical realities.
A significant portion of the conversation was dedicated to monetary policy, where Dr. Laffer critiqued the recent interventions by the Federal Reserve that led to an expansion of its balance sheet, resulting in inflation and higher interest rates.
He welcomed the appointment of incoming Fed Chair, Kevin Walsh, drawing comparisons to the steadfast leadership of Paul Volcker.
Dr. Laffer advocated for a return to a “price rule” or a stable price-level policy, reminiscent of the gold standard era, which historically produced long-term price stability and fostered economic growth.
This perspective highlights the ongoing debate about the appropriate role of monetary policy in managing the economy.
On the fiscal side, Dr. Laffer offered a nuanced view of the U.S. debt situation, clarifying the distinction between the stock of debt and the flow of GDP. He emphasized that the real concern lies not in the absolute level of debt but in its productive use and the spread between borrowing costs and the returns on investment.
According to Dr. Laffer, debt incurred for productive investments, as seen under Reagan and Trump, can foster economic growth, whereas debt used for non-productive transfers can be detrimental. This analysis underscores the importance of fiscal prudence and the need for a thoughtful approach to public spending and investment.
Dr. Laffer also delved into the economic consequences of redistribution policies, explaining the “transfer theorem.” This theorem posits that transferring wealth from the rich to the poor reduces the incentives to produce, ultimately shrinking the overall economic pie.
He warned against the dangers of wealth taxes and excessive redistribution, arguing that true equality of outcome can only be achieved by making everyone equally poor. This perspective offers a conservative critique of progressive economic policies and highlights the ongoing debate about the role of government in addressing income inequality.
The discussion also touched on the role of gold and cryptocurrencies as safe-haven assets during times of monetary policy mismanagement.
Dr. Laffer lamented the abandonment of the gold standard in 1971, seeing gold and stablecoins like Tether as private sector attempts to restore sound money in the face of government currency mismanagement.
While expressing hope for the future of private money and stablecoins, he also cautioned about the risks involved, reflecting the complex and evolving landscape of digital currencies.
Finally, Dr. Laffer touched on geopolitics and the importance of peace through strength, lauding U.S. military capabilities while criticizing European economic policies and their handling of defense and trade.
He believed that Trump’s leadership style, with its emphasis on enforcing peace and stability while promoting prosperity through trade, is best suited to resolving ongoing conflicts.
Dr. Laffer also underscored the importance of market-based solutions to environmental issues, such as carbon taxation offset by income tax cuts, and called for minimal regulations and sound economic policies globally, warning against the dangers of overregulation and excessive taxation.
The interview with Dr. Arthur Laffer on Palisades Gold Radio offers a wide-ranging and insightful analysis of the current economic landscape, from monetary and fiscal policy to trade, globalization, and the emerging role of digital currencies.
As the world grapples with complex economic challenges and geopolitical tensions, Dr. Laffer’s perspectives provide valuable context and guidance. For those seeking a deeper understanding of these issues and the policies that can lead to prosperity, watching the full video is a must.
$1.28 Trillion Wiped Out as Gold & Silver Crash—Is Lunar New Year Liquidity Driving the Drop?
$1.28 Trillion Wiped Out as Gold & Silver Crash—Is Lunar New Year Liquidity Driving the Drop?
Lockridge Okoth Tue, February 17, 2026
Gold and silver markets are in a sharp correction, with prices falling for a second consecutive session. Commodity-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are also declining by as much as 4%.
The sudden downturn has erased an estimated $1.28 trillion in combined market value, reflecting how even traditional safe-haven assets remain vulnerable to macro shocks and liquidity shifts.
$1.28 Trillion Wiped Out as Gold & Silver Crash—Is Lunar New Year Liquidity Driving the Drop?
Lockridge Okoth Tue, February 17, 2026
Gold and silver markets are in a sharp correction, with prices falling for a second consecutive session. Commodity-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are also declining by as much as 4%.
The sudden downturn has erased an estimated $1.28 trillion in combined market value, reflecting how even traditional safe-haven assets remain vulnerable to macro shocks and liquidity shifts.
Lunar New Year Liquidity and Macro Pressures Fuel Gold and Silver Correction
The decline follows a powerful rally earlier in 2026 that pushed gold above $5,000 per ounce and drove silver to record highs.
Analysts now say the pullback reflects a mix of seasonal factors, macroeconomic pressure, and profit-taking after an extended run-up.
Silver has been hit particularly hard, falling nearly 40% from its all-time high (ATH) of $121.646 recorded in late January.
As of this writing, Silver (XAG) was trading at $74.11, reinforcing its reputation as a more volatile counterpart to gold, given its smaller market size and stronger industrial demand.
“Gold and Silver wiped out $1.28 trillion today… even ‘safe havens’ bleed,” wrote one analyst, emphasizing the speed of the decline and the risks of assuming stability in any asset class.
Others pointed to the role of market structure and liquidity, arguing that temporary dislocations may occur when key physical markets slow, particularly in Asia.
Lunar New Year Liquidity Effects Come into Focus
Against this backdrop, one of the most widely cited short-term drivers is the Lunar New Year holiday period, during which trading activity across major Asian financial centers declines sharply.
Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea all experience reduced participation as traders, manufacturers, and market makers step away.
Lower liquidity can amplify price movements in global futures markets, especially for commodities like silver, where physical demand from the Chinese industry plays a major role.
Weaker demand during the holiday period could temporarily pressure prices, with physical buying potentially resuming once factories and exchanges return to full activity.
Analysts Warn of Continued Volatility As Macro Pressures Weigh on Bullion
Beyond seasonal factors, broader macroeconomic developments are also contributing to the downturn. Precious metals came under pressure as investors focused on narratives that strengthen the US dollar in the short term. These include:
Signals from the US Federal Reserve and
Geopolitical developments, including US–Iran negotiations
A firmer dollar typically weighs on bullion by making gold and silver more expensive in other currencies, reducing demand from international buyers.
ETF flows reflect the cautious sentiment. Several gold and silver ETFs declined between 2% and 4%. This mirrors weakness in futures markets and suggests that some investors are locking in profits after the recent rally.
Meanwhile, market strategists say precious metals are now in a “volatile consolidation phase.” After such a strong advance, corrections and sideways trading are common as markets digest gains and rebalance positions.
Therefore, a disciplined approach may be advisable, rather than chasing prices at elevated levels; instead, consider staggered buying during corrections.
To Continue and Read More: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/1-28-trillion-wiped-gold-115143688.html
Monetary Collapse: Gold Standard or Chaos? with John Rubino
Monetary Collapse: Gold Standard or Chaos? with John Rubino
WTFinance: 2-18-2026
On this episode of the WTFinance podcast I had the pleasure of welcoming back John Rubino.
The conversation painted a stark picture of a financial system teetering on the edge of a massive structural shift.
From the unsustainability of the fiat currency system to the explosive risks in the AI stock market and the rising importance of tangible assets, Rubino offered a roadmap for investors navigating what could be a turbulent decade ahead.
Monetary Collapse: Gold Standard or Chaos? with John Rubino
WTFinance: 2-18-2026
On this episode of the WTFinance podcast I had the pleasure of welcoming back John Rubino.
The conversation painted a stark picture of a financial system teetering on the edge of a massive structural shift.
From the unsustainability of the fiat currency system to the explosive risks in the AI stock market and the rising importance of tangible assets, Rubino offered a roadmap for investors navigating what could be a turbulent decade ahead.
The conversation began with a look at the macroeconomic foundations that have supported the global economy for the last 50 years. Rubino points to the pivotal year of 1971, when the U.S. abandoned the gold standard, effectively transitioning the world into a pure fiat currency system.
According to Rubino, this shift allowed governments and central banks to print money without restraint, leading to an explosion of global debt that has become mathematically impossible to repay through traditional growth. He argues that this prolonged monetary policy has created a system that is inherently unstable.
The inevitable conclusion? A “monetary reset.”
Rubino suggests that the current system is unsustainable and will eventually break, likely forcing a return to a form of gold standard or a system backed by hard assets.
While this might sound like a return to stability, the transition would be chaotic. A reset would drastically devalue the U.S. dollar and government bonds—the bedrock of most retirement accounts—potentially leading to widespread financial disruption and political unrest.
One of the most timely aspects of the discussion was the analysis of the current stock market, specifically the explosive growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology stocks.
Rubino draws a direct parallel between the current AI boom and the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s and early 2000s. He acknowledges that AI is a transformative technology that will profoundly reshape the economy. However, he warns that the stock market’s reaction to this technology has detached from reality.
Many AI-related companies are currently trading at astronomical valuations that are not supported by their current earnings or realistic future cash flows. Rubino predicts that a substantial market correction or crash in this sector is probable. Because the AI sector has become a massive driver of the broader market, a crash here wouldn’t be isolated; it could pull down the entire stock market and trigger a deep recession.
So, where should investors look for safety in an environment of currency debasement and stock market overvaluation? Rubino is bullish on precious metals, particularly gold and silver.
He describes a potential “crack-up boom”—a scenario where fiat currencies rapidly lose purchasing power, driving capital out of paper assets and into tangible stores of value.
For miners, this environment spells strong earnings growth. As the price of gold and silver rises, the profit margins for mining companies expand exponentially, making them a leveraged play on the underlying metals.
As the conversation concluded, Rubino offered a crucial piece of advice for investors: focus on long-term fundamentals, not short-term volatility.
In a volatile market, it is easy to get shaken out by daily price swings. However, Rubino argues that the underlying value of commodities and precious metals is driven by structural supply and demand dynamics that won’t change overnight.
While weaker investors may panic and sell during dips, those who understand the inevitability of the monetary reset and the fragility of the fiat system are positioned to benefit as the current financial order undergoes a significant shift.
The WTFinance episode with John Rubino serves as a sobering reminder that the current financial system is built on shaky ground.
While the timing of a “monetary reset” is impossible to predict, the warning signs—excessive debt, overvalued stocks, and currency debasement—are flashing red.
0:00 - Introduction
1:18 - Overview of economy
3:23 - Tech bubble?
8:51 - Precious metals major driver?
11:31 - Preventing deficits?
16:37 - Potential collapse?
18:14 - Gold & Silver trend
22:57 - Silver volume
29:44 - One message to takeaway?
Ariel: The Silver Market Manipulation
Ariel: The Silver Market Manipulation
2-18-2026
The Line In The Sand Has Been Drawn
The Cabal knows darn well that once a credible floor price on silver is locked in whether through national security tariffs or forced physical delivery the entire house of paper cards collapses.
Trillions in unbacked derivatives evaporate overnight.
The fraudulent fractional-reserve shell game ends.
Ariel: The Silver Market Manipulation
2-18-2026
The Line In The Sand Has Been Drawn
The Cabal knows darn well that once a credible floor price on silver is locked in whether through national security tariffs or forced physical delivery the entire house of paper cards collapses.
Trillions in unbacked derivatives evaporate overnight.
The fraudulent fractional-reserve shell game ends.
And the Crypto Market Structure Bill (H.R. 3633 / S.3755 Digital Asset Market Clarity Act) is their next kill target because it opens the floodgates to asset-backed digital instruments that bypass their cartel entirely.
They delayed it to spring for one reason: buying time to engineer one last crash.
The undisputed kingpin. Their precious metals desk has been caught red-handed spoofing silver futures for over a decade.
$920 million DOJ fine in 2020, two traders (Michael Nowak and Gregg Smith) sent to federal prison in 2023 for exactly this. Yet in 2025 they hoarded 169 million ounces of physical silver while flooding COMEX with paper shorts classic two-faced warfare.
Dimon personally signs off on the strategy that keeps silver artificially capped so the derivatives book doesn’t explode.
HSBC (London Precious Metals Desk – 8 Canada Square):
Long-time co-conspirator. Multiple class-action settlements for silver price rigging alongside JPM. They dominate London Fix and COMEX clearing every major raid on silver price in 2025-2026 traces back to their algorithmic sell walls.
Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, UBS, Deutsche Bank:
The supporting cast. All named in ongoing Canadian and U.S. class actions for conspiracy to suppress.
They coordinate margin hikes on COMEX the instant retail starts piling in exactly what triggered the February 2026 flash crash after silver hit $83/oz in late 2025.
Source(s): https://x.com/Prolotario1/status/2023745006297600160
https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/02/18/ariel-prolotario1-the-silver-market-manipulation/