Prepare for a culinary revolution like never before as McDonald’s undergoes a jaw-dropping metamorphosis into the fantastical world of anime with WcDonald’s! In a move that will shake the fast-food industry to its core, the iconic golden arches are flipping upside down, paving the way for an otherworldly experience that will leave fans craving for more.
Starting February 26th, McDonald’s will be unleashing WcDonald’s in over 30 countries, bringing to life the beloved fictional chain straight from the pages of manga and onto your tray. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other, as WcDonald’s introduces a tantalizing new sauce, manga-inspired packaging, and a series of episodic shorts that will transport you to a realm where burgers and fries reign supreme.
But what exactly is WcDonald’s, you ask? It’s not just a mere spin-off; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has graced over 100 anime films and shows, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Originating from a 1983 episode of “Cat’s Eye,” this alternate universe chain, with its cleverly flipped first letter, has become a staple in the anime landscape, appearing alongside beloved characters in iconic series like “Sally the Witch,” “Cowboy Bebop: The Movie,” and “InuYasha.”
In a groundbreaking collaboration, McDonald’s is teaming up with some of the biggest names in anime to bring WcDonald’s to life, bridging the gap between fiction and reality in a way never seen before. Fans can finally step into the vibrant world they’ve only dreamt of, as WcDonald’s takes center stage in a global spectacle of flavor and imagination.
“This is more than just a meal; it’s a journey into the heart of anime culture,” declares Tariq Hassan, McDonald’s USA’s chief marketing and customer experience officer. “WcDonald’s is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of creativity and fandom, honoring the vision of our fans and bringing it to life in a way that’s never been done before.”
Get ready to indulge your senses and feast your eyes on the culinary marvel that is WcDonald’s. Don’t miss out on the adventure of a lifetime – your taste buds will thank you!
Gold and diamonds have been revered by humans for millennia because of their beautiful luster, useful properties, considerable scarcity, and inherent value. Today, these valuable assets are still popular investment vehicles for preserving wealth and hedging against inflation.
Despite many similarities, gold and diamonds represent a common dilemma among investors looking for the ideal asset. An honest assessment of the advantages and considerations of these safe haven assets can make it easier for investors to accurately determine which aligns best with their investment objectives.
Gold prices have demonstrated remarkable stability, especially during periods of extreme economic volatility. This steady price performance has earned gold a reputation as one of the best options for keeping up with inflation. As paper assets buckle during bouts of economic instability and market fluctuations, gold assets tend to maintain or even gain value. This price stability is attributed to gold’s scarcity, intrinsic value, widespread acceptance, and long history of use.
Asset Diversification
Gold is a tried-and-true asset for optimized portfolio diversification. Unlike diamonds and other limited physical assets, gold offers a diverse range of investment options. Investors can choose between bullion gold coins, bars, and rounds along with investment-grade rare gold coins. This variety gives inventors more tools to work with when tailoring a diversified portfolio to meet their budget limitations, investment goals, and risk preferences.
High Liquidity
Gold’s universal recognition, inherent value, and surging demand make it a highly liquid asset. In other words, investors have no trouble selling their gold assets or increasing their holdings at will. This investment flexibility makes it easier for investors to take advantage of short-lived economic conditions or free up cash for emergencies. Gold’s liquidity adds an extra level of freedom and control that less-popular assets such as diamonds lack.
Market Standardization
Gold enjoys one of the most developed and sophisticated markets out of all tangible assets. Universally recognized benchmarks such as the spot price, coin grading, and standardized products in the form of coins and bars result in a highly uniform market. This translates to transparent pricing, smoother transactions, higher liquidity, and overall stability – characteristics that make physical assets highly sought after.
IRA Eligibility
The IRS has acknowledged the unique investment merit of gold by allowing investors to make this precious metal part of their nest eggs. Through a gold IRA, investors can put tax-deferred dollars towards various gold coins and bars so long as they meet purity, weight, and type requirements. This significant advantage isn’t extended to most physical assets such as diamonds because of their status as collectibles rather than investments.
The standardization of the gold market comes with tremendous advantages, but it’s not without potential downsides. Investors are inevitably exposed to more counterparty risk as the number of people involved in a transaction increases. For example, widespread suspicion of market manipulation was vindicated when two J.P. Morgan gold dealers were convicted of deceptive practices and outright fraud. However, some experts view this incident as a reckoning that will lead to a more tightly regulated and secure market.
Preservation
Some gold assets such as rare coins derive a significant portion of their value from condition and appearance. This requires investors to take extra precautions and make additional investments to preserve some physical gold investments. This isn’t the case for bullion bars or coins which are only worth their melt value. Furthermore, diamonds don’t require this extra layer of attention since they’re significantly more durable than gold assets.
Advantages of Investing in Diamonds
Appreciation Potential
Diamonds often have the potential for quicker and more pronounced gains when compared to other physical assets. The relatively small size of the diamond market along with the asset’s general scarcity contribute to more immediate price action. This appreciation potential can represent a significant investment opportunity when leveraged properly. However, the flip side of rapid gains is rapid losses. As with most tangible assets, diamond investors tend to see greater returns the longer they hold the investment.
Inflation Hedge
Along with gold, diamonds are considered a hedge against inflation. These physical investments hold an inherent value which isn’t affected by inflationary pressures and other economic instability. This way, investors can ensure a portion of their wealth is protected no matter what happens to the paper markets. Diamond assets often go further than merely preserving wealth by appreciating even when the rest of the economy falters.
Investing in Diamond Considerations
Subjective Evaluations
Unlike the gold market which has a standard spot price calculated daily, the diamond market has no uniform reference for evaluations. As a result, it’s more challenging and time-consuming to determine an asset’s worth. Diamonds derive their value from the so-called four Cs: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. The high subjectivity of these characteristics makes it hard for investors to accurately assess the value of their investments and increases the likelihood of disagreements between buyers and sellers.
Volatility
Diamond prices are subject to immense volatility due to the lack of market structure. Unlike gold and other precious metals, there’s no centralized trading system for diamonds which leaves prices susceptible to rapid and unpredictable swings. These violent price fluctuations often attract speculative traders seeking to make quick returns. In turn, this short-term trading creates more instability as prices struggle to find equilibrium.
Low Liquidity
Low liquidity is a byproduct of the subjective nature of diamond evaluations. Without a universal method for determining value, the processing of buying and selling diamonds remains contentious and time-consuming. Investors don’t have much flexibility for quick investment decisions to jump on short-term market conditions or to respond to changing personal financial circumstances.
Synthetic Rivals
The rapid development of synthetic diamonds poses a serious threat to the evaluations of their naturally occurring counterparts. The lab-grown diamond market is rapidly expanding and artificial versions are becoming virtually indiscernible from the real deal. As technology continues to advance, the quality of synthetic diamonds will only increase. Some experts worry the potential for an unlimited supply of artificial diamonds will deflate the value of authentic diamonds, destroying their investment potential.
Gold or Diamonds: Which is the Best Investment?
Gold is generally considered a better investment compared to diamonds due to its steadier price performance, higher liquidity, greater variety of assets, superior market standardization, and IRA eligibility. Diamonds are largely viewed more as collectibles because of their association with luxury, speculative trading, and subjective evaluations. Both gold and diamonds can yield significant returns for investors, but gold has proven to be a more stable, secure, and profitable option in the long run.
If you’re interested in learning more about investing in gold assets, grab a copy of our FREE precious metals investment guide. It covers everything you need to know about diversifying your portfolio with gold to preserve your wealth and hedge against inflation.
Gold and diamonds have been revered by humans for millennia because of their beautiful luster, useful properties, considerable scarcity, and inherent value. Today, these valuable assets are still popular investment vehicles for preserving wealth and hedging against inflation.
Despite many similarities, gold and diamonds represent a common dilemma among investors looking for the ideal asset. An honest assessment of the advantages and considerations of these safe haven assets can make it easier for investors to accurately determine which aligns best with their investment objectives.
Advantages of Investing in Gold
Price Stability
Gold prices have demonstrated remarkable stability, especially during periods of extreme economic volatility. This steady price performance has earned gold a reputation as one of the best options for keeping up with inflation. As paper assets buckle during bouts of economic instability and market fluctuations, gold assets tend to maintain or even gain value. This price stability is attributed to gold’s scarcity, intrinsic value, widespread acceptance, and long history of use.
Asset Diversification
Gold is a tried-and-true asset for optimized portfolio diversification. Unlike diamonds and other limited physical assets, gold offers a diverse range of investment options. Investors can choose between bullion gold coins, bars, and rounds along with investment-grade rare gold coins. This variety gives inventors more tools to work with when tailoring a diversified portfolio to meet their budget limitations, investment goals, and risk preferences.
High Liquidity
Gold’s universal recognition, inherent value, and surging demand make it a highly liquid asset. In other words, investors have no trouble selling their gold assets or increasing their holdings at will. This investment flexibility makes it easier for investors to take advantage of short-lived economic conditions or free up cash for emergencies. Gold’s liquidity adds an extra level of freedom and control that less-popular assets such as diamonds lack.
Market Standardization
Gold enjoys one of the most developed and sophisticated markets out of all tangible assets. Universally recognized benchmarks such as the spot price, coin grading, and standardized products in the form of coins and bars result in a highly uniform market. This translates to transparent pricing, smoother transactions, higher liquidity, and overall stability – characteristics that make physical assets highly sought after.
IRA Eligibility
The IRS has acknowledged the unique investment merit of gold by allowing investors to make this precious metal part of their nest eggs. Through a gold IRA, investors can put tax-deferred dollars towards various gold coins and bars so long as they meet purity, weight, and type requirements. This significant advantage isn’t extended to most physical assets such as diamonds because of their status as collectibles rather than investments.
The standardization of the gold market comes with tremendous advantages, but it’s not without potential downsides. Investors are inevitably exposed to more counterparty risk as the number of people involved in a transaction increases. For example, widespread suspicion of market manipulation was vindicated when two J.P. Morgan gold dealers were convicted of deceptive practices and outright fraud. However, some experts view this incident as a reckoning that will lead to a more tightly regulated and secure market.
Preservation
Some gold assets such as rare coins derive a significant portion of their value from condition and appearance. This requires investors to take extra precautions and make additional investments to preserve some physical gold investments. This isn’t the case for bullion bars or coins which are only worth their melt value. Furthermore, diamonds don’t require this extra layer of attention since they’re significantly more durable than gold assets.
Advantages of Investing in Diamonds
Appreciation Potential
Diamonds often have the potential for quicker and more pronounced gains when compared to other physical assets. The relatively small size of the diamond market along with the asset’s general scarcity contribute to more immediate price action. This appreciation potential can represent a significant investment opportunity when leveraged properly. However, the flip side of rapid gains is rapid losses. As with most tangible assets, diamond investors tend to see greater returns the longer they hold the investment.
Inflation Hedge
Along with gold, diamonds are considered a hedge against inflation. These physical investments hold an inherent value which isn’t affected by inflationary pressures and other economic instability. This way, investors can ensure a portion of their wealth is protected no matter what happens to the paper markets. Diamond assets often go further than merely preserving wealth by appreciating even when the rest of the economy falters.
Investing in Diamond Considerations
Subjective Evaluations
Unlike the gold market which has a standard spot price calculated daily, the diamond market has no uniform reference for evaluations. As a result, it’s more challenging and time-consuming to determine an asset’s worth. Diamonds derive their value from the so-called four Cs: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. The high subjectivity of these characteristics makes it hard for investors to accurately assess the value of their investments and increases the likelihood of disagreements between buyers and sellers.
Volatility
Diamond prices are subject to immense volatility due to the lack of market structure. Unlike gold and other precious metals, there’s no centralized trading system for diamonds which leaves prices susceptible to rapid and unpredictable swings. These violent price fluctuations often attract speculative traders seeking to make quick returns. In turn, this short-term trading creates more instability as prices struggle to find equilibrium.
Low Liquidity
Low liquidity is a byproduct of the subjective nature of diamond evaluations. Without a universal method for determining value, the processing of buying and selling diamonds remains contentious and time-consuming. Investors don’t have much flexibility for quick investment decisions to jump on short-term market conditions or to respond to changing personal financial circumstances.
Synthetic Rivals
The rapid development of synthetic diamonds poses a serious threat to the evaluations of their naturally occurring counterparts. The lab-grown diamond market is rapidly expanding and artificial versions are becoming virtually indiscernible from the real deal. As technology continues to advance, the quality of synthetic diamonds will only increase. Some experts worry the potential for an unlimited supply of artificial diamonds will deflate the value of authentic diamonds, destroying their investment potential.
Gold or Diamonds: Which is the Best Investment?
Gold is generally considered a better investment compared to diamonds due to its steadier price performance, higher liquidity, greater variety of assets, superior market standardization, and IRA eligibility. Diamonds are largely viewed more as collectibles because of their association with luxury, speculative trading, and subjective evaluations. Both gold and diamonds can yield significant returns for investors, but gold has proven to be a more stable, secure, and profitable option in the long run.
If you’re interested in learning more about investing in gold assets, grab a copy of our FREE precious metals investment guide. It covers everything you need to know about diversifying your portfolio with gold to preserve your wealth and hedge against inflation.
, Gold vs Diamonds: Which is the Better Investment?
Investing in gold—or other precious metals—is a serious decision, especially when your retirement is at stake. But there has never been a better time to purchase gold, either as a way to safeguard against inflationary forces or diversify yourretirement portfolio.
The stability and value of gold make a compelling argument for investment, and there’s no better proof of that than today’s current market rates. The chart below details the most recent available data regarding the price of gold.
Whether your plan involves buyinggold coins or gold bars, consult the following price information before you purchase.
3 Reasons to Invest in Gold Today
The best time to make a profitable investment was yesterday. The second-best time is today.
Consider this: Have you ever purchased something on sale? Have you ever bought something because you felt you were getting it for cheaper than it was worth? If you have ever made such a purchase, you may be an investor who understands value.
Unfortunately, many retail investors make decisions based on fear and emotion instead of value. They sell when they should buy, and they buy when they should sell. Humans are inherently followers. But chasing the herd can get you in trouble.
With rampant inflation, rising geopolitical instability, and a hawkish Fed,would you consider this an excellent time to buy gold?
If you answered yes, you understand the fundamentals of value and are correct. Intelligent retirement investors are making the move to gold in IRAs and 401(k)s.
The Price of Gold
For some mining companies, the price of gold is below the margin cost for production for large portions of their supply. Long-term investors should be very aware of the fundamental opportunity to buy gold at this time. One should never fail to purchase an asset below its replacement value.
If you are focused on proper allocation in your IRA or 401(k), now is a sensible time to purchase gold because of its price relative to the cost of incremental production. The investment makes sense for retirement and non-retirement investors alike.
When gold prices increased, the cost of production also increased. As we explained inour primer on how mining costs influence gold prices, mining companies scrambled to ramp up production to keep up with demand. With current gold prices at about $2,000, production will decrease unless gold goes up or new technology comes along to make the process cheaper. Many mining companies’ incremental cost of production is above $1,300, and the average is believed to be $1,200.
Basic supply and demand fundamentals signal that this is a good time to buy gold in your investment account, IRA, or 401(k). There is no fundamental likelihood of a decrease in demand, and the cost of production will likely rise. As a result, prices should rise.
Diversify With Gold
It is widely believed that investors should have at least some of their portfolio in gold. Each investor has their own risk profile and investment goals, but a minimal 5 to 10% is typical.
You may be saving for retirement in an IRA. You may be allocating investments in your 401(k). You could also be looking to diversify your taxable investment account. In general, investors are poorly diversified, and their strategies are outdated. Many investors can attribute past investment losses to undiversified allocations and neglecting their portfolios.
Don’t make the same mistakes. Stay up to date and make appropriate changes when necessary. Gold helps navigate volatility and increases stability and security for investors. Diversification is the only way to secure your portfolio. Gold is a major component of a properly diversified portfolio.
Gold Has Inherent Value
Now is the time to go looking for value in gold. In times of turmoil, physical gold can be a safe haven for investors, especially in IRAs and 401(k)s.
Physical gold can rally on geopolitical uncertainty from an international incident or an unexpected inflation flare-up.Withbothof those happening right now, it’d be foolish not to consider a strong allocation in gold.
Though the dollar remains strong, international currencies continue to fluctuate. Unlike many commodities that hinge on economic activity drivers, gold is often moved by political turmoil. We can all agree that there is no shortage of political crisis in the world right now, and there is no sign that it will change any time soon.
Gold continues to serve long-term investors positively. Though prices of gold have dropped over the past year, they are reaching attractive levels for value-driven, long-term retirement investors. Individuals allocating their retirement IRAs and 401(k)s consistently find safety in gold. For many investors, this is an attractive time to change to gold.
Invest in Gold Today
If investing in gold sounds like an exciting opportunity to you, you’re not alone. Thousands of people have purchased gold to diversify their retirement or investment portfolios. Investing in gold doesn’t have to be complicated, either. Our experts are standing by to help you with your decision.
When you have questions about gold investment, Advantage Gold can answer them. Call our team today at 1-800-341-8584 to learn more about self-directed Gold IRA accounts. You can alsodownload our free Gold Investor Guide.
**we are not tax or financial advisors
Gold Investment Timeline FAQs
What units are used in the gold coin prices chart?
Our gold price chart is in US dollars and tracks the price of gold in ounces (oz).
How frequently is the gold coin prices chart updated?
Price charts are updated every five days.
Can I track the historical gold coin prices chart?
Yes, you can track historical gold prices back to 1975.
Investing in gold—or other precious metals—is a serious decision, especially when your retirement is at stake. But there has never been a better time to purchase gold, either as a way to safeguard against inflationary forces or diversify yourretirement portfolio.
The stability and value of gold make a compelling argument for investment, and there’s no better proof of that than today’s current market rates. The chart below details the most recent available data regarding the price of gold.
Whether your plan involves buyinggold coins or gold bars, consult the following price information before you purchase.
3 Reasons to Invest in Gold Today
The best time to make a profitable investment was yesterday. The second-best time is today.
Consider this: Have you ever purchased something on sale? Have you ever bought something because you felt you were getting it for cheaper than it was worth? If you have ever made such a purchase, you may be an investor who understands value.
Unfortunately, many retail investors make decisions based on fear and emotion instead of value. They sell when they should buy, and they buy when they should sell. Humans are inherently followers. But chasing the herd can get you in trouble.
With rampant inflation, rising geopolitical instability, and a hawkish Fed,would you consider this an excellent time to buy gold?
If you answered yes, you understand the fundamentals of value and are correct. Intelligent retirement investors are making the move to gold in IRAs and 401(k)s.
The Price of Gold
For some mining companies, the price of gold is below the margin cost for production for large portions of their supply. Long-term investors should be very aware of the fundamental opportunity to buy gold at this time. One should never fail to purchase an asset below its replacement value.
If you are focused on proper allocation in your IRA or 401(k), now is a sensible time to purchase gold because of its price relative to the cost of incremental production. The investment makes sense for retirement and non-retirement investors alike.
When gold prices increased, the cost of production also increased. As we explained inour primer on how mining costs influence gold prices, mining companies scrambled to ramp up production to keep up with demand. With current gold prices at about $2,000, production will decrease unless gold goes up or new technology comes along to make the process cheaper. Many mining companies’ incremental cost of production is above $1,300, and the average is believed to be $1,200.
Basic supply and demand fundamentals signal that this is a good time to buy gold in your investment account, IRA, or 401(k). There is no fundamental likelihood of a decrease in demand, and the cost of production will likely rise. As a result, prices should rise.
Diversify With Gold
It is widely believed that investors should have at least some of their portfolio in gold. Each investor has their own risk profile and investment goals, but a minimal 5 to 10% is typical.
You may be saving for retirement in an IRA. You may be allocating investments in your 401(k). You could also be looking to diversify your taxable investment account. In general, investors are poorly diversified, and their strategies are outdated. Many investors can attribute past investment losses to undiversified allocations and neglecting their portfolios.
Don’t make the same mistakes. Stay up to date and make appropriate changes when necessary. Gold helps navigate volatility and increases stability and security for investors. Diversification is the only way to secure your portfolio. Gold is a major component of a properly diversified portfolio.
Gold Has Inherent Value
Now is the time to go looking for value in gold. In times of turmoil, physical gold can be a safe haven for investors, especially in IRAs and 401(k)s.
Physical gold can rally on geopolitical uncertainty from an international incident or an unexpected inflation flare-up.Withbothof those happening right now, it’d be foolish not to consider a strong allocation in gold.
Though the dollar remains strong, international currencies continue to fluctuate. Unlike many commodities that hinge on economic activity drivers, gold is often moved by political turmoil. We can all agree that there is no shortage of political crisis in the world right now, and there is no sign that it will change any time soon.
Gold continues to serve long-term investors positively. Though prices of gold have dropped over the past year, they are reaching attractive levels for value-driven, long-term retirement investors. Individuals allocating their retirement IRAs and 401(k)s consistently find safety in gold. For many investors, this is an attractive time to change to gold.
Invest in Gold Today
If investing in gold sounds like an exciting opportunity to you, you’re not alone. Thousands of people have purchased gold to diversify their retirement or investment portfolios. Investing in gold doesn’t have to be complicated, either. Our experts are standing by to help you with your decision.
When you have questions about gold investment, Advantage Gold can answer them. Call our team today at 1-800-341-8584 to learn more about self-directed Gold IRA accounts. You can alsodownload our free Gold Investor Guide.
**we are not tax or financial advisors
Gold Investment Timeline FAQs
What units are used in the gold coin prices chart?
Our gold price chart is in US dollars and tracks the price of gold in ounces (oz).
How frequently is the gold coin prices chart updated?
Price charts are updated every five days.
Can I track the historical gold coin prices chart?
Yes, you can track historical gold prices back to 1975.
The startling size of US debt and its rapid pace of accumulation have many investors focused on the federal deficit. However, there’s another monstrous debt problem looming on the horizon: US credit card debt. Americans have collectively racked up more than $1 trillion in debt, underscoring the country’s problematic spending habits.
US credit card debt refers to the total amount of debt incurred through the use of credit cards among the entire American populace. It represents the money borrowed by consumers with the requirement to repay the principal amount plus interest by specific deadlines over time. The country’s entire credit card debt is a reliable indicator of consumer confidence, individual spending habits, and credit accessibility. This impact makes it an important consideration when assessing the broader economy’s health.
Similar to the impact of US national debt, credit card debt comes with advantages and considerations. It promotes economic growth through increased investment flexibility and convenience but also leads to financial strain and significant debt accumulation when not managed properly. Unfortunately, a toxic mix of irresponsible personal spending and federal fiscal policies has led to a potential credit card debt crisis in the US.
US Credit Card Debt in Numbers
It’s tough to underestimate the severity of US credit card debt which has recently notched record highs and shows no signs of slowing down. Dissecting the numbers behind this grim milestone can paint a more accurate picture for investors.
$1.08 Trillion – The total amount of credit card debt among Americans
56 Million – The number of people who have carried debt for at least a year.
71% – The increase in US credit card debt over the past 10 years.
In light of US debt surpassing $34 trillion, some investors might justifiably question the severity of credit card debt. After all, the government’s failed fiscal responsibility far outpaces that of the average consumer. However, that seemingly logical thought process ignores the relationship between national and credit card debt. While technically differing calculations, these two major forms of debt are synergistically detrimental. Here are some macroeconomic ripple effects of the surging credit card debt:
Economic Vulnerability
Consumers are the driving force behind the economy. When broad swathes of the population struggle to repay their debt, spending naturally subsides. This economic weakness doesn’t stay isolated as a rapid decline in investor confidence has the potential to rattle the foundations of the economy. This phenomenon is akin to what was witnessed following the Great Recession when a housing bubble tanked the entire economy.
Exacerbate National Debt
While not factored into the national debt, high levels of credit card debt indirectly affect the government’s ability to manage a balanced budget and service its debt. Higher levels of debt lead to reduced consumer spending which can slow economic growth. In the end, this reduces tax revenue which slashes federal income and compels increased borrowing.
Entrenched Volatility
One of the unseen and unacknowledged causes of this market volatility is credit card debt and other forms of consumer debt. Economic booms increase consumer confidence and encourage debt accumulation which can lead to inflationary pressures. During market downturns, high debt levels prolong recovery as consumers are reluctant to spend, instead focusing on repaying debt.
Global Implications
The US has enjoyed dominance on the global economic stage for nearly a century, but that prestige is starting to wane. Countries around the world are losing faith in the stability and security of the US dollar because of America’s debt problem. That includes national and credit card debt. This irresponsible spending across the board has set a process of de-dollarization in motion where governments actively transition away from dependence on the US.
Find Protection in Precious Metals
In the face of a looming debt crisis — on the federal and consumer level – you can take steps to minimize investment vulnerability and make sure you are diversified with physical investments such as precious metals. Gold and silver can offer protection from volatility of a potential debt crisis due to their tendency to rise while the rest of the economy falters.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can diversify, protect, and grow your portfolio with gold and silver assets, download our FREE Precious Metals Investment Guide.
The startling size of US debt and its rapid pace of accumulation have many investors focused on the federal deficit. However, there’s another monstrous debt problem looming on the horizon: US credit card debt. Americans have collectively racked up more than $1 trillion in debt, underscoring the country’s problematic spending habits.
Understanding US Credit Card Debt
US credit card debt refers to the total amount of debt incurred through the use of credit cards among the entire American populace. It represents the money borrowed by consumers with the requirement to repay the principal amount plus interest by specific deadlines over time. The country’s entire credit card debt is a reliable indicator of consumer confidence, individual spending habits, and credit accessibility. This impact makes it an important consideration when assessing the broader economy’s health.
Similar to the impact of US national debt, credit card debt comes with advantages and considerations. It promotes economic growth through increased investment flexibility and convenience but also leads to financial strain and significant debt accumulation when not managed properly. Unfortunately, a toxic mix of irresponsible personal spending and federal fiscal policies has led to a potential credit card debt crisis in the US.
US Credit Card Debt in Numbers
It’s tough to underestimate the severity of US credit card debt which has recently notched record highs and shows no signs of slowing down. Dissecting the numbers behind this grim milestone can paint a more accurate picture for investors.
$1.08 Trillion – The total amount of credit card debt among Americans
56 Million – The number of people who have carried debt for at least a year.
71% – The increase in US credit card debt over the past 10 years.
In light of US debt surpassing $34 trillion, some investors might justifiably question the severity of credit card debt. After all, the government’s failed fiscal responsibility far outpaces that of the average consumer. However, that seemingly logical thought process ignores the relationship between national and credit card debt. While technically differing calculations, these two major forms of debt are synergistically detrimental. Here are some macroeconomic ripple effects of the surging credit card debt:
Economic Vulnerability
Consumers are the driving force behind the economy. When broad swathes of the population struggle to repay their debt, spending naturally subsides. This economic weakness doesn’t stay isolated as a rapid decline in investor confidence has the potential to rattle the foundations of the economy. This phenomenon is akin to what was witnessed following the Great Recession when a housing bubble tanked the entire economy.
Exacerbate National Debt
While not factored into the national debt, high levels of credit card debt indirectly affect the government’s ability to manage a balanced budget and service its debt. Higher levels of debt lead to reduced consumer spending which can slow economic growth. In the end, this reduces tax revenue which slashes federal income and compels increased borrowing.
Entrenched Volatility
One of the unseen and unacknowledged causes of this market volatility is credit card debt and other forms of consumer debt. Economic booms increase consumer confidence and encourage debt accumulation which can lead to inflationary pressures. During market downturns, high debt levels prolong recovery as consumers are reluctant to spend, instead focusing on repaying debt.
Global Implications
The US has enjoyed dominance on the global economic stage for nearly a century, but that prestige is starting to wane. Countries around the world are losing faith in the stability and security of the US dollar because of America’s debt problem. That includes national and credit card debt. This irresponsible spending across the board has set a process of de-dollarization in motion where governments actively transition away from dependence on the US.
Find Protection in Precious Metals
In the face of a looming debt crisis — on the federal and consumer level – you can take steps to minimize investment vulnerability and make sure you are diversified with physical investments such as precious metals. Gold and silver can offer protection from volatility of a potential debt crisis due to their tendency to rise while the rest of the economy falters.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can diversify, protect, and grow your portfolio with gold and silver assets, download our FREE Precious Metals Investment Guide.
, US Credit Card Debt: The OTHER Deficit Threatening Investors
Gold ticks up but still sticking in a tight range Wednesday morning ahead of Fed minutes as markets eye Middle East tensions.
Investors were awaiting the minutes of the Federal Reserve’s last policy meeting, which are due out Wednesday, for signals on the central bank’s thinking about future interest rate cuts. The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates elevated until June after a series of positive economic reports and negative inflation reports. Meanwhile, safe-haven demand for gold was buoyed by escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Front-month gold futures rose 0.8% Tuesday to settle at $2,039.80 an ounce on Comex after the most-active April contract fell 0.7% last week. Comex trading on Monday didn’t settle until Tuesday because of the U.S. Presidents Day holiday, which shuttered government offices, banks and financial markets. Bullion declined 0.2% in January after gaining 0.7% in December and rising 3.2% in November. The metal rose 13% in 2023. The April contract is currently up $0.90 (+0.04%) an ounce to $2040.70 and the DG spot price is $2028.70
In addition to the Fed minutes, a number of Fed officials are scheduled to speak this week and may provide further direction. They include Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic on Wednesday and Fed Governor Lisa Cook and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari on Thursday. The European Central Bank is also set to release an account of its January meeting on Thursday.
Last week, the U.S. consumer price index and producer price index came in hotter than expected for January, making it less likely that the Fed will cut rates in the next few months. But U.S. consumer sentiment increased for a third straight month in February, a sign of a resilient economy that the Fed may see as able to tolerate the high rates.
Higher interest rates are typically considered bearish for gold, so cuts would be supportive for the precious metal. But holding rates high for a longer period of time would be bearish.
About 93.5% of the investors tracked by the CME FedWatch Tool are betting that the Fed will keep rates unchanged next month, while 6.5% expect a 25 basis point cut. A month ago, about half of investors were anticipating a cut in March. A majority of investors tracked by the tool now also anticipate the Fed will hold rates steady at the following policy meeting in May, too. Most are now looking to June for a rate cut.
The central bank has raised interest rates by 5.25 percentage points since March 2022 in an effort to cut inflation, but kept rates unchanged at 5.25% to 5.50% earlier this month.
In other economic news, U.S. initial jobless claims and existing home sales are scheduled to come out Thursday.
Front-month silver futures fell 1.4% Tuesday to settle at $23.14 an ounce on Comex after the March contract gained 3.9% last week. Silver fell 3.8% in January after dropping 6.1% in December and advancing 12% in November. It ticked up 0.2% in 2023. The March contact is currently down $0.051 (-0.22%) an ounce to $23.085 and the DG spot price is $23.09.
Spot palladium gained 3.8% Tuesday to $996.50 an ounce Tuesday after rising 9.2% last week. Palladium tumbled 11% last month after advancing 8.6% in December and losing 9.5% in November. Palladium plummeted 38% last year. The current DG spot price is down $8.30 an ounce to $985.00.
Spot platinum edged up 30 cents Tuesday to $912.40 an ounce after increasing 3.6% last week. Platinum fell 8% last month after rising 8.1% in December and falling 0.7% in November. Platinum dropped 6.8% in 2023. The DG spot price is currently down $15.70 an ounce to $898.60.
Disclaimer: This editorial has been prepared by Dillon Gage Metals for information and thought-provoking purposes only and does not purport to predict or forecast actual results. This editorial opinion is not to be construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding any particular security, commodity, or course of action. Opinions expressed herein cannot be attributable to Dillon Gage. Reasonable people may disagree about the events discussed or opinions expressed herein. In the event any of the assumptions used herein do not come to fruition, results are likely to vary substantially. It is not a solicitation or advice to make any exchange in commodities, securities, or other financial instruments. No part of this editorial may be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Dillon Gage Metals. Dillon Gage Metals shall not have any liability for any damages of any kind whatsoever relating to this editorial. You should consult your advisers with respect to these areas. By posting this editorial, you acknowledge, understand, and accept this disclaimer.
Gold ticks up but still sticking in a tight range Wednesday morning ahead of Fed minutes as markets eye Middle East tensions.
Investors were awaiting the minutes of the Federal Reserve’s last policy meeting, which are due out Wednesday, for signals on the central bank’s thinking about future interest rate cuts. The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates elevated until June after a series of positive economic reports and negative inflation reports. Meanwhile, safe-haven demand for gold was buoyed by escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Front-month gold futures rose 0.8% Tuesday to settle at $2,039.80 an ounce on Comex after the most-active April contract fell 0.7% last week. Comex trading on Monday didn’t settle until Tuesday because of the U.S. Presidents Day holiday, which shuttered government offices, banks and financial markets. Bullion declined 0.2% in January after gaining 0.7% in December and rising 3.2% in November. The metal rose 13% in 2023. The April contract is currently up $0.90 (+0.04%) an ounce to $2040.70 and the DG spot price is $2028.70
In addition to the Fed minutes, a number of Fed officials are scheduled to speak this week and may provide further direction. They include Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic on Wednesday and Fed Governor Lisa Cook and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari on Thursday. The European Central Bank is also set to release an account of its January meeting on Thursday.
Last week, the U.S. consumer price index and producer price index came in hotter than expected for January, making it less likely that the Fed will cut rates in the next few months. But U.S. consumer sentiment increased for a third straight month in February, a sign of a resilient economy that the Fed may see as able to tolerate the high rates.
Higher interest rates are typically considered bearish for gold, so cuts would be supportive for the precious metal. But holding rates high for a longer period of time would be bearish.
About 93.5% of the investors tracked by the CME FedWatch Tool are betting that the Fed will keep rates unchanged next month, while 6.5% expect a 25 basis point cut. A month ago, about half of investors were anticipating a cut in March. A majority of investors tracked by the tool now also anticipate the Fed will hold rates steady at the following policy meeting in May, too. Most are now looking to June for a rate cut.
The central bank has raised interest rates by 5.25 percentage points since March 2022 in an effort to cut inflation, but kept rates unchanged at 5.25% to 5.50% earlier this month.
In other economic news, U.S. initial jobless claims and existing home sales are scheduled to come out Thursday.
Front-month silver futures fell 1.4% Tuesday to settle at $23.14 an ounce on Comex after the March contract gained 3.9% last week. Silver fell 3.8% in January after dropping 6.1% in December and advancing 12% in November. It ticked up 0.2% in 2023. The March contact is currently down $0.051 (-0.22%) an ounce to $23.085 and the DG spot price is $23.09.
Spot palladium gained 3.8% Tuesday to $996.50 an ounce Tuesday after rising 9.2% last week. Palladium tumbled 11% last month after advancing 8.6% in December and losing 9.5% in November. Palladium plummeted 38% last year. The current DG spot price is down $8.30 an ounce to $985.00.
Spot platinum edged up 30 cents Tuesday to $912.40 an ounce after increasing 3.6% last week. Platinum fell 8% last month after rising 8.1% in December and falling 0.7% in November. Platinum dropped 6.8% in 2023. The DG spot price is currently down $15.70 an ounce to $898.60.
Disclaimer: This editorial has been prepared by Dillon Gage Metals for information and thought-provoking purposes only and does not purport to predict or forecast actual results. This editorial opinion is not to be construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding any particular security, commodity, or course of action. Opinions expressed herein cannot be attributable to Dillon Gage. Reasonable people may disagree about the events discussed or opinions expressed herein. In the event any of the assumptions used herein do not come to fruition, results are likely to vary substantially. It is not a solicitation or advice to make any exchange in commodities, securities, or other financial instruments. No part of this editorial may be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Dillon Gage Metals. Dillon Gage Metals shall not have any liability for any damages of any kind whatsoever relating to this editorial. You should consult your advisers with respect to these areas. By posting this editorial, you acknowledge, understand, and accept this disclaimer.
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and H.E. Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, inaugurate the Raisina Dialogue 2024, India’s premier conference on global geopolitics and geoeconomics. Leaders from politics, business, media, and civil society convene annually in New Delhi to address pressing global issues and explore avenues for collaboration across various sectors. The Dialogue features multi-stakeholder discussions involving heads of state, cabinet ministers, government officials, and thought leaders from diverse fields including the private sector, media, and academia.
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and H.E. Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, inaugurate the Raisina Dialogue 2024, India’s premier conference on global geopolitics and geoeconomics. Leaders from politics, business, media, and civil society convene annually in New Delhi to address pressing global issues and explore avenues for collaboration across various sectors. The Dialogue features multi-stakeholder discussions involving heads of state, cabinet ministers, government officials, and thought leaders from diverse fields including the private sector, media, and academia.
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Gold and diamonds have been revered by humans for millennia because of their beautiful luster, useful properties, considerable scarcity, and inherent value. Today, these valuable assets are still popular investment vehicles for preserving wealth and hedging against inflation.
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