In this issue of Money and Market, Larry Edelson examines the debt crisis that has emerged in the U.S. Mr. Edelson takes a closer look at rising inflation and the factors causing it in the U.S.
November's wholesale prices jumped higher and faster than at any time in the past 34 years, up a whopping 3.2%. That's the equivalent of 38.4% inflation on an annualized basis. Even if it averages one-quarter of that, inflation is still over 9% inflation at the wholesale level.
More proof comes from John Williams of Shadow Government Statistics. Williams is a forensic accountant who pours over government data to uncover the shenanigans Washington uses to massage and manipulate data.
According to Williams, a more accurate measure is inflation hit 11.7% in November.
Money supply is surging at its fastest rate of growth since June 1971, the fastest rate in 36 years. How does the U.S. know since Washington stopped publishing the "M3" data last year? Because Williams painstakingly reconstructs the old "M3" estimates of money growth and this reconstructed figure shows the money supply currently growing at an annual rate of 15.7%.
Bottom Line: Inflation is headed higher, much higher. Secretly, inside the Federal Reserve, they're happy to see inflation taking off.
However, these are unique times for three reasons:
1. Never before has the world witnessed a "First World Debt Crisis" like we're experiencing today. Sure, there have been plenty of third world and emerging market debt crises, but the subprime mortgage disaster is the first time developed countries have faced such a large, widespread debt debacle.
2. The dollar is hovering just above record lows and is headed much lower longer-term.
3. Unprecedented strains have been placed on Mother Nature to pony up natural resources in order to meet the demand of almost four billion people in China, India, and other emerging markets.
The most optimistic estimates of U.S. GDP show the country growing at a 4.9% annual rate. The real rate of inflation is running at 11.7%. So what is the net inflation-adjusted real growth of the U.S. economy? It's not growing at all, but rather contracting at a rate of 6.8% (4.9%-11.7%).
"Most of the contraction is occurring in the property markets, where real estate prices have plunged and seem headed for further declines early next year. But layer that on top of the contraction happening as a result of the spill-over effects of the mortgage and subprime disasters, and there could be a sharp collapse in consumer spending, retail sales, durable goods orders, and more in 2008," Mr. Edelson concludes.
To read this issue online, please visit:
http://www.moneyandmarkets.com/Issues.aspx?NewsletterEntryId=1283
About Larry Edelson and Money and Markets
With nearly three decades of experience in precious metals and natural resources markets, Larry Edelson has played a pivotal role in training Weiss Research staff and in guiding Weiss Research's customers to prudent investments in the sector. His Real Wealth Report, Gold Trader Hotline and Energy Options Alert provide a continuing education on natural resource investments, with recommendations aiming for both profit and risk management. His team of technical analysts helps enhance the timing of investment recommendations with the aim of continually improving the performance results for investors.
Mr. Edelson is also a regular contributor to the daily e-letter, Money and Markets. Recognized as an expert in precious metals and natural resources, he is often called upon by the media for his investing views. Mr. Edelson has been featured on Bloomberg, Reuters, and CNBC as well as The New York Times, New York Sun, and Marketwatch.com
Mr. Edelson holds a B.A. degree from Columbia University.
Money and Markets (www.moneyandmarkets.com) is a free daily investment newsletter from Dr. Martin Weiss and Weiss Research analysts offering the latest investing news and financial insights for the stock market, including tips and advice on investing in gold, energy and oil. Weiss Research, Inc. is located in Jupiter, Florida.