We are writing to inform you that Costco Daily will be ceasing all notification services for Costco bullion availability, effective immediately.

We recently received a formal notice regarding our monitoring of Costco’s website. To ensure we remain in full compliance with their brand guidelines and terms of service, we have made the decision to permanently shut down this service.

What this means for you:

Notifications: You will no longer receive alerts regarding gold or silver bullion.

Data Privacy: All subscriber data, including email addresses and notification preferences, will be securely deleted from our systems within 48 hours.

Subscriptions: Any active paid subscriptions will be refunded on a pro-rata basis.

Thank you for being a part of our community. We appreciate your understanding as we take these necessary steps to resolve this matter.

Sincerely,

City Stacker

On November 27, 2023, with gold at $1,993 and silver at $24.86, I boldly predicted on my YouTube channel that both precious metals would surge by the end of 2024. My targets were $2,400 for gold and $30 for silver.

Here's my rationale:

I anticipated the Fed easing interest rates around mid-2024. This tends to weaken the dollar, causing gold prices to rise. Historically, the gold-to-silver ratio has stabilized around 80:1. My projections assume this ratio will hold, meaning a $2,400 gold price implies a $30 silver price.

On the verge of breaking out:

Today, April 11, gold touched $2,390. That’s just $10 shy of my end-of-year price prediction. That’s great, right? Actually, for me, it’s not. It’s troubling. I may have got the price right but it’s for the wrong reasons.

The Fed's grip slips:

This week's economic data reveals stubborn inflation, raising fears the Federal Reserve may delay or even forgo those anticipated summer rate cuts. This should spell trouble for precious metals, which usually weaken when rates rise. Yet, gold is defying expectations and soaring towards record highs.

Could it be the Fed's grip is weakening? For over a year, their interest rate decisions dictated the price of gold. But now, powerful new forces are in play – forces that might ultimately outmuscle the Fed's influence.

1. Central Bank Gold Buying:

• Impact: Increased demand from central banks can drive up gold prices. If central banks are diversifying their reserves away from the US dollar and towards gold, it can weaken the dollar's influence and strengthen gold's appeal as a safe haven asset.

• Evidence: Several central banks, particularly in emerging markets such as China, have been increasing their gold holdings in recent years.

2. Risks of Out-of-Control Inflation:

• Impact: Gold is often seen as a hedge against inflation. If investors fear the Fed is losing control of inflation, they might flock to gold as a store of value. Rising inflation can erode the value of paper currencies like the dollar, making gold more attractive.

• Evidence: Recent inflation data is concerning, and the Fed's ability to contain it without harming economic growth is a major question mark. This uncertainty is likely driving some investors towards gold.

3. Conflict in Europe and the Middle East:

• Impact: Geopolitical instability can lead to increased demand for safe-haven assets like gold. Investors might seek to protect their wealth during periods of heightened risk. War creates uncertainty and disrupts traditional markets, making gold a more appealing option.

• Evidence: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East are contributing to a more volatile global environment. This could be pushing investors towards gold as a hedge against potential economic disruptions.

The interconnected web:

It's important to remember that these factors are interconnected. Inflation fears might be driving central bank gold buying, while geopolitical tensions are adding fuel to the inflationary fire. All these events together can create a complex market dynamic where the Fed's traditional tools, like interest rate manipulation, might have a lessened impact.

What happens next?

I have no idea.

We’re in no-man’s land now with gold at record highs, and thus no ceiling to meet price with resistance.

Costco is taking gold mainstream with sales estimated by Wells Fargo to be as much as $200 million per month. Gold is making the news. Every day new record prices. The new movie "Civil War" (2024) is a dystopian thriller set in a fractured United States, and sure to make people even more nervous. Global thermonuclear war is a real threat.

It’s the 1970s all over again:

With my target price on the verge of getting taken out, here's another bold call: we could be on the cusp of a precious metals mania, just like the wild ride of the late 70s.

I was there, a stacking teenager in the thick of it. What began as a hobby turned surreal overnight: lines around the block to sell the family silverware! Silver soared to $50 per ounce (about $200 today). The whole town caught the fever, a mix of FOMO and panic. Then, just like that, a government crackdown on margin trading killed the frenzy.

It's the closest we've been to that kind of mania since. Will history repeat itself? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the hardest part isn't getting in, it's knowing when to get out before the bubble bursts.

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I’m giving away 5 ounces of silver on my YouTube channel.

Bullion.com asked me to review their website, and they supplied 5 ounces of silver to give away during the review.

So if you haven’t entered already then click on the link below. It’s entirely free to enter. Details are in the video.

Update: The giveaway is closed. Congrats to the winner!

1. Gold prices disconnect from the Fed

The following strong jobs report from the BLS should have sent precious metals prices downward.

The labor market continues to thrive, with March job creation easily surpassing expectations. Nonfarm payrolls jumped by 303,000, well above the projected 200,000 and February's revised growth of 270,000, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

After all, that was the reaction in the treasury market.

10-year Treasury yield jumps after stronger-than-expected jobs report.

The Fed has been in the driver’s seat for precious metals prices for well over a year now.

Investors expect that falling Federal Reserve interest rates would boost gold prices by weakening the dollar and making gold a more appealing investment. However, a strong labor market reduces the likelihood of those rate cuts, which in turn could keep gold prices down.

Except it didn’t this time.

Today, gold is up 1.64% to $2,345 and silver is up 0.97% to $27.45.

Has the Fed lost control of gold and silver pricing? While it’s too early to tell I think we could say that they are in the process of losing control.

Conflicts around the world are not de-escalating. Internal conflicts are not de-escalating. BRICS is de-dollarizing (the removal of the dollar as a reserve currency). China and other central banks are stacking tonnes of gold. Could this be the Force Majeure moment? Time will tell.

Check out my 40 Emergency 'Go Bag' Essentials From Amazon

2. CME FedWatch chart

Something significant has changed in the CME FedWatch data… There’s now the possibility of rate increases in 2024. Although less than 1% for now, a move up to 550-575 just showed up in the charts.

Still, the most likely scenario is one rate cut in June or July and then two more in September/December for three cuts totaling 75 basis points.

3. Gold and silver charts

Gold

Sale prices (green shade) have reduced overall but physical gold coin buying remains steady. As investors get used to these higher prices, with a floor possibly in at $2,300, buyers aren’t shying away.

Silver

We’ve seen some dealer discounts in silver coin premiums (green shade), but overall those are pulling back. Regular-price bullion volume has been trending down since February showing that buyers are not willing to chase silver prices higher.

Disclaimer: City Stacker is intended to provide general information and personal opinions related to disaster preparedness and investing in precious metals. I am not a certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial analyst (CFA), or a certified public accountant (CPA). The content of this publication should never be considered a substitute for professional financial advice. Before taking any action based on anything within this publication, you should always consult with a qualified financial professional familiar with your unique situation. Investing involves risks, and I am not liable for any investment decisions made or results obtained from the use of information in this publication.

Article at a Glance:

• Essential for everyday cooking and seasoning.

• Difficult to obtain or produce in a SHTF (survival) situation.

• Extremely long shelf life with proper storage in airtight containers.

• Save money by buying in bulk, especially during sales.

• Crucial for food preservation methods (curing, pickling, canning).

• Valuable as a barter item in times of scarcity.

Keep Your Salt Fresh Forever: Essential Storage Tips

Salt is a kitchen staple we often take for granted. But did you know, that with the right storage, this essential mineral can truly last forever? Preserving the quality and usability of your salt is crucial, whether you're a seasoned prepper or simply want to avoid those annoying clumps in your shaker. Here's how to ensure your salt stays fresh and functional for years to come.

Why Does Salt Spoil?

Salt itself has been around for millions of years and doesn't go bad in the traditional sense. It's the impurities and how we store salt that pose a problem:

• Moisture: Salt is hygroscopic, meaning it loves to absorb moisture. This leads to clumping, changes in texture, and even the potential for mold growth in extreme cases.

• Additives: Iodized table salt contains iodine, which degrades over time, losing its intended health benefits.

• Contaminants: If open salt containers are exposed to strong odors or debris, it can affect the taste and quality.

The Keys to Eternal Salt

1. Choose the Right Salt: While all salt types have an impressive shelf life, for the longest storage, opt for pure salts without additives. Kosher salt and standard sea salt are excellent choices.

2. Airtight is Everything: Invest in quality airtight containers. Mason jars, heavy-duty food-grade plastic containers, or even vacuum-sealed bags are great options. Avoid those flimsy cardboard salt boxes!

3. Location Matters: Store your salt in a cool, dry, and dark location. Cupboards away from the stove and dishwasher are ideal.

Additional Tips

• Rice to the Rescue: A few grains of uncooked rice in your salt shaker can help absorb excess moisture.

• Smaller is Better: For everyday use, keep a small amount in your shaker and refill from your larger storage container to minimize exposure to air.

• Revive Clumpy Salt: If your salt clumps up, don't despair! Spread it on a baking sheet and bake at a low temperature to remove moisture.

Special Considerations

• Bulk Purchases: If buying in bulk, divide your salt into smaller, more manageable containers for easier storage. For instance, consider dividing a 25 lb bag of salt into 1-gallon mylar containers or several airtight jars.

• Avoid Metal Lids: Glass jars are excellent for storing salt, but it's crucial to avoid metal lids because they can rust over time, contaminating the salt and potentially leading to an unappetizing metallic flavor.

• Skip the Oxygen Absorbers: While oxygen absorbers are beneficial for maximizing the lifespan of most foods stored in Mylar bags, they are often unnecessary for salt. It naturally resists spoilage, and oxygen absorbers can sometimes cause the salt to clump tightly within the bag.

The Importance of Salt Grain Sizes for Preppers

While all salt offers the same preservative qualities, the size of the grains significantly impacts its uses in a preparedness scenario. Here's a look at the most common types and their best applications:

• Powdered Salt: Extremely fine grains dissolve quickly, making it ideal for brines and solutions where even texture matters. However, it clumps easily and is not suitable for long-term storage.

• Fine Salt (Table Salt): The most common type. Due to its small size, it's easy to measure and blend into dishes but dissolves too quickly for methods like curing.

• Kosher Salt: Larger, irregular grains make it ideal for seasoning during cooking, as chefs can easily pinch and distribute it. It's also excellent for curing meats due to its slower dissolving rate compared to table salt. Kosher salt itself has larger crystals than table salt, and the flakes tend to be irregular in shape. This is why it dissolves slower and has a milder, less salty flavor than table salt

• Coarse Salt: Large crystals offer a satisfying crunch and are often used as finishing salt. They also work well for rimming cocktail glasses.

Prepper Recommendations

• Must-Haves:

  • Kosher Salt: A large supply remains crucial for its versatility in cooking, preserving, and potential bartering.

  • Fine Salt: A large supply of fine salt is essential for everyday cooking and familiarity for most home chefs. Being faced with unfamiliar ingredients during a survival situation could cause unnecessary stress.

• Good Additions: Coarse salt for special occasions, flavor finishing, and potential bartering.

• Avoid: Prioritize pure varieties of kosher and fine salt over heavily processed or powdered versions for maximum shelf life.

Remember: When prepping, salt's functionality and longevity are far more important than gourmet aesthetics. Choosing the right grain sizes for your intended use ensures you're well-prepared for anything.

Beyond Basic Sea Salt: Gourmet Varieties

While standard sea salt is excellent for long-term storage, gourmet salts offer unique flavors and potential trace mineral benefits worth considering for preppers seeking variety and potential added nutritional value. Here's a look at some popular choices:

Redmond Real Salt: Harvested from an ancient underground salt deposit in Utah, this salt is known for its high mineral content and spectrum of colors from trace elements. It can add both flavor complexity and a potential boost of minerals to your diet.

Himalayan Pink Salt: Visually striking with a pinkish hue due to trace minerals like iron. It's mined from ancient salt deposits in Pakistan and offers a subtly different flavor profile than sea salt.

Sea Salt (Specialty): Sea salts sourced from specific regions (Celtic Sea Salt, Hawaiian Black Salt, etc.) boast unique flavors and mineral compositions based on their origin and harvesting methods. These can be a great way to add depth and interest to your meals.

Considerations for Preppers

• Cost vs. Benefit: Gourmet salts are typically more expensive than standard sea salt. Preppers must weigh the added cost against their desired flavor enhancement or potential mineral boost.

• Storage: Like regular sea salt, gourmet varieties still require proper airtight storage to maintain their quality.

• Prioritize the Basics: If on a tight budget, ensure you have a solid supply of regular sea salt or kosher salt before investing heavily in gourmet options.

Bottom Line: Gourmet salts can be a worthwhile addition to your preparedness pantry, adding flavor variety and potential health benefits. However, it's essential to balance them with a focus on the long-lasting reliability of standard sea salt or kosher salt.

How Much Salt Should a Prepper Store?

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how much salt you should stack. The right amount depends on several factors:

• Household Size: The more people in your household, the more salt you'll need for daily consumption and potential food preservation tasks.

• Desired Timeframe: Are you prepping for short-term disruptions, or aiming for years of self-sufficiency? Your goal determines the quantity needed.

• Dietary Preferences: If you generally eat a high-sodium diet, your baseline salt use will be higher than someone who cooks mostly with fresh ingredients.

• Other Intended Uses: Consider whether you will use salt for preserving meats, bartering, or livestock needs. These significantly increase your storage requirements.

Recommendations

• Minimum: Aim for at least a year's usual consumption worth of salt per person. Here's how to estimate that amount:

  • Conservative Prepper Estimate: Plan on 2-3 teaspoons of salt per day per person. This provides ample room for cooking, occasional extra use, and a safety margin.

  • Calculation: 2-3 teaspoons/day x 365 days/year = 730 - 1095 teaspoons/year

  • Conversion to Usable Amounts: There are about 4.9 teaspoons of salt per ounce. To convert teaspoons to pounds, you'll need to divide by 16 ounces per pound. So, this translates to roughly 9 - 13 pounds of salt per person per year.

• Ideal: Start with a several-year supply and gradually increase it as your budget and storage space allow.

• Remember: With proper storage, salt can last essentially forever. It is an investment worth making to ensure you have this vital resource on hand.

Helpful Resources

Many online resources offer preparedness calculators that can help estimate your salt needs (and other supplies) based on your household size and desired level of preparedness.

For example, this calculator from Wallaby recommends 5 pounds of salt per person per year. Keep in mind that doesn’t allow for extra use, safety margin, etc.

Emergency Food Supply Calculator

Where to Buy

These are some of my favorite salts and storage solutions:

• Redmond Real Sea Salt - Locally sourced in Utah

• Kirkland Signature Pink Salt - Sourced in Pakistan

• Celtic Sea Salt - Sourced from the Celtic Sea in France

• Morton Course Kosher Salt - Available in most supermarkets

• 1-gallon mylar bags

Summary

Proper storage is key for long-lasting salt. Use airtight containers like Mylar bags or food-grade buckets. Choose between fine or kosher salt based on your needs. For long-term preparedness, consider stockpiling 10 pounds of salt per person per year, though individual needs may vary. Avoid iodized table salt which degrades over time.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, and I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate. However, please note that any potential compensation I receive will not affect your purchase in any way.

1. Saudi Arabia plans to dominate mining

Saudi Arabia has set its sights on becoming a dominant force in the global mining industry. The country possesses a wealth of mineral resources, and it aims to leverage these resources to play a key role in the ongoing shift towards renewable energy sources. This ambitious plan involves capturing as much of the mining value chain as possible, from extraction and processing to refining and manufacturing.

However, there are significant hurdles that Saudi Arabia needs to overcome. One challenge is the lack of a skilled workforce in the mining sector. Additionally, the country has limited water resources, which are essential for many mining processes. Despite these obstacles, Saudi Arabia remains confident that its strategic investments and meticulous planning will propel it to the forefront of the mining industry.

Source: Inside Saudi Arabia’s plan to dominate mining

2. CNBC claims gold has only risen 1% in last century

Annie Nova for CNBC offered the following article for us to consider. Like many people who don’t understand gold and why people want to stack the precious metal, she falsely claims that gold has only increased, on average, by 1% since 1924. The author makes this false claim by citing another article without doing her due diligence. Let’s do that for her now.

In 1924 the price of gold was fixed at $20.67 per ounce before getting repriced by FDR in 1933 to $35, and then allowed to float by Nixon in 1971. Yesterday’s closing gold price was $2,168.80 per ounce.

Calculating Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) is simple using those three numbers and the formula:

CAGR = (Ending Value / Beginning Value)^(1 / # of Years) - 1

CAGR = ($2168.80 / $20.67)^(1 / 100) - 1

Which yields a CAGR of 4.76% over the last 100 years, not the 1% that Annie reported. How could she have gotten it so wrong?

One could only speculate, but I think framing the article in the way she did by associating gold investors with extreme doomsday peppers gives us a clue. That is an attempt to discredit gold as sound money and to discourage investment in tangible assets that preserve our wealth. The author apparently would have us rely on the state and its money-printing machine to secure our futures.

Since Jan 2000, gold has yielded a CAGR of 8.89%. With facts free of bias we’re better able to decide our future for ourselves.

Source: How doomsday preppers made gold and silver precious end-of-the-world assets

Check out my 40 Emergency 'Go Bag' Essentials From Amazon

3. Layoffs continue to slow

Rising costs and fears of a recession are leading companies to announce layoffs to cut expenses. So far, March is seeing a reduced velocity of layoffs compared to prior months.

Companies announcing job cuts in 2024:

March

Stach: 25% of workforce
Inscribe: 40% of workforce
Our Next Energy: 13% of workforce
Project Ronin: 100% of workforce
Pristyn Care: 7% of workforce

February

Fisker: 15% of workforce
Electronic Arts: 5% of workforce
Sony Interactive: 8% of workforce
Bumble: 30% of workforce
Expedia: 8% of workforce
Finder: 17% of workforce
Buzzfeed: 16% of workforce
Rivian: 10% of workforce
Farfetch: 25% of workforce
CISCO: 5% of workforce
Wint Wealth: 20% of workforce
Away: 25% of workforce
Instacart: 7% of workforce
Mozilla: 5% of workforce
Riskified: 6% of workforce
Wisense: 100% of workforce
Everybuddy: 100% of workforce
CodeSee: 100% of workforce
Grammarly: 230 employees
Docusign: 6% of workforce
Amazon: 400 employees
Snap: 10% of workforce
Twig: 100% of workforce
Okta: 7% of workforce
Zoom: 2% of workforce
Polygon: 19% of workforce

4. CME FedWatch chart

Red squares continue moving to the right, indicating lower probabilities of upcoming rate cuts. Several recent inflation signals indicate the Fed will have to maintain rates higher for longer. Rate cuts as early as June may be off the table. It also seems increasingly likely there will only be three cuts this year totalling 75 basis points.

5. Gold and silver charts

Gold

Fueled by FOMO, gold buyers eagerly snatched up available inventory despite limited gold coin sales events. During the week volume spiked in discount-priced coins while remaining steady on regular-priced products.

Silver

We’ve seen some pullback in online dealer discounts in silver premiums, indicated by the green-shaded area. The blue shade shows the volume of regular-priced bullion coins, which have remained rangebound since early January.

With gold’s recent surge to all-time highs buyers we eager to jump on gold deals, as indicated by the green peak to the right side of the chart. Silver bullion action remained muted.

Disclaimer: City Stacker is intended to provide general information and personal opinions related to disaster preparedness and investing in precious metals. I am not a certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial analyst (CFA), or a certified public accountant (CPA). The content of this publication should never be considered a substitute for professional financial advice. Before taking any action based on anything within this publication, you should always consult with a qualified financial professional familiar with your unique situation. Investing involves risks, and I am not liable for any investment decisions made or results obtained from the use of information in this publication.

Precious metals like gold and silver bullion are often considered safe-haven investments. However, understanding the sales tax implications when buying or selling bullion in the United States can be tricky as the rules differ from state to state.

The Patchwork of State Laws

Currently, many states exempt gold, silver, and other precious metals from sales tax. These exemptions are often designed to encourage investment in bullion, recognizing its value as a store of wealth. On the other hand, some states do apply sales tax to bullion purchases, potentially impacting investment decisions.

Factors Affecting Sales Tax

Here are some key factors that determine whether or not you'll pay sales tax on gold and silver bullion:

• State of Purchase: Your state's specific tax laws are the primary factor. Check your local government website or consult a tax advisor for the most up-to-date information.

• Type of Bullion: Sales tax may apply to numismatic coins (those with collectible value beyond their metal content) even in states with bullion exemptions.

• Sales Threshold: Some states have a minimum purchase amount below which bullion transactions are exempt from sales tax.

• Dealer Reputation: Reputable precious metals dealers will clarify the sales tax situation within your state.

State-Specific Tax Guides

Here are some resources to help you track sales tax laws on precious metals:

• APMEX state-specific guide

• Bullion Exchanges state-specific guide

• SD Bullion state-specific guide

Important Considerations:

• Tax Laws Change: Always check for the most current regulations, as sales tax laws can be updated.

• Investment Strategy: Factor in the potential impact of sales tax when making gold or silver bullion investments.

Examples:

Case Study 1: Texas Gold Buyer

• Scenario: A Texas resident purchases a 10 oz. gold bar and several American Silver Eagle coins from a reputable dealer.

• Tax Situation: Texas exempts gold, silver, and platinum bullion from sales tax. The individual pays no sales tax on this purchase.

Case Study 2: California Numismatic Collector

• Scenario: A collector in California purchases a rare, historical gold coin with a significant value beyond its metal content.

• Tax Situation: While California exempts most bullion above a specific sales threshold, numismatic coins may be subject to sales tax due to their collectible status. The collector likely pays sales tax on the coin.

Case Study 3: Investor Crossing State Lines

• Scenario: An investor living in a state with sales tax on bullion seeks a better deal in a neighboring state with an exemption. They travel across the border to purchase a substantial amount of silver bars.

• Tax Situation: The investor might still be liable for "use tax" in their home state, even though the purchase was made elsewhere. It's essential to consult a tax advisor in these situations.

Case Study 4: Online Purchase Considerations

• Scenario: A resident of a state with bullion sales tax buys gold online from a dealer located in an exempt state.

• Tax Situation: In some cases, online retailers might be obligated to collect sales tax even if they are based in a state with exemptions. Additionally, the purchaser might need to declare the purchase and pay use tax in their home state.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and should not be taken as professional tax advice. Always consult a tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.

Here’s a list of my complete disaster preparation gear. Stay tuned for future posts with in-depth explanations.

FEMA Basic Disaster Kit

1. ✔️ ReadyWise 7-day emergency supply of food and water

2. ✔️ Peak Refuel Chicken Alfredo Pasta

3. ✔️ Mountain House beef stroganoff

4. ✔️ Green Elephant portable toilet bags

5. ✔️ Surviveware comprehensive first aid kit

6. ✔️ Baofeng UV-5R two way radio

7. ✔️ UCO stormproof matches in a waterproof case

8. ✔️ DUDE wipes flushable wipes

9. ✔️ Swiss Safe emergency mylar thermal blankets

10. ✔️ Venom Steel premium black nitrile gloves

Essential ‘Go Bag’ Supplies

1. ❤️ TOUGH-GRID premium 750lb paracord

2. ❤️ 10x15-foot rain fly tarp

3. ❤️ MSR Guardian Gravity water purifier

4. ❤️ Sawyer MINI water filtration system

5. ❤️ Jetboil MicroMo cooking system

6. ❤️ Jetboil silicone french press

7. ❤️ Pinnacle Dualist II camping cook set

8. ❤️ Sawyer insect repellent with 20% picaridin (deet alternative)

9. ❤️ Benvo mosquito head net mesh

10. ❤️ Thermacell mosquito repeller

11. ❤️ Venture large (12x12) body wipes

12. ❤️ Silky GomBoy curve professional folding saw 210mm

13. ❤️ Emergency glow sticks

14. ❤️ 13-liter Sea to Summit lightweight dry sack

Everyday Carry (EDC)

1. ❤️ Maxpedition mini pocket organizer

2. ❤️ Streamlight ProTac 350-lumen dual fuel tactical light

3. ❤️ CIVIVI Elementum pocket knife

4. ❤️ Leatherman Wave+, 18-in-1 full-size multi-tool

5. ❤️ XFasten Self Fusing Silicone Tape

6. ❤️ Homesake tick remover tool

7. ❤️ Pillbox keychain

8. ❤️ OpticLens credit card-sized magnifying lens

9. ❤️ Casio men's PRO TREK solar-powered watch

10. ❤️ Apple AirTag

Dust and Radiation Kit

1. ☢️ 3M rugged comfort half facepiece reusable respirator

2. ☢️ 3M P100 respirator cartridge/filter

3. ☢️ 3M P100 particulate filter

4. ☢️ Uvex Honeywell Stealth Safety Goggles

5. ☢️ Thyroid protector potassium iodide

6. ☢️ 20-liter Sea to Summit lightweight dry sack

‘Go Bag’ Variations

1. ❤️ Thule Motion XT rooftop cargo carrier

2. ❤️ Nanuk case 975W with wheels

3. ❤️ Nanuk TSA Powerclaw latch retrofit kit

4. ❤️ Nanuk TSA approved case lock

FEMA basic disaster supplies kit

Domestic

1. Gold hits all-time high

Following last week’s core PCE inflation-fueled buying, gold prices continued to be bid up this week on expectations of Fed rate cuts in June.

Gold bugs were eager to buy, bidding gold price up to over $2,200 intra-day on Friday. As FOMO buyers rush in, I expect to see strong gold prices continue into next week. Mainstream news reporting on gold's recent performance and its potential for further gains will likely fuel this momentum.

2. Layoffs ease

Rising costs and fears of a recession are leading companies to announce layoffs to cut expenses. So far, March is seeing a reduced velocity of layoffs compared to prior months.

Companies announcing job cuts in 2024:

March

Inscribe: 40% of workforce
Our Next Energy: 13% of workforce
Project Ronin: 100% of workforce
Pristyn Care: 7% of workforce

February

Fisker: 15% of workforce
Electronic Arts: 5% of workforce
Sony Interactive: 8% of workforce
Bumble: 30% of workforce
Expedia: 8% of workforce
Finder: 17% of workforce
Buzzfeed: 16% of workforce
Rivian: 10% of workforce
Farfetch: 25% of workforce
CISCO: 5% of workforce
Wint Wealth: 20% of workforce
Away: 25% of workforce
Instacart: 7% of workforce
Mozilla: 5% of workforce
Riskified: 6% of workforce
Wisense: 100% of workforce
Everybuddy: 100% of workforce
CodeSee: 100% of workforce
Grammarly: 230 employees
Docusign: 6% of workforce
Amazon: 400 employees
Snap: 10% of workforce
Twig: 100% of workforce
Okta: 7% of workforce
Zoom: 2% of workforce
Polygon: 19% of workforce

3. CME FedWatch chart

Up slightly from the prior week, the first likely cut is expected in June with a 57.4% probability of a 25 basis point reduction. Like last week, the chart suggests four cuts totaling 100 basis points are the most likely scenario for the year.

4. Gold and silver charts

Gold

Fueled by FOMO, gold buyers eagerly snatched up available inventory despite limited gold coin sales events. During the week volume spiked in discount-priced coins while remaining steady on regular-priced products.

Silver

We’ve seen some pullback in online dealer discounts in silver premiums, indicated by the green-shaded area. The blue shade shows the volume of regular-priced bullion coins, which have remained rangebound since early January.

A reduction in discounted premiums volume would potentially indicate a change in the trend toward higher premiums. Watch out for that.

Disclaimer: The Pipeline is intended to provide general information and personal opinions related to disaster preparedness and investing in precious metals. I am not a certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial analyst (CFA), or a certified public accountant (CPA). The content of this publication should never be considered a substitute for professional financial advice. Before taking any action based on anything within this publication, you should always consult with a qualified financial professional familiar with your unique situation. Investing involves risks, and I am not liable for any investment decisions made or results obtained from the use of information in this publication.

The private sector added 140,000 jobs in February, showing improvement but falling slightly below analyst forecasts for 150,000. This information comes from the payroll processing firm ADP. While slower than predicted, the growth reflects a still-active labor market.

Several industries saw gains. Leisure and hospitality led the way with 41,000 new positions, followed by construction (28,000). Trade, transportation, utilities, finance, and other services also added jobs. Most growth occurred in larger companies and within the services sector.

Importantly, pay increases for workers who didn't switch jobs slowed to 5.1% – the smallest rise since August 2021. This could hint at easing inflation pressures and Fed rate cuts this year.

Gold and silver prices have been inversely coupled with Federal Reserve interest rates. Future rate cut expectations could signal higher precious metals prices.

The ADP report arrives as economists closely watch the labor market for signs of economic health. Will 2024 see a slowdown after a decent 2023?

ADP's chief economist Nela Richardson notes:

Jobs are still being added steadily, and while pay increases are slowing, they're outpacing inflation. There's a lot going on, but nothing yet indicates the Fed will change its approach to interest rates.

The ADP data comes ahead of Friday's official job numbers from the Labor Department. ADP's figures have recently been lower than the government's report. Economists anticipate a Friday count of 198,000 new jobs.

Domestic

1. Gold hits 1-month high on PCE data

Gold bugs were eager to buy, and the in-line core PCE inflation data provided the perfect excuse. Data was only on-consensus yet investors bid spot gold up by 0.57% to $2,054 per ounce.

If gold prices rise as inflation data meets analysts’ expectations, what can we expect when inflation data comes in better than expected? Citi Bank said gold could reach $3,000 within the next year or so.

The News

Gold prices climbed to a one-month high on Thursday, fueled by a softer dollar following in-line inflation numbers. Investors are now closely watching Federal Reserve officials for any hints about potential interest rate cuts.

The recent inflation data, while not surprising, provided enough encouragement for gold investors to buy. The PCE price index (excluding food and energy) rose 0.4% in the last month and 2.8% year-over-year, aligning with market expectations.

This data release weakened the dollar, making gold more affordable for international buyers. However, the Fed's preferred inflation measure (core CPE) held steady at 0.4%, indicating that any near-term rate cuts remain unlikely.

Key Points:

• Gold often benefits from a weaker dollar.

• Investors are eagerly analyzing any economic signals that could influence the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions.

The Fed's preferred inflation measure (core CPE) excludes food and energy.

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis

Personal income increased $233.7 billion (1.0 percent at a monthly rate) in January, according to estimates released today by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Disposable personal income (DPI), personal income less personal current taxes, increased $67.6 billion (0.3 percent) and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $43.9 billion (0.2 percent).

The PCE price index increased 0.3 percent. Excluding food and energy, the PCE price index increased 0.4 percent. Real DPI decreased less than 0.1 percent in January and real PCE decreased 0.1 percent; goods decreased 1.1 percent and services increased 0.4 percent.

Keep in mind these numbers are always revised down at a later date.

2. Layoffs mount

Workers are bearing the brunt of economic uncertainty. Rising costs and fears of a recession are leading companies to announce layoffs to cut expenses.

Companies announcing job cuts in 2024:

February

Fisker: 15% of workforce
Electronic Arts: 5% of workforce
Sony Interactive: 8% of workforce
Bumble: 30% of workforce
Expedia: 8% of workforce
Finder: 17% of workforce
Buzzfeed: 16% of workforce
Rivian: 10% of workforce
Farfetch: 25% of workforce
CISCO: 5% of workforce
Wint Wealth: 20% of workforce
Away: 25% of workforce
Instacart: 7% of workforce
Mozilla: 5% of workforce
Riskified: 6% of workforce
Wisense: 100% of workforce
Everybuddy: 100% of workforce
CodeSee: 100% of workforce
Grammarly: 230 employees
Docusign: 6% of workforce
Amazon: 400 employees
Snap: 10% of workforce
Twig: 100% of workforce
Okta: 7% of workforce
Zoom: 2% of workforce
Polygon: 19% of workforce

January

Paypal: 9% of workforce
Block: 10% of workforce
Kiwi.com: 18% of workforce
Salesforce: 1% of workforce
Microsoft: 1900 employees
Business Insider: 8% of workforce
SAP: 7% of workforce
eBay: 9% of workforce
Wayfair: 13% of workforce
Amazon: 13 employees
YouTube: 100 employees
Discord: 17% of workforce
Audible: 5% of workforce
Citrix: 12% of workforce
Google: 1,000 employees
Instagram: 60 employees
Twitch: 35% of workforce

3. CME FedWatch chart

The CME Group has revised its projections for near-term interest rate cuts. March and May cuts are now off the table, confirming the previous outlook. The first likely cut is expected in June with a 54.2% probability of a 25 basis point reduction. Compared to last week, the chart now indicates a higher probability of earlier rate cuts (red boxes shifted left). Additionally, the chart suggests four cuts totaling 100 basis points are the most likely scenario for the year.

4. Gold and silver charts

We’ve seen some pullback in online dealer discounts in premiums, indicated by the green-shaded area. The blue shade shows the volume of regular-priced bullion coins, which have remained rangebound since early January.

A reduction in discounted premiums volume would potentially indicate a change in the trend toward higher premiums. Watch out for that.

Disclaimer: City Stacker is intended to provide general information and personal opinions related to disaster preparedness and investing in precious metals. I am not a certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial analyst (CFA), or a certified public accountant (CPA). The content of this publication should never be considered a substitute for professional financial advice. Before taking any action based on anything within this publication, you should always consult with a qualified financial professional familiar with your unique situation. Investing involves risks, and I am not liable for any investment decisions made or results obtained from the use of information in this publication.

Wait until you get a look at my real go bag. This is my “Get out of Dodge with everything” hard case.

You in San Francisco, also known as Bip City due to its smash-and-grab epidemic, might want to stick around.

And you hikers also, that are worried about thieves busting your car windows while you’re out on the trail might be interested in the solution I’ve developed as part of our get out of Dodge strategy.

Front and center, the central part of our “go bag” strategy is this rather large hard case from Nanuk. It’s called the 975W. It comes in different configurations, but all are based on a 177-liter waterproof hard shell case.

“W” in the model means it’s wheeled with four (4) strong polyurethane wheels with stainless steel ball bearings. Outside are two (2) oversized retractable handles designed for team lift, one person on each side if need be.

What makes this case special are the upgrades we’ve done. First, we replaced two of the built-in latches with TSA-approved lockable latches. The upgrade kit is sold separately.

Second, we bought four TSA padlocks, also made by Nanuk, which fit into metal grommets along the rim of the lid. One trick we found was to install the locks upside down and with a little pressure they will lock. Another tip, since these are TSA padlocks they’ll open with a standard TSA key. I got mine on eBay.

There are actually seven different TSA key designs, 001 through 007. I forget which these are, but on eBay they usually sell them as a pair of the most commonly used sizes - 003 and 007. The advantage to having the TSA keys to go with these padlocks is that it just makes it so much easier to unlock than spinning these padlock wheels.

That could be a potential downside of course if thieves are packing TSA keys in their toolkit. Just use non-TSA locks if that’s a concern.

Now, let’s look at it all locked up and loaded into the back of my SUV. The size fits great in my Grand Cherokee, nearly taking up all the space. My Jeep is equipped with cargo tie-down anchor points which make it very easy to lock down the case using a cable or chain together with a lock.

The case itself is so big that the only way to access it is by opening the hatch. Otherwise, it’s not going through a broken window or an open side door.

Now it should be coming into focus how this serves double-duty for us as first a pre-loaded ready-to-go emergency case. Taking the usual go bag concept we’re always told to have ready, taking it to the next level where we’re really prepared to survive an extended emergency away from home. And second, as a portable secure storage for our valuables when we’re away from home either traveling or enjoying outdoor activities.

That’s you, San Francisco. While no solution is going to offer 100% protection from determined robbers, making ourselves a harder target will push these thieves to look elsewhere.

We bring this case when we’re traveling, either into the cities or at the trailheads. We have to have some kind of gear and valuables with us during those trips. This is the solution we came up with which I think is better than trying to hide backpacks and handbags under a coat.

This all started with the pandemic really. When it first broke out in 2020 they had all the state parks closed here in Oregon and even put up yellow caution tape on wide parking areas along the coast to deter visitors. There was just nowhere to get out of the house to go do something. In response to those lockdown measures, we turned to dispersed camping, outside of established campgrounds on public lands.

We went through so much gear trying what works and what doesn’t, what is necessary, and what should stay at home.

Now, for what we always have loaded inside the case. Let’s unpack it.

Warmth and Clothing

1) A backpack by Shimoda, the Action X50. This design is specifically built for photographers but works great as an all-arounder. It’s low-key, rugged, and water-resistant. I like it because it’s very grey-man and generic-looking. I keep my change of clothes ready in here and it’s good to have this larger size in case we’re forced to go on foot.

2) Several Pendleton wool blankets. This style of blanket goes for $400 to $500 new but we got ours at a thrift store for much less. Wool is an exceptional choice for outdoor camping and survival situations. It retains its insulation properties even when wet. Wool's natural breathability reduces sweat buildup. And wool is naturally less flammable than many synthetic fibers, providing a level of safety around campfires.

3) Here’s a Pendleton packable synthetic blanket. I got this as an impulse buy at Costco… I think it was around $25. This has been one of the most useful items I’ve ever bought on impulse. When folded up and zipped closed it works as a decent pillow, not great but better than nothing. Open it up and it’s a decent blanket or throw it on the ground to make a picnic. It’s coated with a water-resistant coating which may put some people off though.

Camp

4) A 10x15-foot rain fly tarp, good for setting up a sun or rain shelter.

5) A Knives of Alaska Bush Camp straight-blade knife. It’s good for making kindling to start a fire. I’ve had this one for over a decade and it’s been a great knife. The D2 steel it’s made from may not be for everyone because, although it holds a sharp edge better than most, it’s also more difficult to sharpen.

6) A battery bank with a built-in inverter, good for up to 80 watts. We can charge our cell phones, radios, drones, rechargeable AA batteries, etc.

7) A Thermacell mosquito repeller that runs off the same fuel canister as the JetBoil. The Thermacell really does work. It’s not a gimmick. It’s not going to offer 100% protection from mosquitos, especially if it’s windy outside. But it does help, at least here in the Oregon outdoors. Tested and verified.

Food and Water

8) A ReadyWise 7-day emergency supply of food and water for one person. I found this at our local Costco warehouse. For two of us, this is good for 3.5 days… more than enough to get set up in a new location.

9) A #10 can of Mountain House beef stroganoff. This will extend our food supply by a few days. Be sure to have a can opener in your bag and a way to boil water. You can reconstitute this by adding boiling water to the contents of the can, covering, stirring, and waiting 5 minutes. This brand, Mountain House, is tops in my opinion along with Peak Refuel.

10) Water is heavy to pack around so instead of stocking up on ready-to-drink water we have the MSR Guardian Gravity Water Purifier. These don’t come cheap but are very highly rated. Another popular choice is the MSR Guardian which comes with a hand pump instead of gravity feed. I opted against that model because several people in the reviews said the pump handle was prone to breaking. Since I don’t want my gear to let me down in a crisis I opted for the more reliable gravity-fed system.

11) A personal-sized Sawyer Products SP2101 MINI Water Filtration System. You can use these two ways; either use the straw to drink directly from your water source or use the included drinking pouch.

12) To boil water we use the JetBoil system. Originally we got the Flash system along with a French press so we could make coffee on the road. Later we got the MicroMo cooking system which still makes coffee with the French press but is a little more versatile in its capability.

The Jetboil Flash is optimized for lightning-fast water boiling if you mostly need hot drinks or rehydrated meals, while the Jetboil MicroMo offers simmer control for basic cooking in addition to boiling.

13) A cookware set by GSI, the Pinnacle Dualist II Camping Cook Set.

Hygiene

14) Some mountain money, also known as toilet paper.

15) Venture large (12x12) body wipes. Let's face it, camping and staying fresh don't always go hand in hand. These wipes come to the rescue when showers aren't an option. While they might not give you that squeaky-clean feeling, they're big, thick, stay moist, and way more effective than baby wipes!

Additional Preps

16) A yellow 13-liter dry sack with a bunch of small items you need for camping such as a can opener, insect repellent, water purification tablets, and fire starter. Just a bunch of random little things.

17) A red dry sack that makes up our dust and radiation personal protection. Again, I won’t get into this bag just yet.

18) Some things may seem missing because we keep those either in the car, such as a first aid kit, or they’re part of my EDC, my everyday carry.

19) It ain’t cheap but the Thule Motion XT L Rooftop Cargo Carrier is absolutely worth the price! It looks sleek, provides tons of extra storage, and is super easy to install on aftermarket roof crossbars. It's incredibly secure and surprisingly quiet, even at highway speeds. We drove through heavy rain and everything inside stayed bone-dry. Thule's quality and design make it well worth the investment.

We’ll look at all these additional preps at another time.

Domestic

1. Citi Says $3,000 gold is possible in 12 to 18 months

• Citi analysts predict a massive surge in gold prices – potentially hitting $3,000 within the next year or so.

• This could be triggered by central banks buying more gold, economic turmoil, or a severe global slowdown.

Central Bank gold buying

Citi analysts believe gold could hit $3,000 an ounce if a few things happen. First, countries need to rapidly shift away from relying on the US dollar. This could cause a crisis in the dollar, making gold much more attractive.

This shift would also mean central banks worldwide would buy massive amounts of gold to diversify their holdings. This gold-buying frenzy could make prices soar.

We're already seeing signs of this trend. Central banks have been buying record amounts of gold recently, especially from China, Russia, and others. If these purchases suddenly double, Citi believes it would be a major boost for gold prices.

Global recession

Citi sees a few ways gold could hit $3,000. One is a deep global recession forcing the Federal Reserve to slash interest rates dramatically. Lower rates make gold more attractive compared to bonds, boosting its price. This scenario isn't very likely, though.

Another possibility is stagflation – think high inflation, slow growth, and rising unemployment. This kind of economic turmoil makes investors seek safe assets like gold. But Citi analysts think this is also unlikely.

It's important to note, that even with these potential triggers, Citi's baseline prediction is for gold to be around $2,150 in late 2024, with prices averaging slightly lower earlier in the year. We may see a new record high by the end of 2024.

2. Strong unemployment data

The percentage of unemployed Americans didn't change in January, staying at 3.7%. This is slightly better than expected. However, fewer people were actively looking for work and the total number of employed people shrank slightly.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The unemployment rate in the United States held at 3.7% in January 2024, unchanged from the previous month and slightly below the market consensus of 3.8%. The activity rate was also flat at 62.5% last month, remaining at the lowest level since February 2023. The number of unemployed individuals decreased by 144 thousand to 6.12 million, while the count of employed individuals dropped by 31 thousand to 161.15 million.

Keep in mind these numbers are always revised down at a later date. Economists prefer the Establishment Survey, shown here because its numbers are “verifiable.” What they don’t tell you is the numbers are easily manipulated. Self-employed, farm workers, people dropping out, etc. are not counted.

Since the focus is on jobs, not people, we don't know from the Establishment Survey alone how many people are working multiple jobs to make ends meet.

So much money has been pumped into the system since 2020 that it is taking time to burn off. We had EIDL, PPP, student loan forgiveness, rich unemployment benefits that sometimes exceeded regular pay, and payment deferrals on car loans and mortgages. There has been too much money in the system which is why we don’t see high unemployment numbers yet.

Workers are bearing the brunt of economic uncertainty. Rising costs and fears of a recession are leading companies to announce layoffs in an effort to cut expenses.

Companies announcing job cuts in February:

BuzzFeed 16%
Rivian 10%
Cisco 5%
Instacart 7%
Mozilla 5%
Grammarly 230
DocuSign 6%
Amazon 400
Snap 10%
Zoom 2%
Polygon 19%

Unemployment always starts out low and then it skyrockets… without exception. This happens every single time.

Ronald Reagon, the Great Communicator, once said:

Recession is when your neighbor loses his job. Depression is when you lose yours.

That simplifies what recession truly is – it’s about people losing their jobs. Economists can argue over definitions, but we know what recession is when we feel it. Recession and job losses are coming, we just aren’t feeling it yet.

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3. CME FedWatch Chart

The CME Group continues to reduce the probability of interest rate cuts soon. March and May are off the table. The first hopes of a rate cut are in June with a 56.1% probability of cutting 25 basis points. Compared to last week’s chart, probabilities of rate cuts continue to move to the right, indicating lower probabilities.

4. Gold and silver charts

We’ve seen some pullback in online dealer discounts in premiums, indicated by the green-shaded area. The blue shade shows the volume of regular-priced bullion coins, which have remained rangebound since early January.

A reduction in discounted premiums volume would potentially indicate a change in the trend toward higher premiums. Watch out for that.

5. New chart–The 1970s Playbook

This chart will be a regular feature on The Pipeline. I just posted this article detailing what it’s all about. To recap, today’s inflation shown in red overlays 1970s inflation shown in blue. If this scenario continues to play out then expect inflation to bottom at around 3 to 3.5% and then whipsaw back up after 2 to 3 years. We’ll keep this chart updated as the Fed updates its inflation data.

Disclaimer: City Stacker is intended to provide general information and personal opinions related to disaster preparedness and investing in precious metals. I am not a certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial analyst (CFA), or a certified public accountant (CPA). The content of this publication should never be considered a substitute for professional financial advice. Before taking any action based on anything within this publication, you should always consult with a qualified financial professional familiar with your unique situation. Investing involves risks, and I am not liable for any investment decisions made or results obtained from the use of information in this publication.

The Great Inflation of the 1970s is a stark warning: if inflation doesn't drop as expected, central banks may be forced into drastic action. This could disrupt economies and further derail plans for a soft landing.

I put a chart together (down below) showing similarities between 1970s inflation and today. The similarities are stark and portend difficult economic times ahead if they play out.

The 1970s offer a troubling lesson for today's inflation fight. Supply shocks, first from the pandemic and now the Ukraine war (alongside further disruptions from Middle East conflicts), mirror the energy crises of that era. Loose monetary policies then and now have worsened the situation. Central banks have aggressively raised interest rates to the highest since 2007 to curb inflation, but they may overshoot, risking an economic crash like the early 1980s.

The Fed isn't budging on interest rates. They signaled this week that they won't lower them prematurely, vowing to keep them high until they're absolutely certain inflation is under control.

The minutes said:

“Most participants noted the risks of moving too quickly to ease the stance of policy and emphasized the importance of carefully assessing incoming data in judging whether inflation is moving down sustainably to 2 percent.”

“In discussing the policy outlook, participants judged that the policy rate was likely at its peak for this tightening cycle.”

“Participants generally noted that they did not expect it would be appropriate to reduce the target range for the federal funds rate until they had gained greater confidence that inflation was moving sustainably toward 2 percent.”

The “Overshoot” scenario seems to be playing out right now, holding rates higher for longer risks pushing the economy into an early 1980s-style economic crash.

Let’s look at this chart. Similar charts have gone around the interwebs so there’s nothing new here. Except, I put this chart together myself so that it can be kept up to date for readers of The Pipeline. Each time it’s updated with the latest inflation data, which is roughly every month, the update will be included in our Weekly Recap newsletter.

The blue line is 1970s CPI inflation taken from the Fed’s data – Sticky Price Consumer Price Index less Food and Energy.

The red line is today’s inflation starting at the end of 2015 overlaying the 1970s data. The data has not been compressed horizontally or vertically to make these fit. The blue line is indexed to the axis on the left while the red line is indexed to the axis on the right. That’s all there is to it.

This near-dovetail fit was not massaged out of the data. What we’re experiencing now is stunningly similar to the Great Inflation era of the 1970s.

We're only seeing the beginning of a turbulent ride. The Fed's actions will lower inflation temporarily but expect a brutal surge back in 2-3 years. This could culminate in an early 80s-style crash within 5-6 years.

If, of course, the 1970s playbook plays out. We’re not saying it will. We are saying to keep an eye on this chart.

Our primary focus around here is gold and silver investing and stacking. Knowing what’s coming down the pipe helps us decide if it’s time to increase or slow down asset purchases.

The 1970s playbook may play out or it may not. It’s up to the reader to decide. If it does play out it signals hard times ahead with rising inflation and an 80s-style recession job market.

Domestic

1. Hot inflation data

Ongoing Challenges Amidst Inflation Fight

Despite the US Federal Reserve's substantial progress in combatting inflation, recent data highlights the fluctuating nature of the battle. While high interest rates have effectively defied recession predictions, inflation remains a concern. The goal of reaching a 2% inflation target faces resistance as sectors of the US economy exhibit stubborn resilience.

January's consumer prices experienced an unexpected surge of 0.3%, primarily driven by housing costs. This spike disrupts the previous trend of slowing inflation and undermines immediate hopes of the Fed lowering interest rates. A similar increase was seen in producer prices, reinforcing concerns.

There were, however, some positive developments for consumers. Used car prices experienced a sharp decline following a methodology change, sentiment rose slightly, and both energy and broader goods prices maintained their downward trend.

Key Points:

• Inflation remains a challenge despite recent progress.

• Consumer prices rose unexpectedly, fueled by shelter costs.

• Pockets of economic strength hinder the Fed's desired inflation target.

• Used car prices fell significantly, offering relief to consumers.

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Investors will have to wait a while for interest-rate cuts, Fed’s Bostic says:

“… rate cuts probably wouldn’t be suitable until the third quarter given the current strength of the economy.”

The CME Group reacted to this week’s inflation report by dramatically reducing the probability of interest rate cuts soon. March and May are off the table. The first hopes of a rate cut are in June with just a 50.4% probability of cutting 25 basis points.

2. Gold and silver charts

We’ve seen some pullback in online dealer discounts in premiums, indicated by the green-shaded area. The blue shade shows the volume of regular-priced bullion coins, which have remained rangebound since early January.

A reduction in discounted premiums volume would potentially indicate a change in the trend toward higher premiums. Watch out for that.

International:

3. Tucker Carlson goes grocery shopping and finds cheap prices

Surprise, surprise! When Tucker visited an economy with a much lower standard of living he found cheaper prices on groceries.

I was a little surprised at his reaction of becoming “Radicalized” during his epiphany.

Having lived as an expat for 10 years, much of that time spent in Russia’s neighboring country of Ukraine, I can confirm the culture shock and indignation at what we’re asked to pay for certain things compared to other parts of the world. Especially with the inflation we’re going through now and the difficult road that lies ahead.

There are even cheaper prices than the markets in Russia and Ukraine. Antalya Turkey, another place I lived for several years, have these incredible open-air markets that move to different locations through the city each day. One day a week in your area a parking lot turns into a bazaar. Produce sold at these rotating markets is often directly sourced from local farmers, guaranteeing freshness that's sometimes challenging to obtain in US supermarkets.

But there’s a flip side to all this. Not everything is so cheap.

This was my car in Turkey …

It’s the Volkswagen Polo, a smaller version of the VW Golf not sold in America. Cars like this, with their smaller size and fuel-efficient 1.2-liter 3-cylinder diesel engines, are highly desirable in Turkey. With fuel prices significantly higher than in the US, economy remains a critical factor for Turkish car buyers. It was more than 10 years ago that I lived in Antalya. Gas was $10 per gallon so economy was the foremost feature you looked for.

Another reason to have such a small car was taxes. In Turkey, vehicle registration taxes are based on engine displacement size, unlike the MSRP-based system common in the US. Taxes increase dramatically with engine size, reaching up to $8,000 annually for a car having something like a Hemi V8.

We have such great freedoms, for now anyways, in the cars and trucks we choose to drive. Yes, we have choice. The first vehicle I bought after returning to the States had a 6.4 liter Hemi V8. Why? Because I could. A freedom not always possible in other parts of the world.

While Tucker's reporting on Russian supermarkets offers valuable insights, comparing them to US supply chains would have revealed global economic disparities stemming from supply chain bottlenecks, varying input costs, and geopolitical factors. This could foster a greater understanding of the challenges faced globally and an appreciation for the advantages at home.

Now, having offered my opinion, it was good reporting by Tucker because we generally don’t get this type of journalism from mainstream news. The mainstream narrative is Russians and Ukrainians are corrupt, backward, alcoholics… and it’s absolutely false.

Alternative news, alternative journalism is the only way we’re going to know what’s going on in the world without traveling there to see it for ourselves. I hope to see more such reporting out of Tucker, and others, in the future.

Disclaimer: City Stacker is intended to provide general information and personal opinions related to disaster preparedness and investing in precious metals. I am not a certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial analyst (CFA), or a certified public accountant (CPA). The content of this publication should never be considered a substitute for professional financial advice. Before taking any action based on anything within this publication, you should always consult with a qualified financial professional familiar with your unique situation. Investing involves risks, and I am not liable for any investment decisions made or results obtained from the use of information in this publication.

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