From Birch Gold Group
After a few slow months at the end of 2016, gold is starting the new year off with some exciting movement. Spot prices have risen by nearly $100 in January alone, with fundamental indicators suggesting higher prices are on the horizon. But it’s the two words Donald Trump just said in a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal that could really send gold soaring.
No President In History Has Said This About the Dollar
Although presidential policy can have a significant impact on the dollar, presidents themselves tend to avoid making any direct actions or comments in regard to its valuation. But Trump is far from conventional, and he has no problem with stepping outside the norm.
Case in point, he recently gave statements to the Wall Street Journal indicating that he feels the dollar is “too strong,” and that it’s causing the U.S. to lose its competitive advantage against China.
“…our companies can’t compete with them now because our currency is too strong. And it’s killing us,” Trump said.
Few times in U.S. history has a president ever given commentary on the dollar’s valuation, and never has a president implied it should fall.
Now the concern is that Trump will work to push the dollar down and try to put China on the ropes. But he could be playing with fire if he does…
Racing China to the Bottom
Regardless of whether Trump’s accusations of China being a currency manipulator are true, trying to beat them at their own game by pushing down the dollar might start a dangerous race to the bottom.
If Trump starts working to weaken the dollar, China could just as easily do the same with the yuan – then round and round we go until the whole thing spirals out of control.
China is arguably more prepared to withstand an ongoing devaluation of their own currency. The U.S., on the other hand, could find itself in trouble if the dollar falls too low.
Gold’s Reaction to Trump’s Policies
Gold is already reacting to Trump’s policies and the threat of a currency stand-off between China and the U.S. As of January 23, spot prices were at a two-month high, and inflows into precious metals funds were at their highest in five months.
The reason why is simple.
Whenever national currencies fall, people seek safe haven assets to house their savings and protect it from the impending devaluation onslaught. That’s partly why gold is experiencing such a sharp uptick right now.
And once Trump gets his hands on the dollar, the phenomenon is likely to only get stronger. If he actively supports the dollar’s declining valuation – and if China does the same with the yuan (as it seems inevitable) – one massive fundamental will be in line for gold prices to soar.
Given the current state of affairs with the dollar – and especially given Trump’s suggestion that he wants to devalue it – anyone seeking protection would be smart to consider allotting an appropriate portion of their savings in gold.
And remember, if it’s not in your possession you don’t own it. I like the shiny metal.
Blessings:-}
Diversification in investments is key. If you haven’t been cleaned out already by the Feds, you should try to own some:
(1) Real estate (for most Americans, a house / lot; for the fortunate, the family farm and / or rentals)
(2) Gold and silver; you need ten more ounces than you already own
(3) Stocks and bonds, but this is tricky; buy when the market’s down, sell when it’s up, rinse / repeat
(4) Currency, for paying the bills. DON’T keep in a bank account any more than 3 months of expenses! Keep the rest in the mattress / under the floorboards / up in the attic / etc. ; that way, should they declare another “bank holiday” you can still buy things from those who will accept a depreciating currency for real goods you need. After the ATMs quit working (see Cyprus), it’s too late!
(5) Various other tangibles: rare coins, rare stamps, fine wines, cigars & cigarettes, medical supplies, ammunition, spare weapons, warm clothes, food. Under the heading of “trade goods”, for trading with those folks who WON’T take a depreciating currency in exchange for real goods you need.
(6) Your own survival supplies: shelf-stable food, weapons and ammunition, hand tools, power tools, generator, gasoline / diesel, solar panels, water purifiers, medicines, first aid, materials / lumber / metals & pipe / wire / etc.
Unless you’re a Rothschild, you don’t have enough of one or more of these. You probably don’t make / save enough to buy them all tomorrow; but an item at a time, a week at a time, you can improve your family’s prospects of survival. Just decide to do it, and make it happen.