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of 102 found.
Productivity: A Question of Focus, Health, Politics & Money
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Last week, I asked, “What would make 2018 more productive for you? Please email me the first thing that comes to your mind.” Before I summarize the responses, a big thank you to the 800+ people who sent me personalized responses. Someone pointed out that asking the question itself already helped because it motivated her to review her plans and targets.
Tweetonomics: Implications of @realDonaldTrump
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Faced with a Tweeter-in-chief, how are investors to navigate what’s ahead? Is there a strategy behind President Trump’s outbursts; and if so, how shall investors position themselves to protect their portfolios or profit from it?
The Good, Bad & Ugly
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Are we better off with "QE", the ultra-accommodative monetary policy pursued by major central banks around the world? Is it "mission accomplished" or are we facing a "ticking time bomb"? Are extreme characterizations even warranted to describe the unconventional monetary policy of recent years, and what are implications for investors?
Clueless Fed?!
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
"The Fed doesn't have a clue!" - I allege that not only because the Fed appears to admit as much (more on that in a bit), but also because my own analysis leads to no other conclusion. With Fed communication in what we believe is disarray, we expect the market to continue to cascade lower - think what happened in 2000. What are investors to do, and when will we reach bottom?
Gold to Beat Stocks?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
"Stocks beat gold in the long run!" is a 'rallying cry' to buy stocks we have heard lately that gets me riled up. It’s upsetting to me for two reasons: first, an out of context comparison, in my opinion, misguides investors. It might be the wrong assertion in the short to medium term.
Stay the Course! Which One?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Each time I hear someone suggest investors should ‘stay the course’ as markets tank, I fear such well-intentioned advice fails to adequately capture the predicament investors are in. Worse, the ‘stay the course’ mantra may set many investors up for failure.
Stop the Fed?!
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
We are concerned the Fed causes both economic and political stability to deteriorate. And, no, this is not about discouraging the Fed to hike rates. This analysis is about pointing out that the road to hell may be paved with the best of intentions. For the economy to prosper, we need a re-thinking not just at the Fed, but also with some Fed critics. Let me elaborate...
What's next for Gold?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Will gold zoom higher with Greece on the brink of default? Or will it crash as the Fed pursues an “exit?” Why has gold not rallied with the recent retreat of the dollar? To understand where gold may be heading, keep in mind that this shiny metal isn’t changing; it’s the world around it that is. We contemplate why investors may want to hold gold as part of their portfolio.
What's Next for the Dollar and Currencies?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
In anticipation of higher U.S. rates and lower rates elsewhere, the greenback had enjoyed a dramatic rally. Has the tide turned, or is the dollar merely taking a breather? We believe there are threats and opportunities hidden underneath recent market action. Below is a closer look in an effort to allow investors to better understand the dynamics that might be unfolding.
Is Gold Risk Free?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
I’ve long argued that there may not be any safe asset anymore and that investors may want to take a diversified approach to something as mundane as cash. But what about gold? When I mentioned in a recent interview that not even gold is ‘risk free,’ it raised some eyebrows in the gold community. Let me elaborate.
Repression Investing: Got Gold?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Gone are the ZIRP days – the ‘Zero Interest Rate Policy’ is being replaced by negative interest rates in various countries. ZIRP is a form of financial repression, where savers earn less than the inflation rate to discourage saving. Pundits suggest the U.S. has chosen a different course, as ‘liftoff’ may soon take U.S. rates higher. We’ll try to separate reality from fiction, discussing investment implications for the U.S. dollar and gold.
Investor implications of QE by the ECB
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Is European Central Bank (ECB) head Draghi?s determination to purchase government bonds turning Europe into a banana republic? What are the implications not only for the euro and U.S. dollar, but gold, stocks and bonds? Our analysis shows that conventional wisdom may be proven wrong in more than one way.
Is Your Portfolio Ready for 2015? #crash
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Is the recent bout in volatility yet another ?buy-the-dip? opportunity or a sign of worse to come? Investors struggle to both keeping up with the markets while protecting themselves against a severe correction. By taking a step back, investors might be able to see the forest for the trees to gauge whether their portfolio is ready for what lies ahead.
What's Next for the Dollar and Gold?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Who would have predicted oil prices in the sixty-dollar range a year ago? Something is not right about these markets. Our take: dont get burned when markets add fuel to the fire. Heres what to watch out for as we head into 2015; ignore at your own peril.
Switzerland: Vote Yes on Gold Initiative
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
On November 30th, the Swiss are voting whether to amend their countrys constitution on an initiative entitled Save our Swiss Gold. The Swiss gold initiative appears widely misunderstood, both inside and outside of Switzerland. We discuss implications for gold, the Swiss franc and Switzerland as a whole.
Greenspan: Price of Gold Will Rise
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Any doubts about why I own gold as an investment were dispelled last Saturday when I met the maestro himself: former Fed Chair Alan Greenspan. Its not because Greenspan said he thinks the price of gold will rise I dont need his investment advice; its that he shed light on how the Fed works in ways no other former Fed Chair has ever dared to articulate. All investors should pay attention to this. Let me explain.
What's Next for the Dollar and Gold?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
One reason markets tend to get a little nervous in September is that its time for investors to ponder about their asset allocation for the remainder of the year and beyond. With the markets at or near record highs and the US dollar on a roll, what could possibly go wrong? Lets look at whats next for the dollar, gold, and currencies.
What's Your Exit?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Are you prepared for an Exit? If the Fed pursues an exit from ultra low interest rate policy, are you be prepared for an exit from the stock market should things turn South? We discuss how investors prepare, noting the most common mistakes investors make along the way.
Fed Exit a Blue Pill?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
While we are busy arguing whether the Feds exit will consist of rising rates, reverse repos or the trimming of its massive portfolio, the Fed may well be fooling all of us. Investors must have been swallowing lots of blue pills not to see the illusion hiding in plain sight.
Instability is the New Normal?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Once upon a time, there were safe havens in this world, places where investors could hide when the going got rough. If you believe this fairy tale world will persist, pinch yourself. In our assessment, not only are there no safe havens left, but instability may be the new normal. Is your portfolio ready?
Outlook on the US Dollar, Currencies & Markets: Look Out Below!
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
The FIFA World Cup and market predictions have in common that we are tempted to create a world of make-believe when it comes to predicting outcomes. While others ponder about the meaning of a round ball, well focus on the implications of a make-believe world comprised of ever-higher asset prices. Our caution: look out below!
Is Your Portfolio a House of Cards?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Politics and financial markets may both be resting on an increasingly unstable house of cards. The S&P 500 continues to hit new all time highs, while central banks try to enforce low volatility and financial stability and politicians demagogue in their quest for higher office.
The one thing politicians throughout the world have in common is that they rarely ever blame themselves. They tend to diffuse responsibility or place blame on groups such as political opponents, the wealthy, or foreigners.
Has the Dollar Lost its Safe Haven Status?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
The greenback isn?t what it used to be. At least for now, when there?s a ?flight? to U.S. Treasuries; historically a sign of ?safe haven? demand; the U.S. dollar has not only not benefited but has increasingly been on the losing end. Is this a temporary sign of special circumstances or has the dollar lost its safe haven appeal? There may be profound implications for investor?s portfolios seeking downside protection.
Foolish Investment Ideas
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
With April Fools? Day behind us, it?s time to get serious about investing. Don?t be fooled by this week?s non-farm payroll report; nor by the assertion that the U.S. may have the cleanest of the dirty shirts. And certainly don?t be fooled into thinking the market has your interests in mind?
Foolish Investment Ideas
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
With April Fools? Day behind us, it?s time to get serious about investing. Don?t be fooled by this week?s non-farm payroll report; nor by the assertion that the U.S. may have the cleanest of the dirty shirts. And certainly don?t be fooled into thinking the market has your interests in mind?
Fishing for Gold?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
If interest rates are supposed to be on the rise, why has the price of gold gone up so much this year? Is it merely because it is bouncing back after a sharp decline in 2013? We have a closer look at the link between gold and interest rates to gauge how investors may want to approach the bait provided by the Fed.
The Dollar's Long Term Decline
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
The cleanest of the dirty shirts doesn?t necessarily preserve your purchasing power. Sure, the U.S. dollar has beaten the Russian Ruble and some others of late, but when it comes to real competition, the U.S. dollar has taken a back seat. The U.S. dollar?s long-term decline may be firmly in place and investors may want to buckle up to get ready for the ride.
How to Profit from the Yellen Fed
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Janet Yellen might have the most powerful job in the world, as the Federal Reserve (Fed) she now chairs controls what may be the world?s most powerful printing press. We take a closer look at what her reign might mean for investors? portfolios.
Fed Responsible for EM Crisis?
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
From the bully pulpits in Sao Paulo to the blogosphere in cyberspace, the Fed is blamed for the turmoil in Emerging Markets (EM). Thats a bit like blaming McDonalds for obesity. Blaming others wont fix the problems in EM economies, it wont fix investors portfolios and it is an unlikely way to lose weight. Investors and policy makers need to wake up and realize that they are in charge of their own destiny. Let us explain.
Merk 2014 Dollar, Currency & Gold Outlook
by Axel Merk of Merk Investments,
Rarely has the future been so clear. Really?? A lot of money has been lost jumping on the bandwagon. Lets do a common sense check on the greenback to gauge where risks might be lurking and where there might be profit opportunities for investors.
Results 1–50
of 102 found.
