Originally published at: Zimbabwe Introduces Gold-Backed Currency, Challenges Remain – Peak Prosperity
In a bold move to stabilize its economy, Zimbabwe has introduced a new gold-backed currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), amidst a backdrop of soaring inflation rates and a depreciating Zimbabwe dollar. The central bank’s initiative aims to anchor the country’s financial system with tangible assets, boasting reserves that include 2.1 tons of gold and equivalent assets. This marks Zimbabwe’s sixth attempt since 2008 to establish a stable currency, reflecting a persistent struggle against economic volatility and a heavy reliance on the US dollar for transactions. Skeptics, however, argue that while the ZiG may address the immediate issue of coin shortages, fundamental economic reforms remain crucial for long-term stability. The government’s strategy includes compelling businesses to pay taxes in ZiG, signaling a determined yet challenging path toward reducing dependency on foreign currencies.
Concurrently, the global financial landscape is undergoing scrutiny, with discussions highlighting rising debt-to-GDP ratios and the implications of zero interest rates. Experts express concerns over the growing dismissal of fiscal prudence, emphasizing the need for vigilance against cybercrime and the exploration of blockchain technologies for enhanced financial security. The divergence between gold prices and US real rates, attributed to geopolitical tensions and monetary policy shifts, underscores the complex interplay of factors shaping market dynamics. This environment of fiscal dominance and potential inflationary pressures calls for a cautious approach to investment and policy-making.
Amid these macroeconomic discussions, “The Great Taking” by David Webb delves into the contentious notion of a deliberate financial system collapse orchestrated by the elite. While the book’s premise stirs debate, it echoes broader apprehensions about central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and their implications for financial autonomy and privacy. This narrative of elite manipulation finds resonance in the current discourse on monetary policy and wealth distribution, highlighting the critical intersection of finance, technology, and societal control.
In the United States, the Treasury Department’s recent auction of 10-year notes encountered tepid demand, signaling potential concerns among investors about the country’s fiscal health. The auction’s outcome, characterized by a significant uptake by primary dealers and a subsequent yield spike, reflects growing market apprehension. This event, coupled with discussions on gold’s role as a financial safe haven, underscores the search for stability and value preservation amidst uncertainty. Historical parallels are drawn to emphasize gold’s enduring appeal during economic upheavals, suggesting a reevaluation of investment strategies in light of prevailing monetary policies and debt levels.
Environmental regulation emerges as another focal point, with the EPA’s proposed rule targeting small meat and poultry processors. This initiative, aimed at enhancing water quality standards, poses significant financial challenges for smaller operators, potentially undermining the local food movement. Critics argue that the rule’s broad reach and substantial compliance costs could lead to closures, affecting local economies and food supply chains. The debate encapsulates the tension between environmental objectives and economic viability, highlighting the intricate balance required in policy-making.
Sources
Zimbabwe Introduces New Gold-Backed Currency in Attempt to Tame Inflation
Inflation-hit Zimbabwe has a new currency — again.
Source | Submitted by Congero1
The Divergence of Gold and Real Rates: A Sign of Fiscal Dominance?
I think it’s one of those ongoing signs of just fiscal dominance, where interest rates are no longer the decelerator that they are in an environment where there’s less public debt. So, when there’s more public debt, interest rates have a much more mixed outcome of slowing down the economy than they do when you have low public debt and higher private debt or more money creation from the private side.
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
The Great Taking: A Plan to Crash the Global Financial System and Abscond with Wealth
“In the past few years, you have been living within an escalating hybrid war. Globally, we have witnessed overt media control and propaganda campaigns; censorship, including arrests of people speaking in public; monitoring of all electronic communications and physical contact tracing; brutally enforced lock-down and masking requirements, with people being beaten, handcuffed, and arrested, even in their homes; suspension of healthcare services and weakening of healthcare systems; invasive testing requirements for employment and travel; forced quarantine of travelers; and coerced quarantine and “vaccination” of the healthy, general population.”
Source | Submitted by DrBRGR
Treasury Department’s $39 Billion Auction of 10-Year Notes Disappoints, Yields Rise
Wednesday’s auction tailed by 3 basis points in a sign of lackluster demand.
Source | Submitted by Congero1
History Repeating Itself: The Dangers of Fiat Money and the Gold Solution
In fact, I don’t think this time is different at all. I think it’s the same thing we’ve seen for 5,000 years. I want to talk about that today, the history and the cycles of broken regimes, broken debt policies, and the ultimate last laugh that gold always gets when we get to these turning points in history.
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
Proposed EPA Rule Threatens Small Meat Producers and Local Food Movement
The new rule proposes a change for the technology-based effluent limitations guidelines and standards (ELGs) for the meat and poultry industry threatening their livelihoods by forcing them to add water filtration systems to their facilities.
Source | Submitted by bcoop