JULY 2018 EU Circling the Drain. Islamic immigration is causing a political earthquake in Europe, with a new study reporting that almost 1,000 Europeans have been killed or injured since 2014 in terrorist attacks involving migrants. Immigration conductor Angela Merkel is now being confronted by more than 4 of 10 Germans who favor her resignation. Denying migrant ships the right to dock, after praising Trump’s approach to immigration, Italy’s new right-wing populist leader and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini stated that (1) Italy cannot be “Europe’s refugee camp;” (2) the EU may not have “a future in its current form;” and (3) he is thinking about creating a pan-European association of nationalist parties. Italy’s brand new government includes two Eurosceptic professors whose previous work has many concerned that it WILL push to exit the euro. Winds of political change have also resulted in new conservative nationalist leaders in Austria, Hungary and Denmark, rebellion in Catalonia, and substantial resistance in France… Last month saw replacement in Malaysia of the corrupt incumbent Barisan Nasional coalition after a 61-year rule. And on July 1 in Mexico, “leftist populist” Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of the MORENA party became the latest anti-globalist establishment candidate to take power—away from 2 parties that had governed for the past 100 years. Waning confidence in the EU is resulting in the greatest exodus of capital from any region in the world, as euros are exchanged for dollars and British pounds. Martin Armstrong’s Socrates predicted this development, one consequence of which will be a strong increase in the value of the dollar, inflicting pain on almost all other global markets. “ONLY a debt consolidation can hold the EU together right now. Europe’s ‘Crash & Burn’ is due in the 2020-2021 period. The Eurozone dream is coming undone.” As if to hurry the process along, Brussels followed its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) with Article 13 for Copyright—both governing internet conduct. Free expression is going to suffer and major operators are deserting, fearing lawsuits: the L.A. Times, N.Y. Daily News, Chicago Tribune and Orlando Sentinel are among media companies that quickly closed shop and went dark in Europe. Deep State reeling? It certainly looks that way. Global power brokers were concerned enough about the populist uprising sweeping Europe to make it their #1 topic of discussion at last month’s annual Bilderberg conference. But who’s side is Trump on anyway? Can we trust him? On one hand, there IS reason to be concerned. Researcher Jake Morphonios reported that Trump was bailed out of bankruptcy in the 1980’s by Rothschild Inc., thereafter becoming social and personal friends of the Rothschild family. And as President he appointed Wilbur Ross, a former senior managing director at Rothschild Inc. as U.S. Commerce Department Director. He has also included other
globalists such as Steven Mnuchin in his cabinet. On the other hand there is substantial evidence that Trump is working to restore freedom in America; he’s accomplished a LOT in 500 days and is acting in accordance with beliefs he voiced as far back as 36 years
ago—in this interview with Rona Barrett.
2017-12-25-VIDEO000000141.mp4
In my opinion, progress is being made in moving America back toward the republic that was established by America’s founders and embodied in the Constitution, and Trump’s effectiveness is being confirmed daily by the invective spewing from mainstream media, Hollywood and individuals typified by Crazy Maxine. There are encouraging sources who actually believe returning the country to a republic may be possible. Movement away from the globalist One World Order is gaining momentum. Oded Shenkar, writing for Trends Research, noted that “The implicit assumption has always been that once people have met and interacted with each other, they will surely come to appreciate and approve of each other and learn of their ways, while disseminating their own.” But these interactions, far from bringing affinity, often bring about hostility and conflict. “Cultural variations are here to stay … and national identity is alive and well.” Ending this section on a sobering note, Socrates has called for a renewed global economic downturn “into a steeper recession” beginning June 12, with additional risk materializing after October 22—when “typically important political events unfold.” Developments would continue in force until January of 2020.
U.S. ECONOMIC HEALTH GDP growth turned “great again.” The U.S. economy expanded at an estimated 4.8% annualized rate in the second quarter, according to the Atlanta Fed—with a big boost also forecast in private sector fixed investment, including capital investment in machinery, land, buildings, vehicles and technology. The U.S. added a stunning 904,000 full-time jobs in May, while part-time jobs plunged 625,000. Employment showed strength in manufacturing, construction and mining. 59% of reporting businesses indicated they’re expanding. The Department of Labor put the unemployment rate at 3.8%, while ShadowStats (which also includes those who have stopped looking) reported unemployment declining, but still above 20%. The number of people not in the labor force increased by 170,000 to an all time high 95.915 million. Wages aren’t rising, but paid overtime is. The Consumer Confidence Board reported a rise in U.S. consumer confidence, to a 17-year high. 71% of voters say that the economy has improved under Trump and satisfaction with U.S. direction reached a 12year high, according to a Gallup poll. Canadian businesses are also being attracted to establishing footholds in the U.S. economy—favoring Trump’s tax cuts over Trudeau’s “hipster economics.” Food stamp enrollment dropped by 2.2 million, to 40 million, over Trump’s first full year. But we’re still not experiencing the best of times, for nearly half of Americans are struggling just to pay food and rent, with no reserve for a $1000 medical bill or major car repair… And for the 29th straight month, Americans are spending more than they earn. Millions of them are “scrambling for dimes.” Not a good portent for the global collapse that is still looming (Bridgewater and Ben Bernanke think in 2020, Martin Armstrong expects it in 2021-22 at the earliest). Electric, gas and water rates are falling as a result of the tax cuts, according to a review conducted of 102 utilities across the nation!
This map is a reminder of the massiveness of our $19 trillion economy. Excluding only China, Japan and Germany, American state economies are renamed below as nations with equivalent GDP; e.g., the Texas economy is slightly larger than the economy of Canada.
Mortgage refinancings plunged to 10-year lows, following the Fed’s latest rate hike. The rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is approaching 5%—its highest since 2011. Housing starts and permits are tumbling. The Left Coast seems intent on driving businesses inland. Last month Jerry Brown made it illegal for Californians to shower and do laundry on the same day… Seattle concocted a 10% tax on employers whose CEO’s earn more than 100-times the average employee—with tax proceeds slated for sheltering homeless aliens. Portland, OR is following suit. (Filings show that American corporations worth at least $1 billion paid their CEO’s 130 times the average worker in 2017.) Unaffordable Care is receiving attention from a group of Republicans wanting to cap-off the earlier repeal of Obamacare’s individual mandate with a repeal of the remainder of the Affordable Care Act before midterm elections. Former Senator Rick Santorum and other conservatives are working to create and pass a new block grant proposal in the Senate—defying “disinterest” on the part of Republican leadership—but with support assured from the White House. Support for Santorum’s proposal is increasing, as ACA’s “death spiral” becomes increasingly evident to any observant American; after doubling since 2013, rates are slated for another substantial increase for 2019. The upwards spiral is due to healthier individuals and groups obtaining other coverage, leaving the most unhealthy participants behind, forcing insurers to increase rates for 2019—by up to 90%. Santorum’s initiative also received a boost from the Justice Department, which affirmed that it cannot defend the constitutionality of Obamacare. The administration also announced a plan to reduce prescription drug prices and is working on plans to extend short term coverage and introduce association plans (a guaranteed loser). Objectives include premium reduction and increasing the number of insured individuals. The State of Idaho isn’t waiting, planning to defy the federal ACA program and offer a stripped-down, cheaper version of health coverage… In the background, big tech is racing to the rescue: implementing telemedicine, augmented reality, smart hospitals, and using the Cloud, mobile devices and wearable technology to monitor health parameters at home. And Amazon’s independent healthcare company is teaming with Berkshire & JPMorgan to cover their combined one million employees.
Our current situation wasn’t supposed to happen: by now, with Hillary in the White House, insurance companies were supposed to be destroyed … and Congress would be reacting to American anguish by adopting a “single payer” government-directed national plan similar to those of the UK and Canada.
STOCK and BOND MARKETS U.S. stocks continued moving sideways through May and June: the Dow Industrial and S&P 500 Indexes closed the month at 24271 and 2718, up 0.4% and 2.6% respectively. The Dow remains weak and in a trading range between 24101 and 24446. Key resistance stands at 24605 and critical support is at 22416. We expect the DJI to go MUCH higher before peaking. Increasing interest rates are threatening emerging market debt. A 2% increase in interest rates would spark a sharp rise in the proportion of emerging market corporate debt issues at risk of default. This is especially true in Brazil, Turkey and India. Treasury yields moved higher, then collapsed in June to close a little lower, with the Treasury yield curve now at its flattest since August 2007. The 10year T-bond finished at 2.85% and the 30-year at 2.98%. Bill Gross: “The economy can’t support yields higher than 3.25% for 30’s and 10’s. Continuing hibernating bond bear market is best forecast.” What Martin Armstrong terms “the greatest threat to civilization since the 12th century” is the effect on governments when interest rates begin to rise (which MUST happen). Government debt will begin “rising exponentially, followed by increased taxes, which will cause even more deflation.” The dollar (USD) moved 1.5% higher to 94.35, to a slightly overbought condition. To be crystal clear, as the dollar rises, the risk of defaults around the world increases.
PRECIOUS METALS and COMMODITIES Precious metals. Gold dropped $65 during May and June, closing at 1254.50, while silver slid 20-cents to 16.20. Precious metals continue to languish and their greatest battle is with the dollar. Gold will remain vulnerable to the downside until public confidence begins to collapse, perhaps as far out as 2021. A monthly gold close below 1214 would open the door to lower lows… A potential trade war would be positive for the dollar (because it would be worse for everyone else), hence also not good for gold. Socrates indicates that the two week period from July 2-16 should be favorable for gold. Russia and China continue stockpiling gold, as a hedge against a U.S. dollar collapse. The positive influence of Trump’s policies on the economy has delayed the resumption of the precious metals secular bull market. Before gold and silver resume their ascent, we are most likely going to see gold retest the downtrend line, currently at 1150, with a successful retest and bullish resumption potentially several years away. But assuming history repeats, gold should eventually reach parity with the DJI. Mining stocks (measured by the XAU Index) were flat, closing up 0.5% at 81.59. Commodities (GCC Index) slid 3.1% lower to 18.84.
Guatemala’s Fuego volcano staged its most violent eruption in more than a century. Volcanic activity is on the increase; by blocking sunlight, the ash from eruptions will hasten the drop in temperatures that is coming—and set the stage for a commodity rally in the years ahead. India is launching a Moon rover in October. It’s headed for the south pole, where it will analyze crust samples for signs of water and helium-3. He-3 is a waste-free source of nuclear energy which is limited on Earth, but plentiful enough on the Moon—if successfully harnessed—to meet global energy demands for 250 years! The Winnipeg Grain Exchange is closing shop after operating for 130 years—seeming to be an obverse signal for the start of a new commodity boom. Energy. Crude oil (WTIC Index) soared $7 to close at $74.15/barrel, while being whipped about by a wide-range of institutional forecasts. One school thinks crude is headed much higher, as Iranian sanctions take hold and U.S. fracking production (which made the U.S. the global export leader) tapers down. Another view sees demand winding down as Chinese consumption levels off. The Wall Street Journal is forecasting $4/gallon—already taking hold in California. Responding to a request from Donald Trump, Saudi King Salman affirmed that it has “a two million barrel per day spare capacity, which it will use if and when necessary to ensure market balance”… European refiners are agreeing to cave in to Trump’s request and wind down oil purchases from Iran.
CRYPTOCURRENCIES Cryptocurrencies continued plunging in May and June. Bitcoin closed the period down 32% at $6361. In the latest cycle, BTC established what may be at least a possible temporary low and as we go to press, we may be looking at a turnaround. Half Past Human—a reliable 2017 source of information that soured in 2018—wrote that signs will surface by July 9 of the next (imminent) crypto rise which would be led by Bitcoin, and be “short, intense and steep.” Cryptos have been reeling from intensified attacks—some of which are enumerated below—by mainstream players. Combined regulatory pressure and massive drops in coin value have resulted, by some estimates, in the demise of over 1000 projects due to various factors … and even resulted in abandonment, with developers walking away. Probably a good thing. Cryptocurrencies are NOT YET in a position to change the world, sez Martin Armstrong. They are an ASSET CLASS, something to TRADE, and smart money realizes they are unlikely to replace the world monetary system without a shot being fired. For cryptos to have a chance to take a significant position in the global currency system will require the global financial CRASH (that is coming) … and out of the following BURN, fresh ideas including cryptos will be considered. Meanwhile, Armstrong advises “being happy trading” cryptos. Refusal by major U.S. banks to allow crypto purchases on credit cards is most likely due to a desire to preempt legal costs of gathering data for the U.S. government—as it begins to tighten the noose on crypto holders who are widely choosing not to report taxable gains.
Applications Seminole County, FL began accepting BTC and BCH in payment for services. Iran and Russia are considering trading with cryptocurrencies to avoid international sanctions. Crypto is now envisioned as a funding source for a raft of evolving decentralized micro-nations. Fearing sanctions, Iranians spent over $2.5 billion on cryptos to get cash out of its country. Bitcoin purchases have begun rising again in Venezuela, as inflation continues to bite. LedgerX launched the first Bitcoin savings product, licensed by the CFTC and in the options market. A Senate hearing was told that cryptos could be used to cloak U.S. election interference. Germany’s Bitbond “unbank” enables users to bypass Swift and transfer credit in currency internationally. In a parallel development, UK’s HSBC completed the world’s first commercially viable trade-financed transaction using blockchain, opening a door in the $9T trade-finance market. Resistance Software pioneer John McAfee warned that SEC arrests of ICO sponsors/promoters are on the way. China continued cracking down on cryptocurrencies, and India is considering an 18% tax. Japan’s financial services agency ordered bitFlyer, its largest exchange, to halt account creation. The CFTC subpoenaed Bitstamp, Coinbase, itBit and Kraken regarding potential manipulation. The U.S. House Ethics Committee ordered House members to disclose crypto holdings over $1000. In an ironic demonstration “Bankers Against Bitcoin” marched (as a joke) on May 14 in New York. Support The BIS reported (a contrarian indication) that cryptocurrencies could “break the internet.” Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak expects BTC and blockchain to achieve full potential in a decade. St. Louis Fed president Bullard publicly bashed cryptocurrencies (added contrarian evidence). Constant Bitcoin-bashing by Warren Buffett (and Charlie Munger) can also be scored as support. At the same time Facebook banned crypto ads, Zuckerberg admitted he’s “looking into crypto.” Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein, an early Bitcoin-basher, has mellowed enough to admit that paper currency was also initially distrusted and later accepted … and that Bitcoin could be adopted as a means of exchanging value in the future, even if it is not widely accepted today. Exchanges Coinbase began the process of becoming an SEC-licensed, fully-regulated broker dealer. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) began offering BTC swap contracts. Coin developments $30 million was stolen in a June 20 hack of South Korea’s Bithumb exchange. In excess of $1 billion in crypto has been stolen so far this year. Former SEC Chair Mary Jo White is representing Ripple in a class action lawsuit. Tether attempted to provide assurance of its 1:1 dollar backing, but left reasonable doubts. Roger Ver is being sued for deliberately misleading investors into buying Bitcoin Cash. Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz is launching a $300 M fund to invest in cryptos. EOS block producers froze accounts for five hours, seriously damaging confidence in the coin. Here’s a special treat: ”Bitcoin: Beyond the Bubble” captures the magic of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in a 35-minute YouTube video. Alerts are published whenever we make allocation changes, and occasionally on important news. To be added to our Alert email list, just ask. Handbook. We plan to release an update to our Crypto Handbook later in July.
WINDOWS into the FUTURE Robots everywhere! The parade of robotic applications continued in May/June: robots replaced Swiss bank employees, demonstrated serving 120 cups of coffee in an hour, and prepared and served burgers in San Francisco. But robots have evolved beyond just cooking and cleaning: they can be programmed to offer companionship and are being designed to care for the elderly… A drone VTOL taxi lifted off on its first manned flight… Boston Dynamics SpotMini, an autonomous robodog, is heading for market—and it apparently could be programmed to kill? Industrial robots provide strength, speed and precision and are raising the bar of global manufacturing. Demand is growing at a 14% annual rate, with 3.1 million industrial robots expected to be in operation globally by 2020. Advancements in machine learning and computer vision are expected to be accompanied by a 65% price reduction from 2015 to 2025. And a continuing loss of unskilled jobs… Big Daddy Amazon is developing in semi-secret a Home Robot, expected to launch in 2019. In other initiatives, Amazon is (a) building Alexa into new homes; (b) raising an army of delivery vans to deliver its packages; and (c) driving share prices of Walgreens and other healthcare supply chain companies lower after announcing plans for an online pharmacy business, capitalizing on its acquisition of PillPack. The Wall Street Journal is just the latest to write about monopolies being developed by big tech, led by Google, Facebook and Amazon. Regulators apparently don’t particularly care if a company is a monopoly “unless it harms the public or hampers innovation.” Solar power is coming in a big way to California, by virtue of legislation that requires 50% of the state’s power to come from non-carbon producing sources by 2030. As a result, new California homes will need to incorporate solar capability, adding $8,000-$12,000 to the construction cost… Meanwhile, Babcock Ranch, FL (near Ft. Myers) is on its way to becoming America’s first 100% solar city. Cannabis. A bipartisan Senate bill would allow states to regulate marijuana without federal interference by amending the Controlled Substances Act so that it does not supersede any state, territory or tribal laws “relating to the manufacture, production, possession, distribution, dispensation, administration, or delivery of [marijuana]” The President has indicated he will sign the bill, doing an end-run around his apparently-compromised Attorney General (Jeff Sessions). With Canada also legalizing cannabis, North American markets should be expected to be flooded with supply. Prices will fall and profitable investments may be hard to come by. Small business sales taxes. The Supreme Court delivered what could be a knockout blow to tens of thousands of small online sole proprietor retailers in America. Exemption from state sales taxes for retailers without a physical presence in a particular state is gone. South Dakota reacted by exempting businesses with less than $100,000 in annual sales, but it remains to be seen if other states will follow. Interesting articles you may have missed
Walking barefoot—directly on the soil—brings ten surprising health benefits. A huge crowd-funded machine is about to start cleaning up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Donors to DonorSee can see with their own eyes the effects of their support for worthy projects. Voluntarily allowing your DNA to be assessed for any purpose is a BAD idea, for several reasons. Learn how and why your computer is becoming obsoleted by artificial intelligence (AI). Researchers can now send secret inaudible instructions to Siri, Alexa and Google’s Assistant.
Anyone who hasn’t dumped Facebook should know Zuck has further plans to invade your privacy. Antennas being installed to support 5G cellphones will soon be bombarding you with microwaves. Morally bankrupt Bayer and Monsanto are now linked, and control 25% of the world’s food supply.
Space-faring plans suggested by Trump sound like a great idea—except that we’ve been supporting a strong space presence for decades. Between 1998 and 2015, the Pentagon spent $21 trillion that is “unaccounted for.” Where did it go?? Trump may be aware that starting in the 1950’s, alien technology was back-engineered and a space fleet was developed that Lockheed R&D director Ben Rich said in 1995 had “the means to travel among the stars… Anything you can imagine, we already know how to do.” The U.S. tried unsuccessfully to extradite British computer buff Gary McKinnon, who hacked into Pentagon files in 2001 and discovered evidence of free energy suppression and a cover-up of UFO activity and other technologies potentially useful to the public. One of his disclosures was a list of officers’ names, under the heading “Non-Terrestrial Officers,” which appear to be rosters of the crews of non-terrestrial craft… This technology has been controlled by the deep state— but perhaps it can now be unveiled?! (This topic is covered in more detail in But What If I’m Right, pages 168-170.) Quantum theory (also known as quantum mechanics or quantum physics) is the theoretical basis of modern physics, explaining the nature and behavior of matter and energy on the atomic and subatomic level. Very, very tiny. Legendary physicist Niels Bohr observed that nothing is definite at the quantum level until someone observes it. And so, at the quantum level, objects observed are affected by the very act of observing them. It’s a very interesting concept, and the scientific world generally accepts the theory—even as some scientists profess an inability to totally grasp it. The 2004 movie “What The Bleep Do We Know” made strong references to quantum theory and its implications for humankind. Included in the movie were some fascinating observations from Ramtha, who is a “teacher.” Her movie appearance was followed by a “Create Your Day” DVD, which I purchased after viewing “Bleep” years ago. In the DVD, Ramtha offered a very interesting suggestion for a person who is just waking up, to wit: “For a split moment you don’t know who you are (and you should contemplate that a lot), then spend the next moment re-bonding with an identity that for a moment you didn’t even have, scratching your body, going to the bathroom, looking at yourself. Why do you do those things? You are trying to remember who you are! If you spend those early moments remembering who you are, and what the parameters are of your existence, what are the chances you will experience a unique day? “Instead, before remembering who you are and bonding into the ritual of the neural net, remember who you wanted to be. Say ‘what do I want this day to be like? And create a day that is astounding.’ In that moment when you are not yet who you are, expect and accept yourself and your day as extraordinary. You will be a slightly different person.” Your day will be shaped by your thinking. Ramtha goes on to observe that “everything we think is made manifest... A thought is a stream of consciousness, a frozen moment. Thoughts have structure and power because that’s where reality is packaged. Thought becomes the structure around which reality molds… What you think matters, and affects your life… To let life happen to you is irresponsible, but to create life is a divine responsibility. Whatever you think is going to manifest. Make life happen rather than allow it to happen to you. But create only those things that are in the realm of your acceptance.” “This is not Democrat vs Republican any more. This is patriots vs globalists.” - Mark Taylor, author of the book and soon-to-be movie The Trump Prophesies
FUNNIES Hospitality is the art of making guests feel like they’re at home when you wish they were. Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes. Ever stop to think and forget to start again? When I married Miss Right, I had no idea her first name was Always. There may be no excuse for laziness, but I’m still looking for it.
PLACES TO RETIRE You can retire to Phoenix, Arizona where... 1. You are willing to park 3 blocks away because you found shade. 2. You can drive for 4 hours in one direction and never leave town. 3. You have over 100 recipes for Mexican food. 4. You know that "dry heat" is comparable to what hits you in the face when you open your oven door. 5. The 4 seasons are: tolerable, hot, really hot, and ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!! OR You can retire to California where... 1. You make over $250,000 and you still can't afford to buy a house. 2. The fastest part of your commute is going down your driveway. 3. You know how to eat an artichoke. 4. You drive your rented Mercedes to your neighborhood block party. 5. When someone asks you how far something is, you tell them how long it will take to get there rather than how many miles away it is. 6. The 4 seasons are: Fire, Flood, Mud, and Drought. OR You can retire to New York City where... 1. You say "the city" and expect everyone to know you mean Manhattan. 2. You think Central Park is "nature." 3. You believe that being able to swear at people in their own language makes you multi-lingual. 4. You've worn out a car horn. OR You can retire to Minnesota where... 1. You only have four spices: salt, pepper, ketchup, and Tabasco . 2. Halloween costumes fit over parkas. 3. You have more than one recipe for casserole. 4. The four seasons are: winter, still winter, almost winter, and construction.
OR You can retire to the Deep South where... 1. You can rent a movie and buy bait in the same store. 2. "Y'all" is singular and "all y'all" is plural. 3. "He needed killin" is a valid defense. 4. Everyone has 2 first names: Billy Bob, Jimmy Bob, Mary Ellen, Betty Jean, Mary Jo, Mary Beth, etc. 5. Everything is either "in yonder," "over yonder" or "out yonder." It's important to know the difference. OR You can retire to Colorado where... 1. You carry your $3,000 mountain bike atop your $500 car. 2. You tell your husband to pick up Granola on his way home and so he stops at the day care center. 3. A pass does not involve a football or dating. 4. The top of your head is bald, but you still have a pony tail. OR You can retire to the Midwest where... 1. You've never met any celebrities, but the mayor knows your name. 2. Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor. 3. You end sentences with a preposition: "Where's my coat at?" 4. When asked how your trip was to any exotic place, you say, "It was different!" OR FINALLY You can retire to Florida where... 1. You eat dinner at 3:15 in the afternoon. 2. All purchases include a coupon of some kind -- even houses and cars. 3. Everyone can recommend an excellent dermatologist. 4. Cars in front of you often appear to be driven by headless people.
Thanks for reading. We wish you another happy, healthy and successful month! Copyright © 2018 by Wayne Framework 2 LLC. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is gladly granted, provided full credit and a live link are given. Purchase “But What If I’m Right?” and other items at https://www.waynepeterson.net.