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While I believe that the U.S. is heading towards a Weimar style hyperinflationary depression there are several developments that point to the possibility of another deflationary depression, similar to the 1930’s. Let me explain.@A Financial Site For Sore Eyes & Inquisitive Minds
[The original article, as written by Andy Sutton (andysutton.com), is presented here by the editorial team of munKNEE.com (Your Key to Making Money!) in a slightly edited ([ ]) and/or abridged (…) format to provide a fast and easy read.]
Inflation
For starters, let’s put to bed (hopefully) once and for all where price inflation comes from.@Economic Developments
- Prices rise because the supply of money and/or credit has increased – effectively monetizing demand – which pushes up price levels.
It is categorically impossible for general price levels to increase in the long run without a commensurate increase in the supply of money and credit. It is important here to make the distinction between short and long run. In the short run, an increase in general prices can be absorbed without a growth in the money supply because it could, in theory, be sustained by devouring savings but in practice, generally speaking, that isn’t how things work. People tend not to expand spending unless they feel comfortable that money and (particularly) credit are readily available. @Follow the munKNEE
Bubbles
The housing bubble of the early 21st century is a prime example. 30-year mortgage rates dropped steadily from 1981 through the present. Not surprisingly, low rates and readily available credit led to a massive price expansion by monetizing demand. The expansion in money to fuel lower mortgage rates and the expansion in home prices came from M3 in the U.S. which nearly tripled during that period.
Deflation
…Most folks understand that inflation has been responsible for the vast majority of our economic ‘growth’ over the past century. Inflation fueled the dotcom and real estate bubbles. In short, our economy is set up to run in an inflationary environment. Unfortunately, there is a predictable end to this scheme. At some point, the monetary environment devolves into hyperinflation, then a deflationary collapse. We certainly haven’t experienced hyperinflation yet in the U.S., and we know the Fed can win a battle with deflation because it can create as much money as is necessary to overwhelm deflationary forces…so we’re left to ask: what exactly is going on here?
Default/Devaluation; Deflationary Depression
I think the answer lies in the fact that there are roughly 20 countries right now that are on the verge of bankruptcy and an outright default – the U.S. and U.K. among them. In my opinion, we are likely moving towards a coordinated outright default, which will involve the devaluation of currencies followed by central banks capping money growth, which in turn will trigger a second deflationary depression. Most people realize that we now have a fiscal gap of around $100 Trillion just in the U.S. alone. It cannot be filled via conventional means consisting of tax increases and program cuts.
There are two choices now: hyperinflation or default. While the collapse in M3 growth does not yet constitute de facto proof that we’re headed for the default scenario, it is certainly something that has to be considered. The good news in that scenario is that cash money would be worth more because it would be in short supply. The bad news is that there won’t be enough of it to maintain our current standard of living – especially in a situation where there is a concurrent devaluation.
Gold
The benefits of precious metals are well documented in the case of hyperinflation, but not so much so in the case of deflation. It is logical that if there is a shortage of cash, then the presence of cash ‘substitutes’ will be very beneficial. The rationale for holding precious metals will be different with deflation than if we experience hyperinflation, and their use would be different as well, but I think it is foolish to assume that owning gold would be a detriment in either case.
Down the Road
Hopefully everyone reading this understands the importance of watching the monetary aggregates for clues as to what is coming down the road.
Ultimately, our monetary destiny lies in the hands of global banking interests. We will proceed down the path that best serves them, not our national interest.