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Having given a lot of thought to both the differences and the similarities between Russia and the U.S. - the one that has collapsed already, and the one that is collapsing as I write this - I feel ready...to define five stages of collapse to serve as mental milestones as we gauge our own collapse-preparedness and see what can be done to improve it. Words: 2500

If, and indeed when, the U.S economy goes into recession commodity prices will fall to levels we would have previously found unimaginable. This could be $20 oil and $7 Silver.

This article reviews the characteristics and different stages of a bubble...and identifies current conditions which match up with traditional bubble criteria.

When interest rates go down, that spurs economic activity, and that is good for stock prices, so when interest rates start going up rapidly, that is not a good thing for the stock market at all.

I came to the conclusion several years ago that it was just a matter of time before the world realized that the relative functionality of the U.S. dollar was about to go belly up - to collapse. Below is an explanation as to why I have come to that conclusion and what I think it would mean for the well-being of the world.

When it comes to valuing stocks, the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is the number one metric for investors that want an instant fix on what the market thinks of a company. [That being said]...there are health warnings to heed if you don’t want to be left exposed by its limitations. [Let me explain.] Words: 1101

I am on assignment at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Unfortunately my previous commentaries irked the organizers so profoundly that I was not allowed the intimate access usually accorded friendly members of the media. No matter, I am staying at a pleasant bed and breakfast about an hour and half outside of Davos....[But I digress. Back to the Forum.] Words: 2369

When the supply of something is increased sharply relative to demand, the value of that commodity will decline. If the supply continues to increase rapidly and indefinitely, then that item will become worth less and less, with the potential to finally become nearly worthless. This is the Developing Disaster facing the US Dollar and the world. This is the factor that could become the single most important criterion in investment allocation decisions and possibly even for individual financial survival.

You have no doubt read countless articles on the price of gold costing x dollars per “troy ounce" or perhaps just x dollars per “ounce” but the difference between the two measurements is significant. For that matter, what’s the difference between a 24 karat gold ring and an 18 karat gold ring? Let me explain.

With the Buffett Indicator pointing to a “lost decade” of negative returns, and Nouriel Roubini...predicting in an interview with Bloomberg this past September that the S&P 500 could experience a severe (-40%), long and ugly recession the obvious question is how to batten down the hatches and survive the coming storm.