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Whenever the Fed has decided to reduce the extent of their purchases of "agency" debt products, the SP500 also declined in a dramatic way. [As such,]... it makes it extremely important to contemplate a “tapering” off in the rate of growth of Fed assets, or even an outright end to quantitative easing (QE). [Indeed, if you own stocks you may well want the Fed QEternity program to be just that - to eternity - in spite of the inflation that will surely follow.]

The gold price will likely decline to $1,150 next spring but should find enough buyer support from physical buyers and jewellery makers to prevent a fall below $1,000.

I would think that we are probably in the slow build-up to something interesting – a badly overpriced market and bubble conditions. My personal guess is that the U.S. market, especially the non-blue chips, will work its way higher, perhaps by 20% to 30% in the next year or, more likely, two years, with the rest of the world including emerging market equities covering even more ground in at least a partial catch-up.

Fundamentals are relative, charts are absolute. They accurately reflect all that is going on, regardless of reasoning/motivation and...right now, the charts are letting us know that higher PM prices are unlikely to occur anytime soon. Barring some kind of “overnight surprise” that will shock the markets, odds favor lower prices over higher prices unless and until demand shows up in chart activity.

TIPS (Treasury Inflation Protected Securities) are telling us that inflation is expected to be low for as far as the eye can see, and the economy is expected to be weak for some time to come. This article provides an understanding of what TIPS are, how they work and what they are currently saying.

What currency is feared by the European Central Bank as a threat to fiat monetary institutions? What currency is cash-like but digitally transmittable allowing for ultimate anonymity and global mobility? What digital currency is up over 2,200% over the last year? It's Bitcoin.

Below is a list of the 40 best performing S&P 1500 (current members) stocks since the bull market began on March 9th, 2009. If you like looking at big winners, this list is for you.

The Fed continues to assert that its Quantitative Easing bond purchases will boost economic growth by lowering borrowing costs for businesses and consumers but the evidence shows that QE bond purchases have actually coincided with increases in long-term interest rates.

If you are retiring soon you might well be considering relocating to somewhere less expensive and with a slower pace and better weather. This post outlines retirement destinations well worth considering.

There is a debate on Wall Street between those who believe we have entered into the next “secular bull market” and those who believe that the current market advance is predicated on artificial stimulus and, as such, the “secular bear market” remains intact. Take a look below at a series of charts designed to allow you to draw your own conclusions and convey your view in the comments section at the very bottom of the page. Words: 719; Charts: 12