The debate over deflation/inflation continues as some of our most astute economic observers take sides. Frankly, I think that both sides are missing part of the picture. The debate concentrates on the after shocks of inflation/deflation: prices instead of the money supply and the demand for it. Words: 721

James Turk believes hyperinflation is ahead. Bob Prechter believes massive deflation is coming. An interesting discussion between the two takes place in this audio. Ultimately, both lead to Depression. Only the route taken differs, but that is important.

The pendulum towards deflation has swung too far, and investors should at least consider, and be prepared for the opposite outcome, which is the rise of inflation.

There are two problems with understanding deflation: it is ill defined, and it has a bad name. This article puts deflation into its proper context.

The Great Depression was the most severe economic depression ever experienced by the Western world and it was during this troubled time that the world’s most famous case of deflation also happened.

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.

According to the Atlanta Fed’s closely watched “Deflation Probabilities” indicator, overall prices in the U.S., as determined by the Consumer Price Index, now have exactly 0% chance of dropping over the next 5 years, down from a probability of 14.1% in May last year.

...Until now a full picture of global debt was missing. The October 2016 Fiscal Monitor has, for the first time, put a number on the size of debt covering virtually the whole world and the picture is not pretty.

4 patterns are developing that also happened just prior to the great financial crisis of 2008 and, as such, provide strong evidence that a deflationary financial collapse is right around the corner.

Deflation is often considered a highly unfavorable phenomenon, however there are different types of deflation that have different implications. In other words, the effects of deflation depend to a large extent on the particular context...This article distinguishes between good deflation and bad deflation.