The odds are growing that low inflation could become deflation — with some economists worried that it has already started to happen... [Frankly, though,] there is going to be no recovery, at least for a long time unless we have deflation... and those who reject [such a notion] will live to regret it. Words: 2148

The past several quarters of improving real GDP may be nothing more than an interlude in a more sustained economic downturn, with further negative quarters still ahead. Such an outcome will suppress inflation further and quite possibly lead to deflation. Words: 1986

It is not inflation that is worrying big investors - though inflation may be the default response before this is all over - but deflation. Words: 638

von Mises once said, “There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later, as a final and total catastrophe of the currency involved” and just that is happening before our very eyes. Words: 2242

We have had massive monetary creation for decades now which we have finally come to the day of reckoning. We do not know if the top will be next month, next year or even later but we certainly are getting to the top where we cannot buy our way out of the problem through a new stimulus injection... The truth is that a terrible, deflationary depression is probably starting in the coming months. Words: 1581

The U.S. caused the 1930s deflationary depression and is again the cause of the current contraction. Although similarities exist between the two, the differences between them insure a far more consequential outcome today than in the 1930s. [Indeed, the world] now finds itself on the edge of a growing deflationary sinkhole created by the sequential collapse of two large U.S. bubbles, the dot.com and U.S. real estate bubbles. Words: 1549

It remains to be seen if we will experience a deflationary period, but if we do, obviously cash will be king. Always remember: the best have cash at tops and bottoms of markets. [Are you one of 'the best'?] Words: 453

There are very compelling arguments for both inflation and deflation. The answer will eventually depend on decisions made in Washington and how people react to those decisions. For now, let’s stop fooling ourselves and admit that we don’t know. It is a problem that has to be dealt with and there is no easy medicine. Either path will be painful, but that’s what we get for our two and a half decade debt binge. Words: 1142

Policies aimed at countering a fall in prices, which are supposedly aimed at fighting deflation, do nothing more than provide support for nonproductive activities and delay the chances for a durable economic recovery. Words: 1586

Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ: COST) has reported strong financial results for Q4 2024, driven by double-digit growth in gold bullion and jewelry sales. Gold bullion has become a key contributor to Costco's e-commerce growth, with sales helping to boost comparable e-commerce sales by 18.9%. The company also reported a 9% year-over-year increase in net income, alongside a 40-basis-point improvement in gross margins. Additionally, Costco raised its membership fees in September 2024 and continued its global expansion with 14 new store openings, further strengthening its market position.