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.

There is a general pattern for the stages of hyperinflation - the stages of the "death of a fiat currency". Here they are.

I have been reading a lot lately about the coming hyperinflation in America... [and while] I respect many of the writers [who express that opinion] I think they are jumping the gun. At this point none of the economic or political factors required to set off hyperinflation are present - and a careful analysis of theory, fact, and history leads me to conclude that inflation/stagflation is our future. It is quite a leap of fancy to say we are certain to have hyperinflation. Words: 2780

The Great War ended on November 11th, 1918, when the signed armistice came into effect, but the peace agreement lead to additional destruction - the destruction of wealth and savings - in the form of an hyperinflation event in Germany from 1921 and 1924 that caused millions of people to have their savings erased.

Hyperinflation is a process clearly defined in history and we are fully entrenched in that process. As much as we enjoy the idea of a free lunch there is no such thing so we will all, eventually, have to pay the piper. Let me explain.

The Fed, together with other central banks from around the world, have created the perfect crescendo of worldwide credit bubbles and asset bubbles leading to the excesses and decadence which are the normal finale to a secular trend. They have totally destroyed all major world currencies and left the world with debts that cannot and will not be repaid with normal money. As such, there are only two alternative outcomes, debt default or hyperinflation. Both will have disastrous consequences for the world economy.

I think that the U.S. has a roughly 0% probability of experiencing hyperinflation within the next 2 years. I also think, however, that the U.S. has a 100% probability of eventually experiencing hyperinflation. Below I explain why I think that is the case.

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.

Hyperinflation is perhaps the darkest side of a government fiat money regime. Among mainstream economists, hyperinflation typically denotes a period of exceptionally strong increases in overall prices of goods and services, thus denoting a period of exceptionally strong erosion in the exchange value of money.

It is difficult to say exactly when hyperinflation will hit a currency. However, I am convinced that the danger level is so high for most fiat money that it is worthwhile for everyone to increase their understanding of hyperinflation. This article presents 10 frequently asked questions or objections about hyperinflation with answers.