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Stijn Schmitz welcomes Lobo Tiggre to the show. Lobo Tiggre is the founder of the Independent Speculator. The discussion explores the current state of commodities markets, with a particular focus on precious metals, energy, and geopolitical dynamics. Tiggre provides a nuanced perspective on the gold market, emphasizing that despite recent volatility, the long-term outlook remains positive. He argues that gold trading around $4,500-$4,700 is still a strong position, and the current correction should be viewed with perspective. The fundamental drivers for gold remain intact, including de-dollarization trends and global economic uncertainties.
Regarding silver and platinum group metals, Tiggre believes they will not be left behind in the broader precious metals rally. He notes that silver is particularly volatile and can present unique buying opportunities during market corrections. For uranium and copper, he maintains a strongly bullish long-term outlook, viewing them as critical energy metals with structural supply constraints.
The conversation delves into the geopolitical landscape, with Tiggre discussing how current global tensions are accelerating trends like de-dollarization and creating potential opportunities in various commodity markets. He emphasizes the importance of disciplined investing, advocating for a “buy low, sell high” approach and maintaining cash reserves to capitalize on market corrections.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:05 – Market Volatility Discussion
00:04:14 – Gold Bull Market Fundamentals
00:06:59 – War’s Impact on Gold
00:09:30 – US Dollar Reserve Status
00:12:37 – Oil Market Complacency
00:20:14 – Disrupted Commodities Overview
00:21:16 – Silver Supply and Demand
00:27:02 – Gold Miners Risk Reward
00:32:45 – Copper Long-Term Outlook
00:38:32 – Nickel and Coal Thesis
00:41:09 – Uranium Investment Opportunities
00:45:59 – Wrap Up
Guest Links:
Website: https://independentspeculator.com
X: https://x.com/duediligenceguy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louis.james.965580/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lobotiggre/
Lobo Tiggre, aka Louis James, is the founder and CEO of Louis James LLC, and the principal analyst and editor of IndependentSpeculator.com. He researched and recommended speculative opportunities in Casey Research publications from 2004 to 2018, writing under the name “Louis James.” While with Casey Research, he learned the ins and outs of resource speculation from the legendary speculator Doug Casey.
Although frequently mistaken for one, Mr. Tiggre is not a professional geologist. However, his long tutelage under world-class geologists, writers, and investors resulted in an exceptional track record.
A fully transparent, documented, and verifiable track record is a central feature of the IndependentSpeculator. Mr. Tiggre will put his own money into the speculations he writes about, so his readers will always know he has “skin in the game” with them.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes back John Feneck to the show. John is CEO of the Feneck Consulting Group. In this in-depth discussion, Feneck shares insights into critical minerals, defense metals, and investment opportunities across various sectors.
John is particularly bullish on tungsten, highlighting that China currently produces about 81% of the world’s tungsten supply, creating significant potential for Western mining companies. Feneck specifically recommends two companies as promising tungsten-focused investments. He notes the critical mineral space is receiving substantial government attention, with the US dedicating $112 billion to support critical mineral development.
The geopolitical landscape, particularly tensions with China and ongoing conflicts, further underscore the importance of diversifying mineral supply chains.
In the silver market, Feneck maintains an optimistic outlook. He currently holds an 18% portfolio position in silver and suggests the metal has significant upside potential.
Regarding gold, Feneck believes there’s still substantial room for growth. Major banks like JP Morgan, Bank of America, and Goldman Sachs are maintaining forecasts between $5,500 and $6,000, indicating continued confidence in the sector.
The discussion also touches on broader market dynamics, including potential sector rotation away from technology and AI stocks. Feneck emphasizes the importance of understanding market volatility and being prepared for potential short-term pullbacks.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:00 – Defense Metals Outlook
00:03:05 – Tungsten Stock Picks
00:06:42 – Tungsten Supply Pricing
00:09:00 – Silver Defense Applications
00:10:30 – Portfolio Performance Highlights
00:12:55 – Silver Premium Dynamics
00:15:00 – Silver Miners Opportunities
00:19:06 – War Black Swan Impact
00:20:31 – Oil Energy Investments
00:22:10 – Oil Related Products
00:23:36 – Rare Earth Elements
00:25:23 – Gold Bull Market Views
00:29:03 – Miner Valuations
00:32:08 – Upcoming Conferences Details
00:34:00 – Concluding Thoughts
Guest Links:
X: https://x.com/feneckconsult
YouTube: https://youtube.com/feneckcommoditiesreport
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/feneckcommoditiesreport
E-Mail: mailto:john.feneck@yahoo.com
Website/Newsletter: https://www.feneckconsulting.com/
Conference: https://topshelf-partners.com
John Feneck’s upcoming conferences:
May 17 to 19, 2026 = Grand Hyatt, Washington, DC
May 20 to 22, 2026 = Four Seasons, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Both events are invitation only. If interested, please email John at john.feneck@yahoo.com no later than April 15. Go to “events” then “Washington DC or Florida”, then “companies” to see who has been invited on the event website: https://topshelf-partners.com/ . Investors can attend in person, or virtually.
Ticker’s Discussed:Western Star Resources (WSRIF, WSR), Triumph Gold (TIGCF, TIG), Gold equity ETFs (GDX, GDXJ), Silver Equity ETFs (SLVP, SILJ), Silver47 Exploration (AAGAF, AGA), Guardian Metal Resources (GMTLF, GMET.L (US ticker will soon uplist to NYSE as “GMTL”)), Paramount Gold (PZG), Denarius Metals (DNRSF, DMET).
John Feneck is CEO of Feneck Consulting Group. He began his career in 1992 as an equity analyst for Merrill Lynch’s global allocation fund. From 1993 to 2019 he held senior executive roles at Merrill Lynch Funds (now BlackRock) and J.P. Morgan Chase Funds, where he ranked #1 in gross and net sales once at Merrill Lynch and three times at J.P. Morgan (among 40 peers).
Since 2017 he has contributed articles to Kitco—becoming a regular contributor in 2021—and has appeared as a featured guest. He’s delivered over 250 client seminars and webinars, spoken at 12 global commodities events, and in 2017 joined Sprott’s precious metals portfolio-management team. There he developed a proprietary methodology combining technical analysis with direct insights from company management, advocating a “go anywhere” strategy and a diversified portfolio of 25–50 resource stocks to navigate the sector’s volatility.
In September 2019 he founded Feneck Consulting Group, helping small- and mid-cap metals and mining companies raise brand awareness and advising high-net-worth advisors on market opportunities and risks. He holds Series 7, Series 63, CMFC and CIMA Level 1 certifications (though he is not a licensed advisor) and focuses on consulting. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, he’s a single dad to an 11-year-old daughter and spends weekends as a professional musician, athlete and traveler.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes a new guest to the show David Woo. David is a Macro Analyst and Former Wall Street strategist. In this wide-ranging interview, Woo provides insights into the current geopolitical and economic landscape, focusing on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its potential implications for global markets. Woo argues that the current war represents the first proxy conflict between the United States and China, with Iran playing a strategic role. He suggests that the conflict’s outcome could significantly impact global dynamics, particularly concerning oil trade and maritime control. Specifically, he highlights the potential for China to resist US control of the Strait of Hormuz, drawing parallels to historical conflicts like Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.
Regarding gold, Woo offers a nuanced perspective. He explains that gold’s recent performance has been more closely correlated with stock market movements, driven largely by retail investor behavior rather than traditional fundamental drivers like inflation or de-dollarization. While he remains long-term bullish on gold, he believes the metal’s short-term performance is more tied to broader market sentiment.
On oil markets, Woo is fundamentally bearish, citing massive global production increases from non-OPEC producers like Ghana, Venezuela, Brazil, and the United States. He anticipates oil prices will eventually collapse, particularly once the current conflict resolves. He also sees potential opportunities in defense-related sectors, believing increased military spending is likely in the conflict’s aftermath. Woo’s analysis extends to broader geopolitical trends, including the potential reshaping of global economic relationships.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:40 – Guest Introduction and Welcome
00:03:30 – Gold’s Correlation with Stocks
00:06:38 – Retail Investors Driving Gold
00:10:54 – De-dollarization and Inflation Trends
00:13:00 – China’s Gold Buying Impact
00:15:17 – Energy Outlook
00:19:22 – Iran Off-Ramp?
00:21:56 – War Outcomes and Military Spending
00:23:00 – Conflict Outcomes
00:25:00 – Hormuz in Dire Straits?
00:27:15 – Proxy War with China
00:30:30 – Petrodollar System Status
00:32:57 – Oil Futures Curve Analysis
00:34:22 – Oil Demand
00:37:30 – Short-Term Approach
00:38:33 – Rare Earth Metals
00:41:00 – His Book and Gold
Guest Links:
Website: https://davidwoounbound.com
X: https://x.com/Davidwoounbound
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidWooUnbound
Formerly Head of Global Interest Rates and former senior Wall Street strategist, David built his reputation by challenging consensus thinking — calling Trump’s 2016 election, the post-COVID rebound, and major macro inflection points before they happened.
One of the most respected macro strategists on Wall Street, today he brings that same independent, data-driven analysis directly to retail investors — free from institutional bias, groupthink, and agendas.
He is joined by John Hopkinson, PhD, a mathematician trained at MIT, who translates David’s macro vision into precise, actionable trading strategy — complete with stock selections, targets, and stop levels published every week.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes back Trader Ferg to the show. Trader Ferg is a Full-time Trader & Author of the Trader Ferg Substack. In this wide-ranging discussion, Trader Ferg shares his insights on several critical commodity markets and geopolitical developments, focusing primarily on coal and corn as compelling investment opportunities. Regarding coal, Trader Ferg argues that the conflict in the Red Sea and disruptions to LNG infrastructure have created a structural shift that will drive thermal coal prices higher. He highlights the significant damage to LNG trains and the resulting long-term supply constraints, particularly for European energy markets. With European gas storage at historic lows and alternative supply routes limited, coal becomes an increasingly attractive alternative. Ferg expects thermal coal prices to potentially reach the low $200 per ton range, driven by Asian cooling demands and European energy needs.
For corn, Trader Ferg sees significant potential due to fertilizer supply disruptions caused by conflicts in the Red Sea. The timing coincides with critical planting seasons, which could create acute shortages and price volatility. He prefers playing corn through options, citing the attractive volatility and low cost of entry compared to traditional equity plays. The conversation also explores broader macroeconomic trends, including the potential for gold to re-emerge as a settlement currency between nations.
Ferg believes we’re witnessing an acceleration of de-dollarization, with countries like Russia exploring gold-based settlement mechanisms with Asian trading partners. On precious metals, Ferg remains bullish, viewing the current pullback as a temporary setback in a longer-term bull market. He anticipates continued inflationary pressures and potential monetary expansion will ultimately support gold and other commodity prices. Throughout the discussion, Trader Ferg emphasizes his investment philosophy of identifying underappreciated, cyclical commodities with structural tailwinds and asymmetric potential for significant price appreciation.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:33 – Welcoming Guest Furgerskullen
00:01:05 – Spotlight on Coal Opportunities
00:02:03 – LNG Supply Disruptions Analysis
00:04:49 – Europe’s Russian Gas Ban
00:09:57 – Thermal Coal Demand Revival
00:17:15 – Fertilizer Shortages Hit Grains
00:23:12 – Precious Metals Bull Market
00:30:31 – Gold as Settlement Currency
00:32:50 – Platinum Group Elements Update
00:38:30 – Oil Market Dynamics Discussion
00:45:16 – Helium Export Vulnerabilities
00:48:40 – Concluding Thoughts
Guest Links:
Substack: https://traderferg.substack.com/
X: https://x.com/trader_ferg
Trader Ferg is a Full-time trader for going on 8+ years now. He has a habit of hanging out in hated corners of the market that are considered uninvestable. He enjoys sharing his research and thoughts about possible trades and markets.
Stijn Schmitz your host welcomes Gary Wagnar to the show. Gary Wagnar is Executive Producer of TheGoldForecast.com. In this detailed discussion about gold markets, Wagnar provides a comprehensive technical analysis of current gold trading conditions, highlighting significant market movements and potential future trajectories. Currently, gold is experiencing notable volatility, with prices dropping below $5,000 per ounce.
Gary emphasizes the importance of the 50-day moving average as a critical technical indicator, noting that breaking below this level suggests a potential pivot from a bullish to a bearish market trend. He attributes the recent price decline primarily to the Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain current interest rates, which has dampened gold’s performance. Despite the short-term bearish outlook, Wagnar remains cautiously optimistic about gold’s long-term prospects. He points out that gold has still gained 16% over the past year, which is a significant performance compared to other commodities.
The ongoing geopolitical conflicts and potential inflationary pressures from rising oil prices could provide future support for gold prices. Wagnar also discusses his technical analysis approach, particularly his preference for Japanese candlestick charting, which he believes offers superior visual insights into price movements compared to traditional Western bar charts. He uses Fibonacci retracement levels to identify potential support and resistance points, currently suggesting that gold could find support around $4,677 if the current downward trend continues.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:45 – Market Volatility Overview
00:01:00 – Compelling Trading Setups
00:01:07 – Gold Technical Breakdown
00:01:43 – Geopolitical Conflict Impacts
00:02:40 – Federal Reserve Influence
00:04:51 – Gold Yearly Performance
00:05:30 – Miners Disparity Analysis
00:10:06 – Bull Market Cycle Position
00:10:15 – Candlestick Chart Techniques
00:27:19 – Long-Term Bull Outlook
00:33:39 – Oil Spike Inflation
00:37:23 – Silver Market Leverage
00:45:44 – Guest Service Details
00:53:36 – Concluding Thoughts
Guest Links:
Website: https://thegoldforecast.com
X: https://x.com/TheGoldForecast
Gary S. Wagner is the executive producer of TheGoldForecast.com – a daily video newsletter covering precious metals. He has been a technical market analyst for over 35 years.
Since 2010 he has been a regular analyst for Kitco News, where he authors daily commentary “Hawaii 6-O”. He has written for Stocks & Commodities Magazine, Futures Magazine, Street, and Barons. He has been a speaker for many financial seminars like Dow Jones Financial Symposium or Futures West.
Gary S. Wagner coauthored a book “Trading Applications of Japanese Candlestick Charting” a John Wiley publication. He also co-developed a software application for market forecasting called the “Candlestick Forecaster”. Considered as one of the first computer programs to recognize and identify Candlestick patterns. He was mentored by many great technical analysts like John Bollinger and Larry Williams.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes Jeffrey Christian to the show. Jeff is the Managing Partner of the CPM Group. In this comprehensive discussion, Christian provides nuanced insights into the current state of precious metals, global economics, and geopolitical dynamics. Regarding gold, Christian argues that the market is in a long-term secular upward trend, with the current bull market potentially 60-70% through its cycle. He emphasizes that gold serves as a financial asset, a safe haven, and a portfolio diversifier.
While acknowledging concerns about global deficits and debt, Christian suggests these issues are not as catastrophic as some analysts claim, pointing out that economic systems have historically adapted to significant financial challenges. The discussion explores broader economic trends, including de-globalization, reduced international trade, and potential decoupling of the world economy from the United States. Christian highlights the complex dynamics of central bank and sovereign wealth fund gold purchases, noting a critical distinction between monetary reserve acquisitions and investment-driven purchases.
On silver and other precious metals, Christian describes a more specialized and volatile market compared to gold. He provides detailed insights into market dynamics, including arbitrage opportunities, industrial demand, and regional variations in trading. The conversation also delves into geopolitical risks, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its potential implications for oil markets and global trade. Christian warns of potential economic disruptions, suggesting that a combination of factors could lead to a recession, including challenges in private equity, technology sectors, and international trade relationships.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:52 – Gold Long-Term Cycle
00:04:26 – Bull Market Drivers
00:07:46 – De-globalization Effects
00:11:32 – Middle East Conflict
00:15:14 – Gold’s Safe Haven Role
00:20:33 – Retail Investor Participation
00:23:10 – Miners & Gold Disparity
00:24:47 – Silver Market Dynamics
00:28:32 – East Vs. West Prices
00:33:10 – Precious Metals Outlook
00:37:54 – Global Energy Crisis
00:42:08 – Dire Straits
00:43:54 – Supply Chain Concerns
00:48:13 – Recession Precious Metals
00:53:15 – Recession Risk & Liquidity
00:54:14 – CPM Group Overview
Guest Links:
X: https://x.com/CPMGroupLLC
Website: https://www.cpmgroup.com/
Questions E-Mail: mailto:info@cpmgroup.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CPMGroup/videos
Jeffrey Christian is the Managing Partner of the CPM Group. He is considered one of the most knowledgeable experts on precious metals markets, commodities in general, and financial engineering, using options for hedging and investing purposes. He is the author of Commodities Rising 2006.
Jeffrey Christian has been a prominent analyst and advisor on precious metals and commodities markets since the 1970s, with work spanning precious metals, energy markets, base metals, agricultural markets, and economic analysis. The company was founded in 1986, spinning off the Commodities Research Group from Goldman, Sachs & Co and its commodities trading arm, J. Aron & Company.
He has advised many of the world’s largest corporations and institutional investors on managing their commodities price and market exposures and providing advisory services to the World Bank, United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and numerous governments.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes David Hunter to the show. David Hunter is Chief Macro Strategist with Contrarian Macro Advisors. David provides a comprehensive macro outlook that anticipates a significant market transformation in the coming years. He believes the current market is in the late stages of a 43-year secular bull market, with a potential melt-up phase that could see the S&P 500 reaching 9,500 by mid-year or Labor Day. However, he warns of an impending “bust” that could result in an 80% market decline, potentially worse than the 2008-2009 financial crisis.
Hunter’s analysis suggests a complex economic landscape where initial deflationary pressures will give way to potentially hyperinflationary conditions by the early 2030s. He anticipates central banks will be slow to respond to the economic downturn, potentially requiring up to 20 trillion in quantitative easing to stabilize the system. The federal balance sheet could expand from the current 6.5 trillion to as much as 30 trillion.
Regarding asset classes, Hunter recommends a strategic approach to capital preservation. He believes the current investment mantra of “time in the market” will be insufficient and investors should consider carefully timing their exit from markets. He expects significant opportunities in commodities and industrial sectors, with potential dramatic price increases in oil, copper, and precious metals. For gold specifically, Hunter forecasts a potential rise to $6,800 this year and potentially $20,000 by the early 2030s. He views gold as a potential hedge against the massive economic restructuring he anticipates. His outlook extends to a potential systemic financial reset between 2033-2035, which he describes as the end of an 80-90 year economic supercycle.
Hunter emphasizes that while the coming economic transformation will be challenging, it will also create new investment opportunities, particularly in industrial and commodity sectors. He advises investors to remain flexible and prepared for significant market disruptions.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:45 – Market Volatility Overview
00:02:52 – Melt-Up Scenario Explained
00:05:03 – Interest Rates Outlook
00:08:10 – Inflation and Money Supply
00:10:26 – Bust Phase Predictions
00:11:35 – Asset Performance Melt-Up
00:13:33 – Post-Melt-Up Recession
00:20:37 – Middle East Conflict Impact
00:24:20 – Oil Price Forecasts
00:27:10 – Investment Strategy Advice
00:38:03 – Gold and Commodities Future
00:42:50 – Gold During the Bust
00:44:06 – US Dollar and Gold Role
00:51:01 – Concluding Thoughts
Guest Links:
X: https://x.com/DaveHcontrarian
David is Chief Macro Strategist with Contrarian Macro Advisors. He is an investment professional with 25 years of investment management experience and 21 years as a sell-side strategist with robust macroeconomic analysis and portfolio management expertise. His strong macro capabilities, combined with a contrarian philosophy, have allowed him to forecast economic cycles and spot market trends well ahead of the consensus. Intellectually honest, independent thinker comfortable with charting a course apart from the crowd.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes Martin Armstrong to the show. Martin Armstrong is CEO & Chairman of Armstrong Economics Ltd. In this wide-ranging interview, Armstrong provides deep insights into global geopolitical and economic dynamics, focusing on current international tensions, monetary systems, and future economic trends. Armstrong argues that the current geopolitical landscape is far more complex than many analysts understand, particularly regarding conflicts in the Middle East and potential global tensions. He emphasizes that the neoconservative movement has significantly influenced US foreign policy, often without fully comprehending the long-term consequences of their actions. He specifically critiques interventions in Iraq, Iran, and other regions, suggesting that these actions frequently create more instability than they resolve.
Regarding the global monetary system, Armstrong believes significant changes are coming. He suggests that gold is increasingly being viewed as a neutral asset by countries like China, who are accumulating it as a hedge against potential conflicts. While he doesn’t anticipate a traditional gold standard, he sees gold playing a crucial role in international trade settlements, potentially rising to $10,000 by 2032. Armstrong is particularly critical of current government debt strategies, predicting a potential sovereign debt crisis.
He argues that governments historically default through various mechanisms, including war, currency devaluation, or simply refusing to honor previous debt. The United States’ reserve currency status, he explains, stems not just from government policy but from its robust consumer economy and deep financial markets. Looking forward, Armstrong sees continued geopolitical uncertainty, rising oil prices, and potential conflicts, particularly involving Russia and China. He warns that sanctions and current diplomatic strategies are counterproductive and that true global peace requires economic integration rather than isolation.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:05 – Decade-Long Economic Trends
00:02:29 – Neocon Endless Wars
00:03:42 – Sovereign Debt Crisis
00:04:17 – Gold’s Rise Factors
00:04:53 – Forecasting Model History
00:08:51 – Pre-War Capital Flows
00:09:57 – Middle East Religious Risks
00:21:00 – Short-Term Oil Outlook
00:22:57 – Gold’s Geopolitical Role
00:30:46 – US Dollar Future
00:37:28 – Sovereign Default Mechanics
00:44:25 – Concluding Thoughts
Guest Links:
Website: https://armstrongeconomics.com
X: https://x.com/strongeconomics
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martin.armstrong.167
Amazon Book: https://tinyurl.com/ybtrslr9
Martin Armstrong is the Owner and Researcher for the website Armstrong Economics. He is the former chairman of Princeton Economics International Ltd. He is best known for his economic predictions based on the Economic Confidence Model, which he developed.
At age 13, Armstrong began working at a coin and stamp dealership in Pennsauken, New Jersey. After buying a bag of rare Canadian pennies, he became a millionaire in 1965 at the age of 15. He continued to work on weekends through high school, finding the real-world exciting, for this was the beginning of the collapse of the gold standard. Martin became captivated by this shocking revelation that there were not just booms and busts, but also peaks and valleys that would last centuries.
Armstrong progressed from gold coin investments to following commodity prices for precious metals. In 1973, he began publishing commodity market predictions as a hobby, and in 1983 Armstrong began accepting paid subscriptions for a forecast newsletter.
“In Armstrong’s view of the world where boom-bust cycles occur like clockwork every 8.6 years, what matters is his record as a forecaster. He called Russia’s financial collapse in 1998, using a model that also pointed to a peak just before the Japanese stock market crashed in 1989. These days, as the European sovereign-debt crisis roils markets worldwide, he reminds readers of his October 1997 prediction that the creation of the euro “will merely transform currency speculation into bond speculation,” leading to the system’s eventual collapse.”
His Website Armstrong Economics offers a unique perspective intended to educate the public and organizations on the global economic and political environment’s underlying trends. Their mission is to research historical cyclical trends.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes Douglas MacGregor to the show. Douglas is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and Decorated Combat Veteran. In this in-depth discussion, MacGregor provides a critical analysis of the current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. MacGregor argues that the current military strategy against Iran is fundamentally flawed, with no clear purpose or achievable end state. He suggests that the United States and Israel are attempting to destabilize Iran, but this approach is unlikely to succeed. The colonel emphasizes that Iran’s primary goal is simply to survive, while the U.S. would need to completely conquer the nation – an impossible task given Iran’s size and resilience.
The conversation delves into the broader economic implications of the conflict, particularly its impact on global oil markets and supply chains. MacGregor predicts significant economic disruption, with oil prices potentially exceeding $100 per barrel and widespread increases in commodity prices. He highlights the critical importance of resource sovereignty, emphasizing the need for nations to control their fuel, food, fertilizer, and defense supply chains. A key theme of the discussion is the potential acceleration of de-dollarization and the emergence of a new global financial system.
MacGregor suggests that the United States and Israel are essentially “fighting against the future” by resisting these inevitable economic shifts. He points to the growing influence of BRICS nations and the increasing interest in alternative currency systems, potentially backed by gold or a basket of precious metals. MacGregor concludes with a stark warning about the destructive nature of current geopolitical strategies, arguing that these “pointless wars” are counterproductive and potentially catastrophic. He calls for more measured, strategic approaches to international relations and economic development, emphasizing the need for stability, long-term planning, and cooperation between governments and private sectors.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:56 – Middle East Assessment
00:01:32 – Strategic Goals Discussion
00:02:55 – Oil Dependency Impacts
00:04:52 – Global Economic Shutdown
00:07:28 – Logistics and Escalation
00:09:01 – Lack of Planning
00:11:32 – Israel’s Internal Problems
00:13:00 – Oil Markets Analysis
00:16:16 – Conflict Motivations Explored
00:20:05 – Emerging Alliances Support
00:26:27 – Reshoring Supply Chains
00:39:12 – Gold Currency Future
00:42:04 – Concluding Thoughts
Guest Links:
Website: https://douglasmacgregor.com
X: https://x.com/DougAMacgregor
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@douglasmacgregorTV
Articles: https://breakingdefense.com/author/doug-macgregor/
Substack: https://substack.com/@coloneldoug
Douglas Macgregor is a decorated combat veteran, an author of five books, a PhD, and a defense and foreign policy consultant.
Macgregor was commissioned in the Regular Army in 1976 after 1 year at VMI and 4 years at West Point. In 2004, Macgregor retired with the rank of Colonel. In 2020, the President appointed Macgregor to serve as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, a post he held until President Trump left office. He holds an MA in comparative politics and a PhD in international relations from the University of Virginia.
Macgregor is widely known inside the U.S., Europe, Israel, Russia, China and Korea for both his leadership in the Battle of 73 Easting, the U.S. Army’s largest tank battle since World War II, and for his ground breaking books on military transformation: Breaking the Phalanx (Praeger, 1997) and Transformation under Fire (Praeger, 2003). Macgregor’s recommendations for change in Force Design and “integrated all arms-all effects” operations have profoundly influenced force development in Israel, Russia and China. In 2010, Macgregor traveled to Seoul, Korea to advise the ROK Ministry of Defense on force design. In 2019, Transformation under Fire was selected by Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi, Chief of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), as the intellectual basis for IDF transformation. His fifth book, Margin of Victory: Five Battles that Changed the Face of Modern War from Naval Institute Press is available in Chinese, as well as, English and will soon appear in Hebrew.
In 28 years of service Macgregor taught in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, commanded the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, and served as the Director of the Joint Operations Center at SHAPE during the 1999 Kosovo Air Campaign for which he was awarded the Defense Superior Service medal. In January 2002, at Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld’s insistence the USCENTCOM Commander listened to Colonel Macgregor’s concept for the offensive to seize Baghdad. The plan was largely adopted, but assumed no occupation of Iraq by U.S. Forces.
Macgregor has also testified as an expert witness before the Senate and House Armed Services Committees and appeared as a defense analyst on Fox News, CNN, BBC, Sky News and public radio. He is fluent in German.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes back Adrian Day to the show. Adrian Day is the CEO of Adrian Day Asset Management and Manager of the EuroPacific Gold Fund. The discussion centers on the current state of gold, silver, and global commodities markets, with Day providing deep insights into current investment trends and opportunities. Day remains bullish on gold, citing historical market cycles and key buyers like central banks and Tether. He notes that central banks are actively diversifying away from the US dollar due to concerns about government profligacy and potential asset weaponization. The trend of dollar reserve reduction has been ongoing for years, accelerated by events like the confiscation of Russian central bank assets.
Regarding silver, Day sees potential but with more risks compared to gold. He highlights a genuine physical deficit in the silver market and increasing demand from sectors like solar panel manufacturing. However, he cautions that high prices might incentivize manufacturers to seek more efficient alternatives. In the broader commodity complex, Day finds significant value opportunities. He points out that commodities are trading near 100-year lows relative to financial assets, with underinvestment in sectors like oil, gas, and copper creating potential for price appreciation. He emphasizes the long lead times for new commodity projects and the challenges of rapidly increasing production.
Day’s investment approach focuses on global markets, with a current preference for reducing US exposure and exploring opportunities in markets like Britain, Singapore, and Hong Kong. He remains particularly interested in gold mining stocks, especially mid-tier producers in stable jurisdictions.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:50 – Bullish Case for Gold
00:01:58 – Gold Market Cycles
00:04:04 – Central Bank Buying Reasons
00:10:27 – Tether Gold Stablecoin
00:14:10 – Dollar Reserve Decline
00:18:08 – Gold Settlement Potential
00:22:33 – Silver Market Insights
00:30:20 – Commodity Value Opportunities
00:38:20 – Gold Mining Investments
00:45:24 – Other Commodities Analysis
00:50:53 – Oil and Gas Plays
00:53:52 – Concluding Thoughts
Guest Links:
Website: https://adrianday.com/
Adrian Day is considered a pioneer in promoting the benefits of global investing in the United Kingdom. A native of London, after graduating with honors from the London School of Economics, Mr. Day spent many years as a financial investment writer, where he gained a large following for his expertise in searching out unusual investment opportunities around the world.
He has also authored two books on the subject of global investing: International Investment Opportunities: How and Where to Invest Overseas Successfully and Investing Without Borders. His latest book, widely praised by readers, is Investing in Resources: How to Profit from the Outsized Potential and Avoid the Risks (Wiley, 2010). Mr. Day is a recognized authority in both global and resource investing. He is frequently interviewed by the press, domestically and abroad. He is a popular speaker and is frequently invited to lecture at financial conferences and seminars around the world. His pleasures include fine dining, reading (especially history), and the opera.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes the return of the Market Sniper himself Francis Hunt to the show. Francis is a Renegade Trader, Analyst, and the Founder of The Market Sniper. Hunt discusses the ongoing precious metals bull market, emphasizing that the current market is in the early stages of a significant economic transformation. He argues that the world is experiencing a fundamental shift away from fiat currency and towards sound money principles, with gold and silver positioned as critical assets for capital preservation. The discussion centers on the broader economic context of a debt and fiat bubble that is gradually collapsing.
Hunt suggests that we are witnessing a long-term process of monetary debasement that began with the establishment of the Federal Reserve in 1913. He believes the current economic environment is characterized by systemic fraud and manipulation, with central banks and governments actively working to obscure the true economic reality. Hunt is particularly bullish on gold and silver, projecting significant price increases in the coming years. He anticipates a potential gold-silver ratio reaching single digits, which would represent a dramatic shift from current levels. Moreover, he warns about the dangers of digital currencies and tokenization, viewing these as attempts to strip individuals of financial privacy and asset ownership.
Francis is critical of traditional investment assets like stocks and cryptocurrencies, arguing that they are fundamentally underperforming when measured against gold. He sees gold as the ultimate benchmark for preserving wealth during this period of economic transformation. Hunt also discusses potential opportunities in mining stocks, particularly silver miners, while cautioning about jurisdiction-specific risks. He recommends a diversified approach that includes physical precious metals, strategic mining investments, and potential options strategies. Ultimately, Hunt’s message is one of preparation and strategic positioning. He encourages investors to focus on capital preservation, understand the broader economic trends, and be prepared for significant market disruptions in the coming years.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:46 – Bull Market Confirmation
00:01:29 – Recent Gold Correction
00:08:19 – Technical Volatility Analysis
00:13:43 – Cross Currency Insights
00:20:45 – Fiat Debt Bubble
00:22:08 – Bitcoin Digitization Critique
00:27:30 – Silver Market Targets
00:28:24 – Nasdaq vs Gold Rebasement
00:37:04 – Timeline and Speed
00:42:36 – Miners Leverage Opportunities
00:48:56 – Concluding Thoughts
Guest Links:
X: https://x.com/themarketsniper
X: https://x.com/thecryptosniper
Website: https://themarketsniper.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheMarketSniper
Francis is a trader, first and foremost. Unlike most educators in the trading space, Francis walks the walk and talks the talk, with 30 years of experience trading his personal capital on various markets and instruments. Through this passion for trading and his relentless study of markets and economic theory, he uses the Hunt Volatility Funnel trading methodology, a systemized approach, to answer the critical question: What is the next most profitable trade?
He believes the actual price of an asset is the most accurate reflection of all the factors that influence it. Practical technical analysis, the study of price action over time, is needed to formulate profitable trade ideas. Indeed, with all the market manipulation and high-frequency trading operations currently in play, technical analysis is all that can be relied upon when it comes to formulating future price trends. A trained eye can often spot such manipulative practices, as is the case with HVF traders. Therefore, the HVF methodology is based purely on technical analysis.
Francis is passionate about sharing his knowledge and understanding of markets by utilizing his HVF trading methodology. With entertaining anecdotes and the careful guidance of his students, he has already trained a large community of hundreds of traders and helped them transform from complete newbies to seasoned trading professionals.
He genuinely loves sharing his knowledge and strategies with others who are committed to finding freedom through trading. Plus, teaching strengthens his trading abilities while helping to build a vibrant community of successful traders.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes Simon Hunt to the show. Simon Hunt is Consultant on the Global Economy, China, and the Copper Industry. In this wide-ranging discussion, Hunt provides a comprehensive analysis of the current global geopolitical and economic landscape, focusing on the critical transition from a unipolar to a multipolar world order. Hunt argues that the United States is experiencing a significant decline, similar to historical imperial cycles characterized by military overextension, debt accumulation, and internal societal friction.
He suggests that the emerging BRICS alliance, led by Russia, China, and India, is fundamentally challenging American hegemony. The potential for conflict between these powers is high, with Hunt predicting a possible war between 2028 and 2030 unless Washington adapts to a multipolar framework. A significant portion of the discussion centers on potential geopolitical flashpoints, particularly in the Middle East. Hunt suggests that any conflict with Iran would be strategically complex, potentially involving Russia and China, who have recently signed a tripartite strategic alliance with Iran. He believes the United States is unlikely to launch an immediate attack, given the potential diplomatic and domestic political consequences.
The conversation also delves deeply into economic trends, with Hunt highlighting the ongoing de-dollarization process. He anticipates China will play a pivotal role in this transformation, potentially announcing a gold-backed currency and participating in the creation of a new BRICS currency called the “unit” as early as 2024. Hunt predicts the Dollar Index could halve in value by 2030, potentially driving gold prices to $10,000. Regarding economic outlook, Hunt expects a significant economic correction in the third or fourth quarter of this year, driven by slowing global liquidity, credit cycles, and what he describes as fundamentally false economic reporting in the United States.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:57 – Global Trends Overview
00:01:41 – Ukraine Conflict Analysis
00:03:09 – Geopolitical Alliances BRICS
00:04:54 – Empire Decline Cycles
00:06:29 – US Debt Overextension
00:09:03 – Energy Control Wars
00:11:30 – Iran Gulf Stakes
00:16:17 – Military Buildup Assessment
00:21:11 – BRICS De-Dollarization
00:27:10 – Gold Remonetization Strategy
00:34:39 – Silver Copper Outlooks
00:38:50 – Concluding Thoughts
Guest Links:
E-Mail: mailto:simon@shss.com
Website: https://simon-hunt.com/
Report: https://www.theinstitutionalstrategist.com/products-and-services/frontline-china/
Simon Hunt began his career in 1956 in Central Africa as a PA to the Chairman of Rhodesian Selection Trust, one of the two large copper companies in what was then Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia.
In 1961, he came back to London and joined Anglo American Corporation of South Africa as a PA to one of the Board Directors, followed by being part of a small sales and marketing team for copper. From there, he helped start up a new copper development organization, CIDEC, financed by copper producers, which he then joined, focusing on conducting end-use studies of copper in Europe.
He then went into the City to gain financial experience and founded Brook Hunt in 1975. He was instrumental in setting up the company’s cost studies and end-use analyses. Simon appeared as material witness and consultant in two ITC anti-dumping cases in 1978 and 1984, winning both at the commission level.
He has spent 2-4 months every year in China since 1993, and until a few years ago would be visiting some 80 wire and cable and brass mill factories across the country every year. He now restricts these factory visits to a smaller number, all of which he has known for many years. Simon also spends many weeks each year traveling around Asia.
The focus of the company’s services is on the global economy, including the changing geopolitical and financial structures, China’s economy and its copper sector, and then the global copper industry as each part is interconnected.
Simon is the author of the “Frontline China Report Service,” which is marketed by the TIS Group. The Service provides regular reports on China’s economy, politics, and financial outlook.
Simon established this company in January 1996.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes back Chris Vermeulen to the show. Chris Vermeulen is Founder & Chief Investment Officer, The Technical Traders. In this episode, Vermeulen provides a comprehensive insights into the current market landscape, focusing primarily on precious metals, equities, and broader economic trends. Regarding precious metals, Vermeulen describes the recent market as experiencing significant volatility, with gold and silver experiencing a massive rally followed by a sharp correction. He notes that while long-term trends remain bullish, short-term signals are mixed and uncertain. The market is currently in a “no man’s land” where investors are waiting to see whether metals will consolidate and launch another rally or experience a substantial pullback.
On equities, Vermeulen indicates that markets are precariously balanced. The S&P 500 is “clinging by a thread” to an uptrend, with the Nasdaq showing potential signs of breakdown. He observes that “smart money” is moving into defensive sectors like utilities and consumer staples, suggesting underlying market nervousness. Vermeulen’s investment approach emphasizes technical analysis and following price trends rather than attempting to predict exact market tops and bottoms. Currently, his strategy involves maintaining approximately 70% cash position and waiting for clearer market signals. He believes the market is primed for significant movement, whether upward or downward.
Regarding currencies, Vermeulen remains bullish on the US dollar, suggesting it could potentially rally 10-15%, which would put pressure on gold prices. He also highlights the importance of understanding currency movements as part of a comprehensive investment strategy. When discussing other asset classes like oil, copper, and uranium, Vermeulen sees similar patterns of uncertainty and consolidation. His overall message is one of patience: waiting for clear trends to emerge before committing capital, and prioritizing capital preservation over aggressive speculation.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:53 – Precious Metals Volatility Drivers
00:02:42 – Sector Upside Potential
00:05:42 – Technical Trading Philosophy
00:08:34 – 2007 Market Comparison
00:10:11 – Silver Leverage Play
00:14:03 – Fiat and Manipulation Concerns
00:16:32 – US Dollar Outlook
00:20:32 – Equities Market Trends
00:24:08 – Miners Lagging Analysis
00:25:49 – Oil Prices Update
00:29:25 – Copper Uranium Rundown
00:30:44 – Technical Traders Service
00:31:51 – Concluding Thoughts
Guest Links:
Website: https://thetechnicaltraders.com/
X: https://x.com/TheTechTraders
Chris Vermeulen is the Founder & Chief Investment Officer of The Technical Traders and the visionary mind behind Asset Revesting. In his book Asset Revesting – How to Exclusively Hold Assets Rising in Value, Profit During Bear Markets, and Continue Building Wealth in Retirement, he lays out this investment framework.
Chris launched his financial career at 16, parlaying his knack for trading and risk management into funding his final year of college, where he earned a business diploma in operations management. By his twenties, he had achieved financial independence as a full-time entrepreneur and trader. After a setback—blowing up a trading account—Chris dedicated himself to treating trading as a business, completing the Trading Strategy Mastery and Trading Is Your Business courses.
A technical analysis expert, he devises systematic methods to spot market opportunities and control portfolio risk, rejecting traditional buy-and-hold approaches that cling to depreciating assets. His efficient asset allocation models balance short- and long-term strategies to minimize drawdowns and consistently outperform benchmarks. Those seeking reliable capital preservation and growth turn to his proven techniques.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes Dr. Arthur Laffer to the show. Mr. Laffer is a Renowned American Economist and Best-Selling Author. In this wide-ranging discussion, Dr. Laffer provides deep insights into economic policy, drawing from his extensive experience as an economist and advisor to President Reagan. Dr. Laffer emphasizes the importance of five key pillars of economic prosperity: taxes, spending, monetary policy, regulatory policy, and trade policy. He argues that lower tax rates, spending restraint, sound monetary policy, minimal regulations, and free trade are essential for economic growth.
Reflecting on his work with Reagan, he highlights how reducing tax rates from 70% to 28% and implementing strategic monetary policies transformed the US economy. Discussing current economic challenges, Dr. Laffer is optimistic about the US economy. He addresses concerns about national debt, arguing that while the numbers appear large, they are not as dire as they seem when considering debt-to-wealth ratios and debt service costs. He warns against income redistribution policies, presenting a mathematical theorem that demonstrates how such transfers invariably reduce total economic production. On monetary policy, Dr. Laffer criticizes recent Federal Reserve approaches, advocating for a price rule similar to the gold standard. He sees gold and cryptocurrencies as refuges from poor monetary management, believing private market solutions can create more stable currencies. He’s particularly impressed with stablecoins like Tether and their potential to provide monetary alternatives.
Regarding global trade and geopolitics, Dr. Laffer advocates for peace through economic strength. He believes in free trade and mutual prosperity, arguing that countries should focus on becoming trading partners rather than adversaries. He’s critical of over-regulation and redistributionist policies in Europe and supports market-driven solutions to challenges like climate change. Throughout the interview, Dr. Laffer’s core message remains consistent: economic prosperity comes from creating incentives for production, minimizing government intervention, and allowing free markets to solve problems.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:49 – US Economy Strength
00:04:10 – Supply Chain Concerns
00:05:29 – China Trade Partnership
00:06:10 – Trump’s Reshoring Policies
00:09:02 – Globalization Perspectives
00:10:15 – European Economy Critique
00:12:13 – Monetary Policy Insights
00:16:45 – National Debt Analysis
00:25:50 – Unfunded Liabilities View
00:29:09 – Redistribution Theorem Explained
00:35:01 – Gold’s Safe Haven Role
00:38:46 – Peace Through Strength
00:45:05 – BRICS Currency Alternatives
00:49:25 – Tether and Gold
00:52:42 – Concluding Thoughts
Guest Links:
Website: https://laffercenter.org
X: https://x.com/LafferCenter
Amazon Book: https://tinyurl.com/4tdtp5pm
Widely known as the “Father of Supply-Side Economics,” Dr. Arthur B. Laffer is one of the most influential economic minds of the last century. He is best known for the Laffer Curve, a groundbreaking theoretical construct illustrating the critical tradeoff between tax rates and government revenue—an idea Time Magazine named one of the few advances that “powered the 20th century”.
Dr. Laffer’s career spans the highest levels of academia and public policy. He served as the first Chief Economist at the Office of Management and Budget and was a core member of President Ronald Reagan’s Economic Policy Advisory Board during both terms. His counsel was instrumental in triggering the global tax-cutting movement of the 1980s, advising leaders ranging from Margaret Thatcher to Donald Rumsfeld.
An alumnus of Yale and Stanford, Dr. Laffer held distinguished professorships at the University of Chicago, USC, and Pepperdine. Today, he is the Chairman of Laffer Associates, providing institutional research and consulting from his base in Nashville. A prolific author of works including The End of Prosperity and Trumponomics, Dr. Laffer continues to shape the global conversation on fiscal policy and market incentives.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes Doomberg to the show. Doomberg is the head writer For The Doomberg Team and creator of the Doomberg Substack. The interview delves into the complex geopolitical landscape, focusing on the transition from a unipolar to a multipolar world, with particular emphasis on the rising power of China and the potential decline of the United States. Doomberg argues that the world is effectively in the early stages of World War III, which began around 2014, characterized by economic and strategic conflicts between the Western-based financial system and the emerging global south led by China and BRICS countries.
A significant part of the discussion centers on technological transformation, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Doomberg highlights the rapid acceleration of AI capabilities, with the doubling time of technological advancement potentially shrinking to weeks. He suggests that AI and robotics could fundamentally reshape geopolitical dynamics, potentially mitigating demographic challenges for countries like China.
The conversation also explores critical mineral dynamics, energy markets, and the potential for de-dollarization. Doomberg believes there is substantial room for gold to appreciate as a neutral reserve asset, potentially reaching prices around $5,000 to $21,000 per ounce to rejuvenate US manufacturing and global trade settlements. Regarding the United States’ future, Doomberg remains cautiously optimistic. He argues that despite current challenges, the US has significant advantages, including being the world’s largest energy producer, advanced AI capabilities, and substantial natural resources. However, he emphasizes the importance of strategic focus and avoiding resource-draining international conflicts.
Lastly the conversation touches on Europe’s diminishing global relevance, primarily due to its energy dependence and lack of industrial capacity. Doomberg suggests the European Union is already experiencing structural challenges that could potentially lead to its fragmentation. Ultimately, Doomberg presents a nuanced view of global power dynamics, emphasizing technological innovation, energy resources, and strategic adaptability as key factors in determining future geopolitical landscapes.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:44 – Geopolitical Landscape Overview
00:02:05 – Historical Empire Parallels
00:03:35 – World War III Framework
00:05:15 – Critical Minerals War
00:07:58 – China’s Energy Security
00:11:43 – Trump’s Venezuela Iran Strategy
00:14:08 – Iran Conflict Energy Markets
00:21:20 – AI Singularity Approach
00:26:37 – Gold & US Power Retention
00:30:59 – BRICS Currency & Settlement
00:35:40 – Critical Mineral Concerns
00:37:22 – U.S. Outcomes
00:40:48 – Europe’s Multipolar Irrelevance
00:45:09 – Commodity Trends
00:51:42 – Silver Fundamentals
00:54:28 – Concluding Thoughts
Guest Links:
Substack: https://doomberg.substack.com
X: https://x.com/DoombergT
Website: https://doomberg.com
Doomberg is the anonymous publishing arm of a bespoke consulting firm providing advisory services to family offices and c-suite executives. Its principals apply their decades of experience across heavy industry, private equity, and finance to deliver innovative thinking and clarity to complex problems.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes Henrik Zeberg to the show. Henrik Zeberg is Head Macro Economist at Swissblock. In this in-depth discussion, Zeberg provides a comprehensive analysis of the current economic landscape, focusing on potential market dynamics and an impending economic recession. Zeberg argues that the current market, particularly in technology and AI, resembles the dot-com bubble, with valuations reaching unsustainable levels. He suggests that while AI will indeed be transformative, the current market exuberance is reminiscent of previous technological bubbles where expectations far outpace immediate economic realities.
The market capitalization to GDP ratio currently stands at approximately 230%, compared to 137% during the dot-com bubble, indicating extreme market overvaluation. Regarding the economic outlook, Zeberg predicts a recession starting no later than the second quarter of 2026, potentially in March or April. He points to significant weaknesses in the job market, with job creation at its lowest levels in 50 years and a growing disconnect between the financial world and real economic conditions. The labor market indicators suggest a substantial economic slowdown, with 50% of consumer spending coming from just 10% of the population.
Henrik anticipates a complex economic cycle involving an initial deflationary period followed by potential inflationary pressures. He expects the Federal Reserve will attempt to intervene, potentially creating a market rally before an eventual significant market correction. He suggests that investors should be prepared for volatility and consider hard assets like real estate, commodities, and precious metals as potential long-term investments.
In terms of investment strategy, Zeberg recommends controlling emotional responses, avoiding getting caught in market euphoria, and being patient. He believes the current environment requires careful navigation, with potential opportunities emerging after a meaningful market pullback. The key is understanding that the era of double-digit growth in speculative assets is likely coming to an end.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:46 – AI vs Dotcom Bubble
00:04:20 – Current Market Valuations
00:09:58 – Market Cap GDP Anomalies
00:12:07 – Consumer Job Market Weakness
00:15:18 – Delinquency Trends
00:16:38 – Historical Recession Parallels
00:18:40 – Government Debt Constraints
00:21:24 – Fed Intervention Inflation
00:26:25 – Deflationary to Inflationary Shift
00:29:37 – Asset Allocation Strategies
00:32:00 – Key Economic Indicators
00:36:05 – Gold Silver Outlook
00:43:14 – Recession Timeline Prediction
Guest Links:
Substack: https://henrikzeberg.substack.com
X: https://x.com/HenrikZeberg
Website: https://swissblock.net/
Henrik Zeberg is a Macroeconomist (M.Sc. Econ) from the University of Copenhagen. He is a Business Cycles student, Elliott Wave practitioner, and Chartist. He is the Head Macro Economist at Swissblock where he writes the Zeberg letter a comprehensive monthly macroeconomic report.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes William Rhind to the show. William is the Founder and CEO of GraniteShares. Rhind provides insights into the current market landscape, emphasizing the early stages of AI development and the potential for significant transformation across various sectors. Regarding market volatility, Rhind attributes recent fluctuations to multiple factors, including potential Federal Reserve leadership changes, cryptocurrency market movements, and concerns about AI’s impact on software companies. He argues that we are in the early stages of AI development, with significant potential for innovation and disruption across industries.
Rhind highlights the ongoing bull market for hard assets, driven by global economic uncertainties, central bank buying, and concerns about currency debasement. He notes that emerging market central banks are actively diversifying their reserves by purchasing gold, viewing it as a strategic hedge against paper currencies. Platinum receives special attention, with Rhind explaining its unique market dynamics. He points out that platinum is about 30 times rarer than gold and currently sits in a market deficit. The metal’s future looks promising, particularly as previous bearish sentiment around internal combustion engines has dissipated and industrial demand remains strong.
Rhind suggests that while passive investing has benefits, too much concentration can potentially create market inefficiencies. He advocates for a “core and satellite” approach to investing, balancing long-term retirement strategies with more speculative investments.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:00 – Investor Demand Trends
00:02:00 – Market Volatility Drivers
00:04:28 – AI Bubble Debate
00:06:30 – Dot-com Bubble Comparison
00:10:45 – Commodities in AI Chain
00:12:40 – Energy Sector Opportunities
00:14:12 – Currency Debasement Thesis
00:17:03 – Precious Metals Bull Market
00:19:00 – Central Bank Gold Buying
00:22:02 – De-dollarization and Dollar Outlook
00:28:00 – Silver Market Dynamics
00:32:42 – Platinum Investment Case
00:39:30 – Passive Investing Trends
00:44:40 – U.S. Equity Market Size
00:46:12 – Concluding Thoughts
Guest Links:
Website: https://graniteshares.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-rhind-5434367
In 2016, Will Rhind challenged himself to find a way to do things differently. As a 18-year veteran of the ETF industry with experience working at, building and running, well-established successful ETF businesses, he made a keen observation: investing just isn’t as exciting as it once was. He asked himself, how do you bring back that excitement? As an experienced entrepreneur, he decided to answer that question by launching his own ETF company – GraniteShares was born. Will’s focus on disrupting the financial industry has taken GraniteShares from an idea to a successful start-up garnering the attention of Bain Capital and other well-known ETF investors who support his passion to create products that will change the way people see investing. Will spends his time outside of GraniteShares with his wife and three children. He’s on the Board of Directors of the Bath University Foundation, has a passion for classic cars, Manchester United, and travel – especially back to his roots in Aberdeen, Scotland, “The Granite City.” Will has over 25 years of experience in the industry.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes back Shawn Khunkhun to the show. Shawn Khunkhun is CEO, President, & Director, Dolly Varden Silver Corp. The interview centers on the current state of the precious metals market, with a particular focus on silver and gold. Khunkhun explains that silver has been in a structural deficit for years, with annual demand exceeding supply by approximately 200 million ounces. After a significant price surge from $40 to $120, the market recently experienced a correction, which Khunkhun views as a healthy part of the bull market. Khunkhun remains bullish on silver, arguing that production cannot meet demand until the next decade. He highlights growing industrial demand, particularly from the electric vehicle market and solar panel industries. The silver market is complex, with only one in four ounces coming from primary mines, making price incentives challenging for producers.
The conversation shifts into geopolitical factors affecting precious metals, including the growing divide between physical and paper markets. Khunkhun emphasizes the different cultural attitudes towards gold and silver in Eastern and Western countries, noting that many regions view these metals as critical wealth preservation tools, especially during economic uncertainty.
Recently, Dolly Varden merged with Contango Ore in a strategic move to create a more robust precious metals company. Khunkhun sees this as an opportunity to leverage Contango’s cash flow and expertise to develop Dolly Varden’s silver properties, creating a unique North American precious metals business. Looking ahead, Khunkhun believes the precious metals market is still in its early stages. He anticipates continued volatility but sees significant potential for growth, particularly if global asset allocation to precious metals increases from its current less than 0.5%. He remains optimistic about gold and silver, suggesting potential prices of $150 per ounce for silver and potentially $8,000 to $9,000 per ounce for gold in the future.
Timestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:41 – Precious Metals Volatility Surge00:03:02 – Strong Bull Case Silver00:04:20 – Incentivizing Silver Production Levels00:06:34 – Industrial Demand Substitutions00:09:09 – Paper vs Physical Markets00:11:33 – Geopolitical Physical Demand00:16:00 – Silver Premiums East/West00:21:15 – Gold Future Recession Impact00:24:12 – Financial Reset Possibilities00:26:17 – Company Merger Rationale00:31:22 – Mining M&A Activity State00:39:22 – Volatility Concerns
Guest Links:
Website:: https://dollyvardensilver.com
X: https://x.com/SilverVarden
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dolly-varden-silver-corp
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK4YE6ftyxv4G-6zu9BYJvgerved=0
Mr. Shawn Khunkhun has over 20 years of expertise in capital markets and mineral exploration, with a strong focus on creating shareholder value. Over his career, he has facilitated over $2 billion in capital raises, playing a transformative role in advancing exploration, development, and production companies. In his leadership roles as CEO, Director, and Executive Chairman, Mr. Khunkhun has been instrumental in elevating the profiles of undervalued companies and driving strategic growth.
Mr. Khunkhun’s success in incubating and scaling companies through capital raises, acquisitions, and spinouts is powered by an extensive network of high-net-worth investors, private equity, institutional investors, analysts, brokers, and bankers.
Mr. Khunkhun currently serves as a Director of Goldshore Resources and Gladiator Metals and as Director & Executive Chairman of Strike Point Gold. Additionally, he advises West Red Lake Gold Mines, Nations Royalty, and NexGold and is the Founder of Argenta Silver.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes Dr. Nomi Prins to the show. Dr. Nomi Prins is Founder of Prinsights Global and Substack. This interview centers on the current state of precious metals markets, particularly gold and silver, highlighting significant market dynamics and future potential. Dr. Prins explains the recent volatility in precious metals, particularly the substantial price drop in silver, as primarily driven by technical trading events rather than fundamental market shifts. Nomi emphasizes that the sell-off was more a result of programmatic trading and margin announcements than actual market valuation changes. A key focus is the growing disconnect between paper and physical silver markets, with Shanghai exchanges showing substantial premiums for physical silver. Dr. Prins attributes this to increased eastern interest in physical metals, driven by geopolitical considerations, store of value concerns, and industrial necessities. She notes that the silver market is experiencing its fifth consecutive year of supply deficits, with the total deficit now equivalent to one year’s demand.
Regarding gold, multiple drivers are propelling its momentum, including geopolitical tensions, central bank purchasing, and potential future scarcity. Central banks are increasingly viewing gold as a strategic asset, with some institutions like Morgan Stanley recommending higher gold allocations in investment portfolios. Dr. Prins believes the precious metals market is still in its early stages, comparing it to being in the “first or second innings” of a potential long-term bull market. She highlights the critical minerals landscape, pointing out that 80% of critical minerals are processed outside the West, with China dominating processing capabilities for rare earth elements and other strategic metals. Looking forward, she sees significant investment opportunities in the sector, potentially offering substantial returns for long-term investors who understand the fundamental shifts in global commodity markets. Her analysis suggests that geopolitical tensions, supply chain restructuring, and increasing demand for critical minerals will continue to drive precious metals and related investments.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:47 – Recent Metals Volatility
00:02:51 – Shanghai Silver Premium
00:03:14 – Physical vs Paper Silver
00:06:22 – Silver Supply Deficits
00:08:05 – Incentivizing New Supply
00:09:38 – Industrial Demand Pain Points
00:11:07 – Gold Bull Market Drivers
00:14:15 – Central Bank Gold Buying
00:17:28 – Long-term Investment Strategy
00:19:49 – Global Debt Levels
00:22:07 – Demographics and Economic Growth
00:25:19 – Critical Minerals Supply Chains
00:28:58 – Concluding Thoughts
Guest Links:
X: https://x.com/nomiprins
Website: https://nomiprins.com
Substack: https://prinsights.substack.com
Dr. Nomi Prins as a Wall Street insider and outspoken advocate for economic reform, Nomi Prins is a leading authority on how the widespread impact of financial systems continues to affect our daily lives. She has spent decades analyzing and investigating economic and financial events at the ground level and meeting with those that shape the world’s geopolitical-economic framework. She continues to break stories by conducting independent research, writing best-selling books, and traversing the globe to share her knowledge and demystify the world of money.
Before becoming a renowned journalist and public speaker, Nomi reached the upper echelons of the financial world where she worked as a managing director at Goldman Sachs, ran the international analytics group as a senior managing director at Bear Stearns in London, was a strategist at Lehman Brothers and an analyst at the Chase Manhattan Bank. During her time on Wall Street, she grew increasingly aware of and discouraged by the unethical practices that permeated the banking industry. Eventually, she decided enough was enough and became an investigative journalist to shed light on the ways that financial systems are manipulated to serve the interests of an elite few at the expense of everyone else.
Stijn Schmitz welcomes Mario Innecco to the show. Mario Innecco is Financial and Macro Economic Analyst, and also host of the ‘Manneco64’ YouTube Channel. The discussion centers on the current bull market in gold and silver, driven by several fundamental factors. Innecco highlights four primary drivers: de-dollarization, global debt challenges, geopolitical uncertainty, and the transition from a paper to a physical precious metals market. The de-dollarization trend is particularly significant, with countries seeking alternatives to the US dollar-dominated system. Central banks are increasingly buying gold, potentially aiming to hold 40% or more of their reserves in physical gold. The massive global debt, now around 300 trillion dollars, is making it increasingly difficult for governments to manage financial obligations, leading to potential financial repression and currency devaluation.
Mario emphasizes the importance of the Shanghai Gold Exchange in challenging the traditional Western paper trading markets. The exchange represents a shift towards physical trading, which could fundamentally change how precious metals are valued. He suggests that the transition from a paper to a physical market makes it harder to manipulate gold and silver prices.
Looking at potential price targets, Innecco draws parallels with historical bull markets, suggesting gold could reach as high as $8,300 based on previous price movements. He also discusses the possibility of a gold revaluation by the US Treasury, which could provide a financial windfall without adding to the national debt. The conversation extends to silver, which Innecco believes will continue to outperform gold, particularly in the latter stages of the current bull market. He recommends a conservative investment approach, suggesting investors allocate 90% to physical precious metals and 10% to mining stocks.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:12 – Gold’s Fundamental Drivers
00:04:30 – Debt and Financial Repression
00:05:10 – Paper Market Ending
00:09:42 – Silver Market Bifurcation
00:11:01 – Central Bank Buying
00:14:56 – Global Debt Inflation
00:19:51 – Gold Revaluation Potential
00:23:03 – Mystery Gold Flows
00:26:29 – BRICS Currency Remonetization
00:29:00 – Historical Bull Parallels
00:34:26 – Silver Bullish Breakout
00:39:27 – Commodity Rotation Outlook
Guest Links:
X: https://x.com/maneco1964
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/maneco64
Mario Innecco is a seasoned financial markets and macroeconomics analyst with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He began his career in private banking in Geneva, Switzerland, before spending two decades in the City of London, specializing in exchange-traded derivatives, government bonds, interest rates, and broader economic trends. During this time, he advised major financial institutions and corporate clients on market strategies and risk management.
A dedicated proponent of the Austrian School of Economics, Mario founded the maneco64 YouTube channel in November 2015, which serves as a platform for alternative economics and contrarian views. Through his videos, blog articles, and social media, he educates a worldwide audience on the intricacies of the fiat monetary system, financial markets, and the enduring value of precious metals like gold and silver.




love listening to Tom L, Dave, and for the first time Rudy. Tom L. needs to tone it down reel his neck in, and let the other put their points forward. Great discussion 👍
bitcoin went to almodt 20k in 2017 and crashed in 2018. This guys full of shit.