Breaking the Dollar

In the Fed We Trust!

What will the Federal Reserve buy next? The central bank has been on a shopping spree of sorts in its effort to rescue the financial system. What exactly is the Fed buying? How does this raft of stimulus measures compare to the Fed's response to past crises? What are the implications for markets?

Market Update: COVID-19 Shuts Down the Economy

The economic freeze due to the coronavirus has dramatically impacted financial markets. Everett explains how the pandemic has affected the gold industry.

The Half Union: The $50 Gold Coin You’ve Never Heard Of

Sometimes historical circumstances lead to unconventional proposals. Such is the case of a U.S. $50 gold coin known as a half union. Its story is filled with bureaucratic intrigue and economic transformation. Everett walks through the history of the half union and why it never gained approval for regular production.

Why the 2020 Election Matters for the Economy

The 2020 presidential election has been heating up as we approach Super Tuesday. While it's important to put your political biases aside when investing, that doesn't mean you shouldn't pay attention to the campaigns for president and the race for the White House. This episode focuses on some of the election dynamics and possibilities that will impact the economy (and your investment portfolio).

The Coronavirus and How It Has Impacted Markets

There has been a great deal of news coverage of the coronavirus that originated in the Wuhan province of China. The virus's impact on markets has thus far been minimal, but Everett explains some of the risks it still poses for the global economy. From generating worldwide uncertainty to possibly upending Phase 1 of the trade deal, the affect on the financial sector is unlikely to be clear for weeks and months to come.

ZIRP and NIRP: Zombie Machines

The monetary experiments with zero interest rate policy (ZIRP) and negative interest rate policy (NIRP) continue to be overlooked as the "new normal." What are the intended—and unitended—outcomes of these unprecedented policies? In this episode, Everett summarizes the economic risks associated with persistently low and negative rates. He also examines the argument that paying negative interest is not an unusual idea or practice.

Forgotten Platinum Group Metals: Rhodium and Palladium

For the first time in nearly a decade, these close cousins of gold and silver have been in the news. Why are palladium and rhodium seeing their prices skyrocket? Podcast host Everett Millman explains how the industrial market for the Platinum Group Metals differs from the more familiar precious metals. He also cites historical context to illustrate their price volatility.

Monthly Market Commentary: January 2020

2020 is off to an eventful start for financial markets. What are the major trends that investors should be paying attention to? This episode gives a general overview of what's been going on in January and what to expect during the first quarter of the year.

How the U.S. Dollar Became the Global Reserve Currency

One of the defining features of the global economy and financial system is the central role of the U.S. dollar. This is perhaps obvious, but it is of tremendous importance nonetheless. However, it was not a foregone conclusion that the USD would come to occupy this place. How did it happen? In this episode, Everett gives a broad overview of the events, trends, and circumstances that led to the dominance of King Dollar.

The Durable Ethics Behind The Gold Standard

There are many unavoidable realities that tie together gold, money, and the banking system. These connections are still in effect despite the end of an official gold standard. In this episode, Everett surveys some of the remnants of the gold standard and the Bretton Woods system and how they apply today.