Social Unrest and Economic Concerns
The speaker expresses concerns about increasing social division in the United States and Canada, citing recent violent incidents as examples. These incidents, along with online commentary, suggest a growing divide and potential for social unrest. This perceived instability has implications for the economy and stock market.
Recent Violent Incidents
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A man was shot in the neck by a sniper while giving a speech in Utah.
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A man was stabbed in the neck on public transportation in North Carolina.
Potential Economic Impact
The speaker believes that social division and unrest could negatively impact the economy and stock market. Given the situation, protecting one's family and assets becomes paramount. The speaker advises caution against speculative investments in the stock market, suggesting alternative strategies.
Alternative Strategies
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Investing in Gold: Buying physical gold is presented as a way to protect assets during times of social and economic uncertainty.
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Relocation: Moving to a more peaceful and less populated area is suggested as a way to escape the potential chaos.
Producer Price Index and Federal Reserve Policy
The speaker discusses the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) data, which came in lower than expected. While the Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting will consider this data, the speaker believes the Fed is more focused on the labor market data released last Friday. The market currently anticipates a 0.25% rate cut. However, the speaker questions if the current social instability will affect the Fed's considerations regarding monetary policy. A stable society might be a prerequisite for economic development and technological advancements, influencing US stock valuations.
Market Observations and Leading Indicators
The speaker identifies a change in market sentiment, particularly among small market capitalization, high-growth, and high-volatility stocks. These stocks experienced a midday downturn after initial gains, potentially signaling a shift in market mood.
Examples of Affected Stocks
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NBIS
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HMS
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CRWV
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Tesla
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Palantir
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Circle
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Figma
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Coinbase
The speaker highlights that gold and gold stocks (GDX ETF) bucked this trend, showing steady gains throughout the day. This is interpreted as a strong performance and a contrast to the aforementioned stocks.
Index Performance and Sector Analysis
The S\&P 500 experienced a slight gain, with more stocks declining than advancing. Technology stocks performed relatively well, particularly those in the NASDAQ 100, driven by strong performances from Oracle, Nvidia, and AVGO.
ETF Performance
The best-performing ETFs were those related to:
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Gold: GDX and GDXJ
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Semiconductors: SOXL and SOXX
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Energy: XLE
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Bitcoin: IBIT
Self-Defense Considerations
The speaker concludes by offering advice on self-defense, emphasizing the importance of understanding legal limitations. Using firearms or even pepper spray for self-defense can lead to arrest in many jurisdictions. The speaker suggests using a "mafumov" sprayer, which temporarily incapacitates attackers, allowing for escape and calling the police. The speaker stresses the need for appropriate and lawful self-defense strategies, especially for women and other vulnerable individuals. The speaker further explains their need to acquire more physical gold in their personal holdings.