The drastic increase in debt defaults show that rate hikes are starting to bite. The “free money” measures during COVID-19 seem to have delayed, not solved, the problem.
Assets and industries traditionally considered “safe havens” are rapidly losing their luster in our high interest rate environment. Precious metals could soon be the last bastion of safety.
The Fed is headed for an annual operating loss for the first time in 108 years. They will soon be forced to print the money to cover their expenses. A conundrum, indeed!
Gold was up 11% last month as crypto and the U.S. dollar faltered. Economic hardships on the horizon may trigger the yellow metal’s next meteoric rise.
Should the Fed pay attention to the IMF’s warnings about global financial risks and deteriorating market conditions? Probably, but more red-hot inflation data means their hands are tied.