Month: April 2024

Exploring the Significance of Gold in History and the Economy

A couple weeks ago, we posted an article about silver as an investment. Now it’s time for gold.

Gold has captivated humanity for millennia, with its allure dating back to ancient civilizations. As shiny nuggets were first discovered, gold quickly became a symbol of wealth and power. The scarcity and distinctive properties of gold made it highly prized. This led to the adoption of gold as currency by various cultures across the globe. Gold played a crucial role in shaping economies and trade networks, facilitating commerce and influencing political dynamics.

The California Gold Rush of the mid-19th century marked a pivotal moment in gold’s history. The discovery of gold nuggets at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 sparked a large migration to the American West, drawing people from all walks of life in search of fortune. The influx of prospectors fueled rapid economic growth and transformed California into a growing economy. 

Gold is often regarded as a hedge against inflation due to its historical track record of preserving wealth during times of economic uncertainty. When inflation rises, the purchasing power of fiat currencies decreases. This leads investors to seek assets that can retain their value. Gold has demonstrated its ability to act as a store of value over centuries, making it a popular choice for investors looking to protect their wealth from the devastating effects of inflation.

During periods of high inflation, the price of gold tends to increase as investors flock to it as a safe haven asset. Gold’s scarcity and tangible nature contribute to its appeal as a hedge against inflation. Unlike fiat currencies, which can be subject to manipulation by central banks. The gold supply is limited, providing a natural defense against currency devaluation. Additionally, gold has inherent value and is not reliant on the performance of financial markets, making it a reliable hedge during times of economic turbulence.

Gold’s status as a globally recognized currency adds to its appeal as an inflation hedge. This universal acceptance of gold allows its liquidity as a hedge against inflation in various economic environments. Central banks and institutional investors often allocate a portion of their portfolios to gold to mitigate the effects of inflation and safeguard their wealth over the long term.

Some of the major U.S. gold mining companies are:

CompanyCompany SymbolPrice to BookPEGPEPrice to SalesForward PEYield
Coeur Mining IncCDE1.7NAna2.216.260
i-80 Gold CorpIAUX0.89NANA7.24NA0
Newmont CorpNEM1.550.79NA3.8214.482.56%
Novagold Resources Inc.NG25.84NANANANA0.00%
Royal Gold, Inc.RGLD2.797.4933.6913.3222.461.32%
SSR Mining IncSSRM0.32NANA0.7615.55.45%

Throughout history, gold has retained its status as a safe haven asset and a hedge against economic uncertainty. Its value surged during times of crisis, such as wars, financial crises, and geopolitical tensions. In the modern era, gold continues to play a crucial role in investment portfolios and central bank reserves, providing stability in volatile markets. Its timeless appeal as a store of value ensures that gold remains a cornerstone of global finance and culture.

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Disclosure: Author had no positions in any of the above at the time the article was written.

Stocks Owned by the Top 5 Billionaires

Forbes’ 2024 list of the world’s richest people highlights top figures from different fields. Leading the list is Bernard Arnault & family, who hold the title of the wealthiest individual globally with a net worth of $213.5 billion. Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk follow closely behind, with fortunes of $197 billion and $191 billion, respectively. Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Ellison complete the top five, boasting significant wealth from their own ventures. Below are the stocks associated with each of them.

  1. Bernard Arnault & Family- $213.5 Billion 

Louis Vuitton, part of LVMH, also known as Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMUY), is a famous luxury brand known for its high status, top-notch quality, and expert craftsmanship. Investors like it for its strong reputation and its position as a top luxury fashion brand worldwide. LVMH also shows steady sales growth in many places and is making more profit, showing it’s strong and could keep doing well. Investors like Louis Vuitton for its creativity by always coming up with new ideas. Buying Louis Vuitton stock means believing in the brand’s lasting popularity, its money stability, and its chances to grow more in the luxury market.

  • Jeff Bezos – $197.6 Billion

Investors find Amazon stock (AMZN) attractive because of its strong presence in online shopping, cloud services, and other industries. Amazon’s constant innovation, wide-reaching customer base, and well-known brand make its stock very appealing for investors. Its stable income from different sources like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and online sales suits are very appealing for both short-term and long-term investors. Positive feelings about Amazon’s financial performance, such as its cash flow and market position, add to the reasons why stock is so popular. Overall, Amazon’s reputation for growth and resilience continues to drive investor interest and support.

  • Elon Musk – $191.1 Billion

Tesla (TSLA) stands out as a top player in the electric vehicle (EV) scene, known for its creative tech and game-changing strides in eco-friendly travel. This draws in investors who see the promise of electric cars and believe in Tesla’s role in shaping the car industry of tomorrow. Plus, Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, is quite a character, and his big ideas earn him trust from investors. Musk dreams of making cars drive themselves and expanding Tesla’s energy-saving solutions, which excites his followers looking for big investment chances. Tesla’s got a solid fan base too, making it more than just a car company; it’s a symbol of moving forward and doing things differently.

  • Mark Zuckerberg – $155.7 Billion

Meta (META), previously Facebook, is a top social media platform with over 3 billion users worldwide, making it a great choice for investors looking to tap into the digital advertising market. Meta’s move into virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tech, like the Oculus VR headset, shows its commitment to growing its revenue sources and staying ahead in technology. Investors also see potential in Meta’s ability to benefit from the recovering advertising market, thanks to its successful ad campaigns and efforts to keep users engaged. Overall, Meta’s long-term strategy, huge user base, and innovative tech projects make its stock an attractive option for many investors.

  • Larry Ellison – $148.5 Billion

Oracle (ORCL) is a big tech company known for its computer software and services, like databases and cloud computing. Investors like Oracle because it’s well-known for providing reliable tech solutions, which makes it a popular choice for people looking to invest in the tech industry. Oracle also grows by buying other companies, like Cerner Corporation, showing it wants to offer more and stay competitive. Plus, Oracle is doing well in cloud computing and has big clients like Zoom Video Communications, which makes investors feel good about its future growth. In general, investors buy Oracle stock because they trust it to keep coming up with new ideas, follow market trends, and make money for its shareholders in the long run.

CompanyCompany SymbolPrice to BookPEGPEPrice to SalesForward PEYield
LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, Société EuropéenneLVMUY6.482.6226.084.5923.871.65%
Amazon.com, Inc.AMZN9.262.2461.943.2842.55NA
Tesla, Inc.TSLA8.342.7543.046.262.11NA
Meta Platforms, Inc.META7.521.0325.518.1922.520.45%
Oracle CorporationORCL57.291.330.936.2818.731.37%

Could some of these stocks make you a billionaire?

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Disclosure: Author owns AMZN.

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in May of 2024

The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex-dividend during the next month, which can be helpful for traders and investors interested in the stock trading technique known as “Buying Dividends” or “Dividend Capture.” This strategy involves purchasing stocks before the ex dividend date and selling them shortly after the ex-date at a similar price, while still being eligible to receive the dividend payment.

Although this technique generally proves effective in bull markets and flat or choppy markets, it is advisable to exercise caution and consider avoiding this strategy during bear markets. To qualify for the dividend, it is necessary to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date and refrain from selling it until on or after the ex-date.

However, it is important to note that the actual dividend may not be paid for several weeks, as the payment date can be delayed by up to two months after the ex-date.

For investors seeking a comprehensive list of stocks going ex-dividend in the near future, WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable list containing numerous dividend-paying companies. Here are a few examples showcasing the stock symbol, ex-dividend date, periodic dividend amount, and annual yield.

Citigroup, Inc. (C)5/3/20240.533.43%
Walmart Inc. (WMT)5/9/20240.20751.38%
Target Corporation (TGT)5/14/20241.102.68%
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)5/15/20240.750.75%
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)5/20/20241.243.38%
Discover Financial Services (DFS)5/22/20240.702.23%
T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS)5/31/20240.651.58%

To access the entire list of over 100 ex-dividend stocks, subscribers will receive an email in the next couple days with the full list. If you are not already a subscriber, you can sign up using the provided signup box below. Don’t miss out on this valuable information, and the best part is that it’s free!

Dividend Definitions

To better understand the dividend-related terms, let’s define them:

Declaration date: This refers to the day when a company announces its intention to distribute a dividend in the future.
Ex-dividend date: On this day, if you purchase the stock, you would not be eligible to receive the upcoming dividend. It is also the first day on which a shareholder can sell their shares and still receive the dividend.
Record date: This marks the day when you must be recorded on the company’s books as a shareholder to qualify for the dividend. Typically, the ex-dividend date is set two business days prior to the record date.
Payment date: This is the day on which the dividend payment is actually made to the eligible shareholders. It’s important to note that the payment date can be as long as two months after the ex-date.

Before implementing the “Buying Dividends” technique, it is crucial to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the respective company to ensure accuracy and avoid any unexpected changes.

In conclusion, being aware of the stocks going ex-dividend can be advantageous for traders and investors employing the “Buying Dividends” strategy. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com provides a convenient resource to access a comprehensive list of such stocks, allowing individuals to plan their investment decisions effectively. Remember to stay informed and consider market conditions before employing any investment strategy.

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written.

Fake Dirty Underwear: Why You Need to Buy Some

by Fred Fuld III

Recently, I posted an article about investing in silver and silver coins. But if you buy silver, or gold, coins, where do you hide them?

One popular location is a bank’s safe deposit box. But the disadvantages are that you can’t get access to the coins at all times, and if on the very rare occasion that the safe box is broken into, the bank isn’t responsible for the loss of contents.

So suppose you want to keep them at home. Unfortunately, burglars know all the common places.

These include your top dresser drawers, drawers in your nightstands, backs of closets, cookie jars, under your mattress, in the toilet tank, and other areas that are convenient for you but also the burglars.

Some sources suggest leaving the burglars a ‘tip’ which would be a small amount of cash that’s easy to find so that the burglars find it and leave without spending too much time in your house. 

One source even recommends leaving a twenty dollar bill on a little table just inside your front door, because if the bad guys don’t find any money, they may retaliate by causing destruction in your house. This is especially true for teenage intruders.

Here is a suggestion. Get any old coins that you have in your house that aren’t worth much or even not worth anything above face vale, but just appear to be old. Put them in a container with a label on it that says ‘coin collection’ and keep it in your dresser. Keep your real coin collection in a much more secure location.

Let me tell you where you never should hide any items. Never, ever store valuables at the bottom of a wastebasket. The burglars may never look there, but it is almost certain that at some point, either you or a family member or a friend will accidentally throw out the valuables with the garbage. I personally had a close call with this type of hiding place.

So what does all this have to do with dirty underwear? There is a product that burglars wouldn’t even want to get close to, where you can hide cash, jewelry, or other valuables.

The product is called the Brief Safe Hidden Contents Travel Passport Wallet. A description of what it is in simple terms would be a pair of men’s underwear with a smear of coloring on it that looks like an accident took place in them. Inside is a stealth area where valuable items can be hidden.

This product is what is known as a diversion safe, also known as a camouflaged safe or secret stash container or hidden safe. It is a product to hide valuables in everyday household items.

If dirty underwear is a bit too gross, then there are plenty of other options. The ROLOWAY Hanger Diversion Safe is a way to hide valuables under an article of clothing hanging in your closet. A burglar might possibly check the pockets of all your coats and jackets that you have hanging up, but is he, or she, really going to take every article of clothing off all the hangers?

This product has one other advantage. According to the manufacturer, it is fireproof to 4200 degrees.

You might also consider a Dasani Bottled Water Diversion Safe or a Soup Can Diversion Safe.

There are plenty of items that you can hide in these safes. Here are just some examples:

keys
watches
medicine
cash
gold coins 
silver coins
precious gems
diamonds
bullets
USB drives
necklaces 
earrings
rings
small documents (e.g. Social Security card)
gold nuggets

Plan ahead. Keep your valuable safe.

Happy hiding!

 

 

This page contains Amazon Affiliate links.

Should You Shine On Silver? Examining the Benefits and Investment Options

Unveiling the Precious Metal’s Potential in Your Portfolio

Silver, the lustrous metal, has captivated investors for centuries. But beyond its beauty, silver offers a unique blend of potential benefits for your portfolio. Let’s explore why you might consider adding silver to your investment mix, and then delve into the various ways to hold this precious metal.

The Allure of Silver

  • Diversification: Silver’s price movements tend to have a low correlation to stocks and bonds. This means it can act as a hedge, potentially offsetting losses in other parts of your portfolio during economic downturns.
  • Inflation Hedge: Silver, like gold, has historically held its value well against inflation. As the cost of living rises, silver’s price may follow suit, protecting your purchasing power.
  • Industrial Demand: Silver’s industrial applications in solar panels, electronics, and medical devices create a constant demand stream, potentially influencing its price positively.
  • Potential for Growth: Silver’s supply is finite, while demand is expected to rise, particularly in developing economies. This imbalance could lead to price appreciation in the long run.
  • Affordable Entry Point: Compared to gold, silver offers a more accessible entry point for investors starting with precious metals.

Silver Investment Options: Weighing the Pros and Cons

  • PHYSICAL SILVER (Bullion & Coins):
    • Pros: Tangible ownership, no counterparty risk, potential for collector’s value (for certain coins).
    • Cons: Storage costs, insurance considerations, potential difficulty selling quickly.
  • SILVER MINING STOCKS:
    • Pros: Potential for higher returns due to leverage on the silver price, diversification within the precious metals sector.
    • Cons: Higher risk compared to physical silver, volatility associated with the company’s performance.
  • SILVER ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds):
    • Pros: Low storage costs, fractional shares allow for easier investment amounts, high liquidity.
    • Cons: You don’t own physical silver, expense ratios can eat into returns, counterparty risk associated with the ETF issuer.

      The most popular silver ETF is the iShares Silver Trust (SLV), which has an objective of tracking the price of silver.

A Word about Silver Coins and Authenticity

All three of the above items are FAKE!


Be careful about buying silver coins, as there are many fakes being distributed. These are not just the coins with numismatic value but also the so-called junk silver coins and even the bullion coins (silver rounds).

Fortunately, there are several ways of checking whether a coin is genuine or not. One simple way is to use a phone app called CoinTester. It measures the sound of the ping when the coin is hit with an object, like a pencil.

First, you choose the type of coin. (Note: If you are checking a silver dollar, for Keyword, just type Dollar, not Silver Dollar.) You place the coin on your fingertip, tap Check on the app, then hit the coin a few times with something that won’t damage the coin (I use the wooden part of a pencil.) If is shows a 0 or 1 out of 3, it means the coin is a fake. If it shows a 2 or a 3 out of three, the coin is real.

Just remember that all tests for coins aren’t foolproof. The best approach is to buy from a very reputable coin dealer.

Many numismatic coins are slabbed. In numismatics (the study or collection of coins), “slabbed” refers to the process of encapsulating a coin in a hard plastic holder, often called a slab. These slabs are usually sealed and graded by a professional coin grading service. The purpose of slabbing coins is to protect them from damage and to provide an objective assessment of their condition and authenticity.

When a coin is slabbed, it is typically accompanied by a label indicating its grade, which is determined based on factors such as wear, luster, strike quality, and any imperfections. This grading process helps collectors and investors assess the value of the coin and provides assurance about its authenticity and condition.

Slabbed coins are often considered more desirable for collectors and investors because they come with a trusted third-party evaluation, reducing the risk of buying counterfeit or over-graded coins.

The Final Shine

Silver offers a compelling option for investors seeking diversification, inflation protection, and potential growth. Carefully consider your investment goals and risk tolerance when choosing between physical silver, mining stocks, or ETFs. Remember, a well-rounded portfolio is key, and silver can be a bright addition to the mix.