RT Nick Szabo (@NickSzabo4)@robin_j_brooks Shutdown ends with expectation of ever more streams of deficit spending --> move to low-dilution assets. ...

Market Trends & Drivers - Gold prices are hitting record highs, exceeding $4,100 per ounce, driven by investors seeking safe havens amid potential tariffs and geopolitical tensions [1][20] - Central bank buying, particularly from BRICS nations, is a significant factor driving gold prices higher, as countries seek to diversify away from the US dollar [4][5] - US-China trade tensions and the weaponization of Swift have accelerated the move away from the dollar and towards gold as a reserve asset [5][6] - Gold ETF flows have increased significantly year-to-date, indicating growing investor interest [13] - Silver is catching up to gold in performance, driven by industrial and precious metal demand, as well as its perception as a more affordable alternative [21][22][23][24][25] Price Targets & Predictions - One expert predicts gold could reach $4,500 by the end of the year and potentially exceed $5,000 in a year, depending on fundamental shifts [7] - Another expert sets a gold price target of $5,200 by 2026, contingent on a correction to $3,500-$3,600 [30][34][35] Risks & Catalysts - Near-term risks for gold investors include the potential for price retracement after a significant move [8] - Potential positive catalysts for gold include the Federal Reserve loosening monetary policy and cutting interest rates more aggressively than anticipated [11] - Factors that could weaken the constructive view on gold include the government cutting deficit spending, dropping tariffs, or the Federal Reserve hiking interest rates [17][18] Investment Strategies - Exposure to gold can be gained through physical gold, ETFs, or gold mining stocks [13] - Gold mining stocks have become more attractive as their margins have widened due to the significant gold rally outpacing mining costs [15][16] - One ETF, the GY ETF, buys gold futures and invests the remaining funds in investment-grade corporate bonds to generate a 5% yield [13]

Government Spending and Deficit - Republican plan is projected to create approximately $2 trillion in deficit spending, while the Democrat plan is estimated to create about $3 trillion in deficit spending [2] - Senator Rand Paul introduced a "penny plan budget" aimed at gradually balancing the budget over about five years through across-the-board spending restraint [3] - The senator opposes foreign aid, especially when the US government is already in debt, suggesting that any aid should be structured as a loan with repayment terms [6] Economic Policy and Trade - The senator criticizes the idea of the government taking a stake in private companies, comparing it to socialism and a step in the wrong direction [11][12] - The senator supports the government negotiating for better prices on drugs for Medicaid and Medicare, leveraging its size and influence [13][14] Justice and Legal Standards - The senator emphasizes the importance of applying the same legal standards to everyone, regardless of their political affiliation or wealth, referencing the cases of Roger Stone and James Comey [16][17][18][19] - The senator advocates for transparency and equal treatment under the law to restore trust in the government and justice system, particularly in cases involving wealthy individuals [36][37] Military and Domestic Issues - The senator argues that a balanced budget and limited government are incompatible with a $1 trillion military budget, suggesting a compromise between reducing military and welfare spending [23] - The senator expresses concern about using American cities as training grounds for the military and highlights the despair and crime issues in cities like Chicago, suggesting local leadership and community policing as solutions [25][26][27][28] - The senator supports school choice, particularly in areas where public schools are failing, and criticizes the influence of teachers' unions in preventing educational reforms [31][32][33]