In my review of Norbert J. Michel’s Crushing Capitalism, which I quoted from yesterday, I didn’t have room to highlight 2 other striking parts. First, in a section on why technological improvements in productivity have not caused net job loss, he has a discussion of ATMs. He writes: ATMs automated some of the basic tasks…
Category: Economy
DAM IT! The Left Coast’s $600M Fish-Killing Grift
DAM IT! The Left Coast’s $600M Fish-Killing Grift NGOs and connected insiders have made a small fortune on “green” initiatives. As dam removal projects fail to deliver on the restorative promises of west coast governors, devastated agricultural communities are beginning to follow the green trail and ask, “Cui Bono?” In a scathing critique, a video…
Highway Mayhem: Trucker From Sanctuary State Illinois Arrested After Baltimore Shooting Spree
Highway Mayhem: Trucker From Sanctuary State Illinois Arrested After Baltimore Shooting Spree America’s highways have become not just a mess but a national security threat, as the Biden–Harris regime oversaw a four-year surge in migrants obtaining non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs). The situation has grown so dire that President Trump recently signed an executive order requiring…
Trump Says US Intel Assessment Of Iran’s Nuclear Program “Was Wrong”, Tulsi Responds
Trump Says US Intel Assessment Of Iran’s Nuclear Program “Was Wrong”, Tulsi Responds Authored by Jacob Burg via The Epoch Times, President Donald Trump said on June 20 that his director of national intelligence’s assessment in March that Iran had yet to decide on building a nuclear weapon was wrong. Trump made the remarks to…
Container Ship Sinks In Arabian Sea Near Oman As Regional Conflict Worsens
Container Ship Sinks In Arabian Sea Near Oman As Regional Conflict Worsens Oman’s Maritime Security Centre (MSC)—a 24/7 national operations hub overseen by the Royal Navy of Oman and coordinated by the Ministry of Defense—reported early Saturday on X that a container ship had sunk in the Arabian Sea off the country’s coast. The MV…
US-Based Monitor Assesses Rising Iranian Deaths From Israeli Strikes
US-Based Monitor Assesses Rising Iranian Deaths From Israeli Strikes Authored by Dave DeCamp via AntiWar.com, Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAI), a US-based organization that’s critical of Iran’s Islamic government, said on Thursday that since Israel began its attacks on June 13, at least 639 Iranians have been killed and 1,329 have been wounded. The Iranian government…
Obama Demands A Ministry Of Truth
Obama Demands A Ministry Of Truth Former President Barack Obama is doubling down on his push to curb free speech in America, urging the federal government to tighten its grip on what citizens can say online. “We want diversity of opinion. We don’t want diversity of facts,” claimed during an interview this week with historian…
These Are America’s Favorite Fried Chicken Chains
It is no secret that fast food has grown year after year since it was introduced several decades ago. Though our parents and grandparents were regularly eating home cooked meals, today many of us are consistently turning to the most continent option: fast-food. With their drive thru option, reasonably priced items, and addictive taste, fast…
Fed Groupthink Is A Bureaucratic Disease
Fed Groupthink Is A Bureaucratic Disease Authored by Larry Kudlow via RealClearPolitics.com, The super big story is the Israel-Iran war, as we await President Trump’s decision on additional American assistance to Israel. There’s another war, though. As Breitbart’s John Carney put it, the Federal Reserve has gone to war against tariffs. Unlike the Middle East,…
Can You Answer These Basic 401(k) Questions?
Investments and investment strategies are complicated. Stocks, bonds, and the ups and downs related to the economy are all multifaceted, and not easy to wrap your brain around. In fact, one reason Americans may put off planning for their retirement is due to the complex nature of money management. But planning for a secure future…
Alleged Minn. Assassin Says Gov. Tim Walz Wanted Him To Kill Sen. Amy Klobuchar
Alleged Minn. Assassin Says Gov. Tim Walz Wanted Him To Kill Sen. Amy Klobuchar Authored by Ken Silva vi Headline USA, The man accused of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses reportedly wrote in a letter to the FBI that Gov. Tim Walz also wanted him to assassinate Sen. Amy Klobuchar, according to a…
Force Posturing: Six B-2 Stealth Bombers En Route To Indo-Pacific Ahead Of Trump’s Intel Meeting
Force Posturing: Six B-2 Stealth Bombers En Route To Indo-Pacific Ahead Of Trump’s Intel Meeting As the Israel–Iran conflict enters Day 9, President Trump has publicly stated he will wait two weeks before deciding whether to authorize U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. In parallel, U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers are being repositioned…
These Warships and Submarines Will Define the US Navy
Navy vehicles help win wars and defend the United States of America. A wide range of vehicles are designed with different abilities for a variety of purposes. These seafaring vehicles may provide protection on the open seas, intimidate enemy countries, and aid our troops in far corners of the world. A few examples of types…
Warren Buffett Is The Greatest CEO In America
According to Barron’s Warren Buffett is the greatest CEO in America. He is on a list of Top CEOs which total 25 CEOs. (Maybe he is at the top because his last name starts with a “B”.) Still, he is in the No.1 position. Key Points Warren Buffett Is The Greatest CEO His Success Is…
An AI Stock to Avoid Despite Flashy Growth
SoundHound AI (NASDAQ:SOUN) has captivated investors with its voice recognition technology, but beneath its meteoric 1,024% gain in 2024 lies a risky investment best sidestepped. Despite a promising fiscal first-quarter earnings report, persistent losses, competitive pressures, and overvaluation make SOUN stock one to avoid for prudent investors seeking sustainable returns. Key Points in This Article…
The Supreme Court Vs. The Experts
The Supreme Court Vs. The Experts Authored by Jeffrey Tucker via The Epoch Times, When the transgender issue presented itself decades ago, most people felt a sense of politeness and deference to the preferences of another person, however surprising or odd. It all seemed rather harmless, the habits of eccentrics for whom Western society offers…
Ford’s Catastrophic EV Recall
Ford (NYSE: F) recalled almost all the Mustang Mach-Es it ever sold. It was supposed to be one of the two flagships of its EV efforts. It was named after America’s most iconic sports car, the Mustang, which was launched in 1964. Ford already has what is probably the worst warranty record among very large…
Early Signs The Iran War Is Triggering Another Mideast Refugee Crisis
Early Signs The Iran War Is Triggering Another Mideast Refugee Crisis The United Nations has warned that the Iran-Israel war could trigger a new refugee crisis in the Middle East, saying that if things keep escalating and people flea, there is no quick way back to their home countries. UNHCR, the UN’s refugee agency, says…
I Owe $30,000 to Social Security After Going Back to Work – Is My Life Over?
It’s shocking and horrifying to get a surprise tax bill from the IRS, especially if it’s in the five figures. In this piece, we’ll look at the case of a Reddit user who was receiving Social Security benefits but went back to work, complicating things and resulting in a big, fat IRS debt. Undoubtedly, there…
Adopt AI or Perish
This post Adopt AI or Perish appeared first on Daily Reckoning. Artificial intelligence is set to bring about a shift similar in magnitude to the two major industrial revolutions. Here in the U.S., and throughout much of the world, OpenAI remains dominant in the field. Its ChatGPT AI platform has built a commanding lead. But…
How Housing Bubble #2 Bursts?
How Housing Bubble #2 Bursts? Authored by Charles Hugh Smith via OfTwoMinds blog, Corporate / private equity / STVR investors are all fair-weather owners of housing. Let’s indulge in some basic logic: 1. All credit-asset bubbles burst. 2. U.S. housing is a credit-asset bubble. 3. The U.S. housing bubble will burst. The only variables are…
High-Yield Dividend Stocks Down Over 10%: 1 to Buy and 1 to Avoid
Key Points in This Article: High-yield dividend stocks, especially REITs, attract investors with robust income streams, offering yields above 5% to counter 2025’s economic uncertainty and inflation. Quality REITs with sustainable payouts and low debt provide stability, but high-yield traps risk dividend cuts amid housing slowdowns and elevated interest rates. Selecting one REIT with a…
Social Security: Fact vs Fiction
Key Points There’s a lot of misinformation about Social Security out there. It’s important to separate fact from fiction when you’re working and when you’re getting close to claiming benefits. Educating yourself could help you make the most of this crucial program. 4 million Americans are set to retire this year. If you want to…
I Am Fully Invested: My Journey to 18,658 ULTY and Retirement Planning
One of the biggest trends of late among income-oriented investors has been the surge of popularity for YieldMax exchange traded funds (ETFs) and for their competitors’ EtFs, attempting to use similar strategies. By using the option derivatives market to artificially create a dividend income stream for its volatile stock and index-pegged ETFs, YieldMax has created…
Putin Says ‘All Of Ukraine Is Ours’ In Theory, Raises Possible Sumy Takeover
Putin Says ‘All Of Ukraine Is Ours’ In Theory, Raises Possible Sumy Takeover While much of global diplomacy as well as media coverage is currently focused on the now over week-long aerial war over the Middle East between Iran and Israel, President Vladimir Putin issued important remarks on the future of the ‘special military operation’ in…
Israel Operates 348 U.S. Made Fighters and Helicopters To Assist In A War With Iran
Key Points Out of Middle Eastern militaries, Israel ranks fairly high in terms of its strength–much of this having to do with its air force The IDF primarily uses the F-16 Sufa, a fairly versatile fighter jet introduced in 2004 with roughly 220 in active service Apart from the Sufa and the Eagle, The IDF…
Norway’s Government Explores Crypto-Mining Ban Amid Energy Supply Concerns
Norway’s Government Explores Crypto-Mining Ban Amid Energy Supply Concerns Authored by Turner Wright via CoinTelegraph.com, The government of Norway is considering a temporary ban on crypto mining in the country in an effort to “free up power, network capacity and area for other purposes.” In a Friday notice, the Norwegian government said it would be conducting an…
IVV, VOO, SPY, FXAIX – how do I pick one, and does it really matter?
Key Points It’s important to maintain a diverse investment portfolio. Investing in the S&P 500 index is a good way to do that. If you’re not sure which S&P 500 fund to buy, you may want to favor the lowest expense ratio. Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you…
Wall Street Expert Calls For Another 50% Gain For Apple Stock
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) stock has been one of the biggest laggards in the Magnificent Seven in recent years. The company is playing it slow and steady with Apple Intelligence, and as it opens up its wallet to move a portion of iPhone manufacturing to India, there isn’t much to get excited about. But it’s times like…
Forget NVIDIA And Buy These 2 Millionaire Maker AI Stocks Now
Artificial Intelligence will be the future and has led to a massive demand for AI chips. These chips have microscopic circuits that help make the most of the advanced technology. When it comes to AI, we’re still only scratching the surface. It has massive growth potential and an opportunity to make the most of the…
Why Settle for 4%? These Monthly Payers Yield Double That
The “4% rule” can keep many income investors safe, especially with all the double-digit percentage yielding dividend traps out there that lure yield-hungry investors into a one-two punch of pain (dividend cuts and capital depreciation). While not every ultra-high yielder (think yields north of 8% or even 10%) will put you into the danger zone,…
Walmart Remains Price Discount Juggernaut
Walmart Remains Price Discount Juggernaut Cash-strapped consumers are pulling back on spending—particularly on big-ticket items—as economic uncertainty and tariff risks continue to plague outlooks and squeeze household budgets. Goldman’s latest grocery pricing survey for June offers a clear framework for value-seeking shoppers: among all major supermarkets, Walmart remains the most competitively priced, especially for perishable goods. Goldman analysts,…
YMAG’s 49% Yield on Tech Giants: A Smart Play or Overhyped?
Key Points in This Article: YieldMax Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs‘ (YMAG) 49% yield, driven by covered call strategies on Magnificent Seven stocks, attracts income-focused investors seeking weekly payouts in volatile markets. Its diversified ETF structure and Treasury-backed stability reduce single-stock risk, but return of capital distributions and a 32% NAV drop signal…
The Censorship-Industrial Complex Has Now Become Self-Perpetuating
The Censorship-Industrial Complex Has Now Become Self-Perpetuating Authored by ‘Eugyppius’ via ‘A Plague Chronicle’, I’ve covered a lot of speech crime indictments here at the plague chronicle. Before Covid, these things hardly ever happened. Occasionally you’d find the odd article about a dumb tourist who was cited for throwing a Nazi salute in public or…
Almost Half of This Group of Americans Owns a Gun
Americans have varied reasons for gun ownership. These reasons include hunting, protection, sport shooting, and collecting. Some owners need them for their jobs; law enforcement and soldiers keep a side arm and usually some type of shotgun. A 2023 Gallup survey stated that 42% of Americans personally own a firearm. There are approximately 120.5 guns…
Avoid All Korean Car Brands Except These 4
The Korean luxury automaker known as Genesis Motor Europe is undergoing a massive expansion into several new countries. Customer deliveries are expected to begin in France, Spain, and the Netherlands by the beginning of 2026. This is Genesis’ most widespread European expansion since its inception in 2021. The electric car brand plans to bring its…
4 BofA Securities Strong Buy Growth 10 Stocks Also Pay Reliable Dividends
Investors love growth stocks that also pay big and reliable dividends because they provide dependable passive income streams and an excellent opportunity for solid total return. Total return includes interest, capital gains, dividends, and distributions realized over time. In other words, the total return on an investment or portfolio consists of income and stock appreciation….
Syria Makes First Bank Transfer Via SWIFT Since War
Syria Makes First Bank Transfer Via SWIFT Since War All it took for Syria to get back in the global dollar regime was for Al Qaeda to take over. Reuters reports that Syria completed its first international bank transaction through the SWIFT system since the onset of its 14-year civil war, its central bank governor…
NATO’s Procurement Corruption Scandal Might Delay Its Rapid Militarization Plans
NATO’s Procurement Corruption Scandal Might Delay Its Rapid Militarization Plans Authored by Andrew Korybko via Substack, Member states might eschew the NATO Support and Procurement Agency’s services, thus delaying their military purchases, which could delay the bloc’s rapid militarization plans if enough of them do this so as to avoid having to pay more if…
These Counties Will Have Supercharged Population Growth Over The Next 75 Years
Key Points According to new population projections, 20 counties will gain over 1.2 million new residents each by 2100. Growth is centering around the urban and suburban cores of large metro areas. The county with the greatest projected growth will add a net 6 million new residents by 2100. Where will your assets be in…
The U.S. Cities People Are Leaving In Droves
Key Points Over the past 10 years, the U.S. population grew by 6.7%. Growth was highly uneven, with 14,000 of 29,000 cities registering declines in population. Of the 40 cities with the largest population declines, 16 are in the South and 13 are in the Midwest. Planning a move in your financial future? Click here…
Escobar: Iran Now First Line Of Defense For BRICS & The Global South
Escobar: Iran Now First Line Of Defense For BRICS & The Global South Authored by Pepe Escobar, This is as serious as it gets. Let’s survey the chessboard – from micro to macro… The crying shadow in the funeral dance,The loud lament of the disconsolate chimera. T. S. Eliot, Burnt Norton Israel’s shock’n’awe on Iran…
These Are The Biggest Tech Talent Hubs In The World
These Are The Biggest Tech Talent Hubs In The World The global tech talent landscape is becoming increasingly decentralized as fast-growing hubs across Asia, Europe, and beyond rival traditional strongholds like Silicon Valley in size. This map, via Visual Capitalist’s Kayla Zhu, shows the top global tech talent hubs in the world by number of…
The Real National Emergency: Endless Wars, Failing Infrastructure, & A Dying Republic
The Real National Emergency: Endless Wars, Failing Infrastructure, & A Dying Republic Authored by John Whitehead and Nisha Whitegead via The Rutherford Institute, “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are…
Lake Mead Is America’s Deadliest National Park
Lake Mead Is America’s Deadliest National Park On April 13, Arizona Hot Springs and Goldstrike Trails in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area announced the closing of several trails after one death and the rescue of several hikers under extremely hot temperatures. The incident showcases the dangers that National Parks and similar wilderness areas pose to visitors, especially…
The Coward’s Bargain: How We Taught A Generation To Live In Fear
The Coward’s Bargain: How We Taught A Generation To Live In Fear Authored by Josh Stylman via Substack, Everyone’s Afraid to Speak Someone our family has known forever recently told my sister that they’ve been reading my Substack and that if they wrote the things I write, people would call them crazy. I got a…
Flying Fatalities Are Extremely Rare
Flying Fatalities Are Extremely Rare Investigations into the cause of last week’s deadly Air India plane crash are currently underway, with the cockpit voice recorder in the plane’s second black box having now been recovered. All but one of the 242 people aboard the Air India 171 flight bound for London-Gatwick on June 12 were…
7 California Men Indicted In ‘Largest Jewelry Heist In US History’
7 California Men Indicted In ‘Largest Jewelry Heist In US History’ Authored by Jill McLauglin via The Epoch Times, Two of seven California men suspected of helping orchestrate the “largest jewelry heist in U.S. history” were ordered by a federal judge on June 17 to be detained until trial, a spokesperson for the local U.S. Attorney’s…
Defense Takes Center Stage At Paris Air Show As Goldman Bullish On JDAM Bombs
Defense Takes Center Stage At Paris Air Show As Goldman Bullish On JDAM Bombs The 2025 Paris Air Show, Europe’s biggest air show, is nearing an end as Airbus announced a flurry of new plane orders while Boeing dialed back its presence to focus on last week’s Air India 787 Dreamliner crash. Reuters estimates Airbus has…
You cannot have it both ways
You can be a realist or an idealist, but you cannot have it both ways. A few weeks back, I heard Kevin Hassett being interviewed on NPR. At one point, he claimed that economics textbooks explain that tariffs do not raise prices. I’m pretty sure that Hassett knows that this is not the case, that…
Loss of Narrative Control: How State Power Struggles Against Free Speech
Loss of Narrative Control: How State Power Struggles Against Free Speech Submitted by Thomas Kolbe The state is losing control over the dominant narratives in the competition of prevailing stories. Its apparatus of power responds predictably invasively and reveals its hostility toward dissenting opinions. The German Bundestag’s Vice President Bodo Ramelow calls for stricter control…
