Tag Archives: Student Loans

Jan 8 2024

He’s Baaaaack – Obama Has Deep Concerns About Biden’s Ability to Defeat Trump and Protect the Deep State System He Built


Posted originally on the CTH on January 7, 2024 | Sundance 

I think deep down all intellectually honest political researchers knew The Lightbringer could not possibly permit: (a) Joe Biden to try winning an election on his own without fraud; and (b) the scale of risk that Donald Trump represents.  There is far too much personal risk to the Obama embeds who have weaponized the systems of government.

The media are now reporting that Chicago Jesus has stepped back into the arena.

There was a report in the Washington Post outlining the Obama concerns, and NBC has confirmed some of the details. [Short Video then article]:

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After reviewing the WaPo article, I’ll show you what I think is triggering the Lightbringer.

WASHINGTON DC – Former president Barack Obama has raised questions about the structure of President Biden’s reelection campaign, discussing the matter directly with Biden and telling the president’s aides and allies the campaign needs to be empowered to make decisions without clearing them with the White House, according to three people familiar with the conversations.

Obama grew “animated” in discussing the 2024 election and former president Donald Trump’s potential return to power, one of the people said, and has suggested to Biden’s advisers that the campaign needs more top-level decision-makers at its headquarters in Wilmington, Del. — or it must empower the people already in place. Obama has not recommended specific individuals, but he has mentioned David Plouffe, who managed Obama’s 2008 race, as the type of senior strategist needed at the Biden campaign.

Obama’s conversation with Biden on the subject took place during a private lunch at the White House in recent months, one of the people said, a meeting that has not been previously reported. Biden, who has long used Obama as a sounding board, invited his former boss to lunch, and the two discussed a range of topics including the 2024 election. (read more)

The rest of the article is blah, blah, blah… talking about David Plouffe possibly joining Team Biden to lead the reelection.   Yes, that David Plouffe.

If you have not been following CTH research and election road mapping, you might not have the accurate context for the next part.  So, a brief summary:

In 2020 in order to avoid Bernie Sanders, The Lightbringer and South Carolina’s James Clyburn agreed to merge BLM with AME. [Biden was oblivious] BLM would use George Floyd to activate action – the AME church network would use their implanted precinct captains. Chicago Jesus/Clyburn then agreed to Kamala. Shortly before Super Tuesday they told pudding brain, who had no options.  Then Obama got on the phone, organized the exit strategy for the other candidates, and made the promises of the precursory indulgences they would receive.   The bringer of all progressive enlightenment told Elizabeth Warren to stay in a little longer to ensure the Sanders (progressive) group was divided, and Super Tuesday went as planned.  That’s how 2020 rolled.  The AME team then fabricated the ballots as needed in the general.

So, what’s happened recently that has Obama triggered?

Ask James Clyburn….. WATCH:

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Obama and Clyburn are worried about Trump’s appeal to black voters.  Specifically, if the BLM/AME network will activate as strongly in 2024 – given the potential for scrutiny as the AME precinct group in Philly, Fulton, Racine, Clark, Wayne and Pittsburgh counties might be nervous about doing the ballot scheme again.

That’s it.

That’s the fear.

[ps. My guess is the BLM ’24 trigger event will be activated by the FBI on/around April 19th.]

Dec 12 2023

The Second-Largest Contributor to US Private Debt


Posted originally on Dec 12, 2023 By Martin Armstrong 

Car in Driveway

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s data shows that auto loans have surpassed student loans, becoming the second-largest debt burden for U.S. consumers. Auto loan debt has reached $1.582 trillion, exceeding the $1.569 trillion in student loan debt. This surge in auto loan debt is attributed to rising vehicle prices, leading consumers to take out larger loans at higher rates.

Lenders have responded to this trend by tightening restrictions on auto financing, with approximately 30% of lenders reporting significantly tighter lending standards. The pressure for companies to switch to EVs and inventory shortages have contributed to the increase in vehicle pricing, resulting in consumers financing more expensive vehicles.

At the same time, the government is moving full speed ahead to reach their target of 50%+ EVs by 2030. Thousands of auto dealers have penned the Biden Administration to explain how this policy is significantly hurting their business. The public is drowning in debt over mostly gas-powered purchases, and EVs are significantly more expensive to purchase and maintain. Car manufacturers are focused on producing cars of the future rather than autos that fit the budget and lifestyle of the middle class.

Bidenomics believes student debt should be waived for those who knowingly took on the debt. Will those supporting Bidenomics also push to forgive this mounting auto debt? Like diplomas, people may realize their EVs cost more than they’re worth and they cannot keep up the payments. Perhaps the public, including those who do not own cars, should subsidize these car purchases through taxes since that is the same premise as student loan forgiveness.

The World Economic Forum is in partnership with global governments to end private car ownership by 2050. Owning a car is becoming an increasing luxury. Insurance costs could be a topic for another time as most states have seen their premiums skyrocket. Major cities around the globe like London and New York City are implementing congestion and traffic taxes as well.

Decades ago, someone could purchase a nice car with less than a month’s pay. Kelly Blue Book states that the average price of a new car was $48,008 as of March 2023, which is 27.8% more than pre-COVID pricing. The average cost of a crossover or SUV now ranges between $30,353 and $74,502, with costs rising by over 6% every year since 2020. We will see car ownership become an increasing luxury.

Dec 7 2023

Cost Of Living Outpaces Wage Increases


Posted originally on Dec 7, 2023 By Martin Armstrong 

Powell Fed Got Inflation Wrong Nov 2021

A recent study by Achieve revealed that despite a 37% increase in income, many Americans are facing financial challenges due to rising costs and high interest rates, leading to a surge in personal debt. The average monthly participation in debt resolution programs increased by 119% in the first nine months of 2023 compared to 2020. Wages are rising but they simply cannot keep up with the growing cost of living.

The typical household income of individuals enrolled in debt resolution programs was $59,900 in 2023, a notable increase from $43,598 three years prior. The study’s findings reflect the impact of inflation, a challenging interest rate environment, and the winding down of government stimulus on consumer debt levels. The report underscores the need for measures to address the rising debt burden and its potential impact on income growth.

The study also found that people are facing financial hardship significantly earlier in life. The average age of someone facing debt resolution was 52 in 2020, but that age has since decreased to 44 in 2023. Nearly 40% of people entering debt resolution programs are Millennials, which is also the age demographic of those with the sharpest increase of credit card delinquencies. Nearly everyone is living on credit as balances rose $154 billion YoY, marking the most significant increase since 1999.

No one feels relieves when new inflation reports are released. Governments can release whatever data they like but the fact remains that the price of EVERYTHING has become too much to maintain. Inflation allegedly peaked in June 2022 at 9.1% but I cannot think of anything that has dramatically decreased in price since then.

Dec 7 2023

Should Argentina Peg its Currency to the Dollar?


Posted originally on Dec 6, 2023 By Martin Armstrong 

Monetary System 2

QUESTION: What about Argentina willing to peg pesos to USD? THANKS for all you are doing for us! ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND FAMILY

TD

ANSWER: First and foremost, what collapsed Bretton Woods and the gold standard was persistent deficit spending. They fixed the price of gold to $35 but then spent recklessly every year. you CANNOT have a fixed exchange rate, a pegged exchange rate, or any sort of a gold standard as long as you retain a Marxist/Socialist agenda where you spend more than you have.

In addition, any Pegging of a currency is significantly different than a Fixed Exchange Rate. Under a Fixed Exchange Rate, the main purpose is to facilitate trade. However, you are not expressly subordinating your economy to the economic trend of everyone else in the system. Each nation is still independent, and if their balance of payments falls out of line, then they alone have a monetary crisis.

Henry VIII Debased Groats

Sir Thomas Gresham was the agent for the English Crown in Amsterdam, the Wall Street of Europe at that time. Henry VIII was debasing the currency, and nobody wanted to lend money to him, fearing that what they would be repaid with was debased. Hence, Gresham’s law.

Pegging to the dollar Pegged

A Pegged currency is far worse for the host currency’s economic conditions are imported. If Argentina pegs to the USD, then raising or lowering interest rates by the Fed and the boom-bust business cycle are automatically exported to Argentina. It would be better to peg to a basket of currencies that would be a hybrid system closer to a fixed currency regime for trade.

Napoleon Single Currency 1024x675
970 Nero

Napoleon had actually summoned the best minds and talents from all over Europe into his service. His court was deliberately filled with able men from all over Europe: Dutch, German, Italian, and even Polish. These foreigners worked in the highest offices of his imperial civil service – not exclusively French.

It was Napoleon who created the first single currency in Europe following the Roman Empire. He standardized the weight of the coins so that 40 francs equaled 40 Lire in Italy and 320 Reales in Spain. This was really Napoleon’s idea of resurrecting the Roman empire. Please take note of his coinage. He is pictured wearing a laurel wreath as a Roman emperor. He was far more than just a general. The new movie was interesting, but they overlooked his economic decisions, which were decades ahead of anyone else in Europe.

Latin Monetary Union

The unification of Europe was the accomplishment of Julius Caesar. However, it was Napoleon who standardized the monetary system post-Rome after the Dark Age, which became the inspiration for the Latin Monetary Union by 1865 and later the Gold Standard post World War II.

EuropeanGoldCoinage 1803 1947 R

Even the United States’ $5 gold coinage was equivalent to the standardization of world coinage during the 19th century.

Nov 24 2023

Black Friday – A Key Weekend for Retailers


Posted originally on Nov 24, 2023 By Martin Armstrong 

Recession

Retailers have been preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday all year. The tradition of post-Thanksgiving shopping has spread internationally with companies throughout the world promoting special sales. The National Federation of Retailers in America predicts that 2023 will be one of the busiest shopping holidays in the nation’s history.

Around 182 million shoppers are expected to make purchases from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, marking a 15.7 million uptick from 2022. This also marks the highest estimate since the organization began compiling data in 2017. Despite inflation, 61% of 8,424 respondents to a poll said the deals presented are too good to pass on.

The bulk of spending is expected to occur on Black Friday with 130.7 million participants, followed by Cyber Monday which is expected to attract 71.1 million shoppers. Half of shoppers will be searching for presents for the upcoming holidays. In total, retail spending in November and December will reach up to $966.6 billion.

“The Thanksgiving holiday weekend marks some of the busiest shopping days of the year, as consumers enjoy the tradition of shopping for the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Retailers have been preparing for months for this occasion. They are stocked and ready to help customers find the gifts and other items they want at great prices during the entire holiday season.”

Although consumer spending accounts for 2/3 of GDP, the majority of Americans are living off of credit due to record inflation. So while people are spending during this 5-day holiday in anticipation of tomorrow’s price being higher, consumer spending at this point in time merely adds to the private debt crisis sweeping the nation.

Nov 5 2023

Interview: Gold and the Dollar will Rise Together Re-Posted Nov 5, 2023 By Martin Armstrong 


Watch the video above or click here to watch my latest interview with Goldseek Radio.

Head of Armstrong Economics, Martin Armstrong, outlines his gold market projections in lieu of unraveling geopolitical conditions.

Armstrong says, “You have a lot of uncertainty and confusing trends developing. When this materializes in people understanding what’s happening…the dollar and gold would go up together. Because you are looking at a flight of capital. Some people want to buy gold, some people want to get out of Europe, etc. Not everybody does the same thing. The two trends will come together. That’s what our computer is projecting, and it’s happened many times in history.”

– Epic gold breakout ahead!
– Convergence of economic themes – recession next year and escalating conflicts?
– Comments on crude oil.
– On the cusp of WWIII by 2025?
– How to foment de-escalation within the ranks of the power-hungry elite.
– Might societal decay accelerate?
– Tangible assets are key to surviving collapse.
– 90% silver coins remain an ideal survival investment.

Oct 4 2023

A Strong Possibility Twitter Will IPO and Go Public Again, Here’s Why


Posted originally on the CTH on October 3, 2023 | Sundance 

I wasn’t going to write about this, but so many requests and contacts have come in, and considering that my background conversations with people are leading to actionable positioning, that I feel it is only fair to share publicly what I am analyzing privately.

The predicate for all assumptions is several fold: {Go Deep One} and {Go Deep Two}. Most of the financial groundwork for analysis already exists. In summary, Elon paid $44 billion for the platform. Current valuations are around $15 billion.  Current debt service is $1.5 billion/yr (roughly $100m/mo).  Current expenses include $100m/yr AWS, $100m/yr Goog cloud (both contracts), +payroll and misc.

Approximately 9 months ago, Musk had $1 billion in cash reserve for Twitter.  The burn rate deficit was roughly $100m/month. That put timeline estimates for an inflection point on/around October 2023.  It is now October 2023.

Approximately a week ago, Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino made a bold statement.  Yaccarino stated that from her review of the current status, Twitter would start to turn a profit in the first quarter of 2024 {link}.  However, with $100 million per month in debt service alone, this statement seemed too far of a stretch.  At pre-musk levels of revenue, maybe; but that $1.5 billion debt service is a heavy nut to carry.

Timing – Remember, it’s October.  Last Friday, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) gave special regulatory approval to Bill Ackman’s firm, Pershing Square (hedge fund), for a new investment vessel called SPARC, whose purpose is to invest in private companies in order to take them public.  As noted by CNBC, “In a SPARC, investors will know what company the financing vehicle would be used to merge with before they have to pledge their investments.”  The financial mechanism avoids some of the issues with typical IPO’s.

•It’s October, inflection time.  •Yaccarino says a strategy is underway for profitability in Q1 2024.  •Ackman gets SPARC approval, and then suddenly:

[…] “The answer is I have a lot of respect for Musk. I think Twitter is a really important platform,” Ackman told CNBC. “I think he’s made tremendous improvements to the platform, and I think it’s a unique, very difficult-to-disrupt, kind of asset and one that could grow.” 

[…] Though Musk hasn’t expressed any interest in working with Ackman to take X public, and despite the $13 billion in debt tacked to the company, Ackman has worked out a loose plan to make it happen, if Musk were interested. 

“What’s interesting here is we could commit $2 billion to a transaction, set the rights price to $121 million, set it at $100 a share and announce a transaction,” he said. 

“And then we tell the story and then the rights holders have a chance to decide whether to invest. As long as the rights have positive value, they’re all going to get exercised, and the IPO raises $13 billion.” (read more)

The heavy nut disappears.

Investors roll the debt into discounted shares of stock.  If Ackman can generate a $17-$20 billion outcome for Twitter, Musk nets $5b and retains 20-25% of shares.  Yaccarino gets well compensated.  It’s a win/win/win.

Critics would say the IPO would mean Musk compromising on the free speech commitment.  However, in reality Musk has already reinstalled many of the control mechanisms of the previous “safety council,” along with the “freedom of speech, not freedom of reach” outlook.  Musk and Yaccarino have also partnered with the Global Disinformation Index.

The compromises are already baked into the platform, and seemingly have been since Yaccarino became CEO.  The 2024 election is next year, and influence is a lucrative business.

Sep 30 2023

Frances Fox Piven vs. Milton Friedman, Thomas Sowell (Video 1980)


Armstrong Economics Blog/Uncategorized R-Posted Sep 30, 2023 by Martin Armstrong

https://youtube.com/watch?v=JQkdSj6arn0%3Ffeature%3Doembed
Sep 17 2023

The Birth of the US Dollar


Armstrong Economics Blog/USD $ Re-Posted Sep 17, 2023 by Martin Armstrong

Thomas Jefferson Act of Congress Signed as Secretary of State, January 14th, 1793,

Second Congress of the United States (1743-1826)

As Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson amended a previous Act, “establishing a Mint and regulating the Coins of the United States,” establishing the copper weight specifications for the first US coins issued in 1793 – the Cent and Half Cent. This is a document from our collection on the Monetary System of the World, establishes the birth of the US dollar authorizing the first issue of the coinage of the United States. It is unique and of tremendous historical importance.

The first copper coins created by the new United States of America were introduced into circulation in March of 1793. This document is signed “Th’ Jefferson” as Secretary of State and countersigned (in type) by George Washington as President, John Adams as Vice President and President of the Senate, and Jonathan Trumbull as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“Second Congress of the United States: At the Second Session, begun and held at the City of Philadelphia, in the state of Pennsylvania, on Monday, the fifth of November, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two. An act establishing a Mint, and regulating the coins of the United States, so far as respects the Coinage of Copper.”

“Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That every cent shall contain two hundred and eight grains of copper, and every half cent shall contain one hundred and four grains of copper; and that so much of the act ‘An act establishing a mint, and regulating the coins of the United States,’ as respects the weight of cents and half cents, shall be, and the same is hereby repealed…. Approved January fourteenth 1793…”

Sep 7 2023

Tucker Carlson Interviews Larry Sinclair About Cocaine, and Oral Sex with Barack Obama in Limo and Hotel


Posted originally on the CTH on September 7, 2023 | Sundance 

Tucker Carlson interviews Larry Sinclair, the man who had drug-fueled sex with Barack Obama in Chicago. {Direct Rumble Link}

In the Chicago gay circles, it was well known that Barack Obama liked to receive oral sex from older white men with grey hair.  That’s why many people held a side-eye when Obama and Florida Governor Charlie Crist were visibly hugging in 2009.

Larry Sinclair goes into details about people, places and events surrounding the times that he and Barack Obama were together.   Sinclair also notes that Donald Young, the gay choir director from Jerimiah Wright’s church, was the person selected by Obama to make contact with Sinclair and clean up the issue.

https://rumble.com/embed/v3cuwfl/?pub=as0d9