Alternative News

Why bitcoin has a firm foothold in the online gambling world

"What’s interesting in bitcoin-based gambling sites is how many of them are possibly more transparent than traditional casinos or other online sites. That’s because with the block chain being a public ledger, all that an inquisitive gambler would need to do is follow the transactions from a site’s bitcoin address. It’s no wonder, then, that sites like SatoshiDice show the latest plays being transacted on the site and claim to be 'provably trustworthy'. In addition, some sites even publish how they implement their random number generator. BitSaloon, for example, defines itself as a 'provably fair casino' meaning that the site operators cannot modify the outcome of any particular game." Continue reading →

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Gold’s Protective Power In Action: India’s Ongoing Currency Destruction

"Although the Indian currency has been falling against the dollar for four decades now, it certainly is in an accelerating downtrend lately. The following paragraphs, quotes and charts paint a picture of a country desperately trying to save its economy and currency. The victims of this situation are of course the citizens. In their attempt to run to gold, they are stopped by their own government. How ironic is this situation when looking as an outsider. Did you ask yourself: am I prepared if this situation hits my country? In this global currency war, that just started two years ago and is expected to last till at least 2020, every country will be hit sooner or later. Are you prepared?" Continue reading →

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India Bans All Gold Coin Imports, Increases Capital Controls

"Not satisfied with raising import tariffs on gold and putting in place jarring new FX flow capital controls, it seems the war on a weakening Rupee continues. We previously discussed the unintended consequence of such actions - including the rise of the gold smuggler - but the latest total ban on the importation of gold coins and medallions is edging India closer and closer to the Argentinian edge of Cristina Fernandez totalitarianism (after the initial ban on sales in June). In an effort to 'moderate outflows' of Rupee, the Indian central bank slashed the amount of money families can send out of the country per year to $75k and limited overseas investment to 100% of net worth (from 400%)." Continue reading →

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How To Cash Checks From America’s Water Needs

"In the most recent study and analysis by the EPA, 73,400 water systems are at risk of putting contaminated water into homes, businesses and agricultural operations across the nation. Fixing the problems is expected to cost at least $384 billion — but we won’t really know until we actually dig into the water systems… many of which were built a century or more ago. Then there’s the matter of aging piping. Every day, on average, there are 850 water main breaks. Since 2000, the number of failed water pipes is some 4.2 million. Fixing all the known pipe problems would cost another $549 billion. These are fixes required by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act." Continue reading →

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Paulson Offsets Gold Bullion ETF Sale with Gold Swaps

"Hedge fund manager and gold bull John Paulson made headlines this week after regulatory filings revealed he cut his stake in the largest bullion-backed ETF by more than half in the second quarter. However, Paulson offset much of the sale by buying gold swaps in the over-the-counter market, the Financial Times reports, sourcing a person familiar with the matter. 'Paulson & Co.’s decision to shift a chunk of its gold holdings out of the ETF and into the OTC market reflects the relative costs of the two,' the FT reports. GLD charges an expense ratio of 0.40%." Continue reading →

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Ecuador: Is it nuts to invest here?

"Since coming to power in 2007, Correa has voluntarily defaulted on the country’s debt, rewritten terms for natural resource companies and steadily pushed up taxes for imported goods. Unsurprisingly, most multinationals have taken the hint and left the country. Foreign direct investment now stands at less than 1% of GDP – the lowest in the region apart from Venezuela. But today, I want to tell you why I reckon that could be about to change and throw up some exciting – though risky – investment opportunities in the region. In the last few years, Ecuador has been one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, with GDP averaging 6.7% since the start of 2011. " Continue reading →

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Don’t Fear the Taper

"Currently, the Fed is buying $85 billion a month in bonds and mortgage backed securities. If this was reduced by, say, $10 billion, it will be lauded as a 'taper.' But is it really? In my opinion, it’s still expansionary and inflationary. To the small cap sector, the data shows that it doesn’t matter. The positive performance of small caps after a rate-hike makes for a convincing argument. Different investors will recommend different strategies. Incorporating the smaller stocks in your investment portfolio might be something to consider if you fear the taper — or not." Continue reading →

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Europe Puts on Its Rally Cap

"Positive surprises and improving economic growth aren’t the only indications that the region’s economy is becoming healthier. Manufacturing appears to be on the mend. Europe has low valuations compared with the rest of the world. Take a look at the normalized price-earnings (P/E) ratio, which is trading at 'close to a record valuation low,' according to Morgan Stanley Research. Compared with U.S. stocks and world equities, European stocks are trading at a significant discount. So as countries including Germany, France and Italy recover, we have solid reasons to believe their eastern counterparts will enjoy a boost as well." Continue reading →

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Where is This Legendary Investor Putting His Money?

"Although Jeremy Grantham is not as celebrated as Warren Buffett or Jim Rogers, his status as a legend in the investment world is undisputed. Grantham is the co-founder and chief investment strategist at Grantham Mayo van Otterloo (GMO), where he oversees $100 billion in assets under management. He has built much of his investing reputation over his long career by successfully steering his clients away from bubbles and crashes. Grantham recently published his outlook for the next seven years. In it, he predicts that most asset classes will return little in the next few years. But there are a few exceptions." Continue reading →

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Jim Rogers: Financial Calamity – It’s Coming, Be Worried, Be Careful

Jim Rogers: Financial Calamity – It’s Coming, Be Worried, Be Careful

"Multi-millionaire investor Jim Rogers predicts, 'They're going to take money wherever they can. . . . They're going to take our bank accounts and retirement accounts.' Rogers concludes by saying, 'We've had perilous times, and it's going to get worse. . . It's coming, be worried, be careful.' Join Greg Hunter as he goes One-on-One with Jim Rogers, author of 'Street Smarts, Adventures on the Road and in the Markets.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingJim Rogers: Financial Calamity – It’s Coming, Be Worried, Be Careful