Chris Temple, Editor and Publisher of the National Investor, joins us to review the macroeconomic trends that are moving the markets, and his outlook on gold, silver, copper, critical minerals, oil, and the related resource equities. We start off discussing recent fiscal and monetary policy in the US and abroad. Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, recently intervened in the Japanese Yen, but it was largely ineffectual, as was the fiscal policy to try and control the long-end of the yield curve. Both initiatives were quickly reversed by the bond vigilantes. New Fed head, Kevin Warsh has lost some of his political capital by failing to hike rates, as inflation has crept higher, and the tone in the market is shifting slightly from shrugging all this off, to considering the challenges ahead. Chris outlines that while the Fed maintains it is an independent organization, there is going to be increased coordination and alliance between the US Treasury Department and theUS central bank. Shifting over to commodities, we discuss the strong rally throughout the month of August in gold, silver, and precious metals equities in response to those macro forces. Chris had warned subscribers earlier in the year that things had become overbought and gotten ahead of themselves and to fade that rally, anticipating a medium-term sector pullback. He pointed out the corrective move in the PM sector, was then exacerbated by the war in Iran, when many felt that would be a bullish driver for gold and silver. One positive he highlights is that now gold and silver have started to ignore the higher interest rates and war, and focus more on the sovereign debt loads of nations around the world that are running out of options, desperate to stem the selling of bonds, and likely going to try and inflate their way out of the stagflation. Next we shifted over to trends within copper, and the broad basket of Critical Minerals, where Chris makes the point that one can’t paint them all with a broad brush, as some have unique fundamental or macro drivers. With regards to copper, he outlines that beyond the AI data center build out mania, EVs, and many popular narratives, that copper is still mostly needed for basic infrastructure build out, real estate construction, and the electrification of the developing world. Chris flags a few copper companies, preferring the opportunities in the advanced explorers and developers like Gunnison Copper Corp. (TSX: GCU) (OTCQB: GCUMF), Abitibi Metals Corp.(CSE: AMQ) (OTCQB: AMQFF), and Power Metallic Mines Inc. (TSXV: PNPN) (OTCBB: PNPNF) As far as the smaller niche’ critical minerals sector, he reiterates that a lot of the reality is still around Chinese export controls, and the lack of viable alternatives for supply and processing in the west. We discuss this administration’s policy initiatives, executive orders, and funding support to help advance some domestic projects. While he concedes this is the best tailwind for extractive industries in our lifetime, he also points out that it is not nearly enough money, support, or urgency, and much of what has been announced may very well get reversed if there are sweeping changes in congress for the upcoming mid-term elections. Wrapping up, we get into the ongoing war with Iran, continued chokepoint in the Strait of Hormuz, longer-term damage to infrastructure, and what it all means to the energy sector. Chris explains what has kept the oil prices more subdued than many would have anticipated considering the supply shock hitting the world, but the highlights the very wide crack spreads between oil and refined products like diesel. The higher prices at the gas pumps, and record diesel prices are going to pressure consumers and businesses as this year progresses, and that inflation is going to impact Fed monetary policy and interest rates in a sustained way. Chris remains animated by the energy stocks and is holding on to them in his portfolio. Click here to follow along with Chris at the National Investor website. For more market commentary & interview summaries, subscribe to our Substacks: The KE Report: https://kereport.substack.com/ Shad’s resource market commentary: https://excelsiorprosperity.substack.com/ Investment disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Investing in equities and commodities involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Guests and hosts may own shares in companies mentioned.
