Minor Issues

Mark Thornton
  • 4.9 (14)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Succinct economic commentary by Dr. Mark Thornton, senior fellow at the Mises Institute.

  1. JAN 3

    Silver’s Growing Pains

    Mark Thornton kicks off 2026 with the new Minor Issues prediction contest (stocks vs. manure) and a hard look at the monetary-metals squeeze. Mark explains why $50 silver triggered “growing pains”: spot–futures disconnects, margin hikes, empty coin shops, and weird retail premiums. As investor demand collides with industrial stockpiling, price spikes invite political scapegoating (“hoarders!”) and intervention that backfires. Expect more meddling before genuine market adjustments can work. Enter the 2026 Stocks vs. Manure Prediction Contest at https://mises.org/form/stocks-vs-manure-2026 Be sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues

  2. 12/29/2025

    Underinvested Commodities, Overhyped AI: Reading 2026 the Austrian Way

    Mark Thornton appears on Metals and Miners with Gary Bohm. They explore the Federal Reserve's policies, geopolitical impacts, commodity underinvestment, AI's economic role, precious metals like gold and silver, stock market valuations, and the path to prosperity through free markets. Mark shares Austrian economics perspectives on the 2026 outlook, deflation benefits, and why government intervention fails. Be sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues

  3. 12/20/2025

    Looking Back and Forth

    The Minor Issues year-end episode: what 2025 really taught us and what 2026 may bring. Mark Thornton revisits tariffs, inflation, metals, and interest rates; recaps his Bitcoin vs. Gold contest; and explains why a steepening yield curve could arrive even as the Fed cuts short rates. Mark also maps the risks of an un-inversion and why today’s calm in CRE, private credit, and AI capex may mask fragility. Looking ahead, Mark previews the 2026 prediction contest: Stocks vs. Manure. Be sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues

  4. 12/17/2025

    The Boom Bust Cycle and the Federal Reserve

    Mark Thornton joins Scott Horton to discuss the state of the economy, the boom-bust cycle, and why anybody—left, right, and center—who cares about the wellbeing of the working class needs to oppose the existence of the Federal Reserve. Visit the Scott Horton Show at http://scotthortonshow.com Be sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues

  5. 12/13/2025

    Longer, Higher for Longer

    Mark Thornton argues that interest is a core price that coordinates time, investment, and growth, and that the Federal Reserve has turned it into an administered number. Mark warns the long-run trend may be turning: bigger states and debts, weaker anti-inflation ideology, and aging populations imply longer, higher for longer. What are the implications? Keep that 2% Covid-era mortgage, expect poor long-bond returns and lower real equity performance, and look for commodities to fare relatively better. Gold’s surge shows some investors already see the shift. Be sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues

  6. 12/10/2025

    Early Innings for Gold, Late Stage for Fiat

    In this special mid-week episode of Minor Issues, Mark Thornton joins Julia LaRoche for a wide-angle tour of the macro landscape, and why gold’s surge is a market verdict on deficits, rate manipulation, and fiat fatigue. Mark outlines the Austrian business cycle story behind today’s “everything bubble,” and explains why a more dovish Fed in 2026 won’t cure malinvestment. He also contrasts Bitcoin with commodity money and sketches a practical exit: sound money, hard budget constraints, and decentralization. Check out The Julia LaRoche Show at https://JuliaLaRoche.com Be sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues

  7. 12/06/2025

    The K-Shaped Economy

    On the latest episode of Minor Issues, Mark Thornton takes apart the media’s “K-shaped economy” cliché. He explains the divergence the Austrian way: Cantillon effects from decades of deficit spending and artificially low rates that lift asset holders and big borrowers, while eroding wages and pricing-out families. Mark shows why the usual fixes like tax tweaks and rate cuts backfire. He also lays out a real cure: deep federal spending cuts, program eliminations, market-set interest rates, and sound money that restores honest price signals for everyone. Be sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues

  8. 12/03/2025

    Metals, Black Swans, and the Next Bust

    In a special midweek episode of the Minor Issues podcast, Mark Thornton appears on Palisades Gold Radio with Stijn Schmitz. Mark argues that gold’s surge isn’t a fad: it’s a market verdict on runaway deficits, central-bank credibility, and fiat money itself. He also explains why manipulated rates breed booms, busts, and inequality, while sound money and decentralization restore real signals. The original episode ("Dr. Mark Thornton: Early Innings for Gold, Silver Manipulation, Black Swans & Failing Markets") is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2FUnca1q3c Be sure to follow Minor Issues at https://Mises.org/MinorIssues

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4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Succinct economic commentary by Dr. Mark Thornton, senior fellow at the Mises Institute.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Thornton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    147
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Minor Issues

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