All adored her and our home became Grand Central Station as all called every day to check in. Her only concerns were,  did you eat, what did you eat? It was a different era and the responsibilities to do what she did were enormous, especially without the modern-day gadgets or assistance. I can’t even imagine what her every day was like. She lived mostly with our family, never complaining, only grateful and caring. 

There was so much going on to start the week, it began by wishing my sister a Happy 57th Birthday. Next, we visited Canadian CPI,  a measurement of inflation, up to 3.4% from expected (3.1%). Consequently, it remains above the Central Banks (BOC) target of where we should be. This could force the BOC to keep interest rates elevated as the financial crisis looks to have a more prolonged effect in 2024. 

This week also brought the World Economic Forum (WEF) to Davos Switzerland. Funny how they mostly flew in on Private Jets, spewing more loads of Carbon that my pet cattle emit as flatulence. Their new campaign is, “Build Back Trust”. Really? After what they have done to destabilize the world, who would or could ever trust any of these hypocrites again? 

As the evil conjures up in Davos it is most disappointing that the world remains in chaos as wars continue to break out. The latest hostility involves Pakistan against Iran. Further, inflation and the cost of living is a worldwide phenomenon causing an affordability crisis and the Central Bankers, along with governments have made money too easily accessible. Governments continue to spend without accountability or transparency. Having said that, the ECB President made an appearance and signalled a rate cut this coming summer, providing a false sense of hope. 

Then, the Iowa Caucus happened, watching former President Trump, win by a resounding 70+ percent. A whitewashing landslide victory and a signal that the populace is fed up with the baloney sandwiches being presently served. As a result, the outcome saw the USD Index explode and remain above the 103.50 level. The outcome brought strength and specifically hope back to the USD. 

Presently, the cold is starting to grip our hemisphere while the Carbon Taxes in Canada take hold. My cost increased by nearly 30%, and they will justify it by giving me credit but what is this exercise all about, just leave the money in people’s hands to do what they need most. Just like gasoline, tax is compounded on top of another tax (HST). Alternatively, when eating out at a restaurant and it’s time to pay, are you aware that the minimum 18% tip is calculated after the tax is applied? Oh, you haven’t noticed, oh please, check again. It’s just plain wrong. 

Nonetheless, after a better-than-expected increase in USA Retail Sales +0.6 vs expected (0.4%), the USD Index continues to maintain the 103.50 level. Further, Jobless Claims fell to 187k,  below the (200k) mark for over a year. Is this a false indicator or reality? Too good to be true?

 In Canada, free speech got set back yet again with Jordan Peterson losing his appeal. But since most are complacent about this reality, that is until they are personally affected, we see the rise of Oil above $74/B adding a little strength to the Cad$ which is trading in the 0.74 cent vicinity. 

Despite this perceived USD strength, Precious Metals are firm as Gold remains above the USD2020/oz level and Silver slips below $23/oz, making a tooth filling a little cheaper. 

Inflation remains rampant as North America remains in an affordability crisis, this will be a trying year as 40% of mortgages come due in Canada, alone. The institutions have deliberately altered amortization rates to keep the housing market from implosion. Technically, the amortization in some cases is now over 50 years, meaning you are basically renting your property. 

Please understand, that the Banks lend money based on the valuation of the property. If those values plummet, the loans will quickly be called in and many who don’t have the means will simply have to walk away.  Unfortunately, the only new housing being completed is tents. Let’s bring the sunshine back! 

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