Buying gold and silver.

[Lycanthrope]

Lol wut? How are you going to pay for stuff??

wont have to, or people will be allocated credit of some sort for existing, kinda like a universal basic income. According to him, we have always lived in a world of scarcity, but we are entering an age of abundance, where everyone will have all their basic needs met, and likely much more. The real 'challenge' might be how people will determine value and maintain self worth in a society where jobs are a thing of the past and all needs are met. Competition for resources may be unnecessary. That is one of the main factors that women use for mate selection. In the future, if we get to the point where resources arent a primary factor in reproduction, likely physical attraction and personality traits and maybe even genetic screening might be used for selection, hard to say for sure I guess. With current birth rates, the global population of humans might plummet in the next century or so.

 

[guywhofishes]

Virtually everyone has potentially idle hands? If I know people, they're gonna find a way to make trouble with all that free time.

Good grief - talk about a recipe for hell on earth.

 

[NDbowman]

wont have to, or people will be allocated credit of some sort for existing, kinda like a universal basic income. According to him, we have always lived in a world of scarcity, but we are entering an age of abundance, where everyone will have all their basic needs met, and likely much more. The real 'challenge' might be how people will determine value and maintain self worth in a society where jobs are a thing of the past and all needs are met. Competition for resources may be unnecessary. That is one of the main factors that women use for mate selection. In the future, if we get to the point where resources arent a primary factor in reproduction, likely physical attraction and personality traits and maybe even genetic screening might be used for selection, hard to say for sure I guess. With current birth rates, the global population of humans might plummet in the next century or so.

So is Elon giving up or spending his money? I doubt it.

 

[KDM]

wont have to, or people will be allocated credit of some sort for existing, kinda like a universal basic income. According to him, we have always lived in a world of scarcity, but we are entering an age of abundance, where everyone will have all their basic needs met, and likely much more. The real 'challenge' might be how people will determine value and maintain self worth in a society where jobs are a thing of the past and all needs are met. Competition for resources may be unnecessary. That is one of the main factors that women use for mate selection. In the future, if we get to the point where resources arent a primary factor in reproduction, likely physical attraction and personality traits and maybe even genetic screening might be used for selection, hard to say for sure I guess. With current birth rates, the global population of humans might plummet in the next century or so.

Virtually no chance of this happening IMO. Greed is VASTLY more powerful to the human condition than empathy, selfless actions, or utopian motivators of any kind. If by some minuscule chance this process was to be initiated, I rather doubt the wealthy elites will give up their financial positions, status, power, and all other trappings of being rich in an effort to elevate the plebs to lives of comfort and abundance. Selfishness is universal in humans, selflessness is a rarity. Sad, but just the way it is. Very few people would willingly labor when all their needs are being met. Just look at the welfare recipients currently on the books. Now make that nationwide. People would have to be forced to go do construction, farming, oil production, or essentially any other job. I agree with guy. What a recipe for disaster.

 

[Lycanthrope]

Virtually no chance of this happening IMO. Greed is VASTLY more powerful to the human condition than empathy, selfless actions, or utopian motivators of any kind. If by some minuscule chance this process was to be initiated, I rather doubt the wealthy elites will give up their financial positions, status, power, and all other trappings of being rich in an effort to elevate the plebs to lives of comfort and abundance. Selfishness is universal in humans, selflessness is a rarity. Sad, but just the way it is. Very few people would willingly labor when all their needs are being met. Just look at the welfare recipients currently on the books. Now make that nationwide. People would have to be forced to go do construction, farming, oil production, or essentially any other job. I agree with guy. What a recipe for disaster.

there will always be an elite class, as long as humans are in control, no doubt about that. I didnt say all 'wealth' would be distributed equally, just that many are predicting that everyone will have a very comfortable level of existence with little to no labor required. You are assuming humans will be required for all those industries, think bigger. Elon is also predicting that humanoid robots will outnumber actual humans on earth in the not distant future. Of course hes moving into the 'robot' business, but hes got a nack for predicting the future, even if his timeframes arent always perfect. Also you are assuming that humans will control things, again think bigger. When/if we end up with a superintelligent AI, there is virtually no chance that humans will be able to control it forever.

 

[Maddog]

I hope to be long gone by then.

 

[Lycanthrope]

I hope to be long gone by then.

Depends on your age. Aging is also a problem that its possible AI will solve.

 

[risingsun]

Depends on your age. Aging is also a problem that its possible AI will solve.

This is not a comforting thought. Can you imagine Juanr sowing seed well past the century mark??

 

[3Roosters]

With the rise in gold and silver lately, a person may wish to take in this boat event to take some profit off the table! hahaha

Feb. 11-15, 2026. Miami International Boat Show. The largest boat and yacht show in the world is held on Presidents Day weekend. Here you’ll discover everything — from kayaks to superyachts to the latest aquatic innovations. This show attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees to five locations: Miami Beach Convention Center, Pride Park (next to the convention center), Yacht Collection on Collins Ave waterfront along Indian Creek, Superyacht Miami and Sailor’s Cove at IGY Yacht Haven Grande. The five-day mega-festival features seminars, special events, and extraordinary yachts.

 

[Maddog]

U.S. Injects $1.6 Billion Into Rare Earth Mining​

The U.S. government is pouring $1.6 billion into Oklahoma-based USA Rare Earth for a 10% stake. The deal, set to be announced today, includes a separate $1 billion private financing round. The company’s stock surged nearly 40% in premarket trading.

This marks Washington’s latest push to secure domestic supplies of critical minerals and reduce reliance on China, which has weaponized its rare earth dominance in trade disputes. Last year, the government took similar equity stakes in MP Materials, Lithium Americas, and Trilogy Metals.

USA Rare Earth is developing a Texas mine and an Oklahoma magnet manufacturing facility expected to go commercial in early 2026. These minerals are essential for semiconductors, defense systems, and advanced technologies.

The investment underscores a broader trend: governments are treating certain commodities as strategic assets, not just market goods. While rare earths power modern tech, gold and silver remain the ultimate store of value when geopolitical competition heats up.

 

[Maddog]

Japan’s Bond Market Meltdown Sends Shockwaves to U.S. Treasuries​

Japan’s government bond market suffered a historic rout this week, with 40-year yields surging past 4% for the first time since 2007. The 30-year bond hit a record 3.9%. Markets are rejecting Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s massive stimulus plan, which includes consumption tax cuts with no clear funding source.

The concern: Japan’s debt-to-GDP ratio already exceeds 260%. Investors fear the government will flood the market with new bond issuance just as the Bank of Japan raised rates to 0.75% — a 30-year high. This is being compared to the UK’s 2022 Liz Truss crisis.

Here’s why it matters globally: Japan holds over $1 trillion in U.S. Treasuries, making it America’s largest foreign creditor. As Japanese yields spike, domestic insurers and banks are liquidating foreign holdings to chase higher returns at home. That forced selling pushed U.S. 10-year Treasury yields above 4.30% this week.

For precious metals investors, this is textbook risk-off territory. When bond markets crack and sovereign debt concerns resurface, capital flows to assets outside the government debt system — like gold and silver.

The global financial stress is landing squarely on the Federal Reserve’s doorstep this week.

 

[sweeney]

So if the price of metals is XXX.xx but nobody is buying it at that price is that really the price of it?

 

[Maddog]

So if the price of metals is XXX.xx but nobody is buying it at that price is that really the price of it?

Therein lies the rub.

 

[Allen]

So if the price of metals is XXX.xx but nobody is buying it at that price is that really the price of it?

Not as sure about the gold pricing, but I've read a fair number of articles that attribute the rise in silver to industrial demand, not precious metals hoarders.

 

[Maddog]

Not as sure about the gold pricing, but I've read a fair number of articles that attribute the rise in silver to industrial demand, not precious metals hoarders.

I see the same.

Gold pricing appears to be primarily driven by government buying. For years there was a lot of price manipulation going on to artificially drive the price down. Perhaps there still is ???

 

[Hunter58301]

Money Metals Exchange Live Silver Spot Prices​

---

Silver Spot Price	Spot Change
Silver Price per Ounce	$114.65	1.76	1.54 %
Silver Price per Gram	$3.69	0.06	1.54 %
Silver price per kilo	$3,686.08	56.58	1.54 %

 

[Lycanthrope]

Not as sure about the gold pricing, but I've read a fair number of articles that attribute the rise in silver to industrial demand, not precious metals hoarders.

People are buying it, there is huge industrial demand for silver. Saw someone post recently on a silver forum that they sold like 150lbs direct to a chinese company at a significant premium, said they sold it near 130/oz according to them when it was hovering around 100 spot price. I didnt try to verify that claim, but its something that probably wouldnt benefit anyone to lie about. People are holding silver because the price is surging, but industrial demand isnt weakening so theres a supply crunch that will likely increase into the near future.

 

[Lycanthrope]

U.S. Injects $1.6 Billion Into Rare Earth Mining​

The U.S. government is pouring $1.6 billion into Oklahoma-based USA Rare Earth for a 10% stake. The deal, set to be announced today, includes a separate $1 billion private financing round. The company’s stock surged nearly 40% in premarket trading.

This marks Washington’s latest push to secure domestic supplies of critical minerals and reduce reliance on China, which has weaponized its rare earth dominance in trade disputes. Last year, the government took similar equity stakes in MP Materials, Lithium Americas, and Trilogy Metals.

USA Rare Earth is developing a Texas mine and an Oklahoma magnet manufacturing facility expected to go commercial in early 2026. These minerals are essential for semiconductors, defense systems, and advanced technologies.

The investment underscores a broader trend: governments are treating certain commodities as strategic assets, not just market goods. While rare earths power modern tech, gold and silver remain the ultimate store of value when geopolitical competition heats up.

I hate that the govt is doing this, its very dangerous to a free market economy. Im not even sure how its legal. Once the govt owns a stake in companies, it has an incentive to keep them afloat and also create legislation that will benefit their company at the expense of others. Also it suppresses investors from starting new competing companies in those areas, its a very BAD idea imo.

 

[Lycanthrope]

So if the price of metals is XXX.xx but nobody is buying it at that price is that really the price of it?

Supply Shortages: A Persistent Challenge Driving Prices HigherGlobal silver supply has been in a structural deficit for multiple years, with mine production and recycling failing to keep pace with demand. According to the Silver Institute, the market is on track for its fifth consecutive deficit in 2025, estimated at around 200-265 million ounces, and this trend is projected to persist into 2026 and beyond due to limited new mining projects—primary silver mines account for less than 30% of supply, with lead times of 10-15 years from discovery to production.

silverinstitute.org +2
Global production hovered around 820 million ounces in 2024, with only modest increases expected through 2030, constrained by declining ore grades, regulatory hurdles, and China's recent export restrictions that effectively tighten available supply.

carboncredits.com +1
Analysts from Metals Focus and others forecast ongoing deficits of 150-250 million ounces annually through 2026-2030, potentially depleting above-ground inventories and forcing prices up as physical shortages intensify.

investingnews.com +1
Without major new discoveries or efficiency gains, supply is unlikely to catch up, creating a bullish foundation for prices.Industrial Demand: Surging Growth from Green Tech and ElectronicsIndustrial applications now consume over 60% of global silver, and forecasts indicate robust growth through 2030, particularly in solar photovoltaics (PV), electric vehicles (EVs), electronics, and AI/data centers. The Silver Institute projects overall silver demand to dip slightly to 1.15 billion ounces in 2026 (down 1% from 2025) but remain at historically elevated levels, with industrial offtake rising to 750-800 million ounces by 2027.

youtube.com +1

• Solar PV: This sector is the biggest driver, with demand expected to reach 250-273 million ounces annually by 2030 (up from ~185 million in 2024), as global installations could exceed 500 gigawatts per year to meet net-zero goals. The EU alone targets 700 gigawatts by 2030, boosting silver usage in panels despite some thrifting efforts that might offset 45-55 million ounces.
  
  silverinstitute.org +4
  By 2030, solar could account for 15-20% of total silver production.
  
  naturalresourcestocks.net
• EVs and Automotive: EVs use 50-100% more silver than traditional vehicles for electrical components, batteries, and wiring. Demand from the automotive industry is forecasted to grow at a 3.4% CAGR from 2025-2031, with EVs driving substantial increases amid global electrification targets.
  
  finance.yahoo.com +2
• Electronics and Other: Semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and consumer electronics will add pressure, with recycling potentially recovering 8-10 million ounces but not enough to offset growth. Combined with solar and EVs, industrial demand is set to expand despite higher prices, as silver's unique conductivity makes substitution difficult in many applications.
  
  moneymetals.com +2

These demand tailwinds, against a backdrop of supply constraints, are expected to keep the market tight, with deficits widening if industrial growth accelerates beyond projections.Price Predictions for the Next 2-5 YearsDrawing from a range of analyst forecasts (including banks like Citigroup, HSBC, Bank of America, and independent reports), the outlook for silver prices is predominantly bullish, with upside driven by the supply-demand imbalance. However, volatility remains a key risk—silver's history shows sharp corrections (20-50%) after rallies, and some analysts warn of potential pullbacks if economic slowdowns curb industrial demand or if thrifting/recycling improves faster than expected.

cruxinvestor.com
Current spot prices (as of late January 2026) are around $110-118 per ounce, following a parabolic 2025 rally.

• Next 2 Years (2026-2028): Consensus points to continued gains, with averages potentially reaching $85-100 in 2026, though optimistic targets hit $130-150 (e.g., Citigroup sees high-$70s to $100+, while Traders Union forecasts $153 by end-2026).
  
  goldsilver.com +4
  By 2028, prices could climb to $100-140, fueled by peaking industrial demand in solar and EVs, assuming deficits persist at 200M+ ounces annually.
  
  j2t.com +1
  More conservative views (e.g., UBS at $42-47 mid-2026) factor in possible Fed tightening or global recession risks, but these are outliers amid the deficit narrative.
  
  goldsilver.com
• Next 3-5 Years (2029-2031): Longer-term projections are scarcer but suggest $140-200+ by 2030, with some (e.g., Long Forecast, LiteFinance) eyeing $165-300 in aggressive scenarios where solar/EV demand surges to 500M+ ounces combined and supply lags further.
  
  longforecast.com +3
  By 2030-2031, if industrial demand hits 800-900M ounces (15-20% from solar alone) and deficits compound, prices could stabilize in the $150-250 range, though this assumes no major supply breakthroughs or demand substitutions.
  
  ebc.com +1

Overall, the interplay of deepening shortages and insatiable industrial appetite positions silver for multi-year upside, potentially amplifying its volatility as a "poor man's gold." That said, external factors like geopolitical tensions, dollar strength, or tech innovations could alter trajectories. This is not investment advice—markets are unpredictable, and consider professional guidance for any decisions. If you have a specific scenario or additional factors in mind (e.g., inflation or gold correlation), I can refine this further.

 

[Big Iron]

Silver miners…

Get in before the pop