Why We're Thankful for Sound Money

As Americans gathered around their Thanksgiving tables this year, the holiday feast looked a bit different for many families.

In an unexpected twist, turkey prices dropped 6% – but so did demand. With consumers remaining cautious about food costs, many opted for smaller portions rather than traditional whole birds, leading to the lowest turkey production since 1985.

Double Shot of Sticker Shock: Coffee Hits 47-Year High

This consumer price sensitivity isn't limited to holiday meals. In fact, your morning cup of coffee might soon take a bigger bite out of your wallet.

Coffee prices have soared to levels not seen since 1977, with Arabica futures reaching $3.17 per pound. Severe drought in Brazil and challenging weather conditions in Vietnam have disrupted supply chains, prompting companies like Nestle to announce price increases and reduced package sizes.

Consumer Confidence Carries Economy: Q3 Posts 2.8% Growth

Despite these pricing pressures, American consumers continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. The U.S. economy expanded at a robust 2.8% annual pace in Q3 2024, driven largely by a 3.5% acceleration in consumer spending.

This economic strength, coupled with persistent inflation concerns, has Wall Street analysts adjusting their forecasts for Federal Reserve policy.

Wall Street Adjusts: Fewer Rate Cuts Expected in 2025

Wall Street is recalibrating its outlook on Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. While a fourth rate cut is anticipated in December 2024, expectations for more interest rates cuts in 2025 have been tempered.

Market projections now indicate roughly two rate cuts in 2025, a decrease from the Fed's previous forecast of four.

Small Change, Big Impact: U.S. Mint Celebrates Pioneering Women

Meanwhile, the U.S. Mint continues to celebrate extraordinary American women through its American Women Quarters Program.

The 2024 collection features five remarkable individuals who shaped our nation's history:

1. Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray: A civil rights activist, legal scholar, and the first African American woman Episcopal priest who played a pivotal role in legal challenges like Brown v. Board of Education. 
2. Patsy Takemoto Mink: The first woman of color elected to Congress and author of Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded educational programs.
3. Dr. Mary Edwards Walker: The sole female recipient of the Medal of Honor, a pioneering surgeon, and women's rights advocate from the Civil War era.
4. Celia Cruz: Known as the "Queen of Salsa", a celebrated Cuban American entertainer who won numerous awards and used her platform for social causes.
5. Zitkala-Ša: An Indigenous rights activist who fought against the erasure of Native culture and influenced federal policies, including the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act.

This program is part of the U.S. Mint’s four-year initiative that will ultimately introduce 20 quarters celebrating women who have made significant contributions to American society. 

Gold’s Real Value: Sound Money in Uncertain Times

From Thanksgiving turkeys to morning coffee, we're seeing in real time how traditional currency continues to lose purchasing power. Each headline tells a similar story: what your dollars buy today doesn’t quite match what they bought yesterday.

Yet against this backdrop, gold continues to shine – not just as another investment, but as the world's most reliable form of money. Look at the evidence, gold is up:

• +7% over the past three months
• +51% over the past three years
• And +600% over thirty years.

Choose whatever timeline you like – the trend is clear that in today’s world real assets like gold are becoming far more valuable. That's no coincidence. That’s because gold is the soundest form of money there is.

At GoldSilver, our mission resonates more powerfully than ever:

"To enlighten the world that maximum prosperity can only be achieved through individual freedom, free markets, and sound money."

Recent events haven't just validated this mission – they've made it imperative. In a world of shrinking value and growing uncertainty, understanding sound money and acting on these principles isn't just about preserving wealth – it's about securing your financial foothold in uncertain times.

As always, we're here to help you take the first step toward sound money. Explore our carefully curated selection of gold and silver bullion, chosen to help you begin or expand your precious metals portfolio. 

Browse Our Gold and Silver Bullion Selection

Until next time,

Brandon S.  
Editor
GoldSilver