QTR’s Fringe Finance

QTR's Fringe Finance critically examines financial, political, and societal issues through a libertarian lens, frequently questioning mainstream narratives around topics like monetary policy, media honesty, and government interventions. It delves into the impact of economic policies, the role of alternative media, and promotes skepticism towards established financial and governmental institutions.

Monetary Policy Media Critique Government Intervention Inflation and Economic Analysis Libertarianism Financial Markets Cryptocurrency Civil Liberties Political Commentary

The hottest Substack posts of QTR’s Fringe Finance

And their main takeaways

Stocks I'm Watching As The Market Sells Off

18 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Trends Risk management Economic Analysis
  1. The stock market has recently seen a drop, and many analysts still insist it's always a good time to buy, regardless of prices. This seems unrealistic, especially when many factors suggest selling might be a better option.
  2. Big companies like Apple and Amazon significantly influence the stock market, while retail investors are often trading options instead of actual stocks. This creates a speculative environment where many aren't looking for real value.
  3. Despite market challenges, there are still opportunities to find valuable investments that aren't being highlighted in mainstream financial media. It's important to look for these hidden gems amid all the noise.

This Next Market Crash Will Break Our Fragile Brains

67 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
💰 Finance Market Trends Investment Strategies Economic Theory Behavioral Finance Financial Risks
  1. The next market crash may have serious psychological effects on investors. Many people today haven't experienced a long-lasting downturn, which could be shocking for them.
  2. Current stock prices are very high compared to earnings, which might lead to a big correction. People are buying stocks without truly understanding their worth.
  3. The economy is facing challenges that could lead to stagflation. If that happens, it might hurt everyday people more than the wealthy, widening financial inequalities.

The Fed, With No Earnings, Is Taking Us on a Magic Carpet Trip

19 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Federal Reserve Economic Theory Government spending
  1. The Federal Reserve is spending more money than it is earning, leading to significant losses. This means they can't send money back to the Treasury, which affects taxpayers.
  2. The Fed's unusual accounting strategy allows them to classify these losses in a way that keeps them operating. This raises questions about how they can sustain this approach in the long term.
  3. People are concerned about the impact of the Fed's spending on inflation and government debt. Many wonder how this will affect the economy and taxpayers in the future.

DOGE Is What Happens When Trust In Government Hits Zero

62 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economy Debt Taxation Public Opinion
  1. Trust in government is at a low point, leading to rising interest in unconventional solutions like DOGE. Many people feel frustrated watching how tax money is spent and wonder if their money is being used wisely.
  2. Americans are concerned about the growing national debt and fiscal mismanagement. This situation has made many people question value for money from the government.
  3. There is a feeling that after years of mishandled finances, radical changes like DOGE might be a necessary wake-up call. While its methods may be messy, it highlights the need for accountability and reform in government spending.

The Market's Mirror, Exhibit "A"

16 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investing Markets Economics Stock Trading Financial trends
  1. The stock market might be slowing down soon, which is a concern for investors. It's important to pay attention to popular stocks for signs of this change.
  2. There's a belief that we could be on the brink of a significant market crash that could confuse many investors. Being aware of market behaviors can help prepare for what's next.
  3. Frustration with everyday items could be a sign of larger issues, showing that people are feeling the stress of the current economic situation. This reflects broader feelings about the market right now.
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Market Flow “Starting To Show Cracks”: Sang Lucci

13 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💰 Finance Market Analysis Trading Strategies Investment Risk Options trading
  1. The market is facing a critical moment, showing signs of weakness in its flow. It's important to pay attention to these signs.
  2. For a long time, the same few popular stocks have been the focus, but there's less new money coming in from big investors. This could be a problem for future growth.
  3. Retail traders have been the main buyers lately, but if their buying decreases, there could be trouble ahead for the market that relies on their activity.

Bird Flu Is a Rerun of the Covid Playbook

34 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemics Bioweapons Food security Vaccination
  1. Bird flu is being compared to Covid in how authorities handle public fear and control. Just like with Covid, some people believe there's a plan to push vaccines on the population.
  2. Many think that the mass killing of birds during outbreaks mirrors the lockdowns during Covid, suggesting it's more about control than actual health. Letting animals build natural immunity is seen as a smarter approach.
  3. There's a call to change leadership in agencies handling health and safety because of their past actions. The belief is that fresh perspectives could help prevent repeating mistakes from the past.

The End of College Vaccine Mandates

16 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy change Public Health Education Government actions Healthcare
  1. President Trump's executive order has ended federal funding for colleges that require Covid-19 vaccines, affecting only a few institutions now. This change highlights a shift allowing students to make their own health decisions.
  2. Many colleges imposed vaccine mandates without strong scientific backing, causing students to choose between their education and medical autonomy. Data showed colleges without mandates had lower infection rates.
  3. Healthcare students still face mandates for clinical rotations, risking their education despite a law against such requirements in some states. Advocacy continues to push for changes in these policies.

The Fed Has Stopped Pretending that Price Inflation Is Going Away

23 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Inflation Interest Rates Economics Government spending
  1. The Federal Reserve recently cut interest rates, claiming confidence in lower inflation, but that confidence seems to have faded. The Fed is now uncertain about its inflation goals.
  2. Inflation remains high, especially for everyday necessities like food and housing, causing consumers to struggle with rising costs. Recent data shows that inflation is not improving as expected.
  3. Instead of lowering interest rates, which may not help ordinary people, the Fed should step back and allow the market to adjust naturally. This could help stabilize the economy and provide better opportunities for regular investors.

Don't Sleep On Silver

31 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investing Commodities Market Trends Economic Analysis
  1. Silver is getting more attention from small investors because it's cheaper and offers good growth potential. Many see it as a practical investment to build wealth gradually.
  2. Recent market events, like the Silver Squeeze of 2021, have highlighted the influence of retail investors and could lead to a stronger focus on silver in future market shifts.
  3. The current high gold-to-silver ratio suggests that silver might be undervalued and ready for a price surge, especially as gold continues to rise. This could be a good time to invest in silver.

$42 Billion Broadband Boondoggle Brought Internet to Zero Homes

22 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Infrastructure Public Spending Digital Divide
  1. The $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program has not connected any homes to the internet, highlighting a failure in its implementation.
  2. Most people already have internet access, and less than 1 million households are offline due to lack of availability, suggesting the problem isn't as big as thought.
  3. Government funding can slow down private investments in broadband infrastructure, and letting the market operate may lead to better solutions and prices for consumers.

The Road Narrows

27 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Bitcoin Market Trends Volatility Quantum Computing
  1. Crypto might be an early warning sign for future market troubles. If things go bad in crypto, it could affect the whole economy too.
  2. The introduction of powerful quantum computers raises questions about the security of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. If hackers can crack the code, it could lead to serious issues.
  3. Many American consumers and investors are feeling financially strained right now. This situation could lead to bigger problems in the stock market.

Trading The Shit Show: February 2025 Market Update

40 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💰 Finance Market Analysis Personal Finance Economic Trends Mental health
  1. The writer has been sober for 72 days, which has brought them clarity and peace. They feel that stepping back from gambling and trading has helped them focus better on their life.
  2. They are optimistic about their market predictions, having outperformed the S&P by 9% since the beginning of the year. A clear mind seems to be helping their financial outlook.
  3. New features for paid subscribers have been introduced, allowing for more direct discussions. This change aims to create a better connection with their readers.

USAID Staff Cry for Their Fiefdom

20 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Foreign Aid Public Policy Bureaucracy Healthcare
  1. Many USAID employees are upset about being sent home, even though they still get paid. This raises questions about how they handle taxpayer money while many Americans struggle financially.
  2. USAID has been criticized for supporting policies that have led to increased poverty and health issues in other countries. Their actions have harmed many vulnerable communities, conflicting with their mission.
  3. Stopping USAID's programs can directly increase suffering and mortality rates from preventable diseases. There's a need to balance auditing government spending with continued support for global health initiatives.

Jim Acosta's World Bends To Substack's Truth

49 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Public Discourse Free speech Political Commentary
  1. Jim Acosta has moved to Substack after leaving CNN, seeking a platform where he can express his views freely. It shows a shift in how journalists are approaching their work.
  2. Substack is seen as a space for diverse opinions and genuine conversations, contrary to the idea that it's just for conspiracy theories. This change reflects a growing interest in alternative media.
  3. There's a need to recognize different perspectives and the importance of free speech. Embracing all sides of a story can lead to a more balanced discussion.

Is Someone Attacking the Comex? January Sees $5.2B in Gold Deliveries

36 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💰 Finance Market Trends Investment Analysis Economic Forecast
  1. January saw a huge amount of gold delivered at $5.2B, which is unusual for a minor month like this.
  2. There's been a consistent trend of new contracts being opened and settled for delivery instead of the usual early demand drops.
  3. The Comex has restocked its gold inventory significantly, which raises questions about future deliveries and potential market impacts.

Gold Surpasses $2900 Per Ounce

14 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investing Commodities Markets Economic Trends Monetary Policy
  1. Gold prices hit a new record, surpassing $2,900 per ounce, largely due to economic uncertainty and concerns about inflation. This has made gold an attractive option for many investors.
  2. Trade tensions between the US and China, along with tariffs on steel and aluminum, have pushed global capital towards gold as a safe investment. Countries like China are also building their gold reserves, which supports higher prices.
  3. Despite rising interest rates normally being bad for gold, the current economic landscape and investor fears about inflation are keeping demand strong. Many people see gold as a way to protect their wealth in uncertain times.

Lab Leak 'Conspiracy' Is Officially Reality

41 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracies Media Public Health Government COVID-19
  1. The CIA suggests that COVID-19 likely came from a lab leak, something many people suspected early on. This shows how some theories that seemed crazy or conspiratorial might actually hold some truth.
  2. Many voices were shut down for questioning the official narrative about COVID's origins. This highlights the importance of being able to freely ask questions and look for the truth, even when it goes against popular opinion.
  3. As time goes on, more information about the vaccines and their safety may come out. It's important to critically assess all narratives, especially when they're tied to big public health decisions.

3 Trends I'd Never Bet Against: Lyn Alden

29 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Energy Economics Technology Trends
  1. Energy density is crucial for modern life and continues to power our economies. It supports everything from electricity to agriculture.
  2. High energy use has allowed technology and human population to grow, especially since the discovery of oil in the late 1800s.
  3. Despite renewable energy sources like wind and solar, we still need efficient, high-density energy sources to maintain economic strength and growth.

Deficit-to-GDP Ratio Near World War II Levels, CBO Finds

18 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💰 Finance Debt Management Budgeting Economic Policy Government spending Fiscal Responsibility
  1. The U.S. government is facing huge deficits, with the deficit expected to be around 6.2% of GDP in 2025. This level hasn't been seen since World War II.
  2. Federal spending is outpacing revenue, primarily due to rising costs for programs like Social Security and Medicare. This is leading to increasing government debt.
  3. Despite the seriousness of the debt problem, it hardly gets discussed in politics, meaning there's little pressure to change how spending is managed.

3 Quick Notes Of Perspective On The Market This Week

14 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💰 Finance Market Trends Trading Strategies Investment Advice Stock Analysis
  1. The market is behaving unevenly, with different sectors experiencing ups and downs instead of a unified trend. This makes it hard to find clear trading opportunities.
  2. Some big tech stocks, like Microsoft and Tesla, are not performing well right now while others like Apple are doing better. This inconsistency can confuse traders.
  3. It's important to remember that trading carries risks and to get advice from a financial advisor before making any decisions. The opinions shared do not count as professional trading advice.

Republicans Should Aim for Canada-Size Cuts

16 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Spending Economic Policy Fiscal Responsibility Political Reform
  1. Canada did well economically in the 1990s after making big cuts to spending and focusing on privatization. This shows that similar actions could help stabilize a country's finances.
  2. In the 1990s, both Canada and the U.S. managed to cut spending successfully. However, Canada stuck to its cuts longer than the U.S. did, which helped their economy grow.
  3. To avoid a financial crisis, the U.S. government needs to consider making substantial and sustained cuts to spending, similar to what Canada achieved. A goal of reducing spending by a few percentage points of GDP might help stabilize the economy.

Face First

32 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investments Cryptocurrency Economics Regulations Market Trends
  1. Cryptocurrency is becoming a major focus in the U.S., especially with recent government actions. This could be a sign of big changes in the stock market ahead.
  2. President Trump supports crypto by promoting regulations and aiming to make the U.S. a leader in this industry. This includes plans for a national Bitcoin reserve.
  3. There is still uncertainty about the long-term value of cryptocurrencies. People are wondering if they will actually be useful or if they might fail completely.

The Legacy of Bidenomics: Overspending, Overtaxing, Overregulating

23 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Policy Government spending Tax reform Regulations
  1. Biden's economic policies have led to a rise in national debt and inflation. This has made everyday life harder for many people, especially those with lower incomes.
  2. High taxes and strict regulations are making it tough for businesses to grow and for people to find work. These policies discourage investment and can lead to lower productivity.
  3. To improve the economy, there needs to be less government spending, lower taxes, and fewer regulations. This can help create a more favorable environment for growth and job creation.

The Perverse Incentives Depreciating Your House

22 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💰 Finance Housing Market Real Estate Economic Policy Consumer behavior Investment Strategies
  1. Home prices are rising fast, making it hard for many people to think they'll ever own one. It's more of a struggle for the average person to afford a home nowadays.
  2. Builders often focus on making homes quickly and cheaply instead of making them durable and long-lasting. This means new homes might not hold their value as well as older ones.
  3. Homebuyers are not paying as much attention to quality. They’re more interested in lower prices, which can lead to issues later as newer homes may need repairs sooner.

Biden’s Legacy: Covid Persecution, Censorship, and Across-the-Board Oppression

33 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Civil Rights Censorship
  1. Biden's presidency has faced criticism for increasing censorship and limiting freedom of speech. Instead of protecting democratic values, many believe he's used government power to suppress dissent.
  2. There are concerns about the unequal application of the law, with claims that Biden and his allies evade consequences while political opponents face serious legal challenges. This creates a sense of unfairness in how justice is applied.
  3. The Biden administration is accused of expanding its authority beyond reasonable limits, such as implementing strict vaccine mandates and surveillance practices. Critics feel this overreach undermines personal freedoms and individual rights.

Behold The Era Of Fartcoin’s Majesty

47 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency Market Trends Economics Investment Speculation
  1. Fartcoin, a joke cryptocurrency, has become surprisingly valuable despite having no real use or worth. It suggests that many current investments are just speculative bets.
  2. The rise of Fartcoin reflects extreme risky behavior in investing, turning financial markets into a sort of gambling game where people chase quick profits without understanding the risks.
  3. The situation hints at deeper issues in the economy, where excessive money printing and lack of market discipline could lead to a significant crash or a loss of confidence in financial systems.

The Everything Bubble Suddenly Feels Unstable

29 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Trends Economic Policy Central Banking Risk management
  1. Investors might need to prepare for tougher conditions in the market. It seems like the Federal Reserve might not be there to support them like before.
  2. The era of easily accessible money may be changing. Investors who relied on quick fixes might find it harder to bounce back from crises.
  3. It's important for investors to rethink their strategies. They may need to adapt to a new reality where traditional safety nets aren't guaranteed.

The Trump Administration Must Bring Moderna to Heel

29 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Health Pharmaceuticals Government Accountability Vaccine Policy Political Reform
  1. Moderna failed to report serious side effects, including a child's death during vaccine trials. This raises concerns about their compliance with federal laws.
  2. The new Trump administration has a chance to investigate these issues and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their actions.
  3. Past leadership at the FDA supported Big Pharma, but now there are new appointments that may promote a more honest discussion about vaccine safety.

Money Supply Growth Accelerates And Hits A 27-Month High

24 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economic Policy Interest Rates Government spending Inflation
  1. The money supply in the economy is growing rapidly, reaching a high not seen in over two years. This growth is mainly driven by government spending rather than strong economic conditions.
  2. Interest rates are being pushed down by the Federal Reserve to help manage the government's large debt. This could lead to future inflation as more money is created to handle increasing deficits.
  3. Despite recent economic growth, many believe it isn't based on solid foundations. The reliance on government spending and credit could pose risks for the economy moving forward.

If We Have a Strong Economy, Why Are Americans Struggling?

23 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economic Policy Market Trends Inflation Debt Management Monetary Policy
  1. Many Americans are struggling financially even when the economy seems strong. High inflation and rising costs are making life harder for a lot of people.
  2. Rising treasury yields and mortgage rates are linked to ongoing inflation and economic uncertainty. This means borrowing money is becoming more expensive.
  3. When people feel the pinch of price increases and government spending on foreign issues, they are likely to vote for change. Economic struggles can greatly influence election outcomes.

We're "On The Cusp" Of Another Inflationary Breakout

17 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Analysis Economic Trends Financial Policy
  1. Gold and silver did better than regular stocks in the last quarter, which is unusual. This could mean something important is happening in the market.
  2. Bitcoin had a fantastic year, showing that people are worried about money losing its value. It’s now a big part of some investment funds.
  3. The U.S. government is spending a lot, which helped the economy grow more than expected. But this could lead to inflation issues in the future.

Trump’s Victory Has "Delayed The Fiscal Meltdown Scenario"...For Now

15 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Trends Monetary Policy Economic Analysis Commodities
  1. The stock market is doing well, but gold, silver, and Bitcoin are also gaining value. This shows that investors are already worried about future inflation.
  2. Gold and Bitcoin are acting as warning signs for money printing and potential economic trouble. They have seen significant growth compared to traditional U.S. Treasury bonds.
  3. There is a chance the Federal Reserve will have to resort to methods like quantitative easing again, which means they could start printing more money to stabilize the economy. This could lead to further increases in the value of sound money assets.

Libertarian Economics in Inaugural Addresses

14 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Libertarianism Government Policy
  1. Inaugural addresses often reflect the economic principles that leaders want to follow. Many past speeches hint at a preference for free markets and limited government.
  2. Libertarians see value in the idea of a smaller government that doesn't interfere too much in people's lives. They believe that economic success comes when individuals are free to pursue their interests.
  3. Many past presidents acknowledged the importance of fairness and opportunity for all citizens. They emphasized that economic policies should not favor certain groups at the expense of others.

Reducing Spending Now: The Key to Growth, Not Austerity

17 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Spending Economic Policy Debt Management Tax reform
  1. Cutting government spending can actually help grow the economy instead of slowing it down. It frees up resources for private businesses to invest and expand.
  2. By reducing spending now, it can lead to higher incomes for Americans in the future. People can earn more if the government manages debt and keeps taxes low.
  3. Spending cuts can avoid future tax hikes, which can be harmful, especially for low-income families. Less spending now can protect people from financial strain later.

Why Are Gold And The Dollar Trading Together?

19 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investment Commodities Market Trends Economic Policy Global Markets
  1. Gold and the US Dollar are sometimes moving together, which can indicate stress in the global market. This unusual connection raises questions about economic stability.
  2. Central banks influence both gold prices and the dollar's value. Higher interest rates can make the dollar seem more appealing, but many still look to gold to protect against inflation.
  3. Events like political chaos and wars can make people feel uncertain, leading them to invest in gold as a safe option during tough times.

It's Christmas (Chaos), All Over, Again

32 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
💰 Finance Market Trends Economic Policy Investing Strategies Market Analysis Financial Risks
  1. The market reacted sharply after the Federal Reserve cut rates, but this might not be a good sign for investors. Historically, market crashes often happen after rate cuts, indicating potential risks ahead.
  2. There are concerns about high levels of leverage in the market, especially in options and cryptocurrency. This borrowing can make market movements more extreme and unpredictable.
  3. The current market euphoria might be misleading, as past patterns suggest a sudden downturn could come. It's important to be cautious and not ignore the reality of valuations and economic conditions.

Lessons From The Covid Fringe

44 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pandemic response Media influence Public Health Government Policy Civil Liberties
  1. A recent report suggests that COVID-19 likely originated from a lab leak, which was a controversial topic four years ago. It's surprising how much the conversation around this has changed since then.
  2. Social distancing and mask mandates during the pandemic may not have been based on solid science, according to the same report. Many people have forgotten the strict rules that were once in place.
  3. It's important to question the mainstream narrative and have the courage to speak out against it. This can lead to a better understanding of complex issues and help promote informed discussions.