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"Ranting Andy" Hoffman
tableTable of Contents 
quotesQuotes of the Day 

Many people have asked me 'how do choose what to write about?'  This is easy to answer; I usually watch CNBC in the morning, and after only 5 or 10 minutes, I hear something that is blatantly false and point my finger at the TV and call "BULL."

-Bill Holter, Miles Franklin

 

I'm so hyper bearish, I sometimes want to jump out of a window.

-Marc Faber

It is reasonable to assume that by mid-2013, the Federal Reserve will have to make a decision in order to keep US interest rates low, that have been promised until employment has made a sustained recovery. I believe the US Fed will increase the non-economic purchases (another definition of QE) of whatever amount of Treasuries are offered for sale from any entity, sovereign or private. This will be the entrance to the second phase of the gold market ascendancy.

-Jim Sinclair

 

"Politicians worldwide are desperately trying to increase employment, not grasping that there has been a structural change in the world; with automation doing more and more of the labor there will simply not be enough jobs for everybody."

-Jim Dines

 

At some point even the most fanatical Keynesian economists, convinced that overspending and reckless printing of paper money will not result in prosperity, will be battered to their knees and finally begin to question their Keynesian delusions.

-Jim Dines

 

I think the realization that there is a shortage in silver will be what breaks the entire precious metals complex sharply to the upside. Subsequently, the physical market will take over from the ridiculous paper markets.

-John Embry

 

There isn't any place in the world where Central banks are making an attempt to maintain the sanctity of their paper money. This is the best argument for higher precious metals prices; as gold and silver are real money, and the rest is rapidly turning into confetti.

-John Embry

 

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interviewsConference Appearance: St. Petersburg, FL
March 13th-16th 

I am pleased to announce that Andy Schectman and Michael Spector will attend the "Investment U" conference in St. Petersburg, FL on March 13th-16th.  Andy will be making a presentation, and both will hold court at the Miles Franklin booth throughout the conference.  If you plan to be in the area, please come by and say hello!

 

For more information, click on the link below:

 

Investment U 15th Annual Conference - March 13-16, 2013

 

 

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lutzPodcast with Kerry Lutz  

On Tuesday afternoon, January 22nd, I taped my weekly podcast with Kerry Lutz of the Financial Survival Network, below:

 

Ranting Andy Hoffman - The Weather Is Freezing but Silver Is Hot

 

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wrap-upTuesday Afternoon Wrap-Up 1/22/2013
Andrew Hoffman

I'm on a MISSION to protect; which is the only reason I'm writing with such passion at 9:30 PM EST; after having awoken at 3:00 AM MST, traveled across the country, written two RANTS, and had a long dinner. There is simply too much occurring to skip this crucial commentary, as exhausted as I am; and I do mean EXHAUSTED!

 

The pace the wheels are falling off - on a GLOBAL basis - is "UNPRECEDENTED"; and no day told this story more than today. The CURRENCY WARS have truly begun; first with the ECB's "anything it takes" QE this summer; next, with the Fed's QE3 (September) and QE4 (December) announcements this Fall; and this morning, Japan's kamikaze "QE to Infinity" announcement...

 

Japan Unveils Extensively Priced In "Open-Yended" Monetization News

 

..after which, the head of Germany's Bundesbank immediately lashed out...

 

Bundesbank Head Cautions Japan

 

...essentially, vowing to fight back...

 

Germany vs. Japan Currency War Heats Up

 

Not to be outdone, the head of the Bank of England chimed in just hours later; vowing he too, would increase QE; as much as required to devalue the pound...

 

Please Welcome UK to the Global Currency Wars

 

...per the draconian statements below...

 

KING SAYS BOE IS READY TO PROVIDE MORE STIMULUS IF NEEDED

KING SAYS QE WAS CRUCIAL IN AVOIDING U.K. DEPRESSION

KING SAYS U.K. BANKS SOME WAY FROM CONVINCING MARKETS ON SAFETY

KING SAYS POUND DROP WAS NEEDED FOR U.K. REBALANCING

KING: U.K. 4Q GDP ALMOST CERTAINLY CONSIDERABLY WEAKER THAN 3Q

 

THIS is how WORLD WARS commence; and why Bill Holter and I have ZERO difficulty finding horrible topics to write of...

 

How do I choose what to write about? - Bill Holter, Miles Franklin

 

...not to mention; SCREAMING - loud and clear - why "stimulus" ALWAYS fails...

 

Guest Post: Why Stimulus Has Failed

 

...the END GAME is unavoidable...

 

Alan Simpson - You Can't Cut, spend, Grow, tax Our Way out of This Baby

 

...and the ultimate result is ALWAYS the same...

 

Embry: Gold Super-Spike to Be Dwarfed By the Mania in Silver

 

...throughout decades, centuries, and millennia...

 

Buying Gold Is Best Bet in Worst-Case Scenario, Marc Faber Says

 

...which even FIAT LOVING Central banks begrudgingly understand...

 

Why are central banks buying more gold than at any time in 50 years?

 

...and - frankly - ANYONE that can read (p.s., note what #13 is)...

  

table b   

 

EVERYWHERE one looks, evidence of why you should flee the "MAINSTREAM" is blaring; be it expanding Middle East hostility...

 

Iran Central Bank Head Fired After Crushing Currency

 

...that the Israeli populace endorsed today...

 

Netanyahu claims election win despite losses

 

...to the EXPLOSION of global, toxic socialism...

 

Who Said It: Obama Or Hollande?

 

...to a level that even its former champions are FLEEING...

 

The Latest Evader of the French Millionaire Tax: The Former French President

 

...to expanding global FEAR...

 

Swiss Rates Swing Back To Negative As European Credit Ignores Equity Bounce

 

...and plunging economic activity...

  

 
Source: Zero Hedge 
 

 

...despite all PROPAGANDA to the contrary...

 

Guest Post: The Real Housing Recovery Story

 

...to U.S. government militancy...

 

US Taxpayers Pick Up Tab for US Military Missions in Mali "Assisting" The French

 

...oppression...

 

SEC Bars Egan-Jones from Rating the US and Other Governments for 18 Months

 

...and lunacy...

 

Boehner 'Back-Down' or 'Battle-On' - Live Webcast

 

Cumulatively, the "writing" is not just on the wall, but impossible not to see...

 

This Is What 1,230 Days of Explicit Market Support by the Federal Reserve Looks Like

 

...particularly when one sees how RIDICULOUSLY markets are "masked"...

 

Another Day, another Equity Divergence

 

...particularly the "DOW JONES PROPAGANDA AVERAGE"; which bordering on the realm of LUDICROUS - traded higher for the eighth straight day with an IDENTICAL "DEAD RINGER" pattern...

  

dow jones   

Meanwhile, gold was CAPPED at the ROUND NUMBER of $1,695/oz - on a day it should have EXPLODED; replete with the typical "late afternoon fade"...

  

gold   

...and a "CARTEL HERALD" so blatant, I spotted it in advance - as usual - AT THE AIRPORT...

  

gold   

 

Silver - you know, the metal that is SOLD OUT at the U.S. Mint; finally breached the Cartel's current line in the sand at the ROUND NUMBER of $32/oz; only to be stopped at EXACTLY 2:00 PM EST by the most blatant "CARTEL HERALD" of ALL TIME...

  

silver   

...while the HUI had a reasonable up day, of 1.2%...

 

hui   

 

The CURRENCY WARS have commenced; and WILL NOT stop until all fiat currencies are DESTROYED. This is the only way out; and thus, why you MUST...

 

PROTECT YOURSELF, and do it NOW!

 

Call Miles Franklin at 800-822-8080, and talk to one of our brokers.  Through industry-leading customer service and competitive pricing, we aim to EARN your business.

 

 

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Book Private Meetings and Events
Miles Franklin seeks creative ways to partner with its clients to market Precious Metals to nationwide audiences.  If you are interested in hosting a private meeting - or sponsoring a Webinar presentation - with Andy Schectman, President of Miles Franklin, and "Ranting Andy" Hoffman, Marketing Director, please inquire via email to aschectman@milesfranklin.com or ahoffman@milesfranklin.com; or via telephone at 800-822-8080. 

commentaryWednesday Morning Commentary 1/23/2013

It's very early - 5:45 AM EST, to be exact; too early for any U.S. news or market movements to report on; and in Europe, markets are largely flat, with the only news being another moronic, economy-killing tax proposal...

 

Europe finance tax to net tens of billions of euros: France

 

Andy Schectman and I have a big presentation this morning; and then, I'll be traveling back to Denver. Thus, I'm going to keep this morning's commentary short and sweet; focused ENTIRELY on the comments Jim Sinclair published last night.

 

Per today's "QUOTES OF THE DAY," he expects the second phase of the gold bull to commence by mid-year; catalyzed by the Fed realization it must increase QE to prevent market forces from taking interest rates higher; and thus, ANNIHILATING any hope of "recovery" or deficit reduction.

 

When this occurs, you won't need my handholding as much; as the Cartel will have a MUCH more difficult time holding PMs down. Of course, the world will likely be a MUCH more difficult place, and there's a VERY strong chance the same silver shortages we are seeing today will become MUCH more acute...

 

The Entrance to the Second Phase of the Gold Market Ascendancy - Jim Sinclair

 

This is why you must quickly realize exactly why PHYSICAL gold and silver are REAL MONEY...

 

A Visual History of Gold

 

...and with that knowledge, act to...

 

PROTECT YOURSELF, and do it NOW!

 

Call Miles Franklin at 800-822-8080, and talk to one of our brokers.  Through industry-leading customer service and competitive pricing, we aim to EARN your business.

  

 

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BFI Wealth, Zurich - Swiss Annuities and Managed Accounts    

Miles Franklin and BFI Consulting of Zurich, Switzerland, have partnered for the past two decades in offering access to offshore annuities and managed accounts.  Born at roughly the same time in the early 1990s, both firms have successfully PROTECTED clients via quality, secure, private accounts holding PHYSICAL Precious Metals, annuities, and other managed products.  BFI is a global leader in the sale and maintenance of Swiss annuities and privately managed accounts - particularly to U.S.-based clients; and through its Global Gold subsidiary - utilizing worldwide storage leader Via Mat - offers international Precious Metal storage services in Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Singapore. As with Miles Franklin's Canadian offshore storage program, Global Gold offers allocated storage OUTSIDE the banking system.    

rantGive Us a Chance

 

Once in a while, I need to assert my business side; that is, to remind you I write this blog as much to give Miles Franklin exposure as to educate of the dangers of the financial world.

 

It's been a long, winding road; in which I spent more than two decades as a "prisoner" of the increasingly corrupt world of stocks and bonds. During that time, I worked in compliance, stock and bond trading, buy-side and sell-side research, investor relations, and financial consulting; in allcases, either executing financial transactions, or advising which ones to make. Moreover, my CFA designation is perhaps the most difficult to attain in the investment universe - epitomizing my drive to learn.

 

Sadly, that world has been DESTROYED by illegal and/or unethical algorithms and government manipulation (overt and covert); which is why I fled Wall Street in 2005 - and eventually, ALL paper investments in 2011. Fortunately, I came across David Schectman in mid-2011, who gave me the opportunity to work at the antithesis of the fraudulent PAPER world - Miles Franklin.

 

I've been Miles Franklin's Marketing Director for 15 months now, and have never felt more positive about my work. Not only do our people care about your well-being, but our pricing is competitive, our service unsurpassed, and - most importantly - our product will PROTECT you.

 

We have not had a registered client complaint in our entire 23-year history; are innovative in creating services - such as our Brink's Canadian storage program; and take care of our own. Regarding the latter, I challenge you to find any bullion dealer that does not charge "buyback" commissions to its clients. In other words, if you buy your coins from Miles Franklin, we will NOT charge a commission if you sell them back to us in the future.

 

As much as I LOVE helping people understand the world's financial hurdles, I also seek to make a good living. Each week, at least 40 hours are put into this newsletter, plus 3-5 hours on podcasts, radio shows, webinars, and other presentations. David Schectman - in semi-retirement - puts in at least half this amount, while Bill Holter is now writing essentially every day. In other words, hundreds of hours of content each month, all for FREE; not to mention, the dozens of emails we promptly respond to.

 

Considering these services, which if sold would cost quite a bit, I ask for but one thing in return - to "GIVE US A CHANCE" when interested acquiring Precious Metals. Whether buying, selling, or storing, we want to earn your business; and thus, we simply ask you to give us a call. And by the way, our online purchasing platform is planned for launch this Spring, giving clients an additional option for buying Precious Metals from us.

 

From all of us at Miles Franklin, thanks in advance!

 

PROTECT YOURSELF, and do it NOW!

 

Call Miles Franklin at 800-822-8080, and talk to one of our brokers.  Through industry-leading customer service and competitive pricing, we aim to EARN your business.

 

 

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mailboxRanting Andy's Mailbox

 

Hi Andy:

 

I just listened to your interview on Cyrus 992. It was quite inspiring and served as a reminder and recap of much of what you have been saying all along. His take on what others in his generation are thinking and confronting is remarkably accurate. I don't see how such a young man has been able to get so far out in front and on top of the economic issues when so many others  three times his age are still totally asleep.. Just hope he takes your advice on those mining stocks.  

 

W

 

W,

 

Yes, one of the more enlightening podcasts I've done. A must listen.

 

Thanks,

 

Andy

 

_________________________________________________

 

Andy,

 

My trips are starting to get fewer and fewer.  The corporate outings are starting to really dry up.  The word I'm getting is that these guys are starting to put their hands in their pockets, and aren't spending money they don't have to.  My business has always been a great barometer on just how strong or weak the economy is.  I can tell you without hesitation that at this moment and time; I have the most uneasy and eerie feeling that I have had in my entire 20-year career.  These guys are scared like I haven't seen before.  I am actually starting to think about another career to pursue because I don't see this one thriving in the Obama future.  I have no idea what I will do.

 

C

 

C,

 

I think that says it all about the REAL state of the economy.

 

Andy

 

_________________________________________________

 

Andy,

 

I for one never understood the allure of the US Mint silver eagles. Sure they are recognizable but to me silver is silver. Now that the mint has run out of coins AGAIN after depleting their supply at the end of 2012, I am fearful that US Mint Eagles may be tainted going forward. This is just my opinion but look how dishonest our government is with everything else. Why won't they kick the can a little longer and produce some base metal coins with a silver veneer and call it good. I don't trust anything our government does any longer.

 

Mark

 

Mark,

 

They are still the most recognizable coin; hence the higher premiums. And no, they are not easily substitutable with base metal, as silver is distinctively HEAVY. That said, in time, I expect quality generics to be worth just as much. In 1999, the world learned to "understand" tech stocks out of GREED; and in the coming years, they will "understand" PHYSICAL bullion out of FEAR.

 

Andy

 

 

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Reliable Financial Advisors  

In a world of heightened speculative and counterparty risks, finding someone you can trust may be the most important research you do. Miles Franklin does not sell stocks, but is frequently asked if we know of reputable, full-service brokers. WE DO NOT CONDEMN OR CONDONE EQUITY INVESTMENTS, but want investors with such interest to be honestly and competently handled.

In resource stocks, the folks at Sprott Global Resource Investments - managed by Eric Sprott and Rick Rule - are the best in the business. In various capacities, we have worked with Eric Angeli, Jeff Howard, Kenton Toews, Mishka vom Dorp, Jason Stevens, Anthony Marsh, and Andrew Jackson - all of whom are diligent, ethical, and knowledgeable. That style of business is indicative of the reputation Global has built over the past 25 years. You can feel comfortable with any of their brokers, reachable at 800-477-7853.

For all other stocks - including large cap gold, silver and other resource equities - Nick Shermeta, from Northland Securities here in Minneapolis, is as trustworthy and knowledgeable as they come. Nick is a Senior Vice President with more than 20 years experience, but will treat you as if you were his only client. You can reach Nick at 612-851-5908, or by email at nshermeta@northlandsecurities.com.

The common denominator is decades of Wall Street experience, which should give you comfort that well-seasoned and weathered hands are helping manage your portfolio. Notably, we do not receive compensation for these recommendations. We just want you to know that if they are good enough for us, they should be good enough for you too.

About Andy Hoffman

Andrew ("Andy") Hoffman, CFA joined Miles Franklin as Marketing Director in October 2011.  For a decade, he was a U.S.-based buy-side and sell-side analyst, most notably as an II-ranked oil service analyst at Salomon Smith Barney from 1999 through 2005.  Since 2002, his focus has been entirely on Precious Metals, and since 2006 has written free missives regarding gold, silver, and macroeconomics under the moniker "Ranting Andy."  Prior to joining the company, he spent five years working as an Investor Relations officer or consultant to numerous junior mining companies.   An archive of Andy's "RANTS" can be found on the Miles Franklin Blog here.

 

For more information on Miles Franklin Ltd. visit our website.

 
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Readers are advised that the material contained herein is solely for informational purposes. The author and publisher of this letter are not qualified financial advisors and are not acting as such in this publication. The Miles Franklin Report is not a registered financial advisory and Miles Franklin, Ltd., a Minnesota corporation, is not a registered financial advisor. Readers should not view this publication as offering personalized legal, tax, accounting, or investment-related advice. All forecasts and recommendations are based on opinion. Markets change direction with consensus beliefs, which may change at any time and without notice. The information and data contained herein were obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but no representation, warranty or guarantee is made that it is complete, accurate, valid or suitable. Further, the author, publisher and Miles Franklin, Ltd. disclaims all warranties, express, implied or statutory, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy and non-infringement, and warranties implied from a course of performance or course of dealing. The reader accepts information on the condition that errors or omissions shall not be made the basis for any claim, demand or cause for action. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results. Any statements non-factual in nature constitute only current opinions, which are subject to change. The author, publisher, Miles Franklin, Ltd, and their respective officers, directors, owners, employees and agents are not responsible for errors or omissions or any damages arising from the display or use of such information. The author, publisher, Miles Franklin, Ltd, and their respective officers, directors, owners, employees and agents may or may not have a position in the commodities, securities and/or options relating thereto, and may make purchases and/or sales of these commodities and securities relating thereto from time to time in the open market or otherwise. Authors of articles or special reports contained herein may have been compensated for their services in preparing such articles. Miles Franklin, Ltd. and/or its officers, directors, owners, employees and agents do not receive compensation for information presented on mining shares or any other commodity, security or product described herein. Nothing contained herein constitutes a representation, nor a solicitation for the purchase or sale of commodities or securities and therefore no information, nor opinions expressed, shall be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any commodities or securities mentioned herein. Investors are advised to obtain the advice of a qualified financial, legal and investment advisor before entering any financial transaction.

 

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