The politics of gold: Economist Michael Hudson explains why gold's price is rising so much
Feb 13, 2025
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In this insightful discussion, award-winning economist Michael Hudson shares his expertise on the political dynamics driving the surging price of gold. He explores the complexities behind the US dollar system and how geopolitical tensions are impacting gold's market. Hudson questions traditional views on gold as an inflation hedge, elaborates on central banks' manipulative strategies, and discusses the implications of increased demand for physical gold amidst fears of economic instability. A deep dive into the evolving role of gold in today's financial landscape!
Central banks are driving the rising demand for gold due to geopolitical tensions and the fear of asset seizures under U.S. sanctions.
The dynamics of the gold market differ from typical commodities, highlighting central banks' historical manipulation of gold prices to maintain dollar supremacy.
Investors are increasingly prioritizing physical gold as a secure asset amidst distrust in fiat currencies, reflecting broader concerns about economic stability.
Deep dives
Rising Gold Prices and Global Tensions
The price of gold has significantly risen, nearly tripling since 2018, due to various factors, including increased central bank purchases amid geopolitical tensions. Countries under U.S. sanctions, which include a significant portion of low-income nations, fear asset seizures similar to Russia's recent experience. The war in Ukraine exacerbated these fears, prompting central banks to view gold as a safer alternative to dollar or euro-denominated assets. This shift reflects a broader sentiment that traditional financial systems are vulnerable to political pressures and economic manipulation.
Central Banks and Private Demand
Demand for gold has consistently outstripped supply for decades, leading to a startling rise in prices recently. Gold is traditionally perceived as an inflation hedge; however, recent trends indicate that even as inflation decreases, gold prices continue to soar. Interestingly, central banks are not the only players driving this demand; private investors are increasingly turning to gold as a secure asset amid fluctuating economic conditions. This dual-source demand illustrates a shift in how wealth is stored and perceived, highlighting concerns about the stability of fiat currencies.
Manipulation of Gold Prices by Central Banks
The dynamics of the gold market differ vastly from typical commodity markets, primarily due to long-standing practices by central banks to regulate gold prices. Historically, the U.S. maintained a steady price for gold, manipulating the market to ensure the dollar remained the preferred global reserve currency. This manipulation allowed central banks to profit from selling gold short and leasing it to dealers, further contributing to price stagnation during periods of rising demand. The recent dramatic uptick in gold prices suggests a breakdown of this manipulation, raising questions about the future of gold as an asset.
Gold as a Fallback Against Currency Instability
Recent discussions emphasize that gold's role transcends simple investment; it is becoming a safety net against the instability of fiat currencies, which increasingly lose value due to monetary policies. Investors are shifting their focus to physical gold as a tangible asset free of debt, contrasting sharply with financial products like treasury bonds that carry risks associated with currency depreciation. This pivot reflects a broader distrust in traditional banking and a quest for reliable wealth preservation methods. The implications of this behavior suggest that growing doubt toward government-issued currencies could further enhance gold's appeal.
Potential Crises in the Gold Market
Concerns are mounting about the sustainability of current gold supplies, especially as the demand for physical delivery increases amidst rising prices. Central banks have been leasing gold to dealers, creating a situation where actual reserves may be depleted, similar to a bank run. As investors grow anxious and seek to physically possess their gold, fear of a liquidity crisis in the gold market looms. This situation could potentially force central banks to address their practices transparently or face severe repercussions in global financial stability.
Why has the price of gold been increasing so fast, breaking records? Economist Michael Hudson explains the politics of the precious metal, and the dynamics of the US dollar system. He is interviewed by Ben Norton.
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Bvr2SZm-NM
Transcript: https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2025/02/13/politics-gold-price-economist-michael-hudson/
Topics
0:00 Intro
1:49 Highlights
4:14 Interview starts
4:49 US dollar system & Super Imperialism
8:23 Dollar alternatives?
10:56 Why price of gold is rising
15:31 Gold market is political
21:10 Is gold an inflation hedge?
25:19 US military spending
27:33 Budget deficits & MMT
29:41 Gold standard critique
33:29 Politics of money creation
35:39 Commodity markets
38:01 Options trading
39:33 Central banks short selling gold
43:43 Gold leasing
48:01 How much gold is in Fort Knox?
51:03 Is there a run on gold?
1:02:50 Western central bank strategy
1:07:11 Outro
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