State of the Markets #217 Grant Williams: The Slide into Narcissism
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Apr 6, 2025 Grant Williams, a seasoned strategist with 35 years in global markets, shares profound insights on the cyclical nature of history and its relevance today. He critiques the transformation of media and the rise of conspiracy theories in the wake of major events like 9/11 and the 2008 financial crisis. The discussion also delves into the implications of authoritarian policing in educational environments, the shifting role of central banks with the emergence of CBDCs, and the enduring value of gold amidst economic uncertainty.
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The Fourth Turning Explains Crises
- The Fourth Turning theory explains recurring 80-100 year cycles of crisis and renewal in history.
- Grant Williams finds it a useful framework to understand current societal turmoil beyond individual political events.
Leaders as Symptoms of Cycles
- Political figures like Donald Trump are symptoms, not causes, of larger cyclical societal shifts.
- These leaders emerge when public trust in institutions reaches a breaking point needing reconstruction.
Predicting Trump's Reelection
- Grant predicted Trump's 2020 reelection confidently despite criticizing both candidates.
- His prediction surprised and even upset a pro-Democrat audience.
