Economy
John P. Hussman, Ph.D., President of Hussman Investment Trust, has issued a “Crash Warning,” highlighting the risk of an abrupt market dislocation due to high valuations, deteriorating market internals, and shaken investor confidence. He notes that the economic boom has been fueled by excessive leverage and foreign savings, with demand for new capital investment reportedly waning, signaling the end of this growth phase. Historical data suggests that significant market drops often follow when the S&P 500 falls over 10% from its 10-week high, coupled with worsening credit conditions. However, some market analysts argue that despite high valuations, the market could still see a recovery due to potential monetary policy adjustments by the Federal Reserve, suggesting that not all investors share Hussman’s bearish outlook.
In the housing market, Zillow has downgraded its 12-month forecast for U.S. home prices, predicting a 1.7% decline by March 2026. This adjustment reflects ongoing affordability issues, with home prices having risen over 40% during the pandemic and mortgage rates increasing from 3% to 6% in 2022. The increase in active listings is reportedly fueling softer price growth, as greater supply provides more options and bargaining power for buyers, many of whom are opting to remain renters due to these affordability challenges. However, local markets can vary significantly, with some areas still reportedly experiencing price increases due to unique economic conditions or local demand.
Meanwhile, the gold-to-silver ratio has reached levels not seen since the financial crises of 2008 and 2020, which some market analysts interpret as a signal of potential economic distress. This ratio, typically used as a trading signal, now indicates deflationary pressures and significant liquidations, with silver prices reportedly lagging behind gold due to lower industrial demand. However, others argue that the ratio might be due to temporary market dynamics rather than a systemic issue, suggesting that it could normalize soon due to expected economic recovery signals.
US Politics
The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport Venezuelan nationals, with Justices Thomas and Alito dissenting. The ACLU challenged the administration’s rapid deportation process, arguing it violated due process rights established in a recent Supreme Court ruling. Some prominent X users have expressed support for Trump’s use of the AEA, arguing that illegal immigrants should not be granted due process since they did not follow legal entry procedures. On a similar subject, reports coming out of Chicago and Pennsylvania indicate Cinco de Mayo celebrations may be canceled to protect against ICE raids.
Geopolitics
Geopolitical tensions are escalating, particularly involving Ukraine and Russia. Denmark’s decision to send military drone operators to Ukraine for training has drawn a warning from Russia, stating that these troops would become legitimate targets. This move is part of a broader European response to perceived threats from Russia, with Denmark also planning to conscript women into military service. However, the Danish Ministry of Defense has emphasized that the training mission is strictly for educational purposes and not for combat engagement, aiming to enhance Denmark’s military capabilities.
Meanwhile, President Trump has reportedly signaled a willingness to recognize Crimea as Russian territory in an effort to push for a peace deal in Ukraine, following Russia’s end to a one-month pause on targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. This move has been met with resistance from Ukraine and Western European leaders. Additionally, the U.S. and Ukraine are set to sign a minerals deal, which has sparked debate over resource exploitation amidst ongoing conflict. Critics argue it represents a resource grab by the U.S. while Ukraine is in a vulnerable state. However, supporters of the deal argue that it could provide economic benefits for both countries, with the U.S. offering support for Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.
President Trump’s approach to Ukraine has been marked by ultimatums and a push for quick resolution, with the U.S. presenting a peace plan in Paris that includes easing sanctions on Russia and halting Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. This proposal, however, reportedly faces rejection from Ukraine and Western European leaders. Some analysts suggest that this might be a strategic move to pressure both sides into negotiations.
Environment
In efforts to combat climate change, the UK has launched the SeaCURE project on its south coast. This initiative aims to remove carbon from seawater, a process that involves drawing seawater, treating it to release CO2, capturing the gas, and then returning the carbon-depleted water to the sea. While currently small-scale, the project’s backers believe that if scaled up, it could contribute to reducing global CO2 levels, although it requires substantial energy, ideally from renewable sources. However, there are concerns about the potential environmental impacts of low-carbon seawater on marine life, indicating a need for further study and mitigation strategies.
Health
A study has revealed that many popular toothpaste brands contain lead and other toxic heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. About 90% of the 51 brands tested contained lead, with some exceeding Washington state’s limits. This contamination is linked to ingredients like hydroxyapatite and bentonite clay. Despite these findings, none of the companies have committed to removing lead from their products, often citing that lead is naturally occurring and unavoidable. However, some companies argue that the levels of metals found are within acceptable limits and meet current safety standards.
In other news, the White House has replaced its COVID website with an accounting of alleged missteps taken during the pandemic including details about the virus’s origin, the response of various domestic and international agencies, social distancing, mask mandates, and lockdowns. It also specifically calls out reported failures of Anthony Fauci, Dr. Daszak, Dr. Morens, Governor Hochul, and Governor Cuomo.
Sources
Navigating the Trap Door: Insights on Market Crashes and Economic Dislocations
At its core, a market crash is nothing but risk-aversion meeting a market that’s not priced to tolerate risk.
Zillow Predicts U.S. Home Prices to Decline 1.7% by March 2026, Cites Affordability Issues
Zillow economists wrote in March, “The rise in [active] listings is fueling softer price growth, as greater supply provides more options and more bargaining power for buyers.”
Source | Submitted by permiegirl
Chicago and Philadelphia Cancel Cinco de Mayo Parades Amid ICE Raid Fears
“Our people are scared.”
Source | Submitted by Walberga
White House Unveils New COVID-19 Website: A Chronicle of Pandemic Missteps and Censorship
The website has now been converted into a page exposing the countless crimes that took place during the pandemic.
Gold-to-Silver Ratio Soars: A Harbinger of Economic Distress?
Gold to silver at 102 and climbing doesn’t necessarily say that you need to buy silver. What it does say is that we need to pay close attention to the fallout from everything.
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
Lead and Toxic Metals Found in Popular Toothpaste Brands, Study Reveals
Toothpaste can be widely contaminated with lead and other dangerous heavy metals, new research shows.
Source | Submitted by Shplad
UK’s SeaCURE Project: Sucking Carbon from the Sea to Combat Climate Change
“Seawater has got loads of carbon in it compared to the air, about 150 times more,” says Dr Halloran.
Source | Submitted by Chanah
Trump Signals Willingness to Recognize Crimea as Russian in Push for Ukraine Peace Deal
Trump Ready To Recognize Crimea As Russian After Warning He May Walk From Ukraine Peace Deal
US and Ukraine Ink Minerals Deal Amidst Ultimatums and Controversy
“We have a minerals deal, which I guess is going to be signed on Thursday — next Thursday [24 April]? Soon.”
Supreme Court Halts Trump’s Deportation Plan Under Alien Enemies Act, Thomas and Alito Dissent
The U.S. Supreme Court issued an early morning decision Saturday temporarily blocking President Donald Trump’s efforts to deport illegal aliens—specifically Venezuelan nationals—using the long-standing Alien Enemies Act of 1798 (AEA).
Denmark’s Drone Diplomacy: Training in Ukraine Sparks Russian Retaliation Warnings
Russia warns Danish troops in Ukraine will become legitimate targets.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: ACLU, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, Crest, Danish Ministry of Defense, HousingWire, Reuters, Tom’s of Maine.
by aaronmckeon 
