THE NEW INTERNATIONAL CURRENCY: TUNGSTEN

                                   Guess What? It Ain’t Gold

Time to hand out “The Louie Renault Award” for being shocked.

[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1DEG6BWgp0 ]

The gold dealer community is abuzz over some Russians [ROFLMAO] selling 10 OZ. gold bars filled with tungsten. I just got one question: is JPM, or Vampire Squid, long tungsten futures?

If tungsten catches on with muppets clients, maybe some day we can have tungsten bars filled with gold. Until then, give me gold coins and leave the bars for the snooty Swiss.

Maybe it’s just my cynical gold dealer mistrust, but there is a part of me that says this whole thing is a scam to discourage people from buying and holding physical gold. The lengths that government, at any level, will go to confiscate your wealth is unbounded by any natural constraint.

Of course, given the propensity of the Amerikan public to swallow any and all swill Wall Street throws at them, expect nobody to learn the lessons of MF Global or PFG Best. Keep buying paper Amerika, it’s done such a bang-up job for you this last decade hasn’t it?

Have a good day everyone.

-vegas

WHY DOES ANYBODY TRUST THE U.S.?

                               What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Well well, while I was away snorkeling in the snow cliff diving, a funny thing happened to investors all over the world who again like idiots simply don’t seem to ever learn a lesson.

I am of course referring to the liquidation bankruptcy of PFG Best. Let’s see, $400 million in missing segregated customer funds held at JPM; Gosh, we ain’t ever seen that before; errrrrr except with REFCO, MF Global, and now PFG. Give it a little time and I’m sure the CME thugs will have had their grimy hands in it too.

And prey pray tell, what do they all have in common? Why of course, they all happened in the U.S. You know, that bastion of regulatory zeal where every investor is protected; until they ain’t. From the folks who couldn’t catch a cold in a sniffle factory, we are of course being told that justice will prevail. Errrrr, someday; right after they find the missing  large $1.4 from MF Global.

Seriously, what does it take for people to start asking WTF?

How many times can you hit a dumb animal in the head with a baseball bat before it sees you coming and simply says “I don’t think so”? Once natch. Not so easy with humans, who will rationalize to their hearts content while their pockets are picked clean by regulators, banks like JPM, and the aforementioned world’s most disgusting exchange.

Do I have to say this again?

Why does anybody trade with a U.S. broker?

You dolts out there who continue to place your hard-earned money with crooks in the U.S. financial system; what’s it gonna take? Sorry, when they vaporize your funds AGAIN SOMEPLACE ELSE I refuse to feel sorry for you.

Is it just me thinking this, or do all the crash test dummies live in Amerika?

Of course, Chalky Soetero’s pals have their fingerprints all over this. And while I am positive he is getting a cut somewhere somehow, his pals should be cuffed and marched off to the rock pile. Instead, they’ll be off fund raising somewhere for Mom, apple pie, and the Chicago way.

What a screwed up country.

Have a good day everyone. Be back soon full time from hedonistic pleasure.

-vegas

SCHOOLYARD BULLIES

                                   This Is Who Represents You

What happens when a collective group of people are pushed to the edge of sanity by politicians? Well, if you live in Europe, you are about to find out. Italy declares bank “Holidays”; Switzerland is considering capital controls and travel controls; and to top it off, Saxo Bank [Netherlands] has quadrupled trading margins involving Swiss Francs [CHF].

The pain of Greece is clearly spreading. And while you will suffer, the politicians will conference somewhere where the hookers are plentiful and the caterers superb. If there are any companies out there whose biz is booming it is A) caterers, and B) those that make paper for Drachmas.

Markets are on the proverbial “pins and needles” Defcon 1 red alert.

Gold was its usual self [as of this year], going $20 in 20 minutes; the new normal is to see just how fast money destruction can occur in the span of the shortest amount of time possible. Makes no difference up or down, although stop destruction on the down side has always been a crowd favorite amongst professional traders.

Record short EURUSD spec positions at the Crimex [let’s face it, that’s what they are – just ask any former MF Global customer] means that any burp from a Pol in Europe will jerk the market one way or the other; today was no different. Although today isn’t over as I write this, we definitely got the "Flying Wedge of Death" going on in most pairs.

What needs to happen isn’t going to happen; shut the politicians up and get them in a room until something concrete and credible is brought forth they can agree. And just to be clear; no hookers and sea bass in white wine sauce until you got something – understand?

“How do you expect us to live?”

Of course, as the world knows to well, this weekend comes the Greek elections. I’m just thinkin’ out loud here; by any chance is there a full moon this Sunday?

Maybe what the continent needs is some Chalky Soetero “Hope & Change”. Given how his campaign for “Preeeezy” is going, putting him in Europe for a few weeks would probably improve his poll numbers.

If this wasn’t so serious and affecting so many people it would be hilarious.

Have a good day everyone.

-vegas

THE NAZIFICATION OF AMERIKA

                    Symbol ForAmerika: It's For The Kids & Fairness

There are 2 things I need to address today. The first is market related and the second is far, far more serious.

Tomorrow is NFP Friday and right now gold has the potential to see tomorrow as one of the biggest bloodbaths you will likely ever see. An upbeat NFP jobs number and with the technical configuration of the market as it is currently, you could see a gap lower that will remind you of Feb. 29.

I’m not predicting, I’m just sayin’. Every blog in existence is bullish. Everywhere I turn I see articles about how gold will explode higher. Uh huh, well how about the downside to this equation? [I hear crickets.]

I was told late yesterday, after my post, that HotForex will no longer do business with U.S. citizens. They will not accept any new U.S. clients, and existing accounts must be closed by the end of business June 5, 2012.

Why?

Simple; they got strong-armed by the CFTC [Commodity Futures Trading Commission]. When I talked this morning with one of the managing partners, he told me the CFTC notified them on Monday [April 30] that they would hold the partners and officers of the company personally liable if they failed to expunge U.S. clients.

Since they need this like they need cancer, and since their U.S. business is relatively small compared to their total operations, they said fine. End of discussion. Bye.

This is the same CFTC that did such a bang up job protecting MF Global clients when Corzine et al stole vaporized $1.6 billion in customer money; same with REFCO a few years earlier.

Of course, we all know what the issue here is. HotForex is domiciled in Mauritius, with offices in Cyprus. They offer evil CFD’s and of course spot gold. They offer funding/withdrawal via e-currency, which the U.S. Treasury says only child pornographers and drug dealers use to escape taxes and detection. In other words, they have tax haven status.

“I’m shocked! Shocked I say!”

[Meaning]

“We can’t track what you’re allowing U.S. citizens to do so we aren’t going to let you do it anymore. And if you don’t do what we want we will make life absolutely miserable for officers and directors of your company. We will tie them up in litigation and do our best to sully your brokerage house reputation. You want a piece of this?”

To those of you that are U.S. domiciled and are U.S. citizens, this should be a gigantic wake-up call showing you the Nazi State you are a part. Somebody please tell me what business it is of government to tell me where [and what] I can trade with my own money?

In the near future here is what is next, all in the name of “fairness” of course and your protection; confiscation [again] of your physical gold; only being able to have a bank account in a government approved To-Big-To-Fail ]TBTF] bank; the end of retirement accounts [IRA & 401k’s]; forcing U.S. workers to buy U.S. Treasury bonds so the government can fund deficit spending when the Chinese won’t do it any longer; eliminating the ability of any U.S. citizens of having brokerage and/or banking outside the U.S.; and finally taking away your passport if the government thinks you owe them money for any reason, no proof needed only suspicion [already in the works].

“That’s right kids; report any suspicious activity by your parents to www.obama.org and help us save the future. Forward!”

If you can’t see what this means you are blind and in denial. I implore you for your own good and that of your loved ones; take measures to protect yourself by getting money and savings OUT OF AMERIKA before it is too late. Use the law firms outside the U.S., at the links on this webpage, to protect yourself. I have no connection with any of them, and receive nothing from them. I link to them because they are all very good and reputable.

As for me, this is like going over a speed bump in a parking lot. No pain just some minor irritation. The website, the commentary going forward, and my trading won’t in any way be hindered; it’s business as usual.

For those of you in my PAMM, please go to the PAMM webpage where I have some additional details [ http://vegaspamm.blogspot.com ] once the trading day is over.

Ultimately, it’s your decision as to what you need to do. Remember, it’s better to be 10 years too early than 1 day late. Or, you can let the Nazi’s tell you what you must do; you know, like the prestigious CFTC, IRS, or EPA. Oh, and let’s not forget Obamacare down the road. This is scary but you have time; do something about it.

Have a good day everyone.

-vegas

ATTENTION EQUITY TRADERS, INVESTORS, & MUTUAL FUND INVESTORS

                                      The Vaunted NYSE

 Today’s post is directly aimed at those of you that 1) own mutual funds, and 2) own and/or trade stocks. It can be either in individual accounts, joint accounts, and/or the various retirement account government ponzi schemes. Whether based in U.S. equities or stocks traded in Europe or Asia, it doesn’t make any difference.

                      If You Have Any Money Invested, This Is You

If you have any money invested, you face a real three-pronged attack against your wealth. If you haven’t felt the wrath of one, some, or all of these 3 arrows, you someday will.

                                      Barry Soetero’s Amerika

The U. S. Government is the single biggest threat to your wealth. Whether the IRS or through various regulatory agencies, get ready for the biggest power grab against wealth the world has ever seen if Fearless Leader is re-elected in 2012.

Think I’m nuts or just a tad off-the-wall? Consider that in 2008-2009, when head Dem Witch Pelosi was in charge of the House of Representatives, one of her cohorts from California [George Miller] actually proposed legislation to force IRA and 401(k)’s to buy U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, and sell equities.

Now, it went nowhere, but the fact that it was even brought up should be enough of an incentive to say, “Screw you, my money is outta here!”

Still want a retirement account?

                  Ministry of Truth: We Know What’s Best For You

State and local Municipalities also pose a significant threat to your wealth through an almost infinite web of regulatory agencies and tax departments. Mess with any of these and you can kiss your equity account and/or retirement account goodbye.

Consider that California residents who pick up and leave the state permanently, to retire anywhere else, still have to pay California state taxes on their retirement income, even though they no longer live in the socialist paradise of California!

Come back soon, we need the money!

Hi, You’ve Just Been Served By The Law Firm of Wei, Cheatum & Howe

Our litigious society makes filing a lawsuit against you very simple. Makes no difference if there is a legitimate reason to do so; you got money or the perception of money and you are the deep pocket. Now, fork over that trading account!

I’m sure you and the spouse can come to a peaceful and amicable agreement in the event of divorce. After all, there isn’t any emotion or enmity involved. What could possibly go wrong?

Get “Offshore” NOW Before It’s Too Late

Moving funds “offshore” [meaning outside the U.S. or your domicile if you are a citizen of some other country] is legal and a simple process.

If you think the U.S. is the paradigm of virtue when it comes to honesty, openness, and transparency for investors, please think again. Do the bankrupt firms MF Global and REFCO mean anything to you?

The fact is, your funds are safer and better protected somewhere else, all the while being out-of-the-grasp of those pesky arrows. HotForex is domiciled in Mauritius and is regulated by FSA [Europe]. All customer monies are segregated from the firms capital.

Anybody that has money in the United States is asking for their hard-earned money to either be stolen from them by crooked exchanges and trading firms, or confiscated by government in some way, shape, or form.

It’s better to be 10 years too early than 1 day late.

                                       Why, What’s The Point?

I’m assuming you buy mutual funds or stocks to make money. OK, I’ve got a much better way to accumulate wealth. One that is safer, cheaper, and more profitable for you, and you are still in stocks.

Most, if not all offshore banks and/or brokerage houses allow clients to trade the various world stock indices as CFD’s [Contracts For Difference]. Not in the U.S. though because they know what's best for all of us. What’s a CFD? In simple terms, it’s a bet you make with the bank and/or brokerage house on the direction of the Stock Index you want to trade. There are currently 12 stock indices that can be traded through HotForex.

“But I’m more of a longer term trader, not looking to trade it every day.”

No problem, as “The Vegas BFSG Algorithm” has a longer term component to it that allows you to do this. I have calibrated ALL the stock indices that are currently offered on the MT4 trading platform. So, whether you want to invest in the Dow 30, S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, FTSE 100 (UK), DAX 30 (Germany), or any of the other countries, the algorithm has got you covered.

The key advantages here, which you DO NOT HAVE IN THE U.S., are as follows:

1)                  Sell and be short as easily as buy and be long (stock accounts),

2)                  No commissions,

3)                  Trade macro themes, not particular company specific news, and last but not least,

4)                  Leverage of 1:1 to as much as 20:1. That’s right, 5% margin if you want it.

                Who Is That Handsome Guy Trading S&P 500 Futures?

As many of you know, I have traded the Dow 30 and S&P 500 since their respective births onto the trading scene almost 30 years ago. I have argued repeatedly over the years, that it simply makes no sense to trade or own individual shares.

“The Vegas BFSG Algorithm” works extremely well in the stock indices [all of them]. Whether you are a short-term day-trader or a longer term investor, the algorithm can do sooooooooo much better [$$$$$] than what you are currently making from your stocks.

Whether you want to maintain cash levels [1:1 leverage] or get more aggressive [up to 20:1 leverage or 5% margin] is up to you. All the while, the algorithm is guiding you towards the profits you are seeking.

“How’s that buy-and-hold strategy in SPDR’s workin’ out for ya over the last 10 years?”

“The Vegas BFSG Algorithm” is free, what are you waiting for?

Today’s Action & Weekly Wrap Up

No trading today due to the shortened trading hours over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Gains for the week were approximately $ 11 / oz. For more detailed info, take a look at Wednesday’s post [11/23/2011].

Have a great day everybody.

-vegas

Last Person Leaving Turn Out The Lights

Zzzzzzzzzzzz.

Sums up pretty well today’s trade in gold. Sellers tried a few times to take it lower but couldn’t get any traction. With NFP [Non Farm Payrolls] from the lying BLS [Bureau of labor Statistics] showing little surprise, most traders shrugged their shoulders and said, “What am I doing here”. With Barry Soetero hiding out in Cannes, trying to export to Europe his magic touch to solving the Euro crisis, there weren’t many other headlines that mattered enough to move the market.

Without further ado, today's candlestick chart explains everything.

OK, maybe not, but it certainly felt like it.

Being the investigative trader/blogger that I am, I left the office early to have lunch with former Treasurer and Chief Accountant of MF Global, Inc. I am of course referring to Jethro Bodine. I caught up with him at his favorite restaurant and what follows is my in depth coverage of the MF [appropriately named I think] bankruptcy.

Vegas: “Jethro, nice to see you. Please tell my readers what you know about this mess. Can you tell us what happened?

Jethro: “Sure vegas, we stole the money. Can I get some fries too?”

Well, there you have it.

[Note: Regulators from the SEC, CFTC, as well as uber-exchange CME were invited to this lunch, but all expressed regret that an official investigation is currently under way and commenting would be inappropriate.  That and the fact I wouldn’t buy lunch for them, kinda sealed the deal.]

Today was the kind of day a new, or undisciplined, trader easily could have gotten into trouble. Not the way you think though. It’s price action like today that make it easy to trade by-the-seat-of-your-pants and make money. A dangerous, false sense of security that this is what trading is about. I can assure you it isn’t.

The BSFG algo didn’t produce anything of significance today. About a wash really, depending on how and where you got filled. Might have made or lost a few pennies either way. No matter, days like this are to be survived. They happen, and we deal with them.

Have a great weekend everybody..

 -vegas

What a Week To Start

                         MF Global, Inc. Compliance Department

After a somewhat extended hiatus, I'm glad to report I'm back [better than ever of course]. The title kind of says it all this week: The largest futures broker in the world, MF Global, Inc., declares bankruptcy, the Euro is about to get "Greeked", and the Fed basically has told the world it has no clue what to do. Other than that, not much going on.

Gold was all over the place today; starting at the lows and rallying to put the high in around 1744 and then on the Fed "minutes" dropping rather quickly to 1719 before retracing almost all of the drop. My BFSG algo picked up most of the first rally out of Asia, so no need to get involved when Weimar Ben took over around 1 PM.

Trading near support/resistance levels continues to be dangerous, as hedge funds and dealers are running the stops on a constant basis; gaps of over $2 can be seen in a second. I continue to preach about not putting your stops in obvious technical situations; you are just asking for a lousy fill.

Overall, gold is pretty well supported and I most definitely prefer to buy on the breaks. So, how do we do that? Best strategy is in the algorithm. Download it now at the link.

More comments tomorrow as I get into this.

     -vegas