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Join Us at the World Economic Conference in Orlando, Florida! Nov. 17-19, 2023

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Join Us at the 2023 World Economic Conference in Orlando, Florida!

? Dates: November 17, 18, and 19 ? Location: Orlando, Florida, USA (or tune in from home with our virtual ticket options)

Are you ready to unlock the future of economics and finance? Prepare for an unforgettable World Economic Conference experience in sunny Orlando, Florida! This premier event is your gateway to insights, networking, and valuable resources that will supercharge your understanding of the global economy.

?️ What’s Included for In-Person Attendees:

  1. Event Admission: Enjoy reserved seating assigned based on the order of ticket sales, ensuring you have a prime view of every presentation.
  2. Presentation Slides: Gain access to the presentation slides from all speakers, allowing you to delve deeper into the topics discussed.
  3. Video Recording: Can’t make it to a session? No worries! You’ll receive access to video recordings of all conference presentations, so you can catch up at your convenience.
  4. WEC Event App: Connect with the conference on a whole new level. Access presentation slides, bonus reports, recordings, and more via the official WEC Event App.
  5. Bonus Conference Materials: Get a package of bonus conference-related materials, including exclusive bonus reports and videos (as provided by Martin Armstrong).
  6. Morning Information Sessions: Don’t miss out on important morning information sessions, screened on-site in the meeting room on Saturday and Sunday.
  7. Networking Opportunities: Exclusive access to the Event App Networking Feature allows you to connect with fellow attendees, both in-person and virtual, fostering valuable professional relationships.
  8. Culinary Delights: Savor delicious breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, prepared to keep you energized throughout the day.
  9. Cocktail Reception: Kick off the conference in style at our Friday evening cocktail reception. Meet and mingle with fellow attendees while enjoying refreshing drinks.
  10. Swag Bag: As a token of our appreciation, each in-person attendee will receive a swag bag filled with goodies, including an Armstrong Economics notebook, pen, and an event collector’s mug!

Unable to travel? We also have two different ticket options for those wishing to attend virtually! 

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a global gathering of economic and financial minds. Secure your spot at the World Economic Conference in Orlando, Florida, and gain the knowledge, connections, and resources you need to thrive in the world of finance and economics.

Space is limited, so act now and reserve your seat! Visit our Events page to register and join us in sunny Orlando this November.

NEW BOOK Now Available : "Mark Antony & Cleopatra"

Mark Antony Cleopatra Cleopatra Proxy War

Now available at all major retailers!

The eBook will be available shortly.

"THE PLOT TO SEIZE RUSSIA - THE UNTOLD HISTORY"

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The second edition of “The Plot to Seize Russia – The Untold History” is now available for purchase in paperback and hardcover on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The ebook will be available shortly.

Book description:

“Take care of Russia,” Boris Yeltsin said as he departed his presidency in August 1999. These words were directed at current Russian president, Vladimir Putin. Yeltsin specifically picked Putin as his predecessor to prevent the takeover of Russia.

So, who was Yeltsin warning against? Newly declassified documents from the Clinton Administration prove that there was a plot to rig the Russian election of 2000. These never-before-seen documents confirm numerous attempts to implement pro-Western policies using the Russian oligarchy headed by Boris Berezovsky.

On the other side were the communists who desired a return to the glory days of the Soviet Union. As one of the largest international hedge fund managers, author Martin Armstrong found himself in the middle of perhaps the greatest espionage, or attempt at a regime change for Russia, in modern history.

The Plot to Seize Russia pulls back the curtain to expose the most extraordinary attempt to seize power in modern history, but with the pen rather than armies. These declassified documents reveal a plot that has altered our thinking about the relations between the United States and Russia. The thirst for power comes seething through every line of these papers that alter our perception of reality, change the course of history, and now threaten us with World War III.

Market Talk – March 9, 2026

Market Talk 2017

ASIA:
The major Asian stock markets had a negative day today:
• NIKKEI 225 decreased 2,892.12 points or -5.20% to 52,728.72
• Shanghai decreased 27.592 points or -0.67% to 4,096.602
• Hang Seng decreased 348.83 points or -1.35% to 25,408.46
• ASX 200 decreased 252.00 points or -2.85% to 8,599.00
• SENSEX decreased 1,352.74 points or -1.71% to 77,566.16
• Nifty50 decreased 422.40 points or -1.73% to 24,028.05
The major Asian currency markets had a green day today:
• AUDUSD increased 0.00219 or 0.31% to 0.70508
• NZDUSD increased 0.00244 or 0.41% to 0.59234
• USDJPY increased 0.291 or 0.18% to 158.128
• USDCNY increased 0.0006 or 0.01% to 6.91018
The above data was collected around 13:01 EST.
Precious Metals:
• Gold decreased 54.72 USD/t oz. or -1.06% to 5,104.17
• Silver increased 0.334 USD/t. oz. or 0.40% to 84.667
The above data was collected around 13:05 EST.
EUROPE/EMEA:
The major Europe stock markets had a negative day today:
• CAC 40 decreased 78.13 points or -0.98% to 7,915.36
• FTSE 100 decreased 35.23 points or -0.34% to 10,249.52
• DAX 30 decreased 181.66 points or -0.77% to 23,409.37
The major Europe currency markets had a mixed day today:
• EURUSD decreased 0.00344 or -0.30% to 1.15842
• GBPUSD decreased 0.00152 or -0.11% to 1.33856
• USDCHF increased 0.00301 or 0.39% to 0.77931
The above data was collected around 13:09 EST.
NORTH AMERICA:

US/AMERICAS:

  • Dow advanced by 239.25 points (+0.50%) to 47,740.80

  • S&P 500 advanced by 55.97 points (+0.83%) to 6,795.99

  • NASDAQ advanced by 308.27 points (+1.38%) to 22,695.946

  • Russell 2000 advanced by 28.37 points (+1.12%) to 2,553.669

Canada Market Closings:

  • TSX Composite advanced by 105.60 points (+0.32%) to 33,189.32

  • TSX 60 advanced by 5.89 points (+0.31%) to 1,921.92

Brazil Market Closing:

  • Bovespa advanced by 1,899.81 points (+1.06%) to 181,264.63

ENERGY:
The oil markets had a mixed day today:
• Crude Oil increased 4.288 USD/BBL or 4.72% to 95.188
• Brent increased 7.235 USD/BBL or 7.81% to 99.925
• Natural gas decreased 0.1002 USD/MMBtu or -3.15% to 3.0858
• Gasoline increased 0.0414 USD/GAL or 1.50% to 2.8087
• Heating oil increased 0.016 USD/GAL or 0.44% to 3.6384
The above data was collected around 13:12 EST.
• Top commodity gainers: Sugar (3.66%), Crude Oil (4.72%), Brent (7.81%) and Methanol (4.04%)
• Top commodity losers: Live Cattle (-1.77%), Natural Gas (-3.15%), Wheat (-1.64%) and Oat (-4.90%)
The above data was collected around 13:22 EST.
BONDS:
Japan 2.1860% (+1.97bp), US 2’s 3.59% (+0.032%), US 10’s 4.1300% (-0.3bps); US 30’s 4.74 (-0.029%), Bunds 2.8650% (+0.07bp), France 3.5100% (-0.36bp), Italy 3.6270% (-1.02bp), Turkey 32.215% (+308.5bp), Greece 3.655% (+5.3bp), Portugal 3.317% (+1.4bp); Spain 3.352% (-0.8bp) and UK Gilts 4.5860% (+1.33bp)
The above data was collected around 13:26 EST.

Neocons Advising Trump Are Destroying America

Neocon Advising Trump

COMMENT: Marty, a number of us are sending letters to Trump that he should be consulting with you and Socrates for your track record is unprecedented. Other countries respect you. Your own tries desperately to marginalize you. The neocons are destroying the world. We have to at least try. I hope you got everyone out of Dubai.
ED
REPLY: I respect that. It would take much more than a single letter. The Neocons are intimidating people in Congress and the Senate not to listen to our forecasts. They are no different from the bankers who always blamed me for their own stupidity. As you see in Europe, the presumption is always silence your opposition to retain power. The Ayatollah did that in 1979 and any opposition was called an agent of the Great Satan or Little Satan. The EU uses this on anyone who is anti-war calling them a Putin Supporter. The Neocons are using that tactic against me. They think they can rule the world usurping our Foreign Policy circumventing Congress and the people.
Thank you for all the inquiry about our staff in Dubai. Everyone is now safely out. The local scuttlebutt is that there is only 10 days of food left in Dubai. It is not just a crisis in shipping oil, it is also a crisis in food supply. As always, the Neocons assume instant victory, never anticipate what comes next. As I have warned, this is different aside from Iran being 3 times the size of Iraq. This is religious. This is NOT a simple territorial war. The Neocons judge the world only by what they think. They are making the very same mistake they made with Afghanistan. Clearly, religion was the indispensable ingredient that made the Afghanistan conflict unwinnable for conventional superpowers. The Neocons advising Trump do not care about the country and they certainly do not care about Trump and how he will be remembered.
Writing is on the Wall
Three days after that summit meeting, on August 18, 2025, Russia announced they were restarting Russia’s Arctic-2 LNG production facility.  Russia would be more than doubling their capacity to generate and store liquified natural gas (LNG). Why? They understand the risks of war with Iran far better than those advising Trump, who was told this will be short and sweet. Obviously, it makes no sense to increase production in the fact of sanctions. However, if you expect Iran to target refineries and bring the entire West to its knees, then its time to restart producing even more LNG doubling the supply when Russia was already overproducing LNG. The computer has been waring rising volatility starts in April into July. The writing is on the wall. The Neocons refuse to read.

The Real Energy Crisis

Energy Crisis

Energy Crisis index

US Strategic Petrolium Reserve

This is a special report with the implications that it appears the White House and Neocons failed to consider. Biden sold off much of the Strategic Petrolem Reserve to cover up his stupid sanctions on Russia that drove gasoline prices through the roof. Al always, those in Washington NEVER address the country or the people. Their actions reflect only self-interest and how do they keep power with the next election. The Neocons do not care about the politicians, they lie every time to start their wars. Here the the chart showing the reserves. At best, the Middle East represents only 5-6% of total US consumption. What they overlook is that if global oil prices rise, ours will as well regardless of the supply. So now, Bessent is scheming to try to manipulate the price of oil just as Biden drained the reserve to try to manipulate gasoline prices. Now, the reserve is depleted and if they released just 1 million barrels per day, that will not even make it to 2028. So get ready. This is NOT going end quickly. Netanyahu is now flying in circles because after killing the Ayatollah, they targeted his office to do the same. What goes around comes around. The critical factor here is NOT the Strait of Hormuz.

This report will be included in the potral for the Attendees of the World Economic Conference.

Energy Crisis … $300

 

 

 

Killing the Ayatolla was a Vast Mistake

Ali_Khamenei Son

Iran has chosen as expected the son of the former Ayatollah, Ali Khamenei’s son Mojtaba Khamenei has been hailed as the new Ayatolla. Israel has instantly threaten to kill him. They are consumed with their Neocon Netanyahu’s ignorant ideas that completely fail to grasp that this is a religious leader and the Shia Muslims have a very detailed and central belief in an end-of-the-world scenario, but it is fundamentally different in its key figures and sequence of events from the one preached by many Christian evangelicals.

Both traditions believe history is moving toward a divinely ordained climax, but the main character of that climax is different. For Christian evangelicals, it is Jesus Christ returning in glory. For Shia Muslims, it is Imam al-Mahdi returning to establish justice.

My father always taught me that it is NOT what I believe that governs the actions of any adversary, it is what they believe. Killing the Ayatollah did nothing but REINFORCE their view that America and Israel are agents of the Great Satan. The killing of their religious leader like Ayatollah Khomeini or even the political leader Qasem Soleimani are often interpreted by believers as signs or precursors that fit into the existing narrative. The way a Shia Muslim views the U.S. and Israel in this context is more nuanced than a simple one-to-one fulfillment of prophecy.

Israel’s policy of assassinating leaders has crossed the line. Rumors are now circulating that Netanyahu is flying in circles over Israel  knowing that Iran can now adopt their own tactics and target to keep killing Israeli leaders. They have walked right into this justification for war against Israel that they and the United States are indeed the Great Satan and this is in fact a precursor to the End Days. The United States is seen as the “Great Satan” and “Little Satan” is Israel. This view was popularized by Ayatollah Khomeini during the 1979 Iranian Revolution to silence his opposition that were against a religious state. These have been primarily political and ideological terms. They stem from specific grievances:

  • U.S.: Seen as supporting the repressive Shah of Iran, opposing the revolution, and later as a hegemonic power intervening in the Middle East (e.g., in Iraq, supporting Israel).

  • Israel: Viewed through the lens of the Palestinian conflict, as an occupying power, and as a non-Muslim state established in the heart of the Muslim world.

These are modern political conflicts, not direct prophecies from the 9th century. While the U.S. and Israel aren’t named in the original religious texts, believers who see the world through this lens will look for ways to map contemporary events onto the prophesied end-times framework the same as people do with predictions from Nostradamus. Here’s how the connection is often made:

  • The U.S. as a Force of Fitna (Chaos/Corruption): The Mahdi is prophesied to appear when the world is filled with injustice and oppression. For many Shia, the global power and influence of the U.S., which they see as supporting corrupt regimes and causing instability, is a prime example of the kind of “arrogant power” (mustakbirin) that creates the very injustice the Mahdi will come to destroy.

  • Israel’s Role and the “Bayt al-Maqdis”: Jerusalem (Bayt al-Maqdis) holds immense significance in Islamic eschatology. It is the site from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven and, as we discussed, where Jesus will descend. Therefore, any conflict involving Jerusalem and Israel is immediately viewed through an eschatological lens. The struggle over the city is seen as a central part of the final, cosmic battle between good and evil.

  • Al-Dajjal (The Deceiver): Some modern Shia clerics and thinkers have drawn parallels between the characteristics of al-Dajjal—a deceptive, one-eyed figure who will lead the world astray with false promises and control over resources—and the global power structures they associate with the U.S. and its allies. This is a metaphorical and interpretive leap, not a core doctrine. The idea is that the system led by the “Great Satan” is a modern manifestation of the deceptive power of al-Dajjal.

The Killing of a Leader Has Always Been Rejected in War

The idea that killing a leader can eliminate the ability to surrender is a recognized principle in military doctrine. For instance, in the theory of nuclear warfare, some strategies specifically exclude decapitation strikes for this very reason. The logic is that it’s better to keep the adversary’s command and control structures intact so that a single, recognized authority remains who is capable of negotiating a surrender or ceasefire.

Killing of a leader does not fulfill end a war nor will it intimidate replacement leaders. It reinforces the very resistance. I habe warned that these actions are highly dangerous and if the objective is to subjugate Iran, you have merely created another generation of hatred.

 

Ukrainian Bank Workers Detained in Hungary as Oil Tensions Deepen

The latest diplomatic explosion between Hungary and Ukraine did not come out of nowhere. Hungarian authorities recently detained seven Ukrainian nationals traveling through the country in armored vehicles carrying enormous quantities of cash and gold, reportedly tens of millions of dollars and kilograms of bullion. Kyiv immediately accused Hungary of “state banditism” and hostage-taking, while Budapest launched a money-laundering investigation and announced the individuals who they deem a “Ukrainian gold convoy” would be expelled.

But this incident cannot be understood without the broader economic conflict unfolding between the two countries. It is highly suspicious that these workers were traveling with 40 million in USD, 35 million euros in cash, and 9 kilos of gold. If it were nationals from any other nation then money laundering would not be deemed hostage taking. For Hungary, this is about energy and the oil lifeline that keeps Hungary’s economy running. Hungary and Slovakia rely heavily on crude delivered through the Druzhba pipeline network, one of the main arteries carrying Russian oil into Central Europe. That pipeline has been offline since late January after infrastructure damage in Ukraine halted deliveries, leaving the two countries facing supply shortages and rising economic pressure.

Budapest has repeatedly accused Kyiv of deliberately delaying repairs and effectively imposing an oil blockade. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has openly declared that Hungary will use political and financial pressure to force Ukraine to reopen the pipeline and restore energy flows to Hungarian refineries.

From Hungary’s perspective, the situation is absurd. The European Union demands sanctions against Russia while simultaneously expecting smaller Central European economies to cripple their own energy systems. Hungary was granted exemptions to continue importing Russian oil precisely because its refining infrastructure and geography make sudden alternatives extremely difficult.

Image

When Ukraine halted the pipeline, Hungary and Slovakia responded by suspending diesel exports to Ukraine and threatening broader retaliatory measures, including blocking EU funding packages for Kyiv.

This is where the story becomes politically explosive. The EU leadership and Western media continue to frame the conflict purely through the lens of the war with Russia. But Hungary is looking at it through a far more practical lens: national survival. Hungary was forced to block the 90 billion euro package to Ukraine. Why would a nation agree to provide unconditional funds for a hostile country that is threatening its economy?

“We hope that a certain person in the European Union will not block the €90 billion, or the first tranche from the €90 billion, and our defenders will have weapons. Otherwise, we will give that person’s address to our Armed Forces, to our boys, so they can call him on the phone and speak to him in their own language,” Zelensky said, threatening to provide troops Orban’s number.

“If Ukraine blackmails Hungary, it cannot expect pro-Ukraine decisions in Brussels. Until order is restored, we will use every tool available. We have already stopped fuel deliveries, and we will continue applying pressure until oil supplies resume,” said Orban in a Kossuth interview on March 6. Hungary is giving Ukraine until today “to visit and assess the current state of the Druzhba oil pipeline together with representatives of the MOL group (Hungary’s oil company — ed)” or resume oil transit.

Energy is the foundation of every modern economy. Shut down oil flows, and you are not merely making a geopolitical statement — you are threatening industry, transportation, and the entire domestic energy market. The next step will be crucial. Will Brussells side with Hungary or continue to disregard a member state in favor of propping up Ukraine? This is one of the countless reasons why the European Union is doomed. There is no union, there is no loyalty. The unelected bureaucrats in Brussels are only concerned with beating the drums of war to buy time from the inevitable crash and burn.

February Jobs USA

Jobs

The latest employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics once again highlights the persistent inconsistencies that appear when comparing government labor data with private payroll figures. According to the BLS, nonfarm payrolls fell by roughly 92,000 jobs in February, while the unemployment rate edged higher to 4.4%. Analysts had expected modest job growth, so the negative headline came as a surprise and suggests the labor market is beginning to show clearer signs of slowing.

What makes this report particularly interesting is how sharply it diverges from the private sector data released earlier in the week. The ADP National Employment Report estimated that private employers added about 63,000 jobs in February, an improvement from January’s extremely weak reading of roughly 11,000 jobs. While still far from robust growth, the ADP figures pointed to modest hiring rather than the contraction implied by the official report.

Looking deeper into the BLS data, the sector breakdown reveals that hiring was concentrated in only a handful of areas while several cyclically sensitive industries declined. Health care and social assistance continued to add jobs, along with government employment and portions of the education sector. Construction also managed small gains despite weather disruptions. However, manufacturing payrolls declined, retail employment fell, and professional and business services, which tend to weaken early in economic slowdowns, also posted losses. Leisure and hospitality hiring slowed sharply compared with the pace seen throughout 2024 and early 2025.

This gap between the two measures has been appearing more frequently in recent years and highlights the structural differences in how the data are compiled. ADP draws from actual payroll processing data covering millions of workers, whereas the BLS relies heavily on surveys and statistical adjustments, including the birth-death model used to estimate employment from new firms. These models can introduce significant volatility, and revisions months later often alter the original picture substantially.

The broader trend, however, is consistent across both reports. Job creation has slowed materially compared to the earlier post-pandemic period, and the labor market is gradually losing momentum. From a cyclical perspective, this aligns with the broader economic shift unfolding as we move deeper into the current phase of the business cycle. Employment tends to lag the economy, which means weakening payroll data often appears only after growth has already begun to cool beneath the surface.

Canada and Europe Strengthen Trade Ties as Global Economy Fragments

EU-Canada relations

Canada and the European Union agreed to modernize their existing trade agreement while launching negotiations for a new digital trade pact. On the surface, this appears to be another routine trade update between two long-standing partners. In reality, it reflects a much deeper shift underway in the global economy as nations begin quietly restructuring trade relationships in response to rising geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty.

The agreement expands cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, the free-trade pact originally signed between Canada and the European Union in 2016. That deal already removed roughly 98% of tariffs between the two economies and significantly expanded market access for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Now both governments are attempting to update the framework to address new issues such as digital commerce, cross-border data flows, and cybersecurity rules as global trade increasingly moves online.

What makes the timing particularly interesting is the strategic motivation behind the move. Canadian officials have openly stated that they want to reduce dependence on the United States. At present, nearly 70% of Canadian exports still go to the US, leaving the Canadian economy highly exposed to shifts in American policy. Europe, facing its own economic decline, is also seeking to diversify trade.

The modernization of the agreement also includes new mechanisms for resolving investment disputes and simplifying regulatory barriers that can make cross-border trade more complicated than tariffs themselves. Negotiators are also launching talks on Canada’s first digital trade agreement with the European Union, which will set rules governing electronic transactions, data transfers, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital services.

Governments around the world are attempting to build regulatory frameworks around digital infrastructure, financial technology, and online communication under the banner of security and consumer protection. I have often warned that once governments gain centralized authority over financial and digital systems, the potential for broader control over economic activity and information flow increases. What begins as a framework to facilitate digital commerce can easily evolve into a system where regulators exert increasing influence over how information and financial activity move across borders.

What we are witnessing is the gradual fragmentation of the global economy into competing regional alliances. For decades, politicians promoted the concept of a fully globalized trading system. But as geopolitical tensions rise and governments increasingly weaponize trade policy, nations are beginning to look for partners they consider politically reliable rather than simply economically efficient.

PRIVATE BLOG – Dollar Paradox of Strength Amid Chaos

PRIVATE BLOG

PRIVATE BLOG – Dollar Paradox of Strength Amid Chaos


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PRIVATE BLOG – Crash or Bear Trap? This Week is the Panic Cycle

PRIVATE BLOG

PRIVATE BLOG –
Crash or Bear Trap? This Week is the Panic Cycle


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Conventional Understandings Often Must Give Way

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