“Regardless what other alternative investments you choose, do not skimp on gold,” advises our macro expert Jim Rickards. “Gold, in physical form, bullion bars or coins is the heart of every portfolio.

“Avoid so-called rare and antique gold coins: the numismatic value is nil; they are grossly overpriced,” he warns. “Buy new coins or bars directly from the U.S. Mint or a reputable dealer with low commissions.” (More on that in our postscript today.)

“Gold has no yield – it’s not supposed to; it’s real money,” Jim emphasizes. “Yet gold’s wealth preservation and insurance properties are nonpareil.

“Ten percent of investable assets is the right allocation,” he closes. 

Send your opinions to, TheRundownFeedback@StPaulResearch.com

Your Rundown for Friday, May 27, 2022...

Preparing for a National Emergency

An emergency fund is essential for covering unexpected costs – think pricey vehicle repairs, medical crises, urgent home repairs, unemployment, etc. The rule of thumb here is to have three to six months of living expenses sitting in a savings or money market account. 

It’s a vanilla account, it doesn’t earn much interest… but it’s there when you need it. 

A national emergency fund, on the other hand, is laid away for disasters – natural or otherwise – which would prevent you from using an ATM, debit or credit card. In this instance, you want to have cash on hand. 

“I advise my clients… to keep $1,000 to $2,000 in cash in case banking operations are shut down due to a national emergency or catastrophe,” says Gregory Brinkman of Brinkman Financial. (Adjusting for real inflation, tack an additional 16% onto that.)

Alongside cash? Other items would prove useful in the event of a national emergency, including water, gasoline, a portable solar generator, battery-powered lights and a hand-crank radio. 

Add to that, emergency gear like batteries, tools, matches, a first-aid kit, medication, outdoor clothing and nonperishable food. 

If this all seems overwhelming, you could start small by setting aside 5-10% of your income each month towards your national emergency fund, and strategically buying deals like gently-used items.

We hope this helps as you prepare for those “just in case” moments… And write if you have any personal tips and tricks. 

Send your opinions to, TheRundownFeedback@StPaulResearch.com

Market Rundown for Friday, May 27, 2022

S&P 500 futures are up 30 points to 4,085.

Oil is churning at $113.74 for a barrel of WTI. 

Gold is up $6.70 per ounce to $1,854. 

And Bitcoin is down $250 to $29,165. 

Send your comments and questions to, TheRundownFeedback@StPaulResearch.com

Although the market is closed Monday for Memorial Day, we have a special issue in store. Be sure to give it a read, and enjoy the long weekend! 

For the Rundown,

Matt Insley
Publisher, The Rundown
TheRundownFeedback@StPaulResearch.com