Inflation is once again making headlines, and as Paradigm editor Adam Sharp at The Daily Reckoning warns: “Price increases will remain a problem for the foreseeable future.”

With that in mind, Adam urges investors to consider alternative inflation hedges — assets that can help preserve value when the dollar’s purchasing power erodes.

He highlights three unconventional but practical options: firearms, farmland and fixed-rate mortgages…

Firearms: More Than Just a Hobby

Adam’s advocacy for firearms as an inflation hedge is both tongue-in-cheek and sincere. “I’ve honed my ‘firearms as a hedge’ pitch to perfection,” he jokes, admitting it’s a handy line when justifying purchases to skeptical spouses.

But the numbers back him up.

He cites the example of surplus US M1 carbines, which could be bought for $59.95 in 1965 but now fetch upwards of $4,000 in good condition.

Source: The Armory Life

“High-quality firearms tend to hold their value remarkably over time,” Adam notes, provided they are well-maintained.

However, Adam is quick to clarify that firearms aren’t traditional investments. “Over time they will almost certainly be outperformed by quality stocks. But they shouldn’t lose much, if any value either.”

Beyond their inflation resistance, firearms offer intangible benefits: shooting and collecting as hobbies plus the peace of mind that comes with personal defense.

“If you ever truly need them, firearms will provide a world-beating ROI,” he says.

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Your Rundown for Wednesday, May 28, 2025...

Source: NCREIF

“On average the income tends to be steady at around 4-5% a year,” he explains, “but real estate value appreciation is where you can make major returns during inflationary periods.”

For those not ready to buy a working farm, Adam suggests publicly traded farmland investments, such as REITs like Farmland Partners Inc. (NYSE: FPI), as a more accessible alternative.

Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Debt as a Shield

Adam next argues that fixed-rate mortgages are a “cheat code” for inflation protection — at least for those who locked in low rates before recent hikes.

“Anyone with a low-interest loan on residential real estate is set to benefit massively when inflation rears its ugly head again,” he writes.

The reason: As inflation rises, the real value of fixed debt falls, while the property’s value and rental income often increase.

But Adam cautions against over-leveraging, recalling the 2007 housing crash: “Getting over-leveraged in the real estate market is a risky endeavor indeed.”

He also notes that the current environment of high mortgage rates makes new fixed-rate loans less attractive, but suggests that future Federal Reserve actions could present new opportunities to refinance at lower rates.

A Contrarian’s Toolkit

Adam’s advice reflects a contrarian perspective on non-traditional assets. In uncertain times, he believes that thinking beyond conventional investments is essential.

“Now is an excellent time to review a few alternative inflation hedges,” Adam says, emphasizing the value of diversification and preparedness in the face of persistent inflation.

By considering firearms, farmland and fixed-rate mortgages, Adam offers readers a practical toolkit for weathering the next inflation wave —one that taps into assets with both tangible and strategic value.

Market Rundown for Wednesday, May 28, 2025

S&P 500 futures are up 0.10% to 5,940. 

Oil is up 1.15% to $61.60 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold’s up 0.30% to $3,310.80 per ounce. 

And Bitcoin is down about 0.10% at $109,085.