Yes, it’s time to buy precious metals for wealth and retirement protection.
The chance that the American economy will fall into a recession by early 2024 has risen to 72 percent, according to a study published on June 15 by Bloomberg Economics.
The report came out just as the Federal Reserve made its largest hike in interest rates since 1994 in an attempt to cool down inflation. In February 2022, the same models used by Bloomberg downplayed the chance of a recession at the beginning of 2024, forecasting a nearly zero percent chance for such a decline. By March, the likelihood of a downturn had risen to an estimate of less than 20 percent.
Consumer sentiment is at its lowest level among records dating back to 1978, Bloomberg reported, and sentiment is more pessimistic than at any time since the Great Recession of 2007–2009.
The University of Michigan economic sentiment index fell to 50.2 in June, the worse since the poll was first taken, with inflation as the biggest motive for the negative outlook.
The Federal Reserve raised benchmark interest rates by 75 basis points on June 15, following previous increases of 50 basis points and 25 basis points. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell suggested that the central bank’s next rate hike will be 50 or 75 basis points but that another 75-basis-point increase after that would not be likely.
Powell said he believes that as of now, there is “no sign” of a major economic slowdown, with his fellow central bank policymakers largely in agreement with his assessment. Meanwhile, many investors are currently betting on a poor outlook in the next several months, with stocks and bonds plunging to a low.
The S&P 500 is down about 20 percent from its January 2022 high, while the average mortgage rate has almost doubled to 6 percent, the highest rate since 2008.
Inflation Hitting ‘Main Street’
Many households are suffering from rising grocery, gas, and utility bills, with some dipping into their savings and retirement funds to make ends meet amid the highest rate of inflation in more than four decades. The Biden administration, which is taking criticism for its handling of the U.S. economy, is pointing to and echoing the Fed’s assessment.
“We have problems that the rest of the world has, but less consequential than the rest of the world has because of our internal growth and strength,” said President Joe Biden in Tokyo on May 23.
“This is going to be a haul. This is going to take some time,” he said.
Many Democrats fear a rout in the upcoming 2022 midterms, while Biden is facing a tough 2024 reelection bid if the economy continues at the current trajectory.
The administration is looking at various solutions, including a windfall tax on oil profits, a rapprochement with the Saudis for more oil, and a pledge to remove the Trump-era tariffs against China to lower import costs.
White House officials have repeatedly denied that rising inflation is a result of the administration’s policies and have at times blamed the Russians, the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, the recent Chinese lockdowns, U.S. oil companies, and even former President Donald Trump for the financial woes facing Americans.
The administration has also stated that the economic models cited have projected widely varying results and that the health of the American economy is better than it appears to be.
Biden has touted the 3.6 percent unemployment rate as a success of his economic policies after two years of CCP virus-related lockdowns and government mandates, which put more than 20 million Americans out of work. However, the president’s June 2022 approval rating is at an all-time low of 38.9 percent, according to the same University of Michigan poll.
The White House is currently betting that there will still be time for an economic upswing after it hits a recession in early 2023, before the 2024 presidential election.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay. Article cross-posted from our premium news partners at The Epoch Times.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
