THE STOIC TIMES

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in Economy (10 stories)
markets

Gold and silver prices hit high after tariff threat

Gold Hit a New High Today. This Is What Precious Metals Do During Uncertainty.

What Happened

Gold and silver prices reached new highs following announcements or threats of new tariffs. Investors moved money into precious metals as a hedge against potential economic uncertainty and inflation concerns.

What's In Your Control

• Whether you panic-buy gold based on headlines (probably not wise)
• Whether you check commodity prices obsessively (you shouldn't)
• Your own financial diversification strategy, developed calmly ...

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economy

How could Europe respond to tariffs threat?

Europe Considers Trade Responses to Potential US Tariffs. Here's What Actually Happens When Countries Do This.

What Happened

European officials are discussing potential responses to threatened US tariffs, likely including retaliatory measures, diplomatic negotiations, or alternative trade arrangements. No specific tariffs have been implemented yet - this is contingency planning.

What's In Your Control

• Whether you diversify your investments across regions and sectors
• How you respond to price changes in imported goods
• Your own purchasing decisions and budget planning
• Whether you vote for r...

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world

China's birth rate hits record low as population continues to shrink

China's Population Declined for Second Year. This Has Happened Before in History.

What Happened

China reported its population decreased for the second consecutive year, with births continuing to decline despite government efforts to encourage larger families. The country's birth rate reached its lowest level on record as demographic trends that have been building for decades continue.

What's In Your Control

• How you respond to demographic changes in your own community
• Whether you support family-friendly policies if you vote
• Your own family planning decisions (if applicable)
• How you treat elderl...

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economy

'Credit-score company encouraged me to borrow again when I was nearly debt-free'

Credit Companies Want You to Borrow More. This Is What They Do. Here's How to Think About It.

What Happened

A person reported that a credit-score monitoring company encouraged them to take on more debt when they had nearly paid off their existing obligations. The BBC is covering this as an example of how credit companies operate.

What's In Your Control

• Whether you take the company's advice to borrow more money
• Your own financial education about how credit companies make money
• Setting up automatic payments to avoid carrying balances
• Choosi...

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technology

How crypto criminals stole $700 million from people - often using age-old tricks

Criminals Took $700 Million in Crypto This Year. Same Old Scams, New Technology.

What Happened

Criminals stole approximately $700 million worth of cryptocurrency from individuals this year, according to BBC reporting. The methods used were largely traditional fraud tactics adapted for digital currencies - romance scams, fake investment schemes, and social engineering.

What's In Your Control

• Whether you invest in any cryptocurrency at all
• How much research you do before any investment (crypto or traditional)
• Whether you send money to people you've never met in person
• Your respo...

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politics

Trump’s Tariff Threats Over Greenland

Trump Mentions Tariffs and Greenland Again. Politicians Say Things. Here's What Actually Matters.

What Happened

Donald Trump made statements connecting potential tariffs to his interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark. This appears to be part of ongoing rhetorical positioning ahead of his return to office.

What's In Your Control

• How you respond to political theater (with calm assessment, not reflexive outrage)
• Whether you fact-check claims before sharing them
• Your own financial preparedness regardless of trade policy...

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politics

McCarthy slams Biden in handling of US debt

Politicians Disagree About Debt Policy. This Happens Every Few Years.

What Happened

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy criticized President Biden's approach to managing the U.S. national debt. This represents typical political opposition between parties regarding fiscal policy during debt ceiling discussions.

What's In Your Control

• Whether you vote for representatives whose fiscal policies align with your values
• How much attention you give to daily political theater versus actual policy outcomes
• Your own personal debt m...

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politics

Millions in the US could face massive consequences unless McCarthy can navigate out of a debt trap he set for Biden

Another Debt Ceiling Standoff. Congress Has Done This 78 Times Before. Here's What Actually Happens.

What Happened

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Biden are in a political standoff over raising the debt ceiling, with the Treasury Department warning of potential default if no agreement is reached. This is part of ongoing negotiations about government spending and borrowing limits.

What's In Your Control

• Whether you vote for representatives whose fiscal policies align with your values
• Your own financial preparedness and emergency fund
• How much news coverage you consume about political theater...

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technology

Netflix is winding down its DVD business after 25 years

Netflix Ends DVD Service After 25 Years. Industries Change. This Is How.

What Happened

Netflix announced it will shut down its DVD-by-mail service after 25 years of operation. The company is ending the service that originally made it famous as consumer habits shifted toward streaming.

What's In Your Control

• Whether you adapt your own skills to changing industries
• How you respond to technological shifts in your field
• Your decision to learn new technologies rather than resist them
• Whether you se...

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technology

FTC chair Lina Khan warns AI could 'turbocharge' fraud and scams

FTC Chair Warns AI Could Make Scams Easier. Scams Have Always Existed. Here's How to Protect Yourself.

What Happened

FTC Chair Lina Khan made public statements warning that artificial intelligence technology could make it easier for scammers to create more sophisticated fraudulent schemes. She expressed concerns about AI's potential to enhance existing criminal tactics.

What's In Your Control

• Whether you verify requests for money or personal information through independent channels
• How much personal information you share online and with whom
• Whether you educate elderly relatives a...

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