U.S. Dollar, Gold Implications of Election
Alia iacta est! As networks projected an Obama victory, there was a sea of red: the dollar is down versus currencies and gold. As pundits will shift the focus on the fiscal cliff, the market appears firmly focused on what may be more relevant: an Obama win favors a continuation of the current easy money policy. Had Romney won, Fed Chair Bernanke would have become a lame duck, undermining the credibility of the Fed's commitment to keep interest rates low way beyond the end of Bernanke's term in early 2014. With this uncertainty removed, the Fed's increased emphasis on employment is here to stay. The market rewards this certainty by bidding up gold, selling off the dollar versus all major currencies.
We don't believe the fiscal cliff is similarly important: in our "worst-case" scenario, the "cliff" will take place; however, once tax increases and spending cuts have taken effect, Republicans may then agree to cut taxes, thereby keeping their promise not vote for tax increases. While the drama may be worth watching, the market impact may be limited. Note, though, the budget deficit would still exceed 3% before factoring in an economic slowdown. Yet, we won't have come a step closer to entitlement reform. Entitlement reform is unlikely to happen, as we believe the only language policy makers listen to is that of the bond market.
Keep in mind, however, that testing the patience of the bond market in the U.S. might be more dangerous than in the Eurozone: the U.S., unlike the Eurozone, has a significant current account deficit. To a significant extent, foreigners finance the deficit by buying U.S. bonds. Should the bond market impose reform on policy makers in the U.S. by selling off bonds, the implications for the U.S. dollar might be far more severe than they have been for the euro.
As we all hope for the best, we would like to point out to that hope is not a good policy, neither for politicians, nor for investors.
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Author: Axel Merk
Axel Merk
Manager of the Merk Hard, Asian and Absolute Return Currency Funds, www.merkfunds.com
Axel Merk wrote the book on Sustainable Wealth; peek inside or order your copy today.
Axel Merk, President & CIO of Merk Investments, LLC, is an expert on hard money, macro trends and international investing. He is considered an authority on currencies.
The Merk Absolute Return Currency Fund seeks to generate positive absolute returns by investing in currencies. The Fund is a pure-play on currencies, aiming to profit regardless of the direction of the U.S. dollar or traditional asset classes.
The Merk Asian Currency Fund seeks to profit from a rise in Asian currencies versus the U.S. dollar. The Fund typically invests in a basket of Asian currencies that may include, but are not limited to, the currencies of China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
The Merk Hard Currency Fund seeks to profit from a rise in hard currencies versus the U.S. dollar. Hard currencies are currencies backed by sound monetary policy; sound monetary policy focuses on price stability.
The Funds may be appropriate for you if you are pursuing a long-term goal with a currency component to your portfolio; are willing to tolerate the risks associated with investments in foreign currencies; or are looking for a way to potentially mitigate downside risk in or profit from a secular bear market. For more information on the Funds and to download a prospectus, please visit www.merkfunds.com.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks and charges and expenses of the Merk Funds carefully before investing. This and other information is in the prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained by visiting the Funds' website at www.merkfunds.com or calling 866-MERK FUND. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
The Funds primarily invest in foreign currencies and as such, changes in currency exchange rates will affect the value of what the Funds own and the price of the Funds' shares. Investing in foreign instruments bears a greater risk than investing in domestic instruments for reasons such as volatility of currency exchange rates and, in some cases, limited geographic focus, political and economic instability, and relatively illiquid markets. The Funds are subject to interest rate risk which is the risk that debt securities in the Funds' portfolio will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. The Funds may also invest in derivative securities which can be volatile and involve various types and degrees of risk. As a non-diversified fund, the Merk Hard Currency Fund will be subject to more investment risk and potential for volatility than a diversified fund because its portfolio may, at times, focus on a limited number of issuers. For a more complete discussion of these and other Fund risks please refer to the Funds' prospectuses.
This report was prepared by Merk Investments LLC, and reflects the current opinion of the authors. It is based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward-looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute investment advice. Foreside Fund Services, LLC, distributor.
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