Join Us at the 2023 World Economic Conference in Orlando, Florida!

? Dates: November 17, 18, and 19 ? Location: Orlando, Florida, USA (or tune in from home with our virtual ticket options)

Are you ready to unlock the future of economics and finance? Prepare for an unforgettable World Economic Conference experience in sunny Orlando, Florida! This premier event is your gateway to insights, networking, and valuable resources that will supercharge your understanding of the global economy.

?️ What’s Included for In-Person Attendees:

1. Event Admission: Enjoy reserved seating assigned based on the order of ticket sales, ensuring you have a prime view of every presentation.
2. Presentation Slides: Gain access to the presentation slides from all speakers, allowing you to delve deeper into the topics discussed.
3. Video Recording: Can’t make it to a session? No worries! You’ll receive access to video recordings of all conference presentations, so you can catch up at your convenience.
4. WEC Event App: Connect with the conference on a whole new level. Access presentation slides, bonus reports, recordings, and more via the official WEC Event App.
5. Bonus Conference Materials: Get a package of bonus conference-related materials, including exclusive bonus reports and videos (as provided by Martin Armstrong).
6. Morning Information Sessions: Don’t miss out on important morning information sessions, screened on-site in the meeting room on Saturday and Sunday.
7. Networking Opportunities: Exclusive access to the Event App Networking Feature allows you to connect with fellow attendees, both in-person and virtual, fostering valuable professional relationships.
8. Culinary Delights: Savor delicious breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, prepared to keep you energized throughout the day.
9. Cocktail Reception: Kick off the conference in style at our Friday evening cocktail reception. Meet and mingle with fellow attendees while enjoying refreshing drinks.
10. Swag Bag: As a token of our appreciation, each in-person attendee will receive a swag bag filled with goodies, including an Armstrong Economics notebook, pen, and an event collector’s mug!

Unable to travel? We also have two different ticket options for those wishing to attend virtually! 

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a global gathering of economic and financial minds. Secure your spot at the World Economic Conference in Orlando, Florida, and gain the knowledge, connections, and resources you need to thrive in the world of finance and economics.

Space is limited, so act now and reserve your seat! Visit our Events page to register and join us in sunny Orlando this November.

Now available at all major retailers!

The eBook will be available shortly.

The second edition of “The Plot to Seize Russia – The Untold History” is now available for purchase in paperback and hardcover on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The ebook will be available shortly.

Book description:

“Take care of Russia,” Boris Yeltsin said as he departed his presidency in August 1999. These words were directed at current Russian president, Vladimir Putin. Yeltsin specifically picked Putin as his predecessor to prevent the takeover of Russia.

So, who was Yeltsin warning against? Newly declassified documents from the Clinton Administration prove that there was a plot to rig the Russian election of 2000. These never-before-seen documents confirm numerous attempts to implement pro-Western policies using the Russian oligarchy headed by Boris Berezovsky.

On the other side were the communists who desired a return to the glory days of the Soviet Union. As one of the largest international hedge fund managers, author Martin Armstrong found himself in the middle of perhaps the greatest espionage, or attempt at a regime change for Russia, in modern history.

The Plot to Seize Russia pulls back the curtain to expose the most extraordinary attempt to seize power in modern history, but with the pen rather than armies. These declassified documents reveal a plot that has altered our thinking about the relations between the United States and Russia. The thirst for power comes seething through every line of these papers that alter our perception of reality, change the course of history, and now threaten us with World War III.

PRIVATE BLOG – Crude Oil in Year-End – Precursor to War?

Private blog posts are exclusively available to Socrates subscribers. To sign-up for Socrates or to learn more, please visit Ask-Socrates.com.

https://ask-socrates.com/

Taiwan will lose protection if it fails to move semiconductor chip manufacturing to the United States. The nation must determine which is more valuable—US  protection against Chinese threats or maintaining 95% of the world’s chip production.

The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) agreed to invest $100 billion in manufacturing plants in the US earlier in the year, but that has not been a sufficient deal for the current administration. Cornering 95% of the market, the US cannot risk losing its main semiconductor manufacturer in the event that China fulfills its promise to absorb Taiwan as a Chinese province.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admitted it is a “herculean task” to move 95% of the world’s chip production 9,000 miles away. “The model is: if you can’t make your own chips, how can you defend yourself, right?” Lutnick argued. Only 2% of Taiwan’s chip manufacturing occurs on US soil.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said it could take up to two decades for supply chain independence, adding, “It’s not a really practical thing for a decade or two.” TSMC has emphasized that its most advanced processes will remain in Taiwan to preserve the “silicon shield”—its economic leverage against Chinese aggression. America will need to guarantee securities to Taiwan, otherwise, what good is it to move production? US facilities will begin to focus on mid-to-high-end nodes that should meet 30% to 50% of US consumer demand by 2030. However, Taiwain demands that the overall global supply remain on the island.

President Tsai Ing-wen is wanted by the Chinese government for defying the One China policy. He has been eager to form a strong alliance with the US as he knows China can only be kept at bay for so long. “In the face of authoritarian expansionism and the challenges of the post-pandemic era, Taiwan seeks to bolster cooperation with the United States in the semiconductor and other high-tech industries. This will help build more secure and more resilient supply chains. We look forward to jointly producing democracy chips to safeguard the interests of our democratic partners and create greater prosperity,” Taiwan’s president stated in 2024.

Trump told Taiwan that it must raise its own defense budget from 2.45% of GDP to around 10%. He has likened America to “an insurance company” for Taiwan and believes the nation should pay for protection.

A large semiconductor chip manufacturing just so happened to host a conference at the same venue in Orlando, Florida, where we held the World Economic Conference in 2024. An employee of mine spoke with one attendee who said shareholders were concerned that their manufacturing headquarters were located in Taiwan. I’m told the general consensus was that even in the event of China following through with its One China policy, the company believed that China would not want to lose such a lucrative business deal with the United States. Yet, what would happen if two nations were at war? Cutting off America’s supply of semiconductors would cripple the tech industry.

Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Broadcom, Intel, MediaTek, Qualcomm, and others, with North America purchase over 65% of Taiwanese chips. The US-China tensions and Taiwan’s fragile geopolitical position make “Made in Taiwan” a risky bet for Western countries despite the critical importance of its semiconductor manufacturing. Taiwan must decide if the risk of foreign invasion is surrendering half of its share of production.

The US government shut down once again as our public servants refused to work in a partisan fashion. Over 2.1 million civilian federal employees will be affected, with 750,000 furloughed without pay. Naturally, Congress will still receive a paycheck and their lobbying checks. The duration of the shutdown is unknown, but estimates state the bickering could cost the US economy up to $2 billion per week.

Non-essential offices, websites, and services are unavailable. National parks and museums are closed to visitors. Passport processing will be delayed. The daily cost of compensating the furloughed workers is $400 million. Military members may face delayed pay, while contractors face layoffs.

Most concerning is the data blackout—the Bureau of Labor Statistics will be unable to release its September non-farm payroll report slated for October 4. Data regarding the consumer price index and producer price index will be delayed. Retail sales, housing starts, every piece of data compiled by the federal government will be delayed and amplify uncertainty. The key information the Federal Reserve and investors rely on will be unavailable, and if the shutdown carries on for more than two weeks, there will be a massive spike in volatility and a potential delay in rate cuts. The Fed will be forced to rely on private estimates like the ADP jobs report that are less reliable.

The Democrats insist on expanding COVID-era funding for Obamacare, and insist the GOP reverse the decision to cut the Medicaid budget. Neither side is willing to compromise. Leaders are begging Congress to simply stay in Washington until a decision is reached.

“There isn’t any substantive reason why there ought to be a government shutdown. This is something that has been done routinely, as I said, 13 different times when the Democrats had the majority. But we are not going to be held hostage for over $1 trillion in new spending on a continuing resolution,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said ahead of the vote.

The Medicaid cuts alone are expected to save the government $840 billion over the next decade. Cutting the premium tax credit extension could save $350 billion over the same period, and work and eligibility restrictions could save another $344 billion. Additional recessions and funding cuts to government agencies are expected to save up to $9 billion in 2025 alone.

Non-citizens without access to other coverage DO benefit from these extensions. US taxpayers have spent billions on providing health coverage to migrants. Those earning between 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level will also benefit, as will anyone earning 400% above the threshold if their premiums exceed 8.5%.

“It is unclear how long Democrats will maintain their untenable posture, making the duration of the shutdown difficult to predict,” Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought penned in a memo. “Regardless, employees should report to work for their next regularly scheduled tour of duty to undertake orderly shutdown activities.”

“We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them and irreversible by them, like cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like,” President Trump warned.

Trump could possibly lay off more federal employees in non-essential roles, and a hiring freeze is already in place. The president has the authority to cut funding to programs favored by the Democrats such as social services and environmental programs. Sanctuary cities or jurisdictions could see funding withheld. The federal government will not spend on non-essentials during this shutdown, but that will only anger Democrats who refuse to budge.

Congress serves no purpose. They represent private lobbying interest groups and serve the invisible hand rather than the people of the United States. A private company would never shutter its office over a fiscal budget disagreement. Our public servants must reach a resolution immediately, and I see no reason why they deserve pay during a deadlock. These individuals are on taxpayer-funded vacation for the majority of the year and refuse to perform the minimal work they are expected to do. It seems they are unfit for the job. Fire everyone and start fresh.

Anti-government protests always begin with the younger generations. Morocco is the latest nation to face a massive youth uprising with nearly a week of ongoing protests against reckless government spending. The government allocated $15.8 billion to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup or roughly 16% of GDP.

Unemployment is at 13%, with youth unemployment, per usual, notably higher than the national average. This is the seed of the anger that sprouted the uprising. Youth unemployment among those 15-24 is estimated to be 36.7%, while nearly half of young adults in urban areas cannot find employment. Unemployment among college graduates stands at around 19%. One-third, mostly women, are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The youth are enraged at their current predicament and blame government corruption and mismanagement.

“Gen Z 212” is the name for these decentralized protests occurring throughout the nation. The youth demand reform, especially in healthcare services and education. “The right to health, education and a dignified life is not an empty slogan but a serious demand,” the organizers of the Gen Z 212 protest movement wrote in a statement published on Discord.

The government allocated $9.6 billion to upgrade the high-speed rail line that will feature new connections between major cities. An additional $1.3 billion was set aside to improve roads and highways in host cities. Hotels and lodging will see a $3.2 billion expansion for World Cup tourism. The stadium alone will cost $3 billion, with costs likely to rise. The youth believes this funding should be reallocated to the people.

Morocco’s economy seems to be growing at a steady pace, rising 5.5% in Q2. Inflation has fallen to 2% as well. The nation’s economic status does not matter to Gen Z, who make up around 25% of Morocco’s population. They cannot find work and have nothing to lose. Hundreds have been arrested, and the civil unrest is amplifying as the protests continue.

In Canadian criminal law, “hate crimes” are not a single stand-alone offence, but rather ordinary criminal offences (like assault, mischief, or threats) that are motivated by bias, prejudice, or hatred.

Some are specific indictable offences in the Criminal Code:

• Advocating genocide – s. 318:

  • It is an indictable offence to advocate or promote genocide against an identifiable group (based on race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.).

  • Punishable by up to life imprisonment.

• Public incitement of hatred – s. 319(1):

  • Willfully promoting hatred against an identifiable group in a public place where it’s likely to cause a breach of the peace.

  • Can be prosecuted as an indictable offence (max 2 years imprisonment) or by summary conviction.

• Willful promotion of hatred – s. 319(2):

  • Communicating statements (other than in private conversation) that willfully promote hatred against an identifiable group.

  • Indictable (max 2 years) or summary.

  • Requires Attorney General’s consent to prosecute.

Other ordinary crimes with hate motivation (like assault, uttering threats, mischief) can be charged as usual, but hate motivation is an aggravating factor in sentencing under s. 718.2(a)(i).

Keep in mind this is just SPEECH – you do not have to hurt anyone!

Well, I guess Shakespeare is lucky not to be alive today.  His famous line may be life in prison in Canada.

In Austria, the term “tension case” (more precisely: voltage state) in the military law 2001 (§ 2) is defined as a condition in which there is an immediate danger to the security of Austria or its allies, and preparation measures are required for defense. The “defense case” (defense state) occurs when an armed attack takes place or is imminent.

Week of October 22nd

We warned that this was the week that the computer was projecting for the shift. It is targeting, especially, the week of October 22nd, which could signal the start of serious restrictions ahead of war. NATO is also contemplating cutting off Russia’s access to the Baltics.

Putin has to realize now that any PEACE with Ukraine is a joke. Europe wants Russian blood, and they have been sacrificing Ukrainians using their ethnic hatred of Russians to reduce Russia as much as possible so that NATO can conquer Russia. Zelensky is the perfect stooge who will sacrifice Ukrainian lives for a pocket full of silver.

There has never been a positive outcome when the government sets out to disarm the people. Authoritarian states are the inevitable result. Certain semi-automatic weapons were prohibited in March 2025, with a one-year amnesty period for lawful gun owners to surrender their rifles through a buyback program. The government claims the buyback program is completely voluntary “with the expectation they will comply,” according to Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree.

Anandasangaree does not believe the Canadian government is equipped to disarm citizens, as revealed in a leaked audio clip. “I just don’t think municipal police services have the resources to do this,” the minister says. The minister claims a gun lobbyist leaked the audio in which he was speaking in jest. On the audio, the minister admits that gun owners are clearly losing money with a C$400 flat rate compensation for each gun surrendered. The man asks if he would be considered a criminal for refusing to deactivate or surrender his guns. “If the police enforce it, yes,” the minister states.

Anandasangaree admits the program is flawed, but speaking with Mark Carney is a moot point. “We’ve had all these conversations. Like I’ve had for the last four months, it’s been like constant, constant discussions on this to see what’s next, right? And the conclusion is let’s finish this because we committed to it in the campaign,” he reveals, mentioning earlier in the call he is simply following orders.

“No, you’re going to turn me into a criminal Gary, because you know I’m not gonna turn mine in. I’m telling you right now. I refused it,” the associate rebuked, adding, “Well, no, but the police will come to my house at some point, because what’s registered. They know who I am, they know where I live, they know where they are, they’re locked up in my safe, I’m gonna refuse to hand ’em in. They’re gonna come in, rip open my safe, right? Take those firearms and put me in handcuffs.” Gary stated he would bail him out if that happened.

Disgraced former PM Justin Trudeau attempted to implement a buyback program on May 1, 2020, but did not go as far as revoking gun licenses and confiscating guns. The current program is capped at a budget of C$742 million. Money is not the concern here. Canadians have had the right to legally own arms for 243 years, but suddenly the government decided they no longer deserve the right.

Gun confiscation veiled as gun control. A voluntary program will soon become mandatory. Failure to comply will result in criminal charges. Law-abiding citizens are rarely the culprits behind gun crime. The criminals on the streets and in office will still have guns. Anandasangaree admitted that the government has yet to decide what they will do if the majority fail to comply, and after COVID, there’s valid reason to believe that most will cave.

@zach.sage

MOST Zohran Mamdani supporters CHANGE THEIR MINDS after learning about his RADICAL policies and past in my bold new hidden camera social experiment ? Which means there’s still hope we can save NYC if we get the TRUTH viral by November 4th ??? #mamdani #zohran #nyc #mayor #vote #socialism #capitalism #politics #newyork #newyorkcity

♬ original sound – Zach Sage Fox

Zohran Mamdani will be the death of New York City and the beginning of the end of democracy in America. If someone with his policies were to run even a decade ago, the world would have laughed him off. The extremist views on the left have pushed the blind masses to vote for the most extreme candidate, even if they dislike or fail to understand their views.

Mamdani is an openly racist, anti-American socialist who wants to dismantle the once great city of New York. He believes that the state should tax people based on skin color. Imagine if someone said Asians or Blacks needed to pay a higher share of taxes? It is unfathomable how anyone could cast a vote for this madman.

Socialists feed on increased taxation to support the welfare state, which comprises their voter base. They need people who are utterly dependent on big government to gain and maintain control. Equality to a Socialist means that everyone is equal in poverty. Not only does he want to raise property taxes, but he stated that “wealthier and predominantly white neighborhoods” in New York City should disproportionately shoulder the majority of the tax burden.

He has angered the Jewish community by failing to condemn Hamas. No one was asking him to take a stance on the two-state solution. Reporters simply questioned if he would condemn a KNOWN terrorist organization, and he said no. He declined to sign Holocaust remembrance legislation and has been openly hostile toward Jews. Mamdani refuses to denounce Sharia law. Perhaps women in New York will need to adjust their fashion trends.

@zach.sage

♬ original sound – Zach Sage Fox

Around 8% of New York is of Italian descent. Mamdani posted a picture of himself giving the middle finger to a Christopher Columbus statue in Astoria. Mamdani’s campaign was silent when Italian organizations demanded an apology.

Reminiscent of the Soviet Union, Mamdani believes that the government should invade the private sector and determine the price of goods such as rent and groceries. Mamdani believes that corporate price gauging is to blame, particularly at the grocery store. Where have we seen this before and what were the results?

Let’s take a look at Venezuela. Hugo Chávez implemented price controls to combat inflation, but it backfired and caused the nation to experience one of the highest rates of inflation in the world. The government arbitrarily set prices without considering demand, supply, or the costs incurred by the private sector. Business was no longer profitable, and small mom-and-pop shops disappeared. Those that remained could barely operate and experienced severe shortages on basic goods like food. The people panic and began to hoard what they could as they did not know when the goods would be available again.

Mamdani is pro-crime. He believes shoplifting should be legal—yes, legal. Mamdani would like to create open-air drug markets in New York and create safe spaces for people to use illegal drugs. The NYPD is to be defunded. Zohran simply states all the WOKE keywords that the people on the left want to hear without understanding their true meaning.

Mamdani has NO experience. He is an academic who worked for his parents up until three years ago. His views are eye-catching and extreme, leading the youth to believe that he is leading a radical movement to stick it to the man. These young voters do not understand what will happen if these policies are implemented.

Unfortunately, our models indicate that NYC will decline sharply in 2026. I warned in 2021 that the city was heading into a crash mode. It is fascinating how the 309.6-year cycle, marked by the time when NYC was on the brink of bankruptcy in 1975, aligns precisely with the year NYC was founded in 1665. It is striking how closely New York has followed the ECM model, which does not bode well for what is to come.