Markets: Big Mining Earnings Week

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit vblgoldfix.substack.comHousekeeping: Good Morning. Watch Taiwan now: Post election, Fisherman, tourists detained, US is playing the provocation game, and while China will not likely not take the bait, it can hurt Xi domestically if he does not talk tougherContents* Current Prices * Yesterday’s Activity* Data Due* News* Markets/Metals Commentary* Attached: BOA Miners, ING Commmodities ReportYesterday’s Activity:China reopens but US closed* Precious Metals: orderly march continues, Silver rejoins the game* Oil/NG- weaker/ spike of 10c from lower levels is noise* US equities- looking sick yesterday * Bonds-not a factor * DX- weaker* Crypto- strong, scream, puke, bounceWeek’s Data:* MONDAY, FEB. 19 None scheduled, President's Day holiday * TUESDAY, FEB. 20 10:00 am U.S. leading economic indicators Jan. -0.1%* WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21 2:00 pm Minutes of Fed's January FOMC meeting* THURSDAY, FEB. 22 Jobless claims, PMI Feb.* FRIDAY, FEB. 23 None scheduledFull calendarNews: Top MSM News Links HereNOTABLE HEADLINES* US House Republicans are reportedly expecting a government shutdown behind closed doors, according to Axios.* UBS Global Wealth Management now sees the Fed cutting rates from June (vs prev. view of May)GEOPOLITICSMIDDLE EAST* US Central Command said Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles at a Greek-flagged and US-owned bulk carrier bound for Yemen'* "Israeli sources: progress in hostage talks, Israeli delegation will head to Cairo", according to Sky News Arabia* Ukrainian military intelligence chief Budanov said Russia will struggle to keep up the fight and Russians don't have the strength to achieve the goal of seizing two eastern regions this year, according to WSJ.* Taiwan's Defence Ministry denied increasing military deployments on Taiwan's offshore islands and said there is nothing unusual regarding the military situation around Taiwan, but stated that it is making preparations with the coast guard for possible new scenarios near offshore islands, according to Reuters.* China ramps up patrols near Taiwan’s outlying islands following death of Chinese fishermenSome headlines via NewSquawkMarkets/Metals Commentary (Charts):New Topic: The Fed should consider further rate increases. That will likely not happen Yield Compression: The difference between HY and IG corporate bond spreads reflects ongoing confidence in US economic growth. These are reasons for crowding trades to start. Whether they do happen more or not remains to be seen. But there is growing complacency of smooth sailing headed into the election. No boat rocking by the Fed with the hopes no rough waters between now and November* Gold- * Silver- * Oil* Stocks* BTC/ETH* BondsPremium Attached: