Clif Droke's Contributions

Why the Fed's threat to withdrawal stimulus later this year will usher in deflation in 2014, courtesy of the 120-year cycle.

Bond market and equity market weakness in Asia and Europe is a reflection of deflationary pressure from the 120-year mega cycle. This deflation will soon be exported to the U.S.

Economists claim rising bond rates are a positive sign for the economy. Not so, at least not at this juncture of the long-term cycle. We also examine the short-term gold outlook.

A series of "echo" patterns suggest the stock market could be setting up for a repeat of the summer 1998 mini-crash.

Central banks have gone from purchasing bonds to buying stocks. The results have been shocking.

NYSE margin debt levels have risen to all-time highs. Can a stock market crash be far behind? Plus, a look at gold's technical prospects.

Market manipulation is a common practice. Knowing how to spot it and avoid its pitfalls is an integral part of successful investing. We also examine today's unprecedented monetary liquidity in the context of the stock market.

Bull and bear markets don’t just happen – they’re created by the Federal Reserve. While few investors dispute the power that Fed interest rate policy has on the market, the extent to which it influences the direction of stock prices in both directions is often downplayed.

Deflation works both ways, it can either help or destroy. Right now it's helping investors and consumers and we explain why. Also, we discuss Goldman Sachs putting the bottom on gold.

With the war cycle component of the 120-year cycle bottoming in 2014, expect to see an increase in global military activity.

Cracks are starting to appear in financial edifice suggesting that the Fed's loose money policy isn't have the desired effect. We also discuss what will ultimately become of the world's bad debts.

Does the return of the notorious Dow 36,000 forecast bode ill for the bull market? This question is answered in the latest commentary. Also discussed is the crisis in Cyprus and its potential impact on the gold price.

While short-term cycles have been muted by central bank intervention, the long-term cycles are still making their presence felt. We also examine gold and the strength in the NYSE Advance-Decline line.

A lack of investor enthusiasm for the Dow's new high, coupled with strong corporate revenues growth, paint the picture of a strong bull market. Looking further down the road, gold could receive support down the road from China and Europe's economic woes.

A look at what's driving the latest stock market rally. We answer the question, "What means more to stocks: corporate earnings or jobs." We also look at the developing storm clouds on the horizon in Europe.

Here's how to fearlessly invest in any market climate with a firm knowledge of when the major yearly cycles are due to peak and trough.

The fiscal cliff, tax increases, the debt ceiling, missed earnings – investors certainly have had much to worry about lately. So why in spite of these fears has the market continued to rally?

There's a right way and a wrong way to use Dow Theory for making economic forecasts. Many analysts, unfortunately, are using it the wrong way -- and could be in for grave disappointment later this year.

Gold, as defined by the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), has been a less than stellar performer of late. I’ve long maintained that the 150-day moving average is a psychologically significant benchmark for the gold ETF, both as a line of support and resistance.

With central bank interventions, investors wonder if deflation has been permanently defeated. Not likely, says the Kress cycle, and a new set of problems is being created.