Texas Launches Gold-backed Bank, Challenging Federal Reserve

 

The State of Texas is setting up a gold-backed bank that will allow depositors to bypass the controversial Federal Reserve System and its fiat currency in banking and commerce, according to the state representative who authored the recently enacted law. Under the measure, passed overwhelmingly by lawmakers and signed in mid-June by Republican Governor Greg Abbott, Lone Star State officials will establish and operate the Texas Bullion Depository for anyone who would like to deposit and trade in precious metals. The implications are as big as Texas.

While some analysts have said the move may be another sign heralding Texas’ eventual secession from the union, or preparation for financial Armageddon, its advocates say the depository simply makes financial sense. Among other benefits, the institution will provide more options to consumers weary of the increasingly troubled traditional banking and monetary system, which is viewed by the public with growing suspicion. And experts say the effect of making it easier to use sound money in commerce could be far-reaching.

America’s capsizing economy: Can it right the ship?

America has had the wind knocked out of its sails this year.

Volatile stock markets, weak economic growth and a hiring slowdown have created a perfect storm for nearly flat growth. The question is whether the U.S. economy and markets can right the ship in May and beyond. There’s reason to believe they can start to this week.

“We’re in a slow growth economy,” says Dorothy Weaver, former chair of the Miami Federal Reserve branch and CEO of Collins Capital. “I don’t think we’re heading for a capsized economy, but that doesn’t mean we couldn’t be hitting low winds and a doldrum.”

‘Malicious Disruptions’ Threaten Financial System: Fed Official

A top Federal Reserve official warned on Tuesday of potential risks to financial stability from cyberattacks on the U.S. payments system and from a looming funding gap in public pensions.

Lockhart is the latest in a string of government officials and corporate executives who have warned of the potential danger of cyberattacks on the U.S. In October, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta warned that the U.S. faced the possibility of a “cyber-Pearl Harbor” from hackers who could dismantle the nation’s power grid, transportation system, and financial and government networks.