The Debasement Trade: How Money Loses Value & What to Hold
Fri Feb 06 2026
Gold and silver are surging as investors respond to the growing debasement of global currencies, rising sovereign debt, and persistent inflation.
James Lavish joins The Honest Money Show to break down what he calls the “debasement trade”, not a short-term bet, but a long-term position against the weakening purchasing power of the dollar. The conversation explores why governments are trapped in debt cycles, how inflation spreads through the economy, and why wealth disparity continues to widen into a K-shaped recovery.
James also shares his outlook on Bitcoin as a long-term hedge in an unstable financial system, the risks of leverage, and why understanding monetary incentives is essential for navigating the years ahead.
🎙️ EPISODE SUMMARY
Anja and James discuss the current macroeconomic environment driving gold and silver higher, the dangers of sovereign debt contagion, and the structural forces behind inflation and currency debasement. They explore the Cantillon effect, the growing wealth gap, and why Bitcoin remains a compelling long-term investment despite volatility. The episode emphasises positioning wisely, avoiding leverage, and understanding the deeper mechanics of the financial system.
🔗 FEATURED LINKS
• The Informationist newsletter: https://www.jameslavish.com• James Lavish on X: https://x.com/jameslavish• The Debasement Trade Report: https://www.unchained.com/go/the-debasement-trade
🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Gold and silver prices are surging due to the debasement trade• The U.S. dollar is losing purchasing power amid excessive debt and inflation• Investors are turning to hard assets as protection against currency debasement• Sovereign debt poses systemic risks and potential financial contagion• Wealth disparity is increasing, creating a K-shaped economy• The Cantillon effect benefits those closest to newly created money• Bitcoin is viewed as a long-term hedge despite short-term volatility• The financial system is showing warning signs of instability• Understanding monetary incentives is crucial for investors• Leverage in Bitcoin carries significant risk and should be approached cautiously
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:11 – Introduction to the Debasement Trade07:14 – Understanding the Global Economic Landscape20:07 – The Risks of Sovereign Debt and Contagion30:21 – The K-Shaped Economy and Wealth Disparity36:42 – Bitcoin: Current Trends and Future Predictions50:48 – Final Thoughts and Investment Strategies
🔗 AFFILIATE LINKS
Buy Bitcoin in Australia With a $10 Sign-Up BonusHARDBLOCK: https://www.hardblock.com.au/join/honestmoney
Learn to Acquire, Secure, and Manage Your BitcoinMINERACKS: https://www.mineracks.com/honestmoney
Shop Signing Devices, Bitaxes, Nodes, Apparel, and MoreSHOP BITCOIN AUSTRALIA: https://shopbitcoin.com.au
Collaborative Security, Inheritance Planning, and Retirement StrategiesTHE BITCOIN ADVISER: https://content.thebitcoinadviser.com/honest-money
Reached Terminal Bitcoin? Borrow in Bitcoin, Keep Your StackLOAN MY COINS: https://www.loanmycoins.com/honest-money
📌 ABOUT THE HONEST MONEY SHOW
The Honest Money Show explores the forces shaping our financial world, from monetary expansion and lending markets to Bitcoin. Through in-depth conversations with builders, thinkers, and educators, the show challenges mainstream narratives and provides grounded, practical insights.
🔗 CONNECT WITH US
Subscribe for weekly deep dives into finance, economics, and financial literacy.Follow us on Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn: @HonestMoneyShow
⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This podcast is for general information and educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. The views expressed by the host and guest are their own and do not represent any organisation or regulatory body. Financial markets are volatile and speculative. You should seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions. By listening, you accept that all actions taken are your own responsibility, and neither the host, guest, nor the podcast accept liability for any loss or damage.
#Bitcoin #Gold #Silver #Inflation #SoundMoney #DebasementTrade #SovereignDebt #WealthDisparity #CantillonEffect #HonestMoneyShow #JamesLavish
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Gold and silver are surging as investors respond to the growing debasement of global currencies, rising sovereign debt, and persistent inflation. James Lavish joins The Honest Money Show to break down what he calls the “debasement trade”, not a short-term bet, but a long-term position against the weakening purchasing power of the dollar. The conversation explores why governments are trapped in debt cycles, how inflation spreads through the economy, and why wealth disparity continues to widen into a K-shaped recovery. James also shares his outlook on Bitcoin as a long-term hedge in an unstable financial system, the risks of leverage, and why understanding monetary incentives is essential for navigating the years ahead. 🎙️ EPISODE SUMMARY Anja and James discuss the current macroeconomic environment driving gold and silver higher, the dangers of sovereign debt contagion, and the structural forces behind inflation and currency debasement. They explore the Cantillon effect, the growing wealth gap, and why Bitcoin remains a compelling long-term investment despite volatility. The episode emphasises positioning wisely, avoiding leverage, and understanding the deeper mechanics of the financial system. 🔗 FEATURED LINKS • The Informationist newsletter: https://www.jameslavish.com• James Lavish on X: https://x.com/jameslavish• The Debasement Trade Report: https://www.unchained.com/go/the-debasement-trade 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS • Gold and silver prices are surging due to the debasement trade• The U.S. dollar is losing purchasing power amid excessive debt and inflation• Investors are turning to hard assets as protection against currency debasement• Sovereign debt poses systemic risks and potential financial contagion• Wealth disparity is increasing, creating a K-shaped economy• The Cantillon effect benefits those closest to newly created money• Bitcoin is viewed as a long-term hedge despite short-term volatility• The financial system is showing warning signs of instability• Understanding monetary incentives is crucial for investors• Leverage in Bitcoin carries significant risk and should be approached cautiously ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:11 – Introduction to the Debasement Trade07:14 – Understanding the Global Economic Landscape20:07 – The Risks of Sovereign Debt and Contagion30:21 – The K-Shaped Economy and Wealth Disparity36:42 – Bitcoin: Current Trends and Future Predictions50:48 – Final Thoughts and Investment Strategies 🔗 AFFILIATE LINKS Buy Bitcoin in Australia With a $10 Sign-Up BonusHARDBLOCK: https://www.hardblock.com.au/join/honestmoney Learn to Acquire, Secure, and Manage Your BitcoinMINERACKS: https://www.mineracks.com/honestmoney Shop Signing Devices, Bitaxes, Nodes, Apparel, and MoreSHOP BITCOIN AUSTRALIA: https://shopbitcoin.com.au Collaborative Security, Inheritance Planning, and Retirement StrategiesTHE BITCOIN ADVISER: https://content.thebitcoinadviser.com/honest-money Reached Terminal Bitcoin? Borrow in Bitcoin, Keep Your StackLOAN MY COINS: https://www.loanmycoins.com/honest-money 📌 ABOUT THE HONEST MONEY SHOW The Honest Money Show explores the forces shaping our financial world, from monetary expansion and lending markets to Bitcoin. Through in-depth conversations with builders, thinkers, and educators, the show challenges mainstream narratives and provides grounded, practical insights. 🔗 CONNECT WITH US Subscribe for weekly deep dives into finance, economics, and financial literacy.Follow us on Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn: @HonestMoneyShow ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This podcast is for general information and educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. The views expressed by the host and guest are their own and do not represent any organisation or regulatory body. Financial markets are volatile and speculative. You should seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions. By listening, you accept that all actions taken are your own responsibility, and neither the host, guest, nor the podcast accept liability for any loss or damage. #Bitcoin #Gold #Silver #Inflation #SoundMoney #DebasementTrade #SovereignDebt #WealthDisparity #CantillonEffect #HonestMoneyShow #JamesLavish