Discussing Small-Cap Stocks and the Crypto Market with Jan van Eck
On July 11, Jan van Eck, CEO of VanEck Associates, shared insights on small-cap stock performance, recent movements in the crypto market, and more on CNBC’s “Closing Bell Overtime.” Here are the key takeaways:
Small-Cap Performance Trends
- Market Response and Government Spending:
- Van Eck highlighted the soaring Russell 2000, noting its best day since December with a gain of over 3%. He pointed out the uncertainty surrounding whether this surge signifies a sustained trend or a temporary reversal.
- He emphasized the crucial role of substantial government spending in bolstering the U.S. markets and economy. This spending, combined with low unemployment rates, has averted a recession this year and prevented interest rates from plummeting.
- Impact of Fiscal Policies:
- Van Eck drew attention to impending fiscal challenges, including potential alterations in tax policies post-elections. The fate of Trump-era tax cuts, set to lapse, largely hinges on the elected officials. He suggested that this scenario would push the Federal Reserve towards a more accommodative stance, potentially benefiting small-cap stocks.
- Bitcoin’s Volatility:
- Discussing recent Bitcoin fluctuations, Van Eck noted its inherent volatility. He explained that sharp price spikes followed by drops on the same day were anomalous but understandable due to Bitcoin’s risk asset nature.
- Despite these swings, he maintains a bullish stance on BTC, citing long-term fundamentals like the halving event and the Fed’s easing policies as positive factors.
- Government and Market Dynamics Impact:
- Van Eck pointed out immediate pressures on Bitcoin from German government sales and the Mt. Gox liquidation. Viewing a recent 20% correction as normal in a bull market, he highlighted VanEck Associates’ steadfast long-term investment strategy and noted continual inflows from retail investors into US-based spot Bitcoin ETFs.
- Record Highs amid Geopolitical Uncertainties:
- Discussing the gold market, Van Eck attributed record prices to geopolitical tensions and central banks favoring gold over bonds or treasuries. Notable absence of substantial inflows into US-based gold ETFs with foreign central banks driving most purchases.
- Exploring Alternative Safe Havens:
- Van Eck emphasized the diminishing appeal of traditional safe-haven currencies like the Swiss franc, euro, and yen due to economic vulnerabilities. This shift makes gold and Bitcoin alluring alternatives for investors seeking stability.
- Anticipating Fiscal Challenges by 2025:
- Looking ahead, Van Eck forecasted potential fiscal hurdles by 2025, particularly concerning Social Security issues in the US, likely to be addressed post-election. Anticipating the continuation of Fed’s easing policies supporting both gold and Bitcoin.
Cryptocurrency Market Outlook
Gold Market Insights
Future Projections
Hot Take: Keeping an Eye on Small-Caps and Crypto
After exploring insights from Jan van Eck, staying abreast of small-cap stock movements and crypto market volatility seems prudent for informed investors.