Hormuz Tollbooth: Dollar Alternatives Rising

Gold has shown sustained strength, trading between $4,700 and $4,800 an ounce. While the metal is off its record highs, it has seen a significant recovery as investors seek a foothold in a volatile macro environment. Silver remains a standout performer, holding a 100% gain over the last year despite its recent consolidation near $75. In this Kitco News interview, Dr. Mark Skousen breaks down why he believes we have entered a permanent new price regime where silver is headed to $100 and will never trade below $50 again.

We also dive into the breaking news regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate Iran is effectively running a "tollbooth" through the strategic artery, with vessels allegedly paying in Yuan or cryptocurrencies for escorted passage. As a supply-side economist, Skousen explains why this shift away from the U.S. dollar signals the gradual end of the Petrodollar era.Plus, we discuss Skousen’s massive exclusive on the SpaceX confidential IPO filing. With a valuation target of $1.75 trillion, this listing could make Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire and serve as the ultimate validation of the "Roaring 20s" productivity thesis.

Recorded April 1 2026

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Key Topics and Timestamps:
0:00 Gold Strength and the High-Stakes Diplomatic Gamble 
1:11 The SpaceX IPO Scoop: A $1.75 Trillion Filing 
3:00 The Roaring 20s: Why Elon Musk is the Center of Technology 
5:50 Permanent Inflation: Why Real Deflation No Longer Exists 
8:15 Silver Price Floor: Why it Won’t Go Below $50 
12:30 The Broken Scoreboard: Why GDP Hides the Real Economy 
14:40 The Hormuz Tollbooth: Paying in Yuan and Crypto 
17:50 Warren Buffett on the 2% Inflation Trap 
21:00 The End of the Gold Standard and Permanent Inflation 
27:30 Bitcoin vs. Gold: The Role of Private Money
31:00 Adam Smith and the System of Natural Liberty 
35:30 Benjamin Franklin’s Maxim for Today’s Investors 
39:45 Final Indicator: What to Watch for in the Next Quarter

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Disclaimer:  
The videos are not intended to provide trading advice, and the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. Kitco News, its anchors, producers, and reporters are not responsible in any way for the performance or actions of any sponsor, advertiser or affiliate of Kitco News. In no event will Kitco and its employees be held liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the use of the content in this video.

Disclaimer:  
The videos are not intended to provide trading advice, and the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. Kitco News, its anchors, producers, and reporters are not responsible in any way for the performance or actions of any sponsor, advertiser or affiliate of Kitco News. In no event will Kitco and its employees be held liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the use of the content in this video.