Peak Prosperity Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
Mar 20, 2026
Paul Kiker, wealth manager and founder of Kiker Wealth Management who advises on risk-managed investing. He discusses oil shocks from the Iran war and how energy disruptions can spark inflation. He explores AI-driven job losses and the sudden labor-market shock. Short, urgent takes on portfolio resilience, distribution risk, and prepping finances for volatile times.
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Rapid Iran Oil Shock And Inflationary Cascade
- The Iran conflict has created an acute oil shock that is already inflating costs across shipping, plastics, and diesel.
- Chris Martenson points out 20% of world output was lost in two days versus 9% over five months in 1973, making this a faster, harsher shock.
Fed Caught Between Inflation And Political Pressure
- Rising oil and input costs will exacerbate producer price inflation and force the Fed into a difficult policy choice.
- Paul Kiker warns cutting rates or printing now would pour gasoline on an already hot inflationary fire.
Petrodollar Undermined By Yuan Oil Deals
- Iran is offering to allow tankers safe passage if oil is paid in Chinese yuan, undermining the petrodollar system.
- Chris Martenson highlights a reported tanker crossing after payment in yuan as a strategic challenge to US dollar dominance.