print-icon
print-icon
Add ZeroHedge as a preferred source on Google

Our Debt Is Grotesque...And Will Kill The Dollar

quoth the raven's Photo
by quoth the raven
Friday, Aug 21, 2026 - 14:00

Submitted by QTR's Fringe Finance

The United States’ national debt hit a grotesque figure this week, eclipsing $40 trillion and doing so in alarmingly quick fashion. I wrote just hours ago about how the wheels are flying off the fiscal machine in the U.S., what it means going forward, my prediction for markets and thoughts on gold:

40 Trillion Reasons To Own Gold

40 Trillion Reasons To Own Gold

This week in one of my most-read posts of the year with over 30,000 reads so far, I also laid out in detail why I think the AI crash in equity markets could start as soon as this year, heading into 2027:

The Real AI Crash Will Start This Year

The Real AI Crash Will Start This Year


🔥 85% OFF IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TODAY. Anyone who becomes a paid annual subscriber today gets 85% off a subscription — a discount they can keep for as long as they wish to remain a subscriber: Get 85% off forever


Recall last week I also revisited my 26 Stocks To Watch for 2026. I walked through the winners, losers, where my theses have changed and where I’m still willing to be patient.

2026 Midyear Update: Winners, Losers & What's Next

2026 Midyear Update: Winners, Losers & What's Next

Over the last month I’ve also released several market-related lists here:

Also last week, stablecoin Tether finally delivered something critics have demanded for years: an actual audit. But I took a closer look at which entity was audited, what the opinion actually covers and why that distinction matters. It’s unquestionably a major step forward—but I’m not convinced it answers every question people think it does.

I Still Don't Trust Tether

I Still Don't Trust Tether

Finally I wrote about 6 market shocks that could happen if Democrats win midterms. Markets don’t wait for legislation before repricing political risk.

I laid out six major market moves I think could develop if Democrats win the midterms, including sectors and assets that could wind up on opposite sides of Washington’s political winds. Some of these trades could begin developing weeks before Election Day.

6 Market Shocks I Predict If Democrats Win Midterms

6 Market Shocks I Predict If Democrats Win Midterms

Here’s what else is new on the blog:

--

QTR’s Disclaimer: Please read my full legal disclaimer on my About page here. This post represents my opinions only. In addition, please understand I am an idiot and often get things wrong and lose money. I may own or transact in any names mentioned in this piece at any time without warning. Contributor posts and aggregated posts have been hand selected by me, have not been fact checked and are the opinions of their authors. They are either submitted to QTR by their author, reprinted under a Creative Commons license with my best effort to uphold what the license asks, or with the permission of the author. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of all facts and figures included in this article though I made my best effort to get them right. I have been wrong before and will be wrong again, and encourage you to always double check, do your own research and speak to a licensed financial professional.

This is not a recommendation to buy or sell any stocks or securities, just my opinions. I often lose money on positions I trade/invest in. I may add any name mentioned in this article and sell any name mentioned in this piece at any time, without further warning. None of this is a solicitation to buy or sell securities. I may or may not own names I write about and are watching. Sometimes I’m bullish without owning things, sometimes I’m bearish and do own things. Just assume my positions could be exactly the opposite of what you think they are just in case. If I’m long I could quickly be short and vice versa. I won’t update my positions.

As of May 20, 2026 I am attempting to no longer actively trade as much as I once did (read my story here). My eventual goal is for investing/saving to be mostly done by recurring contributions mostly to sector ETFs and a few select equities, trusted third parties who oversee my accounts, and advisors. Such advisors or funds, through individual equities, options, index funds, mutual funds, ETFs, or other securities, may have positions in, exposure to, or holdings of names mentioned herein that I know nothing about. Basically, via index funds, ETFs and individual equities it is possible I could own, have exposure to, or not own anything at any point. As of the same date, May 20, 2026, in an attempt to lead a healthier lifestyle, I’ve also excluded myself from fantasy sports, sports betting, online and in-person casinos and prediction markets.

And all positions can change immediately as soon as I publish this, with or without notice and at any point I can be long, short or neutral on any position. You are on your own. Do not make decisions based on my blog. I exist on the fringe. If you see numbers and calculations of any sort, assume they are wrong and double check them. I failed Algebra in 8th grade and topped off my high school math accolades by getting a D- in remedial Calculus my senior year, before becoming an English major in college so I could bullshit my way through things easier.

The publisher does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this page. These are not the opinions of any of my employers, partners, or associates. I did my best to be honest about my disclosures but can’t guarantee I am right; I write these posts after a couple beers sometimes. I edit after my posts are published because I’m impatient and lazy, so if you see a typo, check back in a half hour. Also, I just straight up get shit wrong a lot. I mention it twice because it’s that important.

Contributor posts published on Zero Hedge do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Zero Hedge, and are not selected, edited or screened by Zero Hedge editors.
0
Loading...