…2017 was just the first year with a small increase after a huge drop off in exploration activity. It may take many years of future increases to get back to where the activity was in 2012, as projected increases in exploration spending are seen to be slow and steady.

…At present we may be entering a period of relative stability on many economic fronts and, therefore, our focus is now trending more toward social upheaval and the resultant increase in tensions as the prime movers for the precious metals.

Over the past few months we have noted a gradual increase in news relating to inflation—but during the past month this gradual increase has accelerated steadily and has now taken on the appearance of a virtual flood.