The Crest Report

The Crest Report: China’s Hidden Gold, The Vanishing Middle Class, and a Fed Flying Blind (New)

This week’s episode of The Crest Report uncovers one of the biggest financial developments happening right now — and why almost nobody in the mainstream is paying attention.

China’s secretive gold buying is accelerating at a pace analysts believe may be 10× higher than what Beijing officially reports. The middle class is getting squeezed from every direction. Credit cracks are appearing in auto loans. And the Federal Reserve is preparing for a major December decision while missing an entire month of economic data.

In this episode, radio host Tim Conway Jr. and GoldenCrest Metals founder Rich Jacoby break down how these forces are reshaping the U.S. economy — and why many Americans are quietly moving part of their savings into physical gold and silver as uncertainty builds.

If you want a clear, no-nonsense explanation of what’s coming next, this episode is essential viewing.

Watch the Full Episode

Key Insights From This Week’s Episode of The Crest Report

1. China’s Hidden Gold Purchases: Potentially 10× Higher Than Reported

China has been aggressively increasing its gold reserves — but the numbers they publicly disclose are widely believed to be just a fraction of the truth.

Independent analysts estimate the real figures may be up to ten times higher, suggesting a coordinated effort to strengthen their position ahead of global monetary shifts.

The Crest Report breaks down why this matters, and how China’s strategy could influence both global markets and U.S. economic stability.

2. Lower-Income Households Are Already in a Recession

While official data doesn’t show a recession, households making under $50k per year are living a very different reality:

• Wages can’t keep up with the cost of essentials
• Credit card balances hit all-time highs
• Emergency savings are nearly depleted

The episode explains why the “two Americas” divide is widening — and why the middle class may feel next.

3. Missed Car Payments Hit Record Levels — a Classic Warning Sign

Auto loan delinquencies are now at their highest point in over a decade.

Historically, rising auto delinquencies have been one of the earliest indicators of broader credit stress. Tim and Rich discuss why this matters more than people think — and what it signals about consumer strength heading into 2025.

4. The Fed Is Preparing a December Rate Cut — With Missing October Data

The Federal Reserve is preparing a crucial December decision… but is doing it without any October economic data due to reporting gaps.

That means the Fed is navigating blind at a time when:

• Inflation remains sticky
• Markets are whipsawing
• Credit cracks are widening

The Crest Report breaks down what this uncertainty means for retirement savers and long-term investors.

5. Nearly 900,000 Americans Underwater on New Homes

Housing affordability has collapsed so severely that almost 900,000 Americans who bought recently are already underwater on their mortgages.

Tim and Rich discuss what this means for:

• Home values
• Household wealth
• Market sentiment
• The broader economy

When housing starts to crack, it often spreads.

6. Jamie Dimon’s Stagflation Warning Is Back

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon — historically one of Wall Street’s more cautious voices — recently warned that stagflation is now a real threat to the U.S. economy.

Weak growth + persistent inflation is a challenging combination for retirement portfolios.
The Crest Report explains why more Americans are hedging with physical metals during periods like this.

Why More Americans Are Turning to Physical Gold & Silver

With uncertainty building across multiple parts of the economy, many savers are reevaluating long-term diversification — especially inside retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s.

Precious metals are not about speculation or quick gains.
They’re about:

• Long-term stability
• Diversification
• Protection from inflation
• Reducing reliance on paper markets

This week’s episode of The Crest Report shows exactly why demand for physical metals is rising.

Speak With a Precious Metals Specialist

After watching the video, if you’d like to learn more about protecting part of your savings with physical gold or silver, call:

📞 833-426-3825

Request Your FREE
Gold IRA Guide