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Ripple Effect

The Cantillon Effect Remains in Full Force

Loading ...Addison Wiggin

June 24, 2025 • 2 minute, 12 second read


Cantillon Effectfiat moneywealth creation

The Cantillon Effect Remains in Full Force

Central banks set monetary policy – allowing them to create money out of thin air. Those who are closest or the first to access this newly-created money tend to be the biggest beneficiaries.

This is known as the Cantillon Effect.

And for all the progressive talk about “wealth inequality” in America, the shift off of the gold standard since 1971 has kicked this effect into high gear – not tax policy.

Wealth creation – from being able to access capital to buy assets or start a new business – has been the biggest driver of this inequality, as worker wages have been stagnant at best when adjusted for inflation.

Access to money, makes more money.

In the last three years alone, thanks to a soaring stock market, the top 1% of Americans has seen their wealth grow by 25%, or $10 trillion:

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The systemic wealth transfer isn’t a flaw of fiat money – it’s a feature.

Your best bet to protect yourself? Invest in non-fiat assets, such as gold and bitcoin.

Gold prices are still significantly undervalued in fiat terms. Bitcoin, even with its volatility, offers higher long-term return potential.

“Gold is for protection (and for love),” our friend Frank Holmes likes to say, “Bitcoin is for growth.”

~ Addison

50 Major Companies That Will Likely
Fail to Survive Trump’s MAGA Economy

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Many have 5-star ratings.

Most are “buys” per Wall Street.

But they’re dead companies.

Click here to see the full list.

P.S.: Looking for small-cap companies that are driven by fundamentals and not just retail sentiment? Join our Fraternity!

Each week, we explore more interesting investment ideas, often brought by our contributors and special guests.

For instance, in last week’s Grey Swan Live! with Chris Mayer, we explored some of Chris’s top investment ideas, including some of the best value plays in countries such as Sweden and Poland.

For U.S. investors, tread lightly – these companies can only be bought on the pink sheets, where volume is light and prices can swing wildly. But if you’re looking for value now, going overseas may be just the place to do it.

Meanwhile, you can also join our Portfolio Director Andrew Packer at the Rule Investment Symposium in Boca Raton on July 7-11, 2025. Click here to attend and meet your future cutting-edge resource investments face-to-face.

As always, your reader feedback is welcome: feedback@greyswanfraternity.com (We read all emails. Thanks in advance for your contribution.)

How did we get here? Find out in these riveting reads: Demise of the Dollar, Financial Reckoning Day, and Empire of Debt — all three books are now available in their third post-pandemic editions. You might enjoy one or all three.


Panama, The Strait… and Private Credit

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With the United States conducting what the Pentagon politely calls an “operation” against Iranian military infrastructure, markets have had every reason to be panicky. Instead, the past week delivered something subtler…

Panama, The Strait… and Private Credit
All that Glitters Ain’t Enough

March 16, 2026 • Addison Wiggin

Gold has been consolidating after a powerful multiyear rally. Yet with America’s gold reserves equal to only about 3% of federal debt, the metal could still have significant upside ahead.

All that Glitters Ain’t Enough
You Can’t Print That!

March 13, 2026 • Andrew Packer

The Federal Reserve can print money, but it can’t print oil. As energy prices surge and supply disruptions loom, the central bank may find itself with limited tools to fight inflation driven by real-world shortages.

You Can’t Print That!
The SPR Drain Is Worse than You Think

March 13, 2026 • Andrew Packer

The plan to release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve would leave the U.S. with its smallest stockpile of emergency oil in more than four decades. And with tensions simmering globally, the shrinking reserve raises uncomfortable questions about how prepared the U.S. is for the next supply disruption…

The SPR Drain Is Worse than You Think