Steve Hanke

Steve Hanke

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Economist; FX, monetary systems, EM inflation

War Costs Explode: Iraq $8 Trillion, Iran Ahead
SocialMar 6, 2026

War Costs Explode: Iraq $8 Trillion, Iran Ahead

Remember the Iraq war? It was supposed to be a cake walk that would cost US taxpayers a mere $50 billion. IT ACTUALLY COST $8 TRILLION. The US taxpayer will face sticker shock when the bill for America’s war against Iran arrives. WARS...

By Steve Hanke
Iran Conflict May Prompt US to Lift Russian Oil Sanctions
SocialMar 6, 2026

Iran Conflict May Prompt US to Lift Russian Oil Sanctions

My friend & oil expert Javier Blas reports just what I’ve been anticipating: that the US-Israeli war on Iran would force the US to lift sanctions on Russian oil. https://t.co/4VIvPSwm63

By Steve Hanke
78% Fear Inflation, Making Affordability Crisis Trump’s Weakness
SocialMar 6, 2026

78% Fear Inflation, Making Affordability Crisis Trump’s Weakness

According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, 78% of Americans say inflation is a very big concern for them personally. AFFORDABILITY = GOING TO GET WORSE = TRUMP'S ACHILLES HEEL. https://t.co/z3qgrkZ7V2

By Steve Hanke
RBI Dollar Sales Trigger Rupee's Biggest Asian Surge
SocialMar 6, 2026

RBI Dollar Sales Trigger Rupee's Biggest Asian Surge

#IndiaWatch🇮🇳:  After the rupee hit a record low, India’s central bank sold dollars. Then, the Rupee SURGED, with the biggest gain in Asia today. https://t.co/rzGC4rj8Kv

By Steve Hanke
Sudan's Pound Plummets 28%, Ranks 6th Worst Globally
SocialMar 5, 2026

Sudan's Pound Plummets 28%, Ranks 6th Worst Globally

On this week's Hanke's #CurrencyWatchlist, the Sudanese pound ranks as the WORLD'S 6TH WORST CURRENCY. The pound has depreciated by 28% over the past year. https://t.co/6WS2fKoH6r

By Steve Hanke
Erdoğan Faces US‑backed Kurdish Arms Amid PKK Talks
SocialMar 5, 2026

Erdoğan Faces US‑backed Kurdish Arms Amid PKK Talks

While the CIA arms Iranian Kurds in Iraq, Turkey is in the middle of disarmament talks with the PKK. I wonder what Erdoğan thinks about the latest US entanglement with the Kurds? https://t.co/iaq2Xp2XeS

By Steve Hanke
64% Americans Oppose Tariffs, View Them as Sales Tax
SocialMar 4, 2026

64% Americans Oppose Tariffs, View Them as Sales Tax

My views on Trump’s tariffs and the tariff man himself: “The public is fed up with these tariffs. 64% of the American public is thumbs down on tariffs. Politically, they're not popular, and the reason is that they're sales taxes on...

By Steve Hanke
US Drone Strikes in Iran Kill 742 Civilians
SocialMar 4, 2026

US Drone Strikes in Iran Kill 742 Civilians

Yesterday, the US military bombed drone sites across Iran.  According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, 742 civilians, including 176 children, have been killed in the bombings since Saturday. https://t.co/OYnTObNhC0

By Steve Hanke
Swiss Inflation Low, Money Supply Growth On Target
SocialMar 4, 2026

Swiss Inflation Low, Money Supply Growth On Target

Switzerland’s inflation rate at 0.03%/yr is at the lower end of the Swiss target range of 0-2%. NO SURPRISE. Switzerland’s money supply (M3) is within Hanke's Golden Growth Rate of 4.4%-6.4%/yr at 5.3%/yr. THE INFLATION STORY = A MONEY SUPPLY STORY. https://t.co/wDVH5hwQyz

By Steve Hanke
Majority Demand Congressional Approval Before Trump Acts on Iran
SocialMar 4, 2026

Majority Demand Congressional Approval Before Trump Acts on Iran

According to a CNN poll, 62% of U.S. adults say that Trump should obtain congressional approval before any further military action in Iran. THE PUBLIC IS TURNING ON THE WAR PRESIDENT. https://t.co/4jYyZSLJ7C

By Steve Hanke
Iran Likely to Shut Hormuz Strait, Threatening Global Oil Supply
SocialMar 4, 2026

Iran Likely to Shut Hormuz Strait, Threatening Global Oil Supply

According to @Polymarket, there is a 67% chance that Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz by March 31. The probability has SOARED in the last few hours. 20% OF THE WORLD’S OIL, AND ~40% OF CHINA’S OIL, FLOWS THROUGH THE...

By Steve Hanke
Venezuela Leads, Five Nations Face Hyperinflation
SocialMar 3, 2026

Venezuela Leads, Five Nations Face Hyperinflation

#HankeInflationDashboard: By my measurements, as of March 1st, this week's top 5 inflators are: 🇻🇪Venezuela — 656.1%/yr 🇰🇵North Korea — 107.8%/yr 🇮🇷Iran— 84.6%/yr 🇱🇾Libya — 63.8%/yr 🇨🇺Cuba — 50.0%/yr https://t.co/FrHE7rOpRu

By Steve Hanke
Iran's Inflation Hits 87.2%, World’s Third‑Highest Rate
SocialMar 3, 2026

Iran's Inflation Hits 87.2%, World’s Third‑Highest Rate

#IranWatch🇮🇷: Today, I measure Iran’s inflation at a PUNISHING 87.2%/yr. That's the world's THIRD HIGHEST INFLATION RATE. I remain the only reliable source of inflationary measures in Iran. https://t.co/Ur4qSrFxia

By Steve Hanke
Iran Conflict Spurs Gas Prices Near $3.5 Threshold
SocialMar 3, 2026

Iran Conflict Spurs Gas Prices Near $3.5 Threshold

My friend and renowned oil expert Javier Blas has it right. ONE OF THE COSTS OF THE NETANYAHU-TRUMP WAR ON IRAN = A GAS PRICE SURGE. https://t.co/cnsDUpCpbY

By Steve Hanke
Hormuz Traffic Plummets, 150 Tankers Stranded, Oil Halted
SocialMar 3, 2026

Hormuz Traffic Plummets, 150 Tankers Stranded, Oil Halted

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is running 70% below normal. Roughly 150 tankers are stranded in the Strait. If that’s not bad enough, the IRGC adviser, Sardar Jabari, stated, “Not a single drop of oil will leave the region.” https://t.co/A4WO3ah53J

By Steve Hanke
Trump Refuses Refunds After Supreme Court Deems Tariffs Unlawful
SocialMar 3, 2026

Trump Refuses Refunds After Supreme Court Deems Tariffs Unlawful

After Trump’s tariffs were ruled unlawful by the US Supreme Court, he is now dragging his feet and refusing to refund Americans who were illegally TAXED by tariffs. https://t.co/vlXQUbwjEo

By Steve Hanke
Iran Regime Fall 48% Likely, History Shows Failure
SocialMar 3, 2026

Iran Regime Fall 48% Likely, History Shows Failure

According to @Polymarket, there is a 48% chance that the Iranian regime will fall before 2027. Trump is engaged in a risky operation. THE HISTORY OF REGIME CHANGES = FAILURE. https://t.co/xdpgxVS4Gd

By Steve Hanke
Oil Market Stays Calm Despite Ras Tanura Strike
SocialMar 2, 2026

Oil Market Stays Calm Despite Ras Tanura Strike

Despite the strike on Saudi Arabia’s largest oil refinery, Aramco’s Ras Tanura facility, the oil market remained relatively calm throughout the day. Stay tuned. https://t.co/HzbD8gLZNn

By Steve Hanke
France Revives Nuclear Buildup, Sparking Arms Race Fears
SocialMar 2, 2026

France Revives Nuclear Buildup, Sparking Arms Race Fears

For the first time since 1992, France will expand its nuclear weapons arsenal. Why expand? France already has the world’s fourth-largest nuclear arsenal, following Russia, the US and China. THE LAST THING WE NEED IS ANOTHER ARMS RACE. https://t.co/khuyfhNe9A

By Steve Hanke
US‑Israeli Iran Strike Threatens President’s MAGA Support
SocialMar 2, 2026

US‑Israeli Iran Strike Threatens President’s MAGA Support

In his latest Greed & Fear FLASH, my good friend Chris Wood wrote: "The US-Israeli attack on Iran... [is] extremely risky politically for the US president, most particularly as his MAGA base is against overseas wars." https://t.co/MyysVy5Ukr

By Steve Hanke
Brent Crude Jumps 7% Amid War‑Driven Price Surge
SocialMar 2, 2026

Brent Crude Jumps 7% Amid War‑Driven Price Surge

On the opening of the Intercontinental Exchange Market in London, BRENT CRUDE SURGED. Since the close on Friday, it's up over 7%, trading at $78 / barrel. THE WINDS OF WAR = HIGHER OIL PRICES = MORE AFFORDABILITY PROBLEMS FOR TRUMP. https://t.co/H6nboenO4u

By Steve Hanke
King Dollar Not Dead; China Still Buying Dollars
SocialMar 2, 2026

King Dollar Not Dead; China Still Buying Dollars

Talk of the death of King Dollar is premature. Exhibit #1: China. It runs a large current account surplus, and is accumulating a mountain of predominately dollar-denominated foreign assets at record rates. Those who YAK about DE-DOLLARIZATION should start to FOLLOW THE...

By Steve Hanke
China, Russia Poised to Bolster Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Blockade
SocialMar 2, 2026

China, Russia Poised to Bolster Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Blockade

Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson on Chinese and Russian support for Iran: “[China and Russia] may send additional naval assets to assist Iran in closing the Strait of Hormuz. They are continuing to supply intelligence … and critical minerals that Iran...

By Steve Hanke
Foreign Investors Pour $1.55 Trillion Into USD, Defying “Sell America” Myths
SocialMar 1, 2026

Foreign Investors Pour $1.55 Trillion Into USD, Defying “Sell America” Myths

Foreign investors poured a net $1.55 TRILLION into USD assets last year, up 31.4% from 2024. The oft repeated “Sell America” and “End of King Dollar” narratives don’t align with the facts. Hanke's 95% Rule: 95% of what you read in the...

By Steve Hanke
Erdoğan Blames Netanyahu for US‑Israeli Strikes, Calls Ceasefire
SocialMar 1, 2026

Erdoğan Blames Netanyahu for US‑Israeli Strikes, Calls Ceasefire

#TurkeyWatch 🇹🇷: President Erdoğan said Netanyahu’s “provocations” triggered the US–Israeli strikes on Iran. Erdoğan said that Israel is “poisoning the process,” and urged an immediate ceasefire to prevent a wider regional war. https://t.co/y2YtJLqeUy

By Steve Hanke
India Hedges Bets, Deepens Ties with EU, Japan, Brazil, Canada
SocialMar 1, 2026

India Hedges Bets, Deepens Ties with EU, Japan, Brazil, Canada

By deepening ties with the EU, Japan, Brazil, and Canada, India is WISELY HEDGING ITS GEOPOLITICAL BETS. STRATEGIC AMBIGUITY PREVAILS AGAIN. https://t.co/TfGLoGF8lA

By Steve Hanke
71% Blame Trump Tariffs for Higher Prices, War Distracts
SocialMar 1, 2026

71% Blame Trump Tariffs for Higher Prices, War Distracts

Americans have SOURED on Pres. Trump. According to the latest Economist poll, 71% of Americans say that Trump’s tariffs increased the price they paid for goods and services. TO DISTRACT AMERICANS, TRUMP HAS JUST STARTED A WAR. https://t.co/WAh0999SVq

By Steve Hanke
Thailand's Deflation Linked to Sub‑Golden Money Supply Growth
SocialMar 1, 2026

Thailand's Deflation Linked to Sub‑Golden Money Supply Growth

Thailand's January CPI is -0.6%/yr. That's the 10th consecutive month in DEFLATION. In the past 3 years, its Money Supply has grown BELOW Hanke's Golden Growth Rate of 5.4-7.4%/yr, a rate consistent with hitting a 1-3%/yr inflation target. INFLATION STORY = MONEY...

By Steve Hanke
Brazil's Oversized Money Supply Fuels Inflation Above Target
SocialMar 1, 2026

Brazil's Oversized Money Supply Fuels Inflation Above Target

#BrazilWatch🇧🇷: Brazil's inflation is 4.4%/yr. That's ABOVE its 3.0% inflation target. Brazil’s M4 is growing at 9.6%/yr. That is ABOVE Hanke’s Golden Growth Rate of 7.1%/yr, a rate consistent with hitting its 3.0%/yr inflation target. INFLATION STORY = A MONEY SUPPLY STORY....

By Steve Hanke
Eurozone Inflation Below Target as Money Supply Lags
SocialMar 1, 2026

Eurozone Inflation Below Target as Money Supply Lags

The Eurozone’s inflation comes in at 1.9%/yr. That's below its 2%/yr target. The ECB’s money supply is only growing at 3.4%/yr. That's BELOW Hanke’s Golden Growth Rate of 6%/yr, a rate consistent w/ hitting ECB’s 2%/yr target. INFLATION STORY = MONEY SUPPLY...

By Steve Hanke
Jeff Sachs: US Has Just Stepped Into Trouble over Iran
SocialMar 1, 2026

Jeff Sachs: US Has Just Stepped Into Trouble over Iran

Distinguished Columbia Prof. Jeff Sachs on the US strikes on Iran: “The U.S. has stepped into shit today, if I could put it bluntly.” https://t.co/TcqwrdIyD9

By Steve Hanke
Erdogan Warns US‑Israeli Strikes Could Ignite Regional Fire
SocialFeb 28, 2026

Erdogan Warns US‑Israeli Strikes Could Ignite Regional Fire

#TurkeyWatch 🇹🇷: President Erdogan condemned the US–Israeli strikes on Iran and warned that if diplomacy and common sense do not prevail, the region could be dragged into a “ring of fire.” ERDOGAN'S 'RING OF FIRE' IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. https://t.co/EISjbPXLJq

By Steve Hanke
Bank Credit Surge Signals Inflation Pressure Ahead
SocialFeb 28, 2026

Bank Credit Surge Signals Inflation Pressure Ahead

The growth rate in U.S. commercial bank credit has been steadily picking up. On Feb. 18th it was 6.7%/yr. When it comes to the money supply, commercial banks are the elephant in the room. They produce 80% of M2. THE US INFLATION GENIE...

By Steve Hanke
Iranian Drone Strike Hits Near Dubai's Burj Khalifa, Evacuations Ordered
SocialFeb 28, 2026

Iranian Drone Strike Hits Near Dubai's Burj Khalifa, Evacuations Ordered

Following the US-Israeli attack on Iran, an Iranian counter-attack launched a drone strike close to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE. The Burj Khalifa has been evacuated. https://t.co/zrHYb8kfrf

By Steve Hanke
Turkey's Soaring Inflation Mirrors Runaway Money Supply Growth
SocialFeb 28, 2026

Turkey's Soaring Inflation Mirrors Runaway Money Supply Growth

#TurkeyWatch🇹🇷: Turkey's CPI is 30.7%/yr. NO SURPRISE. Turkey's money supply (M3) is growing at 40.9%/yr. That is well above Hanke's Golden Growth of 12.4%/yr, a rate consistent with hitting Turkey's inflation target of 5.0%/yr. THE INFLATION STORY = A MONEY SUPPLY STORY. https://t.co/rvnlCC3318

By Steve Hanke
Germany's Factories Run Below Average Amid Green Sanctions Pressure
SocialFeb 28, 2026

Germany's Factories Run Below Average Amid Green Sanctions Pressure

Germany’s manufacturing capacity utilization is only running at 77.5% in January. Its long-term average since 1991 is 83.2%. GERMANY’S GREEN MADNESS & SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA ARE A DEADLY ONE - TWO PUNCH. https://t.co/S87Xs4GTJY

By Steve Hanke
Egypt's Oversized Money Growth Fuels 12% Inflation
SocialFeb 28, 2026

Egypt's Oversized Money Growth Fuels 12% Inflation

Egypt's inflation rate is 11.9%/yr. Egypt's money supply (M3) is growing at 20.6%/yr. That's ABOVE Hanke's Golden Growth Rate range from 11.1%/yr- 15.1%/yr, a rate consistent with hitting its inflation target range of 3%/yr-7%/yr. THE INFLATION STORY = A MONEY...

By Steve Hanke
India Poised to Gain From U.S. Tariff Shift
SocialFeb 28, 2026

India Poised to Gain From U.S. Tariff Shift

#IndiaWatch🇮🇳: India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick just discussed tariff policy in New Delhi. After SCOTUS struck down Trump’s emergency tariffs, India stands to be one of the BIGGEST BENEFICIARIES. INDIA = PLAYING THE LONG GAME. https://t.co/ywtbcs3yl1

By Steve Hanke
Trump Praises Pakistan, Signaling Shift From India
SocialFeb 28, 2026

Trump Praises Pakistan, Signaling Shift From India

#PAKWatch🇵🇰: Trump on intervention in Afghanistan–Pakistan: “I would, but I get along very well with Pakistan—great PM, great general, leaders that I respect. Pakistan is doing terrifically well.” More evidence of Trump’s PIVOT away from India towards Pakistan. https://t.co/aEvLxL5Ygh

By Steve Hanke
Cuba’s 49% Inflation Ranks Fifth Worldwide
SocialFeb 27, 2026

Cuba’s 49% Inflation Ranks Fifth Worldwide

#CubaWatch 🇨🇺: Today, I measure Cuba’s inflation rate at 49.0%/yr. That makes Cuba the WORLD’S FIFTH-HIGHEST INFLATOR. SOCIALISM = POVERTY. https://t.co/62I1XycBU8

By Steve Hanke
Gold Hits Record 8-Month Streak as S&P Falters
SocialFeb 27, 2026

Gold Hits Record 8-Month Streak as S&P Falters

The S&P 500 is headed for its first RED month since April 2025. Meanwhile, GOLD is headed for its 8th consecutive GREEN month. That’s gold’s longest winning streak in history. BUY GOLD, WEAR DIAMONDS. https://t.co/sNJYx0tj3z

By Steve Hanke
PPI Stays Elevated at 2.9% Amid Fed QE Shift
SocialFeb 27, 2026

PPI Stays Elevated at 2.9% Amid Fed QE Shift

January’s US Producer Price Index (PPI) was just released. PPI REMAINS ELEVATED at 2.9%/yr. As the Fed pivots away from Quantitative Tightening to Quantitative Easing, it’s having trouble putting the INFLATION GENIE BACK IN THE BOTTLE. https://t.co/PsHdiaQZzH

By Steve Hanke
Orbán Deploys Troops, Labels Ukraine Threat to Energy
SocialFeb 27, 2026

Orbán Deploys Troops, Labels Ukraine Threat to Energy

PM Viktor Orbán has deployed troops & police to protect Hungary’s critical energy infrastructure. Orbán cites an alleged "oil blockade" & "blackmail" from Ukraine. It’s as clear as the nose on your face that Hungary, a member of NATO, views Ukraine as...

By Steve Hanke
Druzhba Pipeline Remains Vital Amid Disputed Repairs
SocialFeb 27, 2026

Druzhba Pipeline Remains Vital Amid Disputed Repairs

The Druzhba pipeline, which supplies 100% of Slovakia's oil & 86% of Hungary's oil, remains FRONT & CENTER. Hungarian PM Orban & Slovak PM Fico have both asserted that the pipeline is functional, while Ukraine asserts that the pipeline has not...

By Steve Hanke
Trump Tariffs Drive Canada to Diversify Global Trade Partners
SocialFeb 27, 2026

Trump Tariffs Drive Canada to Diversify Global Trade Partners

Thanks to Trump’s threats and tariffs, Canada is looking for new partners everywhere. Carney has already visited China, departed for India today, and will head next to Australia and Japan. TRUMP’S TARIFFS = PIVOTING AWAY FROM THE US. https://t.co/UHsis6akCV

By Steve Hanke
HK Inflation Near Target, Currency Board Proves Effective
SocialFeb 27, 2026

HK Inflation Near Target, Currency Board Proves Effective

Hong Kong’s inflation rate comes in at 1.1%/yr in January, JUST A TAD below its de facto 2%/yr inflation target. Hong Kong’s Dollar-Based Currency Board is WORKING LIKE A CHARM. https://t.co/7NNKGjeDXe

By Steve Hanke
900 Companies Sue Over $100B Illegal Trump Tariffs
SocialFeb 26, 2026

900 Companies Sue Over $100B Illegal Trump Tariffs

Almost 900 companies are SUING for refunds from the more than $100 Bn in ILLEGAL tariff revenue Pres. Trump collected in 2025. All Trump's ILLEGAL tariffs have done is MAKE ENEMIES and create LEGAL & FISCAL CHAOS. https://t.co/I1jP900jcz

By Steve Hanke
Canada’s Inflation On Target, Money Supply Grows Below Golden Rate
SocialFeb 26, 2026

Canada’s Inflation On Target, Money Supply Grows Below Golden Rate

Canada's January inflation (CPI) is ON TARGET at 2.29%/yr. Canada’s money supply (M3) is growing at 4.02%/yr.  That’s a bit below Hanke's Golden Growth Rate of ~6-8%/yr, a rate consistent with Canada's 1-3%/yr inflation target. THE INFLATION STORY = A MONEY SUPPLY...

By Steve Hanke
Russian Oil Exports Up 6% Since Pre‑War
SocialFeb 26, 2026

Russian Oil Exports Up 6% Since Pre‑War

Is Russia exporting more oil now that it was before the Russo-Ukrainian war? Contrary to Western propaganda, the answer is YES. Russian crude export volumes are 6% above ‌pre-invasion levels. SANCTIONS = NEVER WORK. https://t.co/pElmHdXmbQ

By Steve Hanke