‘Things are going to go bad soon’: Jim Rogers issues dire warning as global markets hit record highs — here’s what he likes for protection

“Nearly every stock market in the world has had an all-time high, or near an all-time high,” he told Wealthion in a recent interview, warning that when everyone’s raking in profits, “somebody better look out the window and get worried.”

Earlier this year, reports showed that 14 of the world’s 20 largest stock markets hit record highs. According to Rogers, “just about everybody in the world has joined in now.”

Rogers’ caution is rooted in experience, as he understands what often follows market euphoria.

“I’ve been around long enough, or have read enough to know that when everybody is making a lot of money and piling in, it usually means things are going to go bad soon,” he cautioned.

Rogers has indeed navigated his share of turbulent times. He co-founded the Quantum Fund with George Soros in 1973 — right in the middle of a devastating bear market. From then till 1980, the portfolio returned 4,200%, while the S&P 500 rose 47%.

Safe havens in ‘times of turmoil’

Given Rogers’ cautious outlook on the markets, it’s no surprise he’s turning to safe-haven assets like gold and silver.

“I know from history that the world is going to have problems again … and when the world has problems … it’s nice to have some gold in the closet, or under the bed, have some silver in the closet,” he said. “Because no matter what, many people will turn to gold and silver in times of turmoil.”

Gold and silver have long been considered popular hedges against inflation. Unlike fiat currency, these metals cannot be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks. As Rogers pointed out, investors often look to these metals for their stability and reliability amid market volatility or global instability, as their value isn’t tied to any specific currency or economy.

Both metals have surged in 2024: gold is up 34%, surpassing $2,700 per ounce, while silver gained even more, rising 42% to $32.76 per ounce. Rogers has a particular preference for silver, explaining that silver is still down 40 or 50% from its all-time high, whereas gold is already at record levels.

Nonetheless, he remains bullish on both.

“I hope I’m smart enough to never sell my gold and silver. I hope I’m smart enough to buy more in the future,” he stated.

One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is with a gold IRA through American Hartford Gold. Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those seeking to ensure their retirement funds are well-shielded against economic uncertainties.

When you sign up with American Hartford Gold, you can take advantage of an offer to receive up to $15,000 in free silver, along with the assurance of the best pricing through their price match guarantee.

Agriculture

In the interview, Rogers addressed viewer questions, including one about the best way to invest in agriculture today.

“The best way is to become a farmer,” he suggested, adding that if you’re up for the hard work, “you can make an absolute fortune” from working outdoors, getting dirty, and putting in long hours under the sun.

Rogers also highlighted the benefits of owning farmland, noting that it “will go up a lot in price.” These days, it’s easy to invest in farmland — even if you know nothing about farming.

FarmTogether allows accredited investors to invest in U.S. farmland by taking a stake in the farm of your choice.

You’ll earn cash income from the leasing fees and crop sales — and any long-term appreciation on top of that.

Additionally, Rogers also pointed to agricultural companies as investment options, and for those with expertise, he suggested commodity futures, saying, “If you can buy cotton futures at the right price or wheat futures at the right time, oh my gosh, you’ll be unbelievably rich. You could get rich in two hours if you get the timing right — you can also get bankrupt in two hours if you get the timing wrong.”

Indeed, futures can be a high-risk, high-reward investment. Due to leverage, investors can control large amounts of commodities with a relatively small initial capital outlay, amplifying both potential gains and losses. This leverage means that even minor price movements can result in substantial profits or losses, making it essential for traders to have a solid grasp of market trends and a clear risk management strategy.