Germany considers withdrawing 1,200-ton gold stockpile from US in riposte to Tarump.

[mikelewis]

8. If they do... the Dow will drop at least 1000 points. At least...

If not more... plus the U.S. dollar will go into a tail spin. This is a really big deal...

I wrote this a while back and I was worried that this was going to happen... they're going to cripple the dollar.

Today I read that Germany was considering pulling it's gold reserves from our vaults in New York. While it's completely within it's right to do that, I would like to remind Wall St. what happens if they do. I understand you think in this trade war the United States 'Holds all the Cards'. Let me assure you, if Germany pulls it's gold out of New York, you'll understand the War part of a Trade War.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/german-conservatives-raise-alarm-over-113-billion-in-gold-held-in-new-york/ar-AA1BZfXU

Anyone who understands the U.S. Dollar and cares about things like eating and paying the mortgage may want to pay close attention to the vaults under the Fed. If Germany pull it's gold reserves, this market is going to buckle and roll like you have never seen. Don't take my word for it, run your own numbers. This isn't a joke people. This is an attack on the U.S. Dollar and it is a substantial one that requires Adult Attention.

In the intricate web of global finance, gold is more than just a metal—it’s a symbol of trust and stability. The gold held in New York’s vaults, particularly that of foreign central banks such as Germany’s, plays a pivotal role in underpinning the confidence in the U.S. dollar and the global financial system. This article delves into why the custodial gold in New York matters, the misconceptions about its use, and the potential economic fallout should major players reconsider their storage choices.

1. Gold in New York: A Custodial Fortress of Confidence
For decades, New York has served as the de facto safe haven for gold reserves. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, with its deep vaults, is entrusted by central banks from around the world—notably Germany—with storing large quantities of gold. This arrangement was born out of a need for security, liquidity, and trust during the tumultuous periods of the 20th century.

Security and Stability: By storing gold in New York, countries have historically hedged against domestic and regional instabilities. The vaults provide an assurance that, in times of crisis, a nation’s wealth is safeguarded in one of the world’s most trusted financial centers.
Symbolic Endorsement: The act of holding gold in New York isn’t simply about physical security; it’s also a powerful symbol. It communicates to global markets that the custodian—here, the U.S.—is stable, reliable, and immune to domestic political whims.

2. Not a Collateral Tool: The Myth of Loaning Against Gold
A common misconception is that the gold held in New York is actively used as collateral—loaned out or leveraged to support other financial transactions. In reality, the situation is quite different.

Custody, Not Collateralization: The gold stored in these vaults is held in segregated accounts. It is not subject to the sort of re-hypothecation practices that some might imagine. Rather than being used to back loans or create leverage, this gold remains untouched, serving primarily as a reserve asset.
Invisible Assurance: While the Federal Reserve doesn’t claim legal ownership or loan against the gold, its mere presence in New York creates an aura of financial solidity. This "invisible collateral" bolsters the credibility of the U.S. dollar—reinforcing the market’s belief in the stability of American monetary policy.

3. The Dollar’s Shudder: Market Reactions to a Withdrawal
Imagine a scenario where a major player, such as Germany, decides to pull its gold out of New York. This move, though not affecting any legal claim over the gold, would reverberate across global financial markets.

Confidence Crisis: The withdrawal of gold isn’t about accessing a loan against the asset—it’s a resounding message of mistrust. Markets interpret such a move as a lack of confidence in the U.S. as a neutral custodian. The immediate psychological impact could trigger widespread panic.
Dollar Vulnerability: The U.S. dollar’s strength partly rests on the perception of backing by tangible assets, even if symbolic. Without the reassuring presence of foreign gold, the dollar might experience significant volatility. Investors could see the move as a harbinger of a broader revaluation of risk, prompting a shift away from dollar-denominated assets.

4. Cascading Market Fluctuations: A System Under Strain
Beyond the initial shock to the dollar, a large-scale repatriation of gold would set off a chain reaction throughout the financial ecosystem.

Volatility in Precious Metals: A sudden surge in demand for physical gold, driven by fears of instability, would likely send gold prices soaring. This spike wouldn’t just affect traders—it could have far-reaching consequences on commodities markets worldwide.
Systemic Risk and Liquidity Crunch: In a fractional reserve system, confidence is as valuable as the physical assets. The act of withdrawing gold could trigger a liquidity crisis. Banks and financial institutions might tighten credit, exacerbating market uncertainty and potentially precipitating a downturn in asset prices.
Global Ripple Effects: Other nations would undoubtedly take note. If one country’s move signals a lack of faith in the U.S. financial system, others might follow suit, leading to a broader realignment in how global reserves are managed. This could result in the emergence of a multipolar currency regime, shifting power away from the long-dominant dollar.

5. Trade Wars and the Unintended Consequences
In the context of a global trade war, these dynamics become even more critical. The trade conflict isn’t necessarily a zero-sum game; it’s a complex interplay of economic signaling and market psychology.

A Two-Sided Sword: While trade wars are often portrayed as battles of economic might, moves like gold repatriation introduce an additional layer of strategic maneuvering. If a nation uses its gold holdings as a political tool, it can disrupt the equilibrium of global markets—effectively turning what appears to be a one-sided trade war into a multifaceted financial showdown.
Rebalancing Global Power: The shift away from the dollar as the universal reserve currency might lead to a diversification of global financial systems. Although this could eventually promote stability in a more multipolar world, the short-term transition could be marked by significant market fluctuations and economic turbulence.

Conclusion
The gold held in New York is far more than an inert asset; it is a cornerstone of the international financial system. Its importance lies not in being a loanable asset, but in the confidence it inspires—a silent yet potent guarantor of stability in a volatile world. Should a major country decide to repatriate its gold, the immediate impact would likely be a dramatic shudder through the dollar and global markets, catalyzing a series of fluctuations that underscore the fragile interplay of trust and power in today’s trade wars.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial. It reminds us that global finance is as much about perception as it is about numbers, and that strategic moves in the realm of gold can reverberate through economies, altering the course of international relations and trade in ways that few expect.