The strange case of the jailed market genius

We profile Martin A. Armstrong, the uncannily accurate market seer who failed to predict his long spell in jail. Find out how his model of economic confidence works - and what it's predicting now.

Investors may have been at a loss to explain the panic that befell financial markets at the end of last month, but one man saw it coming from a mile off. Financial forecaster Martin A. Armstrong predicted the beginning of the current jitters to the very date, 27 February and it's just the latest in a long line of spectacular predictions.

But Armstrong is in no position to benefit he has been imprisoned without trial in the US for the past seven years. He is accused of defrauding Japanese investors of more than $700m, but the case cannot come to trial. Armstrong is currently being held in contempt of court after refusing to turn over $15m in gold bars and coins he is supposed to have hidden away, which he insists he no longer has. This impasse means he has now served the longest sentence in US history for a prisoner held in contempt.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
MoneyWeek

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.