May 22, 2013 - Gold market “experts" such as economists, analysts, brokers and research teams from various gold trading entities are working overtime this morning to determine why gold investing became so popular this morning. Yes, gold buying has grown in popularity since 2001, when prices were at a paltry $252 per ounce, but recent nose-dives by the gold spot price has worried some that the bull market has run its course for the time being.

In a move against that theory, the gold spot price spiked almost $10 this morning, bringing gold all the way up to $1399 before tapering off and settling at $1387 by noon EST. Tuesday’s losses were unexpectedly reversed this morning, even though there is rampant speculation that the U.S. Federal Reserve could soon start to wind down its bond-buying program, which currently costs the United Sttes upwards of $85 billion per month in a deal that basically lets the government buy its own bad investments.

“It’s similar to paying off one credit card with another credit card that has a higher rate," said Nancy Vann, spokesperson for Gold-Investment.info. “Demand for gold may not subside just due to the fact that the Fed is “planning" on “thinking about “considering" “possible" alterations to that program. In fact, one could argue that the indecisiveness of the Fed and they way the organization led by Ben Bernanke performs its duties has led to an increased demand for gold and other safe-haven, physically-held assets."

“The dollar’s current strength is working against commodity prices, but that is almost entirely due to government-initiated stimuli. Once those stimulus programs end there will be nothing to prop up the failing U.S. markets and gold should be able to post 12-15 percent annual gains with ease, especially once interest rates start to rise like they did in the 1970s and 1980s.”

Visit the Gold Investment Market Update page this Friday for an end-of-the-week analysis of the gold investment market and trends.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

May 20, 2013 - Monday’s trading session began with a bang for gold investors as the gold spot price made a surprising one-hour jump from $1341 to the psychologically-important $1400 level. Gold investment market analysts attributed the initial rise from $1341 to $1360 to technical buying on behalf of major banks and institutions, and the move from $1360 to $1400 was triggered by increased confidence among investors that gold would remain about the $1350 per ounce mark.

That increased confidence led investors from all sectors to increase holdings. Futures priced increased, as did exchange-traded funds such as SPDR Gold Trust. Physical gold investments, such as bullion bars, bullion coins and rare coins, also saw significant growth as household investors went on a shopping spree of sorts as they purchased large amounts of American Eagle coins, Canadian Maple Leaf coins and various pre-1933 PCGS-certified gold coin investments.

“Investors who have been buying privately-held gold investments, such as coins and bars, have been very patient while the market laid flat. They supported their gold investments of choice even while prices were falling, and now that the larger buyers are coming back into the market your average investor will be able to reap some of those benefits,” said Bruce Hall, associate director of market analysis for Gold-Investment.info.

The Gold Investment Daily Market Update comes out each Monday, Wednesday and Friday and investors, researchers and analysts are encouraged to visit often for the latest news and information on gold investments and the gold market.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

May 17, 2013 - Physically-held gold investments, such as bars and coins, are more attractive to the average American household investor than derivatives markets, such as exchange traded funds (ETFs) and futures markets, according to data compiled by Gold-Investment.info.

The U.S. Mint has exceeded, reached or almost reached sales volume records each week since mid-February, and sales of some items are on pace to set annual all-time records. Other items, such as the one-tenth (1/10) ounce American Eagle gold coin investments, were such hot items that the U.S. Mint sold out and will not offer those coins until “a supply suitable to meet anticipated market demand” can be found.

However, not everything is rosy in gold investing. SPDR Gold Trust is near an all-time low right now after consistently shedding investors for months. The gold futures market is in shambles as institutional investors and large banks toy with the idea of jumping off the sidelines and back into the gold market after a mid-April crash that saw the gold spot price take a nose dive from the $1600 level to below $1400 for a brief time.

Analysts at Gold-Investment.info have attributed this “see-saw” effect of physical gold investors buying while derivative gold investors sell to simple differences in mentality. Gold-Investment.info’s research team released the following statement on Monday:

“At their core, household investors as a group are looking for safety from inflation. They want an asset that will protect the wealth they have left, and having hard assets ‘under the pillow’ helps them sleep better at night. Institutional investors, on the other hand, are profit-oriented. Minute-by-minute examinations of the gold market drives whether they buy, sell or hold to acheive the most profits on a day-to-day basis. Institutions are not concerned with buying gasoline or groceries with devalued dollars, while that is the ‘meat and potatoes’ of household investors worries.”

Stay in touch with Gold-Investment.info’s Daily Market Update for the latest prices, trends and commentary on gold investing, as well as special discounts and offers from America’s source for gold investment information.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

May 9, 2013 - The gold investment price slipped from above $1600 to the sub-$1400 level in mid-April, but the drastic decrease has failed to deter investors from jumping off the sidelines and into the physical gold investment market, and others have increased their stake in gold coin investments and gold bullion investments substantially.

Some gold bullion manufacturers, such as Credit Suisse, have been working on a backorder status for weeks due to high demand for gold bullion bars. The U.S. Mint has suspended sales of its one-tenth (1/10) ounce gold Eagle coins due to demand that outlasted supply. The Mint has not said when it will resume sales of those coins, but only states that it would not be until “supply could match anticipated marketplace demand.”

Demand for physically held silver investments has been high, too. The U.S. Mint currently has no silver Eagle Proof coins available, and many silver bullion wholesalers have been unable to accept orders from clients due to the fact that silver bullion coins, bars and even rounds have been unavailable.

As an explanation of how prices can fall with demand so strong, analysts have stated that the majority of losses have come from derivatives (ETF, pool account, futures) markets and not the physical investment markets. U.S. household investors have steadily increased their physical gold holdings each time a sell-off in derivate markets occurred, and sales of gold and silver coins and bars are on pace to set a number of records this year, as long as demand holds and there is a supply of metals to sell.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

May 2, 2013 - A recent report from the World Gold Council indicates a small majority of Italians are in favor of using the country’s gold bullion reserves to ease the national debt burden in the country.

The results of an Ipsos-MORI survey of both individuals and business leaders in Italy, conducted in March, shows that 52 percent of Italians and 61 percent of business leaders would endorse using but not selling the gold in Italy in order to lower the debt burden and jump start economic growth.

Only 4 percent of the respondents indicated they would support an outright sale of gold bullion, which is controversial with gold prices at highs. The ownership of gold bullion reserves has been more of an issue in recent times. Germany’s Bundesbank made world headlines recently when it decided to repatriate its gold.

An option, according to the report, is to use the gold as a security for new sovereign debt issuance. The report further states that independent research indicates the approach can raise between four and five times the sales value of the gold reserves while lowering the yield by up to several percentage points.

The World Gold Council commissioned research from Europe Economics, which concluded gold could be used as collateral. Professor Ansgar Belke published a paper in November reaching the same conclusions.

A bond 20 percent collateralized by gold could raise over 80 percent of Italy’s two year refinancing needs, according to the World Gold Council report.

The report also notes that Italy received a $2 billion bailout from the German Bundesbank in 1974 when it put up its gold as collateral.

The same Bundesbank has announced it will repatriate its gold from New York, Paris, and London following a court’s decision to audit the gold. The announcement was very controversial and prompted many collectors and investors to consider the role of gold in the modern market. Countries routinely keep gold reserves in foreign banks to facilitate currency exchanges, making Germany’s decision of particular note.

The World Gold Council is a research body with the goal of supporting the use of gold, billing itself as a global voice of authority for gold.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

April 30, 2013 - The Perth Mint in Australia, which handles refinery for almost all the nation’s bullion, has reported such high demand following the recent price dip in gold that the factory stayed open through the weekend.

Many buyers have jumped into the market on the lower price point for entry, with many speculators anticipating higher prices on a rebound from the decline, according to Ron Currie, sales and marketing director at the Perth Mint.

In the two trading session leading up to April 15, the price of bullion plunged 14 percent, the biggest drop in the market since 1983, which prompted many to jump into the market. Coin sales at the U.S. Mint are set for the highest monthly levels since December 2009. In Asian trade, dealers in Hong Kong are reporting seven week waits for deliveries from the U.S. Mint and, where stocks are still on store shelves, seven hour wait times outside bullion dealers. In India, premiums for gold bullion rose five fold from the period before the price decrease.

Currie said we haven’t seen levels like this since the 2008 global financial crisis. He added, compared to March sales, April sales have doubled or tripled.

By midday trade on Tuesday, the spot price of gold came under slight pressure after large gains in midday trade on Monday, losing $4.69 or 0.32 percent to $1,471.15 per troy ounce. U.S. gold futures for June delivery were still up, though modestly, at $3.20 or 0.22 percent to $1,470.60 per troy ounce.

Among the factors affecting gold’s spot price is a move out of ETP backed by gold holdings, the most speculative of the options for the gold market. Since prices began dropping, holdings have contracted 168 tons, according to data from Bloomberg, a record decrease. The movement out of ETP’s seems to be moving into the physical bullion market, which has seen record demand in many areas.

Most recently, the U.S. Mint suspended one-tenth ounce American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins following a doubling of demand from the same period in the year prior. The U.S. mint has sold 209,500 ounces of gold coins in April so far, up from 62,000 ounces in March.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

April 26, 2013 - Prior to the recent downturn in the gold market, central banks bought the most gold since 1964. Since 2009, central banks around the world have been net buyers of gold with several of the world’s central banks openly publicizing the amount of gold they add to their reserves.

Nations including Colombia, Greece, and South Africa bought gold in 2011, a new trend following a three-decade spate of selling. According to the World Gold Council, central banks added 534.6 metric tons to its reserves in 2012. That is the highest level of acquisitions by central banks in a half-century with expectations of purchases of 450 to 550 tons in the current year, valued at $25.3 billion.

According to Bloomberg, central banks have a bit of history buying gold at highs, with record amounts purchased in 2011 when gold reached its nominal high of $1,921 per troy ounce. Central banks were also buying in 1980 as gold bullion peaked at an equivalent of $2,400 in today’s dollars, adjusted for inflation.

Walter Bucky Hellwig, who assists in managing $17 billion in assets at BB&T Wealth Management in Birmingham, Alabama, said of central banks they sell at the wrong time and buy at the wrong time. He added they aren’t traders and they are looking at it as a long-term holding, as an ultimate reserve currency.

The London-based World Gold Council reported central banks owned 31,671 tons of gold at the end of 2012, approximately 19 percent of all the gold ever mined. World Gold Council data indicates only 16 percent of those reserves were added in the 10 years through 1965, during which time prices were fixed at $35, about $258 today when adjusted for inflation.

While Morgan Stanley projected central banks to buy another 655 tons through 2018, the World Gold Council sees acquisitions of 450 tons in the current year.

Rachel Benepe, managing $2.2 billion of assets at First Eagle Gold Fund in New York, said when there are any big moves in the gold market investors get panicked. She added, however, nothing has changed from their viewpoint as gold is a hedge against policy actions and governments globally are announcing policies that are unproven.

 Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

April 23, 2013 - The price of gold steadied above $1,400 per troy ounce as one dealer in Hong Kong, which is the island through which China imports gold to the mainland, said this is the biggest rush to buy gold in China in fifty years.

Nearly 1,000 tons of gold have made their way into Shanghai this year, according to Andrew Maguire who was interviewed by King World News. Volume up until the recent price action lower had been relatively light.

Song Heping, assistant manager at Xiamen City Commercial Bank, said physical gold and jewelry makers have had to replenish their inventory following robust sales.

Futures markets on the Shanghai Gold Exchange show much increased volume with the equivalent of 40.6 tons traded on Tuesday, down from a record 43.6 tons set Monday and far and away above the record set on February 18 of 22 tons.

Haywood Cheung, president of Hong Kong Gold & Silver Exchange Society, was interviewed by the Financial Times and said in terms of volume he hasn’t seen this gold rush for over 20 years.

Cheung added older members who have been in business for 50 years haven’t seen such a thing.

Cheung told the South China Morning Post the Chinese Gold & Silver Exchange Society was doing about HK$80 billion in sales but on Friday it moved to HK$100 billion and by Monday it went up to HK$150 billion. On the bullion side, Cheung said they sold out over the weekend after selling one ton of gold bars. He added it was quite rare for weekend sales.

Martin Hennecke, an associate director of Tyche Group, a financial advisor, believes mainland shoppers desire physical gold because they have very little faith in paper investments such as gold ETFs, certificates, or mining shares. Research from the World Gold Council indicates there are 78 times more ETFs, certificates, and shares than underlying physical gold.

Hennecke said most of the Chinese are not so stupid as to trust an ETF.

Asian trading picked up in volume during the price dip and massive sell off in Western markets last week.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Don Willis, President of PCGS said interest in collecting and investing in coins continues to grow in China. He added that in 2013 over 11 million silver and gold Panda coins will be produced for collectors, with even more mintages to come in future years.

PCGS announced its expansion on Thursday, reporting that the new grading and authentication center in mainland China is named Collectors Universe.

PCGS also announced a strategic partnership with Shanghai Quanping Collectables Co. Ltd. a newly formed company coordinated by Mr. YU Jiwei.

Jiwei, Chairman of jibi.net, said his company will leverage resources in order to promote PCGS in China. He added he is confident that the synergy with PCGS will help create a vibrant marketplace benefiting collectors and dealers, defining a new era for the Chinese coin community.

Jiwei’s company is a respected source for coin news and is considered an important marketplace with a large outreach to the modern coin community in China.

Muriel Eymery, PCGS Vice President of International Business Development, said Quanping will be the official and exclusive agency handling coins submission on behalf of PCGS in mainland China. PCGS recently marked a major milestone in the company’s history by grading its 25th millionth coin. The company also announced plans to open offices in Paris for its European clientele.

PCGS and NGC, the other major third-party coin grading service, have become staples of the industry with investors preferring coins that have been graded over coins without a major third party grading. Tenured market participants see the development as a double-edged sword because investors have come to rely on the grading at PCGS rather than interpreting the quality of the coins through experience.

PCGS aims to make grading and authentication of modern Chinese coins dated after 1970 locally available in mainland China. Vintage Chinese coins from the late 1700s and up until the mid 20th century will also be a focus of PCGS in China.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The reverse design of the one-quarter ounce proof gold coin also depicts and Indigenous Australian playing the didgeridoo, although this scene is against the outback bush.

The obverse of both coins contains the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and the date of minting.

The coins are presented in a unique Australian map-shaped latex case with an illustrated shipper and a number certificate for authenticity. The Perth Mint will release no more than 5,000 one ounce silver proof coins and 1,000 one-quarter ounce gold proof coins from the series.

Previous releases in the Land Down Under series have featured the Sydney Opera House and forthcoming releases will feature Captain Cook and Surfing.

The 2013 Sydney Opera House 10 ounce Silver Proof Coin features a colored reverse design emblematic of the Sydney Opera House located at Bennelong Point on Sydney Harbour in New South Wales, Australia. Above the opera house, an outline of the Australian continent is featured with the map-shaped image filled with colorful fireworks. The Perth Mint’s artist Natasha Muhl designed the coin.

The Perth Mint has also released the 2013 Australian Opal Kangaroo Silver Proof Coin, which features an image of one of Australia’s iconic images, the kangaroo.

The kangaroo is features on an inner panel of pure Australian opal surrounded by representations of Sturts Desert Pea leaves and blossoms and a crescent moon.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

As the possibility that your local bank branch may remove money from your savings accounts becomes reality, the use of banks may experience a drop in demand. Additionally, money that is withdrawn from banks must go somewhere.

While some Europeans might be stuffing their mattresses with paper money, there is an exceptional increase in demand across the European Union nations indicating citizens concerned about the banking practices are buying gold and silver bullions coins as stores of value during the current economic troubles.

In late 2008, despite a sharp drop in prices for gold and silver, demand for physical gold and silver bullion soared. Investors were so eager to buy gold and silver products that it became nearly impossible to find bullion-priced coins and bars.

A repeat scenario is already in effect with investors willing to pay premiums on gold and silver bullion coins for quick physical delivery and shortages at the U.S. Mint, which has had to suspend sales of the American Eagle Silver Coin and implement a rationing program.

Ideally, the time to prepare oneself for a banking crisis is far in advance, when products like gold and silver are still available. Despite multiple warnings and a presidential election in February in Cyprus that almost guaranteed a concession to the bailout, the vast majority of Cypriots did not purchase gold and silver bullion before the banks closed and the government decided it would confiscate bank deposits. Now capital controls limit withdrawals from banks and immediate delivery of gold and silver is either difficult or impossible on the island of Cyprus.

With other parts of the world now considering similar programs, which may be more a sign of the times than not, Americans would do best to enact the kinds of wealth saving strategies before the storm that Cypriots might have.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Bloomberg reports that the rescue of the island nation sets precedents for the Eurozone that may stick in the memory of depositors and bondholders alike as investors debate who will be the next victim of the debt crisis. Under the terms of the agreement, senior Cypriot bank bondholders will take losses and uninsured depositors will be largely wiped out.

Concern about what the Cypriot debt deal could mean for American investors is currently largely under the radar. The Dow didn’t show any immediate concern for Cyprus with gains of 111 points. The price of gold, which had moved above $1,600 per troy ounce on the Cyprus crisis, including a high at $1,616.50 per troy ounce reached last week, dropped again below $1,600 by this week’s end.

Cyprus is known as tax haven and money center with large amounts of capital being invested in Cyprus banks from overseas, mostly from Russia. Vladimir Putin, Russia’s present leader, recent put a ban on state officials holding overseas assets, and the current move by Cyprus, which effectively confiscates 40 percent of large amounts of wealth held in the country by foreigners is another signal of entrenching nationalism during the economic crisis.

Prior to the agreement being reached in Cyprus, however, a great deal of foreign-held money in Cyprus was pulled out, signaling that large account-holders are not taking any chances with the European Union.

The safe-haven demand for precious metals has also been surging in the U.S. as a renaissance in safe-haven demand has affected markets since the fourth quarter of 2012. Demand for gold and silver bullion at the U.S. Mint has been shattering records right and left, signaling that American markets, which may not be exposed to the precise same type of financial scenario as Cypriot banks, may not be taking any chances either.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

March 26, 2013 - The price of gold lost a little ground in the trading session on Tuesday, briefly dropping below the $1,600 per troy ounce level, though prices moved back slightly after the session’s close. Current selling sentiments are related to technical pressures, profit taking after the recent gains above $1,600, and the absence of some bullish news to affect markets in the near term.

After the spot price of gold briefly dropped $7.40 to $1,598.50 per troy ounce, prices rebounded, still slightly down by $4.52 or 0.3 percent to $1,600.53 per troy ounce. U.S. gold futures for June delivery fell $5.70 or 0.36 percent to $1,600.80 per troy ounce.

Marketplace worries that the debt deal in Cyprus would become a model for future debt deals in other troubled European Union countries are finding some realization as European Union officials have made statements that the Cyprus bailout could become a template for future EU banking problems.

For markets, who had largely placed the troubles in the European Union on the backburner since the U.S. election which highlighted the fiscal cliff series of debates, the Cyprus bailout is a prescient reminder that the European Union sovereign debt crisis is an enormous and a sever situation.

Forbes’ analysis places the European Union sovereign debt crisis as a very bullish underlying factor for the health and the vitality of the gold market. For Europeans and for the foreign investment in Cyprus, the existential question of whether to place their life savings in a troubled currency and a troubled financial system is beginning to move to the forefront of their minds.

Resultantly, the U.S. dollar index was firmer on Tuesday after Monday’s rebound and price gains, partially a reaction to the European crisis. U.S. dollar bulls retain a technical advantage, which is also putting pressure on the precious metals. A weak U.S. dollar is a bullish factor for gold as it makes the commodity more affordable for holders of foreign currency.

For bears the next near-term price breakout is a close below solid technical support at $1,575 per troy ounce. For bulls, there is technical resistance at $1,616.50 per troy ounce, last week’s high.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

March 21, 2013 - Gold prices gained by midday trading on Thursday as gold bulls had a good week with prices hovering at or above the three-week high touched on Thursday. Technical and fundamental positions of gold have improved.

By midday on Thursday, the spot price of gold gained $7.02 or 0.43 percent to $1,613.77 per troy ounce. U.S. gold futures for April delivery gained $6.20 or 0.31 percent to $1,612.80 per troy ounce.

The financial crisis in Cyprus is still unresolved with banks closed until next week. On Tuesday, the parliament in Cyprus voted to reject a proposal that would tax the bank deposits of its citizens in order to secure a bailout. Since the rejection of proposals originating from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, Russia has reached out to the troubled Mediterranean nation. The ultra-wealthy of Russia has placed large amounts of money in Cyprus banks and have an interest in securing the country’s financial future.

Gold has been experiencing renewed interest and renewed safe haven demand as the economic troubles of the European Union again take a center stage in global markets. Downbeat economic data continues to emerge from the European Union and the situation risks the recent rally in equities that have brought major indices to nominal highs and produced multi digit gains.

The meeting of the Federal Reserve’s policy-making committee, the FOMC, issued a statement Wednesday which left the Fed’s policy unchanged, a move not entirely unexpected though precious metals had begun to price in the introduction of an exit strategy. The Fed also said it was aware of the costs of the ultra-loose monetary policy and will keep a very close eye on U.S. economic growth.

Gold futures have gained new upside near-term momentum, suggest a near-term market bottom has been established. For gold bulls, the next upside price breakout is a close above solid technical resistance at $1,619.70 per tory ounce. There is solid technical support at $1,575 per troy ounce. There has been some resistance at the $1,615.00 and the $1,619 per troy ounce levels on the upside, but the debt situation in the European Union may be the impetus for higher prices in the gold market.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

March 19, 2013 - Gold extended gains in trade on Monday, marking the fourth straight session in a row and winning eight of the last nine sessions. Safe haven demand has been renewed by the troubled bailout plan in Cyprus and concurrent worries of policy impacts in the rest of the European Union.

By late trade on Tuesday, the spot price of gold gained $5.06 or 0.34 percent to $1,610.30 per troy ounce. U.S. gold futures for April delivery gained $4.90 or 0.34 percent to $1,610.30 per troy ounce.

The Cypriot parliament voted down a measure that would have levied a tax on bank depositors to secure the bailout package for the island country. The market place has been watching Cyprus closely as the measure could lead to similar plans in other troubled European Union economies.

Peter Grant, chief market analyst at USAGold, said what the bailout of Cyprus reveals is that heavily indebted governments may consider the actual savings of its citizenry in play. He added that would naturally heighten the appeal of alternative means of saving outside of the banking system, such as gold.

One week ago, American Eagle Silver Coins reached the 12 million ounce milestone for 2013. Following the introduction of the 99.99 percent fine silver coins in 1986, annual sales of over 12 million ounces had not been achieved until 2008. The breach of the 12 million ounce level so early in the year, particularly following a temporary suspension and the introduction of an allocation or rationing basis by the U.S. Mint, is indicative of physical demand in the current market.

On Monday of this week, silver bullion coins breached 13 million in sales. In 2012, Silver Eagles did not achieve 13 million in sales until May 16, nor was there a temporary suspension of sales for American Eagles. The U.S. Mint resumed sales of the American Eagle Silver Coin by the end of January following the suspension announced on January 18, but sales are still limited by a rationing program.

Silver is often preferred by investors in precious metals who recognize the benefits of a safe haven asset but prefer a lower price point for entry. Silver offers investors on low or fixed incomes the option of benefiting from activity in precious metals markets as well as an inflationary hedge to preserve their purchasing power into the future.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

March 7, 2013 - The price of gold slipped slightly on Thursday before a rebound after the European Central Bank gave no clear signs of further monetary easing and the Bank of England opting to postpone the restart of bond purchases. A weakened U.S. dollar on profit taking following this week’s six-month high gave support to the market.

Follow the press conference by ECB Chief Mario Draghi in which he gave no indication the monetary policy would be loosened further, the euro gained more than 1 percent in currency markets.

Ole Hansen, senior manager at Saxo Bank said the euro strength, dollar weakness should obviously have helped gold a bit but he thinks the gold market is focusing on the lack of dovishness in Draghi’s approach.

Hansen added that any sign of economic strength is just not giving gold much of a lift and we can draw a parallel to the U.S., where every time we’ve seen a strong number in recent weeks it’s almost as if someone has been pressing the sell button automatically.

Recently released strong U.S. data including a better-than-expected jobs report on Wednesday brightened investor outlook and contributed to lifting the Dow Jones Industrial Index to record highs over the past two sessions.

Saxo Bank’s Hansen said eventually we will come to the point where even though we get a stronger number, gold will not react as negatively as it’s done before because I think we’ve seen most of the selling by now.

The U.S. non-farm payroll figures scheduled for release on Friday will be watched for further signs of recovery.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

March 5, 2013 - Jim Rogers has very vocal about his belief in the precious metals. Despite the cautionary sentiment about short-term gold prices that he has been discussing for over a year, the legendary investor is still extremely optimistic about the long-term potential for both gold and silver.

Right now Rogers says investors should be buying gold and silver on the dips and notes they have surged in popularity with mints consistently selling out of silver coins because of investor’s concerns about the future.

Rogers’ views appear to echo those of the wider market with January seeing a record 7.5 million ounces of silver sold at the U.S. Mint. Money Morning’s Ben Gersten also said 150,000 ounces of American Eagle Gold Coins were sold in January, the highest monthly total since July 2010. A notable statistic is the return on silver with more than 5 percent gains year to date as gold has only gained 0.1 percent so far in the year.

It is important to note the purchases discussed are in the form of physical bullion, not investment securities, meaning buyers are not in the market to speculate but believe the metal itself will appreciate in the current market environment. In recent years, gold has been used heavily as a speculative instrument in the form of a hedge against market securities falling in value.

On the speculative aspect of the gold market, Rogers said gold has been up twelve years in a row, which is extremely unusual for anything. He added a lot of speculators are rushing into gold right now but said he’s not rushing into gold though he is certainly not selling it. He capped his argument by stating if it goes down he’s buying more.

Speaking with Yahoo! Finance, Jim Rogers said you can’t get silver coins because they sell out. He added several mints have run out of coins because everybody’s worried about the future of the world.

Rogers has referred to silver as gold on steroids. So far in 2013, the performance of silver against gold proves his view of the white metal to be accurate. Of course, a further dip in gold, which would spur serious physical demand both domestically and abroad, would be a case of steroids for both metals.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

February 26, 2013 - The price of gold gained to over $1,610 per troy ounce on Tuesday following the testimony of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, who defended the bond-buying program and thus eased the market concern about an ending to quantitative easing this year.

By midday trade on Tuesday, the spot price of gold gained $19.06, or 1.20 percent, to $1,612.52 per troy ounce. U.S. gold futures for April delivery gained $25.70, or 1.62 percent, to $1,612.30 per troy ounce.

Nomura analyst Tyler Broda said gold rose after Bernanke’s remarks, which were less bearish than the Fed minutes. He added there is an evolution in terms of quantitative easing at the moment and I think while we work through that there are going to be times when the Fed is more dovish and times when is more hawkish.

Ben Bernanke, as could be expected, gave strong defense of the U.S. central bank’s bond-buying stimulus, saying the benefits outweigh the costs.

Gold has recently suffered losses in an extended correction amid the overall muti-year bull market. Recent price developments have led Goldman Sachs to cut its 2013 gold price forecast to $1,600 per troy ounce from $1,810 per troy ounce. The institution gave the reasoning that the metal’s recent price drop and an increase in U.S. real interest rates have led it to bring forward its projections for a decline in the metal. This, of course, is typical for an extended corrective period in any bull market and indicates the health and vitality of the underlying bull principles.

The correlation between the Fed’s balance sheet and the price of gold is historically strong, at 0.93, according to Macquarie Research. The firm’s findings show that for every $300 billion expansion in the balance sheet of the Federal Reserve, there was a $100 per troy ounce increase in the price of gold. Factoring in the Fed’s current bond purchases totaling $85 billion per month for the next nine months; the central bank will be adding $765 billion in new assets.

The indication from Ben Bernanke’s testimony is that bond-buying by the Federal Reserve will continue and both research and historical circumstance indicate it will elevate the price of gold.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

February 21, 2013 - Citizens of Arizona who are concerned the Federal government will make paper money worthless may be able to substitute it with privately minted gold and silver coins.

Similar proposals, including one that was ratified into law in Utah in 2011, have come before the state legislature in several states including South Carolina, Washington, Minnesota, Iowa, Georgia, Idaho, and Indiana.

The Senate Finance Committee took the first steps on Wednesday to making such coins legal tender in Arizona. SB 1439, as the bill is currently dubbed, would give the tender the same legal status as the bills and coins authorized by Congress.

The proposal, set forth by Sen. Chester Crandell, contains no language that would force anyone to actually accept the coins as payment for debt. The use of the coins would be voluntary.

Proponents of the bill said it’s only a matter of time before the country suffers hyperinflation, which would make the greenback worthless.

The bill has been crafted in such a way as to allow the state to get around a provision of the U.S. Constitution that bars states from minting their own coins. Supporters note that it says states cannot make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts.

Crandell said the ultimate driver of the bill is a lack of confidence in the dollar, or at least the real value of the dollar.

Crandell said he thinks you can see that all over the country. He added that countries including China are moving to have their own currencies recognized as an international standard because the dollar doesn’t do what it used to do.

Sen. Steve Farley said while the current financial system has its flaws, the country hasn’t had the financial panics that occurred regularly in the 19^th century.

Other Senators, including Bob Worsley, believes there may be reason to worry about the economy in the U.S., stating we’ve never had this amount of debt as a country and the central banks continue printing. He said if people want the right to use silver and gold coins as legal tender, he is okay with that.

The legislation does contain language stating taxes incurred by people using these coins shall be paid proportionately in the same legal tender.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

February 19, 2013 - Gold gained for a second session on Tuesday, as strong physical buying in Asia following the weeklong holiday in China stimulated markets though a strong dollar kept a lid on gains.

Volumes on the Shanghai Gold Exchange reached record highs on Monday as Chinese traders rushed to pick up bargains at the resumption of business this week.

The rebound brought the gold price up 0.2 percent to $1,612.30 per troy ounce. U.S. gold futures for April delivery were also up 0.1 percent to $1,611.80 per troy ounce.

The physical market in Asia also saw buying pick up over the past few days.

Yuichi Ikemizu, head of commodity trading, Japan, at Standard bank, said the physical buying demand has been very good in Southeast Asia and China.

Citigroup metals strategist David Wilson said there is a general perception that things are getting better in China and in the United States, so the argument would be why would you hold gold when there are signs of macroeconomic improvement?

Wilson added it seems that investor money is generally going into other assets including equities at the moment, and metals seem to be detaching from that.

On Wednesday, investors will be scouring the minutes from the latest meeting of the U.S. Federal Reserve for hints as to the central bank’s policy, a key driver of the gold rally over the past two years.

The previous month’s meeting’s minutes revealed that some members of the committee on policy had adopted an anti-easing stance. If that is confirmed by tomorrow’s minutes, it means gold could possibly fall further and the dollar is likely to strengthen.

The strength of the dollar dynamic is a strong player in the gold market right now, aside from the rebound in physical buying from China. A weaker U.S. dollar makes gold more affordable for holders of foreign currency, thereby increasing physical demand.

Currently, the price of gold has been dropped to such a range that lower moves on a technical basis are possible. The market effects of tomorrow’s Fed minutes will likely be very influential in deciding the next direction for gold, which may be a protracted leg on the charts.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

January 29, 2013 - The pointers for storage of gold and silver might seem relatively straightforward from afar, but the majority of people lack even the most basic intimacy of gold and silver coin. For example, a man frets about how to store the $100,000 of gold he is considering buying, not realizing that $100,000 of gold fits in a 9 inch by 8 inch box. The pointers for storing your precious metals may surprise you.

Always store your metals outside of the financial system. The custody section of a prospectus associated with an ETF is enough to make anyone take physical possession. The goal of precious metals as a hard asset is that they offer protection from the financial system by having an intrinsic value regardless of the financial systems.

Bank safe deposit boxes may be valuable resources for some things, but for your gold and silver coin you ought to look elsewhere. Bank safe deposit boxes are not insured by the bank yet they are subject to banking regulations, meaning you can enjoy the liabilities of the banking institution without any additional protection. Recent banking fiascos including the MF Global scenario that saw segregated customer accounts used for purposes of speculative trading, and bank customers subsequently being informed their money had been lost, prove that the bank’s good graces are no longer enough to rely on. While you need not move all your money out of banking institutions, the best place for your gold and silver is far from a bank’s safe deposit box.

While you absolutely should take possession of all your gold and silver bullion and coin yourself, you should never feel uncomfortable about it. If you feel even the least uncomfortable safeguarding your gold and silver seek out a non-banking storage facility to provide the additional peace of mind. Put your precious metals in a segregated storage as opposed to pooled storage and use a storage facility or vaulting service that is insured against loss. In order to make sure you gold and silver can be returned to you at any time and in a reasonable fashion, visit the depository and see exactly what is involved in the deposit and withdrawal process.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

January 24, 2013 - Morgan Stanley has said gold will rally this year and into 2014 as the U.S. Federal Reserve policy makers will continue asset purchases for two more years to buttress the economic recovery.

Gold has continued its bull run into a twelfth year in 2012. Peter Richardson and Joel Crane, analysts with Morgan Stanley, said in a report today that prices may reach $1,830 per troy ounce and will be supported by investment and central bank buying.

The withdrawal of central bank stimulus has been a major debate in the gold market as the accommodative monetary policy has been one of the major underpinning pillars of the gold market since 2008. Sentiment reacts instantly on speculation the Fed may continue, increase, or withdraw monetary stimulus. Currently, the Federal Reserve is committed to purchasing $85 billion of Treasuries and mortgage debt per month until the labor market improves with an unemployment rate below 6.5 percent.

In Thursday trade, the spot price of gold drifted 0.67 percent to $1,674.52 per troy ounce. U.S. gold futures also followed the price move, off 0.78 percent to $1,673.70 per troy ounce. U.S. silver futures, which had been making a strong seven-session gain, followed the trend line with prices down $0.56 to $31.87 per troy ounce.

Morgan Stanley said in its report the bank expects that very low nominal interest rates, an ongoing commitment to QE3 and a below-par recovery with attendant pressure on the dollar will still combine to encourage investment buying of gold.

Traditionally, a weaker U.S. dollar is beneficial to the gold market because it makes the commodity more affordable for holders of foreign currency, thereby spurring overseas physical demand.

Gold rallied 70 percent during the Fed’s first two rounds of debt purchasing of $2.3 trillion between December 2008 and June 2011. Morgan Stanley’s Chief Executive Officer James Gorman said yesterday in an interview on Bloomberg Television that the U.S. economy still needed monetary stimulus.

Additionally, increased central bank purchases of gold as a reserve portfolio asset will support the gold rally, according to Morgan Stanley. Central banks have been net buyers of gold since 2009 and data indicates the trend is continuing. Central banks added the most gold in 48 years in 2012 according to data from Thomson Reuters GFMS.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold to Extend Rally as Fed Stimulus to Continue Through 2014: Morgan Stanley

January 24, 2013 - Morgan Stanley has said gold will rally this year and into 2014 as the U.S. Federal Reserve policy makers will continue asset purchases for two more years to buttress the economic recovery.

Gold has continued its bull run into a twelfth year in 2012. Peter Richardson and Joel Crane, analysts with Morgan Stanley, said in a report today that prices may reach $1,830 per troy ounce and will be supported by investment and central bank buying.

The withdrawal of central bank stimulus has been a major debate in the gold market as the accommodative monetary policy has been one of the major underpinning pillars of the gold market since 2008. Sentiment reacts instantly on speculation the Fed may continue, increase, or withdraw monetary stimulus. Currently, the Federal Reserve is committed to purchasing $85 billion of Treasuries and mortgage debt per month until the labor market improves with an unemployment rate below 6.5 percent.

In Thursday trade, the spot price of gold drifted 0.67 percent to $1,674.52 per troy ounce. U.S. gold futures also followed the price move, off 0.78 percent to $1,673.70 per troy ounce. U.S. silver futures, which had been making a strong seven-session gain, followed the trend line with prices down $0.56 to $31.87 per troy ounce.

Morgan Stanley said in its report the bank expects that very low nominal interest rates, an ongoing commitment to QE3 and a below-par recovery with attendant pressure on the dollar will still combine to encourage investment buying of gold.

Traditionally, a weaker U.S. dollar is beneficial to the gold market because it makes the commodity more affordable for holders of foreign currency, thereby spurring overseas physical demand.

Gold rallied 70 percent during the Fed’s first two rounds of debt purchasing of $2.3 trillion between December 2008 and June 2011. Morgan Stanley’s Chief Executive Officer James Gorman said yesterday in an interview on Bloomberg Television that the U.S. economy still needed monetary stimulus.

Additionally, increased central bank purchases of gold as a reserve portfolio asset will support the gold rally, according to Morgan Stanley. Central banks have been net buyers of gold since 2009 and data indicates the trend is continuing. Central banks added the most gold in 48 years in 2012 according to data from Thomson Reuters GFMS.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

January 23, 2013 - Standard Bank of South Africa has reported unusually high demand for physical gold for the time of year, according to its Gold Physical Flow Index.

The demand for physical gold bullion is reported as being as high in January of 2013 as it was in November of 2012, which brought a spike in physical buying following the U.S. election and in anticipation of the Indian season of weddings and religious events. India is the largest consumer of gold on the planet, a position that is largely forecasted to be overtaken by China.

India has just placed an additional tax on gold imports as part of its current accounts deficit reduction plans. The Reserve Bank of India has previously stated that its citizens should be investing their wealth in local communities rather than buying gold, though the storage of wealth in the form of gold, specifically gold jewelry is a traditional custom in the subcontinent.

Sales reports from the U.S. Mint also show an increased demand for physical gold and silver bullion, with record orders being placed at the Mint by authorized distributors.

The American Silver Eagle Coin sold out after just ten days of availability on January 17 and will only be made available again after January 28 on an allocated, or rationing, basis. This follows a spate of sell-outs at the Mint, including the December 17 sell-out of the 2012-dated American Silver Eagle Coins.

In the Mint’s latest weekly report, it indicates that the 2012-dated American Proof Buffalo Gold Coin is sold out, joining the one-ounce 2012 Proof American Eagle Gold Coin in unavailable status. The American Eagle Gold Coin in its 2012 Proof Condition form reached sales of 14,848 ounces, and joined the list of unavailable dates for the one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce denominations. As the individually sold coins are now unavailable, sales for the remaining four-coins set option have seen a big boost in sales with 1,563 units selling for the weekly period, bring the cumulative total to 7,298 sets.

Banks are exhibiting the increased physical demand as well. Central banks around the world are known to be in an accumulation phase, buying gold bullion at multi-decade highs, according to reports from the World Gold Council. HSBC has just secured another deal to buy silver bars from KGHM, bringing total purchases from the second-larges producer of refined silver to $876 million.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold prices are registering modest gains on Tuesday with U.S. gold futures for February delivery up $6.70, or 0.40 percent, to $1,693.60 per troy ounce. The spot price of gold is up $3.96, or 0.24 percent, to $1,694.15 per troy ounce.

Gold coin sales at the U.S. Mint have reached 127,000 ounces, which can be compared with 76,000 ounces for the month of December. The total for the month in January 2012 was 127,000, which shows there is likely to be an improvement on the year as there is over a week left in the month.

Gold has been in a twelve-year bull market, leading many to analyze prices. Danske Bank A/S, Credit Suisse Group AG, and UniCredit SpA have been the three most accurate gold forecasters tracked by Bloomberg Rankings over the past two years. The institutions are now projecting record average prices for gold in 2013. They have said that central bank stimulus will sustain buying as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.

Scott Carter, chief executive officer at Los Angeles-based Lear Capital, said the physical market in gold and silver has picked up over the past several months. He added there’s a real drive for diversification with metals because of concerns about national debt and currency devaluation.

Sales at the U.S. Mint confirm this analysis. In addition to high gold sales, sales of silver coins at the Mint have surpassed 6 million ounces, to be compared with 1.64 million ounces in December. The Mint has temporarily suspended sales of the 2013 American Eagles Silver Coin and will resume sales on a rationing basis the week of January 28, when inventory will be replenished.

A Reuters’ source said while it is typical for collectors to snap up newly stamped coins, interest this year has ballooned due to investors seeking refuge from U.S. economic uncertainty.

The sell-out became a market driver with March silver on the Comex Exchange in New York hitting its highest level in four weeks on Friday and silver on the spot market closing with gains.

U.S. silver futures for March delivery continued the trend on Tuesday, gaining $0.35, or 1.11 percent, to $32.29 per troy ounce.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The price of gold in early afternoon trade on Friday reached $1,687.44 per troy ounce with a nominal loss of $0.64, or 0.01 percent. U.S. gold futures for February delivery lost just $3.50, or 0.21 percent, to $1,687.10 per troy ounce.

Gold is currently sitting just below its 50-day moving average at $1,697.20 per troy ounce. Should the metal breach that level of technical resistance it signals higher price movements in the near term.

Following several weeks of difficult markets, the price of gold finished last week’s trade with a gain of 0.71 percent. Gold futures have surged 1.82 percent this current week during a high at $1,697.80 per troy ounce on Thursday.

Recent data out of China indicating the economy is reaccelerated growth at an annualized rate of 7.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012. While the news is good for global economic prospects, in the short-term it is a pressure on the precious metals as it increases speculation the Chinese government may pullback on its stimulus efforts sooner rather than later. Stimulus has been extremely beneficial to the precious metals since 2008, with gains over 500 percent in gold, and though there are other major fundamentals that underpin the gold market and ensure a strong bull market into the future, there could be short-term price pressure from the news.

Looking ahead in the U.S., manufacturing data in the Northeast has shown unexpected weakness, bolstering hopes and expectations the U.S. will continue its own stimulus program, which will support gold prices. Both the Philadelphia general economic index and the New York Fed data dropped much more than anticipated. The data indicates that further stimulus may be more beneficial to those two specific markets.

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve as well as some large investors are putting out the warning that the there may be an overheating of riskier assets as the Fed has been buying $85 billion of bonds each month, beginning with the announcement of the third round of quantitative easing in mid-September. What exactly that means and how it will play out is yet to be seen, but it is an indication that the physical demand for precious metal coin and bullion has been overheating the U.S. Mint as sales for American Eagle Silver Coins have been suspended after just ten days of the new year due to lack of inventory.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Certified Gold Exchange

January 17, 2013 - The number of investors interested in allocating some of their portfolios in precious metals shows an increase on the order of doubling over the past two years from 6 percent at the end of 2010 to 15 percent at the end of 2012, according to research from Spectrem’s Millionaire Corner.

Precious metal prices support that kind of interest, with the spot price of gold up $9.93, 0.59 percent, to $1,689.86 per troy ounce. U.S. gold futures for February delivery gained $4.70, 0.29 percent, to $1,688.00 per troy ounce.

Precious metals, including gold and silver coin, possess many attributes that are highly valued in the marketplace. They are rare, useful, portable, virtually indestructible, inherently valuable, and, also beautiful.

In recent years, the benefits of precious metals as a hedge against inflation has excited an historic amount of interest among investors with the actions taken by central banks across the world. Precious metals maintain their value over time, enabling investors to diversify portfolios away from stocks, bonds, and currencies, the primary vehicles that are affected on an inherent basis by the accommodative policies of central banks. Diversification is a key tenant of modern investment as a diversified portfolio is better positioned to weather extreme market events by spreading risk over a number of different financial products.

One of the most popular forms of investments in gold and silver in recent times in the possession of the physical metal, precious metal bullion. While bars are popular for high-volume holders, meaning on the order of millions of dollars, the smaller forms of coins serve the purpose of making the investment easily separated into parts. For example, American Gold Eagle Coins are available from the U.S. Mint in four sizes: the one-tenth ounce, the one-quarter ounce, the one-half ounce, and the one troy ounce sizes.

The size of the coin and its market value makes it easily tradable between collectors or investors.

The example from the U.S. Mint brings up another good pointer in the collection of gold and silver coin. The official Mintmark of a major government is a feature that is worth its weight in gold in an era of counterfeiting and high prices for precious metals. The U.S. Mint’s American Eagle coins are some of the most easily recognized and trusted coins in the world.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Certified Gold Exchange

Amid the current market uncertainties, he says the biggest issue is government policy. In order to understand that, one needs to understand that gold, in his opinion, is not an investment but, rather, is money.

Though central banks own gold, and they have been buying at multi-decade highs since 2009, they use it as a reserve for the currency. Turk says the formal link to the backing of the currency by gold was broken in 1971 by President Nixon and ever since that time national currencies have been dependent on government promises rather than physical metal.

Turk believes there is an inherent incentive to keeping gold prices low in a fiat currency world as a rise in the gold price indicates the currency is losing its purchasing power. With the spectacular rise in the gold market, 500 percent gains in spot price since 2008, the purchasing power of the dollar has been in question.

One of the conundrums of our time and of current markets is that central banks have an incentive to keeping gold prices low, nominally, but the central bank policy that is currently in effect around the world has certainly raised the price of gold. Turk calls this a war between the gold market and central bank policy. He says that the central banks win an occasional battle or two, but they are losing the war. Gold has gained in value for twelve years with an average annual appreciation of 16.8 percent.

One of the central issues that have largely been sidelined in terms of a direct confrontation is government spending, which is difficult to call anything but out of control. With a national debt in excess of $16.4 trillion and the Congress of the United States actually entertaining the notion of minting a $1 trillion platinum coin via an obscure provision in the U.S. code to satisfy the nation’s debt, Turk says central planners are out in full force and affecting the gold market, but they aren’t addressing the underlying problem. Because they aren’t cutting the problem off at the root, Turk says you’re going to see a rise in gold price in 2013 as well.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

January 10, 2013 - U.S. gold futures registered solid gain in early trade on Thursday, extending prices gains from earlier. Underlying support for precious metals is coming from outside market influences that places gold in a bullish posture on Thursday. A sharply lower U.S. dollar index and higher crude oil prices indicate key outside markets are benefiting gold at the moment.

The price of U.S. gold futures for February delivery gained $22.40 or 1.35 percent to $1,678.00 per troy ounce. The spot price of gold gained $19.55 or 1.17 percent to $1,677.03 per troy ounce.

Stewart Lawson 

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

January 8, 2013 - Renewed demand for gold bullion in Asia brought gold futures off a three-session slump in early trade on Tuesday as sales of U.S. gold bullion continued to heat up at the Mint.

U.S. gold futures for February delivery registered gains with a change of $7.20 or 0.44 percent to $1,653.60 per troy ounce. The spot price of gold added $6.00 or 0.42 percent to $1,653.76 per troy ounce.

Prices had dropped 2.5 percent in the three previous trading sessions. According to analysts, the Shanghai Gold Exchange reported a sharp climb in physical gold trading on Monday. The Chinese lunar New Year holiday, which begins on Feb. 10, has dampened the ongoing correction in the gold market with its seasonal demand.

Jeff Wright, managing director at Global Hunter Securities, has said the increase in this seasonal demand is good for gold and offsetting fundamental weakness elsewhere.

Deutsche Bank’s Daniel Brebner has cited appetite for more conventional assets including U.S. equities as well as a growing conviction the dollar will strengthen as factors. A strong dollar makes gold more expensive for holders of foreign currency, limited overseas demand.

Imports into China from Hong Kong nearly doubled in the month of November from the previous month, according to government data. The U.S. Mint, meanwhile, has sold 71,500 ounces of American Eagle Gold Coins in the current month as compared to 76,000 ounces for all of the month of December.

Anthem Blanchard, chief executive officer of Blanchard Vault, said last week’s price drop has attracted buyers. He added we are also seeing elevated demand from China.

The U.S. dollar index, a measure of the dollar’s strength against a basket of six major currencies, hit a four-week high following the minutes of the FOMC which were issued last week. Simultaneously, indications that some members of the committee saw cause for limiting or pulling back on easing in the current year put a dent in one of the underpinning fundamentals of the gold market, quickly limiting gains in the market on the fiscal cliff budget agreement.

Sales to authorized distributors of the U.S. Mint continue to be strong, tracking the dips in the gold market.

Daily Updates Archive

  Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

December 3, 2013 - With the surge in precious metal prices, the existence of counterfeit coinage has again become a real concern to investors, collectors, and traders. The Global Piracy & Counterfeiting Consultants are America’s most quoted source on counterfeiting; stating that up to 10 percent of the GDP of some countries is counterfeit-based revenue. The counterfeit bullion trade is estimated to be in the billions annually, with much of that activity sourced in the Far East.

In early trade on Thursday, gold prices relaxed from post-fiscal cliff euphoria and the price of gold retraced .53 percent for U.S. gold futures slated for February delivery, or $8.90, to $1,680.50 per troy ounce. The spot price of gold traded down $5.00, .33 percent, to $1,681.27 per troy ounce.

As gold and silver prices continue to gain, the dangers of counterfeiting to the investor also gain. It is important to understand counterfeit coinage and how to protect yourself from it.

The best ways to avoid counterfeits are to work with a professional gold trader who has been in business for a number of years, has professional accreditation, and has professional affiliations, including affiliations with professional and respected publications. Professionally graded coins by third party organizations are becoming more popular and traders that offer them offer buyers additional security and peace of mind. The small premium paid for coins is worth its weight in gold on the open market.

There are, however, additional ways to determine the authenticity of gold.

The bite test is a time-honored method that has been depicted in movies and with which we’re all familiar, but it also damages coins seriously in today’s gold market. Gold is a soft metal compared to copper, silver, and base metals usually used to counterfeit. Biting a pure gold coin will leave a tooth mark in the coin itself, though it also damages the value of the coin.

Bullion coins are also very specific in their weight, with few metals being of a comparable or of a heavier weight than gold. One troy ounce is equal to 31.1 grams and a scale can save time and energy and rid the market of counterfeit bullion coins.

Know the dimensions, as many of these coins are a dead giveaway with incorrect diameter or thickness. While many counterfeit coins are very well crafted and can even pass one or two tests on this list, there are still coins made in foreign countries with incorrect dimensions.

Pay attention to details including color, quality, or content as many fake coins can appear too dull, shiny, or have an incorrect texture.

Gold and silver coins both ring in the air when flipped. Also, neither gold nor silver is magnetic. While professional services use both x-rays and ultrasound to test gold for authenticity, a few simple home tests can usually alleviate doubts about your gold or silver. Of course, the best method to avoid counterfeit is to work with a professional and accredited bullion and coin dealer.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

December 3, 2013 - With the surge in precious metal prices, the existence of counterfeit coinage has again become a real concern to investors, collectors, and traders. The Global Piracy & Counterfeiting Consultants are America’s most quoted source on counterfeiting; stating that up to 10 percent of the GDP of some countries is counterfeit-based revenue. The counterfeit bullion trade is estimated to be in the billions annually, with much of that activity sourced in the Far East.

In early trade on Thursday, gold prices relaxed from post-fiscal cliff euphoria and the price of gold retraced .53 percent for U.S. gold futures slated for February delivery, or $8.90, to $1,680.50 per troy ounce. The spot price of gold traded down $5.00, .33 percent, to $1,681.27 per troy ounce.

As gold and silver prices continue to gain, the dangers of counterfeiting to the investor also gain. It is important to understand counterfeit coinage and how to protect yourself from it.

The best ways to avoid counterfeits are to work with a professional gold trader who has been in business for a number of years, has professional accreditation, and has professional affiliations, including affiliations with professional and respected publications. Professionally graded coins by third party organizations are becoming more popular and traders that offer them offer buyers additional security and peace of mind. The small premium paid for coins is worth its weight in gold on the open market.

There are, however, additional ways to determine the authenticity of gold.

The bite test is a time-honored method that has been depicted in movies and with which we’re all familiar, but it also damages coins seriously in today’s gold market. Gold is a soft metal compared to copper, silver, and base metals usually used to counterfeit. Biting a pure gold coin will leave a tooth mark in the coin itself, though it also damages the value of the coin.

Bullion coins are also very specific in their weight, with few metals being of a comparable or of a heavier weight than gold. One troy ounce is equal to 31.1 grams and a scale can save time and energy and rid the market of counterfeit bullion coins.

Know the dimensions, as many of these coins are a dead giveaway with incorrect diameter or thickness. While many counterfeit coins are very well crafted and can even pass one or two tests on this list, there are still coins made in foreign countries with incorrect dimensions.

Pay attention to details including color, quality, or content as many fake coins can appear too dull, shiny, or have an incorrect texture.

Gold and silver coins both ring in the air when flipped. Also, neither gold nor silver is magnetic. While professional services use both x-rays and ultrasound to test gold for authenticity, a few simple home tests can usually alleviate doubts about your gold or silver. Of course, the best method to avoid counterfeit is to work with a professional and accredited bullion and coin dealer.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold Modestly Weaker in Early Trade, Coin Sales Strong

December 27, 2012 - Gold future prices are modestly weaker on Thursday morning in thin holiday trade. Recent selling pressure, in part an affect of the fiscal cliff debate, has damaged the near-term chart of gold bulls with a loss of 2.2 percent in gold and 6.5 percent in silver last week. U.S. gold futures for February delivery last traded down $5.00 to $1,655.30 per troy ounce with the spot price of gold down $5.00 to $1,655.00 per troy ounce. Comex silver for March delivery is also down slightly, but relatively unchanged from last week at $0.16 down to $29.875 per troy ounce.

The thin market conditions, with many traders and investors on the sidelines this week enjoying the holiday season, have given further weight to the U.S. fiscal cliff issue which has been a major influence in the gold market since the President’s reelection. The sell-off in precious metals last week, which perhaps went a bit far by analysis with Reuters, saw the price of gold drop below the 200-day moving average, triggering a slew of sell-orders.

The recently lower prices, however, did nothing to dampen demand. The U.S. dollar has been trading at multi-month highs against other major currencies, which has made buying gold more expensive for holders of foreign currency. Recently, the dollar has dropped from those highs and the recently lower prices in the gold market triggered physical demand in foreign countries with both India and China picking up.

Afshin Nabavi, head of trading at MKS finance, spoke on the current budget crisis in the U.S., saying if the politicians reach an agreement on the fiscal cliff, the dollar could suffer and there could be more investment into gold. He added that every time we go to the lows near $1,650, there seems to be good buying. 

Still, the downward chart momentum is an issue for gold investors in the near-term. Mid-term out to long-term, the underlying fundamentals of the gold market are still very sound with central banks buying gold, decreasing the value of the other assets with fiscal stimulus and stoking the fears of inflation.

For the short term, gold bulls’ next price breakout objective on the upside is to produce a close above the technical resistance at the November low of $1,674.70 per troy ounce. For bears, the next near-term downside breakout price objective is closing prices below psychological support at $1,600.00. There is resistance at the overnight high of $1,660.10 and support at Wednesday’s low of $1,650.60.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

December 20, 2012 - In early trade on Thursday, gold futures for February delivery dropped 1 percent to $1,650.80 per troy ounce, the lowest levels in the market since August 31, following the release of the U.S. GDP report. The GDP number reported better-than-expected growth at 3.1 percent for the third quarter, which has raised speculation for the moment the Federal Reserve will withdraw its fiscal stimulus.

Gold prices have gained in every year for the last decade and, according to Dillon Gage Metals Executive President Roy Friedman, next year gold prices could reach $2,000 per troy ounce for the first time.

Friedman said as he looks forward to 2013 and beyond he can see signs that gold and the entire precious metals complex will remain key components in portfolios of small and large investors alike.

He added that rising volume and open interest on the futures exchanges, ETF markets and over the counter physical market continue to indicate that investment demand for precious metals has never been greater.

Indeed, data released by the U.S. Mint indicates sales of American Gold and Silver Eagle Coins have surged in the past five years, with the current year being no different. Data compiled by the International Monetary Fund shows central banks around the world have been net buyers of gold since 2010, adding to the physical demand for the precious metal.

The economic issues of the European Union have been somewhat underreported as of late, but they are significant and will be a driver of the precious metals in the New Year. Mr. Friedman noted that thorny economic issues in the European Union, particularly in Greece and Spain, will be with us for the foreseeable future.

In Friedman’s analysis, the ongoing crisis in Europe will combine with the weak U.S. economy and political gridlock in Washington to make the next four years look very much like the last four.

The historically low interest rates engendered by the central banks both here and abroad will persist, maintaining a weak U.S. dollar and providing support for precious metals. Recent stimulus from the Federal Reserve is open-ended and occurs on a monthly basis, but the purchase of assets to keep long-term rates low has inflationary pressure nonetheless and precious metals are the best hedge against the eventuality.

Friedman concluded that in 2013 he expects precious metals, and gold in particular, to follow the recent trend of chalking up double-digit gains over the previous year. He added that while the market will remain volatile and sell-offs at times will create anxiety, he expects gold to break above $2,000 in 2013 while a spike to $2,200 would not surprise him.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The current spot prices have been reflecting the political standoff in Washington, though the physical market is experiencing an end of the year bloom.

When looking at or considering physical bullion and numismatic coinage, the story of the coin is far more important that what is currently happening in Washington. Great rarities, and their sometimes-colorful owners, form a completely separate group of U.S. coins as a part of the numismatic experience.

The greater the story means the greater the rarity. The most well-known example is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, minted at the height of the Great Depression under Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The coins were recalled as the President took gold out of circulation, confiscating it and forcing prison time on hold outs and hoarders, a very rare event in U.S. history. At first, only one Saint-Gaudens was believed to have survived the furnace, valued at $7.59 million. Eventually two more were found and authenticated until a roll of 10 was authenticated in the past five years. There are thirteen known examples today with one being legal for private ownership.

The 1964-D Peace Dollar, minted and then melted down without being released into circulation also, has generated rumors that employees at the Denver Mint obtained examples that are now in hiding. The government has treated any 1933 Saint-Gaudens taken from the Mint as stolen property and seized it, making the possibility of the 1964-D Peace Dollar very contentious. If there are examples in hiding, it is possible we will not publicly know it for some time.

The aluminum 1974 Lincoln cents, minted as test strikes of a pattern shown to Congress, are another coin on the lam. Congress did not approve the new composition, and a few of the coins were not returned, much like the 1856 Flying Eagle cent that made its way to Congress. Though law enforcement has done its best to track these coins down, at least three are in legal limbo, making the situation very interesting for collectors.

The legends and stories of coins, along with a history of the owners—often known as pedigree—is a valuable part of the coin’s worth. They also make for great stories.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

December 13, 2012 - The price of gold dropped in New York trading as a stronger dollar following QE incited some investors to sell as gold hit the highest prices this month.

For the first time in four days, an already strong dollar gained against the euro. The price of gold climbed to $1,725 per troy ounce yesterday, the highest price for the precious metal since November 30, after the Federal Reserve announced an expanded quantitative easing to boost growth. Data compiled by Bloomberg also shows assets in gold-backed exchanged-traded products have dropped for two days in a row.

U.S. gold futures traded down $23.40 per troy ounce to $1,694.50. The spot price of gold dropped $18.10 to $1,694.00 per troy ounce. Comex silver for March delivery lost $0.967 to $32.82 per troy ounce. By noon, the price of gold had retraced to above the $1,700.00 per troy ounce level where it stabilized, though the chart resistance to the downside is nowhere near as solid.

Joni Teves, an analyst with UBS AG in London, said the temptation to lock in profits as we near year-end was strong. She continued in her email report today the bank would expect market participants to hesitate chasing the market lower after the Fed has essentially doubled the pace of money-printing.

At the low-point, gold futures for February delivery dropped 1.2 percent on the day, though gold is still up 8.3 percent for the year and in line for its twelfth annual consecutive gain.

Gold buyers may enter the market only after prices fall closer to the 200-day moving average, according to Barclays Plc. The price point is about $1,664 per troy ounce.

Holdings in exchange-traded products, recently breaking records for all-time highs, dropped by 1.34 metric tons to 2,626.049 tons following a drop of 1.92 tons the day prior.

Teves added that UBS index of gold buying in India is down 25 percent from this same period last year, an indicator of the strong dollar clamping down on foreign demand. India, the world’s largest gold market traditionally, has been coping with a weak rupee and new government regulation on gold buying.

Silver for March delivery dropped 2.7 percent to $32.865 per tory ounce, following a QE run-up to $33.80 per troy ounce.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

December 11, 2012 - In early trade on Tuesday U.S. gold futures for February delivery gained a modest $0.40 to $1,714.80 per troy ounce. The spot price of gold gained $0.40 to $1,713.60 per troy ounce. Comex silver futures for March delivery traded down $0.137 to $33.24 per troy ounce.

The market is awaiting the outcome of the last meeting of the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Markets Committee, the policy-making committee of the central bank. There are widespread expectations that some form of fiscal intervention on the part of the Federal Reserve will be announced. The Operation Twist program is set to expire and projections for fiscal stimulus range from an extension to the program, the announcement of a new and larger program, and even projections for a fourth round of Quantitative Easing.

Fiscal stimulus is very bullish for precious metals and gold has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the loose monetary policy of the Federal Reserve.

Out of 49 economists polled by Bloomberg, all but one predict the Fed will buy U.S. Treasury bonds in addition to the $40 billion per month of mortgage-backed securities that was announced in September.

Deutsche Bank’s chief U.S. economist Joseph LaVorgna said it’s going to be massive and open-ended in size.

John Silvia, chief economist at Wells Fargo said Fed policymakers view this stimulus as what’s needed to sustain the economy.

Further, Matthew Turner, precious metals strategist at Mitsubishi, said if the Fed comes out with $45 billion of bond purchases it could be the spark we need for another gold rally. He added that previous episodes of quantitative easing have seen a gold rally. The policy should increase inflationary expectations and gold acts as a hedge against inflation.

While the FOMC may become more inclined towards accommodative monetary policy in 2013, according to Reuters, as Chicago Fed president Charles Evans and Boston Fed chief Eric Rosengren become voting members, the current Fed body is heavily inclined toward very loose monetary policy.

According to Bloomberg, gold prices dropped for the first time in four sessions as investors sought signals as to whether the Fed will expand monetary stimulus. The price action suggests the expectations for stimulus of some denomination is prevalent.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

December 7, 2012 - As a sign of slowing economic growth, gold imports to China from Hong Kong dropped 32 percent in October from the previous month.

Mainland China imported 47.478 metric tons of gold, including scrap and coins, compared with 69.712 metric tons in September. Imports to the mainland were down 45 percent from a year earlier, according to date from the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong government.

Before experiencing a rally, gold dropped 2.9 percent in October with many investors sitting on the sidelines as the newly announced QE3 from mid-September took its effect in markets. Following dips in prices, gold demand has since rebounded.

China’s gross domestic product is set for a 7.7 percent expansion in the current year, the weakest pace of growth for the country since 1999, according to a Bloomberg survey. Growth in the country was 7.4 percent in the three months through September, marking the weakest period of growth in three years.

In the U.S., following a slip in futures prices to one-month lows at $1,683.10 per troy ounce, a better-than-expected unemployment report released spurred a surge in gold prices back over the $1,700 per troy ounce level.

The market has struggled for traction above $1,700 in recent weeks and today’s move is being viewed with a degree of patience by investors. While dips in the price have brought bargain buyers and overseas buyers back into the markets, most likely including China, a strong U.S. dollar following the release of dour economic news by Germany is oft-attributed as the major damper in the gold market at the moment.

The rate of import to Mainland China from Hong Kong can change drastically with the market fluctuations and the gold price. The Chinese government does not release statistics, but other methods of determining rough amounts are available some time after the end of the month. China is the world’s largest consumer market for gold; a title that it sometimes shares and sometimes spars for with India. Market influences in India, such as a weak rupee and government taxation on gold, have given China the edge in the past six months.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

December 7, 2012 - The spot price of gold dropped 0.2 percent to $1,701.60 per troy ounce, rebounding from a one-month low at $1,683.79 as U.S. gold futures for December delivery gained $1.40 to $1,703.20 per troy ounce.

The release of the U.S. job’s report instigated the move in bullion back above the $1,700 per troy ounce level, which came in with better-than-expected results. Non-farm payrolls increased by 146,000 jobs last month, according to statistics released by the Labor Department on Friday, with the unemployment rate dropping to 7.7 percent from 7.9 percent.

Standard Bank analyst Steve Barrow anticipated U.S. payroll data as the focus of the day for markets, but saw reasons why there would be muted reactions. He sees markets as clearly fixated by the fiscal cliff and it is doubtful that any data is going to have a significant impact until the cliff is sorted. He also said economic growth this quarter will be written off due to the impact of Hurricane Sandy.

Expectations are that the employment data out today will figure largely into the policy-making decisions of the Federal Reserve as the FOMC convenes early next week to decide whether to allow the Operation Twist bond-buying program to expire and whether to purchase new bonds with the initiation of QE4.

Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, said a weaker-than-expected number could have a gold positive impact on the Fed meeting.  However, it could also help force the hands of U.S. politicians as they can see that the economy is hurting from the lack of knowledge about where it stands on January 1.

Bullishness among gold traders has fallen to its lowest level in seven weeks according to a survey conducted by Bloomberg, which found 14 of 31 analysts expect the gold price to rise in the next week, accounting for the lowest proportion since October 19.

Jeffrey Sica, president of SICA Wealth Management in New Jersey, said we will get momentum again, but I don’t think it’s going to come until after the first of the year. He added that hedge funds that have underperformed and need to raise liquidity for redemptions are likely to sell their winners.

Daily Updates Archive

Jonathan Monroe

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Bullion.org

A continued stalemate in the negotiations over the U.S. fiscal cliff, a series of automatic tax hikes and budget cuts set to take effect in January, is often viewed in market dynamics as a strong driver and possible contributory to the recent drop in gold. While the tension over the fiscal cliff is primarily viewed as a support for the gold market, the stalemate in Washington is not necessarily good for other markets and in recent weeks we have seen selloffs following drops in equities that have been interpreted as margin-covering measures.

UBS wrote in a note to its clients that gold is finding it difficult to convince the masses that it should be benefitting from the uncertainty and rising concerns surrounding U.S. fiscal cliff negotiations rather than being weighed down by the negative sentiment.

On Tuesday, gold futures for February delivery traded down $16.90 to $1,704.20 per troy ounce, a loss of over 1 percent on the day, as the spot price of gold dropped $13.50 to $1,703.00 per troy ounce. Comex silver for March delivery lost $0.554 to $33.205 per troy ounce.

Following the break in prices below support levels at $1,700.00 per troy ounce, a triggering of fresh sell orders began amid the bearish chart signals.

According to Ross Norman, chief executive officer of Sharps Pixley, the initial move lower in gold came during Tokyo lunch hours, beginning with a big fund, though he was not sure which one.

Analysts with Commerzbank believe the current gold price weakness is not sustainable due to the supportive factors in the gold market, such as the relative calm in the euro debt crisis and euro strength against the U.S. dollar. The note written by Commerzbank also pointed out that the lower prices in gold are being regarded as an attractive opportunity to buy.Peter Fertig, a consultant with Quantitative Commodity Research, said gold is off with some other risk assets such as commodities as some investors are taking a risk off approach and this led to some technical stops, which triggered further selling.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The risk mentality in markets, particularly regarding the U.S. fiscal cliff is perceived as being more beneficial for commodities, which are being treated more like safe-haven assets than earlier in the week.

Additionally, a lower unemployment rate in Germany and upbeat business confidence in the EU, reported overnight, has driven the value of the euro higher against the dollar, making gold more affordable for holders of foreign currency and driving investor demand. The dollar has been at two-month highs following the market absorption of QE3, announced in mid-September, and overseas investor demand for precious metals has been affected as a result.

In the U.S., the rhetoric in Washington over the fiscal cliff, now reaching a fever pitch, is seen as supporting the gold market and broader precious metals.

Per an analysis from Citi analyst Jon Bergtheil, the main underlying factor supporting gold is the fiscal cliff. We’re heading into a period of uncertainty over how this matter will be solved, and until it is resolved the fiscal cliff will be supportive.

U.S. economic data due for release on Thursday includes the weekly jobless claims report, gross domestic product data for the third quarter, and pending home sales.

An analysis with Forbes points out gold futures bulls still have the overall near-term and longer-term technical advantage based on the negation of a three-week-old uptrend on the daily bar chart.

For gold bulls, the next upside price breakout is a close in February futures above the chart resistance at the November high of $1,757.10 per troy ounce. For bears, the next price breakout is a close below technical support at $1,700.00 per troy ounce.

Additionally, silver futures bulls retain the overall near-term technical advantage. The next price breakout for silver bulls is a close above the solid technical resistance at the October high of $35.51 per troy ounce.

Market analysts will continue to watch for developments out of Washington regarding the fiscal cliff. Indications are that the rhetoric is political posturing following the reelection of the President and Congress will most likely reach an agreement before the Christmas break.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

On Tuesday, U.S gold futures for February delivery traded down $1.40 to $1,750.60 per troy ounce. The spot price of gold also drifted down $1.20 to $1,748.75 per troy ounce. U.S. silver futures for March delivery lost $0.044 to $34.185 per troy ounce.

Phil Streible, a senior commodity broker at R.J. O’Brien & Associates, said there is some backpedaling today because the dollar is stronger and there is nothing new out of Europe.

The sales report out of the U.S. Mint, following the Thanksgiving holiday break, showed robust product movement again. Authorized distributors for the U.S. Mint ordered 422,500 ounces of silver coins on Monday, already beating out the 412,000 ounces sold in all of last week. One-day sales of gold bullion coins gained 9,000 ounces against last week’s 13,000 ounces.

The one-ounce and one-tenth ounce American Gold Eagle Coins were the major movers in gold, accounting for 8,000 and 5,000 units respectively.

A strong U.S. dollar is generally a complication for the gold market because it causes the price of gold to be more expensive for holders of other currencies. The continuing surge in sales at the U.S. Mint despite the currently strong U.S. dollar is a testament to precious metal demand.

Christopher Vecchio, Currency Analyst at DailyFX in New York, said now that Greece is out of the picture for the moment, the U.S. fiscal slop is front and center.

The fiscal cliff, an automatic series of tax hikes and spending cuts that could possibly send the U.S. economy back into recession, is set to take effect in early January and a divided Congress and White House is a cause for concern to investors relying on Washington to solve the problem effectively. Markets have been and will be watching the developments closely.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The looming U.S. fiscal cliff, Eurozone sovereign debt issues, and rising Middle East tensions that have brought U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the region are continuing to enhance gold’s appeal as a safe haven.

Israeli assaults have been traded for Palestinian rocket fire in Gaza, an exchange of fighting that has claimed the top military commander of Hamas.

Minutes from the meeting of the Federal Reserve on October 24 indicated a number of participants feel that additional asset purchases would likely be appropriate next year following the conclusion of the maturity extension program.

In its annual meeting and conference, the London Bullion Metal Association said it expects gold bullion to reach $1,843.00 per troy ounce by September 2013, also forecasting silver to reach $38.40.

The World Gold Council issued a report stating that Q3 global gold demand reflects challenging global economic climate with ETFs up 56 percent and India up 9 percent in Q3 2012. While the report indicated global gold demand dropped 11 percent in the three months to September from the record levels seen during the same period last year, it notes the strength of demand in a QE environment.

Q3 2012 investment demand for gold bullion surged from 78 tonnes in Q2 to 87 tonnes. Over the long term, Q3 also represents the first quarter-on-quarter increase in Indian investment demand since Q2 2011. India has been coping with new Federal guidelines and taxes on the purchase of gold as well as a weak rupee that have made purchasing gold more expensive.

Chinese investment demand dropped for the third quarter compared with Q3 2011 and is down 8 percent year-on-year following a dampened sentiment in response to the regional economic slowdown. Compared with Q3 2011, investment demand in China is down 16 percent, though current demand remains well above the longer term average according to the World Gold Council.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

There are many gold-related investments, however, and which you choose can make a big difference in your portfolio.

Gold has often worn the hat of a safe haven investment or protection against inflation in the past five years and it has been a very popular investment over the past decade. With an average gain of 18.4 percent annually for the past 10 years, it’s fairly easy to like gold.

Kieran Osborne, senior analyst at Merk Investments LLC, believes concern about the fiscal cliff could bring more investors to gold as a safe-haven play, particularly if Congress doesn’t act or deal effectively with the issue.

Gold prices rose slightly following the U.S. Presidential election, but then trailed off and settle mainly flat. In early Tuesday trading, the spot price of gold steadied around $1,733.56 per troy ounce, after rising 0.12 percent mainly on concerns over the fiscal cliff.

Gold-mining stocks and exchange-traded funds do not give investors direct exposure to the gold market, so they do not stand to directly benefit from gains in the gold market over the coming months.

Miners focusing on exploration can rely heavily on credit and are more risky than major miners typically in the mining and production phase, according to Osborne.

Steven Medland, a partner with TABR Capital Management LLC in Orange County, California, believes mutual funds that invest in gold-related stocks are currently undervalued, he also notes the funds have underperformed bullion in the past 10 years.

Richard Schmansky, founder of Personal Financial Advisor, a registered investment adviser in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, looks to gold and other real assets as a diversification against fiat currencies.

Janet Briaud, president of Briaud Financial Advisors in College Station, Texas, has up to 10 percent of client portfolios invested in gold, variable on their goals. She began purchasing gold in 2003 with the price at $350 per troy ounce and still owns the Krugerrands, South African gold coins that she purchased.

Ms. Briaud is concerned about a decline in the purchasing power of the dollar and sees gold appreciation on the growth in India and China.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

November 15, 2012 - In the three months up to September, world gold demand fell by 11 percent after record levels of demand in the same period the year prior. Chinese gold demand dropped precipitously with news that its economy was slowing, according to the World Gold Council, which just released the information.

Strong Indian demand stemmed a larger fall for the precious metal, according to the World Gold Council, but demand has also been short in the largest gold market on the planet traditionally. Government regulations and tax hikes coupled with a weak rupee and strong dollar have contributed to the fall off in demand in the Indian market, though by the start of the festival season demand had picked up. In the last quarter Indian demand gained 9 percent to 223.1 tonnes, reversing a trend that had lasted three quarters.

From the period of July to September, gold consumption dropped 8 percent to 176.8 tonnes, read the World Gold Council’s quarterly demand trends report released on Thursday. Both jewelry and investment demand from China suffered a loss.

China’s economy slowed for the seventh straight quarter in the July to September period, bringing about a 12 percent drop in Chinese bar and coin investment to 53 tonnes as jewelry dropped 5 percent to 123.8 tonnes.

The World Gold Council’s managing director of investment research Marcus Grubb said the fall in Chinese demand coincides with weaker economic numbers in China in Q3. He continued by saying there is some evidence that the economic situation is stabilizing in China and recovery is starting. He did say it’s possible that the stimulus measures have worked and the economy has bottomed out.

If that is the case, there will not be a repeat of the Chinese weakness in the fourth quarter.

Grubb reported that we’re finally starting to see the Indian market come back with the anecdotal evidence good looking forward to fourth quarter demand. With premiums high in the Mumbai market, Grubb said, and the strength of the rupee has meant you have seen rupee prices moderate somewhat.

India’s consumer gold demand, according to the World Gold Council’s report, remains down 24 percent in the first three-quarters of the year and is not likely at this stage to record a net gain for 2012 as a whole.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

November 13, 2012 - In early trading on Tuesday gold continued an ease off of last week’s gains, tracking losses in stocks and other commodities. Primarily driven by concerns over the euro zone’s debt crisis, these losses have brought the euro to a two-month low against the dollar.

Gold is down 0.1 percent to $1,726.24 per troy ounce as U.S. gold futures for December delivery were down $4.30 per troy ounce to $1,726.60.

Amid the recent gains in the market, Barrick Gold’s CEO, Jamie Sokalsky, said prices may rise to $2,000 per troy ounce in 2013 as costs and barriers to production restrict supply and demand from central banks and Chinese consumers keeps climbing. Barrick Gold is the world’s largest mining producer.

The Telegraph has printed an article on silver that suggests the precious metal could rise over five-fold in the next few years. Fund manager Ian Williams said silver is about to enter a sustained bull market that will take the price from the current level of $32 per troy ounce to $165 per troy ounce and he expects the price to be reached at the end of October 2015.

He continued by saying the forecast is based entirely using technical and cyclical analysis and is in keeping with the mathematical form displayed so far in the bull run that has taken silver from $8 per troy ounce in 2008 to its current price of $32 per troy ounce after hitting $50 per troy ounce in 2011.

Williams notes the volatility in the silver price compared to gold, but predicts silver to continue to dramatically outperform gold.

As many other analysts have done, Williams pointed out that precious metals will continue to do well so long as there is quantitative easing, and he continued to say that quantitative easing is bound to lead to inflation at some point and at that time real assets will do best.

Williams’ fund has long been bullish on silver, more so than gold, and has said since 2003 that silver will likely reach an inflation adjusted high of $150 per troy ounce.

He believes that the end of the precious metals bull market could see the gold silver ratio return to its geological long-term average of 15:1. Seeing gold at an inflation adjusted high of $2,500 per troy ounce, silver would be priced at $166.00 per troy ounce.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

November 8, 2012 - The price of gold on the Comex Division of the New York Mercantile Exchange moved modestly higher in early morning trading. Safe-haven demand is again surfacing in the market this week following renewed concerns over the so-called U.S. fiscal cliff after the re-election of President Barack Obama. The European Union sovereign debt crisis is also again making news following the elections, with a vote in Greece yesterday approving additional austerity measures. Some technical chart consolidation is occurring on Thursday after the active price movements earlier in the week.U.S. gold futures for December delivery gained $4.80 to $1,718.80 per troy ounce. The spot price of gold gained $1.60 to $1,719.50 per troy ounce. Silver futures for December delivery are also up $0.259 at $31.92 per troy ounce.

The Bank of England has kept its key interest rates unchanged, an expected move on the part of the bank, but still a move that must be digested by markets. The European Central Bank held its monthly meeting on Thursday, at which time ECB President Mario Draghi announced the bank would keep interest rates unchanged and that the bank awaits a formal request for a bailout from Spain. These factors pushed the euro to a two-month low against the U.S. dollar in Thursday trading.

On a technical basis, gold futures bulls are seeing a good week with a four-week-old downtrend on the daily bar chart negated as well as the bulls taking back some near-term technical advantage. Resistance is established on the upside for a close at $1,755.00 per troy ounce. There is support at last week’s low of $1,672.50 per troy ounce.

The issues confront the administration of Barack Obama, per the analysis with Forbes, are serious in their implication for the gold market. The fiscal cliff, a deadline for tax hikes and budget cuts that confronts a bitterly divided Congress, is often perceived as an important driver for investors moving into gold as a safe haven. Obama’s re-election did not, unfortunately, reassure these investors as a change-up in administration was thought to possibly ameliorate the political divisions.

The continued Sovereign debt crisis in Europe, with all its manifestations, is a signal that things are not necessarily better overseas and investors count on those markets having some bearing on the U.S. market in the time to come. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

November 7, 2012 - Gold rallied to fresh two-week highs following the announcement of President Barack Obama’s re-election, but the rally lost steam on Wednesday as investors perceived the dollar as a safe-haven and the focus quickly shifted from the results of the election to the financial hardships facing the United States.

After rallying with world shares, gold surged to around $1,731 per troy ounce, the strongest prices since October 23, but lost a grip on the gains as the dollar strengthened to eventually trade at $1,713.14, a 0.1 percent drop for the day. U.S. gold futures for December delivery dropped $0.60 to $1,714.40 per troy ounce.

The issues at stake with the re-election of the president are mainly economic, particularly the U.S. monetary policy, which has been extraordinarily loose under Obama. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, who Obama reinstated in his position during his first term in office, has been at the helm of some of the most drastic monetary policies in the history of the Federal Reserve.

Gold rallied to an 11-month high above $1,795 per troy ounce on October 5 following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s announcement of a third round of aggressive economic stimulus in mid-September.

Following that rally gold prices drifted to nine-week lows around $1,672, attributed to uncertainty over the impact of the U.S. election by Reuters.

However, now that the election is over, the focus is quickly shifting to both the economic woes confronting the United States as well as economic conditions overseas.

The so-called fiscal cliff, an issue of tax hikes and budget cuts, faces the Congress before year-end and party affiliations as well as political differences threaten to slow the process of resolving the issue effectively. There are nearly $600 billion worth of spending cuts and tax increases that risk pushing the economy into a deep recession.

Andrew Cole, fund manager with Baring Asset Management, said he thinks people would be less inclined to own U.S. stocks and bonds in an event where they don’t know how policy will be fixed.

The risk-off sentiment would be beneficial for the gold market.  However, Cole does see an eventual return to more tolerance of risk in markets, which would weaken gold.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

November 5, 2012 - Gold bullion prices rallied above $1,680 per troy ounce in early trading on Monday after falling to a nine-week low as stock markets moved lower and U.S. Treasury bonds rose one day ahead of the U.S. presidential election.

The U.S. Dollar Index, a measure of the dollar’s strength against other major currencies gained to a two-month high.

A technical analysis from Scotiabank reports gold is still holding the long-term uptrend support at $1,631, adding there is also support at $1,661. 

Silver bullion also rallied, to $31 per troy ounce, while on broader commodities oil was flat and copper prices drifted lower.

Gold is off more than 2 percent from the start of the month as silver is down more than 4 percent following a sharp fall in both metals on Friday after the release of better-than-expected U.S. nonfarm payroll data.

The Federal Reserve, in its announcement of an open-ended round of quantitative easing in September, tied the scope of its monetary policy to the health of the job market with the first report to reflect that being released on Friday.

A Singapore-based bullion trader told Reuters that bullion dealers in Asia are not in a rush to buy because there is plenty of supply around. But if prices drop below $1,650, the trader added, there will be good demand and supply will tighten up.

The U.S. dollar is at a two-month high against the euro and the strong dollar has been dampening overseas buying of gold.

This Sunday is the start of the festival season in India, beginning with Dhanteras and followed closely by Diwali and then the peak wedding season, both associated with the purchase of gold, which is traditionally given as a gift.

Mehul Choksi, chairman of Indian jewelry group Gitanjali, said he expects sales to grow by 35-40 percent in the coming weeks.

Kumar Jain with Mumbai jewelers Umedmal Tilokchand Zaveri said if gold remains at the current price level jewelry sales will definitely surge as people are also buying for the marriage season.

In the U.S., the presidential election shows both candidates neck and neck one day before polls open. Trading action is subdued ahead of the election as the candidates have a perceived difference to financial markets.

Romney has been critical of the Federal Reserve’s policy and a win by the Republican candidate is not yet priced into the market. If incumbent president Barack Obama wins a second term in office, the dollar could go down, according to Steve Barrow, head of G10 research at Standard Bank. He adds that financial markets will not like an Obama victory, but he doesn’t expect any weakness to last. Commodities markets, according to a note from Commerzbank, favor Obama but any disappointment in the markets by a Romney win would be short-lived.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

November 02, 2012 - U.S. gold futures prices fell on Friday, furthering the drop after the Labor Department released a report indicating that nonfarm payrolls gained more than expected in October, boosting the U.S. dollar and causing a pull-back in precious metals and, after an initial surge, in stocks.

U.S. gold futures for December delivery, the most actively traded contract, dropped a full $30.60, or 1.8 percent, to trade at $1,684.90 per troy ounce on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange after hitting lows at $1,683.40 per troy ounce.

Prices look set to close around these levels, making for the lowest settlement levels in the gold market since late August, before the announcement of quantitative easing.

Gold futures are set for a loss of 1.6 percent on the week, generating the third straight week of losses.

Brien Lundin, editor of Gold Newsletter, said with the uncertainty of the presidential election looming, gold needed a very bad employment number—something sour enough to cause the Federal Reserve to ramp up its quantitative easing operations. While the jobs data wasn’t spectacular, Lundin added, it certainly wasn’t bad enough to elevate gold, or even keep it where it was. The sell-off ensued, in Lundin’s analysis.

Before the release of the report by the labor department, gold futures were trading around $1,708 per troy ounce. Nonfarm payrolls advanced by 171,000 in the month of October, beating estimates of an increase of 125,000 previously projected by economists, investors, and various other sources.

The unemployment rate, which is derived from a separate survey, indicated an increase to 7.9 percent from 7.8 percent, however.

The immediate effect of the relatively optimistic news was a floating of the U.S. dollar, which immediately weighed on gold futures. The spot price of gold fell concurrently as the stock market and currency exchanges began to cope with the stronger dollar.

The ICE dollar index gauges the greenback’s performance against a basket of six major global currencies and climbed to 80.530 in trade from 80.052 late on Thursday.

The fall of gold through the psychologically important $1,700 level, which was tested at numerous times in the previous week of trade and provided a firm support for gold, indicated that the buzz from the third round of quantitative easing, announced in mid-September by the Federal Reserve, has officially worn off, per the analysis of Ben Traynor, chief economist at BullionVault.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

November 01, 2012 - The price of gold firmed on Thursday while stock markets registered a higher appetite for nominally higher-risk assets, including commodities. Investors are looking toward the U.S. employment data due for release on Friday, which may give some indication as to the direction and scope of monetary policy currently being infused into markets by the Fed.

European shares gained on strong earnings reports from Royal Dutch Shell and other notables, which helped the price of gold overcome concerns about Spain and Greece as well as a firmer dollar.

U.S. gold futures for December delivery gained $7.90 to $1,727.00 per troy ounce. The spot price of gold gained $5.50 per troy ounce to $1,726.25. Gold completed October, however, with a monthly drop of 3.1 percent, which makes for its first monthly decline since May of this year.

The Federal Reserve’s latest round of monetary stimulus has been tied to the health of the labor market in the U.S., making Friday’s job’s report of particular significance in understanding the monetary policy of the Fed.

Danske Bank analyst Christin Tuxen expected the economy to have added 125,000 jobs last month. She said an overall positive number would mean safe haven flows would evaporate and leave gold to decline.

A Reuter’s poll indicates the economy gained 125,000 jobs last month with the unemployment rate at 7.9 percent against 7.8 percent the previous month.

The report from China’s National Bureau of Statistics showed its October Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 50.2 from 49.8 in September, benefitting the prices of crude oil and industrial raw materials such as copper.

This report marked the first showing above 50 since July, 50 being the divider between a pickup and slowdown.

Heraeus trader Alexander Zumpfe said Chinese PMI came out on a promising level today and shows signs of industrial growth for the first time in three months.

He said he views this as positive for overall commodity demand in mid-term, though impact was limited.

Reuters market analyst Wang Tao says the technical suggests gold may rebound marginally to $1,736 per troy ounce.

ScotiaMocatta said in a note that gold is challenging resistance with support seen at $1,693, the 38.2 percent retracement of the May to October uptrend, followed by 50 percent at $1,661.00 per troy ounce.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Octobe 29, 2012 - The price of gold dropped under $1,710 per troy ounce in Monday morning trading in London, below closing levels from last week, after retracement from gains made in Asian trading.

The price of silver dropped below $31.80 per troy ounce as European equities fell and broader commodities were seen as affecting the price of precious metals downward.

Hurricane Sandy has forced the closure of U.S. stock markets as public transit has been shut down in New York City and evacuations of low-lying areas take place. This is the first unscheduled closure of U.S. markets since September 11, 2001.

In commodities, oil and copper were also down, with widespread downward movement in broader commodities seen as affecting the gold price lower. The dollar gained with major economy government bond prices.

Bayram Dincer, analyst at LGT Capital Management in Switzerland said gold has been trading lower as it follows the U.S. dollar appreciation. He added that gold is still range-bound, lacking upside drivers above $1,725 an ounce. The lower range of $1,700 is perceived as good support.

A note from Barclays Capital cites $1,698 as a support level for gold and states market focuses switch to this weeks U.S. non-farm payroll data due out on Friday.

U.S. core personal consumption expenditure data for September, a key measure of inflation followed by the Federal Reserve, published this morning indicates a rise in PCE inflation to 1.7 percent.

Meanwhile, India, the world’s largest gold market, witnessed a depreciation of the rupee against the dollar to a five-week low on Monday, pushing up the price of local gold and impacting demand.

A Mumbai importer told newswire Reuters there are a few stray deals on the market but we haven’t seen big volumes yet compared to last week.

The Reserve Bank of India raised its wholesale price inflation forecast for 2012-13 to 7.7 percent Monday, up from 7.3 percent. The central bank also cut growth forecasts from 6.5 percent to 5.7 percent.

Lack of Asian demand has been a key factor in the gold market’s fall from six-month highs at $1,795 following the Federal Reserve’s announcement of Quantitative Easing in mid-September.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

October 26, 2012 - The London A.M. gold fix is $1,704.00 against yesterday’s $1,715.00

Silver is currently trading at $31.79 per troy ounce as gold has gained $11.80, or 0.69 percent, per troy ounce to close trading in New York at $1,712.70. Silver gained to a high of $32.232, finishing with a gain of 1.36 percent.Gold fell in early trading on Friday, setting up a trend for its third week of declines as the U.S. dollar strengthened and momentum traders continued to leave positions or go short.

Gold and silver experienced a correction in October with gold prices falling 5.5 percent denominated in U.S. dollars from over $1,795.55 to $1,699.65 per troy ounce. Support has repeatedly shown at the $1,700.00 per troy ounce level, but it is considered too early to tell if the correction has ended. The low prices have prompted buying demand in Asian markets, though physical bullion markets were subdued in Asia overnight because of a public holiday in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Chinese buying of gold, official and public, is likely to continue occurring on the price dips, according to Business Insider.

With six days remaining before the U.S. Presidential election on November 6, many investors in the U.S. remain on the sidelines, experiencing a pause in monetary policy.

While the elections themselves are unlikely to have an immediate or direct effect on currencies and wider markets, there is concern that the current calm may in fact be a pause before the economic realities confronting the nation are revealed after the President is chosen.

Though the position is speculative there is a sense it may be accurate as the third round of Quantitative Easing, far greater than the first two, has so far failed to induce the kind of growth that is necessary to instill confidence in the minds of investors who wish to grow their wealth in the markets.

In yet another disappointing display, Quarterly Earnings reports from Amazon and Apple affected wider markets when released this week. Apple, regarded as the Microsoft stock of the decade, just released its much-anticipated iPhone 5 unit in September, but sales failed to bring Quarterly Earnings to a higher level for investors.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

October 25, 2012 - Gold gained on Thursday following a drop to seven-week lows in the previous trading session as a rising euro and prospects of further monetary stimulus supported prices in the market.

The spot price of gold gained 0.8 percent to $1,714.34 per troy ounce, rebounding from Wednesday’s seven-week low at $1,698.39 per troy ounce. U.S. gold futures for December delivery gained $13.70 per troy ounce to $1,715.30.

Gold bullion experienced a rally to an 11-month peak above $1,795 per troy ounce in early October as the U.S. Federal Reserve’s most recent program of mortgage-backed debt purchases brought investor demand to precious metals markets.

Momentum since that time is largely seen as having stalled with prices subject to swings in wider markets as economic data out of Europe and poor corporate earnings reports helped create a market environment to send prices below $1,700 per troy ounce briefly in late trading on Wednesday, concordant with the policy-deciding meeting of the U.S. Federal Reserve.

HSBC analyst Howard Wen said the Fed is accommodating a monetary easing that is supportive of the gold price. He added that the bank sees gold prices higher by the end of the year, with dollar weakness contributing to the rally in the gold market.

Speculation is growing that the Bank of Japan will unveil further monetary stimulus when it meets to discuss policy on October 30^th. The Japanese economy is expected to receive assistance from the Bank of Japan after the export-focused economy has experienced a slowdown, partially attributable to slowing economies on a wider level.

The ultra-low interest rate policies of the Bank of Japan, as well as the Federal Reserve, increase the appeals of gold as an alternative store of value and as an asset against the depreciation in currency and low yields of other investments.

Commerzbank said in a note to clients that bullion remains vulnerable to losses even after the steep declines seen as short-term market players may continue to sell their positions.

However, the note also said the bank envisages a renewed rally over the coming weeks due to the central banks ultra-expansionary monetary policies and the likely post-election problems in the U.S. with the looming fiscal cliff and the debt ceiling.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

October 22, 2012 - In the ranks of investors like Jim Rogers and George Soros, PIMCO has now stated it is moving toward hard assets with an economic outlook for the U.S. that has continually grown more and more bleak. As the U.S. central bank continues to combat negative economic forces with policies widely considered as having inflationary aspects, investors continue to move toward hard assets and commodities.

The latest outlook released by PIMCO contained a comment on the current state of markets, the impact of QE3, and the trends the investment house sees developing in coming years, the most prominent of which is inflation.

PIMCO Chairman Josh Thimons wrote the legendary firm is not expecting runaway inflation in the U.S. economy in the cyclical horizon but there are longer-term inflationary risks associated with the Fed’s extremely accommodative monetary policy. Thimons also notes the Fed is in uncharted waters and that he does not feel that they will be able to react quickly enough if inflation should begin to show in markets.

Thimons and PIMCO boast of the use of hard commodities to help protect value against coming inflation and their projection of a 1.5 percent drop in GDP growth in the U.S. over the next year. The firm believes hard assets are likely to outperform financial assets in the coming weeks and months.

Gold is the most popular hard commodity and the first that investors turn to as a so-called safe haven asset, or, the asset expected to retain and even grow value as financial assets depreciate through market loss or inflation.

The move of PIMCO to hard assets is worth noting as PIMCO’s head, Bill Gross, is commonly known as the Bond King and made the firm a relative fortune with his positions in the bond market on QE3. PIMCO transitioning to hard assets now is worthy of note even more so because of Gross’s knowledge of and recent success with bonds. 

Gold is currently in a twelve-year bull market, though for the past two quarters it has been experiencing a long overdue correction, in the words of Jim Rogers of Rogers Holdings and Beeland Interests. The end of the current correction is widely anticipated to bring higher gold prices to the market and PIMCO’s new position on hard assets is a further indication of this market dynamic.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

October 19, 2012 - With recent labor unrest in South Africa concerns over the nation’s production of precious metals including platinum, palladium, and gold have had a strong influence in markets.

Julian Philips, South African-based founder and writer at GoldForecaster.com said the metal-mining sector of the South African economy will survive these strikes but the labor unrest is far more serious than it looks from the outside.

South Africa is the world’s largest producer of platinum and the second-largest producer of palladium after Russia. Its in-ground gold reserves are among he biggest in the world, making the South African nation of vast importance to world metal markets.

Tim Murray, general manager of precious metals marketing at Johnson Matthey, said South Africa is irreplaceable from a platinum perspective in terms of primary supply impact.

Strikes at mine operations in South Africa have made headline news in August following the workers at platinum producer Lonmin PLC’s Marikana mines going on strike. Clashes between mine workers and police ensued, resulting in 46 deaths as reported by the company.

However, the labor unrest actually began much earlier in January of this current year when employees went on strike at Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd’s Rustenberg operations due to salary grievances. The six-week strike cut the company’s platinum production by 21 percent for the fiscal year 2012.

The strikes this year have caused several hundred thousand ounces of lost platinum productions so far, according to Johnson Matthey’s Murray.

Prices for platinum and palladium surged following the eruption of labor strife at Lonmin in the first half of August as worries intensified over the labor unrest spreading to major producers of gold in South Africa.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Price Dips in Gold a Cause for Buying, Not Concern

 October 17, 2012 - In the recent rally, catalyzed by the third round of Quantitative Easing by the Federal Reserve, the price of gold failed to breach the $1,800 per troy ounce level. Subsequently, gold prices came under strong pressure from selling and profit-taking which brought gold back into a corrective market. Last week gold closed at $1,754.30 per tory ounce, a full 2 percent from the previous week’s highs amid a strong dollar in currency markets. 

During trading on Monday of this week, the price of gold dropped another 1 percent to $1,727.50 per troy ounce, the lowest levels in the precious metal since September 13.

The pullback surprised and astonished many market participants, particularly those who had taken short-term speculative positions in precious metals looking to cash in on gains they projected would arise from Quantitative Easing. This round, though, is structured differently from previous rounds of QE put forward by the Federal Reserve and the market reactions in precious metals are concurrently different.

According to analysis from David Levenstein, a leading expert on investing in precious metals, since the financial crisis of 2008 the global economic condition has deteriorated considerably. Stressors including financial conditions and growing global unrest in the Middle East are pushing gold prices higher. Fundamentals behind gold prices have not changed, adding consideration to assume gold prices should continue higher after period of consolidation, one of which we are currently experiencing.

Levenstein also notes there is a massive dislocation between the amount of physical gold available and the amount of gold traded in futures contracts. Banks are allowed to sell as many futures contracts as they would like, enabling the creation of an artificial imbalance in the real supply and demand fundamentals of the gold market. However, per Levenstein’s analysis, despite the artificial market engendered by the futures market, demand for physical gold remains robust.

Levenstein sees demand for physical gold in markets, as well as central bank demand for physical gold, which reached multi-decade highs in the second quarter, ultimately driving gold prices higher.

The current price dips that are affecting the gold market in its current period of consolidation, which began in late spring and has continued despite a round of Quantitative Easing by the Federal Reserve announced in September, constitute buying opportunities based on this fundamental driver.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

 Gold Prices, Silver Prices Slip to 2-1/2 Week Low

October 15, 2012 - The price of gold dropped further in early trading Monday, reaching a 4-1/2 week low following a frustrated and stagnant market sentiment that has arisen on Spain’s hesitancy to formally request a bailout from the European Union. In the U.S., labor market data has raised doubts over the breadth and scope of the Federal Reserve’s third round of Quantitative Easing, which it has committed to perpetuate until the labor market improves.

In very early trading in the U.S., the spot price of gold drifted down 0.43 percent to $1,746.20 per troy ounce as U.S. gold futures for December delivery dropped 0.69 percent to $1,745.80 per troy ounce. By mid-morning in New York, the sell-off accelerated with supports at $1,747 being breached, with the price of gold reaching 4-1/2 week lows at $1,735 per troy ounce.

Gold prices appeared to be in line to breach the psychologically important $1,800 per troy ounce level after the Federal Reserve’s announcement of QE3 instigated the recent rally in the gold market in September. The price of gold stayed in a relatively tight range of $1,760-$1,780 per troy ounce for approximately two weeks as a series of better than expected labor market reports and releases from the U.S. catalyzed speculators on QE to take profits from the rally in precious metals.

Market participation exhibited a hopefulness that excessive currency printing and perpetuated low interest rates will stoke inflation in the mid to long term. However, the U.S. economy is showing some signs of partial recovery that has a direct relation to the Federal Reserve’s QE3 program, which has had a direct effect on the precious metals markets. Each spate of good data raises concern in precious metals markets that the third round of QE3 will end much sooner than initially anticipated.

Additionally, China’s recent economic data releases show improvement that recent monetary stimulus measures have had measurable effects on the economy and the central bank will not pursue more easing. China’s exports jumped by twofold compared to initial estimations for the month of September as imports also increased. Meanwhile, imports of gold from Hong Kong to Mainland China are down 26 percent for the month compared with one year ago.

The cumulative effect of the stagnation over Spain, the uncertainty over the length of QE3 in the U.S., and the recent shift in economic data from Asia has put significant enough a drag on the gold market to disrupt the current rally that was catalyzed with the announcement of the most significant quantitative easing program thus far.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

June 7, 2011 – The gold spot price continues to rise for the third consecutive trading day, currently sitting at $1,545.50 per ounce, an increase of $1.60 for the trading day and also an increase of $325.50 in the last 365 trading days. It appears that the primary drivers for these higher gold prices are negative real interest rates as well as an ever-weakening United States Dollar. Many investors are currently awaiting an important speech from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, as this could be a great outlook into the short-term future of the United States’ economic recovery and quantitative easing measures. Most importantly, if central banks continue pumping more money into the US economy, this could result in a significantly weaker dollar and increased gold investment prices, as the metal tends to fluctuate inversely with the dollar.

Gold is one of the most popular hedges against an uncertain economy, thus it has drifted higher in the past few trading days as investors continue flocking away from dollar-backed assets. Investor confidence suffered a massive blow last week, as poor economic data showed slower US economic growth and lower confidence in the dollar. Historically, investors turn to gold during times of economic turmoil like the one we are experiencing now, thus it’s no surprise that the metal’s spot price continues climbing towards its all-time record-high of $1,577.40 per ounce. With more and more investors turning their backs on dollar-backed assets, it only makes sense that gold investments could shine amidst this dark and unstable “economic recovery.”

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Neil Clift, JP Morgan’s managing director, comments that ten years ago, the bank’s vault held one pallet of gold. However, it is a “different story” today. It is the norm for banks and security firms to build vaults even as the vault’s armored trucks work overtime moving gold. In the month of May, the daily average gold moved by London banks was 24.7 million ounces, a 55 percent increase over April and the biggest monthly jump since 1996 for the London Bullion Market Association.

Gold investments are poised to set higher records in the coming months, according to the World Gold Council. Many analysts see inflation coming for Western economies, even as these economies sink deeper into debt. With gold’s reputation as an inflation hedge, those interested in gold investments are simply working out ways in which they can buy gold at $1,260 before the gold market goes even wilder.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

June 15, 2010 - With public finances not looking so good, weak economic growth, sovereign debt concerns and worries about the major currencies, gold investments are the order of the day as a safe haven. GoldCore, a Dublin-based broker, issued an official report to endorse this position. The impending threat of inflation in Europe, combined with its debt issues, drove investors to gold investments, particularly now as gold is steady and strong.

It appears to be the ideal environment for gold’s popularity, considering the five-month low in U.S. homebuilding and a warning from FedEx, both of which determine the health of the overall economy. On Wednesday, spot gold bid at $1,232.65 an ounce compared to Tuesday’s $1,232.45. Daniel Smith, analyst at Standard Chartered, feels that the primary focus is liquidity, since investors are buying gold as well as other assets.

Gold prices are just one percent away from the record high of $1,251.20 last week. Since the global economic situation seems risky now, investors view gold bullion as a safer option. The interest in physical gold investments reached an all-time high on Tuesday, resulting in a record holding of 1,306.137 tons at the SPDR Gold Trust in New York.

Ole Hansen, senior manager at Saxo Bank in Copenhagen, said that the sovereign debt situation will continue, and because of the “fear that some of the government debt in Europe will have to be readjusted,” it will “support” gold investments. He also said that it is easy to “drive gold higher” even as summer arrives, when “anything can happen” because of low seasonal activity and a precarious market.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

June 11, 2010 - Inflation is starting to creep back into the picture for investors, and top financial advisers are pointing more than ever to gold investments as a hedge. Because gold holds its value better than currency and other monetary equities, a gold investment is a good bet for inflationary economies. A government in financial straits cannot ramp up the “printing” of imaginary gold. Gold seems to be less volatile than oil, holds its value better than land, and is extremely portable. In the last ten years, gold has appreciated nearly 400 percent -- an excellent investment return.

Inflation is increasing worldwide, and this trend is expected to soon hit the U.S., says Martin Hutchinson of Money Morning. India has a 14.5 percent inflation rate, followed by Russia at six percent and Brazil at 5.4 percent, with China at 2.8 percent (a deceptively low rate, according to some experts). A gold investment is a smart hedge against inflation. In fact, Jason Toussaint, managing director of investment for the World Gold Council, looks at gold investment as a good long-term strategy for portfolio diversification. “We're seeing a large paradigm shift in the view of gold by investors, from what used to be … a short-term tactical portfolio tool, to a much longer-term focus,” he states.

According to Evy Hambro, manager of Blackrock Investment Management Ltd.’s World Mining fund, gold has reasserted itself as an alternative currency, and we are experiencing a “true bull market for gold.”

The price of gold is continuing its overall climb on several market indexes. In May, it reached a record high of $1,243 per ounce, and gold futures trading on SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) achieved a record $1.8 billion during the last week of May. On June 8, Comex gold investment futures closed at another record-setting high of $1,245.60 an ounce -- the highest rate since gold futures starting trading there in the 1970s.

Overall, the future of gold looks bright, despite recent fluctuations in day-to-day trading. For investors looking for a good hedge investment, gold investments are a smart choice.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

June 8, 2010 - It is not news that gold investments are steadily on the rise in recent times, especially in the light of the declining euro. If the U.S. dollar is on the rise, it is not good news for commodities, simply because it turns expensive for other currency holders. However, it seems to have no effect on gold investments, in spite of higher dollar rates. Recently, the dollar has certainly fared a lot better than the unlucky euro.

The SPDR Gold Trust, the biggest exchange-traded gold-backed fund, saw a decrease of three metric tons in its holdings last week. Naturally, this saw a change in tempo for the ETF, whose inventories had gone up by 20 metric tons last week. Commerzbank analysts do not foresee any slowing down in gold investments and the demand for the precious metal in the near future.

Rand Refinery Ltd, the biggest processor of gold in the world, reports that sales of the South African Krugerrand gold coin went up by 50 percent within a week. Debra Thomson, the Rand Refinery Treasurer remarks, “Basically the sovereign debt crisis in Europe is behind this. There is a lot of demand especially from Germany; people are looking for gold.”

Austria’s and Australia’s mints also experienced a huge demand for gold coins. According to Ron Currie, Sales and Marketing Director for the Perth Mint in Australia, 69 percent of new gold purchases are from European buyers. This is an increase of 18 percent over last year’s sales. The Perth Mint has doubled its capacity during the last year and a half. <p.Gold investments are clearly on the rise and it comes as no news that gold prices are also on the rise, thanks to the increasing demand.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

June 4, 2010 - Gold investments worldwide remain strong on fears of a deepening sovereign debt crisis in Europe and weak labor data coming from the US. Hungary is the latest EU country to announce debt concerns. A spokesman for the Prime Minister stated Hungary’s economy is in a “very grave situation.”

According to the European Commission, Hungary’s debt level may reach 79% of GDP in 2010. This figure will make it the most indebted eastern EU member nation. As the crisis in Europe deepens, the bull trend in gold investments strengthens. “In the medium to long term, this may be an opportunity to buy into dips,” said senior vice president at MKS Finance SA in Geneva, Afshin Nabavi.

In the United States, weaker than expected employment numbers caused a drop in stocks and corresponding rally in gold after a week of profit taking. Continuing employment troubles have caused Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke to comment joblessness is one of the “important concerns” for the recovery. “One particularly difficult issue is the continued high rate of unemployment,” he said at a recent forum.

Technically, gold investments remain in a healthy uptrend. The recent sagging in prices was attributed to profit taking. “Gold was pretty much on a one-way street, and it is only natural that we see a bit of a correction,” said Nabavi. Support on the downside has been seen recently in the 1160-80 range and upside resistance was experienced last week at 1230. Currently, spot gold is in a compact range near the important 1200 level.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

At the Financial Times, James Mackintosh, who worries about a “gold bubble,” nevertheless estimates that the bubble is far from its peak, and that prices may rise steadily for the next six years. Brett Arends, a like-minded commentator at the Wall Street Journal, concurs: “I am not saying gold is going into the stratosphere,” he says. “I am saying there is a good case for saying that it might.”

Arends quotes Dylan Grice, a London-based strategist, who believes that conditions might be ripe for a gold-boom like there was in the late 1970s, when the price of gold rose so far that it backed more than 100% of the U.S. monetary base. If that were to happen again, Arends notes, the price of gold would exceed $6000 an ounce.

Also at the Wall Street Journal, Shefali Anand stresses the safe-haven aspects of gold investment. Laying out opposing views of gold´s money-making potential, Anand affirms that gold “becomes extremely valuable when some major event happens because it can be resold even in time of disaster. In other words, you may not make money on it but it will help you get some money even if there's a war or there's a breakdown in government.”

Such thinking is at the heart of gold investment and is doubtless responsible for the recent surge in demand.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, led by industrial stocks, slid down by 22.82 points (0.23%) and dropped to $10,043.75 points. Standard & Poor’s 500 rose by 0.38 points (0.4%) to 2,210.95 points. Nasdaq skidded by 2.60 points (0.12%) to 1,074.03.

The German government issued the ban the other day on naked short selling of the stocks of the country’s10 most important financial institutions. The ban took effect May 19 and will end on March 31, 2011.

In short selling, investors borrow stocks with the aim of selling them, then buying them back at a lower price for profit. In naked short selling, investors sell the stocks without borrowing them first.

The announcement of the ban the other day drew immediate reaction from the business sector.

“Short selling is part of investing, “ complained James Cordier of Liberty Trading Group, “and when you see government leaders proposing rules like that, it seems a little desperate. It struck fear into people that things are still not in the mend in Europe.”

“It’s become increasingly clear that there are still separate countries with their own political agendas,” said Kim Caughey of Fort Pitt Capital Group. “I think that’s what’s caused nervousness yesterday and today.”

The ban likewise took immediate toll on the markets. Stocks in the US, Europe and Asia suffered losses.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

May 10, 2010 - What caused Thursday’s frenetic sell-out of stocks remains a mystery at this time. Point of focus was a possible computer glitch that precipitated rapid fire computer trading.

The trigger was a big Procter & Gamble order to sell. In minutes, a nervous market plunged. The Dow immediately lost an additional 580 points in just seven minutes. At the time the sudden drop happened, the Dow had already lost about 350 points; the additional drop dragged down the total to 998.5 points.

The 998.5 point drop was the worst intraday loss ever. The Dow recovered before the close of trading day and settled on a deficit of 348 points. Still the 348 point drop was the worst in 15 months.

When the smoke cleared the next day, numbers stood at 10380.43 points after a four-day loss of 771.40 points.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average represents the value of 30 blue chip companies. General Motors, Exxon, IBM, Good Year are among the companies that make up the index. In last week’s plunge, Procter and Gamble fell 37% and 3M 22%.

Over at Nasdaq, losses were registered at 54 points (2.3%) its lowest in two months. Nasdaq which is a short for National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations is the second largest stock exchange in the United States next only to the New York Stock Exchange. It contains over 3,000 publicly traded companies among them some of the world’s largest technology companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Cisco eBay, Google, Intel and Sun.

Last week’s erratic stock performance pushed up the price of gold as investors threatened by the deepening Greek crisis sought a dependable haven for their investment.

According to Peter Spina, president of Gold Seek LLC, “fear has started to come back... and that’s definitely something that benefits the gold market.”

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Silver, on the other hand, seemed stranded at $18 as of about 11:00 a.m. HK time while trading was still about halfway. The increase is $0.11 higher than its performance two days ago.

The economic scenario had dramatically changed when business resumed after the holidays. The Euro could not check it decline against the major currencies which are its trading counterparts. It dropped 0.6 percent against the dollar to bring its total loss to 6.4 percent so far in 2010. The Euro also upped its 2010 deficit against the yen to 5.7 percent. It was the Greek crisis mainly responsible for the decline of the Euro. It cannot be ascertained when help would come to the aid of beleaguered Greece. But in the meantime that the crisis remains unresolved, the Euro will weaken and the dollar will strengthen.

It was a strong dollar that met gold and silver after the holidays. Certainly the strong dollar curbed the rise of gold and silver. Profit-taking too played a part. But one analyst did not lose his optimism. The precious metals would consolidate, he said.

Investment opportunities had expanded as a result of the improving US economy. Equities had become popular, attracting part of investor’s funds. Stocks were also on the rise, now looking attractive as areas of investments. Interest rates had remained low, untouched by the Federal Reserve.

Time to look for a better place for money. There’s gold and silver.

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

It was not a surprise performance either, but it made investors look ahead for a silver lining at a far horizon.

“Silver should be the best performing asset in the commodity sector over the next decade,’ said David Morgan, founder of www.silver-invesor.com. “I expect silver to outperform gold over the next few months on a percentage basis.”

Analysts and investors have long complained that silver is the most undervalued of all commodities, more undervalued than gold and other strategic commodities as oil and uranium.

The complaint is well-founded, after all silver is backed by solid credentials and fundamentals. More than just a commodity, silver is an industrial and monetary metal. It has a long history as money and until today it is used as money by more countries than any other metal. Its industrial uses encompass a broad range of industries because of its excellent physical properties

Silver is a hedge fund like gold, sought after by investors. And like gold, it has given investors one of the safest havens against inflation. During the 2000-2009 decade of inflation, silver gave an investor a return of over 300%. In the 1970s the return was over 1,300%.

Demand for silver is constantly on the rise because of the continuing demand for the metal by industries. Industrial consumption is not small. The estimate is 95% of available silver is consumed by industries. There is today an estimate of only 300 million ounces of silver available for both investment and industrial use – down from 12 billion ounces estimated in 1900.

When the law of supply and demand comes into play, the market will find silver in its rightful place.

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

According to data compiled by the World Gold Council Last year, central banks around the world added the most gold to their reserves since 1964. The combined gold holdings of all central banks rose by 425 metric tons. This translates in a monitory policy shift of about $13.3 billion at last year's average price. India, Russia and China all increased gold reserves last year. Central banks hold about 18 percent of all gold. They are presently expanding their holdings for the first time in a generation.

It is estimated that the Central Banks may increase their holdings by somewhere between 187 to 218 tons this year. If we didn’t take to the clues of major investment bank CEO’s in 2007, while Americans were blindly riding the sub prime housing rage upper management bank officials were quietly selling off their shares of stocks in their bank, we might want to pay attention to the Central Banks in 2010. Gold investments climbed 24 percent last year, reaching a record $1,227 an ounce in December, gold prices maintained the longest growth period in at least 90 years during that same time frame.

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Sterling Smith, market analyst with Country Hedging, Inc., said India and the dollar were the driving factors. Gold investments had been able to hold off the dollar's recent strength, but the combination of factors weighed on prices. India's rate hike put "a bucket of sand on the fire..." Smith said.

Smith said the bullish charts had started to form some momentum, but hit resistance around the $1,130 level in the April contract, a point where it stalled earlier. "The trouble began when it did not push through it," he said.

There was also lingering uncertainty over the Greek financial crisis, but Friday's moves may have been exaggerated because of thin trading conditions. The currency market has had a tough time finding direction with the bearishness of the Greek financial crisis and the bullish factors surrounding Chinese-U.S. relations.

“On Friday, the Greek concerns translated into a reduced risk factor for the dollar and Euro weakness, which undercut gold”, said James Steel, precious metals analyst with HSBC in New York We could be seeing a short term correction in pricing and consolidation before the next Bull Run towards $1500.

For more information on Gold investments, contact one of our friendly Gold Experts.

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Wikipedia goes on to explain, “In practical terms, the central bank purchases financial assets (mostly short-term), including government paper and corporate bonds, from financial institutions (such as banks) using money it has created ex nihilo (out of nothing).”

The reason Quantitative Easing benefits gold investment is inflation. Bob Tonachio, CEO of Robert James & Associates, Inc says, “If the money supply grows faster than the economy, that will create inflation as it is impossible for the economy to grow anywhere near the vertical spike in the monetary base, inflation is coming.” Inflation devalues the currency, and then gold prices typically rise.

The signs of inflation are already showing; the Economic Cycle Research Institute's US Future Inflation Gauge is designed to predict cyclical swings in the rate of inflation. It has been indicating the potential of inflation for nearly a year. After ten consecutive months of increases, the gauge dipped slightly in February, but analysts still see the trend continuing higher.

"Despite its first downtick in 11 months, the USFIG remains in a cyclical uptrend, with underlying inflation pressures continuing to trend upward," said ECRI Managing Director, Lakshman Achuthan. Fundamental analysis generally indicates conditions before they arrive. Jim Willie CB of the Golden Jackass writes, “The technical chart of the gold [investment] price shows…the long-term trend is up, seen in the still rising 200-day moving average.”

“He continues by saying, “The 50-day MA offered support in late February. A stealth rally in gold is my forecast. Reaction to broad fresh new economic weakness in both the United States and Europe will trigger a second formal round of Quantitative Easing, the euphemism for grotesque monetary inflation and organized ruin of currencies. When the gold [investment] price moves beyond the upper pennant barrier, it might move quickly.

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Directly contradicting his former business partner Soros, Rogers dismisses the idea of a “gold bubble” at its current price level. In December, he sparred with NYU Professor Nouriel Roubini about the theory, with Roubini labeling the gold investment price claim as “utter nonsense,” while Rogers says, “I happen to own gold expecting it to go that high.”

Citing the continued economic problems in Greece and other countries that are deeply in debt, Rogers believes that bailouts are creating the possibility of hyperinflation because “governments are printing so much money.” He states that he is invested in commodities such as gold, silver, copper and others; a strategy that he claims has been profitable for him since 1999.

As the United States struggles with its economy and debt, Rogers sees gold investment becoming the new international currency. "Is it going to happen? Yes," Rogers says. "I don't like saying it [and] I'm extremely worried about it but we have to deal with the facts. America is not getting better [and] the dollar is going to be replaced just like pound sterling.

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

According to the China Post, gold investment prices have broken 5, 10 and 20-day moving averages, and has been trading above the 200-day average for some time. The Post also reports, “Gold price may test this year’s high of $1,161.5 reached in January. If the price hurdles the $1,161.50 mark, it will challenge the $1,226, its highest level to date.” Analysts are saying that even if the price dips, it has strong support between $1,120 and $1,130 per ounce, suggesting downward movement would be minimal.

As the China Post reports, “analysts said prospects of gold price falling are slim, given the euro is expected to rise, now that Greece and Spain’s debt problems have seemingly been alleviated. Gold is in good shape when the euro is strong or the dollar is weak.”

Since there is price support in the $1,120s and gold is above most of its major moving averages, there is optimism that gold investment will continue to see increasing prices. With James Moore, an analyst at The Bullion Desk, reporting, “Risk appetite remains steady,” demand and fundamental support suggest continued strength. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

This return beats of traditional investments and far exceeds inflation, which has averaged 2.7 percent over the decade. Stocks and savings, according to Myra Butterworth of the London Telegraph, struggled over the past decade, only bringing 1.8 and 0.57 percent respectively, meaning that both effectively lost money when inflation is included as a factor.

Demand continues to make gold investment a valuable part of a portfolio. Gold has already gained 6.7 percent since hitting a low in early February and 2010 will be the tenth straight year of annual gains if it maintains its current strength. “Gold was the top performing asset during the decade, largely reflecting increased demand from China and India for industrial uses and jewelry," said Suren Thiru, an economist at Halifax.

Responding to the prospects for gold investment in 2010 Thiru said, "Monetary and fiscal policy decisions…and the strength of demand from China and India are likely to be important determinants in 2010."

Jeffery Nichols, MD, American Precious Metals Advisers said, “"I am looking at the end of 2010 [for gold] to hit the $1500 level - it doesn't mean it's going to hit $1500 and keep rising indefinitely, but we will see $1500 at some point in 2010.” Such strength makes gold investment valuable for portfolio diversification. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The Economic Cycle Research Institute's US Future Inflation Gauge, designed to predict cyclical swings in the rate of inflation, has been indicating the potential of inflation for nearly a year. After ten consecutive months of increases, the gauge dipped slightly in February, but analysts still see the trend continuing higher. "Despite its first downtick in 11 months, the USFIG remains in a cyclical uptrend, with underlying inflation pressures continuing to trend upward," said ECRI Managing Director, Lakshman Achuthan.

Jeffrey Nichols also states, the coming interest rate increases and flood of Fed money form the “type of development over time [that] is very bullish for gold." Nichols predicts, “Ultimately in the next few years there is a very good chance we will see [gold prices of] $2,000, even a good possibility of $3,000 or higher."

Inflation has been traditionally linked to gold investment, as the weaker value of the dollar can lead to higher gold prices. Frank Lesh of Chicago-based FuturePath Trading LLC is recommending that people invest a portion of their portfolio in gold due to fears over devaluation of the dollar. "Gold is a part of the currency crosses now," he was quoted as saying. "The international currency is gold."

With the ECRI maintaining its forecast for inflation to move steadily upward, gold investment could benefit people who look to gold as an investment hedge and an alternate currency. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

After soaring to 494,000 new claims last week, initial unemployment filings improved to 469,000, a significant improvement and the smallest total so far this year. In addition, it was announced that nonfarm productivity increased at a 6.9 percent annual rate in the fourth quarter of last year; a number which represents the biggest one-year gain since 2002.

The Institute of Supply Management also said its Purchasing Managers Index exceeded the forecast 51.0 percent mark and registered a seasonally adjusted 53.0 percent in February. Any number above 50 percent indicates growth, leading the Federal Reserve to state that the US economy “continued to expand” during the month.

Since these numbers were within the expected range, analysts did not expect gold investment to benefit from their announcement. “This series of reports are on target, which means you probably won’t get an outlier” in the government’s payroll report tomorrow, said Doug Roberts, chief investment strategist for Channel Capital.

Today’s falling gold price is seen by some analysts as investors simply following technical buying techniques and profit taking. "This is a healthy and normal action of the market... investors are selling and liquidating their positions as the market has been overbought since last week," said Jun Calaycay of Accord Capital Equities. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Central banks in a number of countries have been linked to efforts to purchase more gold. Robert Lenzner of Forbes.com states, “In recent weeks there have been rumors that other global central banks are considering major commitments to gold and gold mining shares as a way of protecting against expected weakness in the dollar.” This opinion was supported when India purchased 200 tons from the IMF last year, and Sri Lanka and Mauritius combines to purchase an additional 12 tons.

China is considered a strong candidate for additional gold investment in order to diversify its nearly $2.2 trillion in foreign exchange reserves. The country is said to be especially anxious concerning declining values in its dollar-based securities, including Treasury notes and bonds. The Chinese have recently sold US securities, leaving Japan as the largest sovereign lender to the US.

Large private lenders have been active in gold as well. Lenzner states, “Recently, billionaire investor George Soros disclosed he had more than doubled his position in gold bullion, making him one of the largest hedge fund holders of gold along with John Paulson and others.”

With the world’s central banks and some of its most successful traders moving into larger gold positions, it looks like gold investment is still strongly progressing. Bolstered by these large investors, gold appears primed to be a very successful investment for traders of all sizes both now and in the future. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The unemployment numbers rose to 496,000 last week, up 22,000 in a week when most analysts expected the total to drop to around 455,000. In addition, the Consumer Confidence Index plunged from 55 in January to 46 in February, marking a 10-month low. As they see increasing job losses, consumers are not sure that the US economy is recovering, suspecting that the recession could return. “It's very important to be aggressive. If we go back into recession, we're not coming out,” Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Economy.com.

With looming inflation and national debt concerns, many people are not comfortable investing in dollar-based assets, rather looking to alternative options such as gold investment. Although the news has recently favored the dollar, its long-term fundamentals suggest that its perceived strength is short-lived.

Bullion and certified gold coins are typically seen as safe-haven investments when the economy is struggling, since they have physical value which increases as the dollar falls. Holdings in these assets offers people the option of a commodity that tends to improve in value as the dollar struggles. Continued negative economic news could trigger an upswing in gold investment, attracting investors who are looking for the best possible way to protect their wealth. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Prices fell below $1,100 for a time yesterday, triggering a number of stop loss orders and prompting technical investors to pull back on their risk appetite. "We are back below $1,100 an ounce. That's a technical level we managed to bounce from a couple of times last week, we are now through and we have to find support once again," said Ole Hansen, senior manager at Saxo Bank. "The level is around the $1,073 area."

Bernanke’s testimony before Congress is likely to supply both facts and fuel, as the Obama Administration hopes to demonstrate that it has inflation under control while painting an optimistic picture of the economy. "If he signals that the exit strategy is picking up pace, either the prospect of higher yields will bolster the dollar, or a nervous market, post the consumer confidence figure, will worry about activity and swing toward the dollar,” according to Credit Agricole CIB.

For anyone involved in gold investment, this is a potentially positive situation. The technical indicators that pushed prices lower yesterday were largely defensive in nature and based on a correction of the gains from the past month. A correction now leaves little reason for investors to jump out of the market later today should the news be against gold; should Bernanke paint an especially bleak picture, gold prices could rise dramatically as the dollar becomes the risky investment.

Though likely trying to downplay it, Bernanke is going probably to admit that inflationary pressures are mounting and the Fed is obligated to act before the situation becomes too serious. With a potential positive outcome for gold a possibility, Credit Agricole CIB may be correct when it says, "Hence, without a clear mood change it looks like heads I win and tails you lose as far as the dollar is concerned." 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Although prices only rose slightly in January, those figures have some artificial support and do not reflect an accurate picture of the US economy. While domestic prices only rose slightly, shelter costs, import costs and producer prices all rose, troubling indicators of what lies ahead. Shelter prices are the number that the government uses to reflect housing costs and a lower number here indicates that the full effects of the recession have not disappeared. In addition, import and producer prices jumped by an alarming 1.4% for the month, indicating that the gains by the dollar are localized primarily to the euro and not representative of the dollar’s strength against the Chinese currency or that of any other commodity-producing countries.

These distorted numbers suggest that with the increasing reliance on other countries for manufactured products, there is already growing inflationary pressure on the US economy. This pressure suggests that now is the time to take advantage of the asset protection characteristics of gold. Investors have long used gold as a hedge against inflationary pressures; the current strengthening of gold prices, its high demand and the anomalies in the US economy all suggest that now is a good time for people to look to protect their assets and consider additional gold investments. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold “remains robust above its rising trend line,” say Bruno. The recent rebound from a three-month low on Feb. 5 is said to be a bullish signal, of which Bruno states, “We project about $1,400 within 12 months as long as the $1,000 level holds.” By hitting such a number gold, already up 0.6% for the year, would race past its all-time high of $1,226.56 per ounce and record its tenth consecutive year-to-year gain.

Technical analysis such as this is performed by investors and analysts who study charts and trends in order to find predictable changes in stability, pricing or direction of trading. Trades are frequently entered automatically for investors who buy and sell based on such calculations.

Bruno is not the only analyst forecasting a strong year for gold investment. Others have also predicted prices in the $1,350 to $1,500 range, citing recent price corrections, economic turmoil in places like Greece and inflation concerns in the United States, China, England and other countries.

Although each investor must make personal decisions, such predictions can be helpful while searching for trends. Using Fibonacci, Elliot Wave or similar calculations, determining Gold/Silver Ratios and other techniques can assist investors in deciding when to make additional gold investments. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

PowerPennyStocks.com also agrees with this opinion, stating on their website that, “this signals that the rubber has hit the road, and will push gold to climb.” In addition, Citigroup has stated that future demand for gold is likely to surge in the countries of India and China, suggesting that gold investment there will also have a direct bearing on prices.

The fact that analysts see this move going towards gold instead of the US dollar is telling as well. Many market experts see the dollar losing momentum, with Steve Pearson, head of G-10 currency trading at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, London recently saying, “The consensus was not anticipating a strong dollar through the first half of 2010."

With experts and analysts lining up behind gold, investors should look to take new positions in the coming days. Gold has been strong the past two weeks, outperforming the euro and the dollar, and leaving many to believe that now is the time for a new rally. People who make new gold investments now stand to profit the most should prices continue to climb as predicted by Citigroup Inc and others. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Some of the most common commodities purchased in gold investment are bullion coins and bars, certified collectors coins, gold ETFs, mining stocks among others. These means form the largest percentage of all gold purchases.

Bullion can be either bars or coins; a number of countries mint bullion to make passing the metal from one trader to another simple. This physical gold is purchased at or near the spot price, although it can be considerably more expensive if it is purchased directly through the US Mint than if it is bought at a gold exchange.

Certified gold coins are another form of physical gold that can be bought and sold, Rare American coins were minted pre-1933 and have increased value because of their scarcity and expertly graded values. These coins are usually more expensive than bullion, but offer a unique long-term investment that can be very profitable.

Gold exchange-traded funds, or Gold EFTs, offer a gold investment that attempts to emphasize the profitability of gold without the need of direct ownership. Assets purchased by an EFT remain stored by the fund and are not physical holdings of an investor. These have become quite popular, but concerns about the ability to ensure the integrity of such companies remains.

Mining stocks are another way to invest in “paper gold”, which is an investment that is related to the business but doesn’t deliver physical gold. Mining companies issue stock to raise funds for upcoming expeditions; if the expedition is successful, there can be great profit and great loss if it’s not successful. While there is the hope of enormous returns, there is also a great risk that discourages many from getting involved.

For most people, the best form of gold investment is in physical gold, either with bullion or certified gold coins. These investments offer the potential of excellent returns with the security of possessing the gold itself. Learning how to invest in gold means understanding how to securely profit in the best possible ways from every purchase of gold. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

In spite of the debt crisis that is affecting investor opinions of Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, gold has only experienced a price correction during two months when the US has risen. In fact, gold’s closing price of $1,093.40 is extremely close to where it traded in mid-December shortly after reaching its all-time high. Gold experienced a strong jump in prices this week as news of a possible solution to the crisis was released, showing that demand is high even when investors are concerned with current events such as the EU actions and moves by the Chinese to tighten their money supply.

There are upcoming factors which favor increasing gold investment as well. Fundamental metrics such as the Relative Strength Index and Moving Average Convergence/Divergence indicate that gold prices are ready to move higher. These metrics suggest that gold is currently oversold and that support exists in demand and other factors to push higher market values.

Also, the US economy is in no position to constrain gold prices. Tom Winmill, president of the Midas Fund suggests that the current prospects for the US economy make further rises likely in 2010. Winmill was quoted as saying, "The Fed won’t be able to raise rates, given the employment situation and current fiscal burden. Conditions are in place for higher gold prices.”

Given the current instability in the world economy with the European problems and the Chinese and US governments' preoccupation with inflation, prices are likely to climb. As prices go up, there is likely to be a surge in gold investment in 2010.

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Bruce Dunn, vice president of trading at New Jersey-based Auramet, said that gold was underpinned by the Greece bailout news and position-squaring ahead of a U.S. three-day weekend. "There was a fair amount of short-covering. The moves have been so volatile lately that you just don't know what is going to happen from one day to the next," This was in contrast to the previous week when gold dropped $60 due to the fiscal concerns in Europe and the risk aversion and technical weakness that they cause the gold market.

The dollar on the other hand is trying to balance strength against European currencies against lingering economic dangers in the US economy; while the euro is weaker, the dollar is still weak and very vulnerable. Said Simon Weeks, head of precious metals at the Bank of Nova Scotia, "People don't really want to be overexposed to dollars. They certainly don't want to be overexposed to euros and so on, and to that extent gold is acting as a currency in its own right. So what you will find is even if the dollar strengthens, gold can strengthen as well. In non-U.S. dollar currencies, it is actually performing really well."

Tobias Merath, head of research at Credit Suisse echoes the opinion of many when he states, “Investment demand is likely to be the wild card, and we think once the dollar starts weakening again, which is our view ultimately, then gold should resume its longer-term uptrend." For investors, this means following a successful gold investment strategy based on what gold is doing, not solely on the movements of the dollar or any other currency. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

"I'm convinced the US government will go bankrupt, but not tomorrow, and before they do they will print money [and] you'll get a depression with very high inflation rates," said money manager and investment author Dr. Marc Faber at Russia's Troika Dialog Forum in Moscow. This sentiment is not unfounded as the national debt has reached $12.4 trillion dollars with additional deficit spending of more than $1 trillion proposed by President Obama for the next fiscal budget.

This rampant accumulation of debt led Dr. Farber to comment, “When I look at (President) Mr. Obama, (Federal Reserve Chairman) Mr. Bernanke, (Treasury Secretary) Mr. Tim Geithner and Mr. Larry Summers (Director of the National Economic Council), the one thing I will never do in my life is sell my gold." The uncontrolled spending and economic policies are leaving other people feeling the same way, seeing gold investment as their best hope for avoiding economic disaster.

Gold currently has a nine-year run of year to year increases, increasing in value nearly 25% last year alone, and someone who invested in gold in 2000 now holds an asset that is worth almost four times what they paid for it back then. Concerns about the US economy and the stability of the US dollar continue to affect gold investment today as many analysts see prices rising to as much as $1,500 per ounce, based in part on the economic conditions of the United States.

Concerns about the US national debt are helping to drive gold investment. As people get a clear view of the direction of the economy, they should consider investing in gold to help protect their financial interests. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The consensus opinion is that the recent drops in prices have created some technical damage to the gold market that is currently being corrected, but the trend is promising. Franklin Sanders of The Moneychanger writes, “This (price increase) is good, yes, positive, but only steps along the right road and not reaching the goal, which is closing above $1,120.” He follows by saying that he is currently buying and believes that today’s prices “will look like a bargain a year from now.”

Private investors should also be analyzing the recent trend based on current economic events. The sovereign debt crisis in several European countries could be heading towards resolution as the EU negotiates certain bailout measures. This news could have both a short and long-term benefit for gold prices; good news for the euro generally sends the dollar down (as indicated by a 51.2 basis point drop yesterday in the US Dollar Index) and supports gold price increases. In the long-term, stability in European markets can encourage greater investment by the citizens, also helping to drive up prices of gold.

Traders should consider additional gold investment while the spot price remains near this resistance point. In advance of any potential gains, buying gold bullion or certified gold coins can be a way of looking to profit on any upcoming rises in gold price. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The list of struggling states in the US is California, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and New Jersey; each of these states has a population of over 8 million, meaning that the group represents nearly 35% of all people living in the US. This group has other common characteristics, including underemployment above 15% (as measured by the U-6 measurement), over $1 billion in loans to pay unemployment claims and loss of revenue due to key business sectors such as banking, automotive and housing. In short, these “pigs” are losing billions of dollars and have shrinking revenues that are becoming unable to handle the load.

The danger to the United States is not unlike what the European Union is facing with its struggling countries; the states that are becoming a financial drain on the country. Now facing a national debt expected to climb to $15 trillion this year and unrelenting unemployment, the problems with these and other states in the US are weakening the dollar. As the dollar has profited from the weakness in European currencies, gold investment is likely to profit from the dollar’s weakness.

There is growing concern for the potential of inflation in the US as the economic hardship erodes the value of the dollar. Reduced dollar values make things more expensive, putting extra pressure on the economy; gold has traditionally been an investment hedge in times when inflation rises. With metal prices correcting after last year’s impressive run, the timing is right for a renewed rally in gold investment.

With a combined population of about 70 million, these four European countries known as the “PIGS” are placing a burden on a Europe that it is struggling to survive. With a population of about 105 million, the seven “pigs” of the US economy are doing the same. As analysts return their attention to the US economy, the financial problems here are likely to drive down the value of the dollar down and drive up gold investment. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Although financial concerns in Europe have spurred increases in the US Dollar Index, many analysts are warning that the debt level in the US does not support shifting currencies from countries like Spain and Italy. Investors are likely to see that the dollar is not a good long-term solution, instead taking advantage of gold investment as a better alternative and an asset that tends to be inflation-proof. Gold prices have increased today to nearly $1,070 in morning trading, in spite of only a slight decline in the US Dollar Index.

The fact that gold prices are rising even without a significant fall by the dollar suggests that an increase in gold investment could be on its way. After holding its ground against its three-month low and its 200-day moving average, gold is in a position to begin moving upward, meaning that now is a good time for renewed investment.

It is possible to implement a two-phase approach to gold investment, using bullion for short-term holdings and certified coins for long-term assets. This approach allows investors to capitalize on gold for its excellent liquidity, while enjoying potential long-term gains from certified gold coins. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Many analysts agree that gold prices are in a long-term cyclical bull market that will continue to push prices higher. While gold prices have risen over 150% in the past five years, the Dow Jones has been flat during the same time period and the dollar’s 52-week high occurred back in March, 2009.

Another factor has been the type of current buying that is occurring. While small traders and investors can be motivated by fear to get out of the market, institutional buyers, national central banks and technical buyers have been buying even during the rally by the dollar. Smaller traders have run from the downturn, but big investors have been running to buy the resulting lower prices.

Finally, demand is still outpacing supply. Although China reported record gold production in 2009, worldwide production has been flat or falling for the past several years. This stands in stark contrast to the ever-increasing worldwide demand for the metal. Economists agree that rising demand and flat or falling supply almost always mean higher commodity prices.

While falling prices may alarm some investors, most see the recent events as being potentially beneficial to gold investment. After adjusting, many believe that gold investment is going to rally for a strong 2010.

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

After peaking near $1,115 early in the week, gold investment stumbled. Wednesday morning gains became losses in the afternoon, followed by a large $45 drop on Thursday. Friday morning prices have remained steady, but the $55 loss represented a notable 5% reduction for the week.

The dollar has affected other commodities as well, with the Reuters-Jefferies CRB Index of 19 raw materials falling 2.6%. The national debt woes in countries like Greece, Portugal and Spain have been key to the dollar’s rise.

This is seen by many as a temporary condition; neither the US dollar nor the nation’s economy have strengthened in substantive way, rather investors are focusing on the worse conditions in the struggling EU countries. As investors turn their attention again to the weakness of the dollar and the uncertain US economy, a switch is likely to occur.

What this means for gold investors is that now is not a time that calls for panic; instead it is an opportunity to pick up additional holdings at lower prices before any rally takes place. A strong option in the current environment is bullion, a gold investment that is liquid and can be bought and sold at reasonable prices through certified gold exchanges. While the dollar has experienced its run, signs appear favorable for a swing in the direction of gold as early as next quarter. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

This enormous survey reflects not only a strong interest by the Chinese in gold trading, but reflects a worldwide trend towards gold investment as well. Strong bullion sales have attracted new people to gold, as the global economy struggles and the US dollar has been unable to regain previous strength. These facts have not gone unnoticed in China, as rising incomes have provided additional wealth for investment. For many Chinese, this money is best used in gold investment.

Like 2009, people investing in 2010 are being faced with economic uncertainty as many governments try to reduce spending while renewing growth. Many people see this conflict and realize that investing in an asset-based commodity like gold is more stable in the long-run than investing in stocks or other performance-based vehicles. For around $1,100 per ounce, an investor is actually purchasing something of value, unlike a share of stock in a company that disappears if it goes out of business.

As a growing number of Chinese investors look to both paper gold and physical gold as their investment of choice, the market continues to position itself for another rally amid concerns of economic hardship in the US and other countries. Gold bullion, certified coins and ETFs continue to be favorable for people who wish to increase their wealth through gold investment. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold prices are like most other commodities; there are specific factors that drive price: demand, supply, economic pressures and future conditions. Assets that don’t have positive footing in all of these areas either won’t rise or they won’t sustain prices if they do increase; gold is not one of these assets. Gold continues to show promise in each area of this combination, meaning that it is unlikely to experience an asset bubble.

Gold demand continues to be high, not only for consumer products, but also as an investment vehicle. Hand in hand, supply is not available to meet the current demand, let alone any additional demand the may arise. 2009 production of gold broke a two year decline in production; when demand exceeds supply, prices generally climb.

The world today is full of economic pressures and no end is in sight. The US and other powers have tried to minimize the effects of the economic correction by flooding their markets with additional money; this has cause considerable damage to a number of countries. This unrest creates instability in the monetary systems and people look for alternative investments during these times; gold is the ultimate alternative investment as people are drawn to the security it provides as a tangible asset.

All of the supporting factors are in place to not only maintain gold prices, but to allow them to increase even more. Investors should look for prices to begin a possible move, especially if more national economies falter under the burden of the current situation. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Post-State of the Union activity suggests that the gold market heard the message behind the message in President Obama’s speech; the budget and deficit will continue to soar and the government plans to keep flooding additional money into circulation as it tries to prop up the struggling economy. This message means disaster for the dollar, which until recently has been fighting a losing battle to avoid devaluation.

A weaker dollar generally means higher gold prices. Traders move to gold investment during times of economic crisis because asset-based gold traditionally offers an excellent hedge against inflation, a condition which economists fear to due to a saturated monetary supply and extremely low interest rates.

A strong strategy for many people today is to increase their gold investments in 2010 by purchasing bullion or certified gold coins. Stalled expansion in the Dollar Index will renew the fears of many people in the dollar’s security as an investment, leading to a probable upswing in gold purchases. Investors should look to increase their holdings in bullion (as a possible short term solution) and certified coins (for the long term) prior to any substantial increases in the gold spot price. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

After hitting its all-time high of $1,217 per ounce in November, gold prices have tumbled in December and January, with prices dropping into the $1,070 range in late January. This drop of nearly $150 represents a decrease of about 12%, an amount many attribute to profit taking and the sudden jump in the dollar.

The US dollar is in the midst of an unusual dynamic; its weakness does not support any sustained value increase, but it is an investment of choice against many foreign currencies that are suffering even more instability. For this reason, the Dollar Index has climbed back above the 80 mark and dampened gold investment in the process.

This conflict doesn’t look like a long term trend; in fact, many signs point to an upcoming drop in the dollar and a rise in gold prices. In spite of billions in federal subsidies, the US economy has not responded with a boom as many had hoped, but seems to be heading towards inflation. The Federal Reserve has been hinting about interest rate increases to avert flooding the market even more with cheap money. This series of events bodes well for gold.

Right now, many investors are ignoring the temporary gains of the dollar and investing in a combination of bullion and certified gold coins. Bullion can be an excellent short term option, while certified rare coins offer the potential of sustained, long term growth. Gold investment could follow the dollar with a rally of its own, and traders who have purchased gold at these lower prices stand to profit the most when gold prices rise. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

An asset bubble is a condition where the trade of a product or asset rises to a price that is above its intrinsic value. This condition is generally considered to be caused by greed and speculation which drive the prices to artificial levels, ignoring supply, demand and external factors such as economic conditions.

Here is the question to ask about gold investment; is gold being overvalued, or is its price being driven by supply, demand and other factors? The majority of people involved in the gold market see prices as directly linked to real factors and not the notion of an asset bubble.

Gold is a limited resource; there is only so much that has been mined to date and less is being found every year. At the same time, demand for gold is at an all-time high; jewelry, electronic products, gold bullion and other interests consume gold supplies every year. A basic economic principle is that when demand supersedes supply, prices rise.

There are other economic factors that are supporting rising gold investment prices. World financial troubles and weakening of national currencies also tend to drive up the prices of asset based commodities such as gold, as people search for protection against sagging wealth. In short, the rules of supply and demand and the support of underlying economic factors tend to discredit the idea of an asset bubble in gold investment.

Most analysts believe that now can be an excellent time for gold investment in things such as bullion and certified coins. These commodities have a long record of success, demonstrated demand and the potential for continued, sustained growth. For many, the present conditions don’t create fear; they represent a new opportunity for gold investment.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The current adjustment in gold prices has coincided with a strengthening of the US dollar; while this is common, analysts expect gold to turn regardless of the dollar. Such a decoupling would be a shift from the inverse relationship they typically share and suggest resuming of the bull run on gold.

While the US Dollar Index has been near 78.5, gold has dropped just below the $1,100 mark. Gold futures show signs of upward movement in spite of the dollar being up, indicating to many that additional spot price increases are coming.

As strategists predict a strong climb in price of this precious metal, what are the best gold investments to consider? While many might suggest gold stocks because they are undervalued, they present a risk that isn’t palatable for most investors. That said, gold bullion and certified gold coins may offer the best combination of profitability and security for many people.

Like other commodities, gold prices react to greed and fear among its investors. If the news is good and the indicators line up right, fear subsides and the greed of profit taking begins; when things are uncertain, fear dominates many people’s decisions about investing. Gold bullion and certified coins both retain value during even the roughest of times, and could have high potential as gold investment appears primed for a run. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

President Obama isn’t at fault for inheriting an economy that is correcting, but the policies of bailout and stimulus are weakening the US dollar. The huge additions to the national debt and the destabilizing of the dollar are leading more people into gold investment.

For the past decade, gold investment has been a stable force; 9 of the past 10 years, gold been profitable and the increase during that time is a whopping 288%. This has occurred during a period that has seen both stability and turmoil, showing gold’s potential to thrive in any environment.

Today’s problems are part of a painful solution to many of the economy’s issues, but they also offer strong possibilities for gold. People who purchase bullion and certified gold coins are in a position to profit from the current weakness of the dollar. Gold is a limited commodity and as the dollar‘s value drops, gold costs more to find, mine, process and sell. This means that prices are likely to continue their upward climb and those with gold investments can profit from any increases.

While President Obama isn’t directly responsible for the market corrections going on, his policies are adding to the problem. Strong gold investment allows people to take advantage of the weak US dollar as they look for ways to protect and grow their personal wealth. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Crude oil continues to be an important factor shaping the world economy. As prices surged over $100 a barrel, it created a great deal of pressure on national economies worldwide. Today, prices are again forecast to go over the hundred dollar mark, leaving many people looking once again for safe investments to protect their wealth.

Just as it has been for most of the past forty years, gold investment is one avenue that many people consider. As economic problems such as soaring oil prices work to devalue the dollar and other currencies, gold investment offers people an alternative that is not dependant on the strength of the dollar for its own stability. Unlike stocks and bank interest, gold is a physical asset that retains value even during difficult times. Bullion and certified rare coins not only have lasting value, they even tend to increase in price as other parts of the economy struggles.

The oil industry has been a mighty force, inflicting hardship on people worldwide with its high prices and increasingly limited supply. Gold investments, on the other hand, have helped to increase the wealth of many people and offers promise in the days ahead. Many people have more money in their pockets today because of gold investments vs. black gold, which has been responsible for most people having less wealth at their disposal. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold investing can be broken down into two basic categories: paper gold and physical gold. Paper gold means investing in the companies that mine gold or purchasing futures and options contracts that speculate on the price movement. These types of investments are called paper gold because the investor has little or no intention of receiving any actual gold during the investment process.

Physical gold means taking delivery of purchased gold in one form or another, whether it is delivered to the investor or held in a depository. This is the way most people get involved in gold because holding the commodity is a form of security itself.

Paper gold investments have great profit potential, but they have higher risks. Mining company stocks generally allow people to buy a large number of shares for a very low price, but are worth nothing if the company is unsuccessful and goes out of business. Futures and options contracts give investors the right to purchase or sell gold at agreed times and for agreed prices. These investment vehicles are very risky because they allow a trader to control a large amount of gold with a small amount of capital. A strong negative change in price can have an investor losing much more this his original investment.

For most traders, the best gold investment advice is to buy and sell physical gold. Gold has performed well as an investment for over 40 years and is an asset that retains value even in dire economic times. While an investor should seek expert advice before deciding on a strategy, buying gold has been a strong practice and has a bright future as well.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

A common strategy for investors interested in holding gold is to diversify their strategy by holding both bullion and certified gold coins. This strategy is considered by many to be very solid because each investment offers unique benefits that cover the investor both now and in the future.

Bullion is generally regarded as an excellent short-term investment and a strong hedge against inflationary pressures. Typically, as the value of the dollar drops, the price of gold rises; this means that bullion, whose value closely follows its price, is positively affected as an investment when the dollar is weak. For many investors, bullion is a very good commodity to hold for between 1 and 15 months, taking advantage of the rise and fall of its spot price.

Meanwhile, certified gold coins offer a long-term approach for an investor’s portfolio. Rare coins are not as heavily affected by the price of gold since their value is more for their numismatic nature than for the amount of gold they contain. Coins that are certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation have a predetermined rating based on the Sheldon Scale. This rating and their projected appreciation combine to show investors not only the current value of certified coins, but also to provide an anticipated return on investment as they are held.

Gold coin investment is generally more successful when it is diversified. Investors who hold bullion for its short-term advantages and certified rare coins for their long-term benefits are more likely to profit from the ups and downs of the economy. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Daily trending is actually quite similar to long-term price trending. Using spot prices as they change, investors look for familiar patterns that will give them insight on what prices are going to do. For example, tracking daily prices may lead an investor to decide that prices tend to rise early and fall toward the end of the day. Armed with this information, that investor might choose to sell near open of the gold market, then sell near the close to best take advantage of the information he has gleaned.

Many investors track daily changes in prices to look for short-term trading decisions. Speculators in gold look for sudden price changes that allow them to buy or sell during sharp changes in price as they occur. In addition, other investors use daily prices to evaluate the effects of the daily news on the spot price.

For long-term investors, this same information may be followed over weeks, months or even years, allowing investors holding gold over long periods to monitor its price movements and adjust their strategy if necessary.

Regardless of how they trade, investors use gold quotes in a variety of ways. A single quote can provide an instant snapshot, while a group can allow traders to find patterns to help them make money. With gold at $1,130.00 an ounce and predicted by some to go higher, gold quotes offer an opportunity to look for a clue about how to profit in the future.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

To make a successful gold coin investment and free yourself from worry about scams or an inappropriate investment, it is advisable to work with a reputable precious metals exchange that can adequately meet your particular needs. If you are considering a gold coin investment for a holding period of 1-14 months and you are strictly after profits, then gold bullion coins like the South African Krugerrands, American gold Eagles, and Austrian gold Philharmonics may fit your specific situation. If you are interested in holding physical gold longer than 14 months and you are more concerned with privatizing your wealth instead of making a quick profit and concerting back to cash, certified gold coins like the $10 Indian and the $20 Liberty could do better for you than gold bullion pieces.

No matter which type of gold coin investment you go with, make sure that you take delivery of the coins so that you will have financial freedom if the US economic recession gets worse in 2010. Call us directly for advice on your gold coin investing and relax, because if we can’t help you we can always recommend a dealer to you that may be more suited to provide you with the proper assistance. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

You can find a gold dealer locally, and these dealers may be able to meet your needs if you are searching to put your smallest toe in the water. However, local dealers’ inventory is limited and so is their budget, so buying and selling gold through a local dealer could open a can of worms that you weren’t prepared to handle.

Gold quotes for bullion products are always based on the active gold spot price, and you can track the roving spot value of gold at www.COMEX.com and www.GoldPrice.net. Bullion quotes are usually 2-8% over the gold spot price, depending on the type of metal that you purchase, the dealer that facilitates your purchase, and the volume in which you purchase.

Gold quotes for certified coins are obtainable by calling a rare coin dealer, and you can track the national average retail price for PCGS certified rare coins at www.PCGS.com. Major US exchanges provide both bullion products and certified coins, so your needs will be aptly met by contacting one of these reputable exchanges.

To ensure that the exchange you choose is in fact reputable, visit www.BBB.org and check out their rating and customer complaint history. For live gold quotes, more information on reputable gold exchanges and how to successfully navigate the gold market, give us a call or go through our award-winning investment guide below. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Many traders welcome gold investment ideas. As the spot price of this precious metal continues to move upward, investors seek way to profit from gold. If you are one of those people, you will enjoy a couple of potentially successful gold investment ideas.

Both concepts we will touch on concern diversification. The first is using gold to diversify your entire investment portfolio. It is rarely a good idea to put all of your eggs in one basket, and this is true with investments as well. If someone had all of their funds in real estate in 2008, their portfolio took a devastating hit; likewise if someone was “all in” with Enron when it went under, everything was probably lost.

While gold experiences highs and lows, thankfully it never loses all of its value. Since gold tends to react oppositely of traditional investments, one good suggestion is to diversify between gold and stocks, or between gold and real estate, and adjust the quantities of each based on the success of each market.

Another good gold investment idea is to diversify your gold holdings. One possible way to do this is to own both rare coins and bullion. Bullion can be a good short-term asset, something to hold between 1 and 12 months, while long-term holding of rare coins has a proven history of making gains that can outpace bullion. Should a sharp rise in gold prices occur, it is easy to move bullion for a profit. If gold falls on tougher times, rare coins tend to hold their value due to their attractiveness to collectors.

Even when your other investments are doing well, it is important to have good gold investment ideas. Diversity is a strong strategy and these simple ideas can offer the potential for the flexibility that you need for your assets.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold has been called the most outstanding investment of the decade by many analysts for its performance since the start of the 21st century. While bullion has been strong, rare coin investing has made big headlines with huge sales. Gold spot prices have helped this rise, but a huge benefit has come from people investing in PCGS gold coins.

PCGS stands for Professional Coin Grading Service, a company that has helped to implement a standard grading system based on the Sheldon Scale. This system has eliminated the guesswork on coins, allowing people to have confidence in coins they buy and sell. Because of the work done by PCGS and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, a 69 grade, high relief 1907 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle worth $650,000 will never be confused with a 66 grade coin worth only $95,000.

Investing in PCGS gold coins gives investors a level of confidence that doesn’t exist in today’s global economy. For this reason, rare coin investing offers stability to people buying coins; this security allows investors to build wealth and protect their future because they know what they invest in is accurate and true.

The next level of investing in PCGS gold coins is using a gold exchange to add greater security. Gold-investment.info is part of the Certified Gold Exchange and offers clients access to excellent coins, reasonable commissions and world-class customer service. The specialists at gold-investment.info make it possible for investors to find high quality coins at competitive prices. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

There is a wide variety of ways to invest in gold; gold coins and bars, gold futures, and collector’s coins all provide unique features and offer investors ways to profit from this precious metal. There are differences in purchasing futures contracts, sometimes known as COMEX gold contracts, and physical gold. This difference is important to understand before deciding what to purchase.

Gold futures represent a contract between buyer and seller to purchase a quantity of gold on a certain date at a predefined price. Purchases like these are made through commodities exchanges, known as COMEX. The most famous COMEX is the New York Commodity Exchange; here investors can purchase futures contracts based on prices that they anticipate at a later date. This can be a complex way to invest in gold and has a high risk based on speculation. and the fact that the COMEX gold contracts allow investors to leverage large amounts of gold, purchasing greater amounts than they actually purchase.

Purchasing physical gold is much more direct. An investor either buys gold bullion or collector’s coins and saves them or sells them in order to hopefully receive a profit. Deciding between bullion and rare coin purchases is generally influenced by investment funds and strategy. Bullion sells for near the gold spot prices, with dealer and delivery fees commonly added. Rare coins normally sell above the price of gold and their worth is calculated during certification by determining their quality, rarity and value in the open market.

For most investors, physical gold is a better investment option than COMES gold contracts, due to the high risks involved with gold futures and the security that comes from holding physical gold. In either case, it is wise for a person to discuss investment strategy with a company such as gold-investment.org. Part of the Certified Gold Exchange, the company has specialists that are knowledgeable and can help an investor decide the best plan for adding gold to his or her portfolio. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold spot price is the figure given on the Internet or reported on the evening news. Over the past ten years, the spot price has nearly quadrupled, meaning that a $1,000 investment in 2000 would now be worth almost $4,000. The value of collector’s coins is more complex; certified coins have a rating system that determines the quality of a coin by evaluating the condition of the coin, then factoring in the gold content and its rarity. The highest price ever brought by a rare coin was a 1933 American Eagle that received $7.59 million at an auction.

Gold investment can be done either short-term or long-term. Short-term investors typically buy bullion and hold it until the price reaches the amount where they are willing to sell. A strategy like this might have a 1 to 14 month cycle. Long-term investing is more commonly done with certified collector’s coins; an investor will purchase these coins and then let them mature, gaining profit over years or even decades.

Investors must accurately evaluate their financial situations before investing. Most gold exchanges have minimum order quantities between 10 and 20 ounces, meaning that the minimum investment amount on a 20 ounce purchase could be around $24,000 when gold is $1,100 per ounce. Investors that don’t have funds for a purchase of this magnitude can look at individual collector’s coins, which can be purchase for hundreds, instead of thousands of dollars each.

Is gold a good investment? The past says it definitely can be. Investors should consider discussing their objectives with gold-investment.info before making any decisions. This is part of the Certified Gold Exchange, a highly respected company in the gold market. The company’s specialists can help investors decide what is right for their portfolios and make the sales and purchases that their customers need.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

For most investors, gold has been something they buy and hold, rarely selling. For that person looking to pay for a college education or a retirement home, now may be the time for selling gold investments to finance such expenditures. Regardless of the reason, knowing about selling gold investments can help people maximize their potential profits and receive the greatest benefits from their holdings.

Gold investments have enjoyed a long, profitable run. Over the past forty years, gold prices have increased nearly 30 fold, outpacing bank savings and stock investing by a wide margin. An investor that bought 100 ounces of gold in 1970 would have paid less than $4,000 at the time and could now sell the same gold for over $110,000. Selling gold investments can be very profitable indeed!

The important part of selling gold investments is deciding who to trust in helping to make such decisions. Just like a stock investor needs a reputable broker, people owning gold need a trustworthy company to help in selling gold investments. It is important to find a company that has a long history in the business and has earned a high level of trust from its clients.

A company like the Certified Gold Exchange can make selling gold investments a positive experience. The company has been in the business for many years and along the way has been recognized for its efforts with a superior A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. No matter why a person is selling gold investments, the Certified Gold Exchange is equipped to advise them and make the transaction is pleasant and successful as possible. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Two of the deciding factors in the physical gold vs. paper gold debate are logistics and perspective. Physical gold requires that the investor hold his purchase. For people concerned about the state of the economy, this is highly desirable; for investors with large quantities, this can sometimes be a burden.

Perspective in the physical gold vs. paper gold discussion revolves around the objective. Holders of paper gold are only interested in the movement of the price and how to use that price to their advantage. This method has high rewards and risks, depending on the outcome, but generally no burden of gold ownership.

For most investors, it is preferable to own physical gold vs. paper gold. This is because many people use the metal as a hedge against economic crisis. Investors that own large quantities can either invest in bars or large coins, or store gold with a gold exchange at its depository. Either way, investors should work closely with an exchange such as gold-investment.info to determine what they should choose when deciding between physical gold vs. paper gold. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Typical investing is simple; a person buys gold at a certain price and then holds it until ready to sell. The amount of profit or loss is the difference between the purchase price of the gold and its sale price. In addition, investors can make this a short-term practice, trading more frequently and attempting to generate quicker gains. Both of these methods are restricted to gold that is actually owned, limiting both the risk and the reward to a factor of the amount of gold.

Gold derivatives offer another level of gold investment, raising both the risk and reward factor. Gold derivatives means that an investor can actually borrow against currently held gold to purchase more, or leverage the amount owned in order to increase holdings. This practice allows an investor to own more gold, making returns higher by a multiple equal to the amount of gold purchased with the loan. Profits can then be multiplied; or in the case of an unexpected downturn, the loss can be multiplied as well.

For investors aiming to make large returns with gold derivatives, it is crucial to discuss the practice with an expert prior to getting involved. Gold-investment.info is an excellent source of information, and can assist should an investor decide to venture into gold derivatives. Investing in gold derivatives is a promising way to substantially increase profits, but should be entered cautiously because it also carries great risk. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

IRAs have led to a number of revolutionary changes in savings. IRAs allowed many people to take control of their long-term investing, supplanting the traditional company-based pension accounts. In addition, the government has rewarded people for their initiative, offering tax deferment on money in these accounts. And now, gold-backed IRAs make it possible for people to have these benefits while investing in gold, one of the most profitable commodities over the past decade.

Gold-backed IRAs are appealing to many people because the combine the same tax deferred benefits found in other IRAs with the profit potential found in gold investment. Gold prices have risen nearly 400% in the past ten years and the tax deferred provision of IRAs allow investors to buy more gold, then pay the taxes when they are ready to withdraw the funds in the future. This allows a greater amount money to be available to invest, creating the potential for higher returns.

Gold-backed IRAs look to be the next wave of investment for people who want to build a successful retirement. This investment vehicle leverages the benefits of IRAs with the strength of gold investing to create the potential for a profitable savings option. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold has continued to receive praise from many in the investment community with one publication referring to it as an “indispensible” asset and another viewing it as one of the “best hedges against inflation.” Many analysts agree that the rise in gold spot price suggests that financial calamities such as the global credit crunch are largely responsible its continued success.

The economic signs seem to indicate that the strength of gold spot prices may continue its success into the upcoming decade as well. The United States has flooded its monetary system with billions of additional funds while attempting to stimulate the economy. This flooding of the market weakens the dollar and strengthens gold investments. In addition, gold spot prices can also benefit from the potential inflation that low dollar value can create.

Gold spot prices have ended the year hovering around $1,100 per ounce. All eyes will be on the precious metals market moving into the new year as investors hope for continued success with gold, silver and other metals. The economy, inflation and other factors are likely to determine how profitable metals could be in 2010

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Twice in the history of the United States confiscation of gold has been utilized. This practice was first used in the 1820s when the government was low on gold after a series of wars had a draining effect on the national treasury. Collectable gold coins were taken, but the remaining gold was collected, purchased at a fixed rate and placed in the national treasury.

The second confiscation of gold occurred after the onset of the Great Depression. After panic created an extreme drain on the treasury, the government again had a confiscation of gold to replenish it. Being on the gold standard at the time, the government needed to have the resources to ensure security of the country’s monetary supply.

These confiscations of gold have created a great opportunity for investors. Although the number of pre-1933 coins still in existence is low, there is a high demand for these coins. Driven by the demand, prices for these coins have skyrocketed.

In addition to their value, these rare coins enjoy an interesting protection. Since pre-1933 coins have never been subject to confiscation of gold, they are considered to be free from the possibility in the future. While today’s gold bullion could be recalled, the country’s precious rare coins don’t have that specter hanging over them, making rare US gold coins a safe and profitable investment. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Analysts that track commodity prices and look for trends have been calling for the Dollar Index to change direction and begin climbing. While the trend appears similar to the previous two patterns, there are several economic factors that make a turn at this time unlikely.

The first factor to consider when comparing the dollar and gold prices is the current economic situation. After a year of liberal programs that have thrown billions of dollars into the economy, the financial situation has shown very little improvement. The dollar is frequently events driven, and the lack of response in the employment sector and continued closing of businesses has done nothing to encourage movement.

The long term situation doesn’t look any better when comparing the dollar and gold prices. By flooding the market with trillions in new money, the national debt soars and the dollar as a whole is significantly weakened. Weakening an already frail dollar is a dangerous proposition.

While flooding money into the market is favorable for the dollar in the short term, it weakens the structure of currency. As the deputy-governor of China’s central bank says, “When the United States has to fund its deficit through the combination of issuing more Treasuries and printing more dollars, it is inevitable that the dollar will continue to weaken."

In fact, "When the United States has to fund its deficit through the combination of issuing more Treasuries and printing more dollars, it is inevitable that the Dollar will continue to weaken." Wise words from someone who knows as China owns $798.9 billion in US Treasury debt. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Throughout the first ten years of the 21st century, buying gold investments has been one of the best available business choices. According to the Standard & Poor's GSCI Enhanced Total Return Index, gold purchased for $100 in 2000 would now be worth over $380. Standard & Poor's GSCI Enhanced Total Return Index, gold purchased for $100 in 2000 would now be worth over $380. By contrast, people who purchased stocks at the same time would have experienced an average loss of $10.

Much of the success of buying gold investments has been attributed to the weakening of the US dollar over the past decade. The price of gold historically rises when the value of the dollar falls, and this phenomenon has proven true during this period as well. With continued uncertainty in the jobs sector and a federal debt that is growing at an alarming pace, the price of gold seems almost certain to continue its upward climb.

Fear can spur increased buying of gold investments. Gold offers a balance to dollar-based investments because it is a tangible asset and retains value regardless of the condition of the dollar. Gold offers investors a way to both protect their assets and increase their wealth with one of the most successful commodities in the last decade.

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The gold standard is a monetary system where the standard unit of the currency is based on a fixed amount of gold. This system has three basic forms: “gold specie”, “de facto” and “gold bullion”; each system uses a different form of implementation to fulfill the demands of the system.

Gold specie was the system used in Great Britain until World War I. This system uses currency that is either gold or coins of other materials that are guaranteed to be redeemable for gold at a fixed rate.

Different than gold specie, the de facto system was common among many countries whose currency was tied to the value of other countries on the gold standard. This was a common practice when the United States was on the gold standard and other countries assigned the value of their currency to the value of the dollar.

The final form is the gold bullion system. In this system, gold coins are not circulated, but can be purchased on demand at a fixed price, much like the gold specie system. The benefit of these systems is that gold provides a resource that adds stability to the currency.

The problem is that gold is scarce and using such a standard worldwide would grossly inflate the price of gold in order to make it match the worldwide currency that is in circulation. Twice in the history of the United States, economic hardships forced the government to confiscate gold, with the government buying back outstanding quantities to stabilize national reserves.

For investors, the repealing of the gold standard has largely been a benefit. Gold tends to track opposite of the US dollar and provides a valuable alternative during difficult economic times and a reliable alternative currency. Many people both profit from investing in gold and holding it as an emergency asset during difficult times.

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Located in central Canada, the Armstrong Lake site is showing great promise for increased gold production. The company has reported that the area lies along a fault that crosses the Horwood project of the Amador Gold Corporation. This fault is thought to be an important factor in the gold mineralization that occurred in this area, making the potential for finding substantial gold deposits a strong possibility.

Studies that have been done indicate that high-grade gold exists and the company is currently performing sample drilling for additional confirmation. The company states that these findings will allow them to move forward with further gold expansion plans, adding even more optimism to future gold investment forecasts.

Canada is one of the leaders in the world for gold production. The country is rich in minerals and many exciting finds have been made there. In spite of declining production worldwide, Canada is one of the areas that have consistently produced new finds, leading to continued exploration.

As prices surged to record highs at the end of 2009, gold investment forecasts remain positive entering 2010. Continued economic instability and a weak US dollar have made conditions perfect for a prosperous new year, buoyed by the strength of projects such as the Armstrong Lake gold project in Ontario. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The good news is that 2010 is poised to continue many of the successes that were enjoyed in the previous year, creating expectations that gold prices will continue to rise. Many analysts are maintaining that gold investment forecasts that indicate the metal will outperform other investment options both for 2010 and beyond as demand significantly exceeds supply.

While the nightly news has trumpeted gold’s assault on the $1,000 per ounce barrier, its long-term growth has been just as impressive, with a growth rate of over 400% in the past decade. While gold tends to react inversely to the stock market, both commodities ended 2009 on a strong note, spurred by the weakness of the US dollar and the global economic crisis. Gold has been especially consistent, with growth rate increases of 39%, and 11% through the past three years.

The uncertain economy is creating its own situations that help to promote a positive gold investment forecast. Economic instability has historically brought investors to gold, partially due to its strength next to a weak dollar and partially because it is a high value commodity that is also highly liquid. Investors see gold as an asset that increases in value during tough times, yet can be used as an alternate currency in the event of economic emergency.

While world economic conditions helped to propel gold back to the forefront as a valuable investment commodity, conditions persist that offer a positive gold investment forecast for the future. Limited supply, high demand and economic instability will make gold a valuable asset in 2010 and beyond. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold is an asset that many investors have added to their portfolios in recent years, as evidenced by the 400% increase of the gold spot price since 2001. Even though there are over 3000 tons of gold mined every year, the weakening dollar and the labors of investors to keep their portfolios in the black, has caused these investors to flock to gold for wealth preservation.

To make an investment in gold, jot down a few simple reminders or print out this page to dramatically increase your chance of success in the gold market. A bullion investment is most advisable if you are looking for profit from 1-14 months. Security-oriented investors who aim on a longer holding period and would like wealth protection and privacy have historically been better off financially with a certified coin investment.

Insist on physical delivery of your gold if you making a direct purchase. If you plan to invest in physical gold from within your retirement account or for physical delivery, contact Gold-Investment.info or register below for the latest information on making an investment in gold. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

History shows that gold and other precious metals retain value during both inflationary and deflationary economic interims, so if you believe that our dollar will struggle next year then a gold coins investment may be right for you. Many problems have struck dollar-backed assets in the past few years, yet safe haven precious metals have increased in value more than 400% in the last eight years alone. If you require more information on the subject of investment-grade gold coins, you may want to browse our helpful investment tutorials offered below this article.

Before you make any gold coins investment, determine your personal investing goals and needs to maximize your investment potential. Modern-day bullion coins are very popular with short-term investors, and these coins are most useful for the chance at quick profits due to a rapidly upward-moving market.

The second type of gold coins investment is pre-1933 certified rare coins, like the $20 Saint Gaudens and the $10 Indian Head. These certified coins are also very popular investment-grade items, yet only long-term investors who want to preserve their hard-earned wealth over a period of years should purchase these coins. Feel free to browse this website and the tutorials below for more of the best information on a successful gold coins investment. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Some economists have argued that economic recovery is underway within the United States, and that the worst recession since the Great Depression is, for all intents and purposes, over. If this is the case, then corporate America could regain health and the United States could improve and increase industrial, technological, and most importantly, dividend output.

Other market analysts believe that the bailout and stimulus funds that were infused into our struggling economy are only a short-term solution to a lingering long-term problem that has only been temporarily offset by the intentional manipulation of our financial markets. In the event that our economy deteriorates after the government’s stimulus funds are fully exhausted and no one is willing to accept our debt or our dollars, then gold as an investment could provide financial security and independence, as it has for 5000 years.

There is no way to know for sure what will happen around the globe financially, and the closest thing I have to a crystal ball is a snow globe that my four-year old son has as a gift for me. If we look at historical patterns, though, and examine trends from the 1930s and 1970s, it’s easy to see that higher interest rates and overwhelming government debt mean higher gold prices.

If you believe that our nation will face inflation or possibly an economic collapse, it may be wise to consider gold as in investment. Contact Gold-Investment.info directly and feel free to browse through our award-winning investment tutorials below. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Come to terms with what you think will happen with our economy over the next few years before you invest in anything, because your particular worldview is what’s important when deciding to move your hard-earned money. If you believe that our government’s stimulus funds have done a good job of preventing a total economic collapse and you foresee the strengthening of the dollar and US stock indexes, then a gold and/or silver investment may not be a wise idea.

If you believe that our government’s low interest rates will soon release inflation because of all the new dollars that have been poured into our financial markets, and you believe that inflation is the worst of our fears, an investment in gold and silver bullion could be to your advantage. Bullion items carry low premiums and are most advantageous for holding periods of 1-14 months, and any reputable gold exchange should give you a disclaimer about the historic government confiscatability of bullion during times of national financial distress.

If you are looking at the debt that is tied up in Social Security and Medicare, the bailout and stimulus programs, and the printing presses that have been firing on all cyllinders, then you might want to consider a long-term investment in certified gold and silver coins. These coins trade on the same exchanges as bullion, they have historically been more profitable than bullion for investors who hold longer than 14 months, and certified coins have been deemed completely private because of their higher initial costs.

To learn more about investing in gold and silver successfully, contact Gold-Investment.info directly or you may like to request your copy of the 2010 Insider’s Guide to Investing in Gold and Silver below. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

While gold has been on the rise since 2001 and higher interest rates historically meant higher gold prices, some economists have speculated that our nation is walking firmly on the path to financial recovery. If this is the case, gold prices will most likely continue to fall, as they did last week.

However, gold is up 0.8% today and it has been rumored that China, India, and other nations will continue to supplement their respective central banks’ holdings with more gold. If the International Monetary Fund (IMF) sells another 200 tons of ore to gold-seeking nations, or if the IMF uses some of its reserves to aid poor nations as investment mogul, George Soros has suggested, then US household investors will most likely see a higher gold spot price.

The gold spot price, which is available around the clock at www.GoldPrice.net, elevates with higher demand, and there is no question that demand for gold and other safe-haven assets has increased dramatically since our recession began. If you foresee an improving US economy in the very near future than a gold investment may not be the best route to take, but if you believe that our economy will double-dip and falter further then it may be wise to own some physical gold. Feel free to contact Gold-Investment.info directly for more information on the gold market, or you can simply browse through one of our award-winning investment tutorials below for the information you seek. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

If you plan a trip from California to Florida, will you simply jump in the car and hit the interstate? Of course not.

You need to make sure that you have sufficient funds to cover your fuel, room and board for the trek, as well as a clearly defined plan of what network of roads to travel on to reach your destination. You must follow the same course of action when you invest in gold.

Although financial analysts typically recommend that you store 20-30% of your assets in physical gold, it is not advantageous to buy gold if you are unable to meet your daily needs. Invest at a level that is comfortable for you, and try to take physical delivery of your gold if at all possible.

Before you purchase precious metals, you must determine how long you plan to hold the items and what your goals are for the investment itself. Gold holds of 14 months or less are most successful when a gold bullion product is utilized, such as a Credit-Suisse gold bar or a $50 American gold Eagle coin. Historically, gold bullion performs best for short-term profit seeking individuals.

If you are less concerned with immediate profits and you would prefer to hold your gold as long as possible, or at least until our nation’s economic status improves, you are encouraged by gold experts to invest in gold coins that have been certified by PCGS or NGC. These coins have vastly outperform gold bullion for investors who held the coins 14 months or more, and the performance of certified coins increases even more after holds of three years or longer.

If you want to find a reputable company to invest in gold through or if you just need some starter information on the gold market, get in touch with Gold-Investment.info directly. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Whether that will happen remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that our nation could be facing the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression took root in 1929. To learn more about the Great Depression and how gold investors were affected during those difficult times, register below for the 2010 Insider’s Guide to Investing Gold Within Your Portfolio.

Some investors have taken advantage of a 1997 law that permits investors with retirement accounts to store physical gold within those accounts. IRA investors, as well as investors with inactive 401k and 403b plans, can transfer a portion or all of their nest egg into physical gold and silver, which is securely stored by one of two approved depositories, Sterling Trust (www.SterlingTrustCompany.com) and GoldStar Trust (www.GoldStarTrust.com).

If you do not have and eligible retirement account or if you insist on immediate delivery of your gold, then you should invest in physical possession gold with one of our nation’s major exchanges, such as the Certified Gold Exchange. By owning physical gold and storing it privately, you empower yourself and have financial independence in case our dollar collapses. In the event of a national financial emergency, Americans with gold in their hands would be able to call the shots, unlike individuals weighed down with useless fiat currency.

If you foresee our nation’s economy devolving further, hedge your remaining assets with physical gold, and protect your retirement accounts if you have them. Economists have called for 2010 to be the start of the Greater Depression, so demand for gold and other safe-haven assets will likely increase in the near future. In addition to your traditional investing, gold and other privately-stored assets may be wise additions to your portfolio, so register below if you would like more information on this exciting time for gold investors. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

To get started with a gold bullion investment, contact a reputable gold exchange that maintains a rating of A or better with the Better Business Bureau (www.BBB.org). The Certified Gold Exchange and other major US exchanges offer a wide range of the most heavily utilized gold investment products, so contact one of these reliable entities to get started.

Select from a number of popular gold bullion products that are available on today’s market, such as the American gold Eagle coins or the Credit-Suisse gold bullion bars if you wish to hold your gold 1-14 months for profit-taking purposes, and insist on physical delivery of your gold. Your gold account should be just as liquid as a checking or saving as account, so buying and selling is only a matter of calling your gold broker and freezing your price, as long as you took my first piece of advice and contacted a reputable gold exchange.

If you plan to possess your gold longer than 14 months, click here or register below for successful investing strategies in the 2010 Insider’s Guide To Gold Investing. By properly diversifying into this safe-haven asset, you can protect your wealth privately and possibly grow it if our nation’s economic problems worsen. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

You probably already know that gold investment prices fluctuate daily, and this is due to the ever-roving gold spot price that is listed on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile exchange (NYMEX). This spot price moves based on present supply against investor demand, as well as the rising and falling dollar index. Household investors are able to track the gold spot price at www.GoldPrice.net, or you can call Gold-Investment.info directly for live, discounted quotes.

Once you feel comfortable tracking gold spot prices, you are ready to make a gold investment and track the value of your particular products. Gold bullion bars and modern-day gold coin offerings move in accordance with the gold spot price, but no major exchange sells gold AT the spot price. There are always premiums of some sort added on the gold spot price, because the mints and bar manufacturers must profit to stay in business.

If you are investing in a rare gold coin investment, then the type of product, its rarity, and its condition will come into play when determining the price. Also, some gold dealers use exorbitant commission structures, so many household investors and other gold dealers prefer to conduct business with reputable, large-volume gold exchanges such as the Certified Gold Exchange. These exchanges offer competitive pricing and they employ non-commissioned experts. Request some free information from the Certified Gold Exchange below or click here for the 2010 Insider’s Guide to Gold Investment Prices. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Some economists foresee our government getting the recession under control within the next 12 months. If this were to happen, then our dollar could stabilize and gold prices would most likely fall. This is what happened historically, and our strong economy repressed gold prices as low as $252 per ounce in 2001.

Since gold reached that 26-year low, it has risen every year since. Top policymakers at the Federal Reserve lowered our nation’s key lending rate to zero, and Ben Bernanke has held interest rates at historic lows for an extremely long time. Once interest rates start to rise, a bout with hyperinflation could result as new dollars flood the market.

Gold investment projections range between $880 and $3000 in 2010, but most market analysts believe that it is reasonable to expect a 12-18% gain over the next 12 months. The current gold spot price is $1179.80, so if the troubled condition of our traditional markets continues or worsens next year, those losses could be offset by gold prices of $1300-$1400. Get your copy of our 2010 Gold Investment Projections Guide by calling us or by registering for your free information below. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

#1 – Take physical delivery of your gold coins if possible, or have them securely stored for you at a reputable facility such as HSBC Bank or Wilmington Delaware & Trust. Gold-Investment.info recommends that you store your coins at your home or in a nearby safety deposit box, and IRA investors should have their gold coins stored by either Sterling Trust or GoldStar Trust.

#2 - Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports on any gold exchange that you could potentially do business with, and avoid companies that have low grades and/or multiple complaints. Reputation is the cornerstone of a successful gold investment, so locate a company that maintains an A rating or better. Call Gold-Investment.info directly or email us for more information on gold exchanges that have A+, Zero Complaint ratings with the BBB.

#3 – Insist on an account agreement from any company that you wish to buy gold from. A shipping insurance account agreement is an acknowledgement that anything could happen in the market, and brokers who make guarantees or promise positive returns should not be trusted. Also, a shipping insurance account agreement is a sign that your gold company is willing to ship your gold to you.

#4 - Select the most widely traded gold products, because you save stress and money by investing in items that other investors also desire. Savvy marketers are great at fabricating fascinating stories about obscure rarities, and countless investors sadly fall prey to these unethical pitchmen. You should invest in gold coins that are issued by long-standing mints, and certified, pre-1933 gold coins. Investment-grade gold qualifies for those parameters, so stay within these boundaries if you would like to be successful in the gold coin market.

#5 - Demand that your gold be shipped within 10 business days. The is the maximum time that a company can hold your gold after your funds have cleared, and most major gold exchanges can ship within three business days. Your invoicing and client satisfaction survey will come separately and confidentially, as long as you have chosen a reputable dealer. Follow these five rules to make a wise gold coin investment, and feel free to contact us through our secure email server or call our toll-free number if you would like the best information on how to invest in gold coins. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold and silver investing is most easily done by contacting a reputable precious metal dealer locally or through a simple Google search, and household investors as well as institutional investors are encouraged to contact Gold-Investment.info directly through telephone or email if you would like assistance in locating a reputable precious metal brokerage.

Gold and silver investing can be done for short-term, which is 1-14 months, or long-term , which is classified as any holding period longer than 14 months. You may invest in silver and gold from within a retirement account, or you may invest outside of retirement accounts and actually take delivery of your metals. Holding hard assets like gold and silver is highly recommended by financial analysts, because the turbulent add troubled situation of our economy could wipe out the dollar and completely change the US monetary system.

If you plan on a short-term stake in the precious metal market, gold bullion coins and bars are the proper way to invest. Longer-term holds often do better financially with historic coins, especially the $20 Saint Gaudens gold coin and the $20 Lady Liberty gold coin. If you are investing within an IRA, you have a variety of bullion options as well as the American Eagle Proof coin.

This coin is the only coin that meets IRS regulations for IRA acceptance and government non-confiscatability in the event of a national financial catastrophe. If you are prepared to gain independence from our failing economy and the struggling greenback, contact us directly for customized, free information on gold and silver investing. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Even though our traditional financial markets have struggled to maintain stability throughout our current recession, gold and other commodities have risen steadily throughout the last few years. Stocks, bonds, and cash accounts have fallen off drastically because of the US dollar’s woeful situation, and the inability of big business to remain financially responsible and profitable simultaneously.

Wise gold investing can be done by contacting a reputable gold exchange, and you can rely on a company that holds a rating of A or better with the Better Business Bureau. If you plan to hold your gold les than 14 months, invest in a physical gold bullion bar or coin that can be delivered to you.

If you plan to hold your gold longer than 14 months, and/or if you are concerned about government intervention into your private financial matters, certified gold coins could be the wiser investment.

If you are investing in gold from within your retirement account, insist on a physical gold investment instead of gold stocks or exchange traded funds (ETFs). You will be happy with this decision in the long run, because when you begin to withdraw from your account you will have the option of receiving physical gold or a dollar-based payment.

Anything could happen in the gold market, so it is important to understand that while gold has historically succeeded during tough economic times, it remains to be seen what will happen with our dollar and our economy in general. Contact Gold-Investment.info directly for more free information on wise gold investing. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold is not considered a traditional or mainstream investment, but during tough financial periods for the United States gold has historically shone brightly. In the 1970s some gold investors made over 1000%, during the same time that stock investors and investors with cash accounts lost horrifically due to high corporate debt and hyper-inflation. In the 1930s, gold was so highly valued that our government seized it from US citizens to pay off US debt. After you discover how easy investing in gold can be, learn more about the historic gold bullion confiscation by clicking here.

To invest in gold, keep a few simple guidelines at the front of your mind and you will drastically increase your chances of success. Unless you are investing from within a retirement account, insist on physical delivery of your gold. If you plan to invest in gold from within an IRA or inactive 401K, click here for more information on how to complete your rollover into a gold-backed IRA.

Demand an account agreement from your gold broker, and make sure that your gold will be shipped within 10 business days. If you send a bank wire for your purchase, shipping should require no more than three business days. Reputable gold exchanges stay in contact with their clients throughout the transaction, from the time you place the order until you receive your invoicing and client satisfaction survey. For more information on gold transactions and the gold market, email or call us directly. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Although stocks, bonds, and cash accounts have suffered drastic losses in the past few years, gold has not been repressed by our current recession. In fact, economic contraction and the devaluation of the US dollar have actually helped to intensify the upward trend in gold that started in 2001. No one knows what will happen next with our economy or gold prices, but historical patterns could indicate that gold may climb higher and that our nation could sink into depression for a decade or more. It is no surprise so that you and millions of other investors have researched gold as an investment, because investors in the 1930s and 1970s were also able to escape economic turmoil by owning physical gold.

If you want to buy gold for a short-term investment from which profits could be rendered quickly, gold bullion could be a good fit. Gold bullion trades close to the gold spot price, but the rapid fluctuations of this spot price mean that investors require a keen eye and a trigger-happy finger.

Investors who would like to hold their gold for a longer period of time, and investors who want privacy attached to their investment, should give consideration to certified gold coins. These coins also move in the same direction as gold bullion, but they are completely private and have historic highs that are much higher than gold bullion’s all-time high. Contact us directly for more information on how to invest in gold, silver, and platinum products that trade on major exchanges like the Certified Gold Exchange. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Here are the four most often utilized types of gold investments, with the pros and cons of each.

Type                             Debt-free                 Investor-Held               Immediately Liquid                     Completely Private

Gold Leverage                     NO                               YES                      YES                                                            NO

Gold Mining                          YES                              NO                        NO                                                             NO

Gold Stocks                          YES                              NO                        NO                                                            NO

Gold Bullion                          YES                              YES                       YES                                                          NO

Certified Gold                       YES                              YES                       YES                                                          YES

Gold leverage means that the investor borrows against their current gold holdings, so if the gold spot price drops due to profit-taking you could end up in a bigger hole than you anticipated. Gold mining stocks are somewhat speculative and they may not track the gold spot price. Some investors have made profits with gold mining companies, but other companies have shattered investors dreams by going bankrupt or having their mines run dry.

Gold stocks are affordable and they generally track the gold spot price, but there are often excessive fees to liquidate your holdings, and it could require weeks to convert back to cash. Also, gold stocks may not be allocated or backed by physical gold, so gold share holders could be in trouble in a national financial emergency, or if another gold bullion confiscation occurs.

Gold bullion is a very popular investment because it closely tracks gold’s per-ounce asking price, and many short-term (1-14 month) investors have been able to take profits from the gold bullion market in recent years. However, gold bullion could be confiscated by the US government in a national financial emergency, and the market for gold bullion could be frozen, as was the case from 1933-1971.

Certified gold coins are the most expensive kind of gold investment up front, but they have vastly outperformed the other types of gold investments in the last eight years. Gold coins like the $20 Saint Gaudens were not confiscated historically, and investors utilize these coins as long-term wealth preservation vehicles.

To learn more about the type of gold investment that would work best for you, give us a call or email us for your free copy of our 2010 Insider’s Guide To Gold Investing. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Investors who plan on a short-term profit-seeking venture should consider a gold bullion investment, because gold bullion products carry low premiums that could be overcome quickly if the gold spot price continues to rally. Gold investors who plan on a long-term hold, and investors who plan to focus on preserving their wealth and possibly growing it over a long period of time, may be more successful with certified US coins that were minted prior to the historic gold confiscation.

In 1933, our government confiscated all the gold bullion and certificates in circulation and in the hands of private citizens. Our government seized the gold to defer our heavy national debt and ease the Great Depression. Many economists believe that our government may confiscate gold again, and in that case, historic US coins that have been certified as Mint State by PCGS or NGC would most likely not be confiscated.

If you are new to the gold market and want to learn more about successful gold investing, get one of the limited copies of our 2010 Insider’s Guide To Gold Investing. You can receive this free tutorial electronically or by calling our toll-free number. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

When you begin searching for gold investment advice, visit the better business Bureau at www.BBB.org and conduct a background check on any company who offers their services. Oftentimes, savvy marketers who only sell one product try to miraculously “match” clients with their offering, so work with a gold exchange that offers information on a wide variety of gold products. The Certified Gold Exchange offers free, customized mail-out reports and live quotes on the most widely traded precious metal products, you can call them directly or register online. As is often the case, the best advice is the simplest advice. If you plan to hold your gold short-term and you are strictly focusing on profit, gold bullion is probably preferable.

Long-term investors also seek growth, but many long-term investors also seek protection from the weakening dollar and our inept government’s seemingly malicious monetary policies. In this case, historic US coins like the Lady Liberty series and the $20 Saint Gaudens may be a better investment. These coins have the potential to gain more value than bullion, and they are private investments. Learn more about the wide range of gold investments by calling us directly or requesting your copy of our Insider’s Guide To Gold Investing. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Many of these unfortunate people have turned to gold as an investment, because precious metals are considered safe-haven assets. When mainstream investments have underperformed during different periods throughout history, gold prices moved in the opposite direction.

In the 1930s, the Great Depression stole the livelihood of millions of Americans. Rather than falling, gold prices rose as investors sought the security of hard assets. The 1930s gold bug was squashed by the US government in 1933, when gold bullion ownership by private citizens was outlawed. You can learn more about the historic US bullion confiscation by requesting a copy of our Insider’s Guide To Gold Investing.

In the high inflationary cycle of the 1970s, many Americans again turned to gold as their wealth preservation vehicle. Some gold investors made over 1000% in the 1970s, and gold again proved its inverse relationship with the dollar once inflation subsided and gold prices fell.

Gold started to rise again in 2001, and many investors feel that our government is putting the final nail in the coffin with the expansive bailout and stimulus plan. If you are considering gold as an investment, contact us directly and one of our friendly gold specialists will be happy to answer all your questions and provide live quotes for the most widely traded precious metal products. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

First of all, a proper gold investment that is made outside of a retirement account should always include physically delivery. You are most likely buying the gold for some measure of safety, but what protection could the gold be to you if it is stored in another state or country? Once you take physical delivery of your metals, store them in a fire-safe on your property or in a local bank safety deposit box. Even if the bank fails, which many are continuing to do, your gold will be protected until you retrieve it.

Gold investments that will be stored for retirement accounts should always take the form of a precious metal-backed IRA. This does not include gold exchange traded funds (ETFs), shares in gold mining stocks, or other speculative gold derivatives. Physical gold is a safe-haven asset, and when you begin your mandatory withdraws you can take physical delivery of your gold or receive payment through check or bank wire.

Lastly, remember that short-term (1-14 month) gold investments should utilize bullion products to engage in short-term profit taking. Investors who are more focused on long-term wealth preservation and growth have historically maintained their portfolios with certified, investment-grade coins. Although these coins cost more up front, they still tend to outpace the growth of bullion products during financially distressing times for the US economy.

Investors who would like to learn more about the contrasts between bullion and rare coins should call us directly to have your questions answered by our friendly specialists. Or if you prefer, simply register for our free gold investment tutorial to get started. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold prices have risen to combat the falling dollar and increased demand, and many investors have decided that they desire the best gold investment for their portfolios. Just as not all stocks, bonds, or properties fit the needs of every investor, neither does every gold investment. Investors who are looking for a short-term (1-14 months) stake in the gold market typically purchase gold bullion bars and/or coins. Bullion trades close to the gold spot price, so spot price spikes allow bullion investors to see quick profits. If you plan to hold your gold for a longer period of time for wealth preservation and privacy, the best gold investment could be US coins that were minted prior to 1933.

Pre-1933 coins trade on the Certified Gold Exchange just like bullion, and they have historically been more profitable than modern-day gold bullion. Additionally, historic American rarities are private and deemed non-confiscatable by our government’s own rules. Contact Gold-Investment.info directly to learn more about gold bullion and certified, non-confiscatable gold coins. These investments could play a large role in preserving and growing your wealth during these trying economic times. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

If you are looking for a short-term hedge against inflation or deflation and you want to outpace the loss made in the US dollar, a bullion investment may be advisable. If you believe that the United States is in much hotter water, because of our failing economy and the outstanding national debt, then you might want to diversify with certified gold and silver coins. These coins track the spot prices of their respective metals, but they also carry a numismatic value that has caused our government to deem them private and non-confiscatable.

If our government makes another run on bullion like it did in 1933, certified gold and silver coins would most likely remain exempt from such a seizure. Investors who believe that our nation will be in full recovery in the next few months may prefer to invest in gold bullion for short-term profits, but investors who fear a deeper recession or even a depression are more apt to succeed with a certified coin investment. Contact us directly to get more free information on the different kinds of gold and silver investments, or to get started with your diversification. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

HOLD LONG-TERM – If you believe that our nation is headed for an extended recession or even another national depression, you most likely want to hold your gold long-term. You want to retain possession of hard assets like gold until our tragically derailed economy gets back on track, because now is not the time to hold fiat currency.

BUY FOR SAFETY – If you are buying for safety, security, and wealth preservation, then a certified coin investment may be a wise addition to your portfolio. Some investors want to score some quick profits in the gold market before liquidating their assets and waiting for another pullback. These investors gravitate towards gold stocks and low-premium gold bullion items, which are not recommended for security-seeking buyers.

WANT A PRIVATE INVESTMENT – Our government classifies certified gold and silver coins as items of recognized rare and unusual value to collectors, so they would not seize these rarities if another bullion confiscation took place within our borders. The historic confiscation recovered over 131 million ounces of gold bullion from 1933-1971, but rare coin investors were permitted to freely buy, sell, and trade their coins. If you believe that our dollar could reach the brink of insolvency, it could be advantageous to purchase certified coins now.

For more information on the various types of gold investments, you can call us directly and our friendly specialists will provide you with the helpful assistance the expert knowledge that you require. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Investors make gold bullion investments as a hedge against any economic problems that may affect our country or the entire world. Our mainstream financial markets have steadily declined during the last few years, so investors have consistently taken advantage of the bullish gold bullion market for the last eight years in an attempt to capitalize on short-term profits.

Investors buy gold bullion because of the widespread assumption that the gold spot price will rise in coming years, and on short-term economic troubles. Gold has increased by over 400% within the last decade, and investors who own physical gold have been able to keep their finances private and independent of the struggling dollar.

If you want to make a gold bullion investment, remember that our government can confiscate that type of metal at any time, and they historically paid $50 per ounce for the yellow metal. The most popular gold bullion items today are the $50 American gold Eagle and Engelhard gold bullion bars. If gold confiscation is a concern for you, invest in certified gold coins like the $20 Saint Gaudens and the $20 Lady Liberty.

Similarly to other investments, gold bullion prices are driven by supply and demand. While most of the gold ever mined is still in existence, rapidly increasing demand has forced the gold spot price higher. If you believe that our nation could suffer more financial problems in the future, contact us directly to determine if your portfolio could use a little protection with a physical gold investment. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The majority of US investors who have purchased gold have decided to buy private gold, such as “Mint State” versions of the Lady Liberty and Indian Head series. These coins, which are certified as Mint State by either the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), increase and decrease along with the Commodities Exchange (COMEX) gold spot price. Their numismatic value generally increases over time, so gains could be seen even if gold spot prices lie dormant.

These coins could be more profitable than gold bullion in the long run, but their private and non-confiscatable status by the US government is they key benefit of Mint State certified gold coins. Investors who want a long-term position in the gold market prefer these coins, but short-term investors are wise to purchase gold bar investments or modern-day gold bullion coins. The following manufacturers produce 0.999 pure gold bars in weights that range from one gram to 1000 ounces:

• Johnson-Matthey

• Engelhard

• PAMP-Suisse

• Credit-Suisse

If you want to make gold bar investments and take physical delivery of your gold, then it is advisable to purchase bullion bars that have been produced by one of these companies. These companies do not sell directly to the public, so it is also important to locate a reputable gold exchange that can facilitate your transaction. Contact www.Gold-Investment.info now to set up your gold investment..

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Not unlike most things, gold coin investments may not be right for every individual or portfolio. There are a few key steps that investors should take before entering the gold market. These steps are briefly explained below, but you could contact us directly at 800-300-0715 for a better understanding of the gold coin market.

1. In order to make a successful precious metal investment, it is vital to do an introspective evaluation. Decide if you want to remain vested for short-term (1-14 months) or long-term (14 months or more). You could require a different type of gold depending on how long you want to hold the metal, and investors who seek immediate profits will seek a different type than investors who require wealth preservation. Understanding the intricacies of the market, and how they can help or hurt your portfolio is pivotal in making a wise gold investment.

2. Once you know what you want to accomplish with your gold coin investment, you should research the vast number of commonly traded products. Bullion coins like the American Gold Eagle and the Austrian Corona are popular investments for short-term profit seekers, but there are a great many other options. Certified versions of historic American coins are preferable for long-term investors, because these coins are completely private and tend to appreciate numismatically and with the gold spot price. The $20 Saint Gaudens and the $20 Lady Liberty are two of the most common portfolio additions for long-term security seekers.

3. Once you have determined your investment goals and your gold coin investment, speak with a reputable gold exchange to ensure that you are making a wise purchase. Dealers that have A+, Zero Complaint ratings with the Better Business Bureau (www.BBB.org) are your best friends in this respect, because their brokers can assist you in making a sound move. Contact a reputable dealer locally or contact us at 800-300-0715 to see if you qualify for our institutional discounts. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Some gold investment companies offer leverage programs, and these programs basically allow you to purchase a large amount of gold with a small down payment. When gold prices go up, you win…or at least you should. Often, unscrupulous brokers will pressure you into purchasing more gold with your newfound equity. Once gold spot prices retreat, you could be in hot water, and a lot more debt.

Other “gold” dealers offer gold stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs), and investors have been pleased with the recent performance of these investments. These investors should be aware, however, that gold stocks are not personally allocated. In a national emergency, like the one that so many economists believe is headed our way, you may be unable to get your hands on physical gold that a gold stock says you own. If you’re investing for safety over profit, these investments may not be right for you.

Safety-minded investors want debt-free, physical gold. True safe-haven assets are owned outright and privately stored. If you believe that the United States may be up against especially difficult financial times, then physical gold is the way to go. Contact www.Gold-Bullion.org or www.CertifiedGoldExchange.com to save on various types of investment-grade physical gold. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Investors who simply want to track the price of gold should consider a gold stock or a pool account. These investments are unallocated, meaning that you do not own physical gold. In a national crisis, you would likely be unable to take delivery of physical metals, so your paper certificate is nothing more than an IOU. These investments are recommended for investors who simply want to be vested in a gold derivative without the safe-haven experience of physical delivery.

Investors who realize an urgent need for physical gold should invest with a reputable exchange that carries a proper selection of gold. Investors who want to hold their gold for less than 14 months should research gold bullion bars and coins. PAMP-Suisse gold bars and the American Gold Eagle are mounting in popularity as short-term investments. If you would like to maintain physical possession of your gold for longer than 14 months, and if you believe that our national economic situation may deteriorate further, then you should consider certified American coins. Certified American coins like the MS64 $5 Lady Liberty and the MS64 $20 Saint Gaudens have outperformed gold bullion by almost three-to-one this year, but their government non-confiscatability is another key feature of certified coins. The benefits of owning a government non-confiscatable coin are clear: you have complete privacy and liquidity even if our dollar reaches the point of insolvency.

There you have it, three types of gold investing for three exclusive kinds of investors. If you have questions about gold investing and you would like to learn the facts, contact www.Gold-Investment.info directly at 800-300-0715. Our friendly, trained specialists are here to help you get all the information you need about the gold market. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

1. Commodities Exchange (COMEX) accepted bars – These bars are available from reputable companies like Johnson-Matthey, Credit-Suisse and PAMP-Suisse. They carry low premiums over the active gold spot price

2. COMEX accepted rounds and coins – Various manufacturers produce rounds, which are circular bullion products. These are not considered coins, because they carry no face value and they are not legal tender. Bullion coins from mints like the US Mint and the Royal Canadian Mint, as well as bullion bars and rounds, are widely-used as a short-term (1-14 months) investment. Profit-seekers who foresee a potential spike in the gold spot price utilize these investments most often.

3. Certified gold coins – The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) inspect and grade historic gold coins. Coins that are deemed to be in Mint State condition are placed in a tamper-proof holder and assigned a serial number,. These are the most widely-used long-term gold investments, and they are also renowned for their US government non-confiscatability, and complete privacy.

4. American Eagle Proof coins – Investors can purchase this coin and take physical delivery of it, but reputable gold dealers try to reserve this coin for investors with retirement accounts. The American Eagle Proof is the only non-confiscatable coin that is permitted within a gold IRA.

Investors who would like to utilize their gold investment options to the fullest extent should contact a precious metal exchange that maintains a flawless rating with the Better Business Bureau (A+, Zero Complaints). Specialists at www.Gold-Investment.info can provide more information; just call 800-300-0715 to receive your free copy of the 2010 Insider’s Guide To Gold Investing. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Certified gold coins are private in a way that other investments aren’t. If you are looking for true security for your privately-stored wealth, certified gold coins may be for you. These coins are tax deferred and traded without dealer reporting or financial disclosures. Since PCGS and NGC-certified coins qualify as rare collectibles, our government would most likely not confiscate them as a means of shoring up our weakening dollar.

Certified gold coins are an excellent way to diversify an underperforming portfolio. Gold bullion and rare coins tend to move inversely to our failing dollar and stock indexes. Demand for certified coins could increase substantially over time, because the coins are in fixed supply. Our government cannot reproduce the value of pre-1933 rare coins, even if their modern-day offerings appear to be similar. Therefore, investors can profit when the gold price rises and when more investors and collectors decide to supplement their portfolios with these rarities.

Instant liquidity in over 120 countries is a major advantage of certified gold investments. Even though these investments are a premier way to avoid investing in the greenback, these coins make it easy to get your hands on cash if the need arises. If you are qualified to deal directly with the Certified Gold Exchange (www.CertifiedGoldExchange.com), your gold account will be just as liquid as a checking or savings account, and trading precious metals is as easy as calling them toll-free at 800-300-0715. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Investment-grade bullion bars that came from reputable companies like PAMP-Suisse and Engelhard are preferable. As far as gold bullion coins are concerned, stick with the most-utilized coins like the American Eagle and the Canadian Maple Leaf. Investors who want a less expensive coin could opt for the South African Krugerrand and, because this coin carries a very low premium. Before making a purchase, each investor should be mindful of the risks of gold bullion, which includes government confiscation.

The best gold bullion investments may not be the best overall investments, because gold bullion is not suitable for all portfolios. Market experts and ethical gold brokers usually limit their bullion recommendations to investors who want to hold their position from 1-14 months. If you are considering a longer-term stake in gold, a certified coin investment may do better for you financially. Besides being non-confiscatable, these coins could be more profitable than gold bullion, in any form. It is of the utmost importance to evaluate your investment goals with a qualified specialist to determine whether no gold, gold bullion, or certified gold coins are right for you. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Investors who seek a short-term position in the gold market typically shift into gold bullion bars and coins. The best gold coin investments for bullion buyers who seek low premiums are South African Krugerrands. Investors who want purity should choose the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, since that coin is minted with 24-karat (0.999 fine) gold. Many American investors feel comfortable investing in US-minted gold coins, and the American Eagle is a good fit for these investors. Gold bullion investors should be aware that all gold bullion coins that are within the United States are subject to confiscation by our government, as a means to back up our dollar.

Investors who want to hold their gold coins longer than 14 months should avoid bullion coins because of their government confiscatability. The best gold coin investments for long-term investors are historic coins that have been certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). US coins that were minted prior to 1933 and have been certified as Mint State by either of these two agencies meet the criteria of a non-confiscatable coin. The $20 Saint Gaudens is the most widely used non-confiscatable coin, because its numismatic value, historic highs, and long-term projections are very attractive. Contact the Certified Gold Exchange directly at 800-300-0715 to learn more about the best gold coin investments for your portfolio or retirement account.

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Investors should not choose their precious metal provider based on celebrity endorsements. While many of these celebrities make good points about potentially rising gold prices and our worsening economy, their hefty endorsement fees usually land in the consumer’s lap in the long run. Each investor needs to analyze his or her personal investing goals before choosing a company or a product. Gold bullion products are the preferred investment for short-term investors who are strictly looking for profits; certified rare coins are the more appropriate option for long-term investors who fear that our dollar could implode, along with our economy. Gold bullion investors should visit reputable websites such as www.Kitco.com and www.Gold-Bullion.org, while certified rare coin investors may want to further research their preferred gold investment at www.rare-coin.org. Individuals who know what sort of gold that their portfolio requires are encouraged to contact the Certified Gold Exchange directly, because large-volume discounts that financial institutions are eligible for may also be available to household investors.

The gold spot price at 1:30pm EST was $1047.80, which is a $21.70 increase so far today. The spot price has climbed over 40% in the last 365 days, and the upward trend that gold started in 2001 is expected to continue until our economy stabilizes, which could happen as early as 2012. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold bullion investments are a traditional way for investors to get their feet wet in the gold market. Gold bullion comes in bar and coin form, and investors can purchase gold bars in increments as small as one gram. Gold bullion prices closely track the active gold spot price, which is currently at $1041. Many long-standing companies like Engelhard and Johnson-Matthey manufacture gold bullion bars that have assigned serial numbers and guaranteed 0.999 purity. There are also a wide variety of gold coins that have been produced by government entities such as the US Mint. The $50, $25, $10, and $5 American Gold Eagle coins have become a familiar gold bullion coin within the United States and abroad. Gold bullion items like the $50 Gold Eagle may be the best gold investment for individuals who do plan to hold short-term.

Investors who would prefer a long-term position in the gold market may choose a different type of acquisition. Certified gold coins may be the best gold investment for Americans who want to hold their gold longer than 14 months. These coins historically provide accelerated growth for long-term investors, even if the gold spot price is repressed by malevolent government intervention. Certified gold coins like the MS63 Saint Gaudens and the MS61 Lady Liberty have outpaced gold bullion’s growth two-to-one during the last five years, and their private status is an attractive draw for many safety-oriented investors. All investors are encouraged to contact a reputable gold dealer who can further explain the advantages of gold bullion and certified gold coins. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

But do our policymakers really NEED our tax dollars? These decision-makers can print up as much new money as they want, right? Since 1971, when President Richard Nixon removed the US from the Gold Standard, our government has had free reign to print and spend US currency at will. Independent-thinking investors have liquidated their cash assets, opting instead to store their wealth by means of a gold investment. The gold spot price at 1pm EST is $1038.70, which is the same value that gold held at the market’s open this morning. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Detroit is not the only American city that is suffering from the foreclosure crisis. The West coast and the Southeast have been especially hard hit, and many real estate economists have vocalized their fears that improvement may not be seen for another three years. Many of our nation's citizens have taken measures to balance losses that their real estate investments may suffer, if they are able to sell at all. A gold investment is a preferable way to protect against a bursting real estate bubble, in case another housing bust dissolves another 20% of US home values. Gold is traded based on the Commodities Exchange (COMEX) spot price, which is currently $1060, and this is a 0.02% increase for the day. Investors use sites like www.GoldPrice.net to track the gold spot price, and lots of helpful information can be found at this location. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Rising unemployment has prompted more foreclosures during the last two years, and our national jobless rate currently stands at 9.8%. Many unfortunate home “owners” are unable to afford their monthly mortgage payments, so they have either abandoned those properties or have become foreclosure statistics. Higher foreclosure levels will flood the real estate market with vacated properties, which stands to further complicate our nation’s housing emergency. Stan Humphries is the chief economist for the real estate site www.Zillow.com, and he believes that home prices and home sales could deteriorate further over the long-term. "There's more supply that's going to come into the marketplace," Humphries said. "That additional supply will outpace demand." Profound.

Many White House economists have asserted that the $8000 tax credit that was made available to first-time home buyers will prevent another housing bust, because this credit has helped property owners to lure potential buyers. Concerns have emerged over the validity of some of the 1.5 million applications for the credit, which expires at the end of the month. The Treasury Department's Inspector General for Taxes questioned the legitimacy of 100,000 of the claims yesterday, which included claims by illegal immigrants, 580 people under the age of 18, and even “taxpayers” as young as four years old. While many real estate buyers have used a portion of their assets to purchase a gold investment as their back-up plan, gold investment companies have not reported increased demand by illegal aliens or minors so far. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

AIG, Bank of America, Citigroup, GM, GMAC, Chrysler and Chrysler Financial are the proud owners of a total of $317 billion in TARP-provided debt. While our Treasury Department recently capped the salaries and compensation packages of executives from these companies, loopholes in these new regulations have allowed for a privileged few to continue receiving their outlandish pay. New AIG CEO Robert Benmosche could be paid as much as $7 million this year, including salary and stock options. Benmosche is also eligible for performance bonuses at the end of 2009, and every red cent that he awards himself will be another slap in the face to share holders. AIG is not alone in their liberal spending; Bank of America has encouraged their senior management to use private jets "for safety and efficiency purposes." Government-controlled Freddie Mac is giving its CFO up to $5.5 million this year, including a $2 million signing bonus. Even though this financial entity is being financed without TARP, the willingness of our government to allow these astronomical numbers in the midst of our economic meltdown is beyond many investors. A gold investment has been the diversification strategy of choice for many investors, since gold has historically maintained its safe-haven status during tumultuous fiscal times. Gold's current spot price at 12:30pm EST was $1054.10, which is a 0.54% decline so far today. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold and silver prices could rise substantially during the next few years, according to US economist and money manager Peter Schiff. While Schiff and many others believe that gold could triple or even quadruple its current value, more conservative projectionists believe that the gold spot price could reach $1500 per ounce by 2011. The current gold spot price is $1061, which is a 0.5% increase so far today. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The Department of Commerce announced this morning that applications for building permits fell by 1.2% in September, which is the largest dropoff in five months. Companies that are based in the housing market like construction companies and building suppliers fear that our housing sector will continue to decline over the next few years, which could force many businesses to close their doors. In addition to the negative effects that the housing bust has had on home builders, current property owners have suffered immense losses in some regions. Some of these same property owners have been unable to unload their investments, even after lowering the sell price by 25% or more. Many economists fear that US properties could suffer another 15-20% loss by 2011, when over half of all mortgages are projected to default. Real estate investors, shareholders of housing sector-based securities, and owners of material or construction companies have been repeatedly admonished by top economists to protect their portfolios by making a silver or gold investment before our nation's real estate market deteriorates any further. Real estate is not liquid, stocks fluctuate wildly, and job security is scarce is today's America, but investors can obtain tangible financial security by taking physical possession of a precious metal diversification. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Companies like AIG were handing out billions of dollars in bonuses and compensation packages, when they were deeply in debt to the United States and its taxpayers. Our measly stimulus checks seem even less valuable when we look at the $23 trillion that the United States could spend on the entire bailout. Now, the government's mortgage assistance program aims to help borrowers who are unable to find sufficient credit to buy a house. Regardless of whether these buyers can make their payments over the long-term, the government is going to give them the benefit of the doubt and see what happens. And the crapshoot continues.

American homebuilders are cracking as well, as evidenced by the National Association of Homebuilders' latest report on homebuilder sentiment. The $8000 tax credit for homebuyers will end soon, and it is virtually impossible to close on a property before that rebate expires at the end of October. Homebuilders' stocks fell this afternoon after the report was released, and many economists expect to see home construction and sales fall substantially over the next few months. Property owners are encouraged to supplement their current holdings with a gold investment. The long-term protection and profit that physical gold provides is an excellent way to put extra insurance on a real estate investment. The current gold spot price is $1064.80, which is an 0.8% gain for the trading day. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Since that time, the Federal Reserve has printed trillions of dollars for the expressed purpose of giving them to these malfunctioning institutions. these institutions know that the government will not let them fail, so their assuredness has allowed them to place large bets on risky investments. Critics of our government's bank bailout believe that the institutions that caused our fiscal mess should be allowed to fail, and any stimulus funds should be put directly into the hands of the American public. Unfortunately, it appears as though big business and politics have tied the knot, leaving American consumers out of the loop.

Our nation's failing financial giants took a great deal of heat last year for their exorbitant compensation and bonus plans, which were paid for with taxpayer dollars. Today's consumer outrage at Goldman Sachs, our government, and other self-serving entities within the US, is a main motivator for those who make a gold investment. While gold could continue to be quite profitable for investors, as it has been since 2001, the wealth preservation and privacy that a gold investment could provide is the key factor that attracts so many institutional and household investors. The security that a gold investment provides is so strong in fact, that many investors have claimed that they would never sell their gold, even if it dropped significantly. Economists do not expect this to happen that this will happen within the next few years, but it is reassuring for gold investors to know that there are other like-minded Americans who dream of a better tomorrow. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The foreclosure crisis worsened by 5% during the third quarter of 2009, and about 938,000 properties entered foreclosure during the last three months alone. Many economists have blamed our government for the $8000 tax credit that was extended to new home buyers earlier this year. These antsy buyers jumped at the chance to own a house, but unfortunately many of them are now jobless and homeless. So many borrowers are unemployed and behind on their loans that lenders have been forced to proceed with foreclosures to maintain capital. The foreclosure rate is expected to rise with the unemployment rate, even though most major lenders offer programs that allow borrowers to defer up to six months of payments while they are searching for work. "The sheer scale of the problem is preventing the loan modification programs from having the kind of impact we'd all like," said Rick Sharga, senior VP of marketing for RealtyTrac. Investors who fear that their properties could lose more value are encouraged by many experts to take a position in the gold coin market. Even if our nation's real estate market loses another 20% before 2011, as many analysts believe it will, investors will have their hands on physical gold. Unlike real estate, which some investors have been trying to unload for months or even years, gold is liquid. A physical gold investment can be bought as an outrightly owned asset that is controlled by the investor, so many drowning property owners are purchasing this precious metal as their portfolio flotation device. The gold spot price is currently $1054.80, and gold is up more than 23% over the last year. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold is definitely not new, and its use as a financial back-up plan is not novel, either. In the 1930s and again in the 1970s, US citizens felt a great deal of anxiety about what our government would do to improve our economy and our nation's weak currency. Gold bullion is the least expensive way to obtain a protectionary wall of physical gold, but our government has shown in the past that instead of knocking down that wall, they may just confiscate it. Non-confiscatable gold is also available within the United States, and today's investors choose this type of metal when they are looking for a long-term wealth preservation vehicle. Until our government is able to handle our spiraling economy, and the corporate fat cats who ruined it, gold investment companies who offer free physical delivery could expect to see continued, increased interest from safety-conscious investors. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Economists fear that other states may follow Colorado’s lead, because there will be more people who will be more than willing to accept less pay. This form of extortion could become the norm as individuals become more desperate for any amount of income. The US Department of Labor reported last month that US household income was down 3% in 2008, and that figure does not take annual inflation into account. Colorado is lowering the minimum wage to 7.24, which is even lower than the federal minimum wage. Many American workers, and not only the minimum wage earning demographic, are worried about pay cuts and even layoffs. Our government has repeatedly shown that what they consider to be in the best interest of America, will be put far ahead of the urgent needs of her citizens.

Some investors who are fed up with our government’s radical ideas are making investments that are independent of the falling US dollar. Those who are concerned with wealth preservation often choose a gold investment as their vehicle. Www.GoldPrice.net is host to live precious metal spot prices around the clock, and investors who would like to know more about gold investing may find some valuable information from this website. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

In February, White House economist Christina Romer predicted that our current administration’s economic recovery plan would keep the jobless rate below 8% throughout the recession. With both feet firmly planted into their collective mouths, our government’s propagandists are still telling us, quite patronizingly, about the excellent recovery that our nation is experiencing, the rosy world in which we live, and that our nation’s currency doesn’t stink. If they were able to stop their panicked dialogue for one nanosecond, they would clearly see that our national unemployment level is on pace to reach 15-18% within the next two years. The 10% national unemployment rate is, in all likelihood, nowhere near the top.

Our government is now starting to smell desperate, as they are now offering a $3000 tax credit to employers for every employee hired in 2010. Surely, this won’t be taken advantage of, right? Where will this money come from? What long-term benefits will this program provide for any of us? Is this short-term plan any different from the various temporary plans that have been instituted since February? Yes, there are volumes of questions that no one wants to ask, maybe because the answer is just too scary. Whatever the case, economists still believe that our unemployment rate could continue to rise for years. The fallout from high unemployment could decimate Americans’ portfolios further, so many investors are considering a gold investment as a way to preserve their wealth until this fiduciary storm blows over. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Earlier this week, an independent report surfaced in the UK, which detailed secret meetings between Japan, China, France, Russia, and several oil-producing Middle Eastern nations. These hushed meetings, which the accused countries deny ever took place, were allegedly held with the intent of removing our dollar as the price base for globally traded commodities. The release of this report helped the gold investment spot price reach $1059 by yesterday, a new all-time high. International leaders want to replace our dollar with other currencies, and even gold. If this were to occur, it would have a catastrophic effect on our dollar, since the mere report of these meetings drove gold to three consecutive days of record high prices. Gold’s current value is $1048.80 per ounce on the Commodities Exchange(COMEX), which is a 0.68% decrease for the day. Gold has increased almost $800 per ounce since 2001, and many Wall Street economists feel that gold investments could continue to rise in value if our government inflates our money supply further. 

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Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Pool accounts and exchange traded funds(ETFs) allow owners to track the price of gold, and these have become quite popular. These stocks are actually gold derivatives, though, so investors should be aware that not all ETFs are backed by physical gold. If a deficit between the volume of gold shares and the actual gold that backs those shares is discovered, ETF values could fluctuate unpredictably in order to balance that discrepancy.

Leverage-based programs allow investors to put a down payment on their gold, and an increasing gold price could create some tidy profits for lucky individuals. Too often, though, aggressive brokers have coerced investors to increase their position in gold when excess equity has been earned. Many gold dealers have ruined their Better Business Bureau reputations with these programs, because margin calls have wiped investors out and created more debt when the gold spot price has decreased.

Gold bullion is a viable option for those who want to take physical delivery of a debt-free asset. Gold bullion bars and coins trade close to the active gold spot price, which fluctuates daily, so profits and losses can be taken quickly. Bullion investors should remember that raw metal is confiscatable by our government in times of national financial need, so investors who seek privacy should look elsewhere.

Graded gold coins may be a wise choice for investors who want a long-term stake in the gold market. These coins may provide accelerated growth over gold bullion, but their non-confiscatable status is what many investors find especially attractive. US-minted coins that were released prior to 1933 are the most popular graded coins for American investors, including the Saint Gaudens Double Eagle and the $5 Indian Head gold coin. Investors are encouraged to contact the Professional Coin Grading Service or the Certified Gold Exchange for more information on these safe-haven assets. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The apparent intent of these alleged meetings was to remove the dollar as the currency on which commodity prices like oil are based. Our dollar, which was recently able to halt its slide against other major currencies, began to fall sharply yesterday as the renegade article spread across the globe. Representatives from the nations that were indicted in the report denied the allegations repeatedly. Nonetheless, investors’ demand for safe-haven assts grew significantly after the report was released, and international denial of the report failed to repress gold investment prices throughout yesterday afternoon.

Some investors reinforced their position within the gold market, but a mild bout with profit-taking was recorded today. Some short-term investors capitalized on gold’s peak of $1049 by pulling out of the market today, presumably until another pullback is anticipated. This was reflected in the slight decrease in the Commodities Exchange(COMEX) gold spot price, but many of the certified coins listed by the Professional Coin Grading Service at www.PCGS.com were showing gains today. The gold spot price is up 4.7% during the last 30 days, and 21.74% in the last 365 days.  

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

October 6, 2009 – Individuals who have made a long-term gold investment and held that position are beginning to reap the fruits they have been cultivating, and today’s gold spot price could signal the beginning of the end for our nation’s troubled fiat currency. Some short-term investors sold their gold bullion back to the market this morning, after a $24.80 jump in the per-ounce gold price. Economists believe that a slight pullback in gold investment values could be seen within the next few days, but profit taking has been minimal so far. Institutional and household investors can obtain the gold price, as well as spot prices for silver and platinum, at www.GoldPrice.net, where active movement is tracked around the clock. 

While some investors are making a big deal out of gold’s new record-high of $1044, a great deal of long-term investors are simply keeping their heads down and their mouths closed. Gold has been trending upwards since 2001, and many economists believe that gold could continue to rise for a decade or more. When our government finally gets a firm grip on our economic plight, the dollar(or whatever currency is used by then) could stabilize, and gold would most likely lose value or stay flat. Some fear that inflation will be imminent when the Federal Reserve begins raising interest rates, so the movement in gold could be extended over a long period of time. Undoubtedly, many feel that the gold price should not only remain at current levels, but that it could continue to increase until consumer confidence in our economic system is firmly established. The active gold spot price is $1041.80, which is a 21.8% increase from last year’s same-time levels. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

October 5, 2009 – Many Americans fear for the safety of their gold investment right now, and with good reason. When something becomes too valuable in our eyes, the government invariably tries to take it away from us, like the schoolyard bully who wants that shiny new bike just because everyone else commented on how nice it is. The bully doesn’t even know how to ride a bike, and our government doesn’t even know that their efforts to take our land, our basic freedoms, and our gold, boil down to a basic psychological pattern that proclaims “I want what you’ve got.” There are ways to eliminate the threat of gold confiscation, and investors should be aware of these methods. 

The easiest way to avoid fear over gold confiscation is to not make a gold investment. Our government can, and will, change the rules accordingly so that they get what they want. It is naive to believe that, should they need our gold, they will ask nicely or willingly pay fair market value. Gold bullion bars and coins were spoils of the 1933 gold confiscation, so today’s investors only use gold bullion as a short-term investment. Long-term potential growth, and a non-confiscatable item, is found with pre-1933 US gold coins. Investors may be able to make good use of the information found on www.Gold-Bullion.org, which details President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1933 Executive Order prohibiting the hoarding of gold.

Today’s gold spot price increased substantially from opening levels, and at 5pm EST gold was trading at $1016.70 on the Commodities Exchange(COMEX). This is a $14.70 increase over this morning’s opening levels, and gold has risen $181.80 during the last 365 days. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The three major US stock indexes posted gains in the last three months that rival their best runs ever, and the fact that the gains were registered in the thick of the worst fiduciary nightmare since the Great Depression makes the story that much more incredible. Stock investors are thankful that our government decided to invest over $11 trillion in a failing financial system, because a large portion of the $11 trillion was used to purchase mortgage-backed securities and other stock-based assets. Many stock investors are now liquidating their mutual funds and making a gold investment with their newly-found liquidity. Investors use gold, which is a liquid commodity itself, to protect a vulnerable portfoio from losses that may be incurred with stocks. Gold is also utilized as an inflation hedge, meaning that gold could compensate for the spending power that is lost when interest-bearing accounts underdeliver.

An inherent law of investments is that they all carry risk, but some gold investments have been exhibiting a progressively more beneficial risk-to-reward ratio over the last 18 months. Precious-metal.org is a website dedicated to helping investors clearly understand how a portfolio may benefit from the proper type of gold investment. The active spot price for investors who want to buy and sell gold is $1007.90. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Kerr questions Wall Street's ability to maintain the surge that it brought to the world over the last quarter, and he believes that the instability within our fledgling economy could prove to be too much for the dollar to bear. Our national jobless rate is sky-high and expected to break the 10% barrier before 2010. Some economists fear that unemployment levels of 15-18% could be realistic occurrences within the next five years. The inability of American citizens to spend could drive businesses into the ground, destroying tremendous amounts of value within stock markets. China's demand for a new world reserve currency could further depress the dollar's value, and investors with large cash holdings are extremely alarmed about what the future of our greenbacks may be. Many individuals are now placing American Gold Eagle coins inside their IRAs, and the Engelhard gold bullion bar is another popular, IRA-acceptable item. Gold-backed IRAs allow investors to transfer any portion of their retirement account into precious metals. When mandatory withdrawls begin, physical gold may be gained rather than fiat currency. This is an attractive option for a great many investors with underperforming retirement accounts.

Gold investment opportunities are available in many different forms, so check the Better Business Bureau at www.BBB.org to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable gold dealer. Demand an account agreement for your investment, and listen carefully to the brokers you speak with in order to seperate the professional from the shameless self-promotoer. Today's gold spot price is $1003.40, and gold is up 15.22% over the last 365 days.

 Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Charles Plosser is an unpopular figure for many of today's economists who believe that an acute bout with economic slack will prevent inflationary concerns for the general public. These naive economists believe that stagflation could eventually help the United States to regain financial health. Plosser,who is the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, presented a discourse at Lafayette University earlier this week, in which he took aim at Federal Reserve officials who want to add more currency to the already bulging supply. His remarks reflect the fact that he is not letting his experience in previous economic cycles go to waste. Plosser stated that forming financial policy that is based on volatile and rapidly changing markets is "problematic." He believes that, as seen in the 1970s, inflation can ravage a currency even if the economy is perceived as "slack". Two of the main catalysts that are influencing investors are Unethical government officials who perpetually project positive economic activity despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, and growing fear of long-term inflation, which could lead to the collapse the dollar.

Gold's active spot price at 1pm EST is $1010.20, which is an increase of $16.80 today. Gold has increased 6.08% in the last 30 days, and market researchers believe that gold could surpass its historical high of $1033 before the end of 2009. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Chief executives from business around the nation are expecting more lay-offs and lower company spending, according to a recently conducted Business Roundtable poll released on Tuesday. More than half of the CEOs who were polled think that the economy will continue to shrink, and 40% of top executives plan to cut jobs within the next six months. Unemployment levels are expected to pass the 10% threshold before the end of 2009, and economists fear that stock values and prompt mortgage payments could plummet due to the higher number of jobless Americans. The vicious cycle of unemployment, unpaid bills, and increased corporate debt could, in all likelihood, negate any gains that stock holders hope to sustain in the coming years. Gold and silver investments did well for investors in the 1970s, when unemployment and inflation were major issues. Gold led some investors to 1000% gains back then, and market analysts believe that similar results could be acheived in our current financial cycle.

Properly orchestrated, a gold investment gives its owners the opportunity to make a profit, while stock and real estate markets tumble uncontrollably. There are no guarantees in gold, as there are none in life, but the safe-haven status that gold has historically held gives peace of mind to families who are looking for a back-up plan. The active gold spot price on the New York Mercantile Excgange(NYMEX) is $992.80, which is an escalation of 0.13% for the day. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The Social Security program will begin paying out more in benefits than it collects in taxes, starting in 2010. The Social Security Administration fund's shortfall will be added to the federal deficit, and is attributed to rising unemployment levels as more workers are being forced into early retirement. A rising number of individuals who are eligible for Social Security benefits, are relying exclusively on those funds for survival. Available jobs are scarce, so those who would normally consider themselves unemployed are now classified as "retired". The worry for these "retirees" is that the Social Security fund will be exhausted, leaving them in the financial lurch with no way out. If gold rises with inflation, as it does historically, these investors could see profits that could sustain them throughout their life. More importantly, a gold investment could provide safety for those who have lost a large percentage of their portfolios in stocks and real estate.

Investors who are considering an investment in gold or silver should conduct thorough research before moving funds into precious metals. Investigate the market further at www.goldsilver.org, or contact a reputable gold dealer who holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. The current gold spot price is $995.40, and gold has risen 4.15% in the last 30 trading days. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

One of the biggest fears that many Americans have is that their gold investment is not safe. The third G20 Summit this year may not consummate anything besides finger pointing, but one item that is sure to be on their docket is the weak US Dollar. President Barack Obama and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke have taken a lot of heat recently for utilizing financial strategies that many believe ccould hurt the United States. China and other holders of US debt and bonds want the Dollar removed as the world reserve currency, and they demand that the United States back the Dollar with some real value. This was historically accomplished throught a government-led gold confiscation. In 1933, President Roosevelt collared 131 million ounces of gold bullion from private citizens, whose patriotic genorosity was rewarded with a paultry $50 per troy ounce. Historical data and the current economic climate gives cause for investors and economists to ponder what may happen to gold bullion over the next few months.

Investors who want to free themselves from confiscation concerns diversify from gold bullion, which is primarily used as a short-term hedge against inflation. Long-term investors, who believe that the United States is in a much worse predicament than government officials let on, tend to do better with a certified gold investment. Certified gold coins, which can be researched further at www.certifiedgoldexchange.com, were never confiscated, and they have outpaced gold bullion three-to-one over the past eight months. 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Much of the financial hype last week centered around the Fed's rquarterly assessment of the US economy, although the numbers provided mixed information for investors. Government claims that the recession is over are backed by figures that show less turbulence in the employment and housing sectors, but these numbers clearly show that the US is in a very difficult situation. Almost 600,000 people per week are filing initial claims for unemployment benefits, while 200,000 new applications per week could show a healthy economy. Sales for already-existing homes were down 2.7% in August, even though some government officials previously predicted that a sales increase would occur. If buyers see prices stabilize, the housing recovery could be relatively quick. Lawerence Yun, chief economist with IHS Global Insight, says "We're not there yet."

All investments carry a degree of risk, and any broker who promises or guarantees profits should not be dealt with. A gold investment can be a great way to store wealth independently, since it relieves worry about interest rates on CDs and the FDIC going broke. The GoldPrice live ticker shows that gold is currently selling for $998.40 per ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange(NYMEX). 

Daily Updates Archive

Stewart Lawson

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Morning Zhou's MarketWatch article tells us that gold futures contracts remained flat on Wednesday, as investors await the Fed's latest announcement on monetary policy. The Fed could decide to raise interest rates, which would devalue current bonds. The desicion to add even more money to the already heavy supply of Dollars on the market could have a bearing on gold, which historically grew in value as the Dollar crumbled. Gold bullion analyst James Moore said this morning that "gold looks set for a choppy day due to a line-up of data," and his prediction held true as unsure investors tried to decipher the information being delivered at the central bank's two-day meeting. Critics of Ben Bernanke, the Federal Reserve Chairman, believe that future hyper-inflation is imminent if the current monetary policy is allowed to continue any longer. Investors wary of the current economy use their gold investments as a back-up plan in case the unthinkable comes to pass. Paper and electronic assets could become null and void, and the safety that gold could provide is sufficient cause for many families to diversify into the yellow metal.

Gold investments come in all shapes, sizes, and types, and the investor who is relatively new to gold should be aware of the risks that each kind of gold investment carries. Contact a reputable gold dealer who trades both bullion and certified metal. Investors should always purchase the precious metal item that meets their needs, not the company's business model. The current gold spot price is $1014.20, and gold has remained between $1005-$1019 during today's trading session. This is a 19% increase over last year's levels.

Daily Updates Archive

Janet Villalon

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The Equifax credit bureau reported this week that more US-based mortgages are delinquent and in foreclosure than ever before. A record 7.6% of individuals with mortgages were at least one month behind on their house payment in August, and August also marked the fourth straight month that delinquencies rose within the United States, meaning that the housing bust that started years ago is still very much affecting the way a great many Americans live. California, Florida, Washington, and Texas have been especially hard hit by the slump, and real estate consultants like Peter Zalewski believe that real estate investors could be forced to hold those assets much longer than they would like to. In other news, stock markets are relatively flat today, as Obama's speech to the United Nations did little to put zeal back into the hearts of stock brokers who are concerned that stocks' recent rally was vastly overdone. Many economists expect a major pullback in US and overseas stocks before the end of 2009, which could mean that it is gold's time to shine.

Silver and gold investments can be researched more thoroughly at www.goldsilver.org, and investors who are looking to buy and sell certified coinage should visit www.certifiedgoldexchange.com for more information on numismatic coins. The gold spot price is currently at $1016.70, which is a $13 increase for the trading session and a 7.87% increase over the course of the last 30 days.

Daily Updates Archive

Janet Villalon

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold investing is expected to grow in popularity over the next few years, and in the coming months the gold market could see record numbers due to a slow holiday season and consumers who are unsure about the economy's movement. Many economists expect a last quarter drop in stock indexes after powerful returns over the last few weeks that not many think can be replicated. The US unemployment rate is expected to top 10% during the last three months of 2009, which leads many to believe that the final quarter of this year could be huge in determining what happens within the US for the next few years. Gold investments are considered safe-haven investments because they historically act as a balancing beam for investors who are weighed down with heavy real estate and stock losses. Also, gold has traditionally risen as the Dollar falls, which could mean higher numbers for gold if the Fed continues to overprint and overspend.

Gold is currently priced at $1005.10 per COMEX ounce, and this is a 0.24% decrase for gold on the day. The gold bullion spot price is up 17.79% in the last 365 days, and certified gold investments have seen an average of 37% profit in the last 12 months. The gold price is available to financial institutions and household investors at www.goldprice.net.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The data, which is posted by Julianne Pepitone with Yahoo Finance, shows five states with unemployment levels above 12%. California, Nevada, and Rhode Island all hit record highs, and the Labor Department reported that Michigan has the highest jobless rate at 15.2%. The record-high California numbers come as a shock to economists who expected the western state to improve figures over the last quarter. California real estate purchases are up, but the record number of loans in default and purchasers without jobs is reason enough to shift into safe haven assets for many investors. Many experts feel that rising unemployment and foreclosure rates feed a bigger monster that could wipe out 75% of wealth over the next decade, meaning trillions of Dollars would disappear. This could pump up commodities prices as it did in the 1930s and 1970s.

Gold investments are made when proper diversification is sought after during high inflationary times. Gold investments come in the form of futures and mining contracts, ETFs, gold bullion bars and coins, and certified coins. Each type of gold investment has advantages and disadvantages, and physical delivery gold bullion and certified gold is usually recommended when portfolio stability is of the utmost importance. The gold spot price, which is actively moving at www.goldprice.net, is $1010.50.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

US household are now bringing home 3.6% less income, says a Federal Reserve report released earlier in the week. Retirement accounts are shrinking at a sickening pace, unemployment is ready to top the 10% mark, and the Obama administration's bank bailout and economic stimulus plan appears to be backfiring on Ben Bernanke and White House economists. Major institutions like JP Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs are already making high-risk investments similar to ones made before the recession and credit crunch hit. Stock market analysts have seen the market register a rise for the first quarter in two years, but experts such as Rob Gordon with Yahoo Finance expect that the market could drop again soon, probably due to stock investors who want to cash out while the government's funds boost companies' optimism. The projected decline in stocks is expected to correspond with a rise in gold investments, which American investors are making at a record pace in 2009.

The current gold spot price is $1013.60, which is a decrease of $0.70 for Thursday. The flat market was called for by most gold dealers. Gold investments, like other markets, almost never move in a straight line and the spot price fluctuates daily. To obtain more gold investment information, to contact the Certified Gold Exchange, or to find a reputable dealer near you within the Certified Gold Exchange network, visit ccertifiedgoldexchange.comor make the toll-free call to 800.300.0715.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq market are both reporting upward movement on the trading floor on Wednesday. Gold investments that are priced based on the New York Mercantile Exchange(NYMEX) spot price, which is currently $1019.20 per COMEX ounce at 2:30pm on Wednesday, are up 1% for the day, and PCGS and NGC graded coins have posted a 3.3% gain so far today. The trading session has seen improvements in most major markets, and commodities like gold, silver, and food, are expected to rise at record paces, including a possible record-breaking gold spot price that has been projected by expert economists at the wall Street Journal and other media outlets.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Economists are now comparing Ben Bernake, Federal Reserve chairman, to former Fed chairman Paul Volcker. Volcker incited a major recession in the 1970s when he jacked up interest rates to combat "stagflation", which pairs a stagnant economy with hyper-inflation. Bernake's Fed has kept interest rates at historic lows, and some economists believe that interest rates will be forced up in the near future. Many investors believe that a massive influx of fresh, crisp US Dollars is due to show up in circulation and in the Fed's vault cash. What happened historically in this situation? In the 1970s, Volcker's Fed pushed up interest rates to battle double-digit inflation that crushed cash accounts. This led a charge in gold that allowed some investors to see gains of over 1000% throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s. Analysts like Walter Murphy at Merrill Lynch are projecting that gold could break record highs before the end of 2009, and long-term projections for gold range from $1200 to $2000 for one ounce of COMEX gold.

The current gold spot price is $1001, which is a 27% increase over the last 365 days. Gold investments that consist of bullion products have recorded gains similar to the 27% spot price increase, while investors who hold certified gold for long-term profit and safety have reported an average of 18% of growth in the last 90 days.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Specialists at Certified Gold Exchange, Inc., America's only premier long-standing precious metals dealership, say that they want to educate all American investors before any more wealth is wiped out. Investors who are interested in a back-up plan for their portfolio are encouraged to visit certifiedgoldexchange.com to receive their free copy of the 2009 Investor's Guide to Gold Investing, an award-winning tutorial offered exclusively by the gold specialists at the certified Gold Exchange. even though many American investors aren't qualified to do business directly with the dealer-to-dealer trading platform due to their $3500 minimum, the experts at the Certified Gold Exchange want to help investors who understand that the government's bailout and stimulus plan is only a trojan horse that will create more problems than it solves. IRAs and 401Ks have lost an average of 35% in value since 2008 inside the United States, and brokers at the Certified Gold Exchange are also qualified to help investors who want to put precious metals inside their retirement accounts. Gold for September delivery is trading at $1000.80 on Monday afternoon, and current spot prices are always accessible at goldprice.net.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The Federal Reserve reported earlier in the week that many industries around the country are finding it difficult to stabilize financially, although the Cash-For-Clunkers program did pour $1 billion into the automotive industry. Their lack of ability to increase capital could increase corporate debt, which may hurt stock investors. Many stock traders are expecting their market to retreat over the next few weeks, and are selling unprofitable stocks before corporate debt climbs any higher. Meanwhile, those with gold holdings are eyeing the possibility of record high spot prices with glee. Many of today's precious metals buyers traditionally invest in stocks, bonds, and real estate, and they are following the trends in the cycle by moving a percentage of their portfolios into commodities like gold. Many economists expect gold prices to top $1100 levels before Christmas, and they expect paper assets to drop another 6% in value in the same three month period.

COMEX gold earmarked for September delivery is up 1% for the trading day, slowly edging up past $1006 per ounce during afternoon trading. Stock markets are dropping slowly below the day's opening values, which bumped oil up to $72, while silver and other commodities posted modest gains as well.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Gold is available to investors in a wide variety of forms. Gold Exchange Traded Funds allow users to track the general price of gold, and these funds send investors a certificate stating that the owner holds a certain number of shares of gold. However, many investors are looking for security inside a volatile portfolio, and unallocated ETFs which track the price of gold may not be backed by any actual gold. An audit of these companies could reveal that the shares of gold do not have real gold allocated to them, and this could drop the price of the ETFs drastically overnight. Investors who want the gold in the palm of their hand opt instead for gold bullion bars or coins, and sometimes certified rare coins. Bullion is the type of gold that short-term investors look for, because it trades close to the spot price of gold, which allows for quick profits. Certified rare coins are only a safe investment for those who are looking to hold long-term. Most certified coin investors are more concerned with safety than quick profit, so they purchase government non-confiscatible coins graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.

Thursday was a slow day in most major markets, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq platforms posting slight gains along with gold and silver. Gold investors took advantage of Wednesday's slight price drop from the $1000 range, picking up bullion items at prices based on Thursday's $996 spot price. PCGS and NGC coins averaged a 1.8% gain across the board. Stay up to date with the price of gold at www.goldprice.net and www.pcgs.com.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Historically, US investors shift funds into gold bullion when the economy is in a shrinking state, as it is now. Gold is projected to rise in value due to it's very limited availability in comparison with paper currency, which many believe will keep being produced in high amounts inside the United States. Add to this the fact that China is contemplating dropping their US bond holdings for a handbasket of currencies, and almost everything points to gold. So, the question, "Is bullion a good investment?" seems odd.

Why does the uncertainty about bullion exist? Gold is at $997, up 24% in the past 365 days, and many expert projections place gold at over $1300 in the next few months. Gold bullion was historically recalled by the US government, and from 1933 until 1973 hoarding gold was a crime punishable by prison time inside the United States. Today, traders use gold bullion as a short-term investment because of the risk of another gold confiscation. It may never happen, but investors cautious about the US government aren't taking any chances. They believe that gold bullion will be taken by the government to back up the US Dollar's value, as it was by President Roosevelt in 1933. The trend is for these investors to shy away from bullion, opting instead to invest in PCGS certified rare coins. Investors with questions about gold can track gold bullion and certified rare coins online at PCGS.com and goldprice.net.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

There are many other significant advantages of gold investments, and typically these advantages depend on what you seek with precious metals. Are you looking for short-term profit or long-term wealth preservation? Short-term profit is an advantage that could be obtained with modern-day bullion bars and coins while long-term wealth preservation is an advantage that could be obtained with pre-1933 certified rare coins. Entering the market with the appropriate product is one of the most important advantages because it typically separates winners from losers in this expansive market. Feel free to browse this website to learn more about the advantages that you could obtain by investing with gold.

If you seek more information on modern-day bullion bars and coins, it is recommended that you research www.Gold-Bullion.org.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Every investor could use a little bit of assistance when diversifying into gold, and that’s why it is always recommended that you work hand-in-hand with a market expert that could guide you towards a successful diversification. Reputability is very important in this industry, and for example, reputable nationwide dealers like the Certified Gold Exchange (www.CertifiedGoldExchange.com) have a long-standing history of providing competitive pricing and tactical assistance to clients. If you would like to learn more about how you could benefit with precious metals, feel free to browse this website or visit www.Buy-Gold.org.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Depending on your personal investing goals and needs, you can figure out what could be a good investment for you. If you seek short-term profit, you may want to explore bullion bars and coins like the American Eagles by researching websites like www.Gold-Bullion.org. On the other hand, if you seek long-term wealth preservation, you may want to explore certified rare coins like the $20 Saint Gaudens by researching websites like www.Rare-Coin.org. Feel free to browse this website for more useful investor strategies and product breakdowns that could help you maximize investing potential in this diverse market.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

When looking to invest in gold coins, it’s also important that you meet your investment goals with the appropriate coins for you. Modern-day bullion coins like the American Eagles and South African Krugerrands are widely used by investors who have short-term profit goals while certified rare coins like the $20 Saint Gaudens and $10 Indian Heads are widely used by investors who have long-term preservation goals. As you can see, entering the market with the ideal coin should be priority if you want to maximize your profit or wealth preservation potential. Feel free to browse this website for detailed product breakdowns and investor strategies that could make you a winner when making your precious metal diversification.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

In the past eight years, dollar-backed assets like stocks and real estate have lost massive portions of their value, while safe investments like gold have increased in value more than 300%. The question is, how could you protect your hard-earned wealth with gold? The answer to this is quite simple, and protecting yourself is as easy as contacting a reputable precious metal dealer like the Certified Gold Exchange in order to receive expert direction with your precious metal diversification. Reputability is the cornerstone of the gold industry, and that’s why you only want to deal with the most reputable and well-known companies available. Feel free to browse this website for more investors strategies and product breakdowns, and don’t forget to visit one of North America’s leading precious metal dealers, www.CertifiedGoldExchange.com for personalized assistance that could make you a winner in today’s unsafe investing markets.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Once you have found reputable gold investment companies, it is then time to figure out which one is best for you. Simply by contacting these companies, you can get a better feel for their integrity and honesty. Try contacting several dealers and compare their styles. If you would like to learn more about the different options available to you when investing in gold, feel free to browse this website or visit www.Buy-Gold.org.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

During the midday trading hours, it appears that COMEX bars are losing a bit of their value as the gold spot price takes a small step backwards due to a small rally with the United States Dollar Index, yet several market analysts are expecting the spot price to rebound before the end of the week as a result of growing speculation about future instability with fiat currencies. Currently, the spot price of the metal is trading at around $950.60 per ounce, falling $3.10 for the day, yet gaining $128.40 in the last year. Some very interesting bullish projections have forecasted that gold may climb above and beyond $1000 per ounce before 2010 if the United States Federal Reserve decides to increase interest rates before a true economic recovery.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

During the midday trading hours, gold current prices are being well supported by a wide array of economic data showing lower risk taking demand and higher safe haven demand for precious metals. Currently, the gold spot price is sitting at $954.50 per ounce, jumping up $13.70 for the day, and also jumping up $141.70 in the last year. Several market analysts have predicted that the spot price may climb up to $975 per ounce before the end of the month, which in turn could lead the way for $1000 per ounce throughout September.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

There are several different types of investment-grade rare coins, the most popular being the widely traded, common dated $20 Saint Gaudens and $20 Lady Liberty. Many investors prefer these coins because several of them have increased in value more than 320% since 2001 with potential to continue increasing if inflation becomes a major issue in our economy. If you seek more information on this unique market, I highly recommend that you research websites like www.Rare-Coin.org and www.CertifiedGoldExchange.com for detailed product breakdowns and useful investor strategies that could help you maximize profit and wealth preservation potential.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Bullion bars are produced by precious metal manufacturers around the world, yet only a few companies have the prominence and reputability of being the best around. Some of the most popular bars are produced by Johnson Matthey, Credit Suisse, Engelhard, and let’s not forget Pamp Suisse that creates some of the most visually appealing bars available, hence the title “Gold Dream.” For more detailed product breakdowns on these world-renowned bars, try visiting reputable websites like www.Gold-Bullion.org and www.Precious-Metal.org. If you would like to learn more about investing with some of history’s most preservative assets, feel free to browse this website for useful strategies that could help you maximize investment potential.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Beginning an investment with American Eagles is a lot easier than many investors think, and since these coins are some of the most popular bullion products available, they are widely available by the majority of dealers. This being said, it’s important that you compare dealers in order to find the ones that offer you the best pricing. Always look for A ratings with the Better Business Bureau, unless you’re looking to put your hard-earned wealth at risk. If you would like to learn more about these popular safe haven diversifications, feel free to browse this website or visit www.Gold-Eagle.org.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

If you feel that gold may be the best investment for you, it is highly recommended that you thoroughly research the market in order to learn more about products and pricing. Reputable websites like www.Gold-Investment.info give you detailed breakdowns on the most popular bars and coins, along with useful investor strategies that could help you make the best out of your diversification. If you would like to learn more about this diverse market, feel free to browse this website or visit www.CertifiedGoldExchange.com.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The price of gold fluctuates on a daily basis as supply and demand pushes and pulls the metal’s value. Since 2001, safe haven demand has increased exponentially, thus the metal has increased more than 300% since then. Several bullish market analysts have predicted that the spot price could continue increasing within the next few years, but only if inflation begins to manifest in our economy. Some of the most interesting projections are forecasting $1500 per ounce and higher. Do you think that higher inflation could result in higher spot prices within the next few years? If so, now may be a good time to fully explore your options with a gold diversification.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

The current gold price has officially risen for the first time in five days on the New York Mercantile Exchange, and this has created speculation that further gains may lie ahead for the precious metal if the United States Dollar continues facing instability down the road. As you may already know, if the Federal Reserve decides to increase interest rates, this could spark inflation in our economy which in turn could be beneficial for safe haven assets like gold. Our economy faced a similar scenario in 1978 when interest rates were increased to soon, which in turn caused spot prices to increase more than 100% as a result of significantly higher safe haven demand.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

In other news, the United States Federal Reserve is planning a meeting tomorrow in order to discuss potentially increasing interest rates within the next few months. Some interesting short-term projections have forecasted that higher interest rates before a true economic recovery could be very dangerous for our financial system, especially since inflation in particular may spark as a result. For those investors who don’t know, the last time that the United States faced a high-inflationary economy was in the late 1970’s. This inflation sparked skyrocketing safe haven demand for gold, which in turn drove up spot prices more than 800% in two years. Several market analysts believe that similar fluctuation may occur again, especially since the United States is in an even worse financial crisis, plus our nationwide debt is approaching $12 trillion, the highest it has ever been. If you would like to learn more about gold spot prices, feel free to browse this website or visit www.GoldPrice.net.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

By 2:20 PM Eastern Standard Time, the current spot price is headed in the downward direction, down to $954.60 per ounce, decreasing $8.40 for the trading day, yet still increasing $45.50 in the last 30 trading days and also increasing $82.30 in the last 365 trading days. The latest short-term market projections are expecting the gold spot price to fluctuate around $950 per ounce and $985 per ounce until the ever-fluctuating United States Dollar gives further direction to precious metal markets.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

As you may already know, the gold spot price fluctuates up and down on a daily basis as supply and demand pushes and pulls the price of the metal on several commodities exchanges worldwide. When beginning a gold investment, it’s very important that you know how to track the gold spot price because doing so could make a significant difference with the overall success of your diversification. Tracking the spot price is as simple as visiting reputable updated websites like www.GoldPrice.net and www.Kitco.com. If you would like to learn more about tracking prices, or if you would like to learn more about gold investments in general, feel free to browse this website or visit other reputable websites such as www.CertifiedGoldExchange.com and www.Buy-Gold.org.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

When looking to begin gold investing, there are many different factors that you should take into consideration in order to maximize your profit and preservation potential. First things first, do you seek a short-term profit tool or a long-term wealth preservation tool? Typically investors who seek short-term profit purchase bullion coins like the American Eagles while investors who seek long-term preservation purchase certified rare coins like the $20 Saint Gaudens. Entering the market with the ideal product is always recommended if you seek to make the best out of your investment. Feel free to browse this website for more information on gold investing, and don’t forget to visit other reputable websites like www.Gold-Bullion.org and www.Rare-Coin.org.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

During the midday trading hours, the gold spot price is showing a moderate increase, currently sitting at a two-month high as a result of a floundering United States Dollar Index. Currently the metal is sitting at $963.30 per ounce, jumping up $6.70 for the trading day and also jumping up $69.40 in the last 365 trading days.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Spot Price = The spot price of gold fluctuates up and down every trading day based on supply and demand. It is always recommended that you keep a close eye on the spot price in order to know the best times to purchase and sell. Though it may seem obvious, it is always best to purchase when the spot price is low and sell when the spot price is significantly higher.

Premium = Every individual bar or coin holds its own premium, thus it’s very important that you fully research the products that you want to purchase in order to find the best ones that suit your budget and investment goals appropriately. Bullion bars and coins typically hold no more than 5% premiums above the spot price of gold while certified rare coins hold premiums depending on their condition and rarity.

Commission = Dealer commission can fluctuate heavily depending on the reputability and integrity of a particular gold exchange. It is always highly recommended that you fully research the company that you want to deal with before making a purchase in order to find out whether they charge low or high commissions.

If you would like to learn more about gold investment pricing, feel free to browse this website or visit www.Buy-Gold.org.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

Once you learn how to track the spot prices, it’s time to learn how to track the actual gold investment prices that you pay when you purchase a bar of coin. The gold investment prices usually fluctuate based on the type of product, its rarity and condition and of course, the additional gold dealer commission. It is very important that you fully research the market before beginning your diversification in order to have a better understanding of the prices that you will receive. Many investors prefer to work with reputable nationwide dealers such as the Certified Gold Exchange that offers competitive pricing and zero commission because they are a wholesale dealer. Feel free to browse this website for more information on this exclusive market, and don’t forget to visit www.CertifiedGoldExchange.com.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

During the midday trading hours, the gold spot price has rebounded after hitting a two-week low yesterday, and it appears that many American investors are turning to safe haven markets once again. The current spot price is trading at $934.60 per ounce, increasing $5.20 for the day and also increasing $29.20 in the last year.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

According to several market analysts, our nation’s latest overprinting of dollars is only feeding the long-term inflationary beast that is slowly but surely growing in our economy, and this has been proven by our latest Producer Price Index and Consumer Price Index. Once the Federal Reserve says that our economy has “recovered” from this financial crisis, they will increase interest rates, thus creating an excellent breeding ground for skyrocketing inflation. Fortunately, this inflation could lead the way for more bullish gold investment projections and significantly higher spot prices.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

By 11:45 AM Eastern Standard Time, it appears that the gold spot price is seeing a significant decline as many short-term investors are rapidly selling the metal in order to quickly profit from the latest spikes in value. Currently the metal is trading at $934.80 per ounce, tumbling $18.50 or 1.94% for the day, yet still increasing $4.70 or .51% in the last year.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

There are many different types of gold investments available to American investors, some of the most popular being physical possession bars and coins, gold stocks, exchange traded funds and leverage programs. Out of all these investing methods, none of them have proven the true safety potential that physical possession bars and coins hold because no matter what happens with the economy, when you have the gold in your own hands, there is nobody standing in your way from protecting your hard-earned wealth. If you are a short-term profit seeking investor, I highly recommend that you research bullion products by visiting reputable websites such as www.Gold-Bullion.org. On the other hand, if you are a long-term wealth preservation seeking investor, I highly recommend that you research certified rare coins by visiting reputable websites such as www.Rare-Coin.org.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

As far as individual products are concerned, there are many different types of rare coins, yet most wise investors only tend to purchase what are considered “investment-grade rare coins.” These types of coins are simply the more widely traded, common data coinages that do not hold large rarity premiums, thus it’s easy for investors to purchase and sell them on the open market without going through the hassle of trying to sell a very rare coin for $3,000,000. Feel free to browse our rare coin section for further information on this exclusive market.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info

COMEX bars are considered the traditional way to invest in gold because many investors love seeing their safety vaults filled with stacks of these beautiful, glistening bars. All COMEX bars are approved for open market trading by the Commodities Exchange in the United States, meaning that investors who own them can purchase and sell them as they please. The Commodities Exchange approves several types of bars, the most popular being the Credit Suisse, Pamp Suisse and Johnson Matthey varieties. Always remember that these bars are considered bullion products, meaning that they are typically only recommended for investors who seek short-term profit from the gold market. If this is the type of diversification that you seek, feel free to browse this website for detailed product information and don’t forget to visit other reputable websites such as www.Gold-Bullion.org and www.Precious-Metal.org for more specialized investment strategies.

Daily Updates Archive

Arthur McGuire

Senior Staff Writer - Gold-Investment.info