ETF Securities recently reported that ETF’s physical gold holdings reached another record high of $11.3 billion. The U.S.-listed ETFS Gold Trust also experienced healthy inflows of $19 million. This proves that European investors are not the only ones who perceive gold and silver as a safe haven against the troubled market scene.

Record highs are not just the domain of gold. Silver is fast catching up, with holdings of ETFS physical silver ETC hitting a record high of $380 million. This increase points to the medium term strategic arrangements being favored by investors.

The fear over the declining eurozone is mainly responsible for the spurt in driving the inflows of gold and silver, with investors desperate to find a reliable alternative to diversify their investment portfolio. Even if investors do not always seek to invest in physical gold, they will certainly favor gold ETCs in the future. According to Wong Eng Soon, investment analyst at Phillip Futures in Singapore, the upside for gold is “still very strong in terms of safe haven flows."

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Although gold and silver both have industrial uses, gold is primarily seen as an investment metal. Silver, on the other hand, is much more tied to industry and thus shares the characteristics of both an investment vehicle and a commodity. As industrial demand goes down, silver’s industrial value drops, while gold’s investment value rises in the down economy. Analyst and blogger “binve” of The Motley Fool wrote on June 12 that “gold demand is 85% investment … and 15% commodity. Silver is more like 70% commodity/30% investment.”

Mumbai analyst Bargav Vaidya notes that “silver is expected to trade in the range of $20-$17. It has some upside left.” Demand for silver has dropped by half in India over the last six months, but Vaidya thinks that silver is set to at least match, if not outperform, gold over the next few months as the economy slowly recovers and inflation rises around the globe.

A report this past week from India Infoline points out that “gold’s outperformance to silver is a signal about economic contraction or uncertainties.” The gold-silver ratio may continue to fluctuate for some time as gold and silver work out their complicated relationship, but, generally, as the economy grows stronger, so should the fortunes of the silver market.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

June 8, 2010 - Gold and silver prices rallied, while the world’s investors worried about the not-so-rosy health of the global economy. The Euro’s slump, unexpected low job growth and inflation make for a gloomy outlook. However, this did not deter gold and silver as an investment option. Gold is riding high at $1240.80 per ounce on the Comex. CME Corp, which owns Comex, reported an intra-day high of $1243.30 an ounce via electronic trading. Charles Nedoss, Senior Market Strategist with Olympus Futures in Chicago, says that investors are trying to cash in on the situation.

The demand is not just for gold. Silver went even higher and Monday saw a hike of five percent. Silver due for delivery in July increased by 86 cents, finishing at $18.16 an ounce. Copper, however, continues its eight-month decline at $2.76 a pound.

Adam Klopfenstein, trader and senior strategist at Lind-Waldock in Chicago, remarks that investors are busy reworking their portfolios to look at the best way to maximize their returns. Between gold and silver, gold wins hands down compared to bonds and currencies, since gold inspires more confidence than other investments right now.

Gold and silver are poised to see an interesting week, as it is anticipated that trading will be hectic and gold prices will go even higher, setting new records. It is like the famed gold rush all over again, as nobody wants to wait and watch.

Scott Meyers, analyst with MF Global’s Pioneer Futures Division in New York, predicts that gold and silver prices will remain steady if only because of the current shape of the global economy.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

There will be 56 coins spread over 11 years. Each yearly release will consist of five coins. Here are the first five coins:

The 2010 Hot Springs National Park Silver Coin will show on the reverse side the façade of the Hot Springs headquarters building built in 1936. A fountain is featured on the foreground. Inscriptions are HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS, 2010 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

The Yellowstone National Park Silver Coin will feature the Old Faithful geyser with a mature bull bison in the foreground. Inscriptions are YELLOWSTONE, WYOMING, 2010 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

The 2010 Yosemite National Park Silver Coin features the El Capitan, the largest granite monolith in the world. The El Capitan rises to a height of over 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Inscriptions on the reverse side are YOSEMITE, CALIORNIA, 2010 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

The 2010 Grand Canyon National Park Silver Coin will show a view of the granaries above the Nankoweap Delta in Marble Canyon near the Colorado River. The Marble Canyon is the northernmost section of the Grand Canyon. The granaries, used for storing food, are said to date to as far as 500 A.D.

The 2010 Mount Hood National Forest Silver Coin will show a view of Mount Hood with Lost Lake in the foreground. Inscriptions are MOUNT HOOD, OREGON, 2010 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Gold’s end-March number of $1126.10 was not unusually big, but significant on two counts: It demonstrated that gold could sustain a run (which started two weeks ago) and could keep distance from the psychological level of $1100.

Silver’s performance of $17.89 was a breakthrough price that crossed the psychological barrier of $17.50 identified earlier of David Morgan, founder of www.silver-investor.com. Morgan foresees a run by silver up to $19 now that the barrier has been broken.

Some investors did not fail to notice the occurrence of parallel runs by gold and silver every so often in the market. In the decade just past, gold made off with a 400% take. Gold prices teed off at about $270 in 2000 and holed in at over $1100 in 2009. On the other hand, silver made over 300% during the same decade. Price of silver was barely $5.00 an ounce in the year 2000 and ballooned to almost $17.00 in 2009.

Gold and silver showed the same parallel behavior during the price run in the seventies. Gold price in 1970 was $37 an ounce, by 1979 gold price was almost $600. Silver in 1970 was priced at $1.635 an ounce, rose to $5.930 in 1978 and suddenly skyrocketed to $21.793 the following year. Gold ended the decade with an increase of over 15 times its starting price while silver increased by 13 times over its starting price in 1970.

Do we see a similar parallel performance by the Dynamic Duo in this decade? The possibility is great. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

David Morgan, founder of www.silver-investor.com, notes a wide trading range for silver. “The upper limit is $17.50 (per troy ounce) and the lower limit is $14.50. That’s worth trading [as] I don’t see us going much above the $17.50 level.”He adds, however, that if silver takes out $17.50, it could run up to $19”.

George Gero, vice president of global futures, RBC Wealth Management, notes that the SLV (silver ETF) has started to gain some traction. “Daily volume in silver futures has been moving up and silver seems to have done fairly well. It’s the poor man’s gold,” he says. His prediction is slightly more bullish, indicating that unless there is a major economic change that would adversely impact gold, we could see $20 silver by the end of the year. “I’ve seen more interest in people who have been hedging by buying silver and selling gold recently,” he says.

As been documented by several sources the real story involving silver is the limited supply and the extremely tight above ground float. “Silver should be the best performing asset in the commodity sector over the next decade. I expect silver to outperform gold over the next few months on a percentage basis,” Morgan says.

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

This exaggerated short position is the cornerstone of what could be a “silver accident”, and lead to a financial windfall for those positioned in Silver. Short sales, like those in Gold and Silver, are open transactions – unlike when you buy a car, a house, or a new pair of sneakers, where you deliver cash and take immediate possession of a tangible item - a closed transaction. Accounting rules mandate that all open transactions must eventually close. In a short sale, the transaction can close one of two ways:

1) You can take delivery of said product (in this case Silver).

2) The issuer can repurchase said product (again Silver)

As I mentioned, Silver shorts measure in the billions of ounces. The COMEX warehouses house 100 million ounces, which represents almost all the known silver bullion in the world today. Although the exact number is not known, estimates place the world’s silver count somewhere around 1 billion ounces, this includes coins, small bars, and silverware. Most of this is not eligible for delivery against the short positions.

Since the world’s silver supply excludes delivery as an option to close the open silver short transactions, remember all open transactions must be closed, this can only leaves option two (buying back the position by the sellers) as a viable means for closing the transaction.

The only way they can achieve buying back the position is to inflate the price, making the urge to resell and take profits irresistible. Time is not on the Silver short seller’s side. There is no way to determine when the silver shorts will spook and try to cover sales, but, at some point, they must try to buy back and cover the silver they can’t possibly deliver. All we need to concern ourselves with is the critical and long-term physical deficit in silver. Since we can’t determine the “when”, focus on the inevitability of a delivery crunch.

If you are thinking of taking a position in Gold or Silver, contact one of our friendly experts who can answer your questions and make sure you enter the Gold or Silver market correctly.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

"Initial buying interest has boosted gold," says James Moore, analyst at The Bullion Desk. "We expect investment demand to provide scaled-down support."

Gold and silver both have positive news working in their favor. Gold’s upside came in reports that Chinese imports rose by 44.7 percent; analysts see rising consumer demand as a possible boon for gold investment and jewelry. Analysts also see silver gaining on the residual strength in platinum group metals prices this week, suggesting that sentiment toward industrial and precious metals markets is strengthening for silver as well.

Analysts are still favorable on both gold and silver."Technically gold still looks healthy," says one Hong Kong dealer in a note today, predicting that the Dollar gold price will "re-attempt to break above last week's high at $1145." Jeffrey Christian, Managing Director of CPM Group remains bullish on silver with a $20 to $22 an ounce forecast over the first four months of 2010 with an average price of $17 to $18 for the year.

Casimir Capital research director Wayne Atwell is forecasting strong gold and silver markets over the next decade, but advises that investors should still expect some "speed bumps" along the way.

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The gold/silver ratio is calculated by dividing the price of gold by the price of silver to get a ratio. The typical range is between 16 and 70, with higher numbers favoring silver price increases and lower numbers favoring gold. Before the current rally started, the ratio stood at over 71, suggesting that silver was undervalued and positioned for a stronger climb than gold. On February 26th, this number had already dropped to 67.78. As of yesterday’s close, the gold/silver ratio stood at 65.36.

The Relative Strength Index for gold is at 60.47 and silver’s RSI is at 54.60; numbers higher than 40 suggest that both are oversold and likely to rise in price. With gold likely to increase in price, the gold/silver ratio suggests that silver will increase even more dramatically; a condition that has occurred in the past week as seen by silver’s 5.2 percent increase to gold’s 1.5 percent climb.

Ruff Time founder Howard Ruff says this about gold and silver, “Ignoring gold or silver will cost you a fortune in missed opportunities. In the worst case, gold is headed towards at least $2,500 an ounce, and silver is headed for at least $100.” As their values increase, the gold/silver ratio suggests those prices are possible. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

As evidenced by the debt problems in Greece, the unemployment problems in the United States, the inflation in England and other issues, the world has not recovered from the economic crisis of the past two years. Nearly every currency is suffering deflation and a number of countries are in danger of default. Gold and silver continue to perform well as investments because, as Howard Ruff of CommodityOnline says, they “have been real money over and over again, in all ages of time and on all continents.” With the continuing deflation of currencies and the acceptance of both metals as alternative currencies, price increases are likely.

Supply and demand is another reason why now is the time to buy gold and silver. As Ruff states, “All the gold ever mined since the dawn of history, including that in central banks, gold fillings, and sunken shipwrecks in the Caribbean, etc. would cover a football field about four-feet deep. It would make a cube about the size of a typical 8-room house. Demand is now leaping past new supplies.” This relative shortage applies to silver as well, and both metals are used for more applications every day.

These are just a few of the reasons why prices are likely to climb. Bradley George and Daniel Sacks of the Investec Global Gold Fund are among those who see the $1,300 price level as being possible this year and experts like Wells Wilder of New Zealand are predicting prices of $5,000 per ounce within the next two years due to swelling demand.

For investors who are aware of the problems facing the world economy today and the current level of demand, investing in metals is a wise move. With the role that gold and silver have played throughout history, now is a good time to buy both of these valuable assets.

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

During his time on Capital Hill, Bernanke stated that, “the impetus provided by the inventory cycle is temporary, and as fiscal support for economic growth diminishes later this year, a sustained recovery will depend on continued growth in private-sector final demand for goods and services.” He acknowledged that in spite of fears about inflation, it is necessary to continue “exceptionally low” interest rates for an “extended period” of time.

While the lower rates and jobs stimulus packages of the Obama Administration were supposed to bring new jobs, Bernanke referred to the job market as “quite weak,” and could only speak in generalities about credit flow from the Fed to small businesses in order to help spark job growth.

This testimony demonstrates the Fed’s concern for both deflation and inflation, while showing a missing strategy for both unemployment and new home sales, two vital areas that continue to lag. This environment makes gold and silver investment appear to be a strong move, since both deflation and inflation jeopardize the strength of the dollar, and cause gold and silver prices to see increases the majority of the time. Invetsors hedging their wealth should consider continuing to do so and those who are currently liquid should consider buying gold, platinum or silver to protect their personal wealth. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Franklin Sanders of The Moneychanger said of traders who try to manipulate prices, “(they) sell options so often manage to drive down silver and gold prices around option expiry (today) so they don't have to pay off on all those calls they've sold. Turns out they didn't quite make it today, as there was a hunk of $1,100 calls and on COMEX the gold price closed at $1,102.70, down $9.90. Low was $1,099. There were a bunch of silver $16.00 calls, too, and the silver price closed today at $15.888, down 33.4 cents and leaving those $16.00 calls high, dry, and worthless. We will know that this explains recent price movements if silver and gold prices proceed to rise from here, which I suspect they will.”

While there can be a dark side to trading, with seemingly sinister forces attempting to manipulate prices, manipulation can’t affect much more than a moment of time. As Sanders mentions, “Gold's performance in the face of this monthly storm was awfully stout, since it resisted closing below $1,100. Silver's close today, too, was above its previous low. The most any manipulation can effect is a short interruption of the trend.”

For gold and silver investors, there shouldn’t be a fear of manipulators, since prices tend to resist such pressures to follow supply and demand. With both metals holding firm, now appears to be an excellent time to invest. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

"The negative argument rests with poor investment flows and fundamentals," said Tom Pawlicki, an analyst at MF Global Holdings Ltd. in Chicago. "Investor appetite for gold as shown through ETFs has been lacking and doesn't argue for new price highs."

While weaker gold and silver numbers are evident, there is still a favorable trend towards holding both metals. Investors should hold the metal in foreign currencies as a hedge against "the bearish dollar supposition that is attendant to a simple bullish view of gold," said Dennis Gartman, an economist in Suffolk, Virginia. Buying metals in foreign currencies allows investors to get increased value when buying, and then sell as the dollar drops and metal prices rise in the United States.

While the strength of the US dollar has caused concerns about demand, gold and silver continue to be strong international investments. Both metals have shown the ability to rise in price as the dollar has an unstable future, meaning that US-based investments will likely be profit makers during the year. Investors should look to increase their holdings before prices rise, reducing potential earnings. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

While both the First Spouse and American Buffalo gold coins saw increases through mid-February, gold and silver American Eagle bullion sales were down. A late release in January and bad weather in February are both believed to have caused some of the drop. To date, the Mint has sold 143,000 Gold Eagles and 4.8 million Silver Eagles.

Bullion sales are on the rise, with gold being noted especially as a protective investment. "Investors are buying gold as a hedge against currencies’ volatility," Carlos Sanchez, a metals analyst with CPM Group said recently. "Gold seems to be consolidating near the $1,130 an ounce area." As investors have seen the economic problems in a number of countries, the appeal of gold and silver for asset protection has been apparent.

For many investors, now is an excellent time for additional purchases. Prices have been correcting and most analysts expect a strong increase in prices as the correction subsides. This regrouping of prices can provide excellent entry points for investors who are looking to profit from the increases in gold and silver prices that are predicted to come in the near future. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

After peaking in early December, both gold and silver have fallen off, giving back those gains as the US dollar responded sharply to the growing economic crisis in Europe. With sovereign debt problems still raging in Greece, Spain, Portugal and Italy, inflation has begun an assault on the British economy by rising to 75% higher than was originally forecast. While these crises have spurred gold, silver has lagged behind. "Silver has suffered more than gold in the recent correction, both price-wise and in terms of the COMEX net long position," says a recent publication of Precious Metals Investment Weekly.

The cumulative decline in silver futures over the past three weeks is now near the highest posted since 2005 and during that same time price volatility has affected silver more, with gold falling 7% while silver dropped 21%.

The good news is that analysts are predicting rallies for both gold and silver in the near future, and silver looks to be the biggest beneficiary of that jump. "A bounce in gold is often, but not always accompanied by a better one in silver," writes GFMS Analytics director Rhona O'Connell for MineWeb, "especially if it involves short covering" by formerly bearish speculators.

This data, coupled with a Gold/Silver Ratio that is very high in favor of silver, suggests that now is an excellent time for investment in both metals. Gold and silver investments allow traders to diversify their portfolios between two metals that have historically been profitable and still maintain their reputations as hedge investments during difficult economic times like these. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Both metals appear to react against the euro today as investors grow impatient for a resolution to the European credit crisis. EU leaders have stated support for the struggling countries in their Union, pledging to do whatever it takes to protect the financial strength of the Union, but are reportedly demanding that Greece enact deficit-cutting measures prior to any funds flowing to the overwhelmed Mediterranean country. This lack of a plan has continued to lead wary investors into gold and silver as they look to minimize their investment risk.

Bad economic news can frequently build up precious metals as investors look to avoid the commodities that are being affected. For this reason, gold and silver have been widely regarded as desirable investments when there is bad economic news, allowing draw investors when currencies fail.

With both commodities on upward trends and economic conditions appearing less than stable, now would be an appropriate time for investors to consider making purchases in both gold and silver. Purchasing both meals allows investors to draw on their differing prices increases in an attempt to maximize their profits. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

European Union President Herman Van Rompuy stated this week that the EU pledged to “take determined and coordinated action if needed to safeguard the euro area as a whole.” This simple pledge built up investor confidence, raising the euro early in the week and pushing gold and silver investors to take new positions, leading to a positive week.

The next upward movement in precious metals prices related to the “PIGS” situation likely won’t occur until specific steps for the recovery are announced. Reports state that details are still being negotiated, with loans and budget tightening measures being discussed. Greek labor unions protested this week against cost cutting measures which would likely include pay cuts among their rank and file.

While both gold and silver are positioned to rise based on their fundamentals, the announcement of specific steps by the EU will likely push prices even higher against the US dollar. Investors who are considering additional holdings in either metal should look to purchase in advance of further news out of Europe.

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Even world events can have a different impact on gold and silver. For example, economic failure in China would be a world event, but Hunt theorizes that it would affect these two metals very differently. "I think gold will do better than silver under this scenario, because gold is viewed as a monetary commodity by all the major players, whereas silver is viewed as an industrial metal as well as a monetary one.” Hunt then continues, “In a contracting economy, silver may fall. That doesn't mean I'm going to rush to sell my silver, it means that I am prepared to see silver fall."

Currencies are systematically being devalued; this will have the effect of raising prices on physical assets, but how those prices rise could vary. For this reason, the Gold / Silver Ratio compares the prices of both metals and evaluates their individual movements. The optimal range for this ratio is generally considered to be between 16:1 and 70:1, with the lower numbers indicating strength in silver and the higher numbers favoring gold.

Recently, the ratio has been at or above 70:1; as analysts look at the relative strength of gold, the feeling is that gold prices reflect proper fundamentals, meaning that gold is not overpriced and silver is likely underpriced. While trading on the same markets, gold has been more favorably influenced recently than silver, suggesting that silver may be in line for a strong rally.

Gold and silver are two commodities that react differently, but there are factors such as their ratio that point out possible clues for successful trading of both. Owning both of these metals allows investors to potentially capitalize on the uniqueness and individual movements in order to profit from each. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Metal prices responded early to the positive fiscal news, opening higher on positive trading in Europe. The rise was attributed by many analysts to the announcement by EU President Herman Van Rompuy that the EU pledged to “take determined and coordinated action if needed to safeguard the euro area as a whole.” With providing details, his statement was viewed positively by the international community that had been waiting for a sign that Greece would not be left to default on its debts.

The crisis in Greece has been affecting the gold and silver for several months, as the hardship there was compounded by concerns for Italy, Portugal and Spain, driving down the value of the euro and allowing the US dollar to rise. Even with today’s drop, the dollar is still trading at 80.00 against the baseline group of six currencies; 80.00 has been a key resistance for many investors looking for the dollar to build strength.

With positive news in the EU, metals prices have enjoyed a third strong day this week. Strengthening by the euro, a softening of the recent rally by the US dollar and increased demand by gold and silver, have many analysts looking for precious metals as a whole to enjoy its own rally. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

For some time, Gold has been a strong performer; after correcting from its high in early December, gold is still trading above the previous peak in mid-October. Many analysts believe that support exists for gold prices to climb to $1,350 or higher this year. Silver on the other hand, has been harder hit. At the time of the peak of gold prices in mid-October, the gold / silver ratio was near 59:1, and it was near 64.5:1 at the December high. The current ratio stands near 72:1, suggesting that either the ratio will continue to become imbalanced as it did during the financial crisis of 2008, or it will see both gold and silver prices rise, with silver outperforming gold in the process.

During the financial crisis of 2008, a ratio that had been below 50:1 early in the year became almost 100:1 as gold moved up and silver down. If silver does not recover now, the gap could again widen, especially if gold moves up on continued economic fears. Should silver begin to rally, a strong move up by silver could lower the ratio and allow it to outperform gold during the days ahead.

A common sense approach for investors would be to purchase both gold and silver while prices are correcting. Should one metal rise and the other fall, holding both could allow the investor to offset losses in one with gains in the other. Should both metal prices rise, it could create a nice profit potential. The gold / silver ratio seems to indicate a correction in the relationship between the metal prices; investors should monitor the price movements and then make purchases based on the findings. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Many analysts were divided about the factors that have been driving gold and silver prices. Some like the Citigroup’s analysts describe a demand drop saying, “The strength of investment demand over the last few years has been reflected in physical bullion and ETF demand although both are showing signs of dissipating. Investment in physical bullion has slowed sharply. ETF holdings are stable at high levels, as concerns about a global banking crisis abate.” Other groups point to the recent rally by the US dollar. Correction has been another explanation, with analysts such as Franklin Sanders of The Moneychanger predicting in January, “Gold's primary trend is up, targeting at least $3,130.00; silver's primary is up targeting 16:1 gold/silver ratio or $195.66.”

Some technical measurements suggest that the latter opinion of a correction may be accurate. Gold has seen its RSI fall into the 30s, an indication of being oversold and ready for increase; silver has been trailing gold in the gold/silver ratio, with its 72:1 ratio quite high and suggesting a possible rise for the white metal as well.

As gold and silver prices look to rebound, investors should analyze their portfolios and consider buying both. While gold and silver tend to track together, owning both metals offers the chance to profit from movements in their individual prices. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Prices for both metals have corrected over the past two months, with gold settling just above $1,060 per ounce and silver slightly over $15 per ounce. With both having solid fundamentals, the prevailing opinion is that they have found the bottom of their correction and are preparing for a rally. Gold has a number of supporting reasons for increase and with the Gold Silver Ratio favoring silver; gold’s rationale is even stronger in its support of silver. These factors suggesting price increases include:

• Strong purchasing by central banks

• Gold and silver’s ability to serve as an inflation hedge

• Silver has never beaten its historical $50 per ounce price of 1980

• Gold and silver protect against fiat currencies

• Gold has not beaten its inflation-adjusted high of $2,200 from 1980

Among the most active buyers recently, central banks, exchange-traded funds and institutional buyers have been buying while smaller investors sell. This suggests an underlying strength is seen by these professionals. In addition, neither gold nor silver have hit their ceiling; gold has barely gotten within $1,000 of its $2,200 inflation-adjusted high and silver hasn’t hit its historical high straight up, let alone an adjusted high. Both metals still have a lot of leg in them.

Finally, most investors realize that gold and silver are hedges against failing currencies, inflation and floundering economies. This means that in today’s economy, gold and silver bullion, rare coins and other investments have great potential. For many analysts, both past performance and current conditions suggest that gold and silver prices are ready to rise. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Due to leftover coins from 2009, the US Mint required 2009s to be sold with 2010s for both gold and silver American Eagles. This fact did nothing to dampen silver bullion sales as 3,225,000 of the 2010-dated coins were sold along with 367,500 of the 2009s for a January total of 3,592,500 silver Eagle coins.

That number alone is impressive, but even more so when considering that only one time, January 2008, have more than two million sold in the first month of the year. This also comes at a time when precious metal prices have been struggling against the dollar and a silver shortage delayed production. This amazing total bodes well for silver investment in 2010.

According to many analysts, silver is undervalued and may due for a rally. Such strong demand for silver American Eagles tends to suggest that many investors feel the same way and want to invest before the market turns upward.

With the economic instability in the world today, gold and silver investment has the potential to be extremely profitable. Investors should look at their portfolios and consider adding these precious metals while prices have corrected and before another rally begins.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Many investors are aware that gold and silver often trade within a reasonable ratio to each other, generally ranging from 15:1 to 70:1. Based on today’s prices, gold is at $1,064.20 and silver is priced at $15.26. This ratio is extremely close to the top end of the range at 69.7:1 and is more than four times higher than its historical low. While gold prices have risen quickly, the ratio doesn’t necessarily suggest that gold is inflated, rather that silver may well be undervalued.

Gold has performed well recently, and much of gold’s growth has been due to the same factors that drove its’ success historically. If gold is not overpriced and isn’t a bubble asset, the ratio would suggest that silver is underpriced and in prime position for a big rally.

Gold, silver and platinum have been hedges against inflation, so for institutional investors, they are interchangeable. What is not interchangeable, however, is the profit potential.

Since the Gold Silver Ratio is so tilted in gold’s direction, silver continues to display strong potential as an anti-inflationary investment. Silver is more affordable than gold and platinum, and it maintains the same positive fundamentals of the other investment-grade precious metals. Investors who are seeking new investment opportunities should consider adding silver bullion to their portfolio and watching for it to rally if the dollar’s fall continues. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Inflation can be the friend of gold and silver investors; since 2001 and with only modest inflation, gold has quadrupled and silver has nearly tripled. While the US Federal Reserve is currently keeping interest rates low, the danger is increased inflation or even hyper-inflation, a situation which would be a potential boon for investors.

Second, demand has stayed strong among individuals, exchange-traded fund holders and numerous central banks. In order to have a serious rally on gold or silver, demand is an important factor. This is one thing about a rally; prices won’t increase without demand, and demand is still strong for both gold and silver, rising nearly 15% since the third quarter of last year.

Finally, the impending currency crisis plays a big part in the expectation of higher gold and silver prices. Iceland has already had a fiscal meltdown; Greece, Portugal, Spain and Ireland are on shaky ground and even the United States and Great Britain are having money problems. If there are more sovereign currency failures or even much of a delay in recovery, the weakened states of many currencies will provide fuel for more possible increases in gold and silver prices.

Many analysts are predicting much higher gold and silver prices, some claiming amounts that have never been imagined, much less stated. Investors should consider adding bullion and certified coins to their portfolios, especially with gold and silver poised to make big gains. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

have been carefully watching the performance of certain Exchange Traded Funds as they experience outflows of gold and silver from their holdings. This outflow has been attributed to renewed interest in the dollar, which has rebounded over the past two months against the Euro and other currencies, and is now over 80 on the US Dollar Index.

Exchange traded funds offer exposure to trade precious metals as an asset without have to receive the metal itself. This is a good indicator of the market performance and is a trend watched by many people.

Since many economists believe that the dollar’s strength cannot be maintained due to a weak economy, gold and silver appear ready to make a move. As the dollar loses value, gold and silver prices tend to go up since current demand for both metals is extremely high and the value of each would be higher in real money spent if the dollar drops.

In spite of a two month downswing, gold and silver look to be ready for an increase when the dollar falls and passive demand for precious metals resumes. Gold and silver prices closed up on Monday and an upward rally could present an opportunity for investors to add to their holdings of bullion or certified coins in an effort to profit from any increase in precious metal prices. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The first month of 2010 has stayed true to this pattern. For January, gold prices have dropped approximately 4%, while silver prices first rose nearly 15%, and then dropped almost 20%. These numbers stand in contrast with the US dollar, which was up about 2.5% for the month.

The relationship between gold and silver and the dollar is less about a direct connection and more about the factors that drive each. The dollar is typically an investment for positive times; as the economy is humming and things are booming, the dollar usually rises in value. This rise means that it takes fewer dollars to purchase gold or silver, typically resulting in a drop in their prices.

Conversely, tough times and poor economic conditions weaken the dollar, making its buying power fall. As consumer confidence drops in the dollar and the economy, the prices of gold and silver usually increase as demand increases.

This trend is still promising for investors today. Although the dollar has experienced some short term gains, the outlook is not good; the economy is not aggressively responding to stimulus by the government and the bailouts have flooded billions of additional dollars into the monetary system, weakening the dollar.

Investors in gold and silver should perform their due diligence and then consider adding bullion or certified coins to their current investments. The factors that make these commodities perform well are in place and could spur both to higher prices in the days ahead.

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

From the all-time high in late November, gold has dropped more than 10% to its current price of $1,080 per ounce. While some see this as a natural correction due to sell off, other analysts point to the rise of the Dollar Index and lower demand as drags on gold success. The jobs picture and stagnant growth in the US appear likely to thwart any substantial gains by the dollar, making an upswing in gold prices more possible.

Silver also hit a high of over $19 per ounce in November, but quickly fell back to the $16 to $17 range where it has been ever since. Silver appears to be stuck in a bit of a rut, struggling with a weak economy and a stronger than hoped-for dollar. Unless the economy can gain some strength without the dollar following suit, it could mean a period without substantial growth for silver.

Since gold and silver prices are currently down for different reasons, a wise investor might use each for a different investment objective. While gold is in a period of volatility, investors might consider short term investing in bullion. This allows them to capitalize on price swings quickly and effectively. Silver, on the other hand might be favorable for a longer term investment. With its being almost 20% below its November high, holding silver bullion or certified coins could allow investors to grab the lower prices and hold the metal until the trend turns.

Although gold and silver have differing approaches at this time, this can play right into the hand of the trader. Investors should use the circumstances at hand to form a successful strategy. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Mining is a very uncertain business; most of the exploration projects undertaken amount to nothing, meaning that a million shares of gold or silver stock bought at five cents per share is only $50,000. If the project fails, the investor loses everything; if the project hits, that $50,000 investment could turn into millions or more as the share price rises.

For investors in physical gold, news of predicted mining stock increases should be especially interesting. Some mining market analysts see a correcting of gold prices early in 2010, with a strong price increase to follow; some are predicting prices as high as $1,650 an ounce before the end of the year.

Such results would be the kind of event that could benefit many investors in this precious metal. As investors see prices correct, purchasing bullion or certified coins at the lower prices is wise. Bullion can be held until prices move higher, and then sold for a handsome profit. Certified rare coins also profit from the rise in gold prices, but usually experience better results as a long term investment.

As analysts predict higher gold and silver stock prices, investors in the physical metals should also look for possible increases. Bullion and rare coins continue to hold great promise as strong investments in 2010. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Still deep in the battle to overcome the economic crisis, the picture for the housing market is still bleak. The US Housing Market Intelligence Report gives this important market sector below average or failing grades in every category, and home sales were down almost 8% in December 2009. Falling on hard times like stocks and bank investments, the housing market is struggling to survive and foreclosures are at an all-time high.

Among the major investment options, real estate, stocks and even 401Ks are all dollar based; as the dollar goes, so they go. Gold and silver provide other options because both have enjoyed more of an inverse relationship with the dollar. As the dollar weakens, the price of gold and silver generally rises. Over the past forty years, gold prices have risen nearly 1,700%, while the dollar has fallen over 20% since 1973.

Many are looking for different options; bullion and certified rare coins provide a perfect way for people to benefit from purchasing the physical assets, while gold and silver IRAs allow people to invest in their retirement with these important precious metals. The unique nature of gold and silver prices offers people the opportunity to start a new most important investment with gold and silver. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

After reaching its all-time high in late November 2009, gold prices have fallen about $125 per ounce, due largely to price correcting, sell off and a mild strengthening of the dollar. Silver and other metals also followed suit, leaving unanswered questions about precious metal prices going into the New Year.

After a stagnant start to 2010, gold and silver looked poised to make a move. According to some economists, the longer Wall Street stays flat, the more likely that gold and silver will make a run. Other economic factors seem to back up that sentiment as crude oil futures appear to be ready for an adjustment and the winter-induced pressure from the energy sector is likely to impact the strength of the dollar due to a colder than normal December and January.

Many analysts see the malaise gold and silver prices have endured for the past two months as a correction with a rebound likely to follow. With some calling for gold prices to rise above the $1,300 per ounce barrier in 2010, this would mean that the long-anticipated recovery in the US economy would have to be delayed and other factors such as continued demand for precious metals and the lack of significant new discoveries would be needed to keep demand well ahead of supply.

To date, all of the factors remain in place which suggests that metals can continue their decade-long climb in 2010. Gold and silver news will continue to follow the trends and look for price movement in these important metals.

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Gold coins can be found in a wide variety of places; shops, shows, eBay and other locations all sell gold coins. While each has potential, they all have pitfalls as well since variety of coins offered and their quality are always a concern. For these reasons, an exchange can provide more than any of the other venues.

Variety is difficult for most people selling gold coins. Even if they are committed to quality, most sellers can’t afford to keep an inventory large enough to allow buyers to have a broad selection. Inventory represents overhead and while a store might have one 1908 American Eagle, it is doubtful that they will have a variety, each with a different grade and price range.

The second issue with a gold coin store is quality. Many small operations and private sellers do not require certified gold coins; this means that the value a coin is bought at may not be its value when it is sold. For extremely rare coins, this kind of disparity can mean the loss of thousands, or even more in anticipated profits. PCGS and NGC certified coins are a necessity at exchanges and they provide an assurance that buyers and sellers demand.

For a variety of reasons, the best gold coin store isn’t found on eBay or around the corner. Gold and rare coin exchanges offer the best selection and most dependable quality to anyone who enjoys buying and selling collector’s coins. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Gold is an excellent defensive investment, whether purchasing bullion or collector’s coins. As the value of the dollar falls, the gold price tends to increase; if the dollar rises, the impact on gold spot prices is minimized because gold represents a tangible asset. In fact, gold prices rose nearly three hundred percent during the past decade in spite of periods of both recession and inflation.

Rare gold coin buyers typically receive another pleasant benefit. Certified rare gold coins generally appreciate faster than bullion because their worth is tied more closely to their numismatic value than to the gold they contain. For this reason, a 1933 Saint Gaudens Double American Eagle can be worth nearly $7.6 million, even though it contains slightly less than one ounce of gold. Such coins are graded by companies such as PCGS or NGS, and offer an exact representation of the quality of a coin and how it might fare on the open market.

Gold coin buyers have several different options for investing in gold. Some investors prefer the liquidity of bullion, while others appreciate the security of certified coins. Either way, gold provides a strong investment vehicle that many people use to offset the effects of the economy on their life savings.

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Gold and silver stocks increased, on average, 22% and 45% respectively in 2009, which is vastly better than a large number of other stocks and securities traded on the Dow Jones and the Nasdaq exchanges. However, some market analysts have warned that the bottom could fall out of gold and silver stocks if the companies issuing such notes fail to completely back their offerings with physical metals. Some gold and silver stock companies offer to deliver your metals to you in exchange for a transaction fee and shipping charges, so if you plan on purchasing precious metals for safety it makes more sense to purchase the metals outright from a physical gold and silver exchange.

In some cases, gold and silver stocks are not backed by a sufficient supply of metals, so audits of these types of companies could result in major losses of wealth for investors who are unknowingly holding gold in paper form only. While gold and silver stocks have profited almost as much as physical gold and silver throughout our recession, these investments are best reserved for those who simply want to track precious metals prices, and not those who are interested in solid bullet-proofing for their portfolio. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Historically, gold and silver coin investments act as both a profit-maker during inflationary periods and a safe-haven hedge against paper-backed assets. If you believe that the United States dollar will undergo inflationary pressures over the next year or so due to the tons of new notes on the market, both in the form of bonds and printed currency, then you might want to consider adding gold and silver bullion coins to your portfolio’s current holdings. Bullion investments sell for 2-8% over the precious metal spot price, and bullion products like the Canadian Maple Leaf coins, the American Eagle coins, and Engelhard bars are highly recommended ways to carry out a short-term (1-14 month) profit seeking venture with physical gold.

Holding bullion longer than 14 consecutive months is not advisable, because certified gold and silver coin investments tend to be more profitable for lengthy holding periods. Certified gold is also preferable to bullion if you are looking for the more private type of gold, because numismatic coins have been deemed non-confiscatable assets by our government, unlike bullion. Before investing in gold, learn more about the historic gold bullion confiscation, and feel free to browse our award-winning investment tutorials below to get more information on that topic as well as the latest information on gold and silver coin investments. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

To some investors, looking for cheap gold coins sounds like a smart idea. Find a low priced coin, buy it, and sell if for a big profit. The problem with this theory is that it usually backfires. Thanks to professionally graded coins, a buyer doesn’t have to find out the hard way when cheap gold coins aren’t cheap.

Today’s certified gold coins are professionally inspected either by the Professional Coin Grading Service or by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation. The companies rate the quality of coins based on the 70-point Sheldon Scale. This system gives coins an exact rating based on wear, color, damage and a variety of other factors. After coins are graded, they are sealed in a protective case and identified for future reference.

This wasn’t always the case. In times past, collector’s could find low cost rare coins with ratings like “very fine” or “uncirculated” and think that they just bought that elusive “cheap gold coin”, only to find out when looking to sell that it was indeed an inferior coin and worth less than what they paid.

This unethical practice is eliminated, thanks to certified coin rating by PCGS and NGC. An investor who buys a 65 grade, 1932 Double American Eagle will have a 65 grade, 1932 Double American Eagle to sell when he or she is ready, resulting in a $120,000 value and not something much less for receiving an inferior grade. This allows investors to own profitable coins and avoid getting stuck with cheap gold coins. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The increasing price of gold has allowed more investors to appreciate the value of gold coins. Not only do gold coins offer an excellent investment opportunity, they represent the most frequently traded commodity in the history of mankind. For thousands of years, gold has been a trusted currency and with the shaky nature of today’s monetary systems, the value of gold coins is still very high.

Collector’s coins and bullion represent gold coins that are available. Collector’s coins are an interesting investment, capitalizing on their quality, scarcity and desirability to earn amazing prices, like the $7.59 million brought by an extremely rare 1933 Saint Gaudens American Eagle. Professional coin certification and the incredible prices have made rare coins an excellent investment opportunity.

Bullion has also added to the value of gold coins. Bullion has been produced by the United States Mint since 1986, and it has been an important part of gold investment. American Eagles, American Buffalos, the Presidential $1 coins and now the Presidential First Ladies coins have been purchased aggressively by many investors. These coins not only enjoy the benefit of gold prices that have increased nearly 300% in the past decade, they also offer great security to those that hold them. Bullion is a very good short-term investment that allows people to own an asset that retains value no matter what happens with the economy.

Appreciating the value of gold coins means understanding their history, their profitability and the security they provide. As the global economy struggles and the supply of gold dwindles, gold coins appear to offer a strong investment moving into the future as well. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

New people to coin investing quickly learn that it is not a cheap money-making endeavor. With gold prices again creeping towards $1,150 per ounce, finding gold coin discounts is an appealing option for many. If you are one of those people, this is a good place to some honest advice.

Very few gold coin discounts exists. With the exception of some volume discounts, bullion sells at its gold spot price; a dealer can then charge a commission, shipping and additional commission if the gold is later sold. These charges can add up quickly and affect the profitability of your purchase.

For example, imagine that your gold exchange charges 7% for purchases and sales plus $25 for shipping. If you buy a 1 ounce coin for $1,000, it will have cost you $1,095 once you pay for commission and shipping. If the price goes up to $1,100, you may think you made a $100 profit, but after you pay another $70 in commission to sell it, you have spent $165 to earn $100…your $100 profit is really a $65 loss.

The best way to find gold coin discounts is to concentrate on quality and use a reputable gold exchange. Goldsilver.org is part of the Certified Gold Exchange, a well respected gold exchange with a great reputation for helping its clients. Depending on the quantity, the Certified Gold Exchange does offer volume discounts, free shipping and no fees to sell gold that was purchased through its company. Quality merchandise, excellent service and competitive rates create true gold coin discounts for the smart investor. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Buying gold bullion coins is largely a product of finding a dependable outlet. Exchanges offer quality coins from the world’s manufacturers. The coins are guaranteed to be the price, quality and quantity advertised. For example, buying 10 American Eagles at $1,100 each from goldsilver.org would $11,000, plus the 5.5 to 7 percent commission that they charge. Buying coins from a non-exchange source may or may not result in getting coins of the same quality and you might pay more to actually get them.

The difference with collector’s coin can be even more risky. Certified coins show the buyer that the coin has been independently reviewed and a base value has been established. In the past, a “Mint” coin that was purchased five years ago may only be viewed as “Very Fine” today. That difference could mean losing hundreds of dollars when trying to sell it. Certifying coins using the Sheldon Scale means that an 1871 California Gold half dollar that is rated MS62 will sell for the somewhere around $1,000, instead of $300-$400 that a MS55 might bring.

Successfully finding gold coins for sale is best done with a gold exchange such as goldsilver.org. The company is part of the Certified Gold Exchange and is well known for providing quality coins and superior, zero-complaint customer service, making purchases safer and potentially more profitable.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

You might be wondering about getting into investing since the price of gold is so high. In spite of strong gold prices, many analysts still consider this a good time to buy and own the metal. The key to success is understanding the increasing gold coin value and how it affects your investment strategy.

Over the past five years, the price of gold has risen nearly 175%, setting its all-time high price of over $1,226 per ounce in early December. Bullion and rare coins have both been very popular and offer different investment strategies. After a December sell-off dropped prices to the $1,100 range, economic indicators suggest another rise could occur in 2010, once again increasing gold coin values.

Gold bullion is directly affected by price changes. If the gold spot price goes up, so does the gold coin value of bullion; conversely, lower prices mean lower gold coin values. Rare coins, on the other hand, are affected by changes in gold price, but not nearly as dramatically as bullion. Rare coin values depend more heavily on the appeal of a particular coin, meaning that its condition and its rarity play a critical role in determining its worth.

As a new investor, you can formulate a strategy that has the potential to profit from gold coin value. For short-term investing, you might consider owning bullion, while opting for certified rare coins for long-term holdings. The Certified Gold Exchange is an excellent company to advise and help you formulate a successful investment strategy. With a long, successful history and a spotless record of customer service, the company can be a real asset to you during this time of increasing gold coin value. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Gold coin trading focuses on either bullion or rare coins. Each of these offers unique features to investors. Bullion is the term for bulk gold, whether bars or coins. In the United States, bullion coins are comprised of the different denominations of American Eagle coins, in addition to coins from Canada, Australia, Austria, China, France and South Africa. These coins are commonly traded and their price reflects the amount of gold contained in the coin. Bullion is highly desirable because it can be liquidated easily and can even be used as an alternate currency in times of economic crisis.

Rare coins offer a different feature to people involved in gold coin trading. Investors in rare coins look for desirable pieces of high quality. These coins are certified to ensure that the correct value of each one is known and recorded. When buying or selling, investors look for others who are willing to meet their desired price, as opposed to simply watching the gold spot price.

When trading collector’s pieces or bullion, it is in your best interest to look for help with your gold coin trading. Goldsilver.org is a highly respected gold exchange that can assist with bullion purchases, location of collector’s coins, trading advice and even gold storage. Possessing an impeccable A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, the company is a great asset in gold coin trading.

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The purchase of gold coins can occur in the form of either gold bullion or certified gold coins. Bullion can be purchased from a number of countries and includes American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, South African Krugerrands, Austria Philharmonics and Chinese Pandas. Many investors prefer bullion because it provides coins that can be held and even used in the case of financial crisis.

The purchase of gold coins can also be made with certified rare coins. There are coins from all parts of the world that are valuable because of their rarity and condition. These coins generally sell for prices far above the worth of their gold and can provide an excellent long-term investment option. These coins often appreciate in value regardless of the price of gold and have proven to be a very safe haven, having twice avoided confiscation by the US government.

With a wobbly world economy and continued weakness in the US dollar, the purchase of gold coins has provided a great investment platform, with gold rising to nearly 400% of its value at the beginning of 2000. This steady growth has allowed investors to profit from the purchase of gold coins.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Gold coin trading offers an additional profit potential over long-term gold investing. Long-term investing allows for a person to buy and take delivery of gold, then hold it until some point in the future. This option does not take into account any price fluctuations between the purchase and sale date. The potential benefit of gold coin trading is that gold prices do experience highs and lows where an investor could capitalize on the price changes. If gold is bought when the price is low and sold when the price goes up, the investor would make a profit. Done successfully enough times, and the profit potential could be huge.

People that are involved in gold coin trading are interested in taking advantage of these price changes. By working with a reputable company, trades can be rapidly initiated and an investor is in a better position to take advantage of the changes when they occur.

In order to get involved in gold coin trading, it is best to work with someone that has an impeccable reputation in the business. Goldsilver.org is just such a company, with a successful history and an outstanding A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. With zero customer complaints and a proven track record, the company is well equipped to offer the services that customers need. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Gold coin news buzzed on December 17th when it was discovered that someone had placed a 1990 Canadian Gold Leaf in a kettle in Summit County, Ohio. This C$50 coin was valued at $1,095 and fetched a sum of $1,500 when later sold to a local resident who bought it as a gift for his wife.

The other coin making gold coin news happened just after Thanksgiving when an 1881 Gold Half Eagle was dropped in a kettle in Torrington, Connecticut. Although not immediately verified, the value of this coin could be as high as $25,000 or more because gold US coins prior to 1933 are considered to be extremely rare.

While perfect for demonstrating the kindness of strangers, these coins also show the amazing profit potential that can be found in gold investments. With its soaring prices, gold bullion is an increasingly valuable commodity, while gold collector’s coins such as the 1881 Half Eagle show what scarcity and quality can add to the spot price of gold.

Although the gold coin news isn’t usually filled with great acts of charity, this holiday season has broken that tradition. Thanks to the kindness of strangers and the value of gold, thousands of people will be able to enjoy warm meals to lift their spirits

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Selecting a purchasing agent is generally the one of the most important parts of learning how to buy gold coins. The experts at goldsilver.org have long history of helping clients with their investments needs. Meeting those needs is what makes the company special, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau providing proof of its performance. The company can advise clients on the purchases that they make will meet their investment and budgetary needs, and can teach customers what they need to look for before making any purchase.

The next part of learning how to buy gold coins it understanding the basic process involved. Once a customer chooses goldsilver.org, they must decide what type of purchase meets their financial objectives, such as how much to spend, what investment strategy to employ, and where to keep the gold after purchase. Upon defining the objectives, the buyer can present the client with a bid proposal. If the proposal is accepted, the client makes the funds available and the buyer executes the order.

Though not too difficult, the best advice on how to buy gold coins comes down to trust. Trusting a company like goldsilver.org makes sense based on its experience and outstanding customer service, which enable it to turn investments into dollars for its clients. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Among the ten coins selected, three were gold, including the “Best Gold Coin”, a 20 Lati gold coin from Latvia, the “Most Artistic” a 200 Polish Zlotych gold coin depicting the Warsaw ghetto uprising and the “Most Inspirational”, a Canadian C$2,500 gold coin with the theme of “Towards Confederation”.

While gold coin pricing continues to rise, the recognition of artistry in gold coins continues to underscore the increase. Both collector’s coins and gold bullion display exquisite designs, intricate patterns and famous patterns from the past.

The demand for collector’s coins and bullion is an important part of the increase in gold coin pricing for the past decade. As government-issued currencies weaken in value, gold has strengthened. In addition, gold coins and bars are seen by many as protection against economic disaster, with the metal serving as an alternative currency in the event of national collapse or severe international crisis.

Like the beautiful coins featured at the Coin of the Year Awards, gold coin pricing is a thing of beauty for many investors. Spurred by the economic difficulties of the current time, gold is a highly lucrative investment and coins are an attractive way to own this precious metal.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The gold coin market continued on its march to the end of the year by surging back over $1,100 per ounce. Bullion has been a strong performer throughout the year as the United States’ economy struggles to find its footing in the midst of the global economic crisis. The value of the dollar plummeted under the weight of financial pressures caused by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the collapse of the sub-prime mortgage market and the banking crisis. As people search for safe investments, the gold coin market has been the place that many have turned.

Although gold prices experienced a slight downturn before Christmas, most analysts see it as a simple anomaly as the elements that drive prices are still in place, such as a weak dollar, high demand and economic instability. The low was attributed to an over-aggressive sell-off that was not supported by the factors that normally drive prices.

Because the dollar is still very week, the gold coin market and over precious metals will likely continue to prosper in 2010. In addition to gold, palladium and platinum have maintained steady growth and are primed to continue that trend as the economy and demand outreach supply.

With all of the variables in place to promote its growth, the gold coin market appears to be positioned to move into next year on a high note. 2009 has proven to an excellent year for investing and the gold market looks to be ripe for a strong 2010 as well.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Much like gold bullion, 24-karat gold jewelry is an indicator of economic direction. Investments in gold are seen as a luxury item, with purchases made at times when price increases are imminent and consumers feel they have disposable income. Fennell’s sales statements have been especially well-received, with stock prices rising nearly 500% for 2009.

24-karat gold is extremely popular. Gold bullion purchased by investors is 24-karat, as is high-end jewelry. Because of its purity, this gold is more valuable and increases in price faster than the lesser grades. The higher cost of the raw material in turn makes jewelry created from it more expensive. The higher cost is significant when evaluating its impact on the economy because as the financial world becomes unstable, sales of luxury items tend to drop. For this reason, the increase in holiday sales of designer gold products is a good sign that the economy is improving.

While other economic indicators also suggest that the economy is making a gradual recovery, commercial and retail sales of 24-karat gold presents one of the strongest arguments to date. While Christmas tradition dictates that people need to deck the halls with boughs of holly, confident consumers are busy decking the halls with 24-karat gold bullion and jewelry. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Retailers are reporting that gold sales have been strong as buyers return to such traditional items as monogrammed pendants, bangle bracelets and gold earrings. In addition, such new favorites as disc necklaces, heart motifs, promise rings and Fleur de Lis rings have also been very popular, as evidenced by increased sales.

Gold sales reports are being watched closely during this holiday season as retailers attempt to dig out from an otherwise frustrating 2009. Jewelry is an excellent indicator of overall holiday sales due to price points that are typically above other gifts like toys and in many cases electronics. Retail jewelry stores have been severely impacted by the economic downturn, meaning that positive holiday sales are vital to the survival of this important business sector.

The outlook for the jewelry industry in 2010 is receiving a boost, thanks in large part to encouraging gold sales. Gold jewelry is considered by many to be a luxury industry and one that is very susceptible to economic pressures. In an optimistic turn, Christmas necklaces and other jewelry are helping to lead to stronger gold sales, and adding encouragement to the prospect of a prosperous trend that carries over to 2010. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Dickens, a literary giant who penned such works as “A Christmas Carol”, “Great Expectations” and “Oliver Twist”, made two visits the United States of America. At the arrival of his second trip in 1867, Dickens carried a gold and ivory toothpick that contracted for storage and bore his initials. His sister-in-law Georgina Horsforth later sold the toothpick and an autographed note to an anonymous bidder shortly after the author’s death in 1870. The Dickens family collection of Barnes and Noble was the most recent owner of the item and put it up for the record-setting auction.

With gold prices soaring to over $1,100 per ounce, interest in gold collectables has increased as well. Found in museum auctions, private sales and Internet websites such as eBay, collectors are drawn to buy watches, rare coins and other gold pieces with historical value. The most famous of these sales was the 1999 auction of an 18-karat Patek Phillipe gold watch from 1933 that brought over $11 million.

As investors look beyond banks and stocks to find lucrative investments, gold collectables have become an increasingly attractive alternative. Precious metals and history can combine to provide great expectations for such artifacts, making collectables like Dickens’ golden toothpick a strong investment. 

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Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The radical fluctuations of our traditional markets have drained our portfolios since 2005, when real estate started to take a dive, and the bloodletting worsened in 2007, when US stock indexes began to tumble. Our government’s finances have fared worse than our own individual accounts, which is surprising since the average American lost 35% of their assets between 2005, and 2008.

Medicare and Social Security are on the verge of insolvency because these programs are paying out more than they are taking in. Our leaders used trillions of dollars of our money over the years to fund other parts of government, so there is nothing left in the tax offices of Virginia except file cabinet after file cabinet of IOUs that could never be repaid at the rate things are going. Investors who would like to hedge their assets from the devaluation or possible collapse of the dollar are looking into gold and silver coins more seriously these days, because both bullion and certified coins play a major role in the growth and private protection of wealth when our mainstream markets hibernate in bearish obscurity.

Those who plan on a hold of 1-14 months for profit have historically done better financially with bullion as spot prices generally tend to spike within a short time. You can buy both gold and silver coins classified as bullion, and these coins carry small premiums over the Commodities Exchange (COMEX) spot price.

If a long-term precious metal investment is your preference, certified gold and silver coins might be the wiser investment. Certified coins are a private means of wealth storage, and no complicated paperwork is required to purchase these coins. While bullion could be confiscated by our government if our currency’s troubles continue, investors who convert a portion of their assets to certified gold and silver coins could be protected from any repeat of the 1933-1971 confiscation, which made it a federal crime to hoard bullion products. To learn more about bullion confiscation, visit www.Gold-Investment.info or browse one of the helpful tutorials below while supplies last. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Investors who fear that our dollar could possibly collapse should give consideration to gold and silver coins that have been certified as “Uncirculated Mint State” rarities by either the Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (www.NGCCoin.com). If you believe that our dollar will only undergo some short-term inflation, if any problems at all, then you may do better financially if you buy gold and silver bullion.

Whether your needs point to an investment in bullion or certified coins, insist that your gold broker ship your metals directly to you. By owning physical possession bars and/or coins, you empower yourself financially and escape the worries of the dollar-heavy investor. No matter what happens in our economy, you will have some physical gold to fall back on should the need arise.

Physical delivery of your metals may not be immediately available if you buy gold and silver for your IRA, because our government stipulates that the physical gold must be stored at an approved depository until you start withdrawing from any employer-provided or self-directed retirement account. If you shift a portion of your nest egg into gold, it is vital to understand that you do own physically allocated precious metals. Your investment is placed in a box that bears your name, and depository-stored by either Sterling Trust or GoldStar Trust.

IRA investors are encouraged to place bullion within their retirement account if they plan on a short-term venture in the precious metals market, and longer-term (over 14 months) investors have historically done better financially with the American Eagle Proof coin. The gold and silver versions of the Proof Eagle are non-confiscatable if our government recalls bullion again, which is a very real issue with the recent slide of the dollar and the fact that our national debt is only a small distance from the limit that it can legally reach.

The growth that has been seen in the American Eagle bullion coins has been magnified in the Proof version, and the US Mint recently halted production of these coins so the price spikes could continue as demand grows and supply wanes. You can get more information on the precious metals market before you buy gold and silver by contacting GoldSilver.org or taking advantage of the free investment tutorials offered below. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

You can’t overstate the importance of choosing a gold and silver exchange with a solid reputation, jot down www.BBB.org or visit the Better Business Bureau now to check out any potential brokerage. By searching with a phrase such as “reputable gold exchange” you will get lots of results through www.Google.com, and you can contact the BBB or the companies themselves to inquire about their BBB report. A truly reputable gold and silver exchange will maintain a rating of A or A+, with one or fewer complaints in the company’s history. A reputable gold dealer that has been in business for more than a decade should be able to aid your entry into, and exit from the gold market.

Undoubtedly, you want to get a competitive offer when you buy anything, and you want the same fair market value when you purchase and liquidate your gold and silver. Precious metal dealers that buy and sell the most commonly known products tend to have better prices, because these types of bars and coins are easy to price check and liquidate. Be wary of dealers who offer obscure coins with fantastic storylines, because liquidity could easily become an issue for you when you are ready to liquidate your holdings.

Lastly, insist on dealing with a gold and silver exchange that offers multiple varieties of precious metal products. Bullion dealers will push bullion, and rare coin dealers only want to promote rare coins as the only wise investments. By dealing with an exchange that is authorized to sell bullion and rare coins, and by listening to your concerns and goals, you can be matched with the appropriate investment.

If you would like assistance in locating a reputable gold and silver exchange that could facilitate your precious metal investing, register for your free copy of our award-winning investment tutorial below or contact GoldSilver.org today. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Gold and silver prices do not always move in unison, although this has been the case recently. Gold and silver prices can be tracked around the clock by visiting www.GoldPrice.net, or simply by contacting GoldSilver.org directly for live discounted quotes on the most commonly traded and widely known gold and silver investments.

Gold tends to remain closely tied to the performance of the US dollar, while silver sometimes goes astray from that inverse relationship. The silver market moves based on supply and demand for safe-haven assets, which are defined as hard assets that can be privately stored and tend to move in the opposite direction of traditional investment avenues. Silver is much more affordable per ounce than gold, so some cautious investors have opted for the white metal because they have recently lost large percentages of their investment portfolios.

Projections for gold and silver prices are looking strong for 2010, and gold is expected to outperform silver next year because silver remains somewhat more speculative at the moment. Banks like JP Morgan and the Bank of America have called for gold and silver to rise throughout 2010, and you can learn more about these two investment-grade precious metals by contacting GoldSilver.org or requesting the 2010 Insider’s Guide to Gold and Silver Prices below. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

This “use it or lose it” strategy applies in many areas of business come the end of December, and gold market analysts expect gold and silver investors to focus on this strategy this year. Even though our government has held interest rates at historic lows for an especially long amount of time, gold and silver prices have climbed in response to the weakening dollar index and increased demand for privately held hard assets.

Gold and silver would most likely lose value if consumer confidence in our lawmakers’ collective ability to pull our nation out of this recession grows, but slow holiday retail sales and the general air of dissatisfaction among Americans lends credence to the belief that we have quite a while to go before things permanently change for the better. If you foresee more disappointment for US stock indexes and cash accounts in 2010, then it may be wise to consider diversification into physical possession gold and silver. Contact GoldSilver.org directly or browse through the 2010 Insider’s Guide to Gold and Silver Investing below. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

It is highly unlikely that a barter and trade situation could present itself, however, because our government would likely act as it did historically and confiscate gold bullion from US citizens to strengthen the dollar. When this happened in 1933, it forced US citizens to utilize dollar-backed assets, and our nation’s future was preserved. Whether or not another bullion confiscation ill occur remains to be seen, so many investors have taken it upon themselves to protect their hard-earned wealth before our failing financial markets fluctuate further.

Morgan Silver Dollar coins that have been certified as “Uncirculated Mint State” coins by PCGS have a historical track record of outpacing the growth of silver bullion prices when utilized for long-term (14 months or longer) holds. These coins have remained in near-perfect condition for 90 years on the young end, and they have been deemed private purchases and rare collectibles by our government.

You may like to purchase Morgan Silver Dollars if you are interested in storing your wealth in precious metals, as so many investors have recently done. Visit www.PCGS.com to see the average retail prices for US silver coins, or contact GoldCoin.net directly to receive live discounted prices on the most often-used investment-grade coins. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Silver gained 70% in the last 365 days, but the white metal is more speculative than gold because of its key utilization in some of our nation’s failing industries. Gold has been an especially valued commodity for the last 5000 years, and gold prices have historically thriven during high inflationary cycles. Although inflation is not an immediate threat, the Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates within the next 14 months and this could devalue our dollar significantly.

Some investors have decided to trade silver for gold, since the yellow metal has a historical tendency to outperform the majority of other markets during troubling economic times. Economists believe that the gold spot price could reach $1400-$1500 in 2010, unless our government finds a way to stave off inflation of the dollar.

If you believe that inflation is imminent and you want to protect your buying power until our nation regains its financial footing, you are not alone. Register below for your copy of the 2010 Insider’s Guide to Gold and Silver Investing, or contact GoldSilver.org for more information on the precious metal market. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Prior to the year 2001, stock and real estate markets were flourishing as well as US currency. Gold and silver coin investments weren’t as popular because safe-haven demand was low, so stocks, bonds, and cash accounts accounted for the majority of investors’ funds. Most investors did not feel the need to diversify into precious metals in 2001, even though double-digit inflation was seen as recently as the 1980s and some economists were screaming in 2001 that a national recession was on the way.

Our economy began spiraling downward a few years ago, and the bloodletting has sucked the life from our traditional financial markets. Since 2001, some gold and silver investments have increased by as much as 475%, and economists say that we could be on the cusp of a long-term inflationary stage that could drive precious metal values even higher.

If you feel the need to diversify into preservative assets such as precious metals contact one of our friendly experts at our toll-free help desk or register below for free information the gold and silver markets, including the 2010 Insider’s Guide to Gold and Silver Coin Investments. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Spot silver is currently valued at $17.91, and spot gold is trading at $1048 levels. There has been wide-scale profit-taking the past two days, which was initially sparked by the dollar’s spike in value. Long-term projections are for the dollar to lose another 25% of its value in 2010, and many economists fear that the greenback could eventually collapse.

The collapse of the dollar is very unlikely, because our government would exhaust any feasible options to strengthen our paper IOU notes before letting it become insolvent. Historically, our government backed the weak dollar by confiscating the gold bullion of US citizens, and from 1933-1971 the dollar was used as a placeholder for gold. In 1971, the United States was removed from the Gold Standard and our government has had free reign to run the printing presses perpetually since then.

If you have concerns about the devalued dollar or about our economy in general, it may be wise to make the lateral move into physical gold and/or silver. Contact GoldSilver.org to get live quotes on the most commonly traded gold and silver items, or register below for spot silver and spot gold updates, as well as a plethora of useful investment-grade information. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Not only is our economy shrinking, but our national debt is growing. Many investors have made the lateral move from dollar-backed assets and into gold and silver, because these metals have a history of moving oppositely to US currency. When the dollar loses value, commodities that are priced in gold become more expensive. Once our government starts to raise interest rates, economists expect high inflation that will result in higher gold and silver prices.

Some investors are not only worried about inflation, but they foresee the possible collapse of the dollar. If this were to happen, hard assets like gold and silver that have been valued by mankind for thousands of years would come back into play as key instruments of buying and selling. Fiat “funny money” is only a paper placeholder and an IOU, but when times are tough people revert back to relying on palpable wealth. This type of self-empowering wealth is found in gold, silver, oil, and food.

The gold market pulled back slightly today, and the current gold spot price is $1179.80. Silver retreated from above-$19 levels yesterday, and the white metal is presently valued at $18.61. Market analysts at JP Morgan have called for the gold spot price to rise 8% in 2010, and experts at Seeking Alpha believe that silver could reach $52 per ounce before the current cycle is completed. Call us or register below for our free information kit, including the 2010 Gold and Silver Projections Guide. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Current gold and silver prices listed on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) are always available to household and institutional investors at www.GoldPrice.net, and you will find information on silver and platinum prices at this site as well. The gold spot price at 4pm EST was $1217.90, which is a 12.18% increase in just the last 30 days. Many US economists have called for the gold spot price to rise 12-18% per year for the next three years, so it is no surprise that a monthly gain of this magnitude has influenced many investors to strengthen their position in the gold market.

Silver, although a bit more speculative than gold at the moment because of its key utilization in a number of failing industries, has risen significantly as well recently. Silver is presently trading at $19.09 per ounce, and economists like Dr. Michael Berry believe that silver could reach $35 per ounce in the current cycle.

The specialists at GoldSilver.org can provide you with the correct answer to any question you have about the gold and silver market, so give us a call or register below for your free 2010 Insider’s Guide to Gold and Silver Investing. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Gold and silver stocks could fall hard and fast if discrepancies are found in the company’s number of shares and the amount of physical metal that is stored in that company’s name. If precious metal “shareholders” find out through audit reports that the shares are backed by nothing, it could already be too late to sell by that particular point.

Many market analysts have asked our government to audit precious metal stock-issuing companies, because it is widely believed that growing deficits exist between their paper worth and their physical holdings. If gold and silver stocks are nothing more than a Ponzi scheme, investors who got in on the back end could be up the creek without a paddle on that particular investment. Therefore, market analysts are encouraging investors to take physical delivery of their precious metals for self-empowerment and a privately held back-up plan.

Investors purchase gold or silver stocks because they are unaware of our government’s historic bullion confiscation, or they simply believe that another government-led confiscation of bullion would not alter their precious metal derivatives. Our government’s henchmen would most likely seize any and all metals that the ETF companies do possess, and this could transform gold and silver stocks into worthless, broken down investment vehicles.

Investors who desire non-confiscatable gold items should shy away from gold and silver stocks, and consider pre-1933 US minted coins that have been certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).

These coins have been more profitable than newer American coins over the last decade, and their complete privacy is a major benefit to investors who are skeptical of our government’s motives to salvage our shipwrecked economy and dollar. Contact GoldSilver.org for the latest developments in the gold and silver markets. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Historic gold and silver coins that were produced by the US Mint prior to 1933 have historically proven to be an effective way to independently secure a large amount of wealth within a small space. Investors who trust themselves more than our faltering economy may want to consider supplementing their portfolio with some of the following historic gold and silver coins, because these coins rack their inherent precious metal spot prices and they were not historically confiscated by our government to back up our dollar, as were so many other coins.

The $20 Saint Gaudens gold coin was exempt from the historic gold bullion confiscation, because it has been classified as a coin having recognized value to collectors of rare and unusual coins. This coin is an American antiquity and there are not enough of these coins to hurt our help US currency. Saint-Gaudens gold coins were minted from 1907-1933 and they are utilized by today’s investors for long-term wealth preservation.

Investors also value historic silver coins like the Morgan Silver Dollar and the Peace Silver Dollar, which could be exempt from bullion confiscation in the future. If you would like to know more about the historic bullion confiscation or historic gold and silver coins that escaped the melting pot in 1933, contact us directly through a phone call or by email. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Gold and silver have trounced other investments in recent years, largely due to the fact that the falling US dollar has minimized gains seen in stocks, bonds, and cash accounts. Gold has a strong history of moving inversely to the dollar, and silver has “ridden the coattails” of gold since 2004. While silver investors have seen some tidy profits in recent years, the white metal is somewhat more speculative than its’ yellow counterpart.

Investors have supplemented their current holdings of gold and silver because these metals are considered safe-haven assets during high inflationary times and when our economy falters. If the dollar collapses or simply continues to become devalued, gold and silver spot pries will likely continue to rise.

Historically this has been the case, as evidenced in the 1970s. Inflation reached double digits back then, and silver and gold shot to $55 and $850, respectively. Gold investors who entered the market at the beginning of the last cycle made over 1000% on their initial investment, and gold has only been rising for eight years in the current cycle.

If you believe that gold and silver spot prices could continue to rise and you want to make the best of this bad economy by holding precious metals, contact us directly through email or our toll-free number and we will send a copy of our 2010 Insider’s Guide To Gold And Silver Investing to your door. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Investors within the United States have heightened their demand for safe-haven assets like privately held gold, silver, and platinum, but gold has had more positive movement due to the devaluing dollar than either of the white metals. Economists have called for precious metals to rise across the board in 2010, and they have warned that platinum and silver are a bit more speculative than the yellow metal.

Platinum is a crucial element in the manufacture of automobiles and other large industries, but many of the industries that require platinum have been irreparably harmed in our recession. Silver has more of an investment following than platinum because of its affordability, but silver has shown a tendency to go astray from the gold trend at times.

While anything could happen, gold has historically outperformed silver and platinum, as well as traditional investments like stocks, bonds, and cash accounts. When economic stress is high and consumer confidence is low (see the 1930s and the 1970s), gold tends to draw more followers.

Our nation’s economy has faltered in a way that hasn’t been seen since the Great Depression, so many investors have opted to store their wealth privately by means of gold. If you would like to learn more about the gold and silver markets, contact us directly for the most up-to-date information on precious metal investments. Email or call us today for your copy of our 2010 Insider’s Guide To Gold And Silver Investing. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Once you contact a gold broker that you trust, purchase items that fit your specific needs. Ignore what friends or family have been successful with, and focus on your situation. If you plan to hold your gold between 1-14 months, and you are looking purely for profit, gold bullion could be preferable.

If you are considering a longer-term stake in the gold market, and you would like to protect your remaining assets before our recession saps your accounts further, gold bullion is not advisable. Purchase certified gold and silver coins in this scenario, because they could gain significant value along with gold and silver spot prices, and certified coins are private assets.

Take delivery of your gold and/or silver if possible, and rest assured that the industry leaders will provide you with free shipping for your investments. If you are investing within an IRA, buy physical gold for your IRA instead of gold stocks or shares of gold mining companies, because those speculative investments are not as liquid nor as historically profitable for US investors during recessionary times. Contact GoldSilver.org directly for the best information on the gold and silver markets. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Some investors have bought gold and silver on the World Wide Web, through electronic marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and other strictly online dealers are sometimes unable to adequately appease a client who would like to hear a person’s voice before sending large sums of money. Some investors have resorted to doing business with local gold dealers because they can speak face-to-face with the person who sells the precious metals, but local dealers often charge high premiums. Additionally, some investors have found a local dealer and purchased product, only to find a few weeks later that the dealer had vanished! Immediate liquidity is ever-important, so losing your gold dealer could cause obvious problems.

The majority of US investors prefer to trade their gold and silver with a major exchange. Long-standing, reputable gold exchanges utilize friendly and trained specialists to assist clients, and the best prices are often available by contacting the major gold exchanges around the country.

If you need to know where to buy gold and silver, the Certified Gold Exchange and other major precious metal exchanges will provide their services or recommend a more appropriate option for your specific situation. Contact us directly for further assistance in your mission to trade gold and silver, or to pick up your copy of our 2010 Insider’s Guide To Gold Investing. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Gold is valued at $1033 per ounce on the Commodities Exchange (COMEX), and silver fell to $18.24 on the same index. Platinum is presently selling for $1430 per ounce, and this is a $14 decrease for the day. Precious metals and other commodities that are priced using the US dollar increase in value when the dollar is devalued, and also when demand exceeds supply.

Lower gold and silver prices were caused directly by the dollar’s devaluation today, and not by large-scale profit-taking by investors. Generally, investors prefer to maintain possession of physical metals when the US economy tanks.

Historically, gold and silver rose to record highs when other US markets were failing. In the 1930s and again in the 1970s, radically high national debt and an inflated dollar helped gold and silver prices rise steadily. Gold and silver have risen steadily for a few years, and our worsening recession could cause these precious metals to become even more available.

Gold and silver are considered safe-haven assets because they provide wealth preservation, and possibly growth, during the worst of financial seasons. Today’s lower gold and silver prices are an excellent way to save a few dollars if you have been considering a precious metal investment, so contact us online or call our toll-free number to take or strengthen your position in the precious metal market, and escape the volatile US dollar. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Although new peaks have been reached repeatedly throughout the last month, the weakening dollar and safe-haven demand will most likely elevate precious metal prices further. Until the ill effects of our recession wane, investors are going to seek security and wealth preservation. Our traditional markets have been unable to provide those benefits in the past few years, and some investors have turned to gold and silver. Unlike dollar-backed assets, gold and silver price movement is often positive during recessionary and depressionary times.

In addition to the potential profits that investors could make with gold and silver, the fact that these metals can be stored privately is crucial. Unlike mining stocks and other precious metal derivatives, physical gold and silver can be a worthwhile back-up plan for US investors. Investors who seek a short-term precious metal investment are invited to research bullion bars and coins, like the PAMP-Suisse bullion bars and the $50 American Eagle gold bullion coin.

Investors who want to hold their precious metals as a safety hedge for many years could do better with certified gold and silver coins, which cost a great deal more but are completely private. Contact us directly for the latest information on gold and silver price trends, or to get started with your diversification into precious metals. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

In past financial cycles, gold, silver, and other commodities rose in value while mainstream funds suffered. Many economists believe we are in the midst of a cycle that is shockingly similar to those in the 1930s and 1970s, when high inflation and a weak job market prevailed. The horrific credit crunch and foreclosure crisis could make the current cycle far more destructive for the long-term health of the American economy.

Most investors are increasing their gold and silver holdings at the moment, because it is advisable to have a 20-30% hedge in safe-haven assets as protection against losses in other areas of one’s portfolio. However, if you desire to sell gold and silver and convert those funds back to US dollars, you should be pleased to know that the most widely-traded gold and silver bullion and certified coin products are just as liquid as a checking or savings account.

You freeze your price before you ship the gold to the depository, so you do not have to worry about after-market fluctuations. Once your package is verified under video surveillance, you will be notified and a check or wire will be issued to you immediately. In case you do need a little cash, it’s good to know that your precious metals are so liquid. Lots of free information on buying and selling precious metals is available by calling us or simply register for our free, and obligation-free, gold investment tutorial. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Investors who are buying gold and silver for retirement account purposes are unable to take immediate delivery of their metals, because our government requires depository storage for gold and silver IRAs. These investors do own physical metals that are actually stored in a depository with the investor’s name on the box, but our government keeps tabs on the metals until mandatory withdraws begin. Our government feels a “need” to monitor the utilization of IRA funds, so they authorize Sterling Trust and GoldStar Trust to manage precious metal IRAs. IRA investors should place bullion inside their retirement account if they plan on a short-term hold, but longer-term investors generally do better financially with the American Eagle Proof. The gold and silver version of this coin is non-confiscatable if our government recalls bullion again, and the growth that is seen in the American Eagle coins has been outpaced by the Proof version.

Investors who understand that our dollar could collapse are advised to start buying gold and silver coins that have been certified by either the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Investors who see the United States emerging from its recessionary period may prefer gold and silver bullion, but it is vital to take physical delivery of your metals if you are investing away from retirement accounts. Whether you plan on a Proof, bullion, or certified coin purchase, first contact us directly for obligation-free assistance to ensure that you get the proper protection for your portfolio. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

A number of items are allowed to be placed within retirement accounts, and most of these permitted items are classified as bullion. The American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, and Lunar coins are confiscatable types of items if our government enacts another gold bullion confiscation similar to the one that occurred in 1933. Any gold bars stored within an IRA would be confiscatable as well. Visit www.Gold-Bullion.org for more information on why US citizens were not allowed to hoard gold bullion from 1933-1971.

One item that is IRA-permitted is the American Gold Eagle proof. This is the only non-confiscatable coin that investors can store within their retirement accounts. The modern-day Proof coin is similar to pre-1933 coins in its privacy, but historic coins are not IRA-permitted items. If you have retirement accounts that could benefit from conversion to a gold and silver IRA, call our helpful specialists now to see if your retirement account is eligible for a fast, easy, and affordable rollover. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Gold and silver bullion can be purchased in a number of ways, but the most common way to buy precious metals is by contacting a reputable gold and silver exchange locally or through a Google search. A reputable gold dealer will have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (www.BBB.org) and a Five Star rating with Amazon Alexa (www.Alexa.com).

There are many different gold and silver products available on the major exchanges, but not all of these products are appropriate investments. Jewelers, industries, and collectors are in this market as well, so choosing investment-grade items is vital to meeting your goals. If you require bullion bars, PAMP-Suisse, Engelhard, and Johnson-Matthey are highly recommended manufacturers. Bullion coins like the South African Krugerrand and the Canadian Maple Leaf are affordable and minted with world-class expertise. Investors who seek gold and silver for a long-term (longer than 14 months) hold, are advised to consider certified rare coins, like the $20 Saint Gaudens and the $10 Lady Liberty. Contact GoldSilver.org directly for more information on the various types of gold and silver. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Because of our nation’s worsening financial situation, and the subsequent increased demand for safe-haven assets, the gold price has repeatedly broken historic records during the past two months. After reaching $850 in the last high inflationary cycle of the 1970s, some skeptical economists stated in 2008 that the gold spot price would never exceed $1033 in the current cycle. That figure was reached a year and a half ago, and our government’s malevolent manipulation of financial markets has artificially repressed gold prices.

Our leaders want investors to pour their money into stocks and other dollar-backed assets, not gold and other assets that can be privately stored. American investors have recognized the fact that our government’s plan isn’t working, and it is in fact making things much worse for us in the long run. These wise investors turn to hard assets to seek safety during these tumultuous times.

Fear of another national depression has caused investors to buy physical silver and gold, so these metals have risen dramatically in value recently. The gold price is now at a record-high $1119, and silver is poised to break the $18 per ounce barrier yet again. If gold and silver prices continue to rise, investors who bought those metals for wealth preservation will also be able to take profits that will help to offset losses in other areas of their portfolios. If you believe that gold and silver could provide your portfolio with needed security, call us today to gather research material or get started. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Investors who want to buy gold and silver coins and hold between 1-14 months should give consideration to bullion products such as the American Eagle series and the Canadian Maple Leaf. Both of these modern-day bullion coins are available in gold and silver, and they carry small premiums over the current gold spot price that is listed on the Commodities Exchange (COMEX) division of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

Bullion could be confiscated by our government once again if the US dollar’s troubles continue, so investors who want a private investment are advised to consider certified gold and silver coins. If you are new to the precious metal market and have questions about how to begin diversifying, call www.GoldSilver.org directly because we offer obligation-free assistance to all United States citizens. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Floundering stocks, real estate, and paper assets have sapped a tremendous amount of wealth from investors who hoped to retire one day, and many workers now plan to work an extra 5-15 years to compensate for their lost money. Unfortunately, our nation’s 10% unemployment rate looks to get worse before it gets better, so they may never realize their dream retirement. Other investors have searched for alternative ways to store and grow their wealth, because our traditional markets have continually disappointed us. Some of these investors have turned to gold and silver-backed retirement accounts, because safe-haven assets like precious metals are a wise way to diversify an underperforming retirement account.

Many investors have utilized gold and silver-backed retirement accounts since our recession began, and the trend of storing physical metals into an IRA has caught on with a great many more investors since our government began its stimulus spending. Backing a retirement account with gold and silver is one of the most ideal methods to preserve and grow wealth, and the fact that a precious metal IRA is available in the midst of such financial hardship makes these investments that much more attractive. If your retirement accounts have lost their luster in recent years, contact www.GoldSilver.org to see if physical gold and silver could help you reach your investment goals. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

As with all investments, gold and silver prices rise and fall according to the never-ceasing fluctuations of global supply and demand. Demand has consistently increased during the last few years and our nation’s gloomy economic climate could mean higher precious metal prices over the course of the next decade.

JP Morgan, Bank of America, and savvy economists like Peter Schiff have called for gold prices to rise, and silver’s upward trend should not be considered a “piggybacking” of the increasing gold spot price. Although silver is somewhat more speculative at the moment because of its uses in struggling industries, both silver and gold are poised to increase by 12-18% next year.

Investors who want to own these precious metals should give consideration to their investment goals before making a purchase. Investors who plan on a short-term hold are advised to invest in bullion bars and coins, while longer-term holds generally perform better with certified coins.

Short-term investors stick with bullion because of its low buy and sell spread, but longer-term investors pay the higher premiums because certified coins historically tend to vastly outperform bullion products over time. Call our friendly specialists today at 800-300-0715, and let our organization send you some free information on gold and silver investing. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

There are many ways to invest in “gold” and ”silver,” but physical gold and silver investments are by far the most widely traveled path by American investors. Derivatives and exchange traded funds (ETFs) may provide some healthy dividends, but there is no substitute for the reliable back-up plan that physical precious metals are for their owners.

In the event of a national financial emergency, such as a collapse of our dollar, palpable assets will reign supreme. Promissory notes and certificates of ownership mean little when food and shelter are lacking. For over 5,000 years, people have placed value in hard assets like gold and silver,and the radical fiduciary policies of our government cannot change that.

Even retirement account investors have contributed to this trend, because they are permitted to store physical gold and silver within their IRAs. Although precious metal IRAs require that the metal remain stored at a depository until the investment is liquidates or mandatory withdraws are taken, this form of investment is much more secure than non-allocated gold and silver investments. Retirement account holders should take advantage of the government’s provision of precious metal IRAs, instead of playing a game of chance with derivative-type investments like gold stocks and pool accounts. Contact www.GoldSilver.org at 800-300-0715 to learn more about proper gold and silver diversification, whether for physical delivery or your underperforming IRA or 401K. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

By dealing with a large-volume exchange, you’ll be able to see more competitive pricing. Some firms resort to celebrity endorsements and costly advertising to lure potential buyers, but investors who utilize these firms often pay in excess of fair market value for their precious metals. Another advantage of large-volume gold and silver dealers is that they conduct business with large financial institutions, so institutional discounts are sometimes available for household investors through market-makers like the Certified Gold Exchange.

Most precious metal dealers use commission-based compensation plans for their brokers. If possible, invest with a company that pays their brokers a salary. Commission structures can create awkward situations when investors decide to sell. Oftentimes, the broker ends up making more on the trade than the investor!

Reputation is the backbone of the gold market, so be sure to only deal with reputable, long-standing companies. Check Better Business Bureau (www.BBB.org) reports and the Amazon Alexa (www.Alexa.com) customer satisfaction index.

Gold and silver dealers trade regular bullion, as well as certified coins. Brokers recommend a 20-30% hedge in precious metals, and they usually recommend bullion products for holding periods of 1-14 months. If you plan to hold any longer than 14 months, and if you want palpable security for your portfolio, certified gold and silver coins may be a better fit. Contact www.GoldSilver.org at 800-300-0715 to find your precious metal exchange today. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Gold

• JP Morgan recently released a note which said that the gold spot price could reach $1100 per ounce before the end of the year

• Franklin Sanders with The Moneychanger believes that gold prices could reach $1200 per ounce by mid-February 2010

• Capital Markets strategist Matein Khalid has stated that he would not be surprised to see gold prices surpass $1,200 per ounce in 2010

Silver

• Bank of America said last month that silver could reach $20 an ounce in 2010, which would be a 22% increase over today’s levels.

• Writers at www.SeekingAlpha.com believe that silver will reach $35 per ounce in the current cycle

• Silver analyst Chris Weber believes that silver could reach a minimum of $26 per ounce in the future

Investors who believe that gold and silver will increase in value should contact a reputable precious metal exchange to learn more about proper portfolio diversification; now may be the right time for you to invest in a back-up plan. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The US Mint produces the American Eagle coin in gold and silver, and many stateside investors have lined their portfolios with this type of holding. Though slightly more expensive than some other modern-day gold and silver investments, American Eagles only use gold and silver that was mined within US borders. The Canadian Maple Leaf is slightly less expensive, and this coin is also available in both gold and silver. The Royal Canadian Mint only uses pure (0.999 fine) gold and silver for these coins, and Canadian Maple Leafs are renowned for being minted with faultless blanks.

Investors who prefer an even less expensive bullion item should contact a dealer that offers bullion bars, preferably minted by a reputable company such as Credit Suisse, Johnson-Matthey, or Engelhard. These bars have been widely and successfully utilized by short-term investors for years, but investors who want to buy and hold for years or decades should consider a different type of gold and silver. Certified gold and silver coins usually outperform bullion over the long-term, so investors who want to progressively appreciate their portfolios should visit www.CertifiedGoldExchange.com for more information about these American rarities. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) examine, grade, and protect historic US coins with a hard plastic holder. These holders not only protect the coin’s beauty and numismatic value; they also clearly display the coin’s Mint State grading and its individual serial number. The MS64 Saint Gaudens and the MS61 $20 Lady Liberty are two of the most popular investment-grade coins, and both of these coins were minted using US-mined gold. These coins have historically been more profitable than gold bullion products, and have recently exhibited a three-to-one ratio during the last eight months.

Silver investors need not feel ignored by the certified coin market, because the US Mint also produced the Morgan Silver Dollar and the Peace Dollar prior to 1933. These coins cost substantially more than silver bullion, and they tend to provide more profit than bullion coins like the American Silver Eagle. The impressive thing about pre-1933 gold and silver coins is not their historic profitability, or the profits that they could potentially render throughout the next decade. These certified rarities are non-confiscatable in the event of a second bullion confiscation by our government. Contact www.Gold-Bullion.org to learn more about the 1933 bullion confiscation, or speak with a Certified Gold Exchange specialist directly at 800-300-0715

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

As investors continue to lose profuse amounts of wealth inside and outside of their retirement accounts, gold and silver bullion and rare coins will most likely continue their upward march. Bullion products are usually reserved for short-term investors who seek quick profits, and certified rare coins are the better option for long-term investors who feel an urgent need for wealth preservation, long-term growth, and privacy. Short-term market forecasts show that gold and silver investments could see extended gains within the next few weeks due to weak economic data, which usually increases safe-haven demand.

History has shown us that gold and silver tend to thrive during inflationary and deflationary periods, because precious metals will always hold true value, unlike fiat currency that is nothing more than a processed tree. Investors who want to preserve their buying power and escape the effects of inflation, a lagging economy, and a green administration are encouraged to contact a reliable precious metal exchange. Experts at these exchanges can determine the best gold and silver investments for your portfolio by listening to your concerns and investment goals. Visit www.BBB.org or contact the Certified Gold Exchange to learn more about any potential gold dealer’s rating and complaint history. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

While short-term investors usually prefer to utilize gold and silver bullion, security-conscious investors who want to hold longer than 14 months typically do better with certified coins. Investment-grade, certified coins are the most popular long-term gold investments in the United States. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) inspect and certify Mint State condition coins, and these coins are then encased in a sonically sealed container with a serial number. The legendary $20 Saint Gaudens coin was minted from 1907-1933 by the US Mint, and is one of the most popular investment-grade coins available to US investors. Silver investors have gravitated to the Morgan Dollar and the Peace Dollar, which are also pre-1933 American coins. Certified coin prices could increase because of their underlying precious metal content, and their numismatic value classifies them as a government non-confiscatable investment. If our policymakers continue to flood the market with devalued dollars, gold and silver prices will most likely continue to rise. Certified coins could continue to outpace bullion investments, as they have done by a two-to-one ratio during the last year. Investors who seek privacy, security, and long-term growth should conduct their due diligence on the certified coin market. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Many of our nation’s investors view gold and silver as safe-haven assets, which means that investors can obtain protection and financial security with these precious metals during times of economic instability. Inflation could mean higher prices for consumers, so investors who foresee short-term inflationary periods usually buy gold and silver bullion. Investors who fear a long-term stagflationary cycle, and the collapse of our dollar, are encouraged to invest in certified gold and silver coins. The $20 Saint Gaudens and the Morgan Silver Dollar were minted by the United States prior to 1933, and investors buy these coins to counter stagflationary effects. Rather than purchasing raw coins, investors buy coins that have been certified as “Mint State” by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Certified gold and silver coins have historically provided investors with accelerated price fluctuations, including a 3:1 ratio on the MS64 saint Gaudens during the last six months. These coins also offer financial privacy, because certified, pre-1933 US coins are government non-confiscatable. These coins have outpaced the growth of their bullion counterparts, and their non-confiscatability by our federal government is especially attractive for today’s investors. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Bank failures have cost the FDIC's insurance fund $25 billion in 2009, and analysts expect US bank failures to cost $100 billion by 2013. Sheila Bair, the FDIC"s Chairman, has repeatedly warned Congress that the federal insurance fund has been exhausted. This is a scary scenario for the banks and individuals who thought that they were covered by the FDIC. Policymakers have refused to say how much debt the insurance fund is in, but they have insisted on making bold, but hollow, statements to the public. FDIC spokesman Andrew Gray said that his agency's main mission is to maintain public confidence in our banking system. "As evidenced by the stability of insured deposits throughout last year, this mission has been a success," he said. Some may say that success is in the eye of the beholder, but more banks have failed this year than in any year since 1992, which is one of the reasons that so many investors have closed their banks accounts, and opted to store their wealth privately. Physical gold and silver investments are debt-free and can be stored privately, making them a prime option for these security-oriented investors. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The S&P 500 index has seen its members cut 25% of their expenditures and 5% from their research and development costs during the last four quarters, according to S&P500 statistics. Companies nationwide have eliminated jobs and lowered wages, wiping out consumers’ ability to spend on goods and services. These aggressive measures have kept many companies profitable, and some have even exceeded Wall Street economists’ expectations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average(DJIA) even revisited 10,000, but bearish analysts believe that the worst may be yet to come. Even though slashing budgets and eliminating departments could save money over the short-term, it doesn’t actually make companies money. Instead of innovating new ways to create profits, these companies haven taken steps in the wrong direction. This has caused many stock investors to lose their faith in their “securities,” and they have supplemented these holdings with physical silver and gold. Physical precious metal investments can be researched further at www.Precious-Metal.org, and all stateside investors are invited to delve into the valuable information provided to the public by this website. The gold spot price is presently $1056.80, and silver is trading based on a $17.63 spot price. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Just today, the US Treasury Department announced that executives from seven Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) banks would have their compensation packages capped. Salaries have been capped at $200,000, with expense accounts and benefits not to exceed $25,000 per employee, per year. However, some leaders of these companies are exempt from this order, including CEOs and CFOs. The heads of these companies are "earning" millions of dollars per year, exhausting company expense accounts, and abusing corporate travel privileges, even though their companies are in billions in debt to the American people.

Bailout Special Inspector Neal Barofsky has lamented the failure of TARP to accomplish its purpose, which was to transform toxic companies into fiscally responsible financial entities. Many household investors have proven to be more responsible with money than corporate heads and US policymakers. Instead of spending needlessly or becoming emotionally attached to underperforming investments, these investors have bolstered their portfolios by adding gold and silver. Gold is presently valued at $1060.80 per ounce, and the Commodities Exchange (COMEX) currently prices silver at $17.57 per ounce, which is an $0.11 decrease today. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The Fed's survey did come clean in a couple respects, which boosted gold and silver prices substantially this afternoon. Our real estate market and consumer spending are still in a dire state, and could devolve further. The Fed said that the commercial real estate market looks to remain dismal for some time, and all 12 regions of our nation registered as "either weak or deteriorating" in the Fed's survey. Consumer confidence and spending has remained weak throughout our recession, due in large part to rising unemployment, falling incomes, and the lack of readily available credit, even for qualified investors.

Investors who would like to control their own financial future are encouraged to invest in privately held, liquid precious metal assets. Global liquidity ensures that the investor never loses buying power, and the security that comes with holding your investment privately is unmatched by bank accounts, bonds, or ETFs. Gold and silver provide these benefits, which means that owners of these metals are protected if our traditional markets falter any further. Gold is presently valued at $1060.80 per ounce, and physical silver investments are trading based on a $17.72 spot price at 3pm EST. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

In addition to the lack of viable cost cutting options, and the unseasonably cold season that awaits our nation's retailers, stocks could also pull back significantly due to the lack of interest in new homes. Construction companies, building suppliers, and other companies that are tied to our dismantled housing sector could also lose significant value over the next two years. Share holders in those types of companies should be aware that home builder sentiment is down, and home buyers now have less incentive to purchase a home than ever. Our government's $8000 tax credit for home buyers ends at the end of October, but it would be almost impossible for any new settlements before the rebate expires. Investors who want to balance their portfolios to prevent tragic losses are encouraged to diversify into gold and silver, whose safe-haven status has added valuable protection to the portfolios of many Americans during the last three years. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Some economists have vocalized their distaste of our current administration's monetary policy, and one economist has even compared our economy to the Titanic, the ill-fated ship that designers deemed to be unsinkable. This sort of bravado is evident in our elected and appointed leaders, which is disappointing for so many Americans who were duped into believing that the prosperous age of the greenback would never cease. Economist and money manager Peter Schiff has repeatedly stated his case for long-economic recession, and he started to publicly predict the downfall of the United Stats economy in 2006. "I see a real financial crisis coming for the United States," Schiff said, and he later elaborated on how the real estate market and credit lending sector would be traumatized by this crisis. His predictions have moved trillions of dollars over the years, and he believes that American portfolios should contain 30% gold and silver as an insurance plan. If investors continue to shift from securities and into the gold and silver markets, spot prices for those metals could increase drastically during the next three to five years. Schiff and many other economists agree that while gold and silver could render incredible profits during the next few years, the security of a precious metal investment is its key benefit. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Wadfogel is not against gift-giving or the holiday spirit, but he is against much of the $70 billion spent annually on year-end holiday shopping. he calls our nation's yearly spree "an orgy of wealth destruction," and he believes that our economy could be boosted substantially if this senseless spending was eradicated. "If micro economic theory teaches us anything, it's that people do best when they make choices for themselves. Here is all of this consumption where the choices are being made by someone else...that seems like a real opportunity to allocate resources badly." Wadfogel argues that trillions of dollars have been wasted over the years on gifts that people don't even want, and he believes that the reversal of this trend could drastically improve our present economic condition.

Wadfogel's theory has caught on, at least in part, because many economists expect a horrendous 2009 holiday season for retailers. Gold and silver are physical assets that analysts believe will increase in value during the next 12 months, and their safe-haven status has caused many individuals to wonder why gifting precious metal investments is such a novel idea. The active gold spot price is $1048.10, and silver is currently trading at $17.34 per ounce on the Commodities Exchange(COMEX). 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

There are a few analysts who believe that gold has reached the peak of peaks, and they have suggested that gold owners liquidate those assets immediately. Long-term investors have no intention of doing this, since they buy gold for security as much as for profit potential. Some gold bullion investors who originally intended to hold their gold short-term have decided against that course of action, because the profits that they could have used for holiday shopping may be better suited in the certified gold and silver coin market. Bullion prices fluctuate in a wider daily range than certified coins, so investors who happen to buy gold or silver bullion on a peak may wait some time to earn profits. While a rapidly increasing gold spot price looks attractive, it can provoke profit-taking, and some gold bullion investors have caught their fingers in a mousetrap by missing an opportune time to release those short-term assets. Certified coins allow investors to control their wealth first hand, without having to micromanage it every minute of the day.

Bullion items and certified gold and silver coins serve their own specific purpose, so investors who are new to the precious metal market are encouraged to do their due diligence on the different types of gold and silver, and it is also advisable to investigate any potential gold exchange's reputation at www.BBB.org. The active gold price is $1050.10 and silver is valued at $17.32 per ounce at 4pm EST. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The Federal Reserve governor,Daniel Tarullo, made known his thoughts on our economy's current status at a recent Senate subcommittee hearing. Tarullo stated in this hearing that our national unemployment rate “is unlikely to improve materially for some time.” Tarullo also feels strongly about our nation's failing banking system, which he says is vulnerable to further deterioration. His straightforward words were like music to the ears of many Americans who have grown weary of our government's paper-thick argument for a presently-occurring economic recovery. Many investors who want to invest independently of our nation's banks prefer to invest in gold and silver, since it is a physical asset that can be stored privately.

In addition to the complete privacy that precious metals provide, many market analysts believe that gold and silver will rise until our leaders manage to turn our economy around, instead of merely discussing possible options."Gold has historically had the strongest inverse relationship with the US dollar, and this is likely to continue," analysts at Morgan Stanley said today. Bad corporate and political decisions have wrecked our economy and sucked the life from our currency. Many of our nation's investors put a great deal of faith in our leaders' conviction to right the wrongs that have ruined our economy, but they have been disappointed time and time again by self-serving lawmakers and greedy corporate executives. Historically, consumers could blame national financial crises on one of these two entities, but our present recession was fueled, ignited, and fanned by both of these hellish beasts. US investors feel betrayed, so until consumer trust is regained, the demand for safe-haven assets like gold and silver could increase. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Many investors are losing confidence in our nation’s shaky banking system, and a recent report from CNN Money outlines the reasons behind the mass migration away from bank accounts and into more stable investments, such as physical gold and silver. "There is an awful lot of softness on bank balance sheets," said Hal Reichwald, a banking lawyer at Manatt Phelps & Phillips in LA who was interviewed for the CNN article. "There's real concern about problems coming down the road(for our banking system).” There are 416 banks listed on the FDIC’s “troubled” list, but the tight-lipped federal insurance fund refuses to reveal the names of specific banks until after they fail. This has caused feelings of helplessness for many consumers, who interpret this cold shoulder as a sign that nobody cares what happens to their money. This writer is pretty sure that FDIC Chair Sheila Bair and her staff are not personally invested in any bad banks, so why should we be subject to bank failures?

Gold and silver provide industrious Americans with a physical, liquid asset that can be stored privately, or at a depository in your name. By purchasing physical metal, investors gain a palpable insurance plan in the event of a national financial catastrophe. The old adage of “hope for the best, prepare for the worst” has never been more appropriate than now, when our nation’s collective and individual futures are in jeopardy. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The widespread gravitation to precious metals comes as a shock to some close-minded economists, who do not promote or condone commodity investments. These so-called experts, who are probably the not-so-proud owners of underperforming portfolios right now, believe that prices for precious metals and natural resources fluctuate far too radically to track.

Gold investors easily counter this argument by reviewing the trends that have emerged during the last few years. Gold, sugar, cotton, and many other commodities have produced substantial yearly gains, but stocks and real estate investments have been oddly erratic. Gold and silver, unlike volatile US stock indexes, are widely known as safe-haven investments. Their global liquidity is a benefit that cannot be claimed by real estate investors, many of whom have remained tethered to unprofitable properties for months, or even years.

Investors who hold unwanted real estate or underperforming stocks are encouraged to add gold and silver to their holdings, which could serve as insurance in case the newly formed stock or real estate bubbles pop. Www.Gold-Investment.info has lots of valuable information for people who would like to own physical precious metals, and investors are encouraged to thoroughly review the information on this web site before making any sort of precious metal investment. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The strong trends in silver and gold have not gone unnoticed by stealthy economists, who attribute the increased demand to more investors who seek inflation protection. Inflation is undoubtedly a major concern for many investors, but the complete meltdown of our nation’s economy is at the forefront of many investors’ minds. Investors who believe that our economy is already on a track towards recovery are encouraged to consider an investment in gold bullion as a short-term inflation hedge. Safety-oriented investors who want to secure their stored wealth may do better financially with certified gold and silver coins, like the $20 Saint Gaudens gold coin or the silver Peace Dollar. These coins could serve as a hedge against inflation, and their non-confiscatable status makes them a favorite for privacy-minded investors. Investment-grade precious metals can be researched further at www.Precious-Metal.org, where gold, silver, and platinum investment options are broken down in detail. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Our nation’s Labor Department announced on Thursday that new claims for unemployment benefits dropped to 521,000 last week. This figure is better than the 540,000 applications that Wall Street economists expected, but our nation’s new unemployment applications remain well above the 325,000 per week that most economists believe is consistent with a strong economy. Economists closely monitor initial claims for unemployment insurance, because the statistic is widely considered to be a key indicator of layoffs and of corporations' willingness to hire. The number unemployed people who continue to claim benefits declined to 6.04 million, and analysts fear that many individuals are exhausting their jobless benefits without successfully finding work.

Many worried investors are playing it safe right now (or so they think) by keeping their money in a savings account, a CD, in a coffee can, or even under their mattress. Some have decided to take physical delivery of gold and silver, which is a proven back-up plan for their families’ safety as well as their portfolios’. Anyone can learn more about precious metal investing by logging on to www.Gold-Investment.info, where a free tutorial clarifies many of the questions that today’s investors have. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Investment-grade precious metals have been touted as assets that consumers could flock to in the coming years, if our empowered decision-makers fail to restore the confidence that we once had in our traditional investments. Our leaders in Washington have implemented a bailout and stimulus plan that has given emergency assistance to failing banks and dysfunctional corporations, and our government officials have told us that our nation will fail without some of these conglomerates. Apparently, our lawmakers have forgotten that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so mortally wounded companies could drag down our already debt-laden economy. 

Some investors fear that our financial markets could be further manipulated by our government, and they seek self-empowerment over this volatile predicament. Gold and silver may be the answer for some of these investors, because these metals offer global liquidity, and the added benefit of a privately held asset. Reputable gold dealers recommend bullion items for short-term investors, and rare coins may do better financially for security-seeking investors who are looking for a way to preserve their wealth over an extended period of time.  

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

October 6, 2009 – Gold and silver recorded unexpectedly strong gains on Tuesday, and some investors satisfied their appetites for safe-haven assets by purchasing those same precious metals and taking physical delivery. Gold and silver bullion are sometimes used to build a wall between cash accounts and inflation, and rare coin investments add privacy and guaranteed liquidity to one’s portfolio. Long-term hyperinflation and stagflation is a fear for some economists, but the immediate threat of the dollar’s insolvency is a cause for great concern amongst many gold and silver bullion holders. 

Global outcry to replace the dollar as the price base for commodities like oil and food worries some gold investors, because our government has been known to…well…do whatever they want. If the forces within the smoke-filled rooms in Washington decide that our dollar needs immediate backing, they may resort to confiscating precious metals from private citizens. This happened once before within our nation, in 1933. President Franklin Roosevelt concluded that the United States was in the middle of a financial crisis. He prohibited the hoarding of gold bullion by US citizens, which was deemed punishable by 10 years in prison. The more than 131 million ounces that were recovered between 1933 and 1973 boosted the dollar’s value tremendously, and the success of that plan is one of the main reasons why so many investors fear a second confiscation. Individuals and corporations who would like to prevent their gold from being confiscated should be aware that Congress can, and has radified major laws in less than three hours, but there are types of gold that presently may not be confiscated by our lawmakers. 

Coins that carry a market value of 15% or more above their underlying precious metal content may not be subject to gold confiscation, as well as coins with an actual market value of less than $100. Investors sometimes buy Mint State condition gold and silver coins that have been graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service(PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation(NGC). These coins not only provide investors with a beautiful, liquid asset, but the privacy and potential growth that these coins could provide is desirable and logical for many Americans during this distressing economic time.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

October 5, 2009 – Our government’s heralded stimulus plan is in full swing, and today’s gold and silver prices were elevated slightly during morning trading hours, as news broke over some beneficiaries’ ill-gotten gains. Former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson claimed in October of 2008 that all nine financial institutions that received $125 billion in government aid were sound. By definition, an entity in need of aid is not sound, but the most recent revelations surrounding the bailout do not take this fact into account. Rather, Special Inspector General Neil Barofsky’s new report stated that the whole effort was questionable. Every dollar that those conglomerates received is a testament to that fact, and many Americans fear that corporate profits will again fade once these stimulus funds are exhausted. Some investors are looking to gold and silver as a privately-held investment, in the face of mounting distrust over the stability of our major financial markets. 

Barofsky’s report, available in full at Money.CNN.com, calls the entire bailout program into question, and many investors are concerned that the Obama administration’s intervention with the financial markets could have a long-term, detrimental effect on the American way of life. Some economists feel that precious metals could act as a safe-haven, wealth preservation vehicle over the next few years, or at least until people think that the economy is moving in the right direction. Investors who are interested in gold and silver prices are encouraged to visit www.GoldPrice.net, where active spot prices for investment-grade precious metals are always available. The active gold spot price is $1004.70, and silver is trading at $16.29 per ounce on the Commodities Exchange(COMEX). 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The three largest securities markets in the United States have performed quite well for investors during the last three months, but analysts of the Dow Jones Industrial Average(DJIA), the Nasdaq, and the S&P 500 believe that these indexes could be poised for a rather large-scale pullback. This summer, car dealers around the nation hosted our government's "Cash For Clunkers" project, and the Obama administration's stimulus package also allowed for an $8000 rebate for new home buyers. The coming months will reveal the bolstering prop that these programs have given to stocks, as President Barack Obama's remaining bailout funds are spent, or squandered. Investors are searching for reliable investment vehicles, and Brian Foster, private banker at JP Morgan, has some insightful ideas. Foster has been named the best private banker in the United States by Barron's Online. Many of Foster's clients are concerned about the unfolding and largely unforseen economic events that are taking place within our nation. "It's brought forth in nearly everybody's mind the realization that the risk in their portfolios was greater than they had expected," he said. In January, Foster and his team asked clients to invest in oil, which was then at $40 per barrel. A barrel of sweet crude is now valued at $71, and Foster is already eyeing the next move. He projects that commodities and real assets could be superstars until our economy gets back on track, and the liquidity of commodities like gold and silver is widely appreciated.

Gold is up 0.38% for the trading day, and is now valued at $1004. Silver is currently selling for $16.10 per Commodities Exchange(COMEX) ounce. Investors who are new to precious metal trading are invited to www.Precious-Metal.org, where a vast library of interesting information has been archived for easy access and use.  

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Some investors are fed up with our government's liberal spending policies, which have charitably given taxpayer-provided funds to troubled assets and industries. This is unacceptable to many Americans, who believe in fiscal responsibility and accountability. The United States has not felt the power behind those words since 1976, when then-President Richard Nixon removed the US from the Gold Standard. From that moment on, everything changed about the way the United States formed financial strategies. The Federal Reserve has been maniacally printing and spending seemingly limitless amounts of money, and the effects that this has on our economy is not lost on savvy investors.

Gold and silver are not negatively affected by the inflated dollar, or an unhealthy economy. Rather, they have historically maintained their value much more effectively than many traditional investments, when economic storms erupt. Gold is currently valued at $1004.10, and silver's spot price on the New York Mercantile Exchange is $16.39. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The bullish projections by the Wall Street Journal and many other financial media outlets aren't due to any changes in gold and silver investments, but to the mainstream financial markets that have performed poorly in past years. The US real estate market is 13.3% less valuable today than it was a year ago, and realtors and homeowners throughout the nation fear another 15-20% loss in value before 2011. By 2011, over 50% of all mortgages could be underwater, due to more loan defaults and foreclosures. Home foreclosures could increase because of unemployment levels that are expected to reach 15% or more. A recent Yahoo Finance poll shows that worried CEOs are unwilling to hire new employees. 60% of business owners do not plan on adding new positions within their companies, and a whopping 40% of nationwide executives plan on dissolving jobs within the next six months. Stated simply;  the mounting fear of another Great Depression is one of the main reasons that investors buy gold and silver.

Gold and silver have historically maintained a sound reputation as safe-haven assets. They are completely liquid, they can be stored privately, and they have shown a tendency to outperform other major markets during times of national financial stress. The current gold spot price is $1007.20, and silver is up $0.31 today at $16.69.  

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The government's numerous bailout and stimulus donations were meant to jump-start consumer confidence and spending in a way that had never before been attempted. The boost that stocks and real estate were given by the Obama administration were designed to encourage investors to recirculate money into our struggling US economy, but many families are unexpectedly hoarding their wealth. Unsure of what the financial future may hold within the United States, investors are taking matters into their own hands by purchasing physical gold and silver, which has historically maintained "safe-haven" status under the most strenuous fiduciary circumstances. According to two University of Delaware economists, the $3 billion Cash-For-Clunkers program ended up costing Americans $1.4 billion more than it saved them. Citigroup economists recently bashed the automobile replacement program as well. "We believe that the program did not help auto makers much because the rise in sales was temporary, and gave car buyers only a small cost savings. The biggest beneficiaries of this program were the auto dealers themselves, who essentially received a huge transfer from the U.S. Treasury," they said. The plethora of Ponzi schemes that the government has implemented is more than enough reason for many investors to take the wheel by purchasing privately-held, liquid assets like gold and silver.

The gold spot price was supressed this morning before breaking free in the arly afternoon. The live gold spot price at 6pm EST is $993.90. Silver showed little movement today, and it is currently at $16.13, the same per-ounce price it held at the session's open. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Over the years, many investors have done quite well in securities markets. Dividends have grown, record profits have been made, and the number of individuals who own stocks has soared. In the last two years however, most major stock markets in the United States and overseas have suffered tremendously. Corporate debt is up because of consumer loan defaults, and company debts cut into profits that stock investors hope to take. The recent surge in stock markets has provided investors with a great opportunity to liquidate those stocks before another massive drop occurs. Gold and silver have been incrementially rising, and a proper 25-30% diversification into these physical metals historically makes up for losses in other areas within a portfolio. If stocks continue to decline due to corporate debt, and the dollar is further devalued after hitting a 2009 low last week, gold and silver could provide investors with a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark financial year.

Gold and silver spot prices are always available atwww.GoldPrice.net, as well as the active spot price for platinum. The current gold price is $992.30, and silver is trading based on the current $16.31 spot price. Both metals are up slightly for the trading day, and current projections from economists at Merrill Lynch show that gold and silver could both rise substantially before the end of 2009. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

This is the first international summit that President Barack Obama has hosted, and the G20 members commemorated the occasion by immediately granting more financial regulation power to China and other fast-growing nations. China and many of Europe's nations have accused the United Stares of slackness in the regulatory measures, and the Federal Reserve is taking a great deal of heat for their spending practices. This all transforms into high-octane fuel for the deepening recession that has obliterated many portfolios. Gold and silver are being sought and bought for their safe-haven status, and the financial growth they provided during the Great Depression.

The movement that gold and silver are making is categorized at www.precious-metal.org, and investors who are interested in learning more about the pecious metal market should visit this site for more information on precious metals investing. The current gold spot price is $993.20, and silver has pulled back to $16.08, a figure that economists are calling a "bargain" since the metal is projected to surpass $20 per ounce within the next six months. Don't lose track of gold and silver spot prices, stay informed at www.goldprice.net. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that stock markets turned lower this morning after new government data drove many investors to purchase precious metals. The Dow Jones Industrial Average(DIJA), the Nasdaq market, and the Russell 2000 index all dropped on Thursday. The Standard & Poor's 500 index posted losses in all of the economic-recovery sensitive branches, including the industrial and energy sectors. The Labor Department also issued some new information, which added to the long-term fears of many investors. 530,000 people filed first-time claims for unemployment last week. This data, paired with the flailing housing market and stocks that do more see-sawing than a kid on a playground, is enough of an alarm for many investors who have been lulled to sleep by government officials' statements. When the smoke clears, safe haven assets like gold and silver may be viewed as life-savers for many individuals who have already lost an unthinkable amount of their hard-earned wealth in the last few years.

If there are investors who would like to learn more about gold investments and how they effect and are affected by other markets, www.Gold-Investment.info is a great place to get started. The award-winning online tutorial has helped countless investors to make sound desicions on buying and selling gold and silver. Gold is currently at $998, and the silver spot price on www.Kitco.com and www.GoldPrice.net is $16.31. 

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The Andrea Coombs article brings to light the real crisis facing the tens of millions millions of Americans who are retired or close to retiring. Retirement accounts lost over $2.1 trillion in 2008, and that figure does not take into account the Dollar's gross inflation that bled the spending power from cash accounts. Teresa Ghilarducci, professor of economics at The New School for Social Research in New York, says that "a failed experiment" is the proper term for the entire US retirement-savings system. The coming years will no doubt be tough for many Americans who are without, or who are losing retirement accounts. Economists believe that precious metals could continue their long-term growth trends, so many investors are shifting funds from other areas into gold, which historically combats inflation, and lends extra security through a privately held liquid asset.

Free information on all precious metals is available to financial institutions and household investors at www.precious-metal.org. At 2pm EST the active gold and silver spot prices are $1012.50 and $16.89, respectively. Four key financial institutions decided to buy gold and silver in large volume today. This moved the gold price to $1019 before a mild bout of profit-taking shifted gold to current levels.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The trends in gold and silver dictate that the metals lose value when a nation's economy is strong, because it costs less of the currency to buy the metal. When the economy tanks, the currency drops, and other markets fail, gold and silver could show positive movement. The latest upswings in gold have been attributed, at least in part, to more bad news for the housing and mortgage sectors, which has suffered major losses over the last few quarters. Peter Zalewski of Condo Vultures in Florida fears that current real estate investors who can afford to hold may be stuck with those properties for a long time. "The reality is, they will be riding out these units for quite some time," the real estate consultant warned. Gold is not the only metal affected by economic crises. Silver could possibly rise as well due to the safe haven status it holds, not to mention the uses silver has in medicine, water purification, and appliances, which could be in high demand because of the government's recently enacted appliance replacement program.

Gold and silver bullion information can be obtained at www.gold-bullion.org. The gold spot price is at $1016.50 on Tuesday morning, and silver is at $17.18. Both metals are up for the trading day, with gold showing a 1.25% increase and silver producing 1.8% of profit so far on Tuesday.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The 20 leading and developing nations will convene in Pennsylvania to discuss a number of topics, ranging from the banking crisis to terrorism and global warming. However, investors are keenly interested in one topic that could show up on the docket: the US government confiscation of bullion as a means to back up the Dollar's value. China, India, and other nations have called on the Dollar's status as the world reserve currency to be reevaluated, due to the loss of value it has suffered because of overprinting. As Sara Murray with the Wall Street Journal points out, the Fed faces an upcoming test to see just how much inflation Americans are feeling right now. If the numbers show that inflation is worse than we already know it is, then gold and silver prices could spike accordingly, in both the confiscatible and non-confiscatible varieties. However, many wonder if President Obama would take gold away as President Roosevelt did in 1933, or if he would rather have US currency become insolvent.

Obama's other options remain to be seen, but many economists assure investors that gold and silver confiscation could only occur if the Dollar loses spending power to the point that American and international buyers of the Dollar are prepared to drop US currency in favor of some other form of valued asset. To stay up-to-date on current precious metals issues and to track the live spot price of gold, silver, and platinum, visit www.goldprice.net. The current gold spot price is $1004.10, and silver is down $0.13 for the day and is currently valued at $16.85 per ounce.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

Janet Yellen, president of the San Francisco branch of the Federal Reserve, said that the gradual expansion put in place by the government is gaining steam, but that the economy is still vulnerable to shocks that could possibly topple stocks once again. Yellen believes that economic recovery will come far more slowly than most Federal Reserve employees, although some say that even suggesting the idea that a recovery is under way is out of line. Recent surges in unemployment and rising inflation fears that Yellen calls "real, growing, and disruptive" lead many Americans to believe that it could be years before the United States hits rock bottom. While stocks remain vulnerable to "shock drops" and interest-bearing accounts lack satisfying return rates, many investors are sitting tight in commodities like gold and silver, which could break historical highs before the holiday season begins.

Gold and silver spot prices, which are always available at www.goldprice.net, dropped slightly in Friday morning's trading session. Gold is valued at $1012 per ounce, while silver dropped $0.11 to $17.10 after a higher-than expected push earlier this week.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The US Department of Labor reports that a large number of Americans are preparing to retire within the next 10 years, but employees around the nation are looking at rising unemployment rates and shrinking retirement accounts with worrisome eyes. Economists report that the average IRA has lost 45% in value in the last six quarters, and many investors have liquidated all of their stocks and bonds in favor of interest-bearing cash accounts like CDs. However, rising inflation and low return rates are frustrating investors' attempts to grow their wealth before they reach their golden years. Many IRA investors are now adding gold and silver to their retirement accounts. A law passed in 1997 allows Sterling Trust Company and Goldstar Trust Company to store precious metals for those with silver and gold backed IRAs. Economists say that many investors shift 25-30% of their assets into precious metals in order to balance out losses in other areas of their portfolios.

Gold and silver products can be purchased from a reputable gold dealer that then ships the items to the investor or a depository. More information on retirement accounts is available at www.sterlingtrustcompany.com, and the live silver and gold spot price is available to the public at www.goldprice.net. Gold, which is expected by experts at Merrill Lynch and the Wall Street Journal to break historical highs before the end of 2009, is selling on the NYMEX for $1016.30 per ounce.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

In previous years, consumers were encouraged to increase spending in order to keep the economy afloat. Now that the gravy train has left the station for many Americans with falling incomes, the spending is slowing and retailers around the United States are hoping for a green Christmas, although many economists believe it could be an extremely slow holiday season, leaving the possibility for a gold and silver Christmas. Americans are spending more on essentials, while non-essential spending is down 6.2% in the last quarter. Instead of purchasing the newest electronics at Best Buy, many individuals and large financial institutions are purchasing gold and silver, which are projected by analysts to outpace historical growth during similar periods within previous cycles. The benefit of owning precious metals is that they are a hard asset that have always held value historically.

Gold and silver are both making historic moves today, as gold approaches the $1020 mark and silver has crossed the $17.30 plateau. Before last wek, gold had overcome the $1000 mark only five times in history. Since gold hit a 25-year low of $252 in 2001, analysts like Walter Murphy with Merrill Lynch have been calling for a rise in gold, and investors believe that the commodities part of the cycle has only just begun.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The most recent Barron's Report makes it clear that it is not just a few Americans who are suffering financially right now. The economic media agency reported Tueday that American households are bringing home the same amount of income in 2009 as they were in 1973 when the numbers are adjusted for inflation. The most basic math tells us that if spending outpaces income, a deficit is sure to appear. Borrowing or asset liquidation must take place. American families with flat or shrinking incomes were encouraged to spend more and more over the last decade, and the economic numbers that show healthy growth actually account for the addition of trillions of Dollars of new consumer debt. Coupled with the banking reform that has been stonewalled in Washington, many investors have sufficient reason to shift away from paper assets and into debt-free safe haven assets like gold and silver.

The spot price of COMEX gold is $1002.70 per ounce at noon EST. Gold is up 0.2% for the day and silver has posted a gain of $0.32 so far, now selling for $16.86 on the New York Mercantile Exchange(NYMEX). Gold and silver bullion and rare coin prices can be tracked at www.goldprice.net.

Daily Updates Archive

Shannon King

Senior Staff Writer - GoldSilver.org

The Obama administration has laid out a plan to ensure that another economic collapse does not happen, and many financial institutions are balking at the proposals. Some banks, like JP Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, are already putting back into practice some of the investment strategies they implemented before the fiduciary meltdown, including investing in risky and exotic financial products as well as low-yield bonds. Many investors believe that this is a strategy for failure, as exotic markets are not currently at the top of consumers' "To Spend On" lists, and bonds are projected to devalue to the point of losing pricipal. Banks, insurance companies, and other large financial institutions are loosely regulated in terms of how much capital must be liquid, volume of high-risk investments allowed, and credit allowances. The majority of federal law that regulates how businesses operate is unchanged from 2008 because of attempts by lobbyists and opposing lawmakers to prevent reform. Instead of investing in stocks that have decreased dramatically in value over the last two years, many investors are looking at simple commodities like gold and silver, which historically survive and thrive during rough economic periods.

Gold fell early in the trading day before rebounding slightly later in the afternoon trading session. At 5pm EST one ounce of COMEX gold was selling for $1000.90, a $5.20 drop for the day. Silver rang in at $16.54 at the same time, down $0.19 from an opening level of $16.73. Go