Inflation is Hot and Getting Hotter
Inflation has been the talk of the town for months now. Inventory shortages, supply chain bottlenecks and other issues have all been
read moreGold Sharply Higher to Finish 2021
The gold market is seeing some solid buying on New Year’s eve, the final trading day of the year. The yellow metal
read moreWhat Is A Premium?
When looking to purchase a physical gold coin or bullion, one of the key considerations is cost. The spot price for gold
read moreThe Week Ahead in Gold
The gold market is slightly higher in early action Monday as stocks and investor risk appetite take a break from recent upside.
read morePrecious Metals as Part of Your Estate
Estate planning can be an extremely complicated and cumbersome endeavor. There are numerous assets that must be considered, including your home, autos and investments. If estate planning is not carefully planned, taxes and other issues can pose problems, leaving your heirs with less overall inheritance.
Precious metals with their global recognition and liquidity represent a solid store of wealth. This article will outline their role in wealth preservation for the next generation.
read moreCould My Gold be Confiscated?
A common question that gold investors have is: “Could my gold ever be confiscated?” While the notion of confiscation-whether it is gold or any other property-may cause a degree of anxiety, one must also consider the facts surrounding such an idea.
When it comes to gold ownership and the idea of confiscation, one must also be aware of what has occurred in the past, and what could potentially occur in the future.
This brief guide will provide a short history of gold confiscation as well as discuss some key points pertaining to the possibility of a similar scenario in the future.
read morePrecious Metals and Interest Rates
Interest rates play a key role in today’s modern economy and monetary policy. The Federal Reserve can make changes to key interest rates and interest rate expectations and control the flow of capital into the economy. In other words, by maintaining low interest rates, capital is easier to acquire. This ease of acquiring capital can fuel economic growth as more money available translates into more potential spending. If too much capital becomes available, however, a situation may arise in which there is” too much money chasing too few goods.” This can lead to inflation due to the fact that as more capital looks to acquire fewer goods and services, those providers of goods and services can charge more money, hence rising prices.
There is a common misconpception that interest rates and precious metals are inversely correlated. Though this may certainly be the case at times, here we will outline the relationship between the two, and how an inverse correlation may not always be the case.
read moreThe Long-term Trend of Gold
As a commodity, gold prices fluctuate. These fluctuations can be very minor and can at times appear to be more significant. Any financial news channel you may tune into, or any financial news website you may visit will likely have the current price of gold, silver and even other precious metals readily available. While this information is great at providing a snapshot of current conditions, when investing in Gold, it is necessary to also take a macro-oriented stance.
read moreWhy is Gold held by the Central Banks?
If one has looked into the gold market in recent years, one will likely have read that central banks are net buyers of gold. After years of selling the yellow metal these powerful financial institutions are now buying gold and holding it. Central banks are the largest players in the gold market, and if they are buying gold there is likely good reason. Below, we will outline why central banks have holdings in Gold.
read moreThe Dollar as the Reserve Currency of the World
The U.S. dollar has enjoyed its status as the global reserve currency of choice for some time now. Since the implementation of The Bretton Woods Agreement, the dollar has been considered the anchor of the global financial system. Under this agreement, the United States guaranteed other central banks that they could sell their dollar reserves for a fixed rate of gold. Here, we examine the unique status of the US Dollar, and its role as a reserve currency within the global economy and financial markets.
read moreWhat Drives the Price of Silver?
Silver is a commodity, and like any other commodity, its price is a reflection of current supply and demand. Silver is somewhat unique in the precious metals space, however, as its value may be driven not only by investment demand but also industrial demand. This allows silver to potentially experience the best of both worlds. In a strong economy, industrial demand for silver may heat up and potentially drive prices higher. In a slow economy, or during times of risk aversion, silver may potentially benefit from investment demand as investors look for perceived safe havens to put capital to work in. Here, we examine the various factors that affect the Silver price.
read morePossibility of Retun to the Golden Standard
In recent years, there has been seemingly more and more debate about the feasibility of returning to the gold standard. As concerns over the U.S. dollar mount, there may be further talk of such ideas, although whether or not they make sense and could be actually implemented is highly debatable.
read moreThe Chinese Demand for Gold
China is the world’s second largest economy, and has taken steps to cement its place among the economic elite of the world. One of those steps has been the acquiring of gold. The country appears to have an insatiable appetite for the yellow metal, and has been building its gold reserves in recent years.
read moreHow Can I Diversify my Precious Metals Holdings?
Diversification is the careful consideration and combination of a wide range of investments within a portfolio in an attempt to smooth overall volatility. Diversification is a broad term, however, and can be accomplished in different ways. Here, we will examine how this investment technique pertains to investing in precious metals.
read moreWhat is Qualitative Easing and How does it affect Markets?
Quantitative easing, affectionately referred to as “QE”, is a term that has been widely used in recent years. In fact, more people are likely familiar with this phrase than ever before. Given its coverage in the media, and its widespread use, we felt it prudent to provide a simple explanation of what QE is and how it can affect financial markets.
read moreWhat the End of the Stock Market Rally might mean for Precious Metals
Global equity markets have been on a tear in recent years, with the benchmark U.S. SP 500 index having made solid triple digit returns over the span of the last several years. Markets have been climbing since the 2009 lows, and continue to make new all-time highs.
This run higher in the equity markets as well as current valuation levels obviously begs a few questions:
-Will the rally continue?
-Are stocks overpriced at current levels?
-Is this a set up for a nasty correction?
-What has driven such significant upside?
We feel it is important to address some of these questions, as we believe the day will come when equity investors once again run for the exits. In turn, we believe that gold and precious metals could stand to benefit handsomely if and when this does in fact occur.
read moreWhy Use a Depository?
When purchasing precious metals, buyers must take into consideration where they intend to store their gold, silver or other metals.
While many may elect to store their metals at home or in a safe deposit box, this can become more challenging if larger quantities are being purchased. While the accessibility of home storage can be quite appealing, it does also represent a security concern. A safe deposit box, on the other hand, may offer superior security but comes with more limited access.
While using a depository to store your precious metals does not provide immediate access to your metals, it does offer a cost-effective and secure solution to your precious metals storage needs.
read moreThe Top 10 Reasons to Own Gold
While different investors may have different reasons for owning gold, there are several reasons that are very common among gold buyers. Here we will outline the top ten reasons to own physical gold.
read moreIndustrial Use and Demand for Silver
When comparing the various uses of gold, silver, platinum and palladium, silver may have the most industrial uses and possibilities. Silver can be used in various industrial applications across a very wide range of industries. This puts silver in a somewhat unique position within the precious metals complex. Understanding this salient relationship is an important part of investing in silver.
read moreGovernment Mints and Private Mints
When buying precious metals, whether it is coins, bars or rounds, it is important to understand the differences between government mints and private mints. Here, we will outline their key differences.
read morePhysical or “Paper” Gold and Silver?
Investors today have a lot of choices when it comes to investing in precious metals. Gold or silver backed ETFs, gold or silver mining stocks and certificates are just a few of the choices available. We believe that owning physical, tangible precious metals is the best way to go. This guide will outline some of the key differences between these investment choices, and why physical ownership may be beneficial.
read moreThe Gold to Silver Ratio
The gold to silver ratio has been used for a long time. This ratio tells one how much silver it takes to buy one ounce of gold. For example, if the gold/silver ration is 50:1, then takes 50 ounces of silver to buy one ounce of gold. Considered by many as a benchmark for the relationship between the metals, here we examine why this has come to be.
read moreDo Other Markets Affect Gold?
Gold prices are a result of current supply and demand. The gold market is in a constant state of flux as price discovery takes place. That being said, there are a number of outside markets that can affect the price of gold. Here we will discuss some of these key outside markets:
read moreGetting the Most Metal for Your Dollar
For many precious metals investors, the goal is simple: Acquire as many ounces of gold, silver, platinum or palladium as possible. Needless to say, buying numismatic or collector coins is not going to help one accomplish this goal. Here are some simple tips to help you acquire more ounces of gold or silver and to make your precious metals investment dollars work harder for you.
read moreGraded Coins
Coins that have undergone a thorough inspection process by a major grading service are referred to as certified or graded coins. While coin grading may seem unnecessary to some, this process can allow one to buy with confidence in a coin’s authenticity, condition and market value. Graded coins carry higher premiums than non-graded coins, but for many this additional premium is worth the peace of mind that comes with a certified coin.
read morePrecious Metals and Inflation
The term inflation refers to a sustained increase in the price of goods and services. In other words, things are getting more expensive. As goods and services get more expensive, a unit of currency will not buy as much of them. For example, as gasoline prices go up, every dollar buys less gas. As the price of a loaf of bread rises, every dollar buys less bread.
read morePrecious Metals and Portfolio Diversification
Diversification is a term many have heard, but few understand. Without getting into any fancy definitions, diversification is a way to try and improve returns for your level of risk. What does that mean? Well, it means that one can construct a portfolio based on numerous factors such as one’s age, time horizon and volatility tolerance. In order to try and maintain one’s level of risk, a mixed portfolio of various asset classes may be used.
read moreThe Gold Dollar
The relationship between gold and the U.S. dollar is an important one. Understanding this relationship can be advantageous when it comes to making investment decisions.
read moreWhat Determines the Spot Price?
The spot gold price is in a constant state of flux. The price of gold may experience quiet periods as well as volatile periods in which large swings in price may be seen. That being said, there are a number of factors that may potentially influence gold prices.
read moreWhich Precious Metals Should I Buy?
A common question among those new to investing in precious metals is what exactly to purchase. The reality is that there is no one size fits all when it comes to buying physical gold, silver or other precious metals. Here we will provide a quick guide, however, to help you decide what products may be best for your needs. Please keep in mind that no investment advice is being given or implied.
read moreWhy Buy Gold Online?
One common question gold investors may face is whether to buy their gold or precious metals from a local bullion or coin dealer or buy from an online precious metals dealer. The fact is that buying precious metals online can have a number of advantages. This short guide will outline why buying your gold online may be a better deal.
read moreBullion Coins versus Numismatics
Many people who are new to buying gold, silver and other precious metals fail to grasp the differences between bullion coins and numismatic coins. These two coin types are in fact very different, and may be used for different purposes. Here we will outline both bullion coins and numismatics, and discuss the differences between the two. Having a thorough understanding of these differences may help you buy the coins that are most suitable for your needs.
read moreBuying Precious Metals in an IRA
For U.S. customers, buying physical precious metals within an IRA account may be important. An IRA account provides investors with a way to acquire certain precious metals on a tax-deferred or after tax basis. If you are interested in purchasing precious metals for your IRA account, there are a number of rules and strict guidelines that must be adhered to. For any questions on IRA eligibility or tax related matters, please consult your tax professional. Here we will outline some of the basic guidelines, but nothing contained in this guide should be considered tax advice.
read moreCoins versus Rounds versus Bars
One has many different choices to make when buying precious metals. There are thousands of coin and bullion products to choose from, and these different products come in various forms including coins, bullion bars, and rounds. Here we will discuss each type of product, and discuss any pros or cons of each.
read moreCommon Gold Scams to Avoid
There are many excellent precious metals retailers today that sell coin and bullion products to customers. As with any other type of business, however, there are some dealers that may not have their customer’s best interest at heart. Here we will discuss some common ways one may be taken advantage of when buying precious metals, and how to avoid them.
read more
Are Gold Certificates the Same as Owning Gold?
When looking to invest in gold, silver or other precious metals, people face a variety of choices. You can buy gold or silver based ETFs, mining stocks, precious metals certificates, or coins, bars and rounds.
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