News Articles

The market price of gold might have fallen during the year but hoarding of the precious metal by individuals and central banks is approaching record levels.

In trading terms, it has been a tough year for the yellow metal . . . .

There is no shortage of conspiracy theories related to gold and silver.  However, I have never found much credible substance in such theories.  For the first time in recent years, there is a report that is worth monitoring. 

German regulators are investigating Deutsche Bank regarding gold and silver price manipulation.  This is important because Deutsche Bank is one of only three banks involved in London silver fixing, and one of the five banks involved in London gold fixing . . . .

China posted its biggest trade surplus in almost five years on Sunday, as soaring exports outpaced modest import growth, potentially resurrecting a source of friction with the U.S. . . . .

Two significant developments hit the precious metals markets last week. One was expected and one is a real eye-opener.

The expected news was a new round of gold and silver major price suppression, which will likely continue unabated through the release of the . . . .

In case anyone is wondering, the long-term bull for gold remains intact. However, it sure doesn’t feel like it. The daily trend is down, the weekly trend is down and the monthly trend is down. So how can the long-term bull remain intact? It is based on the . . . .

Two key themes have emerged during 2013: the rising level of consumer demand off-setting outflows from ETFs, and the geographical flow of gold from western to eastern markets. In addition, a key development of the third quarter was a quarter-on-quarter decline in demand, the first Q2-Q3 drop since 2007. Two key factors contributed to this decline, the primary explanation being . . . .

China, Russia and other nations are exiting their dollar-denominated holdings in favor of gold. This action should put pressure on the dollar and U.S. treasuries, pushing not only central banks, but mainstream investors towards the safety of precious metals and other tangible assets that cannot be defaulted on. There will be a rush out of dollars and into assets with no counter-party risk, it is just a matter of how soon it happens . . . .

Yesterday, Du Haiqing, the vice general manager of China Gold Group (China’s largest gold producer) told a gold industry conference in China that China’s current gold consumption level cannot be sustained . . . .

Investor sentiment towards precious metals is at the lowest level in over a decade. Many analysts believe the bull market is over and are calling for sub-$1,000 gold in 2014. Even diehard gold bugs are losing faith, as the correction has been longer and more severe than most had anticipated.

So, is it time to throw in the towel? Is the bull market in precious metals really over . . . .

Apr-Sep seizures higher than in past 24 months; annual haul set to be 50% higher than total of past decade; at least 90% of illegal flow estimated to get in . . . .