An op-ed has just been published in the New York Times suggesting that the best way to save the euro is for Germany to exit the European Union and re-introduce it former currency, the Deutsche mark. [Here is the rationale.] Words: 310

Looking at the charts we...[see] a very strong double-top formation - very similar to what we saw back in 1980....[which suggests] that we are headed all the way back down again, possibly even to the lows that we saw in 2011....This is likely to weigh on equities. Words: 291

From ancient times to the famous gold rushes, gold was first discovered in placer deposits....Today, however, most gold comes from hard rock deposits where gold is disseminated or associated with other metals and mined either through open pit or underground mining. This infographic tells (shows) you everything you need to know about gold mining and its supply from around the world.

Wars have been fought over gold, love has been expressed by it an gold has changed the landscape of civilizations and the world - but what makes gold so great? This infographic examines the history of gold from ancient history to the gold rushes of the centuries ago. It looks at its properties and how it became not only a currency, but the gold standard.

The latest research note from CITI's Richard Schellbach includes the firm's "Multi-asset Investment Clock" which tells us we are now at 8 o'clock. What does that mean? Take a look.

Why read: It is foolish not to consider the possibility of depression, particularly in the face of the preponderance of commentary over the past many months that rampant inflation is on the horizon. [Here I review, analyze and comment on one such article on that possibility.] Words: 697

In a new report, Morgan Stanley's global equity strategy team identifies 20 U.S. companies with the most attractive and sustainable dividend yields. Take a look!

Americans, don't think for one moment that the crises in Europe are irrelevant! This past April the U.S had the largest monthly decline in exports to Europe in the past 7.5 years and this trend will only get worse - much worse - as the crises spread and linger. Exports to Europe are now down 2.7% from April 2011, the first yearly decline since February 2010. The chart below says it all.

I am amused by the Shadow Weekly Leading Index Project which claims the probability of recession is 31%. I think it is much higher....Let's take a look at why. >Michael "Mish" Shedlock< (http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com) Words: 530

"The entire financial system is in collapse. It’s not about the Greeks, Spanish, Italians, English, Americans, the Chinese, it’s about everybody. That’s what we’re looking at, and...I believe a tidal wave entrance into gold will happen when there’s a real collapse and catastrophe that they can’t paper over anymore. When does the crash point happen? No one can tell, but all of the cards are in place for the house of cards to collapse.”