Investing

If you traded and invested in 2012 and came out okay, then you are to be commended, [because] this was a tough one no matter what the index statistics say. Nerve-wracking doesn't even come close as a descriptor. [In fact,] we were Riverdancing on a frozen-over pond with steel-tipped boots and ice sharks swimming below the cracking surface just waiting for us to fall through - and those ice sharks had some kind of weird fish syphilis. Words: 1511

I am not a big fan of gold [and believe that the best we can expect for 2013 is that it will go sideways.] That said, [however,] I believe that there is still substantial money to be made from a such a sideways movement [and much, much more should it actually increase somewhat in price. This article explains exactly how.] Words: 691; Charts: 2

I am not normally a big fan of precious metals but in 2013 I am an unabashed fan of silver. If SLV were to return 15% next year there is a 95% probability that a ProShares Ultrashort Silver ETF (ZSL) put option on SLV would return 80%+! [Let me explain how I have come to that conclusion.] Words: 985

Silver has given returns of 584% in the last ten years and this article discusses the reasons for believing that silver can produce another decade of over 500% returns. Words: 954; Charts: 7

While the debate rages on about whether or not gold/silver are in some kind of investment bubble, the facts completely obliterate any possible argument supporting the "bubble" thesis. [Here they are.] Words: 585

Gold just can't seem to get any traction any more. The Feds announce QEternity, and gold moves down. Fiscal cliff talks fall apart, and gold still stagnates. Why is this the case? I think weak Indian demand is the culprit. [This article explains why that is the case and why that could be exacerbated in 2013.] Words: 1100

The current availability ratio of physical silver to gold for investment purposes is approximately 3:1. So, why is it that investors are allocating their dollars to silver at a much higher ratio? What is it that these “smart” investors understand? Let’s have a look at the numbers and see if it’s time for investors to do as a wise man once said and “follow the money.” Words: 1052; Tables: 1

Here are introductory paragraphs and links to 11 of the “best of the best” articles on gold and silver that you might have missed getting ready for Christmas. Each article has been edited for the sake of clarity and brevity to ensure you a fast and easy read. Enjoy!

The world is hurdling toward what seems to be certain economic collapse so, if your expectations are similar to mine, then you should be exploring ways to prepare for something that eventually will become an economic dark age. Investment performance is always relevant and it has never been more important than in these difficult economic times - nor has it ever been more difficult. Markets have already changed and are getting worse...As the economy worsens, market movements [like the two 50% declines we have seen since 2000] are likely to become more pronounced [and, as such,] it behooves anyone with exposure to the stock market to understand what is happening and [take action to] protect themselves against further 50%, and possibly larger, downsides. [This article outlines how best to do just that.] Words: 1491; Charts: 2; Tables: 1

The facts can't be denied: China is on the hunt for gold deposits and mines. These gold-focused deals will add more ounces to the country's pool of gold assets [which will only exacerbate the ex-China downward trend in the supply of gold outside China]. Given that what's produced in China stays in China (where there is escalating domestic consumption), a widening of the fundamental market shortage in gold seems almost certain. Words: 1138