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The week leading up to the holidays can be the most hectic imaginable so it is quite possible you didn't find time to keep abreast of recent developments in the economy. Not to worry. Below are introductory paragraphs and links to 8 of the "best-of-the-best" articles on the subject.

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

One of our favorite charts is the oscillator which shows the probability of gold returning to its mean after a dramatic rise or fall. We believe it helps investors put the current correction in context with historical moves and determines potential buying and selling opportunities. [Here's what the oscillator chart and several other factors are telling us about the prospects for higher prices for gold in 2013.] Words: 539; Charts: 4

We can all speculate about when the next leg up for gold will kick in, but the point for now is to take advantage of the weakness, like many of [the individuals, central banks and financial institutions are doing/suggesting. When the price breaks out of its trading range, are you sure you won't wish you'd bought a little more? Here's a sampling of this year's "gold bugs" and what they've been doing about precious metals recently. Words: 1449

A look at the trend in prices of the Big Mac clearly shows that investors are being penalized with higher inflation, lower income from bonds and certificates of deposit and being led to believe that the economy is growing better than it really is. [Let me explain.] Words: 1012; Charts: 2

It would seem logical that the precious metals should be moving a lot higher after the FOMC announced its latest QE program. How is it possible that the market is dumping like this, in conjunction with a concomitant decline in the dollar? [Let me] explain from a technical perspective what is happening. Words: 700; Charts: 3

There have been many motives offered for the recent and ongoing plunge in gold and silver prices since the start of October from sentiment to a supposed trade against the Euro, etc, etc. but the true reason is a lot more prosaic. It's old fashioned liquidation. Let me explain. Words: 257

Since 2012 is rapidly coming to a close, I’m fielding questions about what the future holds for 2013. My hope? That my answers will be both informative and instructive, and ultimately profitable, of course. Words: 1588; Charts: 2

"World Debt 101" examines some of the world's largest economies and illustrates just how much they have borrowed and what measures many of their governments are now taking to curb spending and narrow those deficits.

I use three approaches to shape my world view and then combine them to get a much clearer picture of what likely lies ahead. My goal today is to share with you how I come up with a view of the Big Picture and to share my outlook for 2013. Words: 873