Base

Gold is sought after and saved when its price is rising in anticipation of rising inflation, or on concerns created by the collapse of currencies and in the final stage of long bull markets in any asset, prices often continue to rise further for no other reason than that they have been rising so dramatically for so long, making investors confident they can extend expectations for more gains in a straight line into the future, rather than thinking cycles. [That begs the question no gold bug wants to contemplate "Could gold's long bull run be over?" Let's try and answer that question.] Words: 814; Charts: 3

As Ayn Rand said “We can ignore reality, but we cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring reality” so, with apologies to Ayn Rand, let’s explore some examples of ignoring reality. (Words: 1132; Charts: 1)

I’m starting to believe that we’re heading down a path where precious metals are once again confiscated, outlawed, or at least severely restricted in many countries. [Here's how I think such might well unfold.] Words: 783

We are on the precipice of enormous financial and economic change. It is not change for the good, especially for the United States. Excesses and mis-allocated resources of several generations are about to be exposed as modern industrial nations sink deeper into the economic hole they have dug for themselves. The purging of these economic mistakes will be painful, could create new wars as politicians attempt to deflect blame and may end up changing the political form of government in some countries. (Words: 364; Charts: 1)

We are inundated daily with a great deal of economic noise and self-serving investment advice so just what is of any real merit? I review 100s of articles every week in my effort to find the "best-of-the-best" for posting on my munKNEE.com site and offer below 10 articles with truly insightful, unbiased analysis, information and advice. Your time (and that of your financial advisor) would be well spent carefully evaluating the content of these articles and possibly implementing some aspects of such advice. Enjoy - and prosper!

We are in for a tough time for the next four years if the chart below, showing a big dive in economic development expectations, is any indication - ahd here is probably why that is the case. (Words: 200; Chart: 1)

Forecasts are only a guide or a potential road-map as no one can predict the future but we can assess risk, reward and probabilities. [Given that,] we think that the current probabilities favor a secondary bottom in gold stocks and that, very soon, the risk/reward dynamic will be heavily in favor of longs. [I explain and illustrate my conclusions below.] Words: 484; Charts: 2; Tables: 1

There are huge amounts of money in the IRA ($3.5 trillion) and 401(k) ($5.1 trillion) retirement plans in the U.S. (another $9.9 trillion in assets held elsewhere) according to a recent Investment Company Institute study which makes it very tempting for government to try and get at it. [While] the government may, or may not, tax the money, they may force you to include a sizable percentage of the retirement assets in your IRA and/or 401(k) in U.S. Treasury securities, which may be among the worst investments in the years ahead as interest rates go up and price inflation eats away at the buying power of those IOUs. [Let me explain.] Words: 802

Saving rates continue to fall. As full-time employment remains elusive, the average American continues to resort to debt, and governmental support, to fill the gap between waning real incomes and their expected standard of living....[This] will continue to impede economic growth until such time as either debt returns to levels that are conducive for higher levels of personal savings or incomes rise. [Words: 1322; Charts: 7]

Why make it difficult if it can be that simple...Andy Richter offers the perfect explanation of the Fiscal Cliff in this 1:37 minute video.