The chief economist at HSBC Bank, Robin Bew, suggests that the price of gold will correct down to $1,390/ozt by the end of 2012 and to $1,000 per troy ounce by 2013. [Let's examine Bew's views more closely.] Words: 731

Decisive policies must be urgently put in place to stop the euro area sovereign debt crisis from spreading and to put weakening global activity back on track. [If not we can expect to see a] massive escalation in economic disruption, an increase in the risk of a credit crunch [and] the global economy tipping into a recession. Words: 834

In the long run developments in the financial markets and around the world seem to conspire to whip up a perfect storm for the gold price, taking it up towards $2,000 and further. That new upleg, however, could very well start from a much lower level than now. There are quite a few developments that could easily send the gold price lower in the coming months. Is $1,200 gold in the cards? Words: 739

The market believes that there is more profit to be made in speculation than in new business investment - and speculation is what you get when you weaken the incentives to invest in productive activities for the long haul. In fact, fear and uncertainty are inhibiting growth [- almost everywhere - as shown in graphic form in the 8 charts below]. Words: 1000

Should we jump into the market now? [Let's take a look at the 178 year history of the 4-year Presidential Cycles and the Decennial (10-year) Cycles and see what they suggest might well unfold in 2012.] Words: 1174

The U.S. is headed inexorably toward a systemic failure, a complete and utter collapse of the financial system. TARP and all the other machinations have not improved the underlying insolvency of the banking system. They have, however, deferred a collapse and ensured that it will ultimately be worse. [Let me explain.] Words: 1385

Constructing a portfolio for the retirement years requires one to focus on portfolio risk or uncertainty while not neglecting return. If the portfolio asset allocation plan is too conservative, the return will not meet lifestyle expectations. Inflation is again on the rise and this needs to be taken into consideration when putting together a retirement oriented portfolio. Below is a combination of index ETFs that project respectable returns while holding down portfolio volatility. Words: 455

I have a great deal of respect for Paul Krugman as an economist. He has a unique talent among economists for being able to make complex economic issues both understandable and interesting for the average person. [That being said,]...I am far less impressed with his abilities as a public policy commentator. [Let me explain.] Words: 567

Oftentimes perception, and not reality, rules the day with the thousands or millions of speculators placing short term bets with assets like silver. These perceptions are particularly strong given that paper players in the silver market often control the price in the short term (6-8 months), since there is so much more paper silver than physical metal out there...Here are five common myths about silver that I bet many speculators still believe are true. Words: 1638

The internet is awash (drowning?) in hundreds of doom and gloom videos providing dire warnings of coming world depression, food shortages, rioting in the streets, rampant (hyper) inflation, deepening banking crisis, economic apocalypse, financial Armageddon, the demise of America - well, you get the idea. Below is a small sample of such videos with a hyperlink to each. Sit back with your favorite beverage (or two/three!), turn up the volume (some of the music is foreboding) and look over the abyss into the pit of financial and economic despair that some see as about to erupt and engulf us in the months/years ahead. Take heed - you are being forewarned!