Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Recovery faltering as stock indexes slump

Friday, July 16, 2010
Stocks slumped on Friday.
- By John March
Impressive corporate profits weren't enough to jolt the bulls into action this week, as stock indexes described a perfect parabola from Monday to Friday. Despite gains of 2 to 3 percent at midweek, all three major indexes had collapsed back to their starting points by noon on Friday.

That's bad news for those hoping that surging stock values alone could drive the economy out of recession. It's corporate earnings season, and the news has generally been mixed. JPMorgan Chase, chip manufacturer Intel and aluminum producer Alcoa all posted better-than-expected results, but other companies didn't fare as well.

General Electric, Citigroup and Bank of America all missed estimates, while Goldman Sachs settled the suit brought against it by the SEC for $550 million.

That just boosted the investment bank's shares, though: As it turns out, the fine is equal to just 14 days of Goldman's first-quarter earnings.

The market signals point to sustained weakness in stocks, which is probably good news for hard assets like physical gold. The price of dealer gold has jumped almost 8.5 percent since the beginning of the year, and at one point it was up almost 15 percent.

By contrast, the S&P 500 never got past 10 percent gains in 2010, and it's currently down almost 4 percent.ADNFCR-2970-ID-19895170-ADNFCR

Thursday, July 1, 2010

One of the world's poorest nations could have the next gold rush

One of the world's poorest nations could have the next gold rush
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Gold mining could bring a measure of prosperity.
- By Bruce Sands
Burkina Faso says that its gold exports will rise more than 60 percent over the course of the next year, reports Bloomberg. The West African nation is also one of the world's poorest, with a per-capita annual income of less than $300. The last figure for unemployment, in 2004, put it at 77 percent.

Currently, Burkina Faso does not export an enormous amount of gold. But it's seeking to attract major mining corporations like Newmont Mining Corporation of the U.S. and Vale SA of Brazil.

IAMGOLD of Canada started up a mine this week in Essakane, Burkina Faso, that it projects will produce 500,000 ounces of gold by the end of next year.

The country expects its revenue from gold mining taxes to rise from #30 million last year to over $150 million in five years, according to Abdoulaye Abdoulkader Cisse, the mining and energy minister interviewed by Bloomberg. Cisse says that 800 companies sought exploration licenses in December, over twice the number the government projected.

All these trends point to a promising future for Burkina Faso in gold mining, which could finally begin to rise from the bottom of the economic heap. ADNFCR-2970-ID-19867520-ADNFCR

Friday, June 11, 2010

Some economists wary of Chinese economic trends

- By John March
Some investors have been optimistically looking to emerging nations like China and India to help the global recovery gain momentum in the coming months.

This is because both countries have seen their gross domestic product continue to expand in recent quarters, even as the recession held back growth in much of the rest of the world. An emerging middle class in both nations is seen as having the potential to provide new consumer spending markets for corporations.

Also, manufacturing activity, particularly in China, could help sustain the price of some commodities and strategic metals as economic conditions improve.

However, some economists are warning against becoming overly optimistic about this scenario. In fact, recent months have seen increased concern that China's economy could turn out to be a bubble, citing real estate prices in Beijing and heavy lending activity by banks that could turn out to be ill-advised. In fact, China's government appeared to respond to such concerns earlier this year when it took steps to scale back lending activity.

More recently, a report in the UK's Telegraph newspaper warned that "China's banks are veering out of control," while predicting that the country's "half-reformed" economy will not be able to absorb some $600 billion in loans issued since December.

The Telegraph cited another potential disturbing trend for investors where Shanghai's composite index has risen 70 percent in the past six months while the country's imports have fallen 25 percent over the past year.

The newspaper also noted that 40 percent of China's economy consists of exports, which happened to fall 26 percent in May. Another point cited the increasing tendency of U.S. consumers to save their money, which does not bode well for a sudden and dramatic improvement to China's export figures.

Another red flag for China is the ongoing debt crisis in the euro zone, since this could turn out to be one more blow to its export sector. The euro has fallen considerably in recent weeks, which means consumers could find themselves paying more for Chinese goods at a time when their respective governments are implementing significant new austerity measures.

If Chinese economic growth turns out to be more of an illusion than a reality, it would have a substantial impact on the global economy. Fortunately however, investors have long known that times like these often call for the stability that dealer gold and other precious metals can offer.


John March is the Chief Technical Officer for the Superior Gold Group, his financial insights on precious metals are sought after by Gold & Silver Dealers globally.

If you have any questions about how to buy gold coins, and want to learn how to grow your portfolio call 888.374.4032 or write to askjohn@gold101.com.
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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Fitch downgrades Connecticut bond rating

Fitch downgrades Connecticut bond rating
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Deficit problems are affecting states as well as the federal government.
- By John March
World markets have been increasingly concerned about sovereign debt woes confronting several governments in Europe, and even in the United States. However, federal deficits aren't the only potential ticking time bomb when it comes to financial markets - a number of states are confronting their own substantial deficits as well.

For example, California's budget woes have been well-documented in the national media for months. The state has been suffering from a multibillion dollar budget deficit, and lawmakers have remained divided on ways to resolve the problem.

More recently, Fitch Ratings announced that it had downgraded Connecticut's GO bond rating from AA+ to AA. Fitch added that its rating outlook has been revised to stable from negative.

The downgrade was said to be due to what was called "the state's reduced financial flexibility, illustrated by its reliance on sizeable debt issuances during the current biennium."

Fitch also noted that Connecticut is the nation's wealthiest state by per capita personal income, and that "significant revenue declines" were among the reasons the state's budget reserves have been on the decline.


John March is the Chief Technical Officer for the Superior Gold Group, his financial insights on precious metals are sought after by Gold & Silver Dealers globally.

If you have any questions about how to buy gold coins, and want to learn how to grow your portfolio call 888.374.4032 or write to askjohn@gold101.com.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Combined credit debt fell again in February

Thursday, April 8, 2010
Consumers may be making more progress on personal financial issues.
- By Bruce Sands
Consumers have continued making progress in paying down their credit debts and auto loans, despite a shaky economy and questions about the strength of the recovery.

In the latest announcement from the Federal Reserve, the nation's combined consumer credit debt stood at $858.1 billion as of the end of February, down from $867.6 billion in January. The latest rate of decline, 13.1 percent on an annualized basis, was consistent with numbers seen in the fourth quarter of 2009.

In the fourth quarter of 2008, revolving consumer credit debt peaked at $958.1 billion, indicating that people have been paying down debts they ran up in the prelude to the financial collapse.

Some economists have also warned that the current decline in consumer credit is due considerably to the fact that many lenders have simply charged off old debts and are extending loans to fewer people. This is particularly likely now that federal credit card reforms have made it less profitable for lenders to offer new accounts to people with lower credit scores.

While consumers have showed progress in this area of the economy, it remains to be seen if the combination of weak spending and high unemployment will continue to make dealer gold an attractive investment option.


News brought to you by Superior Gold Group – expert gold dealers offering precious metals products. Become part of the gold affiliate program today!

Contact The Superior Gold Group and learn how to get on the gold standard at www.gold101.com or Call (888) 374-4032.

Precious metal prices benefiting from economic optimism

Monday, April 5, 2010
Precious metals are seeing recent economic gains.
- By Superior Gold Group
Silver and gold dealers are likely to see growing demand for precious metals among investors in the coming months, in light of an improving economy that has provided some momentum for commodities in general in recent days.

For example, a recent Associated Press report noted that platinum and palladium prices had gained last week, along with other metals such as copper and silver. Many of these materials are required for the manufacture of vehicles and electronics, among other consumer products.

The wire service added that improving auto sales had fueled the price gains for platinum, which was reportedly trading around $1,669 an ounce last week, and palladium, which was around $490 at the same time.

Changing technology has also created demand for other materials that may only become increasingly valuable in the coming years. For example, various media reports have noted that companies are now seeking out new deposits of lithium in an effort to meet the long-term demand for its use in batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles.

Precious metals have long been seen as a safe haven investment for times of economic uncertainty, but new technologies have helped make these commodities more in demand regardless of what the financial climate may be.


News brought to you by Superior Gold Group – expert gold dealers offering precious metals products. Become part of the gold affiliate program today!

Contact The Superior Gold Group and learn how to get on the gold standard at www.gold101.com or Call (888) 374-4032.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Lawmakers show little inclination to tackle national debt

Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Gold can be a safe investment option in light of a rising national debt.
- By John March
Many investors have been talking to silver and gold dealers about concerns raised by the ever-increasing U.S. national deficit, especially in light of widespread doubt about whether substantial action will be taken to resolve the problem.

Still, members of Congress and the White House have acknowledged the national debt problem to some extent in recent weeks. For example, earlier this month President Barack Obama announced the creation of a National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.

The panel will be headed by former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles, a Democrat, and former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson, a Republican from Wyoming.

"For far too long, Washington has avoided the tough choices necessary to solve our fiscal problems - and they won't be solved overnight," said Obama in his announcement.

However, the commission's recommendations will not be binding upon Congress, which raises concern in some quarters that it will make little real progress in the long run.

Given the economic chaos that the nation's debt burden could eventually bring upon the financial system, considering an investment in dealer gold may be a wiser long-term choice than ever.


John March is the Chief Technical Officer for the Superior Gold Group, his financial insights on precious metals are sought after by Gold & Silver Dealers globally.

If you have any questions about how to buy gold coins, and want to learn how to grow your portfolio call 888.374.4032 or write to askjohn@gold101.com.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Experts call for bipartisan approach to U.S. deficit problem

Budget experts are becoming increasingly wary of a U.S. deficit that could cause years of economic chaos for taxpayers and investors alike. With such an uncertain economic outlook brought on by soaring deficits around the world, people are continuing to consult with silver and gold dealers about their full range of options.

One such expression of concern came from Dr. Alice Rivlin of the Bipartisan Policy Center, who appeared before the Senate Budget Committee recently to urge lawmakers to focus more on finding bipartisan solutions to the current deficit situation.

"Complacency about the fiscal threat is no longer possible. Unfortunately, complacency has been replaced by strident partisan blaming - not yet by a willingness to cooperate on crafting solutions," Rivlin told lawmakers, pointing out that there "is no disagreement" among leading federal budget entities, such as the Government Accountability Office and the Congressional Budget Office, about the serious scope of the problem.

The Bipartisan Policy Committee recently launched a task force aimed at cutting the national website where former public officials and others will try to build momentum for a realistic approach to reducing the U.S. deficit.

For two consecutive years, the budget deficit has soared beyond $1 trillion, contributing to a national debt that is rapidly approaching $14 trillion.


News brought to you by Superior Gold Group – expert gold dealers offering precious metals products. Become part of the gold affiliate program today!
Contact The Superior Gold Group and learn how to get on the gold standard at www.gold101.com or Call (888) 374-4032.

Gold rises with help from falling dollar

Investors who consulted with gold and silver dealers in the past week may have been able to take advantage of a lull in the upward pricing trend that precious metals have seen in recent months.

A report by MarketWatch this week noted that in Tuesday's trading, gold futures were up by a 2.5 percent margin, due in part to newfound weakness in the dollar that had made precious metals a more attractive option for many investors.

The report added that gold had risen $27,30 per ounce to $1,117.10, and that the price had hit $1,121 at one point.

The dollar may be experiencing some retreat in light of a resurgence of the euro, based on investors being more assured that the European Union will take steps to bail out the Greek economy, which has been teetering on the brink of a debt default in recent weeks.

Financial observers have also noted that gold and silver prices are not as dependent on a weak dollar as they once were, based in part on the expectation that increased industrial activity in developing nations will continue to sustain demand for precious metals.


John March is the Chief Technical Officer for the Superior Gold Group, his financial insights on precious metals are sought after by Gold & Silver Dealers globally.

If you have any questions about how to buy gold coins, and want to learn how to grow your portfolio call 888.374.4032 or write to askjohn@gold101.com.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Report: Chinese officials urged to dump Treasury notes

Thursday, February 11, 2010
Chinese military officials are suggesting a sell-off of U.S. Treasuries in response to arms sales to Taiwan.
- By John March
Those who follow world news may have one more reason to consult with silver and gold dealers this week amid indications that some Chinese officials are trying to convince their government to sell off some U.S. bonds to punish Washington for recent arms sales to Taiwan.

According to a recent Reuters report, top Chinese military officials are suggesting an increase in the country's defense spending, an adjustment of deployments of the People's Liberation Army, and the sale of some U.S. bonds in response to the arms sales.

The wire service added that there have been no steps so far by China to drop U.S. Treasury bonds, in part because this could also damage the value of Beijing's own financial assets. Reuters also pointed out that China held $798.9 billion in U.S. Treasury notes at the end of October.

China has viewed Taiwan as a renegade province for decades and has long bristled at perceived steps by the international community, particularly the United States, to treat it as an independent nation and to boost its capabilities to defend itself against an attack from Beijing.

The news reflects a growing awareness around the world about the vulnerabilities the U.S. and other countries may have in regard to their own growing debts. If such problems become more pronounced in the coming years, gold and silver will be possible safe havens for investors wary of stock markets and other options.


John March is the Chief Technical Officer for the Superior Gold Group, his financial insights on precious metals are sought after by Gold & Silver Dealers globally.

If you have any questions about how to buy gold coins, and want to learn how to grow your portfolio call 888.374.4032 or write to askjohn@gold101.com.

Gold price plateau could present opportunity to investors

Thursday, February 11, 2010
Now may be a good time to invest in gold coins.
- By John March
People who may want to invest in gold coins may have a window of opportunity to get in at a good price as a result of some recent momentum from the dollar in light of a shaky European Union financial situation.

In fact, a recent Reuters report says that gold is likely to remain high in the long term due to concerns over inflation and stability of paper currencies, but in the medium term is seen at more of a price plateau because the dollar's recent activity and a drop in demand for products like jewelry.

"We see a number of headwinds for investors in gold, most notably potential increases in rates. The opportunity cost of investing in commodities is going to be important," the wire service quoted analyst Daniel Major or RBS Banking & Markets as saying.

A number of mining companies are also seen as increasing their output, notes Reuters, in response to the upward trend in prices, but concern about falling prices should largely be eased by a trend of shaky currencies.

Fueling much of the concern about various currencies not linked to commodities will be sovereign debt levels, which have been earning a considerable share of financial news headlines in recent days.


John March is the Chief Technical Officer for the Superior Gold Group, his financial insights on precious metals are sought after by Gold & Silver Dealers globally.

If you have any questions about how to buy gold coins, and want to learn how to grow your portfolio call 888.374.4032 or write to askjohn@gold101.com.
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Saturday, February 6, 2010

Stability of Social Security may be questionable

Friday, February 5, 2010
The future of the Social Security system could be shaky.
- By Bruce Sands
Investors have been consulting with gold and silver dealers for years because of concern about economic instability and the long-term prospects for its recovery.

However, a recent report is giving investors a whole new reason to worry about the state of their finances heading into the future.

An article from Fortune Magazine highlights data from the Congressional Budget Office showing that for the first time in more than two decades, the Social Security system is receiving less in taxes than it distributes in benefits, which invites speculation about the long-term future of federal entitlement programs.

The magazine notes that this raises the danger that as a result, Social Security could require a massive government bailout not unlike the massive infusions of cash that were provided to a number of major corporations as the recession was getting underway.

If the U.S. was to default on its debt obligations or to pay for its largest entitlement programs, the ensuing financial ramifications would likely cause great difficulty and potential chaos in the world markets. With that in mind, investing in precious metals like gold and silver is a sound safeguard against possible setbacks in the future.


News brought to you by Superior Gold Group – expert gold dealers offering precious metals products. Become part of the gold affiliate program today!
Contact The Superior Gold Group and learn how to get on the gold standard at www.gold101.com or Call (888) 374-4032.
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Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Shaky global economy an opportunity to invest in dealer gold

Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The economic recovery may not be working out as well as some had hoped.
- By John March
Despite the widespread perception that the worldwide recession is over, there are still a number of factors that could result in unpredictable economic conditions in the coming months, from concerns about inflation and the strength of the dollar to the threat of a double-dip recession.

In fact, economists attending the World Economic Forum annual meeting this month expressed concern that policymakers around the world are so focused on certain issues in the financial world that they are overlooking other crucial matters.

An announcement from the forum cited various economists warning that high-profile issues like executive compensation are getting extra attention while other matters, such as risk management and transparency, may not get sufficient action.

Economist Nouriel Roubini was quoted as citing the risk of a double-dip recession because of weak labor markets and poor credit conditions. He also suggested that emerging economies could do better in the short term than advanced ones, while warning that emerging economies could reduce their growth potential by adopting the same regulatory measures as developed nations.

With little certainty about what is next for the global economy, investors can consider traditional options like gold and silver in light of such concerns.


News brought to you by Superior Gold Group – expert gold dealers offering precious metals products. Become part of the gold affiliate program today!
Contact The Superior Gold Group and learn how to get on the gold standard at www.gold101.com or Call (888) 374-4032.

China is just one country being closely watched by investors these days.

- By John March
Investors and financial experts around the world have reacted with concern to reports that China is scaling back its lending activity with an eye on preventing its economy from being undermined by too much credit activity.

While the U.S. has decided to keep its own interest rates low for the time being, few expect this to remain the case for long. And in the case of China, its own recent announcement has already created some economic effects.

For example, a recent Reuters report noted that stocks in Shanghai have lost 9 percent since the January 12 announcement, and there is concern among companies that the news could lead to cancellations of Chinese imports and inflation.

China is an increasingly important player in the global economy, with Reuters also noting that the country's economy is expected to grow at a 10 percent rate this year, which is five times higher than the prediction for all advanced economies combined.

With other countries, such as Greece, also causing alarm among investors because of looming debt problems, gold investments remain an attractive option in light of uncertain economic prospects.


News brought to you by Superior Gold Group – expert gold dealers offering precious metals products. Become part of the gold affiliate program today!
Contact The Superior Gold Group and learn how to get on the gold standard at www.gold101.com or Call (888) 374-4032.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Chinese economic growth means now is the time to buy gold coins

One reason that this may be a good time to buy gold coins is the strong growth that China has continued to experience with its economy in recent months.

According to a recent release from the National Inflation Association (NIA), China's economy is "not a bubble" as some may believe, even if the country's GDP did grow at a 10.7 percent rate last quarter. The NIA noted that China's economy actually grew at its fastest rate since 2007, despite the overall state of the global economy.

The group also predicted that recently-announced moves in China to slow the lending pace of its financial institutions will only work to further strengthen its economy, although some financial experts had thought this could actually dampen its growth.

One reason for expectations of ongoing Chinese economic growth is that the country is continuing to expand its exports to a number of other countries beyond the United States. Even if and when the country's GDP does slow, it is not expected to result in a major economic setback.

Another reason to consider gold investments is that a strong middle class is continuing to emerge in China, which has further fueled demand for precious metals in both jewelry and industrial applications.


News brought to you by Superior Gold Group – expert gold dealers offering precious metals products. Become part of the gold affiliate program today!
Contact The Superior Gold Group and learn how to get on the gold standard at www.gold101.com or Call (888) 374-4032.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Major gold mining operation moving forward in Australia

Monday, January 11, 2010
A major new mining project has been announced in Australia.
- Superior Gold Group
Gold dealers may be interested to learn that a major Australian mining project has just taken another significant step forward in its approval process.

According to an announcement from Cadia Holdings, a subsidiary of Newcrest Mining Limited, approval has been granted for the planned Cadia East project. The $AU 2 billion project is said to be located near Orange, New South Wales.

The next step is for the plan to go before the Newcrest Board late in the first quarter of 2010, noted the company.

"The Cadia East project will be the largest underground mine in Australia and will secure our future in
the region for at least the next 20 years. It will be Newcrest’s first panel cave, building on our expertise in underground mining," said company official Tony McPaul.

McPaul went on to report that following years of preparation, the project will create about 1,300 jobs while also providing a significant economic boost in general to the region, both direct and indirect.


News brought to you by Superior Gold Group – expert gold dealers offering precious metals products & gold investment coins.
Contact The Superior Gold Group and learn how to get on the gold standard at www.gold101.com or Call (888) 374-4032.ADNFCR-2970-ID-19551481-ADNFCR

China helps fuel surge in commodities markets

Commodities prices are being driven higher in part by China's economy.
- John March
Signs of an improving economy in China may be one more reason for gold and silver investors to continue adding to their holdings.

A report in the Christian Science Monitor notes that countries that export raw materials have reason for optimism in light of December's statistics showing that Chinese exports rose 18 percent on a year-over-year basis after 13 previous months of decline. The newspaper added that Chinese imports rose in December by a 56 percent margin.

"It seems very clear that what we are seeing are basically imports of raw materials and capital goods. These are all investment-related," the newspaper quoted Arthur Kroeber of Dragonomics as saying.

Also this week, various media outlets reported that 2009 statistics had left China as the world's top exporter of manufactured goods, replacing Germany in that category. A report in the Washington Post noted that later this year, China is also expected to overtake Japan as the world's second-largest economy.

The Post also noted that part of China's surge in commodities buying has been fueled by its various infrastructure projects brought on by its economic stimulus programs.


News brought to you by Superior Gold Group – expert gold dealers offering precious metals products & gold investment coins.
Contact The Superior Gold Group and learn how to get on the gold standard at www.gold101.com or Call (888) 374-4032.