As can be seen in the graph, the world’s central banks were sellers of gold up until the 2008 World Financial Crisis (WFC). After which, they became strong buyers, with the last six quarters seeing significant buying.
Frank Holmes of U.S. Global Investors recently published an excellent brief history of the role that gold has played in the American economy since 1789. Although a few salient facts were left out, the essay is an excellent, informative and easy read.
Greece remaining in the eurozone monetary system and keeping the euro as its currency appears less likely at the end of every marathon meeting of eurozone prime ministers and Greek representatives. Many analysts are of the opinion that dumping the euro and going back to the drachma would alleviate some of Greece’s pain. Of course,
Now that Europe has reminded everyone that bank deposits are fair game for government confiscation in times of bank or State stress, I’m expecting to see demand for “real hard” assets picking up. And capital flight FROM JAPAN to productive assets to accelerate, including into gold. Quietly at first, then blatantly. (I believe it is
The issue of gold confiscation has long been the primary scare tactic behind the sale of overpriced collectible and numismatic coins. So pervasive has the fear become that even asset managers who control billions of dollars fear confiscation—according to mineweb.com’s top story for 2010.
The story, posted June 10, 2010 on Mineweb.com’s site became the site’s “top story,” which probably means the article received the most hits of all the articles posted on the site in 2010. The question remains: Is the fear valid or has the story been told so many times that it has taken on a life of its own?