Monday, January 10, 2011

Gold Prices

Although the current price of gold now stands at close to $1,400 per ounce, its seems to be slowing down. This causes a bit of short selling by those who are out to make a quick gain. Even the long term holders of gold coins are getting some jitters over the slight fluctuation of gold prices, no thanks to the Feds.

Market Trend Uncertainty

However, this may seem to be the market trend today. Gold prices are quite volatile albeit in small quantum but that is enough to trigger off the panic button on many people, especially the technologically advanced experts who are dependent on the machine to figure out the next step. For instance, a slight price dip in gold was supposed to alleviate fears on the European credit concerns but instead spiked the equity markets quickly; this in turn affected the gold prices further. The Euro rose from this incident taking away the frowns of anxiety on minor investors’ faces. But by midday, the Euro fell again with the equities.

However, gold is still quite stable throughout such stock market fluctuations as the bullion bank has already placed a cap on the gold prices to generate a sell mode. Gold is expected to rise in price with the Euro’s fall.

Keeping a sound mind
It would look like the problems which besiege Europe will be around for some time yet although they may not be uppermost on most traders’ minds. Investors should learn to be more stable minded about the market’s fluctuating conditions since no firm foundations have ever been accounted for them. The only outcome from such market fluctuations is opportunities created for the sound minded to capitalize on the situation through calm analysis.

All eyes are on the gold price movement; all are curious to check if it will go beyond 1,000 Euro. It is very disturbing to note that the Euro is unable to hold steady for a whole day, reflecting the attitude of sellers out to make a fast buck. With such unsteadiness, the Euro will probably end up at 12100 very quickly although that is still higher than the previous figure in 2008.

Current market

The monthly chart is claiming a low support of gold until the Euro moves below 119which will really be a great concern. It is most likely that the 20 day moving average would be exercised since the current 10 day moving average was not sustainable even when on a rise. The index is required to move back close to 487 instead of moving down to 460.

Monday, December 6, 2010

THE SAFETY OF GOLD

Today’s World Situation

We are living in a time in which the economic and financial problem is the most obvious in every single country of the world. The slowdown of the economy seems to prolong the situation, so people are trying to find new ideas to save their money in a manner that is profitable. More and more people have lost their trust in banks; some have difficulties in deciding which currency to save, while others have found the solution: buy gold coins. Gold is the only way to save the fruits of your work in a profitable manner; actually, gold coins are the solution. In the past few years, specialists have noticed that there has been an inclination towards saving in gold coins because gold offers security, reducing the risk of losing your money through inflation. Gold is so secure because it is used as a counterweight to any paper currency, in fact it is its own currency. For example, if the US dollar happens to fall, the cost of gold will rise, because is priced in dollars; this has also happened to other currencies such as the Thai baht, which fell in 1997 as a result of an Asian crisis. The price of gold rose to a very high level.

Owning a Gold Coin

If you wonder how to save money through gold, gold coins are the answer. Buying gold coins is the easiest way to own gold. There are several types of gold coins: bullion coins and rare gold coins. Bullion coins are very expensive, but their value is very high due to the fact that they the price of gold is at new highs. Collectors are not very interested in this type of gold coin because they were minted on a wide scale. However, several types of bullion coins are very popular among those who save their money in gold: the Gold American Eagle and Buffalo, the Gold Canadian Maple Leaf and the South African Krugerrand. With rare coins most of them have a higher value than a bullion coin because, in addition to the content of metal, they are scacer than bullion, which increases their value. Most of these rare gold coins are those minted between 1795 and 1933 in the United States.

Regardless of the type of gold coin you choose for your savings, you should know that your money is very safe.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Gold-oriented funds

These funds involve products which are financially regulated. Most investment vehicles, generally referred to as collective investment engines, invest in gold mining companies by attaining shares in the companies. These collective purchases can include open-ended investment funds, mutual funds, unit trusts and closed-end funds which exist in most countries. Since the funds are regulated, details about a specific fund can be hard to explain or provide.

An investment may differ from one fund to another depending on the structure of each particular fund. There are those who may choose to invest in mining equities while others buy shares in gold mining companies. Some buy into mines for other minerals; others would rather invest in futures while others may find it interesting to buy partially in metals and partially in the mining equity for the particular metal.

Since there are major differences between direct investments and investments in a gold mining company, it is difficult to equate the two. The appreciation level of gold mining firms is determined by expectations for future gold prices, new gold discoveries and the cost of mining as a whole. Investment profits may largely be determined by future growth potential and earnings of the mining company.

Gold mining equities (or companies) happen to outdo gold prices in respect to volatility since they are subject to the risk factors which normally influence the price of gold. It follows that companies face more risks, especially individual companies mining gold.

It is always advisable for potential investors to seek financial advice from a reputable organization or stockbroker when it comes to gold-oriented funds investment. It is important to understand the gains and the possible risks faced when investing in this sector. This does not mean that the risks outnumber the advantages. But information is your best protection against loss. It is essential that you fully understand what you are getting yourself into.

Let’s face it, gold has not been losing value, and while we sit and wait for that day, there are individuals and institutions making a killing from their gold. If you delay buying for fear of loss, you will never take that first step forward towards achieving your life goals and fulfilling your dreams. Individuals must take risks and be prepared to gain sometimes and lose at other times. Gold is the perfect commodity in which to own because it will come in handy in these fragile economic periods.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Factors that Affect the Price of Gold

There are many factors that make now a good time to buy gold coins. Only you can determine if it is right for you. The following are factors that affect the price of gold in a positive way normally. Many of these factors are happening right now.

Spikes in interest rates are often followed by increases in gold prices. Higher interest rates work to increase inflation as the cost of borrowing increases which in turns increases the cost of living.

Oil prices and gold prices don't work hand and hand though there has been a correlation throughout the last few decades. As oil prices have risen or dropped dramatically the price of gold has followed in turn.

The health of banks is a leading indicator to the health of the economy. When banks are in trouble or stop lending it adds fear into the markets. This was noticed in the banking crises that saw the failure of Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers in 2008 where many people turned to gold instead of keeping their money in banks.

Debt crises and loan defaults makes people uneasy about paper money or money tied up in assets that could go to nothing. Physical gold has never had a value of zero and adds security as you personally take possession of it.

Throughout history from different economic conditions gold has been a safe haven to diversify your portfolio and reduce your risk. Current financial uncertainty and the possibility of a double dip recession have gold prices hitting a brand new record in June of 2010.

Factors that Affect the Price of Gold

There are many factors that make now a good time to buy gold coins. Only you can determine if it is right for you. The following are factors that affect the price of gold in a positive way normally. Many of these factors are happening right now.

Spikes in interest rates are often followed by increases in gold prices. Higher interest rates work to increase inflation as the cost of borrowing increases which in turns increases the cost of living.

Oil prices and gold prices don't work hand and hand though there has been a correlation throughout the last few decades. As oil prices have risen or dropped dramatically the price of gold has followed in turn.

The health of banks is a leading indicator to the health of the economy. When banks are in trouble or stop lending it adds fear into the markets. This was noticed in the banking crises that saw the failure of Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers in 2008 where many people turned to gold instead of keeping their money in banks.

Debt crises and loan defaults makes people uneasy about paper money or money tied up in assets that could go to nothing. Physical gold has never had a value of zero and adds security as you personally take possession of it.

Throughout history from different economic conditions gold has been a safe haven to diversify your portfolio and reduce your risk. Current financial uncertainty and the possibility of a double dip recession have gold prices hitting a brand new record in June of 2010.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

US Mint Gold Coins: The Current Market Scenario

According to the CoinNews.net report of July 22, 2010, the demand for American numismatic gold coins has increased, compared to the previous US Mint item sales. All coins, except ten US Mint gold coins, exhibited no alteration in demand, seven of which belonged to the smaller Presidential $1coin category. The bigger dollar products that fell lower were the three First Spouse gold coins – two of the Jane Pierce Fillmore $5 numismatic gold coins and the proof Margaret Taylor. What improved the weekly sales still remains a matter of speculation.

US Mint Gold Coins: Major Gainer of the Week
The most likely reason for the improvement in the US Mint gold coin sales was the launch of the 2010 US Mint Uncirculated Coin Set on Thursday, July 15, 2010. There were 200,764 orders placed for the 2010 Mint Set. Since the 2010 coin collection raised immense interest in the other collectible items, it is speculated that same would be the case with the 4-coin 2010 US Proof, which has been the most sought-after annual set.

US Mint Gold Coins: Drop in Prices
On July 21, 2010, the US Mint lowered the prices for numismatic gold coins. This price decrease followed a general decline in gold prices. The United State Mint usually fixes numismatic gold prices according to the average London Fix rates. The prices are settled upon after taking into account the average price on the previous Thursday AM till the present Wednesday AM. If there seems to be a discrepancy in the average price (and is in agreement with the Wednesday PM Fix rate), the prices are altered accordingly.

The following are two of the most recent gold coins from the US Mint:

2010 Proof Gold Buffalo: This was released first, on June 3, 2010. This coin contains one troy ounce of 24k gold. The initial price decided upon was $1,510 and this rate stuck on till it slumped this week.

First Spouse Gold Coins: This was released periodically and roughly followed the Presidential dollars. The latest releases include:
• Sarah Polk
• Margaret Taylor
• Abigail Fillmore
• Jane Pierce

All these are available in proof as well as uncirculated formats. The most recent releases saw a pricing of $779 for the proof coins and $766 for the uncirculated coins.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Investing in Twenty Dollar Gold Coin

Twenty dollar gold coins, commonly known as Double Eagles, are the largest-denomination regular-issue gold coins minted in the US. "Twenties" are commonly traded in the market and, with a composition of 0.9675 gold per ounce, they trade slightly below the gold bullion. Twenty dollar gold coins are commonly traded in the range of $760 and $800.

Twenty Dollar Gold Coin: A Brief History
The $20 Liberty Double Eagle is one of the most recognized gold coins in the world. The coin had been a building block of the US economy and the financial market during the 19th and 20th centuries. They were used by the average individual as well as international traders. Around the time of issue of the $20 Liberty, gold was officially trading at $20.67 an ounce. Consequently, the coin’s weight was fixed at 0.9675 oz. Prior to the issue of the twenty dollar Liberty in 1849, the highest-denomination of coins issued by the US Government was $10, known as the ‘Eagle.’

Twenty Dollar Gold Coin: Types and Specifications

Twenty dollar gold coins in circulation are available in two broad variants:

• The Liberty ‘Coronet Head’: Minted between 1849 and 1907, this features the bust of Lady Liberty facing the left on one side and an eagle with stars and sun-rays on the other.

• The Saint Gauden coins: Minted between 1907 and 1933, these coins are named after its designer, bear a standing Liberty on one side and a flying eagle on its reverse.

Twenty Dollar Gold Coin: A Great Investment Option?
Twenty dollar liberties have a return value at the time of purchase itself, due to their high composition of gold (around 91.67%). Besides, these coins have the dual advantage of gaining in value when gold prices rise and when their value as collectors’ items rise.

The market of Saint Gaudens is just as strong, since it is stocked by government treasuries as well as several royal families. Besides their market value, the stunning design of Saint Gaudens makes them popular collectors’ items.

Twenty dollar gold coins are classified as a rarity by the US National Government. Besides, these coins accompany more flexible reporting requirements than regular gold bullion.