Alternative Outlook

Global demand for gold in 2011 rose to 4,067.1 tonnes (t) worth an estimatedUS$205.5 billion - the first time that global demand has exceeded US$200billion and the highest tonnage level since 1997, according to the World Gold Council’s Gold Demand Trends. The main driver for this increase was the investment sector where annual demand was 1,640.7t up 5% on the previous record set in 2010 and with a value of US$82.9 billion. The pre-eminent markets for investment demand in 2011 were India, China and Europe. China and India remain…

The case for investing in gold was boosted again yesterday as the Bank of England announced it was increase its money printing programme by a further £50bn as an impetus to growth.

The BoE will now aim to have £325bn of government paper in its asset buying program.

Marcus Grubb, managing director, investment, at the World Gold Council said the measure was necessary given the threat of a shrinking economy, “but it is likely to increase the risk of higher inflation and prompt investors to seek assets, such as gold, which can act …

Karl Rogers, former investment broker and Senior Spot Trader at City commodities broker, Tullett Brown explains why gold could be a better investment alternative for your retirement than a traditional pension.

The word ‘pension’ never seems to be far from the headlines at the minute. Pensions were obviously the cause of the recent industrial action at the end of 2011, whilst pensions were also at the heart of George Osborne’s autumn statement last year as the news that the rise in the state pension age to 67 was to be brought forwa…

Gold equities have underperformed for more than a year despite the gold price hitting a series of new all-time highs. But things could be about to change.

Investors have preferred to invest in physical gold, despite the storage costs, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as they are perceived to be less risky than mining companies.

Paul Hissey, an analyst at Goldman Sachs, thinks miners need to do a number of things to entice investors away from gold ETFs, including reducing perceived operational risk; deliver to, and manage market e…

Gold is set to power to a new record above $2,000 (£1,300) in the next year or so, but the fresh peak will come as it nears the end of a decade-long bull run, experts say.

As the global economic backdrop improves and investment in the “safe haven” metal wanes – “probably some time next year” – the price will retreat, according to respected metals consultancy GFMS.

Worries over nations’ debt problems and currency devaluation have helped gold rise more than 600pc over the past 10 years, passing $1,920 an ounce in September.

Gold…

Investors who have recently jumped on the gold bandwagon will need plenty of patience this year, as the anemic global economy and better prospects for the U.S. dollar combine to dim gold’s allure.

While buyers are likely to see their gold holdings rise in value for a 12th consecutive year, any advance is expected to be more modest than in recent years.

Muted returns from gold would test short-term traders. Yet those who own gold as a long-term answer to currency concerns and for portfolio diversification could find their patience is rewa…

Gold, the traditional safe haven for investors, has seen its price spike in the last few days, climbing above $1,600 for the first time since before Christmas.

Over the last 12 months, the gold price has nudged $1,900 and also has been close to $1,300, which shows it is hardly a steady investment. However, it is the traditional “refuge” investment as unlike shares, cash or even property the precious metal will always have a value.

Its portability and tangibility also make it popular in times of trouble. The recent contretemps between the …

In a year when the S&P 500 made headlines by moving just .04 points in 365 days and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained only 5.5 percent despite mountains of volatility, the art market has shown an impressive 35 percent gain over the last 12 months based on evening sale totals at Christie’s and Sotheby’s. Welcome to the SWAG economy (more on that later).

A recent report from ArtTactic and Deloitte Luxembourg began to chip away at why the art market is so robust — and it doesn’t seem to be because people just like art more t…

All things considered, gold was a strong performer in 2011. Investing in the metal was undeniably a volatile ride that included some steep declines. Still, when compared to global indexes, gold proved it still has star power. The majority of professional market watchers appear to believe that 2012 will be another good year for gold. But, investors should realize that a good year is not synonymous with smooth sailing.

While there is a substantial amount of optimism about gold’s performance in 2012, there are also an abundant number of war…

New research confirms gold’s unique role as a diversifier and foundation asset in the portfolios of euro-based investors, especially at a time of heightened currency and investment risk.

During a period of extraordinarily serious economic uncertainty in the Eurozone, continued concerns about economic growth in the US heading into an election year, and the possibility of an economic slowdown in China, The World Gold Council (WGC) wanted to examine the relevance of gold as a strategic asset for euro-based investors to protect their portfolios …