Peter's Blog

Shrinkflation: You’re Paying More and Getting Less

We are all keenly aware of price inflation. We notice those rising prices every time we go into a store. But the inflation boogeyman is hitting you even harder than you realize. Not only are you paying more for pretty much everything you buy, you’re getting less. Literally. It’s called shrinkflation.

Many Countries Bringing Their Gold Home for Safekeeping

In the wake of Western sanctions on Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, many central banks are bringing their gold home for safekeeping, according to an Invesco survey of central banks and sovereign wealth funds.

Credit Card Borrowing Still Running Hot Even as Borrowing for Big-Ticket Items Tanks

Americans continued to run up credit card debt in May, but borrowing for big-ticket items tanked. This could indicate that cash-strapped, over-leveraged consumers are reaching the end of the rope. American consumers borrowed another $7.2 billion in May, increasing total consumer debt to a record $4.865 trillion, according to the latest data released by the […]

Gold Up 5.4% Through First Half of 2023

Despite a lackluster June, the price of gold rose 5.4% through the first six months of 2023 and was the second-best performing asset class behind only developed market stocks.

Eight Central Banks Increased Gold Holdings in May

Excluding another big sale by Turkey, central banks were net buyers of gold in May, according to the latest data compiled by the World Gold Council. Eight central banks added gold to their reserves in May with net purchases totaling 50 tons.

Compound Containing Silver Could Replace Lithium Batteries and Other Silver News

Researchers at Duke University are experimenting with replacing lithium in batteries with argyrodite, a mineral that contains silver along with other elements. This could further increase the demand for silver and tax an already strained silver supply.

Economic Data Isn’t as Strong as the Headlines Claim

A lot of the economic data this month looks strong. But when you dig a little deeper, you find that this “strength” is an illusion. Following is a breakdown of several of these data points with some help from our friends at Passant Gardant.

Why Buy Gold Now? A Free Updated and Revised Report

If you listen to the mainstream financial media, you might think gold has fallen out of favor. Most people remain fixated on the surging stock market or the next move by the Federal Reserve. But perception doesn’t always line up with reality – especially mainstream perception. While the trendy kids are ignoring the yellow metal, […]

How Is the Spot Price for Gold Determined?

When you buy physical gold, the price you pay will start with the “spot price.” As defined by Investopedia, the “spot price” is “the current price in the marketplace at which a given asset—such as a security, commodity, or currency—can be bought or sold for immediate delivery.” So, how is the spot price for gold determined?

Chinese and Mexican Mines Are Running Out of Silver

Silver demand set a record in every category in 2022 and is expected to continue growing. Meanwhile, silver production flatlined. Record global silver demand and a lack of supply upside contributed to a 237.7 million ounce market deficit in 2022. The trends indicate that this deficit will expand in the next several years as demand continues […]