Peter's Blog

European ETF Gold Holdings Hit Record Level

The amount of gold held by Europe-based ETFs hit a record high in the first quarter of 2019, according to a report by the World Gold Council. European funds now hold 1,121.4 tons of gold. The WGC pinpoints three primary drivers of European gold investment.

Production Plunges for World’s Largest Silver Miner in Q1

The world’s largest primary silver producer reported a plunge in production in the first quarter of the year, continuing a global trend of declining silver output. Total silver production at Fresnillo PLC dropped by 15% in Q1. The company blamed falling mine output on lower ore grades and reduced volume of processed ore.

Silver Demand Hit 3-Year High in 2018 as Supply Fell

Silver demand was up 4% and hit a three-year high in 2018, according to the 2019 World Silver Survey released by the Silver Institute this week. Physical demand for silver came in at over 1 billion ounces last year. Meanwhile, silver mine production fell for the third straight year, dropping 2% in 2018 to 855.7 […]

Central Bank Gold Purchases Hit Highest Level Since 2008

Central bank gold purchases hit a level not seen since 2008 through the first two months of 2019. Central banks added 90 tons of gold in the first two months of this year according to the latest report by the World Gold Council. This compares to 56 tons through the first two months of 2018 […]

The US Government’s Net Worth Comes in at Negative $21.5 Trillion

The net worth of the US comes in at negative $21.5 trillion. This according to the Financial Report of the United States Government recently released by the Treasury Department.

China Buys More Gold as It Seeks to Minimize Exposure to the Dollar

China bought gold for the fourth straight month in March, adding another 11.2 tons of the yellow metal to its reserves, according to the latest data released by the People’s Bank of China. With the most recent purchases, the Chinese official gold reserves stand at about 1,884 tons or 60.62 million ounces. The Chinese have […]

Gold Holdings in Gold-Backed ETFs Up in March

Total gold holdings in ETFs grew marginally in March, resuming an upward trend that started last fall. Total holdings of the yellow metal globally rose 3 tons, with increases seen in every region, according to the most recent data released by the World Gold Council. ETFs worldwide currently hold 2,483 tons of gold valued at […]

The Anything But the Dollar Club

We’ve been following a number of central banks that have been buying gold recently, specifically the Russians and Chinese. But these two central banks aren’t alone. In fact, central bank gold-buying has surged over the last couple of years. What’s behind this trend?

Gold and Silver Demand Have Surged in the Decade Since the 2008 Financial Crisis

The conventional wisdom is that demand for gold and silver has been somewhat tepid over the last couple of years. In fact, global gold demand grew by about 4% in 2018 and was in line with the five-year average. Much of that growth was due to a surged in demand through the fourth quarter as […]

The Fight for $15: Good Politics, Bad Economics

Raising the minimum wage might be good politics, but it’s bad economics – despite what some economists say. Last week, the Maryland legislature overrode the governor’s veto and adopted a $15 per hour minimum wage. It was a major victory for the “Fight for $15” crowd, but it almost certainly won’t be for low-skilled workers […]