Peter's Blog

Gold Serving as a Lifeline for Indians During Credit Crunch

Gold has become a lifeline for Indians in the midst of a severe credit crunch. When the state-run lender refused to extend Babasaheb Mandlik credit, he used his wife’s gold jewelry as collateral for a loan in order to buy cotton seeds before the summer sowing season window closed.

India Jumps on the Gold Bandwagon

The Reserve Bank of India has jumped on the gold bandwagon. Since December 2017, the Indian central bank has added 50.4 tons of gold to its reserves. India bought 8.2 tons of gold in January and February of this year and analysts project that pace to pick up. Economist Howie Lee told Bloomberg he expects […]

Fun on Friday: That Moment the “Good Guys” Turn Into the “Bad Guys”

Everybody wants gold. Some people want it so bad that they’re willing to break the law to get it. That’s why we have police. They stop the bad guys. At least that’s how it’s supposed to work. But don’t miss what I said. Everybody wants gold. Police officers fall into the category of “everybody.” So, […]

Regulatory Changes in India Could Boost Gold Market

Last week, there was some significant news out of India that could further boost the country’s gold market. The Indian government will now allow banks to engage in gold bullion business – including holding, buying, selling, hedging and leveraging the yellow metal. Under current rules, banks can only serve as a consignment or channeling agent […]

Fun on Friday: The Gold Went Down Easier Than It Came Out

Last Friday, I told you where you can get coffee with real gold mixed into it. It’s part of this trend of edible gold. People are mixing gold into all kinds of foods  — even beer and chicken wings. Like I said last week, I think people like to eat gold because it seems indulgent and […]

Indians Buying Gold in the Midst of Their Stock Market Downturn

US stock markets plunged Wednesday, shedding over 800 points. Could the be the popping bubble Ron Paul recently said was on the horizon? That remains to be seen. But equities in many emerging markets have been shedding value for several months. Take India for instance. As a recent article in the Economic Times of India […]

Focus on Fundamentals: Indian Gold Imports Expected to Jump in Fourth Quarter

After hitting their highest level in 15 months in August, analysts expect Indian gold imports to continue climbing in the fourth quarter. The flow of gold into India hit a 15-month high when it more than doubled to 100 tons in August. Demand started climbing in July when imports jumped for the first time in seven […]

India Central Bank Buys Gold for the First Time in Nearly a Decade

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bought gold for the first time in nearly a decade during its last fiscal year. The Indian central bank added 8.46 tons of gold during the fiscal year ending June 30, according to its latest annual report. The additional yellow metal brings India’s total gold reserves to 566.23 tons. The last […]

Focus on Fundamentals: Gold Demand Continues to Surge in India

Indians are buying gold. Imports of the yellow metal into India jumped for the first time in seven months in July and the trend appears to be carrying forward into August, according to a report in the Times of India. Gold sales have surged 15% by volume over last year as Indians took advantage of […]

Focus on Fundamentals: Indian Gold Demand Surges in July

Gold imports into India jumped for the first time in seven months in July as jewelers replenished stocks. Indian gold purchases surged 44.2% year-on-year to 75 tons. India ranks as the number two consumer of gold in the world. According to a Reuters report, increased demand, “could support global prices,” which are struggling to hold ground in […]