A wider perspective.

Ideas and analysis on money, markets and the world around us.

The end of paper gold and silver markets

This article looks at the likely consequences of the Bank for International Settlements’ introduction of the net stable funding requirement (NSFR) for bank balance sheets, insofar as they apply to their positions in…

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Market Report: Consolidating recent gains

In last week’s report it was suggested that a test of recent support levels of $1800 for gold and $27 for silver could not be ruled out. A small pull-back did materialise, with gold falling $22 at one point, before…

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The end of the LBMA is nigh

Basel 3 is on course to regulate the LBMA out of existence. And with it will go all the associated arbitrage business and position-taking on Comex, because most bullion bank trading desks will cease to exist. The only…

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Market Report: Breakout!

This week, gold convincingly challenged and overcame the $1800 level and silver shot through the $27 barrier. From last Friday’s close, gold rose by $51 to trade at $1820 in European morning trade, while silver rose…

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Market Report: Surreal PM pricing persists

Gold and silver were little changed on the week, with gold at $1769, down $8 from last Friday’s close in early morning European trade, while silver was at $25.95, down 4 cents. The last trade date for Comex gold and…

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The coming oil shortage – Part II

The oil price crash on the back of the COVID-19 lockdowns has accelerated the coming supply crunch. Both national and international oil companies have slashed CAPEX and maintenance spending, which will accelerate…

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Why interest rate management fails

This article explains why attempting to achieve economic outcomes by managing interest rates fails. The basis of monetary interventionist theories ignores the discoveries of earlier free-market thinkers, particularly…

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