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The impetus behind today’s decline: Friday’s news that China’s government accumulated far less gold than most had expected.
The People’s Bank of China on Friday published figures on its gold reserves for the first time since April 2009. Its official gold reserves stood at 53.3 million ounces, or 1,658 metric tons, in June.
 China’s government accumulated far less gold than most had expected. |
But it’s less than half what the market was expecting, which was a total of well over 3,000 metric tons.
That’s no surprise to me. I’ve repeatedly stated that China is not looking to corner the gold market. For two chief reasons:
A. Authorities in Beijing are acutely aware that a gold standard is historically deflationary. So why would they want to implode the Chinese economy?
B. China has never had a gold standard and gave birth to paper money way back in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). In other words, its tradition has always been largely paper money.
Yes, it is true that China wants a strong yuan. But it does not want the restraints of a gold standard. Period.
In fact, there isn’t a government on the planet today that wants a gold standard.
| “China does not want the restraints of a gold standard.” |
Why? Three simple reasons …
A. They can track and tax you more.
B. They intend to eliminate the underground economy. And …
C. They want the ability, in crisis times, to prevent bank runs, by simply throwing the kill switch on financial transactions over the internet.
Of course, it’s all being “sold” to you in the guise of monitoring and catching drug dealers and terrorists. And that may well be part of their motivation to an electronic currency.
But let’s never forget: Politicians always have ulterior motives. So make no mistake about it. They despise gold and are moving towards eliminating gold from the monetary system, once and for all.
Of course, it will backfire on them in the end. For once gold bottoms and investors worldwide realize that it’s governments that are the problem today … and not the private sector …
Gold will once again soar.
Money and Markets subscribers have long known about this interim bear market in gold. So they have avoided the clobbering that most investors have taken in the precious yellow metal.
And, they will be among the first to get back in, at or near the lows when gold does indeed bottom.
But what do you think of gold? Are you invested? Are you bailing out? I’d love to hear your views. Click here to jump to the website and join the conversation.
(IMPORTANT NOTE: I’ve just released a free report that is must-reading for EVERY serious investor –CONVERGENCE.
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Soon, CONVERGENCE will be offered for sale for $29.95 per copy – but until next Monday, July 27, you can read it online for free: CLICK THIS LINK TO READ “CONVERGENCE” NOW!)
Best wishes,
Larry Edelson
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One of the last vestiges of the Cold War has passed into history. The Cuban interests section in Washington officially became an embassy, with the U.S. and Cuba restoring full diplomatic relations. The change occurred shortly after midnight without ceremony. Meanwhile, the same will be happening in Havana, with the U.S. interests section officially becoming an embassy there. The U.S. flag won’t, however, fly over the building until Secretary of State John Kerry visits in August for an official ceremony.Staying overseas, banks in Greece reopened today after being closed for three weeks because of the lack of funds ahead of a bailout agreement with international creditors. Until now, Greeks were limited to withdrawals of 60 euros a day (about $65), but now the limit will be based on a weekly amount of 420 euros, meaning they won’t have to line up on a daily basis to get their money. Other aspects of the bailout agreement will go into effect today, such as a rise in the Value-Added Tax (VAT) to 23% from 13%.The first government-approved drone delivery took place in the U.S., with an Australian-made craft transporting medical supplies to a rural health clinic. The drone made three three-minute flights carrying 24 medical packages. The test was hailed as proof that drones can make deliveries to remote areas that are hard to reach by other means.U.S. businesses are less optimistic about sales for the upcoming months, according to a new survey. More companies plan to cut back on investment in equipment and buildings in the third quarter. Nevertheless, hiring and wage and salary increases are likely to continue at about the same pace in the quarter as they did in the second, the survey showed.What are your feelings about Larry’s take on gold? Do you have comments on other events – Cuba, Greece, the U.S. economy?
The Money and Markets team
Larry Edelson