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Wealth Cycles

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Wealth Cycles

Wealth Cycles is an online newsletter by Mike Maloney of GoldSilver.com fame.

Mike Maloney is a historian, expert on gold, silver and “real” money, and also an advisor to Robert Kiyosaki. Wealth Cycles is geared towards providing timely geopolitical news and events, linked to the economy and tells you when to buy or sell various assets.

Maloney’s ethos is that it is essential that people take responsibility for their own futures – you simply cannot depend on governments – and that being well-informed and financially educated is essential, especially in the current global economic meltdown.

Maloney is a big advocate that education is not enough on it’s own, it must be backed up by a willingness to take action.

Rather like a macro version of “market timing”, the “Wealth Cycles” in question involve looking at the macro-economic/geopolitical picture to provide the right times to take action and capitalize on the given situation.

Here is Mike in his own words on his offering:

Why Use Wealth Cycles?

As a historian, Mike Maloney uses past historical events and tracks them against current trends and events – as he says “a look backward can really be a glimpse into the future”.

By taking a historical perspective and then combining it with current analysis and practical advice, Maloney delivers extremely thought provoking content, ideas and the quality of his analysis of data is quite exceptional (as is his ability to explain it).

Other benefits of Wealth Cycles include:

  1. Use the power of economic cycles for your personal benefit.
  2. Weekly articles that analyse today’s headlines in the context of economic history.
  3. Video blogs, charts and feature articles.
  4. WealthCycles Library (Over 100 Articles and counting!).
  5. Exclusive Economic Research and Commentary from the WealthCycles Team.

The site itself has a free section (which is excellent) and a paid section for members. There is also a free 7 day trial which doesn’t even require a credit card.

Visit Wealth Cycles Now

Whether you become a member or not (for the price it seems a no brainer) the free section by itself is possibly one of the best economic sites on the Internet right now.

Although I personally dislike the site design, the content itself is very good and we thoroughly recommend you take a look.

We hope you enjoyed this review of Wealth Cycles

Wealth Cycles

BullionVault Review – A Guide to Using BullionVault.com

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BullionVault – What is It?

Paul Tustain - BullionVault

BullionVault.com is an Internet-based bullion exchange, created in 2005 by Paul Tustain. It is owned by Galmarley Ltd and has it’s offices in London, UK. It allows private investors a cost-effective, tax free way to buy silver and gold, and provides a range of storage options – both onshore and offshore depending on where you live.

Gold and silver bullion from BullionVault.com is held in client-specific allocated storage with Via Mat International (a multi-national logistics and storage company with an excellent reputation). These storage centres can be chosen by the client, with London, Zurich or New York available.

Bullion Vault charges minimal commission charges (ranging from 0.8% to 0.02%), and their storage fees are also extremely competetive – around 0.12% per annum, (with a $4 monthly minimum charge).

BullionVault – Advantages

BullionVault.com gives clients access to gold and silver like a normal bullion dealer. They set the prices,  and users can buy and sell in a competitive 24/7 liquid market.

Other advantages include:

- Multi-currency accounts supported: British pounds, Euros or US dollars.

- Quickly and easily trade gold and silver bullion (once you have proved your identity – see below).

- VAT (UK sales tax) does not apply unless you are taking delivery of silver, in which case the rate is 20%.

- Access to very small quantities of gold and silver (starting at just 1 gram), meaning almost anyone can get the benefits of gold and silver trading.

- Ability to keep gold and silver offshore is an excellent feature. For example, in 1933 the US government made it illegal for US citizens to hold gold. There is some evidence that politicians in the US wish to do so again.

- Huge inventory of gold and silver – 22 tonnes of gold, $1bn in client gold and $163m in silver.

- Excellent customer support by email, telephone and live chat.

BullionVault.com are tough on potential money laundering – all new clients must provide identity and address information (passport and recent bank statement). Corporations must provide corporate documentation.
Bullion Vault performs an audit on a daily basis to reconcile every client’s inventory against the latest bullion lists and bank statements.

BullionVault – Conclusion

BullionVault.com is a reputable, licensed and regulated bullion dealer, and is a good choice for any potential investor.

Smaller investors will particularly like the fact that they can participate in the market with just small quantities available – something traditional dealers do not provide (instead offering coins and bars).

One of the best things about setting up an account (which is free of charge) is the fact that you get a free gram of gold just for signing up and to get you started.

We have created a short video to demonstrate how easy it is to set up and use your account, which you can find below.

We hope you found this review useful and wish you a profitable experience if you do choose to use BullionVault

Heres the link to the video: http://youtu.be/5D2Q-OB6WHU

American Eagle Silver Coins

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American Eagle Silver Coins

American Eagle Silver Coins

American Eagle Silver Coins

Prior to 1986 The Unites Sates of America had produced many gold coins but these were replaced as of the year 1986, by the American Eagle Bullion Coin. This coin was also produced in silver and subsequently in 1997 in platinum. The coins are distinguished by featuring the “Walking Liberty” on the obverse side.

In 2006 a further coin came onto the market and is called the American Eagle Uncirculated Coin. This coin is distinguished from the American Eagle Bullion Coin in that it undergoes a special minting process and is distinguished a special Mint Mark. It has a specific production facility and is sold at a fixed price.

Coins can be purchased direct from the American Mint and are sold in presentation boxes, which prevent any tarnishing to the coin. Additionally the coins can be purchased in sets that are made up of 1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz and 1/10oz coins.

Why invest in American Eagle Silver Coins?

If one wishes to invest in silver in a tangible way then this is an excellent opportunity. American Eagle Silver Coins have the status of being a liquid investment and has the additional benefit of being registered as a precious metal under IRA. It is struck only in the one-troy ounce size which has a nominal face value of one dollar and is guaranteed to contain one troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver.

For those interested in the gold version of the American Eagle Silver Coins, these are minted to 24 carat purity. However unlike most other bullion coins it is not of 99.9% purity as it is minted from 91.67% gold, 3% silver and 5.33% copper. Each coin is produced with an assay certificate.

The market for American Eagle Silver Coins is both investment based as well as of serious interest to numismatists, so the value of the coins is driven in two directions, although investment is the prime driver. Their value can be tracked on a daily basis according to the spot price indices and as their liquidity is strong if prices fall can be readily disposed of. Some coins which have had a limited mintage do carry a greater value due to their rarity, over and above the bullion value.

American Eagle Silver Coins - Drawbacks

The market for silver can be unduly affected by the intervention of speculators and thus there are occasions when a rapid movement in pricing can be seen. Investors need to remain astute in these circumstances.

We recommend GoldSilver.com as the best, most reliable and trustworthy source of gold and silver bullion. Please visit them if you are interested in purchasing American Eagle Silver Coins

GoldSilver.com

Mike Maloney – GoldSilver.com Review

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Mike Maloney – GoldSilver.com

Mike Maloney of GoldSilver.com

Mike Maloney of GoldSilver.com

Mike Maloney is a well respected investor and educator in the field of silver and gold. His web site is GoldSilver.com and this is supported by his book “Guide to investing in gold and silver”. His own background is such that he is self taught and has thus come to appreciate the value of investment in a practical way, and his approach and web site are thus individual, in that they are not obscured by financial terminology.

Mike Maloney – Background

Mike Maloney has a solid history in the investing of gold and silver bullion having stumbled into the market 2000 due to becoming a trustee of his family’s assets. Such is his ability that has become a advisor to Robert Kiyosaki, who might be considered a guru in the world of  Investment Finance.  Mike has proposed that investment returns are linked to “economic cycles” and has supported that with research into monetary history.

In an interview on 31st March 2010 with Bloomberg he stated “Baby boomers will retire between 2012 to 2016 and they will want their retirement money. This will cause a domino effect around the world, causing world banks to crash one after the another, and the entire currency market will become a big fat zero”. That insight into the world of investment values, linked to economic cycles, shows the weight of his thinking and clearly states that his views are substantive.

Mike Maloney – Services

Through his web site GoldSilver.com he has established concierge services, physical delivery of bullion and 3rd party storage. By looking to Mike Maloney for practical assistance one can also benefit from his research based investor education. His approach strengthens the belief that gold and silver are the only class assets that supercede the vicissitudes of the financial systems.

Mike’s whole raison d’etre  is to allow you to share in his knowledge and to encourage you to invest in the security of gold and silver, whilst at the same time giving you sound guidance as to how to understand its cyclical movements. The web site will allow you to do exactly that.

If you are interested in purchasing physical gold and silver, you should seriously consider the services offered by Mike Maloney

Mike Maloney

Philharmonic Silver Coins

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What are Philharmonic Silver Coins?

Philharmonic Silver Coins

Philharmonic Silver Coins

Philharmonic Silver coins are minted by The Austrian Mint and have been available for many years. Philharmonic Silver coins are minted to give .999% purity, which is as close to pure silver as possible. The designs reflect the beauty of the coin, which is legal tender.

Philharmonic Silver coins are minted on an annual basis so it has both an investor’s interest as a well as an interest for numismatists, thus creating another investment field. This is also considered to be the number one silver coin in Europe, in other words prestigious to own.

The coin which has government backing also qualified under the precious metals regulations of the IRA, and benefits from being exempt from IRS 1009B brokerage, which if you are an American citizen is tax advantageous.

Why Buy Philharmonic Silver Coins?

Firstly it has immense beauty as a stand-alone object, but when combined with its investment value doubles the attraction. Silver is traded as a commodity and has over the last few years increased in value on a $ per troy ounce basis. The value per troy ounce can be tracked on a daily value as the spot price is readily quoted on the Internet. As mentioned previously with this coin having two fields of interest it is a very liquid asset. The limited release on an annual basis adds to its attraction.

The availability of these coins is good as they can be acquired either through coin dealers or from investment brokers.

Philharmonic Silver Coins - Drawbacks

If these coins are sold are purchased or sold within the UK, unlike gold, they are not exempt from VAT.

Should they be held as an investment then any gain made on their disposal will be liable to taxation in your country of domicile or residence. Should any loss be incurred then it may be offset against any other capital gains incurred.

We recommend GoldSilver.com as the best, most reliable and trustworthy source of gold and silver bullion. Please visit them if you are interested in purchasing Philharmonic Silver Coins

GoldSilver.com

Is the “SLV ETF” a Good Investment?

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What is the SLV ETF?

SLV ETF

SLV ETF

SLV translates as silver and this commodity is traded via shares on the Exchange Traded Fund. One can acquire an interest in silver whilst never needing physical possession of the metal, as silver is used as the underlying strength of the shares acquired. The market for this type of trading commenced in 2006 and has gained strength ever since.

SLV ETF - Benefits

In almost all cases, SLV ETF deals are brokered by an agent, which allows for immediacy of both purchase and sale. They retain the traditional links with the stock market in that a trader will acquire stocks that having an underlying relationship to silver.  The SLV ETF is a commodity with a high degree of familiarity and its price movement within the market can be easily tracked. Looking at the value per troy ounce silver had a spot price of $12.61 in April 2006 whilst its present spot price is $32.82. Allowing for the increase of money in real terms the increase is significant.

One may of course ask why silver is a good commodity in which to invest? Firstly it is oblivious to currency fluctuations. Secondly, by and large, it is outside of standard economic risks. Thirdly, as silver is still a relatively cheap commodity it offers a very good gateway to understanding this area of investment and trading.

SLV ETF - Drawbacks

Speculators can affect the market both positively and negatively and at present it is a bull market, but silver is only a short to medium term investment, so moves towards a bear market must be heeded.

As with all deals which are brokeraged commission will be payable.

All gains in SLV ETF are subject to taxation in line with the tax legislation of your domicile or residency. Conversely should losses be incurred they are available for offset against other gains.

We recommend GoldSilver.com as the best, most reliable and trustworthy source of gold and silver bullion. Please visit them if you are interested in purchasing and owning physical gold, rather than the SLV ETF

GoldSilver.com

Johnson Matthey Gold

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What is Johnson Matthey Gold?

Johnson Matthey Gold

Johnson Matthey Gold

Johnson Matthey Plc is a leading chemical company with a specialist refining and assaying activity that was established in 1817. The assaying department of the business has specialized in the smelting of gold and silver bullion for over 150 years and thus the gold bullion bars carrying their name are highly respected. Whilst the largest percentage of the bars are distributed in the UK with commercial investors holding stocks, Johnson Matthey gold bullion is also distributed in many others countries and specifically marked. This does not detract from the value.

Why buy Johnson Matthey Gold Bullion Bars?

Gold is traded on the commodity market and thus has a readily traceable spot price. The bars are always of a consistent weight i.e. 32.1507 troy ounces, (2.2lbs.), and are marked and serial numbered together with an assay number. Additionally the purity is stamped on the bar. This allows for a great test of authenticity. The bars are of such a size that they can be easily stored in a home safe thus allowing one to view one’s assets. This also adds to their liquidity in that one can physically transport them to a bullion dealer and redeem them for cash.

In general Johnson Matthey gold bars carry a low premium over spot prices.

Whereas Silver, Platinum and Palladium bars are subject to VAT in the UK, gold bars remain exempt.

Johnson Matthey Gold - Drawbacks

The gold bars will always originally possess an assay certificate. This on occasions becomes detached from the bar, and whilst the bar can always be assay tested again, the loss of the certificate may impact on value. Gold bars traditionally have a small margin and spread, and thus the disposal of any holding is best seen as a long term investment.

As the value of a Johnson Matthey gold bar far exceeds the value of individual gold coins the initial investment value is higher, and may thus exclude smaller investors.

The profit from the sale of Johnson Matthey gold bullion can be a taxable event depending on your country of domicile or residence.

We recommend GoldSilver.com as the best, most reliable and trustworthy source of gold and silver bullion. Please visit them if you are interested in purchasing Johnson Matthey Gold

GoldSilver.com

Is the “GLD ETF” a Good Investment?

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What is the GLD ETF?

GLD ETF

GLD ETF

This is an investment form which has gathered momentum over the last few years and, in view of the continuing strength of gold as a commodity, continues to do. Established in 1993 it has never looked backwards.

To unwrap the term “GLD ETF” it stands for Gold – Exchange Traded Fund. An ETF can be described as an investment fund traded on a Stock Exchange with values tracked via a recognized index.

GLD ETF - Benefits

The benefit of EFT is that it is easily tradeable and at low costs. They retain the traditional links with the stock market in that a trader will acquire stocks that having an underlying relationship to gold. This methodology gives exposure to gold without significant outlay on the investor’s part.

GLD ETFs allows for the security of knowing that any investment is in gold without the direct holding of bullion.

Why gold?  Firstly it is oblivious to currency fluctuations.  Secondly, by and large, it is outside of standard economic risks.

The history of gold strengthens the benefits of this type of investment. The value per troy ounce in 1990 was $424 whereas the price on 23rd February 2011 was $1411. Even allowing for the inflation factor the value in real terms is most significant.

GLD ETF - Drawbacks

The thirst for investment on gold may lead to the market not being able to support the demand and thus a sharp fall in the GLD ETF may occur. Additionally one must stay diligent in respect of the effect that speculators can have on commodity prices.

As with all deals which are brokeraged commission will be payable.

All gains in GLD ETF are subject to taxation in line with the tax legislation of your domicile or residency. Conversely should losses be incurred they are available for offset against other gains.

We recommend GoldSilver.com as the best, most reliable and trustworthy source of gold and silver bullion. Please visit them if you are interested in purchasing and owning physical gold, rather than the GLD ETF

GoldSilver.com

Philharmonic Gold Coins

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Philharmonic Gold Coins

 

Philharmonic Gold Coins

Philharmonic Gold Coins

Philharmonic Gold coins are legal tender in Austria although is primarily intended for investment purposes, in other words bullion. The minting of these coins by the Austrian Mint commenced in 1989 with each coin since 1991 have a 100 Euros face value.

The coin is minted annually or more frequently as The Mint is directed.

The Austrian government guarantees the weight of Philharmonic Gold coins, together with their purity and additionally backs their monetary face value.

The name comes from the famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

Why invest in Philharmonic Gold Coins?

 

If one wishes to invest in gold in a tangible way then this is an excellent opportunity. The Philharmonic Gold Coin was the best selling cold coin world wide in 1992, 1995 and1996. It has the status of being a liquid investment and has the additional benefit of being registered as a precious metal under IRA. Each coin is minted to 24 carat purity.

The individual design of Philharmonic Gold coins with designations of the year of minting make each coin retain individuality.

The market for these Philharmonic Gold coins is both investment based as well as of serious interest to numismatists, so the value of the coins is driven in two directions, although investment is the prime driver. Their value can be tracked on a daily basis according to the spot price indices and as there liquidity is strong if prices fall can be readily disposed of.

Philharmonic Gold Coins - Drawbacks

The market for gold can be unduly affected by the intervention of speculators and thus there are occasions when a rapid movement in pricing can be seen. Investors need to remain astute in these circumstances.

All gains on the sale of coins held as an investment are chargeable to tax in the country of your residence or domicile. Losses incurred can be offset against other gains.

We recommend GoldSilver.com as the best, most reliable and trustworthy source of gold and silver bullion. Please visit them if you are interested in purchasing Philharmonic Gold Coins

GoldSilver.com

Chinese Gold Panda Coins

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What are Chinese Gold Panda Coins?

Chinese Gold Panda Coins

Chinese Gold Panda Coins

Chinese Gold Panda coins, which come in various sizes and denominations, were first minted in China in 1982 and grew in popularity till 1987 when the first flush of interest fell away, with the interest now remaining constant. That continued for some time, but with the upturn in the Chinese economy more coins have been minted on an annual basis with the number for 2011 thought to be 3.5 million. The minting, which is not confined to one mint, does not necessarily carry a hallmark.

Chinese Gold Panda coins are easily recognizable from the various pandas depicted on the coin, but one should note that the design changes annually.

Chinese Gold Panda Coins – A good investment?

From the perspective that the coins are .999% purity and, as such bullion, they retain the normal characteristics of gold investment, including liquidity.  They sell with a relatively high premium over gold content, which may be considered inefficient by comparison to say the Kruggerand or Golden Eagle, but should not materially deflect one from investing. The collector interest, in particular in the earlier issues, means that as an investment outside of the bullion value they may have a premium price.

Chinese Gold Panda Coins – Drawbacks

The coins, as previously stated, do not always carry a hallmark and thus unless assay testing is undertaken there may be a risk of a lack of authenticity. This can give rise to a market in fakes which, given the provenance of these coins, could be of high quality.

The Chinese government has increased the numbers produced due to internal demand and it would appear that only a small fraction of these coins will be distributed outside of China. This will make it easier, and perhaps preferable, to focus one’s investment intentions on Krugerrands, American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leaves and Austrian Philharmonic coins. Indeed if one is focused on investing in bullion from China the Silver Panda Coin might be considered a safer option, although from a UK investor’s perspective one should take into account that VAT is chargeable on silver coin transactions.

We recommend GoldSilver.com as the best, most reliable and trustworthy source of gold and silver bullion. Please visit them if you are interested in purchasing the our alternative suggestions to Chinese Gold Panda coins

GoldSilver.com

South African Krugerrand

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South African Krugerrand

South African Krugerrand Gold Coin

South African Krugerrand Gold Coin

The South African Krugerrand was the first of the modern bullion coins to attract investor’s attention. First minted in 1987 it was originally intended to be currency, so as to act as a hedge against the volatile rand, which was introduced in 1961. This accounts for the coin not being of the same purity as most other bullion coins which are 99.9% purity. The Krugerrand was, and still is, made up of 91.67% gold and 8.33% copper, so as to give it more durability. This of course means that its value per troy ounce is less than similar coins.

There are however some South African Krugerrand which have 99.9% purity but these are of resticted distribution and are known as limited editions.

Why buy the South African Krugerrand?

Firstly this is the most well known of the all the bullion coins due to its history, and as such attracts a greater amount of attention. This coin, whilst having its value based on the gold content, can have considerable additional value due to the interest from numismatists based on rarity and condition.  The uniqueness of the coin is also added to in that it has no face value.

Due to the well established position of the South African Krugerrand in the market, past trends show that this has tended to be hold its value a little better than other coins, related entirely to its historical position.

In the UK the purchase and sale of the South African Krugerrand is exempt from VAT apart from any VAT on brokerage fees.

South African Krugerrand – Drawbacks

It should be treated as a long term investment as the bid and spread on gold prices negates short term returns.

Gold is not a guarantee against recession, although if managed wisely it is a useful hedge, and indeed its recent history shows that growth has been the net effect over a 10 year period.

Gains incurred in the sale of South African Krugerrand may attract taxation in the country of your domicile or residence.

We recommend GoldSilver.com as the best, most reliable and trustworthy source of gold and silver bullion. Please visit them if you are interested in purchasing the South African Krugerrand

GoldSilver.com

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