How Is Dr. Copper Feeling?

By Louis James and Andrey Dashkov, Casey Research

Copper is sometimes referred to as "Dr. Copper," because the metal is used in so many industrial applications and is essential for many different sectors of the economy, from infrastructure to housing to consumer electronics. That usually makes its price action a good indicator of the state of the global economy.

The chart below illustrates the degree to which copper follows economic health – as opposed to gold, which is a traditionally a contra-cyclical commodity. Have a look. Continue reading "How Is Dr. Copper Feeling?"

Which Course Will North American Natural Gas Producers Choose?

By Marin Katusa, Casey Research

News of a "monster" natural gas find in British Columbia has one again highlighted that North Americans need to make a choice. Do we want to keep the huge volumes of natural gas that have been discovered in recent years across the continent landlocked and transportable only by pipeline, or should we develop the infrastructure that will enable us to transport this fuel to the gas-hungry markets of Asia? Continue reading "Which Course Will North American Natural Gas Producers Choose?"

Doug Casey: A Eurocrash Is Baked in the Cake

In an interview with Louis James, world traveler and legendary speculator Doug Casey makes a compelling case for becoming a "permanent tourist" to be best able to survive the coming economic crash.

Louis James: So Doug, you're off to FreedomFest 2012 shortly, where people will be able to hear your latest thoughts on many subjects. Maybe you can give us a sneak preview on whatever is uppermost on your mind today. Continue reading "Doug Casey: A Eurocrash Is Baked in the Cake"

Why Are We Certain that Gold Producers Will Soar?

By Jeff Clark, Casey Research

For the past eighteen months, gold stocks have been pummeled.

They showed some life from mid-May to mid-June – GDX, the gold miner's index, was up 21%, while gold rose 5.5%. That bounce was exciting, but they've still got a lot of lost ground to make up. Since January 1, 2011, GDX is down 28%, while gold is up 10%.

So what's going to move these darn stocks? Will their day ever come? Could our research – gulp – be wrong? Jokes have even started circulating… Continue reading "Why Are We Certain that Gold Producers Will Soar?"

How Does Gold Fare During Hyperinflationary Periods?

By Jeff Clark, Casey Research

Inflation is a natural consequence of loose government monetary policy. If those policies get too loose, hyperinflation can occur. As gold investors, we'd like to know if the precious metals would keep pace in this extreme scenario.

Hyperinflation is an extremely rapid period of inflation, but when does inflation (which can be manageable) cross the line and become out-of-control hyperinflation? Philip Cagan, one of the very first researchers of this phenomenon, defines hyperinflation as "an inflation rate of 50% or more in a single month," something largely inconceivable to the average investor. Continue reading "How Does Gold Fare During Hyperinflationary Periods?"