Gold production going global
Gold’s price multiplying by over fivefold since 2001 has unleashed an onslaught of exploration all over the globe. Countless mining companies, both old and new, have sought to get their piece of one of the hottest commodities of the 21st century. Many of these miners have gravitated towards jurisdictions known to have rich gold-mining histories. …
RBA rates decision stuck between jobs growth and household debt
Is the Reserve Bank of Australia’s monetary policy on a collision course with itself? Quite possibly. The key data and evidence this week were employment figures in Australia, retail sales in the United States, and minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia board and US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). First, the data. ABS figures…
Gold Miners In A Sentiment Wasteland
Gold’s precipitous decline in the first half of 2013 sent shockwaves throughout the entire mining industry. Its scary panic-induced 28% plunge over just six months has forced the miners to revisit their development plans. And this will no doubt have an adverse impact on global mine production in the years to come. It’s actually quite…
Trump and the gold price
Just before Trump came to power, gold dramatically rose 4% to US$1316 per oz. It soared as gold investors bailed out of stocks world-wide. Trump’s policies, such as imposing tariffs on China and limiting immigration, were reported as reasons to back gold. But then investors reversed course; Trump’s pledge to cut taxes, reduce regulation, and…
The China Threat
There are no shortage of worries for investors these days but at the top of the list is China. The following chart illustrates how important China has become for our Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The Bank of America Merrill-Lynch survey of international fund managers polls large funds with assets under management in excess of $708…
5 government debt myths
Summary As we approach a rising rate environment, the scale of U.S. federal debt has some investors concerned about the sustainability of government finances in the coming years. In this bulletin we consider the most common myths about the government’s debt and discuss how investors can position their portfolios to withstand what we believe are manageable…
4 Reasons why we should expect a lower Australian dollar
By Geoffrey Garrett The response to US Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke’s comments about the possibility of ending its policy of quantitatitive easing has helped evoke a global sell-off as markets question his upbeat assessment of the US economy and express concern about a withdrawal of cheap money. Weaker manufacturing figures from China have also helped…
Mining Services and Construction Stocks with Strong Earnings Growth Forecasts
Many investors seek safety with the service providers of the “hot” products or commodities of the moment. In the face of booming commodity prices in iron ore or oil, common sense suggests investing in a company that provides services for multiple miners and oil operators provides a level of diversification that suggests less risk. Conventional wisdom advises…
Take a dispassionate approach to investing
Investing legend Warren Buffett said to “be greedy when others are fearful”. Or as the 18th century British nobleman Baron Rothschild put it: “buy when there is blood on the streets”. Both billionaires referred to contrarian investing. That is, buying stocks when they are undervalued because of panic selling. And selling overvalued stocks when hype abounds. That…
Lessons From The Resurrection Of The Iron Ore Miners
Fueled by the insatiable appetite of the Chinese Government to build, build, build; ASX iron ore miners led Australia on an unprecedented mining boom, with the price of iron ore eclipsing US$180 per tonne in early 2011. The price softened in 2012, leading to some opining the boom was about to end, with others in the…
