2014 was the year in which the Federal Reserve announced to end its quantitative easing (QE) stimulus program. As a result, it was the year of the dollar. The dollar rose relative to all currencies. The euro also declined heavily and now trades at only $1.19 as opposed to the $1.39 it traded for mid-2014. Many investments denominated in U.S. dollars correspondingly increased in value. U.S. st... »
What Central Banks Did in 2014 and Will Do in 2015
January 12 2015
Olav Dirkmaat
5 Traits of an Intelligent Investor (and 5 Things He Avoids)
January 6 2015
Contrary to the claims of many academics, there are some investors in this world who consistently earn high rates of return. What are the five traits of these “intelligent investors?” And what are the five things they avoid? To which category do you belong? Would an “intelligent investor” be buying gold right now?... »
Olav Dirkmaat
Should I Exchange My Gold for Silver?
December 16 2014
The holidays are coming up, and with that the opportunity to review our financials. Moreover, you have probably noticed that gold and silver prices have experienced a correction over the past two years. Given the lower demand for silver, which usually benefits from positive gold sentiment, silver... »
Olav Dirkmaat
Everything about the Alleged Gold Manipulation
December 9 2014
Stock market manipulation goes back many centuries. Over the years, a lot has been said and written about the (alleged) manipulation of gold. Let’s examine the arguments on possible gold manipulation: what is true, and what is false? And what are the implications for your investment in gold?... »
Olav Dirkmaat
