Thursday, May 8, 2008

Gold Prices and Inflation

Gold prices are generally seen as inflation hedge. If inflation is increase, gold prices will increase. But that is not always the case. McClellan has analysed this in his web site.
You have probably heard the idea that gold acts as a hedge against inflation, but this is not quite the right description. An up move in gold prices signals a coming up move in the inflation rate about 14-15 months later. So if you believe that inflation is going to pick up and want to protect yourself, then the best course of action is to buy gold 14 months ago.[1]
Gold is a crisis hedge(=insurance) not really an inflation hedge[2].If there is an anticipation of a greate bull market no one needs an insurance. There is no need to keep gold[3]. When the gold prices are declining this is generally bullish for the stocks. Falling dollar is also bullish for gold.

[1] http://www.mcoscillator.com
[2] http://www.inflationdata.com
[3] Intermarket Analysis: Profiting from Global Market Relationships, page 123

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