investing is more about perception and less about real value. Real value cannot be determined in a macro sense, and therefore it's a fluid determination. The only thing that matters is the difference between what you buy it for and what you sell it for. Who cares what the return on gold(or any other investment) is while I hold it. I will see my real return upon selling. If I could buy mud and resale it for a profit, it would matter little to me if it is universally accepted as currency, politically acceptable, edible, sought after, etc., etc.. If I feel someone will PERCEIVE what I'm selling to be of more value to them, than what I purchased it at, then that's a good investment. If they pay less, my perception of its value was off. Gold could be cow dung for all I care. I own it because I believe someone will buy it from me for more than I paid. Period.
9 Cures for Gold Fever [View article]