mslasky

Gold and the Dollar: Value is in the Eye of the Beholder

Money represents the ability to "do things" and "make things". Inflation is the markets rendering judgement on the decline in relative value. Commodities in demand (needed, wanted, used....), keep their value relative to debased currencies. Complex, this isn't. We spend our money on unfunded entitlements, and on the military. This produces nothing. Not a criticism, just facts. Long Gold, long oil, long nat. gas. Not short the dollar, but will probably buy currency ETF's, funded by my USD denominated money market funds. We are traveling the road pioneered by the British Empire, circa 1914.

Gold's Value In the 21st Century: About As Real As the Myth of El Dorado

Things are worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it (I think that dates back to Karl Marx). The historical demand for gold remains culturally entrenched, while the supply is very limited. Ergo, it has "value". It also remains a touchstone for fiat currency discipline - print too much money and the value of gold denominated in that currency goes up. This brings up the entire issue of how to value "money" itself. A fascinating question.