July Consumer Metrics data

I've long been a fan of the Comsumer Metrics Institute. They've been showing the US consumer "double dip" recession for well over a year now - yet the official numbers have only just been "adjusted" to reflect this.

Looking at the latest data, it is surprising to see an uptick that may indicate the end of the contraction.

Perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel. Time will tell. The Consumer Metrics Institute will probably give a leading indicator either way..

Antal Fekete

Fekete's articles - an interesting read on gold, futures, and what the USD end game might look like.

Gold and Silver prices - Significant factors affecting

Following on from my look at the most significant factors affecting house prices, I would now like to take a look at the gold and silver, and the factors that most affect their prices.  (Update: See also: significant factors affecting share prices).

Like with house prices, I'm trying to determine what has the largest impact on their price over the long term, rather than the factors that cause their volatility, as I'm long term investor.

I don't claim to be an expert on the precious metals, but that's never stopped me from having an investment opinion before, so here goes.

House Prices - Significant Factors

My plan is to make this a multi-part series, where I take a look at various classes of assets, and the most significant factors that determine or influence their prices.  Today I'll look at house prices.  Later, I'll take a look at stock market share prices (Update: See here), and I also hope to take a look at gold and silver prices at some stage as well (Update: See here).

So, what are the factors that affect house prices, in order of significance?  As an investor, and as a potential home owner, understanding these factors are crucial to making a sensible and profitable investment decision,  yet the answers far from clear, and rarely understood.  Here's my take on it.