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A Credible Audit of U.S. Bullion Holdings Remains Elusive When it comes to U.S. gold reserves, secrecy prevails over transparency. Attempts to authorize a comprehensive, independent audit of the nation’s gold reserves have proven elusive and futile for decades. The last two prominent audits, conducted 72 and 51 years ago, respectively, were far from thorough or free of government influence. The 1953 gold audit was commissioned by Treasury Secretary George M. Humphrey shortly after President Dwight D. Eisenhower took office. While often cited as an independent undertaking supervised by representatives of the presumably nonpartisan General Accounting Office (GAO), the audit’s...

Some precious metals funds I've been following are approaching lows not seen since 2002. China is buying gold. Russia is buying gold. India is buying gold. Yet these mining stocks continue to fall. I'm thinking this might be a buying opportunity. But I'm usually wrong. And ideas from the FR market sages?

Mickey Fulp, the Mercenary Geologist, says that 2012 will be a big year for gold, silver, mining companies, and commodities, including energy. Mickey knows from whence he speaks. He's been a professional freelance geologist for decades. When it comes to picking junior miners on the fast track, Mickey has a simple method of assessing their prospects. He goes to resource shows around the world, sits down with senior managers and asks the tough questions--and this is exactly what is needed. Mickey amusingly quotes Mark Twain's 100 plus year take on mining companies, "A mine is a hole in the ground...

We're back on with Jeb Handwerger to discuss "The January effect," and how to pick the best mining stocks. According to Jeb, gold and silver miners will rise again in 2012, and the time honored trope regarding the month of January will reign true, as the first week of the New Year shows these stocks opening on a bullish note. When asked about the best gain for 2012, Jeb says investors must look at undervalued junior mining natural resource assets--he recommends companies with strong financial positions that are progressing toward the production phase of mine development. As you're all aware,...

Australian gold stocks continued to rally today as the gold price raced back towards a 24-year high. At 1245 AEDT the spot price of gold in Sydney was US$533.20 per fine ounce, up US$13.20 on last night's close. This comes on the back of a US$6 rise yesterday, with gold moving back towards the 24 year record high of US$540.90 set in December. Australia's biggest gold producer Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX:NCM) led the pack in early trade today, racing up A$1.45 or 5.88 per cent to A$26.13 by 1240 AEDT. Papua New Guinea miner Lihir Gold Ltd (ASX:LHG) also shot...