It seems that Americans tend to store their money in ammunition.
Note that the overall rise in all 3 search terms is most likely due to more people searching. One trend is clear though. Whenever there is an election, people in the US seem to think they should put their wealth in securities. Instead of stocks or bonds though, they are choosing bullets. Certainly a sensible approach.
Let's see what the rest of the world is spending on Gold. Note that this data reflects consumer purchasing.
Some comparisons between US and China:
In China, you can buy gold and silver at the bank. My teller looked at me oddly when I asked.
Bullion is available for purchase at Chinese post offices. I wonder how my local postman would respond if I asked for a tube of silver Eagles.
Mints are readily accessible to retail customers. Here, I can only order proof and commemorative products from the US Mint and am forced to go to an independent dealer.
A new product design is manufactured every year. This being the Year of the Dragon, many bullion products are emblazoned with dragons. You can still buy last year's rabbit, and next year it will be a snake. The US has two designs, the Eagle and Buffalo; the latter was introduced in 2006 and is available only in gold (if you see a silver Buffalo, it is a "Round" manufactured by a private mint, not the US Mint).
It appears that all reports indicate that the US is going to fail, and gold may be the only thing that can save individuals:
Morgan Stanley reports there is "no historical precedent" for an economy that exceeds a 250% debt-to-GDP ratio without experiencing some sort of financial crisis or high inflation. Total debt (public and private) in the US is 300%+ of GDP.
Detailed studies of government debt levels over the past 100 years show that debts have never been repaid (in original currency units) when they exceed 80% of GDP. US government debt is approaching 100% of GDP this year.
Peter Bernholz, a leading expert on hyperinflation, states emphatically that "hyperinflation is caused by government budget deficits." This year's US budget deficit will be about $1.3 trillion. It's expected to total $6 trillion during Obama's first four years in office.
I know you keep hearing that there is no inflation in the US, but the dollar buys less and less gold every month. I suggest you buy some now.
Remember:
Anyone who thinks they have any measure of financial security without owning any gold – especially in the post-2008 world – is either ignorant, naive, foolish, or all three.
