Russia has become the world's biggest buyer of gold. Following a policy set by long-time leader Vladimir Putin, Russia's Central Bank added 570 metric tons of gold, about 25 percent more than second-ranked gold bug China acquired over the same period.
Would the U.S. ever consider selling the Hoover Dam, all the gold in Fort Knox, or the naming rights to the Grand Canyon? That may depend on how desperate it is to balance the budget. It certainly wouldn't be the first time a nation has considered selling its national treasures. Our partner, 24/7 Wall St, examined nine U.S. assets whose auction could take a bite out of the deficit.