gold prices

Vladimir Putin Is Trying to Buy Up the World's Gold

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.

'12 Days of Christmas' Gift List Price Tag Now Tops $107,000

From the partridge in a pear tree to the twelve drummers drumming, to get all 364 items repeated in "The Twelve Days of Christmas" carol this year, you'll pay $107,300 -- 6.1 percent more than in 2011, reveals the annual Christmas Price Index from PNC Wealth Management.

Gold Tops the List of the Fourth Quarter's Likely Winners

Most commodities rallied in the third quarter, but can they hold on to their advance? Read on, and find out which ones still have legs to dance their way higher, and which are poised to take a tumble. The short answer to that from analysts is that gold and oil are likely to advance, while grains and sugar are among those that probably won't, but there will be a lot of different factors to consider.

As Italian Drama Persists, Small Businesses Worry

The Atlantic Ocean is wide, but maybe not wide enough. On Thursday, markets had a mixed reaction to the deepening economic crisis in Europe. Some sources reported that the European Central Bank would step in. But in the U.S., small business owners are growing nervous.

Why More People May Sell Their Gold for Cash

More people have been selling their gold jewelry in the past year, many to cover expenses, others to just to take advantage of record high prices. Prices have dipped a bit from their recent highs, but expect more people to sell in the months ahead, and expect the prices to rise again.

Six Reasons Businesses Can't Live Without Gold

The majority of gold demand these days goes to jewelry and investors, but the precious metal is good for more than looking pretty and providing a hard asset: Industrial and technological uses for gold are growing.

Gold Hits New Record Above $1,800

The precious yellow metal soared again Wednesday, rising above $1,800 an ounce for the first time as investors fled stocks for safer assets. The Dow closed down more than 500 points, erasing Tuesday's gains.

Week in Brief: Gold Shines, Netflix Flies, Data Plans Shrink

This may have been a holiday-shortened trading week, but there were plenty of financial nuggets that kept stocks moving. Let's go over some of the news from Netflix, Verizon, Immucor and more that shaped this abridged week in the markets.

Food, Clothing Prices Should Fall As Commodities Tumble

Over the past year, the prices of many commodities have risen at record paces to record highs. But recently, those prices have begun to plunge, and consumers should begin to see the effects of those declines fairly soon, in the form of less-expensive groceries and clothing.

Stocks End Lower Despite bin Laden's Death, Earnings

Stocks closed slightly lower Monday despite the death of Osama bin Laden, several strong earnings reports and a major drug industry acquisition. The Dow fell 3.18 points to close at 12,807.36. Earlier in the day, it had been up as much as 65 points.

Is Now the Time to Sell Your Gold?

With gold prices recently hitting the $1,500 mark, consumers and businesses are looking for an opportunity to score. "We see everything from rings, teeth, jewelry, pins and lighters," one gold buyer said. "Everyone has a little gold somewhere." Should you join in? Check out these five tips.

Three Reasons to Still Own Gold (or Finally Buy Some)

Gold has had a magnificent run during the past 10 years, doubling in value since 2008 alone, and gold mania is seemingly still at full strength. But is profit taking the next move? What if you are among the majority of investors who have yet to dip a toe into the water? Is it safe to dive in?