World gold. Gold-mining companies are behind this Web site that, predictably, promotes the valuable uses and investment advantages of gold. The "market intelligence" area refreshes every minute with current gold prices in dollars and 10 other currencies, and an investing section promotes gold's value in a variety of investment strategies. Of course, there's a "where to buy" directory that can guide you to bullion dealers and investment funds.
Stock, not gold. Historically, gold has not been a good investment, according to Wharton professor and investing guru Jeremy Siegel. Siegel, instead, suggests long-term stock holdings. He even predicts that this year could be better than many folks expect for the markets. You can read his regular contributions to the Yahoo Finance site here:
Gold curse. Human Rights Watch published this report, "The Curse of Gold," several years ago to document human rights abuses linked to efforts to control key gold-mining areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It begins with this quote from a Congolese miner: "We are cursed because of our gold. All we do is suffer. There is no benefit to us."
Curse to worst. This report last week pronounced gold the worst investment over the last 40 years. It notes, as we often do, that past results don't guarantee future performance.
Contact staff writer Reid Kanaley at 215-854-5114 or rkanaley@phillynews.com.
