Gold prices reach record high, confirming an expectation of inflation
Recently I discussed how the spread between the yield of regular 5 Year U.S. Treasury securities, and inflation-protected ones (TIPS) reached the highest levels ever during the existence of TIPS. Though the spread has gone down a few basis points since then, the spread remains higher than during for example the big spike in inflation during the first half of 2008, and it is more than 160 basis points higher than before QE2.
Confirming the picture that inflationary expectations is one the rise, the classic inflation hedge gold has now risen above the $1,500 per ounce level for the first time ever. Another precious metal sometimes viewed as an inflation hedge, silver, has gained even more and is now at its highest level since the great 1980 spike in the price of silver.
It is thus as clear as it can get that inflationary expectations are rising. Such expectations can be partly self-fulfilling because it reduces money demand, something that has a similar effect as an increase in money supply.
And because the United States unlike certain European countries has a rising money supply, this means that U.S. inflation will likely continue to rise.
Add/view comments on this post.
--------------------------
The Christian Science Monitor has assembled a diverse group of the best economy-related bloggers out there. Our guest bloggers are not employed or directed by the Monitor and the views expressed are the bloggers' own, as is responsibility for the content of their blogs. To contact us about a blogger, click here. To add or view a comment on a guest blog, please go to the blogger's own site by clicking on the link above.
