From our precious metals point of view, I would note that if the production of these metals fails to meet demand, prices will likely rise, perhaps very smartly, thereby fueling additional increments of future inflation.

The combination of these two concerns—the drift toward socialism and the willingness to violate law—appear to me to be capable of raising the level of civil disorder to a point where such disorders could be positive influences on the price of gold and silver.

During the past month, two of our favorite sources of fundamental information for the precious metals markets have issued their summary reports looking ahead to the coming year.