First, in order to compensate for the diminishment of purchasing power that usually accompanies rising inflation, investors normally have demanded higher interest rates on their investment assets. This was particularly true in the 1977-81 era when inflation soared to almost 20% and interest rates rose to roughly the same level.

…At present we may be entering a period of relative stability on many economic fronts and, therefore, our focus is now trending more toward social upheaval and the resultant increase in tensions as the prime movers for the precious metals.