Why Does the Price of Gold Rise and Fall?
Gold is one of the oldest forms of investments available, but many people do not understand how the price of gold is set. Whether you are interested in diversifying your assets or worried about the consequences of an economic depression, it is important to understand the factors that influence rising gold prices. At one time, the value of gold was based on the gold standard. Under this monetary system, citizens were able to convert paper money into fixed quantities of gold whenever they wished. However, the gold standard ended on 15 August 1971 when governments were given the freedom to print as much paper money as they saw fit. Today, the price of gold is set by the Gold Fixing. Also known as the Gold Fix or London Gold Fixing, this is a meeting of five members of the London Gold Pool that is conducted twice a day by telephone, at 10:30 GMT and 15:00 GMT. Officially, the purpose of the Gold Fixing is to settle contracts between members of the London bullion market. However, the Gold F
