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Weekly Market Recap 05/29/09

5/29/2009 12:03:00 PM, Posted by APMEX, No Comment

Precious metals were steady in the early part of this short week after Memorial Day. Weakness in the equity markets kept pricing stable until later in the week, when precious metals started a significant uptrend. A weakened U.S. dollar, rising oil prices and the massive stimulus spending around the globe proved to continue gold and silver bullion’s appeal with investors as an inflation hedge.

These events, coupled with financial uncertainty, have many investors once again taking shelter in the metals market. As a result, gold has seen a three-month high. These events could be the perfect recipe for a price explosion for precious metals. However, a “wait and see” mentality still prevails, as the markets have no clear direction.

Here is a brief synopsis of the highs and lows in the market and an overview of our very popular bullion and numismatic products here at APMEX.com.

Gold:
Spot Gold prices opened this week at $957.60. The high during the week was on Friday, May 29, at $981.90, while the low for the week occurred on Tuesday, May 26th at $936.60. Gold ended the week up $24.30 at $981.90. This week, 2009 1 oz Gold American Eagles, 1/10 oz. Random Year Gold Eagles, 2009 Gold Canadian Maple Leafs, 2009 1/10 oz. Gold Maple Leafs, 1 oz. Random Year Gold Krugerrand, 2009 1 oz. Gold Philharmonics and 1 oz. Pamp Suisse Gold Bars were all very popular items at APMEX.com.

Silver:
Spot Silver prices opened this week at $14.72. Very active trading pushed spot silver to a high of $15.33 on Friday, May 29, while the low for silver occurred on Tuesday, May 26, at $14.31. Silver ended the week up .61 cents at $15.33. 2009 Silver American Eagles, 1oz. Random Year Silver Eagles, 1 oz. Silver Buffalo Rounds, 2009 Silver Canadian Maples, 1oz. Random Year Silver Maples, 1 oz. Walking Liberty Silver Rounds, 1 oz. Morgan Design Silver Bars, 100 oz. JM Silver Bars and Silver Dollars (Morgan & Peace) were hot items on APMEX.com.

Platinum:
Spot Platinum prices opened this week at $1164.00, and ended the week up at $1196.00. Platinum had a gain of $32.00 through the week. Investors were eager to purchase Platinum products this week. The most popular of these items were:1 oz. Platinum Pamp Suisse Bars, 1 oz. Scotiabank Platinum bars, 1 oz. Platinum American Eagles, ¼ oz. Platinum American Eagles, 1/2 oz. Platinum Eagles and 2009 1 oz. Platinum Canadian Maple Leafs.

Palladium:
Spot Palladium prices opened this week at $234.30, and ended the week with a gain of $7.70 at $242.00. Palladium products continue to be in great demand. To view APMEX’s Palladium products please click here as they are on a slight delay!

Numismatics:
This week as dealers and customers alike prepare for the Long Beach Coin show, the bullion market has continued to reduce the premiums on Pre-1933 US Gold even further. Though history has not been kind to the Long Beach show in terms of the metals market, dealers remain optimistic. This will be a crucial week for both dealers and customers as this show should give an indication of where the market is heading in the near future.

On a very positive note, there has been a renewed interest in both Indian Head Cents and early Lincoln Cents regardless of date. This could be due to the fact that the 2nd (the Formative Years) of the 4 different Lincoln Cent Reverses has finally been released. In turn, the exorbitant pricing of the Formative Years’ predecessor, the Birthplace Cent, has dropped drastically over the past few weeks, but they still remain in strong demand!

Early key date Walking Liberty Half Dollars also remain at the top of everyone’s list, especially in high grade. Both Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars gained strength due to the increased price of silver this week. The better date Morgan Silver Dollars still remain the cornerstone of Silver Dollar enthusiasts. Finally, Early American Type is also performing moderately well with Half Cents and 3-Cent Silvers leading the way.

Weekly Market Recap 05/22/09

5/22/2009 02:39:00 PM, Posted by APMEX, No Comment

The U.S. Dollar continued its slide as the week came to an end which boosted precious metal and numismatic purchasing as a currency hedge. Stronger oil prices, which lingered around its six month peak, also helped boost the metal prices this week. Any signs of an economic recovery were offset by the Standard & Poor’s move to lower the United Kingdom’s credit rating from stable to negative. As recession information from around the world comes in there is increasing data showing that economic recovery will continue to be delayed.

Here is a brief synopsis of the highs and lows in the market and an overview of our very popular bullion and numismatic products here at APMEX.com.

Gold:
Spot Gold prices opened this week at $930.50. The high during the week was on Friday May 22, at $958.10, while the low for the week occurred on Monday, May 18th at $915.20. Gold ended the week up $27.60 at $958.10. This week, 2009 1 oz Gold American Eagles, 1oz. Random Year Gold Eagles, ½ oz. Random Year Gold Eagles, 1/10 oz. Random Year Gold Eagles, 2009 Gold Canadian Maple Leafs, 2009 ½ oz. Gold Maple Leafs, 2009 1/10 oz. Gold Maple Leafs and 1 oz. Pamp Suisse Gold Bars were all very popular items at APMEX.com.

Silver:
Spot Silver prices opened this week at $13.98. Active trading pushed spot silver to a high of $14.76 on Friday May 22, while the low for silver occurred on Monday May 18, at $13.63. Silver ended the week up .78¢ at $14.76. 2009 Silver American Eagles, 1oz. Random Year Silver Eagles, 1 oz. Silver Buffalo Rounds, 2009 Silver Canadian Maples, 1oz. Random Year Silver Maples, 1 oz. Walking Liberty Silver Rounds, 1 oz. Morgan Design Silver Bars, 100 oz. JM Silver Bars and Silver Dollars (Morgan & Peace) were hot items on APMEX.com.

Platinum:
Spot Platinum prices opened this week at $1115.00, and ended the week up at $1165.70. Platinum had a gain of $50.70 through the week. Investors were eager to purchase Platinum products this week. The most popular of these items were:1 oz. Platinum Pamp Suisse Bars, 1 oz. Scotiabank Platinum bars, 1 oz. Platinum American Eagles, ¼ oz. Platinum American Eagles, 1/2 oz. Platinum Eagles and 2009 1 oz. Platinum Canadian Maple Leafs.

Palladium:
Spot Palladium prices opened this week at $227.00, and ended the week with a gain of $8.85 at $235.80. Palladium products continue to be in great demand. To view APMEX’s Palladium products please click here as they are on a slight delay!

Numismatics:
This week brought significant changes to the rare coin market. The substantial premiums on Pre-1933 US Gold Coins continue to diminish and that is good news for collectors and dealers alike. The premiums on Pre-1933 US Gold Coins are now much more reasonable and interest in them is strong.
Early copper type coins – Half Cents and Large Cents – are on lots of want lists as the surviving populations are very low. Seated Liberty Dollars and Trade Dollars are also very strong in circulated to uncirculated grades. Collectors and dealers both are searching for these large silver coins with lots of history!
One of our favorite series based on designs, Classic Commemorative Coins, is mixed with both plus and minus signs appearing on the dealer bids. We still think this series is under-valued!

Weekly Market Recap 05/15/09

5/15/2009 01:32:00 PM, Posted by APMEX, No Comment

The market’s “Wait and See” mentality continued this week as metals were caught between a weakened U.S. Dollar and firmer equities. Retail sales, announced this week, were significantly lower than a year ago which highlights the challenges that face U.S. consumers and overall economic growth. Also announced this week, U.S. core inflation rose more than expected in April which gave metals prices a boost midweek and rejuvenated metals appeal as a hedge against rising prices.

This week APMEX offered 100oz. JM Silver Bars for only .59 cents over spot in any quantity during a 48 hour only sale. Looking ahead, APMEX is running a Silver Dollar Sale this weekend and prices have been reduced to very attractive levels. Don’t miss your opportunity to take advantage of these great prices on Silver Dollars!

Here is a brief synopsis of the highs and lows in the market and an overview of our very popular bullion and numismatic products here at APMEX.com.

Gold:

Spot Gold prices opened this week at $917.00. The high during the week was on Friday May 15th, at $932.50, while the low for the week occurred on Monday, May 11th at $908.50. Gold ended the week up $15.50 at $932.50. This week, 2009 1 oz Gold American Eagles, 1oz. Random Year Gold Eagles, ½ oz. Random Year Gold Eagles, 1/10 oz. Random Year Gold Eagles, 2009 Gold Canadian Maple Leafs, 2009 ½ oz. Gold Maple Leafs, 2009 1/10 oz. Gold Maple Leafs and 1 oz. Pamp Suisse Gold Bars were all very popular items at APMEX.com.

Silver:

Spot Silver prices opened last week at $14.01. Active trading pushed spot silver to a high of $14.37 on Wednesday May 13th, while the low for silver occurred on MondayMay 11th, at $13.68. Silver ended the week up .02 cents at $14.03. 2009 Silver American Eagles, 1oz. Random Year Silver Eagles, 1 oz. Silver Buffalo Rounds, 2009 Silver Canadian Maples, 1oz. Random Year Silver Maples, 1 oz. Walking Liberty Silver Rounds, 1 oz. Morgan Design Silver Bars, 100 oz. JM Silver Bars and Silver Dollars (Morgan & Peace) were hot items on APMEX.com.

Platinum:

Spot Platinum prices opened last week at $1154.80, and ended the week down a bit at $1112.70. Investors were eager to purchase Platinum products this week. The most popular of these items were:1 oz. Platinum Pamp Suisse Bars, 1 oz. Scotiabank Platinum bars, 1 oz. Platinum American Eagles, ¼ oz. Platinum American Eagles, 1/10 oz. Platinum Eagles, 1/2 oz. Platinum Eagles and 2009 1 oz. Platinum Canadian Maple Leafs.

Palladium:

Spot Palladium prices opened this week at $242.30, and ended the week down a bit at $228.35. Palladium products continue to be in great demand. This week the 1 oz. Pamp Suisse Palladium Bars and Kilo .999 fine Pamp Suisse Bars were in high demand.

Numismatics:

There is good news on the gold front this week. Spot metal prices have continued to increase with Gold at over $925 and silver around $14 (at this writing). The continued good news is that while spot prices are higher and showing strength, the huge premiums that affected the market have been reduced. So now, gold in all forms, bullion and numismatic coins are trading actively because the premiums are much more manageable. Even the premiums on Pre-1933 US Gold Coins have started to come down. The rush to purchase IRA Acceptable bullion during last month has now abated which is allowing even more of the supply to freely circulate.
Especially active this week was Statehood Quarter Rolls which are seeing a fair amount of activity. Morgan Silver Dollars have taken a little breather from their intense activity throughout the first 5 months of this year, but that slack has been picked up by Early Silver Dollars, which continue to be on many dealers’ want lists. Also in demand were Liberty Seated Dollars, which are very active at current levels. Although last week these coins were slipping a bit in price, Classic Commemorative coins have climbed back up this week and are in demand once again.

Weekly Market Recap 5/8/09

5/08/2009 01:46:00 PM, Posted by APMEX, No Comment

This week, the government reported "stress test" results showed America's banking system may need another 75 Billion to pull itself out of the current recession. April Unemployment Claims were lower than expected, but still caused concern combined with the continued decline in home values and stock market losses. These losses have claimed approximately 11.1 trillion in US wealth so far, which gives limited reasoning for optimism in the near future.

Precious metals continue to be well supported by concerned investors. Trading was moderate this week in the precious metals market, as investors adopt more of a "wait and see" mentality with the economy.

Here is a brief synopsis of the highs and lows in the market and an overview of our very popular bullion and numismatic products here at APMEX.com.


Gold:
Spot Gold prices opened this week at $887.50. The high during the week was on Thursday May 7th, at $926.50, while the low for the week occurred on Tuesday, May 5th at $893.20. Gold ended the week up $30.50 at $918.00. This week, 2009 1 oz Gold American Eagles, 2009 Gold Canadian Maple Leafs, 2009 ½ oz. Gold Maple Leafs, 2009 1/10 oz. Gold Maple Leafs and 1/10 oz. Gold Austrian Philharmonics were all very popular items at APMEX.com.



Silver:
Spot Silver prices opened last week at $12.50. Active trading pushed spot silver to a high of $14.15, on Thursday May 7, while the low for silver occurred on Monday May 4th, at $12.44. Silver ended the week up $1.59 at $14.09. 2009 Silver American Eagles, 1 oz. Silver Buffalo Rounds, 2009 Silver Canadian Maples, 1 oz. Walking Liberty Silver Rounds, 2009 1 ounce Silver Philharmonics, 1 oz. Morgan Design Silver Bars and Silver Dollars (Morgan & Peace) were hot items on APMEX.com.



Platinum:
Spot Platinum prices opened last week at $1098, and ended the week up at $1156.50. Platinum had a gain of $58.50 through the week. Investors were eager to purchase Platinum products this week. The most popular of these items were:1 oz. Platinum Pamp Suisse Bars, 1 oz. Scotiabank Platinum bars,1 oz. Platinum American Eagles, ¼ oz. Platinum American Eagles, ½ oz. Platinum Australian Koala Coins and 2009 1 oz. Platinum Canadian Maple Leafs.



Palladium:
Spot Palladium prices opened this week at $213.90, and ended the week with a gain of $32.80 at $246.70. Palladium products continue to be in great demand. This week the 1 oz. Pamp Suisse Palladium Bars and Kilo .999 fine Pamp Suisse Bars were in high demand.



Numismatics:
The Central States Numismatic Society’s Convention was the most recent indicator of the overall strength of the rare coin market. Although we hate to sound like a broken-record, the demand is still incredibly strong for GOLD coins in all forms! Especially strong are Pre-1933 US Gold Coins. These items are being sought by collectors, dealers and investors alike. Small gold ($1.00 to $10.00 coins) are leading the way, with large gold coins ($20.00) a bit weaker.
Silver dollars, especially Morgan Silver Dollars were strong at current greysheet levels in most grades. But one of the ‘hottest’ areas of the Central States show was Mint State silver type coins, such as Liberty Seated Half Dollars, Liberty Seated Quarters and Barber Quarters are very strong and in short supply. On the downside at this show were Classic Commemorative coins and US Large size currency. Perhaps the market is providing a good buying opportunity for these items – it bears watching!

Weekly Market Recap 5/1/09

5/01/2009 01:58:00 PM, Posted by APMEX, No Comment

Improvements in the economy, as small as they may be, have given investors a more positive outlook about stock market. The big question is, could this be the bottoming of the recession or will the massive amount of money the government is pumping into the economy only worsen the situation? Only time will tell.

This week, the outbreak of swine flu and the chapter 11 bankruptcy announcement by Chrysler surprisingly had little effect on the markets balance as the bulls and bears battled for supremacy. However, the Chrysler bankruptcy hearing begins today and any negative news could make the markets drop very swiftly. Banks and industrial stocks were market leaders this week, as traditional patterns of business cycles are becoming more visible. Precious metal continues to act as a safe haven for investors not willing to risk the current volatile market.

Here is a brief synopsis of the highs and lows in the market and an overview of our very popular bullion and numismatic products here at APMEX.com.


Gold:
Spot Gold prices opened this week at $915.00. The high during the week was on Monday April 27th, at $919.70, while the low for the week occurred on Thursday, April 30th at $880.10. Gold ended the week down a bit at $888.50. This week, 2009 1 oz Gold American Eagles, 2009 Gold Canadian Maple Leafs, 2009 ½ oz. Gold Maple Leafs, 2009 1/10 ounce Austrian Philharmonics, and 1 ounce Pamp Suisse Gold Bars were all very popular items at APMEX.com.

Silver:
Spot Silver prices opened last week at $12.89. Active trading pushed spot silver to a high of $13.24, on Monday, April 27th, while the low for silver occurred also occurred on Thursday, April 30th, at $12.18. Silver ended the week down a bit at $12.59. 2009 Silver American Eagles, 1 oz. Silver Buffalo Rounds, 2009 Silver Canadian Maples, 1 oz. Walking Liberty Silver Rounds, 2009 1 ounce Silver Philharmonics and 1 oz. Morgan Design Silver Bars were hot items on APMEX.com.

Platinum:
Spot Platinum prices opened last week at $1185.00, and ended the week down a bit at $1095.10. Investors were eager to purchase Platinum products this week. The most popular of these items were:1 oz. Platinum Pamp Suisse Bars, 1 oz. Scotiabank Platinum bars,1 oz. Platinum American Eagles, ¼ oz. Platinum American Eagles and 2009 1 oz. Platinum Canadian Maple Leafs.

Palladium:
Spot Palladium prices opened this week at $236.40, and ended the week down a bit at $219.00. Palladium products continue to be in great demand. This week the 1 oz. Pamp Suisse Palladium Bars and 10 ounce Pamp Suisse Palladium Bars were in high demand.

Numismatics:
In some areas of this week’s rare coin market, there is demand and there is also profit-taking! The demand is still HOT for GOLD in all forms! Whether you have Bullion or you have Pre-1933 US Gold Coins there is strong demand for all coins in all grade levels. Common dates, rare dates – all are in demand!

Last week, the dealer bid levels for common date Certified Morgan Silver Dollars in MS63, MS64, MS65 and MS66 were all bid higher; this week, profit-taking is occurring and while prices are slightly lower, many coins are trading hands at these new levels. Barber dimes, Barber quarters and Barber halves are seeing increasing interest. Silver Classic Commemorative coins are MUCH stronger in a variety of grades. There is great demand for Bust Half Dimes as well.