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EconoMeter panel looks for safe, lucrative investments

Financial markets are roiling, interest income is low - what's a small-time investor and saver to do?

Roger Showley, SAN DIEGO U-T

Friday, June 1, 2012

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Kelly Cunningham, National University System

Answer: NO

At least unassailable safe places. Gold and silver should be part of investment portfolios since they always hold some relative value, regardless of what happens to paper money. That does not mean all wealth should be in precious metals, however, as they are still traded commodities and subject to huge price swings and cash equivalencies. Even during these volatile times, only 10 to 20 percent investment in precious metals is a prudent allotment, as long as one has adequate cash reserves and plans to hold the metals for a long time. It is also wise to use reputable brokers.