1. Shanghai Futures Exchange Commences Silver Trading. Those who believe there is significant naked shorting of silver that is preventing its price from rising on the COMEX may be particularly interested in hearing that Shanghai will start to trade its own futures silver contracts starting May 10. It should also be noted that these contracts will be denominated in yuan. All of this illustrates that the themes that have rung true for the past 10 years continue to do so: Capital is flowing from West to East, and the result of this will be higher precious metals prices, an internationalized renminbi (perhaps pegged to gold), and a greater role for consumption in Eastern economies. If the stories of naked shorting in silver are true, a migration of the silver market from the West to the East may help put an end to such a situation as well - if Shanghai is interested in offering a better regulatory environment than can be found on exchanges in the West.
AYN Price at posting:
2.9¢ Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held