Physical demand for coins and bars internationally continues and is the strongest since the immediate aftermath of the Lehman Brothers collapse on September 15, 2008, and the consequent global financial crisis.
Government mints, refiners and bullion dealers internationally are reporting demand as high as in the aftermath of the Lehman crisis.
Brokerages are seeing nearly all buyers and little or no sellers which is making for a tight market with rising premiums. Sellers have been people liquidating unallocated positions and opting for taking physical possession or the increased safety of allocated accounts.
Higher prices will be needed by bullion owners in order to incentivise them to sell – prices that will likely be significantly higher. [Read more...]

Premiums for gold and silver bars have jumped higher all over the world. They have surged to multi-year highs in Asia. Reuters reports overnight that premiums are surging due to “strong demand from the physical market, which has led to a shortage in gold bars, coins, nuggets and other products.”
Shortages are most prevalent in the silver coin and bar market where premiums have surged.
Silver coins and bars can now not be bought from the largest bullion dealers in the U.S. who have been cleared out of stock in recent days. Unlike after Lehman Brothers where there were shortages and delays of 3 to 4 weeks, there is no guidance being given as to when certain gold and silver coins and bars will be available again. [Read more...]