Markets were lower this week, with the exception of Bitcoin, which recovered all of last week's loss,  and platinum, which was almost unchanged.

Bitcoin gained 28.5% to close at 2.34 g., erasing last week's big decline. Trading volume continued to rise, averaging about 108 kg per day. Expect extreme volatility to continue, but with an upward bias over the long term. Bitcoin still represents a unique value proposition, offering, like precious metals, an asset that is not anyone's liability… but with the ease of instantaneous transmission over the internet coupled with a cash-like level of privacy. As monetary disaster continue to unfold in Europe, Japan and the US, expect to see growing interest in Bitcoin.

More on Market Update 12 Jul 2013: Bitcoin Bounces Back

Markets were mainly higher this week, with gold stocks and silver the only exceptions.

Bitcoin more than made up for last week's losses, gaining 18.8% to close at 2.67 g. Trading volume was light this week, averaging only 73 kg per day.

More on Market Update 21 Jun 2013: Gold Stocks and Silver in Free-fall

Markets were mostly higher this week, led by the commodities. Cotton and crude oil advanced the most, while Bitcoin showed the greatest weakness.

Bitcoin dropped 12% to close at 2.5 g. Trading volume is beginning to grow again, averaging almost 100 kg per day.  Expect more volatility as volume increases.

More on Market Update 7 Jun 2013: Commodities Advance

The markets were mixed this week, with most asset classes lower. The biggest exception was gold stocks, which continued their advance for a second week.

Bitcoin gave back some of last week's gain, dropping 1.6% to close just below 2.9 g. Trading volume continued very light throughout the week, but picked up over the weekend. Although prices have been fairly stable for the last few weeks, you should expect more volatility as volume increases.

More on Market Update 31 May 2013: Gold Stocks Moving Up

This week most markets made gains, with the exception of gold stocks. Coffee and Bitcoin were especially strong.

Bitcoin rose 7.2% to close at 2.76 g. Trading volume has been declining for the last several weeks. It is encouraging that the seizure of Mt. Gox US bank accounts by the DHS did not spark a selloff. Still, expect continued volatility!

More on Market Update 17 May 2013: Gold Stocks Tumble, Bonds Bounce