Julian Murdoch

Julian Murdoch is a former staff writer of HardAssetsInvestor.com, which is now part of ETF.com.

Features and News

World Gold Council: Central Banks’ Influence On Gold Prices A Growing Bullish Force

While the WGC says inflation risks are still the strongest fundamental on gold prices, central bank policy and gold purchases are a growing force on price direction.

Features and News

World Gold Council: Demand Down 7%

Despite fewer purchases overall, demand is still historically high, paced by central banks stuffing reserves with the yellow metal.

ETF Report

 Getting Serious About Natural Gas

Natural gas. No other commodity is the subject of more hand-wringing. But while the resource has been investor kryptonite, there may be a silver lining in all the consternation and a real opportunity for savvy ETF investors with cast-iron stomachs.

Features and News

While Demand Is Down, Chinese Gold Sales Surge 10%, Central Banks Become Long-Term Buyers

Despite a decline in gold demand of 5 percent in the first quarter, the World Gold Council says central-bank buying here to stay, changes statistical report to reflect it.

ETF Report

 Comparing Agribusiness ETFs

The Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF (NYSE Arca: MOO) is a monster. With $3.6 billion in net flows over the past 12 months, the ETF has helped define a growing segment of the market, offering investors skittish about commodities futures easier exposure to agriculture producers.

ETF Report

 Precious Metals Or Precious Miners?

If you've watched the roller coaster of gold prices, you might be a bit queasy. And if that upset stomach made you think about returning to the world of equities through gold miners, you wouldn't be alone. Precious metals mining ETFs now hold $12.4 billion in AUM. But what exactly are you getting with this not-quite-gold exposure?

Features and News

World Gold Council: Market-Driver India Sits Out Gold-Buying In Fourth Quarter

World Gold Council’s quarterly report shows how price can influence demand patterns.

ETF Report

 The Best Oil ETF

Oil. It’s a finite resource and we’re running out of it. Unlike shares of Microsoft or ears of corn, there is only so much to go around. In theory, this long-term supply constraint is one of the few sure things in investing, so oil prices should continue to rise.

In reality, oil remains one of the most volatile commodities. While the spot price of benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude rose 7.9 percent in 2011, it wasn’t unusual to see huge swings in prices over the space of days.

Features and News

Best Of 2011: Central Banks — The Hidden Gold Demand Grows

Editor's note: This story originally ran on Nov. 21 and was the second-most-read story on HAI in 2011.