Now that I am thinking again outside the box, and usually its too late ;-), I am sitting dissecting some info and wondering how much the Chinese new year influence had to do with precious metals, specially GLD and maybe a little Plat, prices of late. After all the custom is to give lavishly for good luck and prosperity for the year to come and usually new bank notes, coins and other jewellery is the order of the gifting parade. And it has to BE SHINY NEW for the gift to be acceptable to the giver (I doubt the receiver cares if a gold coin is shiny and bright or old and valuable ;-) ). So even on a small percentage scale how much influence does this time have on sales/accumulation. After all we are talking a billion plus population (and lets say 30% can afford luxuries) that's still a whack load of buying. Mere trifle thoughts but....