Metals – Market Recap Options Activity – Aug 17,2009

Reuters (Reported 8.17.09):

“DUBAI (Reuters) - Uncertainty over the world economic outlook is changing Middle East gold buying behavior, with individuals seeking bars and coins as a buffer against hard times, rather than snapping up jewelry for aesthetic reasons.

Investors are following those in the rest of the world into gold, partly compensating for lower consumption from the region's traditional retail demand base.” Middle East investors join flight to safety of gold

Bloomberg (Reported 8.17.09):

“Aug. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Gold fell to the lowest price this month in London as the dollar strengthened, curbing the metal’s appeal as an alternative investment. Other precious metals slid.

The U.S. Dollar Index, a six-currency gauge of the greenback’s value, gained as much as 0.6 percent for a second consecutive increase. Bullion, which tends to fall when the dollar strengthens, had its first weekly decline in five last week. European and Asian equities fell today as Japan’s economy grew less than economists estimated in the second quarter. ” Gold Declines to Lowest Price This Month as Dollar Strengthens

Gold Options Activity – Highlights – As Of Aug 14,2009

Silver Options Activity – Highlights – As Of Aug 14,2009