36 - Sunday, August 17. 1986 - North Shore News Business FACTS ABOUT GOLD INVESTMENTS Banks promote Pay a pretty penny foreign trade for precious metals THEY SAY that glitters like gold. nothing But when it comes to invest- ments, that’s only true half of the time. The gold market is a volatile one that can just as easily see your investment plummet as skyrocket. As an investment, gold comes in a wide variety of forms. Gold itself can De purchased as bullion (in bars or as smaller wafers), as coins, as raw nuggets or as jewelry. Or you might opt to purchase a gold certificate instead. You're money matters still buying the real thing — it’s just that the company you buy the certificate from holds the metal in trust for you. Before you rush out and buy gold, you need to know a few basic facts about it. Gold is measured , by its purity, in terms of karats. "Pure gold is 24 karat, while 18 karat gold is 18 parts gold and six parts another metal. , ne Another method of measuring gold is by its ‘‘fineness,’’ or parts per 1,000 of gold. Fine gold, which rates from 995 to 1,000 on the scale, is equivalent to 24 karats, while most coin has a fineness of 916, or 22 karats. Gold is sold by the troy ounce (31.10 grams) or by the gram, bas- ed upon the current day’s price per ounce in U.S. dollars. The age or rarity of ‘‘numismatic’’ (collec- table) coins, however, can add to the value of the gold. This past week, gold was selling for about $380 U.S. per ounc . The daily price of gold will vary, according to which market it is sold on. When buying from a dealer, be sure to ask if a fee is in- volved. One reason gold is favored by investors is that it, unlike paper money or paper investments, never loses its value entirely. In times of political unrest or economic up- heaval, gold can always be used as a medium of exchange, and will keep a fortune intact. While there are problems with safekeeping gold, it is also easily transportable. PRICE SHIFTS For this reason, the price of gold tends to rise in times of turmoil. World events directly affect the price of gold. For example, the possibility of sanctions being im- posed against South Africa, one of the leading exporters of precious metals, recently drove the price of an ounce of gold up by almost $30 U.S. With this jump, gold reach- ed its highest level in two years. But owaing gold can be a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. Timing is everyihing, so you must watch the markets. Many novice investors bought gold back when it peaked around $850 U.S., and have since lost money as the price ° Collision repairs to all makes * Latest equipment ¢i.C.B.C. claims CANADIAN banks are significant participants ia foreign markets. Foreign-currency assets have grown rapidly in recent years. By the end of 1985, they totalled $202 billion and represented 45 per cent of the banks’ total assets compared to some 29 per cent at the end of 1975. The proceeds from foreign operations make up a significant portion of the banks’ earnings. This growth reflects the banks’ extensive international operations and the growing presence and ex- pertise of Canadian banks in this field. It also reflects the fact that Canada’s economic health relies on international trade ~— that more of gold sank toits current level. Gold coins are produced by sev- eral countries, and provide in- vestors with gold in a form that usually does not need to be assess- ed upon resale. The best known coin is the one ounce Krugerrand from South Africa. Canada's ‘*gold maple leaf’? coin comes in one ounce, quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce sizes. OTHER METALS Those with less money to invest might instead consider purchasing silver, which sold at about $5 U.S. per ounce this past week. Silver is also sold in bullion, coin and cer- tificate form. Be aware, however, that a ‘“‘silver’’ dollar is often made of silver alloyed with another metal, and may not be pure silver. Other precious metals on the market include platinum (more expensive than gold) and palladi- um, a form of platinum that is us- ed in making white gold (a blend of gold and platinum). DR. J.G. Suite #5 than a quarter of this; ‘nation's gross national product is generated by it. Banks realize that ‘they can, through their international presence, encourage znd help such trade. WORLD uedpers The Canadian chartered banks are recognized as world leaders in this field. They/ operate abroad through nearly 250 branches and many more subsidiary and agency offices. See, Canadian Page 38 : POWER wishes to announce that on his retirement on August 15, 1986 DR. MYRNA HASTINGS will continue his dental practice at 3260 Edgemont Bivd. North Vancouver, B.C. Phone (604) 987-5323 Here’s the fastest route to an open house _this weekend. Monin VARCOUNER The Homes section of the Friday News now features a zoned map of North and West Vancouver and it makes your house-hunting easy. * zones on the map are clearly numbered. ] to 35 from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove ¢ individual ads throughout our Homes section may NES =) You can’t shop for homes on the North Shore without the Friday News. « Courtesy cars ® Towingon North Shore * Estimates include the zone number of their location — the number appears to the left of the headline * all ‘Opes Houses’, including price ran ye and the page number of the complete ad, are listed beneath the map * all homes that are new on the market. also including price, and page number of complete ad, are also shown under the Zone Map . Prepare your tour of North Shore homes: Bick con * use the map and the list of ‘opens’, make a list of the ° ‘opens’ that you want to visit * use the advertiser's index, check the complete description of the ‘open house’ ¢ use the Zone Number that appears on advertised properties in the Homes section. make a list of any other homes, along your route or in the same zone, that are not open but that you can check as you drive by Real Estate Advertising 1 159 W. 4 6th ST. Specialist OFF PEMBERTON, EASTON 16th — 980-5423 980-2607 JUBILEE THE VOICE OF NORTH AND WEST VANCOUVER Hever! ome tm . Pemberton Ave. Have your realtors call