With everyone being so very busy these days a picture is often worth 1000 words and the infographics (rich visual content for the modern man) below do just that. Save time, get informed, take a look.
So writes Lorimer Wilson, editor of www.munKNEE.com and www.FinancialArticleSummariesToday.com.
Below are introductory paragraphs and hyperlinks to 60 infographics created by some of the most knowledgeable analysts around.
You won’t have time to view them all today so make sure you bookmark this page for future reference so you can come back to it again and again as needed.
1. A Look At the Great Chinese Gold Rush
China is taking over the world one gold bar at a time. The infographic below shows how, in the space of a few decades, it has developed a huge appetite for the world’s physical gold. Read More »
2. The Silver Series: Silver as an Investment (Part 3)
Silver has had double digit gains in 7 of the last 10 years. In this infographic, we look at the investment properties of silver as well as its chief differences with gold. Highlights include a study on silver correlation, volatility, performance against the US Dollar and money supply, and portfolio diversification.
3. The Silver Series (Part 2): Supply & Demand
Of the 1040.6 million troy oz. of silver produced in 2011, 84% was used in over 10,000 modern industrial applications (16% used as an investment) of which approx. 33% was used in the traditional forms of fabrication such as jewelry, coins, medals, and silverware with the remaining 66% actually being consumed. While the actual amount is unknown, some experts believe as much as 90-95% of all the silver ever mined has been ‘lost’ to landfills. For this reason, there is likely less silver available above ground than gold (98% of all gold is accounted for today). For more interesting information regarding the supply of, and demand for, silver please refer to the infographic below.
4. All the Facts About Physical Platinum & Palladium and How to Easily Invest in Them
With demand rising and supply under pressure, the outlook for investment in physical platinum and palladium is compelling. What are they used for? Where are they produced? What is the global supply/demand for each? Learn the full story from the infographic below.
5. Death, Deception & Betrayal: The Crazy Things Done in the Name of Gold & Silver
Gold is one of the rarest minerals on earth. To put that into perspective, more sheet metals is pored each hour than the entire amount of gold poured throughout history. That being said, the USCS estimates that silver in the earth’s crust will be depleted by 2020 at the current rate of consumption. For more interesting facts about gold and silver check out the infographic below and the links to many other such gems of information.
6. Why Is There Such An Interest In Gold?
Is gold a commodity or currency? How does it behave as an investment? What are the fundamentals of investing in gold? What are the different ways investors can get exposure to gold in their portfolios? The answers to these questions and many others are answered in this latest infographic from Visual Capitalist.
7. Part 1: An Infographic on the History of Gold and What Makes It So Great
Wars have been fought over gold, love has been expressed by it an gold has changed the landscape of civilizations and the world – but what makes gold so great? This infographic examines the history of gold from ancient history to the gold rushes of the centuries ago. It looks at its properties and how it became not only a currency, but the gold standard.
8. Part 2: An Infographic on Gold Mining & Supply
From ancient times to the famous gold rushes, gold was first discovered in placer deposits….Today, however, most gold comes from hard rock deposits where gold is disseminated or associated with other metals and mined either through open pit or underground mining. This infographic tells (shows) you everything you need to know about gold mining and its supply from around the world.
9. Part 3: China’s Role in the Future of Gold
In this infographic we look at how gold growth in China will impact the future of the precious metal. In Q4 of 2011 and continuing into 2012, China has bought more gold overall than even India and will continue to play an important role in consumption.
10. 2012 Ranking of Global Gold Mines & Deposits
How many ounces of in-situ gold exist? How many gold mines exist in Canada and elsewhere? How rare is a 1.0 million ounce undeveloped deposit? This report answers these questions and more while providing insight into the scarcity of mines & deposits.
11. Take a Look: This Interactive Infographic Shows Gold’s Ongoing Interaction With World Events
As long as there have been people, there’s been an attraction to gold. From pharaohs to hedge funds, gold has been an important tool of building and protecting wealth. Take a look at the interactive gold timeline below which carries you through gold’s enduring path as a universal symbol of wealth.
12. This Infographic on Gold Shows/Tells It All
The Gold Tree Infographic below visualizes above-ground stock, sources and uses of gold and pictures the different forms of gold investments – ranging from physical gold in the form of bullion gold to securities not backed by gold.
13. Vaulted Gold: What Is It and How Does It Compare With Other Gold Investments?
The infographic below on vaulted gold explains what vaulted gold is and visualizes key facts relating to investments in gold that is stored on behalf of investors in high-security vaults.
14. Where in the World Does All the Gold Come From? Look at This Infographic
Gold-producing countries are found on nearly all continents, and represent the gamut of economies from developed super-powers to small, emerging market countries. With gold’s spectacular rise in price and related demand, it’s worth your time to know a little bit about where all the gold comes from.
15. Part 1: The History of Silver As a Currency – and More
Silver has thousands of industrial uses and is considered a store of wealth by investors. The infographic below illustrates silver’s history as a currency in the past and as an essential component in industry and technology today.
16. Nickel: Demand Strong, Supply Diversified & Prices Stable
While best known for its use in the five cent coin, nickel has far more strategic uses. Nickel can be alloyed with other metals to create truly extraordinary materials – such as stainless steel which now accounts for more than half of all nickel consumed. China’s stainless steel consumption has increased 1625% in the last 10 years and is now the largest demand driver for nickel worldwide accounting for 40% of global totals. There’s still a lot more room for growth in the industry and nickel’s diversified supply is expected to keep prices stable, so the savvy investor should look for low cost nickel projects in safe jurisdictions. Check out the infographic below for more insights.
17. China’s Demand for Iron Ore (Steel) Continues – Here are the Facts
Iron ore is now the world’s second largest commodity market after oil and is essential for developing nations to build infrastructure and to modernize accounting for 95% of all metal produced annually. [As I can personally attest to from my recent 29 day trip throughout mainland China, it is no surprise that] China’s rapid industrialization in the last decade…is responsible for all the growth in steel consumption since 2000…placing a huge strain on the global iron supply and pushing iron exploration into untapped regions of the world. Although the price of iron price rose steadily until peaking in 2011 (it has softened as of late), the long-term outlook is strong. Learn more in this informative infographic.
18. Copper: The Nervous System of Our Society – Here’s Why
Copper is one of the most widely used metals on the planet, and has been for more than 10,000 years. Today, it’s the nervous system of our society – of our cities, homes, tools and toys. The simple truth is that the western lifestyle is completely dependent on copper. Here’s why as depicted in the infographic below.
19. Manganese Oxide & Electric Vehicles: The Next Great Power Couple
Manganese is the 4th most traded metal in the world, mainly because it is indispensable in the production in steel and other alloys. The fastest growing sector, however, is in the use of manganese oxides for use in batteries and particularly rechargeable lithium ion (lithiated manganese dioxide or LMD) batteries. LMD batteries are ideal for applications that require high levels of power all at once such as power tools and now electic and hybrid vehicles. Take a look at the infographic presented here to learn about the important role manganese will play in our future.
20. Graphite: The Driving Force Behind Green Technology
Global consumption of natural graphite has doubled in the last 10 years and will increase even more so in the next decade due to a) the continuing modernization of China, India and other emerging economies given the strong demand from traditional end uses such as the steel and automotive industries and b) the advent of new applications for graphite such as lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells, and nuclear and solar power. As a result of such increased demand prices for large flake, high purity graphite (+80 mesh, 94-97%C) have more than doubled making the mining of such a minerals increasingly profitable. Learn even more by viewing the infographic below.
21. It’s Time to Replace the Refrain “Got Gold?” With “How Much Graphite Stock Do You Own?”
Demand for lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries over the next 8 years – for use in electric and hybrid cars, smart power grids and mobile consumer devices – is going parabolic. Sales of electric/hybrid cars, for example, will be increasing 5-fold to 4,000,000 over that timeframe and every such car will have 30-110kg of graphite in their batteries, depending on the car, that can not be replaced economically. Forget the common refrain “Got gold?” A more appropriate refrain should be “How much graphite stock do you own?” Learn more about graphite in the infographic below.
22. Graphene Could Have a DRAMATIC Impact on Our Future – Here’s Why
Tens of billions of dollars per year are being spent worldwide on graphene research. Why? Because graphene could have a dramatic impact on our future by changing the fields of computing, energy, materials and optics. How? By making everything smaller, stronger and more ecologically sustainable. Below is an infographic that provides all the details.
23. Vanadium: An Infrastructure Essential With Major Potential Use in Energy Storage and Green Energy
This infographic looks at the primary uses for vanadium, its supply and demand, and future applications that could potentially affect the metal’s demand.
24. Tungsten Supply Risk Could Have Negative Impact on Cost of Living – Here’s Why
Tungsten is unique in its extremes. It’s extremely hard, heat resistant, dense, and environmentally benign. It’s used to make cemented carbide, one of the strongest and most durable compounds. That’s the positives. but, unfortunately there are negatives too. Take a look at the infographic below for more information.
25. Mining of Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREE) in Canada by 2017 Offer Major Investment Opportunity
95-97% of the supply of Rare Earth Elements (REE) – integral to the high-technology, nanotechnology, hybrid automotive, aerospace and defence industries – currently comes from China. China has continued to reduce its export quotas to the point where it will only be supplying 50% of the world’s needs by 2015. This will have a major impact on prices for each of the 17 Light (LREE) and Heavy (HREE) elements that comprise the category – and the products in which they are used – unless alternate sources of supply are found. A Canadian company has done just that and will be bringing one of the largest HREE resources in the world (44% HREE, 56% LREE) into production by 2017. Below is an infographic on the REE market and a link to a Proactive One 2One Investor Forum presentation I attended on REE market fundamentals and the development and prospects of Quest Rare Minerals Ltd. and their Strange Lake project.
26. China & India to Drive Diamond Demand this Decade to New Heights – Here’s Why
China and India are about to drive diamond demand through newly affluent population. In the world diamond retail market, Asia in 2005 made up 23% of purchases. In 2020, they will make up 57%! Such growth in diamond demand should make for a sparkling future for those who invest prudently. In the infographic and copy below you will learn all about diamonds.
27. This Interactive Table of Commodity Returns Is Easy to Use – Try It
Natural resources are the building blocks of the world, essential to progress and prosperity. These commodities, like all investments, can have wide price fluctuations over time. The interactive table provided shows the ebb and flow of commodity prices over the past decade and illustrates the principle of mean reversion—the concept that returns eventually move back towards their mean or average. [Take a look.]
28. What Does the Future Hold for the 100% Electric Powered Car?
What is the future for 100% electric powered vehicles in capital investments; sales projections; average distance range; average cost and environmental impact? This infographic has all the answers.
29. Is the Abundance of Natural Gas the Answer to America’s Energy Needs?
The shale revolution has come as a surprise to many, but natural gas is now so plentiful and cheap that it could be an energy game changer. This infographic explores natural gas, its properties, natural gas market dynamics, supply forecasts, demand, the shale revolution, and the switch from coal to natural gas.
30. Shale Gas Info: What is Shale? What is Fracking? What Does Its Future Mean For America?
Natural gas has the potential to bridge the gap between the current oil dominated energy mix and sustainable renewables. It’s cheap, abundant, and the cleanest fossil fuel in the world. In fact, at today’s consumption rates, estimated US natural gas resources could be used to supply domestic electricity generation for 52 years. That being said, shale gas is trapped thousands of feet underground. How do we extract it and what does the process look like? The infographic below has all the details.
31. Fracking: Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know but Were Embarrassed to Ask
Marathon Oil has a great animation on the basics of hydraulic fracturing or “fracking.” It explains how horizontal drilling works and explains the roles of water and sand. Take a look.
32. Here’s the Complete Picture Regarding Natural Gas
New gas technology such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling have changed the complexion of natural gas in North America. This infographic explores natural gas, its properties, natural gas market dynamics, supply forecasts, demand, the shale revolution, and the switch from coal to natural gas. We also raise questions about methane leakage and hydraulic fracturing.
33. 10 Facts About Global Energy Sources & Consumption – You’ll Be Surprised
Coal, hydroelectric and oil are increasingly in high demand to meet the world’s growing appetite for power. In fact, global energy consumption grew 5.6 percent in 2010, the highest rate since 1973. Discover 10 other fascinating facts about worldwide consumption in this informative slide show.
34. Antimony, Unlike Alimony, Could Actually Make You Money!
The price per metric tonne of antimony has gone up 700% in the last decade and is expected to rise 5% annually to $20,000/tonne by 2020 at which time global reserves should run out. There is only one antimony mine in production in North America and the company is listed on the TSX.V
35. Exploration for Minerals “to boldly go where no man has gone before” – Here’s Where
With growing global demand and declining mine grades commodity prices continue to rise. As such the exploration for minerals is taking on both new heights and new depths. This infographic outlines 5 of the most far-reaching and interesting ways of exploring for mineral wealth.
36. Magnetite vs. Hermatite: The Future of Iron Ore
As easily accessible economic hematite deposits become rarer, magnetite ore will continue to emerge as an important source of the world’s iron. Read More »
37. Alaska’s Pebble Mine Project Provides MAJOR Economic & Employment Benefits
The Pebble Mine Project is a world-class copper, molybdenum and gold deposit in Alaska with the potential to employ over 16,000 in high-paying jobs across a wide range of industries for 30+ years boosting the state economy and generating significant tax revenues in the process. Read More »
How rare is gold? Where are the world’s gold reserves located? What is the cost of mining gold? Which continent is the most economic at mining gold? What is the future of mining gold? This infographic has the answers. Read More »
39. Mining Costs Depend on Better Comminution – the Process of Grinding & Crushing Ore – Here’s Why
On average the most energy intensive process in mining operations is comminution and with rising energy prices and decreasing ore grades, this is an area that smart producers are focusing on. Benefits of improving comminution efficiency include higher potential earnings, better overall environmental impact, and increased outputs as the very enlightening infographic below illustrates. Read More »
40. What You Need to Know About Your Mortgage & Payment Options
For some people, a mortgage is just another payment they make every month but understanding where your money goes can help you better understand the status of your mortgage as well as the options you have. The infographic below gives homeowners everywhere a clearer picture of a mortgage payment breakdown. Please have a look and feel free to share. Read More »
41. Financial Security: How Unique is Your PIN? How Easily Can It Be Guessed?
In this infographic we look at how gold growth in China will impact the future of the precious metal. In Q4 of 2011 and continuing into 2012, China has bought more gold overall than even India and will continue to play an important role in consumption. Read More »
43. U.S. Census Bureau Provides This Unique Look Inside America’s Economic Machine
Every now and then, US taxpayer money goes for something useful and surprisingly informative such as this infographic from the US Census Bureau deconstructing the “American Economic Machine”…The graphic cites facts dealing with manufacturing, services, retail trade, construction, government and much more as seen through the numerous economic programs and surveys conducted by the Census Bureau. Read More »
44. Google Yourself and You May Be Amazed – Or Even Dismayed – At What People Know About YOU!
Nowadays, with the global recession on the tip of everybody’s tongue, we point out in this infographic some scary similarities between the Great Depression and what is now commonly referred to as the Great Recession…Are we headed down the path to another Great Depression? Read More »
46. China’s Foreign Investment Spending ($443 Billion) by Country
As our lives become increasingly digital it is easy to share more and more information online and with our phones. Some of these sites and apps that you use, however, may not be as trustworthy as you think. This extremely informative infographic shows quite clearly what is going on and what you can do to stop apps from either tracking you altogether or to the extent that they currently are. Read More »
48. The History of Financial Transactions from Barter to M-Commerce
Throughout history humans have specialized in producing goods and figuring out ways to pay for them. This infographic shows how we began by bartering goods with each other, moved on to more sophisticated methods of payment like metal and paper currency, and finally, today, to making payments with credit cards and smartphones. Read More »
49. How Smart Are You At Keeping Your Smartphone Safe from Identity Fraud?
What currency is feared by the European Central Bank as a threat to fiat monetary institutions? What currency is cash-like but digitally transmittable allowing for ultimate anonymity and global mobility? What digital currency is up over 2,200% over the last year? It’s Bitcoin. Read More »
53. Americans Take Note! A College Education Is HALF the Cost in These English-speaking Countries
Americans take note! A first class college education in other English speaking countries can be had for half the average cost of one in the U.S.. This infographic tells you where and how much you would pay. Take a look. Read More »
Despite an influx of vehicles that are 46% more fuel-efficient than they were in 1980,oil-and-gas the average American household spent almost $3,000 (or about 4% of their pre-tax income – the highest proportion in history) on gasoline. Find out how your country compares with other countries of the world. Read More »
55. New Developments in the World of Money
Due to concerns about inflation and money printing, the last 20 years has seen an incredible number of new developments in the world of money. This infographic shows how gold got digital, how digital currencies exploded into life and who the key players are in this global story. Read More »
As the most popular of the four major American professional sports leagues, the NFL is an industry unto itself. Below is an interesting infographic showing several aspects of the NFL as an industry and how its players’ average annual salaries and career durations compare with those of the NBA, MLB and the NHL. Read More »
57. Talk About Financial Security! 20% of Population Use Same 5 PIN Numbers! Do You Too?
What do you think is the easiest PIN number to crack? It’s important to know because if your bank decides your PIN was too easy to crack, they won’t reimburse you when your money gets stolen. Read on to learn which number combinations to avoid. Read More »
58. Do You Steal As Much From Your Employer As the Average Guy?
64% of employees visit non work-related sites every day with some spending more than 1 hour, on average, each and every day doing so. But guess what? That’s not the #1 time waster. This infographic identifies the 3 most common time wasters at work and what is done during the time that they are, in effect, stealing from their employer. Read More »
59. Gold: Why It Makes the Ideal Alternative Pricing Mechanism – An Infographic
Measuring market data using fiat currencies can be misleading. Even though an asset may rise in dollars, it may be because of declining currency value rather than true economic process. With central banks devaluing currency at record rates, gold’s steady purchasing power makes it an ideal alternative pricing mechanism. Read More »
60. The U.S. NEEDS the Keystone XL (Oil Sands) Pipeline – Here’s Why
Canadian oil sands production is set to double by 2020, and new markets must be found for this oil….Below is an infographic presenting a crash course in the need for, problems with, and benefits of, building the Keystone XL pipeline from Alberta through the American midwest to the refineries in Texas. Read More »
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