CDs at FDIC insured institutions are good. Just keep your assets <$100K
I personally keep in shorter term 6 month instruments. The spread between 6 month and 5 year return is not big. Plus, I don't want to lock up money for that long of time. If inflation (stagflation like the 70s) rears it's head, you are locked in a 5yr CD with a poor rate. Of course, you could always withdrawl early at a $ penalty.
I have significant % of my assets holding in Gold ETFs that are traded on the exchanges, GLD IAU are examples.
Gold is creeping up to nearly again after it dropped into the 800s. It was nearly $1000 a few months ago, now at $950/oz.
It will continue to be volatile, we can expect to see big drops as some as people liquid to cover margin calls in event of big market drop.
Gold seems relatively well correlated with Oil price, some are saying that we may see a big drop in Oil, others believe oil is only going up. Who knows,however I'm generally of the opinion it is the latter.
I think gold belong in everyone's portfolio, just don't go crazy. Gold is volatile. 6 month CDs at FDIC insured institutions are pretty safe.
Bubblesitter
