A wonderful point. Gold is a fixed value, which "rises" and "falls" relative to national currencies, particularly those which issue fiat money (including the U.S.) Since those "increases" and "decreases" are being measured against mediums of exchange which have no intrinsic value, they are mere empty statistics.

Unless of course one gets into commodities trading, but tat's another subject entirely.

I have as much gold and silver as I can buy. I think it's going to happen.

You're asking a good question. My own suspicion is some of these companies were gold investing through the 1980s when it was in the 300s and they're looking to cash out prior to retirements. They think they won't be alive to see the ultimate end - maybe buying property they wish to pass to heirs. Otherwise, I agree with jbrenner - they make commission money both directions - buying and selling. It's in their interest to promote "we buy gold!", and then almost in the same breath say "now is the perfect time for YOU to buy gold!". High turnover rates make them money. Do I think this means they are disingenuous in their proclamations to invest in gold because the currency will collapse to worthlessness in the future? A little bit, yeah.

I bought Au at $800-900 per ounce when Obama was first elected. I should have sold it at $1700!

There will be a time to buy gold, but not now. Gold is in its own bear market.

Their plan to make money is to reinvest the "worthless" dollars into more Au. The money that they make is the commission, not the investment.