When viewed as an investment, gold is thought of as a financial asset that maintains its value during times of political, social, or economic distress. Gold can often provide investors with a portfolio safety net against downward spikes in stocks and bonds, large increases in inflation, and volatile currency exchange rates. The CPM Gold Yearbook, 2006 works as a guide for both the individual and institutional investor, whether you are looking at the fundamental structure of the gold market or looking to buy gold in physical bullion form, futures, forward, options, or gold mining equities. The book also contains a discussion on what kind of impact the introduction of gold ETFs has had on the market over the past few years, as well as a look into future sales and mobilization of gold by central banks.