Obviously, the twists and turns of the economy are complex and difficult to foresee. Jim Rogers, however, provides an excellent, succinct explanation for gold and other commodities, describing them as a “heads I win and tails I win” situation. Nothing is so simple and nothing is guaranteed. Yet, it does seem to be a nicely hedged bet with respect to whatever occurs ahead.

Here is Mr. Rogers rationale for commodities:

… if the world economy gets better i’m going to make money in commodities because of shortages that are developing. Especially in agriculture and precious metals. If the world economy doesn’t get better, Bob, you’re not going to make any money in Toyota or IBM but you might make money in commodities because they’re going to print more money. It’s the wrong thing to do but they will print money. Bernanke is already printing money again. You have to protect yourself. I’m short stocks but i don’t expect the world economy to get better. Not much better anyway, if it does and I am long commodities as a protection.