5.18.12 - Gold prices shot up near $1,600/oz. Friday on bargain hunting and safe haven buying. Dow's worst streak in 2012. Gold last traded at $1,591 an ounce, silver at $28.68 an ounce. Metals shine, Stocks sink

By Craig Smith, 5.11.12-- On many recent radio interviews I have shared my opinion that the banks in America are in worse shape today than they were in 2008. I've pointed out that nothing changed after the painful lessons of just how much damage speculative trading, in an attempt to boost profits, can do to destroy bank capital.