On the demand side, there is very strong and prolonged demand for physical investment precious metals bars and coins. In any properly functioning market, if demand is greater than supply and there is little supply at the current price, then the price goes up or re-rates to a higher level. But this has not been the case with the gold price. Why? Because the price has been subdued and has led to a mis-allocation of supply. Lack of supply leads to an increase in wholesaler premiums, which in turn leads to an increase in retailer premiums to reflect the demand situation. This in turn leads buyers to notice the price disconnect of physical from the price of ‘paper’ precious metal and question the incumbent price discovery mechanism. If only the same was true of financial reporters, who continue to regurgitate ‘margin call’ hearsay.