U.S. Debt Tops $40 Trillion, Sending Gold Soaring

America's national debt passed $40 trillion as the government stepped up bond buybacks (Global X ETFs, Aug. 25). That spooked investors into dumping paper money for gold, pushing prices to $4,640.80 — up five straight weeks and over 5% (CNBC). The logic: if government finances worsen, the Federal Reserve's hands may be tied no matter what it does.